Best bang for buck upgrades under $500?

[madfiesta14]

COBB AP, then FMIC, lastly DP. resonator delete for soundz

 

[Xtreme545]

I've already read it and it's exactly WHY I won't suggest one. Yeah, it works, but it's also inherently dangerous. The last thing any FWD car needs is MORE torque with a dead top end.

Its a gap item, made to fill a small niche in an already niche market. For some cars that don't have the support we do it's great. For people who can honestly say they don't want anymore power, but would like to attempt pulling a small tree stump it's great too.

It seems to be a well-made, thought out product, but so are exercise videos. You speak of "noise" but that's exactly what the TT is.

Simple and plain, it works, but there are no shortcuts toward anything worthwhile.

Cost for power gained is a nearly a loss with the TT. $200 for almost nothing but a higher peak? You're not extending your powerband and increasing your horsepower. You're forcing the turbo to work harder and still face planting the car later on. But you can kill tires and create heat REALLY efficiently. At that point you're losing money on a TT.

I'll let all of you in on a little secret... A low horsepower, torque-happy car only FEELS fast. If that's good enough for you, the so be it. But if you want to spend your money on actual gains, look elsewhere.

Aka the TT is a hunk of shit and a waste of money lol

 

[Chrisklol]

I'll let all of you in on a little secret... A low horsepower, torque-happy car only FEELS fast. If that's good enough for you, the so be it. But if you want to spend your money on actual gains, look elsewhere.

Isn't horsepower an equation based off of torque?

 

[Hijinx]

Isn't horsepower an equation based off of torque?

Let's not mince words... It's an equation of torque over time. The important thing here is time... You may create a higher peak torque, but if it falls off at the same rate or worse, you're not gaining horsepower.

 

[Chrisklol]

Let's not mince words... It's an equation of torque over time. The important thing here is time... You may create a higher peak torque, but if it falls off at the same rate or worse, you're not gaining horsepower.

Would you say it's the best bang for your buck for people that do not want to flash the ECU and possibly void their warranty?

 

[FORZDA 2]

Would you say it's the best bang for your buck for people that do not want to flash the ECU and possibly void their warranty?

So, you're saying that you want something undetectable so when you break the car, you can remove it so the dealer doesn't know you were stupid and running a boost modifier with no supporting tune? I say it is NO bang for the buck, unless the bang you're talking about is the detonation in the cylinder(s).

You can get TT results for zero cost if you are handy with wiring and install a simple resistor in the MAP sensor wire. However, if you're handy with and understand electro-mechanicals you would never be considering something like the TT anyway. It is for the ignorant and unskilled.

 

[LilPartyBox]

Would you say it's the best bang for your buck for people that do not want to flash the ECU and possibly void their warranty?

Yes. The operative word here being BANG lol Piggy backs suck for all the reasons already pointed out. I had an HKS piggy back back in my DSM days and it was an inconsistent, boost creeping, surging POS. But in the early 90s that and standalone ECUs ($$$$$!) were all we really had. Nowadays we have actual tunes, custom even if you put in the time and money for an eTune. Waaaay more comprehensive than a set it and forget it magic box.

And all of you...ALL OF YOU.. BLEW IT. He said UNDER 500!! This discussion is moot as an AP can't be bought for <500. Yes i'm counting shipping Now for under 500....Sway bars, springs, and interior LEDs. No, intakes don't count as gaining 5 peak hp for $300 does not meet the bang for buck criteria

 

[Chrisklol]

So, you're saying that you want something undetectable so when you break the car, you can remove it so the dealer doesn't know you were stupid and running a boost modifier with no supporting tune? I say it is NO bang for the buck, unless the bang you're talking about is the detonation in the cylinder(s).

You can get TT results for zero cost if you are handy with wiring and install a simple resistor in the MAP sensor wire. However, if you're handy with and understand electro-mechanicals you would never be considering something like the TT anyway. It is for the ignorant and unskilled.

Sounds like you need to do a little bit more research. I am not trying to be a dick, but you obviously don't understand how the TT works.

Yes. The operative word here being BANG lol Piggy backs suck for all the reasons already pointed out. I had an HKS piggy back back in my DSM days and it was an inconsistent, boost creeping, surging POS. But in the early 90s that and standalone ECUs ($$$$$!) were all we really had. Nowadays we have actual tunes, custom even if you put in the time and money for an eTune. Waaaay more comprehensive than a set it and forget it magic box.

And all of you...ALL OF YOU.. BLEW IT. He said UNDER 500!! This discussion is moot as an AP can't be bought for <500. Yes i'm counting shipping Now for under 500....Sway bars, springs, and interior LEDs. No, intakes don't count as gaining 5 peak hp for $300 does not meet the bang for buck criteria

I guess the same would be said for you. Re-read the thread linked earlier by the chap from colorado.

EDIT: Because I know you will not go into the thread and actually read the information posted by a third party, well know, tuner. I will just copy past relevant data here.

The ECU does hold it back some (and oscillates slightly), but the lying works well enough to give you more boost, more load, and the ECU correctly compensates for the load with more fuel, so your fuel trims stay exactly where they were.
This is superior to a MAP sensor lying outright, which causes fuel calculations to be off, as this will have them on. In this regard, this solution is better than the BoostMAX in my opinion, as it doesn't have to rely on the closed-loop fueling to correct its mistakes.

In simple man terms, this means that this is not just simply fooling the map sensor and is actually adjusting the fuel curve to match the added boost levels. Thus NO BOOM!

 

[LilPartyBox]

I did read it but i guess personal affronts are a way to make a point? I was being facetious when i said bang lol Anyway, the only point being made here by the non TT group is that a well thought out tune specific to the logs from your specific car in your specific place on this earth for your specific driving habits is far (FAR) better than lying to your ECU so that it can play catch up. I will say being completely reversible is pretty sweet though. But i'm still reaching out to Adam when my time comes...No one here will argue against a tuned car putting out a better curve than one that's lied to. i'm glad he used that excellent word...lying. I respect my car too much to lie to her

BUT, BUT it is under 500 so it qualifies as bang for buck! But not the bad BANG as you've pointed out but the good one.

 

[Chrisklol]

I did read it but i guess personal affronts are a way to make a point? I was being facetious when i said bang lol Anyway, the only point being made here by the non TT group is that a well thought out tune specific to the logs from your specific car in your specific place on this earth for your specific driving habits is far (FAR) better than lying to your ECU so that it can play catch up. I will say being completely reversible is pretty sweet though. But i'm still reaching out to Adam when my time comes...No one here will argue against a tuned car putting out a better curve than one that's lied to. i'm glad he used that excellent word...lying. I respect my car too much to lie to her

BUT, BUT it is under 500 so it qualifies as bang for buck! But not the bad BANG as you've pointed out but the good one.

I meant nothing personal by what I said. I was just hoping to educate you on the usefulness of the TT. While I will never ever deny that a custom tune or even off the shelf tune with the AP is vastly better. It is also detectable by the dealership and could cause them to void your warranty even if it had nothing to do with the issue you are dealing with. Going through that hassle with a brand new car is not something I am willing to deal with..
It is probably also the reason I don't own either the TT or the AP.
I just don't want everyone to have a hive minded response to the TT when it's cheap and effective and serves a niche purpose.

 

[Hijinx]

Would you say it's the best bang for your buck for people that do not want to flash the ECU and possibly void their warranty?

Nope. It works as intended, but I can't bring myself to suggest it as a viable option.

 

[LilPartyBox]

Agreed. I mean, if i had 200 dollars for only one mod ever, I'd easily take the TT over say, an intake. That being said, we all have grander plans than a single mod. But for those that want a little extra pep without voiding a warranty, this may be worth the risk. And by risk i mean, the inherent problems with lying to sensors compounded by what Stratified pointed out - that the solders are weak and the PCB itself is just laid inside the case, bouncing around without support. Wanna guess what would happen when those solders fail? At least least limp mode if not worse.

 

[Hijinx]

If I only had $500 to EVER spend on a mod, I'd wait for a used AP.

If it were so with $200, Id buy a short shift plate and shifter/bracket bushings.

But if I were in that kind of position, I wouldn't be modding a car. I'd be more concerned with taking care of myself. Money comes and money goes... If you have a steady job, and can afford to spend, you can afford to save.

 

[Chrisklol]

Id guess that the ecu would revert to a completely stock like state. It's only three wires, if one of the three lose connection. The device will fail completely.

 

[dyn085]

And all of you...ALL OF YOU.. BLEW IT. He said UNDER 500!! This discussion is moot as an AP can't be bought for <500. Yes i'm counting shipping Now for under 500....Sway bars, springs, and interior LEDs. No, intakes don't count as gaining 5 peak hp for $300 does not meet the bang for buck criteria

I would beg to differ; I bought both of my AP3's for under $500 and one of those was shipped with custom tuning.

 

[LilPartyBox]

I would beg to differ; I bought both of my AP3's for under $500 and one of those was shipped with custom tuning.

Link or it didn't happen

 

[commonplatypus]

I would beg to differ; I bought both of my AP3's for under $500 and one of those was shipped with custom tuning.

I'm backing this up. I got mine for $450 from Randy brand new from Mountune with custom tuning. Like I said on page 1, just ask for coupons. Worst they can say is no.

 

[TyphoonFiST]

So in the end as the thread states.....What is the best BANG for your buck for under $500? Less bashing of products and more thoughts of products abouts $500.

 

[OffTheWall503]

We're splitting hairs here. The AP3 can be had for $500 shipped and even cheaper, so it can be included in the debate.

 

[Chrisklol]

The debate really is moot. For 500 the BEST bang for your buck is the AP with a tune. ONLY if you don't mind your warranty being void. If you care about warranty and want your best bang for you buck for under 500. You have to exclude the AP, I am not sure what would be best then.