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- May 21, 2004
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I think everyone has been recommending piggybacks based on what type of driving they imagine you'd most likely do. And in all likelihood, a piggyback would probably last you a couple of years at the very least. However, I believe you're going about this whole modification a bit too fast. Not in terms of doing too many mods at one time (no such thing as too many mods!) but what I mean is that you're skipping a few steps along the way.
This is what you've said earlier:
1) Complete the rest of your exhaust system
2) Replace the stock intercooler with a front mount intercooler
3) Upgrade to a better radiator and change thermostat
That settles your cooling. I'd take a look at your oil cooler mounting location. I know you said most GTTs mount it there but even GTTs in colder countries running FMICs relocate the oil cooler either to the wheel arch (with this comes its own disadvantages) or on the drivers side (I think there is an air cond radiator already there (?) so don't know if there is space to sit in front of it or if blocking it would cause problem - for this you need to research and speak to your tuner).
4) Upgrade your clutch (will slip later with extra power when least expected and not budgeted for)
5) Better brakes (not sure what you have other than Endless pads but better rotors, braided lines would be a good place to start if you don't want to spend on Brembos)
6) Replace tires (this can come sooner but not later and make sure you don't skimp on this AT ALL)
The above address your basic stopping and turning since you already have HKS coilovers. That isn't all there is to do but should be enough for now so as not to overwhelm. Note that at this point there has been no increase in power except the slightly higher boost from the free flowing exhaust but that really is marginal.
7) Aftermarket fuel pump (resist the urge to get a Walbro despite what anybody says because firstly there are too many imitations out there and secondly they have been proven to not flow as much as quoted especially when not receiving enough voltage)
8) Install the fuel pressure regulator you've been keeping under your pillow
At this point you are ready for more boost which you've been running at most 0.9 bar however you already know the limits of the standard turbo. You would probably want to go with a bolt-on turbo and seeing that your internals are still stock, nothing overboard either. Let's assume a 2530 or something for now. In order to use that, you are short two more modifications:
9) Injectors
10) The ECU to control the injectors and all of the above.
You can do mods 9 and 10 at the same time or if its too expensive then do ECU first because you would need one to control the injectors. The reason why you don't know what you want from an aftermarket ECU is because you lack numbers 1-8 after which you'd understand your own requirements much better. I don't know how long numbers 1-8 will take you because in between there is maintenance, servicing, running costs (petrol, insurance and roadtax) which require funds as well. However long it may be, I'd wait until then before revisiting the topic of ECUs.
Again, this is just my opinion and some may not agree but I believe that this is the best way to avoid nasty surprises and is geared towards reliability by putting emphasis on supporting and safety mods first.
This is what you've said earlier:
I hope this list isn't according to sequence because if so then its definitely the wrong approach. I understand wanting to learn more about ECUs etc but I suggest setting that aside for now and going with the following modifications, going in that order or something similar first:
1) Complete the rest of your exhaust system
2) Replace the stock intercooler with a front mount intercooler
3) Upgrade to a better radiator and change thermostat
That settles your cooling. I'd take a look at your oil cooler mounting location. I know you said most GTTs mount it there but even GTTs in colder countries running FMICs relocate the oil cooler either to the wheel arch (with this comes its own disadvantages) or on the drivers side (I think there is an air cond radiator already there (?) so don't know if there is space to sit in front of it or if blocking it would cause problem - for this you need to research and speak to your tuner).
4) Upgrade your clutch (will slip later with extra power when least expected and not budgeted for)
5) Better brakes (not sure what you have other than Endless pads but better rotors, braided lines would be a good place to start if you don't want to spend on Brembos)
6) Replace tires (this can come sooner but not later and make sure you don't skimp on this AT ALL)
The above address your basic stopping and turning since you already have HKS coilovers. That isn't all there is to do but should be enough for now so as not to overwhelm. Note that at this point there has been no increase in power except the slightly higher boost from the free flowing exhaust but that really is marginal.
7) Aftermarket fuel pump (resist the urge to get a Walbro despite what anybody says because firstly there are too many imitations out there and secondly they have been proven to not flow as much as quoted especially when not receiving enough voltage)
8) Install the fuel pressure regulator you've been keeping under your pillow
At this point you are ready for more boost which you've been running at most 0.9 bar however you already know the limits of the standard turbo. You would probably want to go with a bolt-on turbo and seeing that your internals are still stock, nothing overboard either. Let's assume a 2530 or something for now. In order to use that, you are short two more modifications:
9) Injectors
10) The ECU to control the injectors and all of the above.
You can do mods 9 and 10 at the same time or if its too expensive then do ECU first because you would need one to control the injectors. The reason why you don't know what you want from an aftermarket ECU is because you lack numbers 1-8 after which you'd understand your own requirements much better. I don't know how long numbers 1-8 will take you because in between there is maintenance, servicing, running costs (petrol, insurance and roadtax) which require funds as well. However long it may be, I'd wait until then before revisiting the topic of ECUs.
Again, this is just my opinion and some may not agree but I believe that this is the best way to avoid nasty surprises and is geared towards reliability by putting emphasis on supporting and safety mods first.
). After that u may think of upping boost, more power etc. Safety first bro :top:
