Hello everyone,

I've searched and read a lot on FD reliability mods, but I have a couple of questions -- basically, this is the information I've gathered on the subject:

- Replace the Pre-Cat with a Downpipe
- Replace the AST with an Aluminium AST
- Get a Boost Gauge
- Get a Turbo Timer
- Get a better Radiator

I've also read about how small the stock intercooler is and that it should be replaced with a bigger/better one -- and I've also seen a "185ºF Fan Switch" from Pettit that's also supposed to help.

So... my question is, which of this reliability mods (and any other that you can think of) can be performed keeping the stock ECU?

And the bigger picture would be... which Reliability and Performance mods can be performed on an FD, keeping it on the safe side, and keeping the stock ECU?


Any help, information or feedback will be greatly appreciated

By the way -- where I live, emissions aren't an issue

-Dan

 

All of those can be done with-out replacing the stock-ecu. You need to start thinking about replacing the stock-ecu when you get rid of the stock mid-pipe, or starting increasing boost past 10psi. Also, you might want to think about replacing all the vacuum hoses.

IMO, I think the turbo timer is completely use-less and a waste of money, you could definitely allocate money to more useful modifications.

 

So getting a downpipe and a bigger IC won't change boost levels in any (dangerous) way?

I assume that getting an intake kit wouldn't be potentially harmful... right?

 

The stock ECU will give you a nice little fuel cut to let you know it's getting too much boost. Mine did it when I got the car, and it had intake, full 3in exhaust w/no cats, and a GReddy SMIC. Just go with a Pettit! It's just a flashed stock ECU that will handle higher boost at a safe tune.

So to actually answer your question instead of preach like i did just now, adding an intake will also cause more boost creep/spike.

Also, I agree on the turbo timer comment. With stock turbos, you don't really need one...

 

So this flashed ECU's are good?

 

I never had a problem with mine

 

silicone vac. hose job and changing out the stock plastic y-pipe.

Any CAI upgrade is fine, but if you are going to be using twin filters like Greddy and HKS, then i would recommend upgrading your intercooler and radiator first.

 

Great... more details on your setup?


Ohh... you're right, the Efini Y-Pipe...

 

It had a twin filter intake, GReddy SMIC, DP, MP, GReddy cat-back. Pettit Unlimited and I ran 12psi. Never had a fuel cut after, and it pulled strong the whole way through the rpm range. It was a really fun car. I'm not really sure what else to say though lol.

 

I have the Greddy twin filters, but I was wondering if I had a vented hood would I still need to upgraded my intercooler or rad first

 

I doubt that a vented hood would make enough difference in outside air flow rate for you to write off upgrading the radiator or the intercooler.

To follow up on that train of thought, I'd personally go with upgrading the radiator first, but doing both the radiator (radiator hoses too?) and the intercooler at the same time might save you some time if you're doing the work yourself.