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+--- Thread: Noob, Need help with new car/modding (/showthread.php?tid=8104)
Noob, Need help with new car/modding - Ken - 03-27-2009
Main reason i joined this club is that despite all my superficial knowledge of current cars (crank hp, 0-60 all that nonsense), i knew very little of the actual engine and other internals, not to mention little outside of 2000 vehicles on, but that's neither here nor there. Anyway I was wondering what you guys think would be a good idea to mod my new car (09' Lancer Ralliart). It has the 4b11T engine and i honestly don't know what other information would help. I joined a Ralliart forum and read through it extensively but they drop a lot of money i don't have and wanted to hear what you guys had to say anyway, but from what i've read the most common things are:
ECU Flash/Tune: I'm almost definitely doing this, i just wanna make sure i add whatever beforehand
"Boost Pill"?: A little confused on this myself, it works as a boost regulator since the TCSST can't use a conventional one. I have no idea whether it requires a tune or sees differences on a stock car
Catback Exhaust (turboback, downpipe, midpipe): Expensive
Air Intake: Seems like a quick cheap mod, saw it for 150
New Front Mount: Expensive as heck
I'm sure im forgetting something but thats all i can think of for now. Also would i see any performance gains with just adding a new muffler?
Thanks to anyone who responds, im in the learning process and i don't wanna be just another kid who pays people to throw on parts and not understanding what they do.
Re: Noob, Need help with new car/modding - CaptainHenreh - 03-27-2009
Ken Wrote:Thanks to anyone who responds, im in the learning process and i don't wanna be just another kid who pays people to throw on parts and not understanding what they do.
I applaud you for making this statement.
One thing I can recommend is coming to the track at the next Summit event and harassing Kaan and I in the tech Shed. DJ would probably be goofing off too, and being in the tech shed we'll be able to point to specific examples of what we're talking about.
Now, that said, I have two things to say:
If you want to be faster, the best money you can spend is on instruction. I know that probably isn't an option for you (putting your new car on the track, it never has been an option for me) but that's the simple reality.
I also notice that you haven't put any suspension modifications on your list.
Powerwise, you are *by far* going to see your biggest gains on a chip. Variable valve timing on both cams, computer controlled throttle, all your power is in the chip.
I would stay away from a "boost pill"...your ECU has a table for controlling the boost solenoid, and a restricter in that line seems like just a ghetto way of bumping the boost...If your car is under warranty and you can't afford to replace it, I'd not bother.
Exhaustwise, you're not going to see much gains on the exhaust manifold side, but there's always power to be made in a big downpipe and a big cat-back. I'm not sure about integrated catalytic converters (I'm sure you've got a half dozen) but I wouldn't worry "which brand" is better. You're not going to notice 2hp, but any large-diameter mandrel-bent exhaust is going to increase your peak horsepower and broaden your torque curve in a turbocharged car. It's also the easiest to return to stock if you ever need to...just keep your old exhaust and bolt it back on if you need to.
I wouldn't bother with the intercooler for the time being. You're right, it's expensive, and after exhaust and chip you're going to start to see diminishing returns for your money.
- Mike - 03-27-2009
unfortunately for you, a newer car is always going to be more expensive to mod. sounds like a chip and intake might keep you happy for now? go for it.
- ScottyB - 03-27-2009
what Rex said. you're lucky in that there are a few savvy DSM people here who know alot about the things you want to learn about.
from every test i've read, the Ralliart is constantly at a disadvantage in handling due to weight and tire equipment. for my money, i'd find a set of RE-01R's and save up for some Robispec suspension. any new car under warranty is going to be risky business when it comes to engine mods....plus your car is already pretty "fast" from the factory. i'd probably do a chip and leave it at that - an exhaust would augment your gains there, but i'd try to get a ride-along with someone's car running a similar exhaust so you can decide if it's too obnoxious for you.
autocross as soon as your budget allows.
Re: Noob, Need help with new car/modding - Dave - 03-27-2009
CaptainHenreh Wrote:+eleventy billionKen Wrote:Thanks to anyone who responds, im in the learning process and i don't wanna be just another kid who pays people to throw on parts and not understanding what they do.
I applaud you for making this statement.
To be honest, I think your best mod would be modifying yourself. You can spend very little money (comparatively) by buying/renting/borrowing a few books that teach you basic skills for driving fast, and then start autocrossing and putting these skills to use.
To me, this is the best mod money can buy because IT TRANSFERS BETWEEN CARS. By you becoming a better/faster driver, you can hop into any car and be fast. Autocross is what, $50 or less, per event?
If you want to mod your car, I think I would do the following:
-chip: this is probably going to maximize your power gains
-tires: get a nice sticky tire (maybe an extra set of wheels?). Remember, everything you do with your car goes through those tiny comtact patches between ground and tire, so this really important
-brakes: get some more aggressive compounds; I prefer Carbotech but there are several good manufacturers out there. Look for an autocross compound for something that will be good on the street and still a noticable improvement.
-suspension: sway bars will prob give you the best bang for buck
Disclaimer: I know absolutely nothing about your car. Every car is different and responds differently to mods, so I would use the Ralliart forums to determine specific brands and such that suit your car...
- .RJ - 03-27-2009
I would say just drive it and enjoy it and do some autox events. Didnt you just buy it? Drive it for a while and decide what the car needs. It may be just fine :dunno:
- Ken - 03-27-2009
Any suggestions for literature on driving skills?
- Dave - 03-27-2009
ya mon!
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- D_Eclipse9916 - 03-27-2009
Hang around, come out to wrench days, or more specifically, Dj working on DSM days every day of the week. Just hanging out with us you will learn a shit ton more.
I have been meaning to do this for a while, but I think every meeting I should bring in parts and start explaining how shit works. Ive got extra heads, blocks, cranks, pistons rods, turbos, filter housing, water pumps, calipers, etc etc etc.
I will also one day explain simple engine management as that is a lost art on my people including a lot of experienced mechanics, something you dont really mess with it until you have a standalone. But it really helped me understand how a motor works.
- .RJ - 03-27-2009
D_Eclipse9916 Wrote:more specifically, Dj working on DSM days every day of the week.
If it wasnt broken all the time...
Sorry I had to :lol:
- Ryan T - 03-27-2009
D_Eclipse9916 Wrote:Ive got extra heads, blocks, cranks, pistons rods, turbos, filter housing, water pumps, calipers, etc etc etc.
and they are all on the living room floor/couch/coffee table.
- WRXtranceformed - 04-01-2009
Power-wise, exhaust and a reflash / chip are going to be your best bang for the buck. They are also easy to return to stock if need be. Handling-wise you may want to consider stiffer / thicker sway bars, springs or a full coilover suspension. Brakes are always a great idea too, I would personally avoid stainless lines as they make the pedal too firm for my liking.
Definitely like these guys said if you're ever going to track your car, read up on driving techniques and do some auto-x events.