I am wanting to work my way up to FI. Advice?
 

This will be my first modded car. I come from a background of restoring/modifying motorcycles. While I am certain some of my knowledge will transfer over I also know that the majority of it will not. So I've got a 13 Frs 6spd. Car is completely stock. I am wanting to work my way up to FI over the next 6 months. Kind of piece the system together. So I am looking for things like exhaust, CAI, and other mods that will work with both. I'd rather not have to buy different systems and swap out due to saving $. I do travel 300 miles for business 1-3 times a month so I need it to be reliable as well.

So dipping my toes in the mod pool. What would you guys recommend for the basic bolt ons? I've read a lot of the reviews on here just curious what will give noticeable improvements when na that I can keep when turbo.

If you were doing it over what would you use?

CAI:

Exhaust:

Tune/Software:

Set your end goal and build towards that. For instance, if you're looking to turbo your car, there's no point in buying an NA header. You'd have to buy a turbo header anyways. If you're going to supercharge your car, an NA header is fine. The CARB-approved kits would rather you leave the OEM exhaust on, for emissions and legality reasons.

CAI: don't bother. An FI kit will more than likely replace it with their own intake.

What you can do right now is supporting mods. Suspension, wheels, tires, drivetrain bushings, etc... There's no use pushing 350 whp if you're still on the OEM tires.

Since you mentioned "saving $", I would leave it stock and not go down the modding rabbit hole. If you really want something faster and you are not a track junkie, trade it in for something that will satisfy you from the get-go. There is no such thing as cost-conscious modding (especially with FI).

Step 1: Trade for mustang GT

Step 2: ???

Step 3: Profit and reliability

I was wanting around 300rwhp as I think that would be plenty for a DD. I like the simplicity of the Innovate kits but it seems like even with water/meth mix I would be maxed out. Where as with a turbo I have room to grow if need be. @gramicci101 that is honestly what I have been looking into as I assumed what you clarified for me.

I am going to be getting into track which is the reason why I bought this car and not a damn mustang. I'm not expecting a reliable modified car for cheap. I am however not going to throw money at something and hope it works out hence the research and wanting to avoid doing things twice.

If you want to go turbo your pretty much just going to be buying a catback/front pipe/overpipe and cooling mods (rad/oil cooler) and a catch can. The turbo kit will replace everything that could give performance such as fuel/intake/header which are included in most turbo kits.

So really your better off just to start saving for the turbo yesterday.

My recommended FI upgrade path.

1. Coilovers + supporting suspension components & alignment
2. Wheels + Tires (245+)
3. Exhaust - overpipe back, preferably 3"
4. Ecutek - NA tune till turbo
5. Turbo kit + supporting add-ons (BOV, MAP, gages, oil cooler, catch can, tune)

General pricing for said items (may be more/less depending on brand)

1. $2,000
2. $2,000
3. $1,000
4. $850
5. $6,000

Total - $11,850

This gets you an amazing 300whp "reliable" DD/track setup, with estimated 4.0 sec 0-60 (if you can get traction).