Perrin CAI, Inlet Hose & 3" Catback vs TRD Intake & Exhaust
 

I'm starting to consider modifying my bare-stock FR-S in hopes to gain a bump in performance, starting with the intake and exhaust systems plus a tune.

At the moment, I'm considering the Perrin and TRD setups. With the TRD setup being overly more expensive.

• Perrin CAI, Inlet Hose & 3" Catback + Tune = $1330 + 500 + Labor
• TRD Exhaust & TRD Intake + Tune = $2050 + 500 + Labor

Reason states that the Perrin setup would offer the best price/performance ratio, but I have my worries about reliability and warranty.

I would appriciate the input of my fellow members before further proceeding, specifically relating to what kind of increases in power and torque I can rationally expect to feel after all is said and done.

There's nothing to be concerned about in regards to reliability on exhaust as no moving parts just observe the quality of metal and welds. In this case haven't seen or heard of any issues with Perrins systems most are pleased. Sound is your other consideration as well best to decide which you like, then looks of course. If it's all based on money you have your answer the Perrins obviously cheaper for sure. That all said understand a intake and just fatback isn't going to yield max results you'd still need to consider over pipe, front pipe as well. Tube will yield most of course regardless if ecu tek but opening it up abit more will help to. TRD option doesn't have an option for Toyota branded overpipe or front pipe so something else to consider. 3" is also more geared towards FI crowd to if you're going that route as well your invested in re useable parts. Thoughts for you anyhow...

our cars are not really gaining much comparing to other cars from modding.
if you visit any car forum, always there is a topic saying "worry about warranty"
dealer cannot void your warranty unless they can prove installed parts are related but they always blame on it saying "heavily modified" etc etc etc.

ask yourself few questions.
1. can you risk you would lose your warranty?
2. are you familiar with modding cars by yourself?
3. can you troubleshoot basic stuff on cars?

if you can say all yes to these questions, i would say go for it.
if not, i still say go for it if you are willing to accept RISK.
I don't even understand why i made these questions if i just said "just mod it" lol

I'm not really "worried", I just sort of have my doubts.

My primary interest in this situation is gaining an understanding of what improvements I can expect to gain and whether it's worth my time and money.

As I understand it, the process of a tune has an electronic signature and can be detected by dealer and void your warranty. All other mods, unless directly related to a failure, have no impact on warranty.

If your keeping it short term and your confident of that don't mod much. If you feel the connection and you're thinking long term do anything and everything you want that you feel adds value for "you". Cars are a losing investment it's about enjoying them and the experience as a whole. That's how I look at it I suppose and was worried abit at first on this car to in beginning. Now just don't care I'll be keeping mine for years as it's such a fun little car to drive.

That all said as above poster says if you go Ecu Tek that shows. But still dealerships can't deny warranty if whatever you changed didn't directly affect the part/problem.

Yeah, I know. It would however, seem rather pointless to upgrade said parts without going through a tune :(

All I have is a drop in filter and exhaust and there's a noticeable difference. It's not earth-shattering, but there is better throttle response and more top end oomph. Since I daily drive 80% city driving, I personally don't want a race car. The only other thing I'd do to mine is a Perrin intake tube (using factory airbox, which is quite good with aftermarket filter), and maybe a crank pulley. To me, a warranty is more important than a tune, but others may feel differently.

Realistically, if you make sure to flash the car back to stock before you go to the dealer you'll be fine. OR just tell them not to do any updates to the car (an update can flash over a tune).

Perrin makes nice stuff, I wouldn't worry about quality there. If you get the Perrin setup and a custom tune you should bet a nice gain in power and drivability over stock.

Get a full 2.5" headerback system instead of a 3" catback. It will not only be quieter but if you do put on headers, it won't make your ears bleed. Plus it is the same price and you will feel more power as well.

Have all of your suggested mods plus catless front pipe and overpipe. Not a huge difference in performance by any stretch of the imagination but sounds a lot sexier. Forget the CAI and inlet tube, get a header instead.

2.5" is actually $100 cheaper, so not a bad idea.

I'm dying for a bit more torque to be honest. It's my only drawback with the car.

The obvious solution would be a turbo, but my mechanical knowledge to have it setup is far from close, and my wallet is far from thick.

At the moment, these seem like the optimal upgrades that need to be made. I will however, look into the headers, but my understanding is that this will instantly void both the BtB and powertrain warranties?