My NA setup and Mod Ranking.

[jackblack21]

Hi there! I want to give a basic rundown of the various modifications I have done to my 2013, AT FRS. Right now I think I have done about 90% of what I can do in terms of power and torque generation in a naturally aspirated car (e85 is not available where I live).

1. K&N drop in filter. I did this over a custom intake for two reasons, first was cost, second was I am not 100% sure I won't do Forced Induction some time in the future.

Pros. Low cost, considering this was only 2x the cost of a paper filter and is cleanable/reusable it is conceivable that this mod will actually save me money in the long run.

Increased throttle response. The car noticeable reacts faster to gas pedal inputs. FT86 motor sports claims +6hp but the butt dyno can't tell.

Cons. Not many. There are some who caution that a high flow filter lets in more contaminates than a paper filter, but I have seen no evidence of harm.

Over all. Great mod, one of the cheapest you can do for you car.



2. Gruppe S unequal catless headers and an Open Flash Tune. I am including both together as they really work as a package. I found that Shivs aggressive OFT Tune for his proprietary open flash headers works just fine with the Gruppe S headers and 94oct fuel.

Pro's. Noticeable power gains, torque dip seems to disappear, increased throttle response. Gruppe S headers are high quality Tomei clones, made in the same factory as the Tomei headers but at about 66% the cost. Open flash tablet is about 30% the cost of a custom dyno ECU tune for about 70% the results.

Cons. Not many. Engine noise and car vibration increased.

Over all. A must have mod for this car. Highly recommend.



3. JDL over pipe, JDL high flow catted front pipe, Nvidia q300 exaust.

Pros. If you like a louder car, this will give it to you. Makes the car sound more powerful. The tips looks a lot better than the stock exhaust.

Cons. No detectable increase in performance.

Over all. I would personally have skipped this mod, I don't really feel the need to draw all sorts of attention to myself when i drive and no real increase in performance.




4. 4.88 final drive.

Pros. Big increase in acceleration off the line in manual mode. Allot of fun around town.

Cons. Increased engine strain at highway speeds but acceptable. Not a lot of increase in performance in auto mode as it auto upshifts you much earlier than before , you have to manually drop gears to get the juice.

Over all. Possibly the single biggest performance gain for this car, esp around town.



So that's it. Apart from a custom tune and a specialised intake there is not much else to do with this car from a power point of view short of going FI. In it's current configuration the car is extremely responsive to throttle and downshifts (upshifts still suck...). Acceleration is really enjoyable now and I think all my future mods will be based around handling (better rubber, coilovers, brakes) and looks (partial wrap, maybe a tasteful wing.)

[churchx]

If you evaluated for mods done their cons/pros, price/performancy, don't be hasty with suspension mods. Camber bolts+LCAs might be enough. Better tires .. but not going overboard. Brakes .. maybe just airducts & better pads/fluids to stockers? Or Essex Sprint kit?
But in general, just take baby to track. There you'll find wonderful way to spend time with lot of fun/enjoyment and new thoughts where to go/what to change from that

[CTB727]

Originally Posted by churchx

If you evaluated for mods done their cons/pros, price/performancy, don't be hasty with suspension mods. Camber bolts+LCAs might be enough. Better tires .. but not going overboard. Brakes .. maybe just airducts & better pads/fluids to stockers? Or Essex Sprint kit?
But in general, just take baby to track. There you'll find wonderful way to spend time with lot of fun/enjoyment and new thoughts where to go/what to change from that

This. Because pulling away from a stoplight 0.3 seconds quicker will only be fun for so long.