To buy or not to buy?

**cmattb25** · 05-20-2009, 08:00 AM

Ok, the time has come to buy some go fast parts, current list is AMS ic, uicp, licp, KW coilovers, Volk gt-u 18x9s, AMS small battery kit, cam (undecided on size) and headstuds. I am also looking at AMS vsr intake manifold, but would that be a waste of money considering I am not changing turbo anytime soon?I really want the intake and I know it's quality but should I buy it?

*KazzEvo8* · 05-20-2009, 02:09 PM

Sorry, that's your wish list or some of your current mods? Tough to give advice if we don't know your current build-up. IC piping, MBC, turbo-back exhaust, fuel pump, and a quality tune if you're just getting started.

If you're interested in the (intake manifold) IM, you could just get yours ported - but I'd not do it unless I was getting the throttle body (TB) ported at the same time. That leads me quickly to a ported and coated exhaust manifold.

**cmattb25** · 05-20-2009, 04:28 PM

sorry should have been more clear, this is my shopping list. current list of upgrades are tbe, k&n cone filter, tune, shep trans, fidanza flywheel, and exedy stage 2 clutch. I have just ordered the aem wideband, boost gauge,oil pressure and fuel pressure gauges. porting and coating is an option i hadnt considered, if i was to go that route is there any recommendations on shop or vendor?

*KazzEvo8* · 05-20-2009, 06:51 PM

Wait, you have a IX and a X? You're talking about the IX, yes?

With no wideband I'd say (hope) you've got a conservative tune and would get it redone after your next run of upgrades. Otherwise, the vendor I'd mention to you is Buschur Racing. Everyone has their shops, I'm certain. So you'll get other names. But the BR Deluxe IC w/lower piping, UIC w/BOV of your choice, BR ported TB, ported IM, ported and polished exhaust manifold should get a IX screaming pretty well. You may want to toss a fuel pump in there quick, too, of course. Obviously, you'd want a tune at this point. I would consider a trunk relocate of the battery vs. a small battery kit depending on how much cold weather you get into. In the cold up here, south of Chicago, letting the car sit a week or two will mean it likely needs a jump.

Then the cams, head studs when you want to crack open the motor. I can't give you IX cam recommendations, sorry. I'd recommend some research on that. Obviously, you'd want a new tune at this point, too.

I don't think you can go wrong with the KWs, really.

I'm torn over AMS, personally. I never bought from them because I live in Illinois, purchase everything online, and don't want to pay tax. I've loved to see some of what they've done that gets a lot of press. But, I've heard some horror stories, too, from local people. I'm sure their parts are OK. It's their service I'm curious about.

Overall, I'm no IX expert. So hopefully you'll get some IX peeps to chime in here.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide and progress!

05evoV8 · 05-21-2009, 05:33 AM

+1,000,000 for buschur i have all their piping.

**cmattb25** · 05-21-2009, 06:07 PM

Ok here's the update, AMS no longer makes the vsr im, and the new one doesn't pass emissions, so that's out. I ended up with a ported tb instead, and AMS is doing the work, and my list changed a bit. Now it's looking like AMS intercooler and uicp, licp, milspec tb, small battery kit( not my daily driver so keeping it charged up is no prob),motor mounts and tranny mount,stage 1 cam,megan o2 housing, arp headstuds, and tune. The wideband and gauges and mbc will be going in at that time also, apparently volk has discontinued the wheels I wanted so I am looking at tork revos in gloss black to round it out. Yes this is happening to my ix, I appreciate your feedback, you have helped me out. and in case you are wondering I am going with AMS because they are close and do good work and I know they make good stuff. The only shop close to me has a terrible rep for blowing cars up, and letting your car sit for a month before pulling it in, tons of horror stories really. Oh and I went with endura tech coilovers, sounds like they are a little more ride friendly! Does anyone have an estimation on hp with this setup?

**cmattb25** · 05-21-2009, 11:52 PM

Fuel pump added!!

KeVo8 · 05-27-2009, 06:05 PM

Go with the HKS 280 Cams if you want more top end. 272's For a more streetable ride and quicker spool-up. That will also depend on your turbo selection and Tune. Tune is a MUST upon installing either of those cams.

Preludepearl417 · 05-28-2009, 04:56 AM

im going about the same direction ur going and i got some input from local and out of state shops....1st i wouldnt do the ARP's cuz the stock headstuds will hold for the amount of power u WILL be putting down if u dont go meth or e85. If u take the head off i would do the works and do the 280's with valve springs and get a good headgasket then do the ARPs. Im not big on taking the head off everytime i get a new part. R u keeping the stock turbo? If u are, with a good tune and with it done right the 1st time u should have a 430+ DD. Thats just me throwing #s out there....but those #s dont mean d*ck if u dont have a good tune. Just my weak 2 cents.

*12mnkys* · 05-28-2009, 12:24 PM

Stock turbo? Maybe 300 WHP Not much in there for real big power.

Mellon Tuning · 05-28-2009, 02:00 PM

My first mods advice in order of necessity.
1 - WB02 kit http://tunertools.com/proddetail.asp?prod=IN-3796
2 - K&N Drop in filter
3 - Turbo back exhaust 3" with test pipe or high flow cat (depending on your emissions tests there)
4 - boost gauge
5 - manual boost controller
4 - Package A tune www.mellontuning.com

After that:
Walbro 255lph fuel pump
GSC S2 cams + springs/retainers or Kelford 272 (these will lope)
Buschur Racing Race FMIC/piping/mini battery(required)

That should put you at the 350+awhp area easily on 93 octane with a retune

After that:
Clutch
Cone filter and intake pipe
Ported intake, throttle body and 02 housing
Evored turbo + PTE 1000cc injectors ~ 400+awhp
Or
HTA 35R turbo + PTE 1000cc injectors ~ 475+awhp

There may be something I've forgotten but off the top of my head that's what I came up with. I'm a big fan of the Buschur Racing parts in particular...the cars with that brand make more power than any other time after time. However the AMS parts are also very good but a bit more expensive, they are prettier too.

**cmattb25** · 05-28-2009, 07:55 PM

Thanks guys, I already have the tbe, cone filter, and an exedy clutch in the car so I got that covered. AMS is tuning when they put the cams in, but you say do the kelfords instead? I am trying to build somewhat slow so I can grow with the car so I want to wring as much from the stock turbo as I can, since I probably won't be going to the track too much. But if I do I will probably go red!