tuning option, which one should i go with?
 

so far i've narrowed down my NA tuning to two options:

1. Ecutek stage 1 with Delicious Tuning flex fuel kit (stage 1 or 2 depend where you get the tune from, i believe CSG calls it stage 2 for the flex fuel tune)

2. Ecutek stage 2 tune with aftermarket catless EL header

option 2 is a tad more expensive than the first option, performance gain favors option 2, but not by much from what i was told.

pros for option1: nothing illegal here, don't need to worry about being caught with a catless header, convenience of a flex fuel tune, instant power gain without additional hardware

pros for option2: more power gain, sounds nicer

which route would you pick as the initial step to tune a NA twin? mine is a 2017 BRZ auto btw.

Option 3: Save money and do both at once.
Pay for one tune instead of 2.

only have funds for one option right now and i don't want to wait :D

Option 2 if it were me. Option 1 power gains would only benefit you if you have consistent access to Flex fuel. Option 2 power gains will always be with you regardless. Do 2, then save up for 1.

I highly recommend going for the Flex Fuel. While the initial difference is not quite as big as a Header, E85 gives some nice torque down low. Not to mention you are helping the engine run a bit smoother. When you do eventually get a header, a revision for that should only be like 60$ and you will notice a much bigger increase in power.

i'm leaning toward option 1 as well. but keep the opinions coming.

Headers, obviously. It's one of the only mods that builds on basically every other mod. It will only help when you go e85 in the future.

E85 isn't some magical cure-all potion for power-depleted engines...
even though I practically drink this stuff for breakfast every day. :D

You're correct in saying that [for some setups] PEAK performance gains between the 2 options might not be much.
However, real-world driving feel is much different than stats on a paper.

Headers is the only real mod that will turn your torque frown (dip) upside down. The area under the power curve is more important than where that curve peaks at.. And much more practical for every day [spirited] driving.

If you are only getting E85, and not headers.. you might be disappointed at the "feel" of your power gains.. (it might looks 'nice' on paper though)

If you get headers and not E85, you'll "feel" more of a power gain... especially in every day driving. At least that was my experience.

In my experience with Delicious tunes, I bought their ACE header 91 tune. When I later bought their flex fuel kit, the flex fuel tune upgrade was free. So if you're planning on buying a header and tune, and a flex fuel kit in the future, and not just one or the other, then it makes more sense from the perspective of trying to save money to get the header and tune first and then the flex fuel kit and the free tune upgrade. Otherwise, you spend money on the flex fuel kit and stage 1 tune, and then more money on the header and another tune.