Advice needed on mods approach!

[letitreign]

It seems to me that the people who roam these forums are far more knowledgeable than me about most of the products available for our vehicles. I believe this is due to a few things; being around here for significantly longer than myself, trial and error, and of course research. I believe that I've done a significant amount of research of what to avoid but I'll be the first to admit that I still feel like I'm not quite prepared to pull the trigger on anything big.

So here's my situation: I have a budget of 5500 CAD, which is ~4150 USD. My car is bone stock, and I'm looking to get a significant bump in power (~ high 200's with good spool characteristics) , only I don't know where to begin. My budget will likely grow as time passes and I receive more paychecks, but for the time being lets pretend that it is final. From the research I've done thus far, it seems that most people agree about:

• CAI aren't worth the money, a modded stock box + drop in filter works great
• Accessport is essential and provides noticable gains
• RMM of any brand is a must
• stock intercooler just doesn't cut it
• ATP turbos tend offer more lag than we'd like

I'd like to avoid (as much as possible) upgrading any single part twice....meaning anything I buy I want it to be as future-proof as possible.

So what I'm currently thinking about doing (thanks to SourSkittle) is:

• DHM Intercooler + Crash Bar + BOV = 1150
• Cobb stage 1 kit = 650
• ?? Intercooler piping = 350
• X39 Cyborg + port work = 1500

This would leave me ~500 to play with, which is enough for a tune and shipping for the parts, but I'm left with a stock exhaust system.

As I already said, most of you know far more about this than I do, so I'd love some input or suggestions on how to approach all this. Thanks to anyone who's willing share their knowledge.

 

[M-Sport fan]

What are you including in that Cobb Stage 1 kit price besides the AP V3 itself??

 

[Hijinx]

What are you including in that Cobb Stage 1 kit price besides the AP V3 itself??

That kit comes with RMM.

OP, it sounds like a good plan. However, I STRONGLY recommend you contact [MENTION=1098]DHM[/MENTION]. Seriously, just give him a text, call or email. Especially if you don't want to mod twice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[letitreign]

What are you including in that Cobb Stage 1 kit price besides the AP V3 itself??

a drop in filter and a RMM

 

[letitreign]

That kit comes with RMM.

OP, it sounds like a good plan. However, I STRONGLY recommend you contact [MENTION=1098]DHM[/MENTION]. Seriously, just give him a text, call or email. Especially if you don't want to mod twice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I contacted Russ via email but haven't heard back in awhile, I've probably annoyed him too much hah. Unfortunately texting/calling DHM directly isn't ideal as I'm up in Canada without a long distance plan.

 

[Hijinx]

I contacted Russ via email but haven't heard back in awhile, I've probably annoyed him too much hah. Unfortunately texting/calling DHM directly isn't ideal as I'm up in Canada without a long distance plan.

Have you tried him on Facebook?

 

[Zormecteon]

You left off a Quick Shift Kit... It won't make you go any faster, but it WILL make you feel better every time you drive. .. Every tiime.

 

[Deli]

Lighter wheels and better tires have made the biggest difference for me in driving dynamics. Just something to consider since this will help in acceleration, cornering, braking, etc.

 

[letitreign]

Have you tried him on Facebook?

Didn't know that was an option....I'll give it a shot, thanks

 

[Zissou]

The AccessPort and a RMM is where I would start. Not all RMM's are equal though; some will have more vibrations than others. Here are my thoughts on the Cobb and Boomba http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/threads/7995-Cobb-and-Boomba-RMM-Review I stuck with the Cobb and am very happy with it as a daily driver.

An intercooler upgrade is the next logical step. Maybe it's just my goals, but I did not see the cost/benefit of upgrading intercooler piping paying off.

I have a CAI intake and it is true that it provides no noticeable gain. But it does provide noticeable sound, which I really enjoy.

I also have a turbo back exhaust, Cobb catted downpipe + MAP catback. I love the sound of them together, but if you're only looking to add power your dollars would be better spent elsewhere. A catless downpipe is much cheaper, but I didn't want the smell. Plus save the environment and all that.

If you're thinking about going for a big turbo, then Russ at DHM is the man to talk to. He's got packages and I'm sure will be able to get you to your goals. I highly recommend DHM.

 

[ZREXER]

I went with the Mountune MP 215 kit and could not be happier. Changed the induction hose as well. This gives a very nice power bump, but does not overwhelm the car. As per stock, there is some torque limiting in the bottom 3 gears which just means you can get the power down without wheel spin and extra strain on the clutch and transmission at lower speed, high throttle applications. Needless wheel spin might be fun, but does not do much for the handling.
I see you are in Calgary. I live in Edmonton, so we are in a pretty cool climate. An intercooler upgrade makes a lot of sense for hot climates in the southern US. We hardly crack 30C ever in Alberta.
I don't plan to further boost my power and find the stock intercooler is fine for my power level.
Any more money I spend on this car will be for handling improvements.
I liked this car stock and I am very cautious in screwing up the very sweet nature of this car.
On previous cars I took them too far and did suffer from some 'mod remorse', not going down that road with this car.
If I get bored with the current power levels on this car, it will be time to move on to something else.

 

[letitreign]

I went with the Mountune MP 215 kit and could not be happier. Changed the induction hose as well. This gives a very nice power bump, but does not overwhelm the car. As per stock, there is some torque limiting in the bottom 3 gears which just means you can get the power down without wheel spin and extra strain on the clutch and transmission at lower speed, high throttle applications. Needless wheel spin might be fun, but does not do much for the handling.
I see you are in Calgary. I live in Edmonton, so we are in a pretty cool climate. An intercooler upgrade makes a lot of sense for hot climates in the southern US. We hardly crack 30C ever in Alberta.
I don't plan to further boost my power and find the stock intercooler is fine for my power level.
Any more money I spend on this car will be for handling improvements.
I liked this car stock and I am very cautious in screwing up the very sweet nature of this car.
On previous cars I took them too far and did suffer from some 'mod remorse', not going down that road with this car.
If I get bored with the current power levels on this car, it will be time to move on to something else.

Interesting point.....maybe a cheaper intercooler might be a way for me to cut cost. Funny that I was just in sherwood park on wednesday for work.

 

[OCS12]

You left off a Quick Shift Kit... It won't make you go any faster, but it WILL make you feel better every time you drive. .. Every tiime.

From a daily driving point of view, this is great advice. It's something enjoyable in every kind of driving.

I'll also throw E-30 in the mix for cheap power.

 

[letitreign]

From a daily driving point of view, this is great advice. It's something enjoyable in every kind of driving.

I'll also throw E-30 in the mix for cheap power.

Not familiar with E-30, can you explain? Sorry i know its a really noob question.

 

[OCS12]

Not familiar with E-30, can you explain? Sorry i know its a really noob question.

No worries at all about noob questions. Only dumb question is the question you didn't ask. E30 is a blend of ethanol. If it's available in your area, you put a little E85 (what's normally available) mixed with the normal premium. Better explanations are available on the tuning threads. If tuned for it, it opens up a LOT of safe power.

 

[BRGT350]

the best advice is just to follow the steps Cobb and Mountune have created for you. Drop-in filter, Accessport with Mountune tune, and RMM. Start there and see how you like the car. So many modifications are way more than what the car needs and probably close to pushing the car into an area where reliability, warranty concerns, and driveability start to be affected. I have built too many cars that ended up down that path. The ST comes to life with an Accessport, filter, and lower/rear motor mount. It is a minor investment with huge returns. Don't waste your money on monster intercoolers until your data gathering on the Accessport indicates the need. Don't waste money on braces claiming to improve all sorts of things on the car. Your tires will give up grip way before you generate enough force to deform the chassis and suspension. Don't waste money on a cat-back, unless you want sound and realize there is very little performance change. Don't buy a questionable tune because it is cheap and end up with the car on a flatbed heading to get a new engine. Research, pick your modifications carefully, and enjoy the car. Don't get in a hurry to build a dyne sheet monster to be popular on the internet. Enjoy the process of modifying the car over time. I had huge plans for my ST when I got it and quickly realized a few minor tweaks was all that was needed to make the car perfect for me. It isn't popular on Facebook or at car shows or putting down FTD every weekend or throwing down big dyno numbers. It instead is the right balance of performance for what I want in a car that I drive 90% of the time.

 

[ZREXER]

I would agree and concur with exactly what BRGT 350 has just posted.
As I posted earlier, I just added the Mountune MP 215 and induction hose and in my view the car is perfect now.
If you want a big horsepower car, buy one that already has the power level you want.
I get it that people like to tinker and modify, but consider first if you are more skilled or the tuning company you are using is smarter than the team of Ford engineers that designed the FiST.

 

[letitreign]

the best advice is just to follow the steps Cobb and Mountune have created for you. Drop-in filter, Accessport with Mountune tune, and RMM. Start there and see how you like the car. So many modifications are way more than what the car needs and probably close to pushing the car into an area where reliability, warranty concerns, and driveability start to be affected. I have built too many cars that ended up down that path. The ST comes to life with an Accessport, filter, and lower/rear motor mount. It is a minor investment with huge returns. Don't waste your money on monster intercoolers until your data gathering on the Accessport indicates the need. Don't waste money on braces claiming to improve all sorts of things on the car. Your tires will give up grip way before you generate enough force to deform the chassis and suspension. Don't waste money on a cat-back, unless you want sound and realize there is very little performance change. Don't buy a questionable tune because it is cheap and end up with the car on a flatbed heading to get a new engine. Research, pick your modifications carefully, and enjoy the car. Don't get in a hurry to build a dyne sheet monster to be popular on the internet. Enjoy the process of modifying the car over time. I had huge plans for my ST when I got it and quickly realized a few minor tweaks was all that was needed to make the car perfect for me. It isn't popular on Facebook or at car shows or putting down FTD every weekend or throwing down big dyno numbers. It instead is the right balance of performance for what I want in a car that I drive 90% of the time.

That makes a lot of sense. I appreciate the honest reply.

 

[shouldbeasy]

1. AccessPort V3
2. Rear Motor Mount - Various options, COBB for middle ground
3. FMIC - Depo Racing, MTC etc - spend more if you want to but not worth it unless you go with a big turbo
4. Drop In Filter - Stock air box seems to flow fine for everything that's not a BT. Go 2JR if you want actual performance from an intake - loud as hell though.
5. Hybrid Turbo Kit (X-37 / Cyborg)
6. Custom tune - Various options such as Stratified, +Tune, DHM

To get the most out of the set up powerwise:
6. Hot Side Intercooler Piping
7. Downpipe
8. Exhaust

To get the most out of the set up 'fun' wise:
9. Short Shift Kit
10. Weighted Shift Knob
11. Gas Pedal Spacer Kit - I recommend nopiston's option
12. Light Wheels
13. Sticky Tires


That's all I got... Everything else seems to be frivolous in my mind. Good luck on the hunt for parts! Always account for additional shipping / customs / brokerage charges for any items you get shipped to your house. I have often shipped items to Montana to pick up and will be doing that again with my forthcoming intercooler.

 

[letitreign]

1. AccessPort V3
2. Rear Motor Mount - Various options, COBB for middle ground
3. FMIC - Depo Racing, MTC etc - spend more if you want to but not worth it unless you go with a big turbo
4. Drop In Filter - Stock air box seems to flow fine for everything that's not a BT. Go 2JR if you want actual performance from an intake - loud as hell though.
5. Hybrid Turbo Kit (X-37 / Cyborg)
6. Custom tune - Various options such as Stratified, +Tune, DHM

To get the most out of the set up powerwise:
6. Hot Side Intercooler Piping
7. Downpipe
8. Exhaust

To get the most out of the set up 'fun' wise:
9. Short Shift Kit
10. Weighted Shift Knob
11. Gas Pedal Spacer Kit - I recommend nopiston's option
12. Light Wheels
13. Sticky Tires


That's all I got... Everything else seems to be frivolous in my mind. Good luck on the hunt for parts! Always account for additional shipping / customs / brokerage charges for any items you get shipped to your house. I have often shipped items to Montana to pick up and will be doing that again with my forthcoming intercooler.

PM'd