Hey guys,

I'm looking for some advice on prioritizing the next round of modifications on my FD.

I'm currently running a non-sequential TT setup w/PFC & controller, Zeitronix wideband, upgraded fuel system (aeromotive 340lph, FFE secondary, 2000cc) , coilovers, exhaust, vmount.

I've owned the car for just over a year now, and have been mainly working on overdue maintenance (fluids, misc seals, new clutch/FW, brake lines, rotors, pads, motor mounts, bushings, coolant hoses, fans, idler pulley) and some small improvements (interior refresh, sound deadening, wiring upgrades, underhood bling, AST Delete, shortened OEM shifter and refresh, uncoating, etc). I had the engine compression checked at Mazda and the numbers were within spec as the engine was redone by the previous owner a few years ago.

A couple of photos of the car that is still a work in progress:






My goal is to have a clean and simple weekend/hpde car, and at the moment I'm not planning to go for any big power. I do want a car that I can enjoy at track days and car meets.

The car still hasn't been professionally tuned, and I'm debating whether I put some money effort into next:

1) Mechanical upgrades:

• Ignition Upgrade (IGN1As)
• Fuel System Upgrade (New braided fuel hoses, FPD Delete, Refresh Fuel Tank) - I'm already running a Aeromotive 340lph, FFE Secondary Rail w/1200cc injectors
• New aftermarket gauge setup
• Proper Catch Can setup
• Dual Stage Boost Controller

2) Aesthetic/Body Updates:

• RE Widebody kit
• RE Sleek headlights (already have these)
• RE GT2 Wing
• Window Tint
• Refinish the wheels (powder coat my Volk CE28s)

3) Sound System

• New head unit (it has an older aftermarket unit)
• New speakers
• Amp
• Subs

What are you guy's thoughts on which next phase of the car I should prioritize? I'm looking for a variety of thoughts on this and why you would go one route versus another (ex. pros/cons).

Thanks
T

 

 

Any reason you are running non-sequential? That leaves a lot of low-end power on the table. May be worth going back sequential, going BNR's, or going with a BW single.

Sounds like you generally have maintenance taken care of. How are the brakes?

Does the interior need anything?

May also come down to what you find a good deal on and what your budget is like. Most of the things on my car are a result of snagging a good deal on a used part or a group buy or something.

I'm with H_M, wide body kits aren't all they are cracked up to be. Most of them are really designed for babied show cars, they will get torn up with street use. Even the very nice, JDM, expensive kits aren't that great when you really look at them and look up under them.

Dale

 

I second H_M

 

I think that makes sense, would let me start tracking the car next season. I already have a set of Nitto NT05's waiting to go on the car. I guess I can keep the sound system for later too.


The non-seq setup was already on the car when I got it and it would be too hard to go back to a seq setup at this point. I've already put new pads, rotors and braided lines on the car, I also added a F/R proportioning valve since the ABS has been removed on the car. Interior just needs a good clean and carpet for the trunk, otherwise it's in decent shape.

I'm going to keep an eye out for some good Black Friday deals next month.

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Something look's wacky with the shut-lines on the right (driver's) door. The front and upper gap line looks like the door's closed in that pic. But the bottom of the door looks like it's still sticking out a few centimeters.

 

Good eye. The door was not totally closed when I took that pic.