Ok so I just received my downpipe and im getting ready to install it.but before I do I want to double check something thats been bothering me.I currently have a blitz catback and a blitz intake.Stock ecu.Im somewhat confused as to when I have to upgrade my ecu.Can I install the downpipe now and run the car on the stock ecu or do I need to also have a boost controller in order to be able to install the downpipe?
I looked up the 3 mod rule and it seems that theres no concrete rule.Some say its before the third mod that you have to upgrade the ecu and others say 3 mods are alright but on the 4th one you have to upgrade the ecu.I need concrete info as this could impact my decision on whether the downpipe is installed right now or later on.By the way I live in colorado so theres about a 3 psi loss at this altitude.

 

Its after the 12th mod. No joke if you have a boost controller and keep it under 10 then you can get as many mods as you want. BTW PLEASE TELL ME YoU HAVE A BOOST GAUGE! PLEASE! BTW Once you go Midpipe if you have a healty set of twins 10psi will be VERY difficult to keep.

 

lol.yes i do have a boost gauge.it reads in bars though.
I do not have a boost controller .Heres some more info.I generally see about 12 on the gauge and sometimes it has even gone as high as 14.5 psi.Keep in mind this is at the turbos and not at the engine.The engine probably saw 11 psi due to the 3 to 3.5 psi loss at this altitude.
So im guessing that im seeing about 9 to 10 psi on a regular basis and it sometimes spikes up to 11 psi.this is just with the intake and catback.How will the downpipe affect all of this? Im trying not to blow the engine.Thanx.

 

Just keep a close eye on it, I'd reccommend upgrading the ECU as soon as you can afford to.

 

BTW The piece of sh*t (I still have mine =/) factory intercooler loses another 1 or 2 psi. Why not just do it at the manifold. You can also make a home depot boost controller for like 7 bucks. Mine still works. Or go to www.boostcontrollers.com get the RX Series one. Do a search and it shows how Damian how his boost and transition under control with two of those.

 

Definately, hook the boost gauge up to the extra nipple on the intake manifold. Why try guessing when it is so easy to know exactly what the boost is at the intake manifold?

 

I think he means his psi loss is due to altitude of colorado (mile high, thin air), so his gauge is not "calibrated".

 

pull the pill out of your wastegate line, I just did and I'm getting 8psi with intake, dp, catback, fmic. Temporary until i get a pfc...its hard to stay off the pedal..this method is much better!