Where to start with upgrades

[Stevensmatt60]

Looking where to start upgrading my 14 ST. I've already deleted the back muffler for some noise but I've got about $1100 to spend on upgrades. I'm thinking about cobb stage 1 so I can get the access port a rmm and drop in filter and then I'm not sure what to add after that. Another question I have is can i buy tunes from anybody to use with the access port I buy from cobb?

 

[LilPartyBox]

Deporacing intercooler. Then you can load up stg 2.

And yes, you can buy a tune from Tune+ or Stratified to name a couple.

 

[tacocat]

The route I went was RMM, AP, and filter from Mountune, then Depo intercooler. You will be in for around $1k and when you buy the AP from Mountune you get a free tune. I'm working with Randy to get mine finalized and I wouldn't change a thing, best $1k I've spent on this car hands down.

 

[Stevensmatt60]

Awesome! Thanks for the information guys I think I know what route I'm taking.

 

[BronxBomber]

Awesome! Thanks for the information guys I think I know what route I'm taking.

I say Accessport, intercooler of your choice and protune from Adam [MENTION=3805]Tune+[/MENTION]. He has a great deal on lifetime tunes so you don't have to pay every time you add new parts. My .02 worth. I've used him and I just added a dp and catback and he's doing a revision for me at no additional cost. Great deal and big difference in power and drivability

 

[Stevensmatt60]

Thanks everyone seems to be in close agreement so I guess it's an easy choice

 

[Stevensmatt60]

If I go stage one kit with drop in filter and rmm then buy a FMIC can i go to stage 2 without buying an intake?

 

[LilPartyBox]

Yessir. I've done it without issue. The drop in filter is making a negligible difference, at best.

 

[BronxBomber]

If I go stage one kit with drop in filter and rmm then buy a FMIC can i go to stage 2 without buying an intake?

I would disregard the Cobb OTS maps and get an intercooler and go protune. The protune is so much better than the Cobb OTS maps. I was using a stage 2 map with just he intercooler. I then went with the K&N drop in a few months later. The difference with a protune and the Cobb OTS maps is pretty noticeable. Not just in power, but driveability. What intercooler are u looking into? If you go Depo, you can afford the accessport, and a tune for your $1,100 budget. The most power on the least bread. Win win.

 

[Stevensmatt60]

I'm thinking depo intercooler and cj pony parts has accessport filter and rmm for 650 so I think I can pull that off and then save up for a pro tune

 

[BronxBomber]

Good idea

 

[Waterfan]

The OEM 17" Wheels are not super heavy (22.5lbs), but I'll pitch lightweight wheels as a solid, foundational performance upgrade.

$129, 15.9lbs, 17x7, Kosei K5R for example

 

[Chrisklol]

The OEM 17" Wheels are not super heavy (22.5lbs), but I'll pitch lightweight wheels as a solid, foundational performance upgrade.

$129, 15.9lbs, 17x7, Kosei K5R for example

I really like the look of those rims, anyone running those yet? I'd love to see what they look like on the car.

 

[Waterfan]

I really like the look of those rims, anyone running those yet? I'd love to see what they look like on the car.

Yes, at least 1: Siestarider's daily use set

EDIT: Many of us are downsizing, for performance and comfort reasons, to 16s or 15s. May or may not be for you. Just throwing that out there as a viable, even preferable, performance option as well.

 

[Chrisklol]

I plan on for sure dropping rim size and increasing tire wall. For comfort and performance.

 

[Brickell FIST]

I went with a MAP intake, MAP intercooler, and AP (free MAP tune) the MAP tune felt faster than the Cobb Stage 2 OTS. Adam + is the way to go once you have the cash. It wasn't mentioned but FSwerks short shifter was one of the best mods I got. Cuts shifting down 25%. For me the throws were way long. Also, it was very cheap.

 

[Waterfan]

It wasn't mentioned but FSwerks short shifter was one of the best mods I got. Cuts shifting down 25%. For me the throws were way long. Also, it was very cheap.

+1 on FSWerks Short Shifter (or equivalent, there are MANY good choices). Was my very first mod, by design. Very easy DIY

 

[parapraxis24]

I would also recommend the traction bars from either TB Performance or Pierce Motorsports. They help cut down on wheel hop and torque steer a bit, especially useful if you do go with a stage 2 tune.

 

[Stevensmatt60]

Awesome thanks for some more ideas guys. How hard are the short throw shifter and the traction bars to install?

 

[Waterfan]

Awesome thanks for some more ideas guys. How hard are the short throw shifter and the traction bars to install?

If the FSWerks short shifter takes more than 1 hour it's because you spent 30 minutes looking for the basic tools

Boomba has the best how to video I have seen. (basically: remove the airbox for access (might sound scary, but is trivial and obvious after you do it once), pop shifter cables, bolt up shifter, reassemble)

Skill level estimate: as easy as changing a tire; easier, faster and cleaner than changing your oil.