Improving the FD
#1
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Improving the FD
So if you all had to choose some things to improve on the FD, without necessarily just increasing boost or putting a big single on, what would you do? Items I'm thinking of would increase reliability, utility, response, etc.
So far what I have done:
-- SMIC, radiator, dual oil coolers, downpipe, catback
-- Coilovers, strut bars
-- 17" RPF1s w/ 255/17s all around
Next up:
-- Sway bars F & R w/ reinforcement bar and chromoly mounts
-- Bi-Xenon HID projector headlights
What else can be done to actually *improve* the car?
So far what I have done:
-- SMIC, radiator, dual oil coolers, downpipe, catback
-- Coilovers, strut bars
-- 17" RPF1s w/ 255/17s all around
Next up:
-- Sway bars F & R w/ reinforcement bar and chromoly mounts
-- Bi-Xenon HID projector headlights
What else can be done to actually *improve* the car?
#4
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anything that cools the car would be good first choice
see that you have a radiator and oil cooler already. i would suggest a FMIC instead of the small SMIC. that little thing will heatsoak really fast. then a good engine management
#6
Rotary Freak
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I did a FMIC but my car did not enjoy it . I regret doing it .
as for the aftermarket engine management systems , this is why I said I dont know what is allowed in Cali ...
I know you need to unpin , some emissions wires for the PFC to work .
and maybe a reflashed ECU might work , you can just switch it to stock ecu when ti comes to emissions time. and drive carefully
#7
Urban Combat Vet
iTrader: (16)
So if you all had to choose some things to improve on the FD, without necessarily just increasing boost or putting a big single on, what would you do? Items I'm thinking of would increase reliability, utility, response, etc.
So far what I have done:
-- SMIC, radiator, dual oil coolers, downpipe, catback
-- Coilovers, strut bars
-- 17" RPF1s w/ 255/17s all around
So far what I have done:
-- SMIC, radiator, dual oil coolers, downpipe, catback
-- Coilovers, strut bars
-- 17" RPF1s w/ 255/17s all around
*Silicone vacuum hoses but only when you have trouble or otherwise have to mess with the OEM hoses. If they're not leaking, leave them alone.
*Stainless OMP lines, but again, only if you have to disturb the OEM lines.
*'Efini 'Y' pipe (Mazda re-design of the failure prone coupler and it flows better to boot)
*Hi-flow cat
*Wrapped or heat-coated downpipe
*After-market motor mounts in a durometer and design that doesn't increase NVH. (I run Noltecs but there are others).
*Auxillary Injection (doesn't have to be sophisticated or expensive. Simple is good for stock boost levels)
*Window tint
*I'd recommend a PFC and deleting ALL emissions, except I see you live in California.
*Quality synthetic gear lube in transmission and differential
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#8
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Sgtblue:
I don't think I adequately explained what I meant exactly in my original post. Areas we acknowledge as particular weak points on the car (whether mechanical, electrical, or even cosmetic) are what I'd like to improve upon or replace if necessary.
The headlights for example, are widely regarded as terrible and I can personally attest to that. I figured the HIDs from sakebombgarage are probably the best replacement you can get.
The radiator, oil coolers and intercooler are also recognized weak spots. The suspension...well, maybe I just wanted to go a little crazy with it
I don't think I adequately explained what I meant exactly in my original post. Areas we acknowledge as particular weak points on the car (whether mechanical, electrical, or even cosmetic) are what I'd like to improve upon or replace if necessary.
The headlights for example, are widely regarded as terrible and I can personally attest to that. I figured the HIDs from sakebombgarage are probably the best replacement you can get.
The radiator, oil coolers and intercooler are also recognized weak spots. The suspension...well, maybe I just wanted to go a little crazy with it
#9
Urban Combat Vet
iTrader: (16)
Intercoolers, I agree. But again, for a street car I'd stay with a SMIC. Front mounts are NOT ideal. Expensive; a lot plumbing, fabbing; compromising crash worthiness. They're also exposed to road debris and slow animals. But especially they hinder effective engine cooling. You can get decent IAT's with some of the SMIC's out there.
For a streeted car there is absolutely nothing wrong with the DUAL oil cooler set of the 'R' models. If you track, maybe the bigger Mocals etc. might be a choice, but they're only as good as the ducting.
And as far as suspension....not a thing wrong with "going crazy" once in a while. Most of us are enthusiasts and know exactly what you mean.
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