I'm looking to buy another 3rd gen and I have this list of reliability mods.

Replace AST.
Replace radiator with Race radiator.
Replace pre-cat with Downpipe.
Replace vacuum hoses with silicone hoses.
Replace the Y-pipe and crossover with upgraded Japanese efini part.

I was also thinking about replacing the intercooler with a more efficient one. I thought I read someplace that you need to also modify/replace the ecu if you get a more efficient intercooler to prevent other possible problems.

Also, with the replaced pre-cat, will the car still pass emissions?

Thanks
Ken

 

The car should stil pass emission with the DP with the car is fully warm. There's a 3 mod rule then after that you will need a ECU.

Example: Intake, Downpipe, Catback, Next mod is ECU.

 

1) You can save some money by just deleting the AST.
2) If money is a problem and you can get the upgraded rad, get the fan mod which should be done anyway.
3) The Y-Pipe doesn't needs to be replaced, unless it has a crack on it. Also, if you get an ic, most likely it will replace the Y-Pipe.
4) With the downpipe and ic you will not need to replace your ECU yet.

 

You can do just about all the bolt on mods you want and you won't need an ECU unless you want to raise the boost level. The 3 mod rule is just a myth.

Wade

 

As long as you still have your main cat risk is minnimum (but **** can still happen)...If I were you I'd go with the radiator, the IC, the downpipe, the exhaust, the RB air duct intake, and ACT clutch/flywheel set up.

 

With those mods you will not need an ECU. If you add the IC onto there it'll depend what IC you get. I knew someone who was using a GReddy SMIC, with DP and CB on stock ECU.