Upgrade sequence feedback request

[mid_life_crisis]

A few pertinent details.
1) Car has an automatic.
2) I'm keeping two cats in the system.
3) I don't ever have large sums of money to spend on the car at one time (like enough for a turbocharger system).
4) I'm cheap anyway.
5) Whenever possible I prefer to do it myself. I like it and see #4.
6) My house is conspiring against me by killing on average one major appliance per month so money is extra tight.

This is the upgrade plan I have in mind. These steps will be done months apart to allow for saving up for each one.

1) Open flash Shiv upgrade.
2) A quality header (with hi-flow cat).
3) Something like the one piece Nameless product that replaces what looks like everything from the header to the axleback with a highflow cat, a resonator and some nice smooth tubing. I'm not going to flow enough air NA to need to upgrade the axleback so I won't be wasting money on it.
4) Rear gears and stiffer mounts at the same time (I absolutely cannot do this myself so it goes to the end of the list).

When the tires wear out I'll get wider rims/tires at the same time. Don't know when that will be so it isn't in the sequence.

I was pretty gung-ho about the electric supercharger and still think it is a great idea, I just no longer think it is for me, which is why it is not on the list.

Does anyone see anything they would recommend doing in a different sequence?
If so, what and why?

[jamesm]

i would suggest that, since power seems to be the goal based on that list, that you should get the tune and then save up the cash from the rest for some form of FI. anything else is just pissing in the wind, as you'll never make real (fun) power with an NA fa20.

it's a bit more money and it's not as 'incremental', but you could run completely stock exhaust and still make far more power. hp/$ it's no contest in the end.

[mid_life_crisis]

Originally Posted by jamesm

i would suggest that, since power seems to be the goal based on that list, that you should get the tune and then save up the cash from the rest for some form of FI. anything else is just pissing in the wind, as you'll never make real (fun) power with an NA fa20.

it's a bit more money and it's not as 'incremental', but you could run completely stock exhaust and still make far more power. hp/$ it's no contest in the end.

It's a thought, but if I get close to saving that much car play money the HVAC unit will probably die. Again.

At least we agree that the first step is a tune. Thanks for the feedback.

[EvilBeaverFace]

I'm doing what you're doing pretty much (exhaust and tune wise) but out of order because I found some used parts and had to snag them.

I totally agree with your opinion on exhaust and I've stated it before on these forums (start engine side and work your way back)

Just got my header (UEL for sound, I'm a Subaru fanboy) and I'll be looking at OFT next since Shiv said their stage 2 (version 2.0?) map release would be geared toward aftermarket headers.

You could probably do stiffer diff mounts sooner if you want the feel since from what I've seen they aren't too expensive (less than $200 for cusco) and its a pretty easy install.

[bfrank1972]

Originally Posted by mid_life_crisis

It's a thought, but if I get close to saving that much car play money the HVAC unit will probably die. Again.

At least we agree that the first step is a tune. Thanks for the feedback.

Flash the ECU. OFT is good, if you can wait and your a computer DIY'er you can wait the less expensive ECUFlash/Romraider option will be great. Then enjoy the car and save up for whatever is next - your list is liable to change as new options come out, your feelings for the car change, etc. If money is burning a hole in your pocket after that, treat yourself to a DE event Either way I'd recommend you not go FI for the moment - I 110% agree with jamesm, if you want *real* power skip all the rest and go FI. That said, if you're financially tight I wouldn't do it - even if you save up the pennies and spring for it, the implications of installing a full-on turbo (or even supercharger) aren't for the faint of heart. They can very reliable overall, but if you don't do it right, or just something goes amiss, you could very well need a new motor... straight out of pocket, no warranties.