Which mods will age well on this platform?

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by Adam_L

Correct : springs, protective pieces, tires. = they also don't cost an arm and a leg ( as opposed to going FI)

What about mods you can hear ? Exhaust/header .... If you could flip a switch, go from aftermarket back to stock sound that would be great.

I'm perpetually shopping a header for this car...it'll happen at one point, but I'm not there yet.

Aftermarket exhaust, on the other hand, will never go on my car. I guess I'm old enough (and been in enough trouble as a youngster) to appreciate the value in NOT attracting attention...

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by venturaII

I'm perpetually shopping a header for this car...it'll happen at one point, but I'm not there yet.

Aftermarket exhaust, on the other hand, will never go on my car. I guess I'm old enough (and been in enough trouble as a youngster) to appreciate the value in NOT attracting attention...

There are loads of aftermarket exhausts that sound better than stock but still will not get you in trouble.

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Nothing wrong with Function<Form either though. There is no right or wrong way to mod as long as what you do you do well. Different goals are different.

IMO, function must at least equal form. Half the beauty of a mod to me is that an it does it's thing even better than what it's replacing. Of course, if you can choose something that looks better as well, then that's gravy.

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

There are loads of aftermarket exhausts that sound better than stock but still will not get you in trouble.

Sound and volume are two different things. While they might sound more pleasing, none are as quiet as stock, and I simply don't want to go any louder, especially considering there's essentially zero gain in power to go with the increased noise. The closest to stock volume I've heard was the Greddy SP Elite (or was it Supreme..?), and I don't even think it's available any more...

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by venturaII

IMO, function must at least equal form. Half the beauty of a mod to me is that an it does it's thing even better than what it's replacing. Of course, if you can choose something that looks better as well, then that's gravy.

But if it looks or sounds better to the owner then that is it's function even if it has zero impact on how it drives or performs. My point being that everything does not have to impact performance and to say it is useless because it doesn't is just a biased viewpoint. Modding for appearance only is every it as acceptable as modding for performance if that is your goal. The only time that really doesn't apply is if you are attempting to fool others that you have modded for performance when you really haven't.

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

But if it looks or sounds better to the owner then that is it's function even if it has zero impact on how it drives or performs. My point being that everything does not have to impact performance and to say it is useless because it doesn't is just a biased viewpoint. Modding for appearance only is every it as acceptable as modding for performance if that is your goal. The only time that really doesn't apply is if you are attempting to fool others that you have modded for performance when you really haven't.

Originally Posted by venturaII

IMO, function must at least equal form.

I think you missed this part...lol

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by venturaII

Sound and volume are two different things. While they might sound more pleasing, none are as quiet as stock, and I simply don't want to go any louder, especially considering there's essentially zero gain in power to go with the increased noise. The closest to stock volume I've heard was the Greddy Supreme SP, and I don't even think it's available any more...

There are several choices quieter than stock that still have a nicer tone (subjective). I am pretty sure that @Ultramaroon 's actually cancels out ambient noise within several feet creating a negative decimal vortex behind him everywhere he goes. A very quiet car that still has a nice tone.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by venturaII

I think you missed this part...lol

No I got it. Adding "IMO" isn't a "don't debate my answer" card.

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

There are several choices quieter than stock that still have a nicer tone (subjective). I am pretty sure that @Ultramaroon 's actually cancels out ambient noise within several feet creating a negative decimal vortex behind him everywhere he goes. A very quiet car that still has a nice tone.

QUIETER than stock?? I don't recall reading about any of those, but if you have a few names handy, I'd love to look into them..

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

No I got it. Adding "IMO" isn't a "don't debate my answer" card.

IMO means it applies to me. And considering this is an opinion based thread, are you really going to try to convince me my own personal preferences are wrong for me...? Not that it has anything to do with OP's original question, but if you know of mufflers that operate at lower db levels than OEM, I'd consider them, but I have zero interest in increasing volume.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

There are several choices quieter than stock that still have a nicer tone (subjective). I am pretty sure that @Ultramaroon 's actually cancels out ambient noise within several feet creating a negative decimal vortex behind him everywhere he goes. A very quiet car that still has a nice tone.

Thanks. The Ace LG90 is an elegant system for sure. Unfortunately it also cancels out my backup lights and I've been pretty lazy about that. I have two separate solutions on my workbench waiting for me to build.

[Dirty Harry]

Like most on this thread I think OEM+ that is easily reversible is the way to go. I‘ve put on STI lowering springs, TSW Interlagos 18x8 forged alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Super sport tyres and an STI axle back exhaust.

Lowering springs or coil overs with a set of light wheels really make a difference and are the best mod to start with IMO. I noticed the car was more responsive after fitting these and it cornered a lot better than stock. It looks better too as the wheel gap is reduced and the wheels and tyres fill out the wheel arches more.

Then if you go down the engine mod root you have a good base to start with.

I got the axle back exhaust as it was on sale, sounds better than stock and looks a bit more aggressive. It is supposed to lower back pressure by 13% according to STI, I didn’t notice anything different performance wise to stock though, apart from the sound. The light weight wheels made more of a difference.

Last but not least if you do modify it, wait and get good quality parts than compromise and get cheap parts, it’ll be worth the wait.

[new2subaru]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Thanks. The Ace LG90 is an elegant system for sure. Unfortunately it also cancels out my backup lights and I've been pretty lazy about that. I have two separate solutions on my workbench waiting for me to build.

Did you do the header with the cat back?

I’m still waiting for the dual exhaust lol

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by new2subaru

Did you do the header with the cat back?

I’m still waiting for the dual exhaust lol

No header yet. I should get one to prepare for when I feel confident enough in my understanding of how this engine is tuned. Once I get there, I'll start ruining it.

That dual exhaust is never going to happen. The magic of the noise cancellation depends on that single centered exit. The same basic principle applies with the LG100.