performance mods what would you do ?

[B(eight)]

Well im new to the forum and this is the first post i will post pictures as soon as i figure out how to do so, but for now what would u guys say i am going to be getting the apr 91 octane chip but would you guys say to get the stage 2 with the pulley application or achtuning's package deal with the stage 1 chip stage 2 intake system and the free vag cable?

[rktskicar]

I'd go chip, exhaust, VAG to start.

Bruce

[audifan22]

definitely needs exhaust not for performance but for the sound to go along with the performance. love the car so far, but there is basically no exhaust note, all engine noise, and the car is very quiet.

[B(eight)]

yea exhaust is too quiet.. how come u havent chipped it yet

[redrocker55]

Go with the APR tune and get program switching so you can run stock, 91 and 93 octane...it can hold a 4th program...your choice of valet mode or 100 Oct.

Then get an exhaust if you want a louder sound from the rear of the car. There was a great set of videos by NWS4guy showing the sound of many of the most popular exhaust systems...

Then get a VAG cable or get together with someone who has one close to you who can help out. Lap timer, oil temp gauge, VIM, disable winking DRL's, ambient lighting, efficiency mode, hidden menu, battery gauge, alter brightness of the LED's, etc. Very cool stuff!!

And you will have to get the Alu Kreutz!!

[CBRmatt600]

I had the APR exhaust put on yesterday, its pretty awesome and I would reccomend for a good audio upgrade.

[ENV²]

Now that Ive heard all the exhausts, Miltek is the only way to go. IMO

[audifan22]

Now that Ive heard all the exhausts, Miltek is the only way to go. IMO

That's a ballsy statement, APR, Miltek, and AWE all sound very nice. Just because you have miltek that doesn't mean its the only way to go.

[pkzbora]

I'd go chip, exhaust, VAG to start.

Bruce

When you say VAG....what are you changing?

[t0mt0m]

That's a ballsy statement, APR, Miltek, and AWE all sound very nice. Just because you have miltek that doesn't mean its the only way to go.

disagree =p

you have to hear each exhaust in person to really have an opinion.

quietest to loudest
apr rsc
miltek res
miltek non res
awe

[audifan22]

disagree =p

you have to hear each exhaust in person to really have an opinion.

quietest to loudest
apr rsc
miltek res
miltek non res
awe

Disagree with what? You have Miltek too so obviously you're also biased as to "miltek is the only way to go", when in fact its not, its personal preference and many people on this forum prefer APR or AWE over miltek and just as many prefer miltek over the others, you can't go wrong with any of the 3 its just personal preference.

[throwaway1]

Milltek is also the smallest exhaust at 2.36 inches and will therefore restrict more and more power relative to the others the more mods you do. Performance trumps sound in my book.

[giovanni0330]

Bigger exhaust is not always better(when comparing performance exhausts). The whole system and how it integrates is important - some backpressure is good also.


Milltek is also the smallest exhaust at 2.36 inches and will therefore restrict more and more power relative to the others the more mods you do. Performance trumps sound in my book.

[IanVr6]

There is little difference in power gains between all the exhausts.

I would choose an exhaust based on how it sounds. I agree that all sound good and it's just a matter of preference.

[redrocker55]

Often times a smaller exhaust will increase the speed at which the gases escape, increasing HP. So it really does come down to the design of the exhaust and the amount of engineering and testing that went into it to begin with. Some exhaust manufacturers tune their systems mainly for sound...others optimize for power increases.

The only way to tell is to dyno each one in a controlled environment...same car, same day, same dyno, etc. That is tough to pull off.

[ActionDave]

I was about to post a similar thread but figured I would just add on to this one

just got a 2012 6mt - willing to spend 2 -5k on upgrades (including installation because I am unable to do anythign myself) ...... AT THIS POINT - I want to keep my warranty so anything that for sure voids warranty is out

I definitely want a new shifter - from reading it sounds like the JHM is the way to go
apr intake?
exhaust it sounds like I would have to hear them... I'm a 30 yr old business owner so I would be looking for something that sounds uhh more fierce when I pull into valets, but I can't sound like a ricer civic.
Not interested in wheels at the moment - will consider them after the winter
What else would you guys do?

Also im in pittsburgh - anyone in this area have a good shop to recommend?

[ccssid]

Exhaust systems goes hand in hand with blue printing an engine. I had a neighbor who blueprinted Ferrari engines for a living, many years ago, and he told me how, when doing a tune of the system, they (the tuner) would make test runs with a "file in hand" (literally) and file the tips to the exhaust to get things just right. I would think if apr tuned (are you listening) the the apr exhaust would (should/supposed) to be the most accurate. There is much more to an exhaust then just the sound.

[PsYkHoTiK]

If you want power, Chip and pulley will give you the most. Intake and exhaust to me for me is for more responsive feel more than power (though there is a little) and sound as well (admittedly, this was the reason). As for who you go with, to each their own. If you want loud, get loud (I think Miltek). If you want a good mix of both (very quiet when it needs to be, louder when it approaches 3k rpm and even louder after and no drone - get APR). If you feel like waiting a few months, get an AWE. In the end, exhaust/intake is a personal choice.

[Brian@AudiMV]

I'll end up doing ECU, then suspension/spacers, then exhaust