Hello All! I know this topic has been looked at before, but I thought I would risk being snarked for not using the search feature and start a new thread. I did browse through a bit but couldn't come up with a clear consensus.

I have an '06 Base. I know trying to squeeze more HP out of it is futile and expensive. What I'm looking for is better throttle response and good handling. I am not concerned about a smooth ride. This is my first car after riding motorbikes for a few years, so just being out of the elements is luxurious enough.

I have read that a DDM intake will improve throttle response. Is this comparable to the Sprint Booster? Has anyone tried both?

The rear sway bar comes up a lot. Which will provide the best handling?

When I burn down the tires a bit I do plan on ditching the runflats. I currently have 16" wheels. What kind of a difference could I see if I went to 15"? Aesthetically I prefer a bigger wheel, but if it's going to be noticeably more enjoyable, I'd probably go smaller.

I know there's no way to make this car really fly in a straight line, but I'd love to hear from anyone who's done some simple mods who could give me an idea of the before and after.

Thanks!

 

I've heard good things about the DDM intake, but no personal experience.

I highly recommend a custom tune if you have an opportunity (what is your location?). It improves throttle response and increases low end torque. A custom tune enhances performance throughout the range and is preferable to the Sprint Booster (no reason to have both).

15" wheels even if very light would only have a subtle effect. You'll get more of a difference with grippier tires on your 16" wheels.

A rear sway bar decreases the understeer and makes the handling feel more responsive. I recommend 19mm for street driving.

 

I'm located in Victoria, British Columbia. Maybe there's a tuner in Vancouver? Or Seattle? Thanks for the response! I think my first purchase will probably be a sway bar. Do you know roughly how long it would take to have installed if I took it to a shop?

 

I have the H&R 19mm rear sway bar and love it! No squeaks and works great. BEST Mod so far!!! I installed it easily in my garage with NAM DIY info.

I also have 16" R90 wheels bought from Morristown MINI on-line for a great price. 205/50/16 Kuhmo ASTs .... now moving to 205/55/16 Bridgestone G019s. Drop in K&N air filter made an improvement over stock in response and sound. Everything else I have done is just cosmetic improvements .... like adding an S spoiler.

It will NEVER be an S on the straightaways ... but it takes the turns GREAT!

 

Thanks for the input! I took my car out on the twisties today and was really impressed at how effortlessly it pulls through corners. Improving the handling seems like it will certainly be the best fun for the buck investment.

 

For HP gain the number one thing hands down is our DDM Intake.

As for other mods an Hsport 19mm rear swaybar would be the best bang for the buck suspension wise.

Then I'd start thinking about other mods as they will get more expensive and the gains will be less.

Ditching the runflats will help alot.

 

I just responded to another thread like this one. For power, I would stick an intake on there. I run the Afe and I love it. I also would recommend an engine damper by VIP which will really stabilize the engine while maintaining a stock appearance and not adding any nvh.
I would agree with Way on the 19mm bar. I would go one step further with handling and add some Texas Speedwerks springs, which will give you a better center of gravity, improved ride, and overall better feel. Ditching the run flats will be the best thing you ever did, trust me on that! If you live somewhere that the weather is less than par, I would look into the kumho ASX. These are grippy but with all weather capability. Start there and you will be glad you did. PM me if you have any other questions. Enjoy the r50!

 

+1. It reduces the excessive slack engine movement and is relatively low cost and easy to install. I especially recommend it for manual transmissions where it significantly improves the feeling of the clutch.

 

Thanks for the tips everyone! I only have street parking and I'm not really mechanically inclined, so I'd probably be having a shop install anything I get. Are any of these projects particularly involved?

 

19mm rear bar,
front camber plates.

Power? Save money for a head or a lower dollar item that will make real changes. An intake is a couple hundred dollars (it's best redeeming quality is that it can be installed with hand tools). That's half the cost of a cam or a tune, with less results to speak of. Save the money for what will really work.

The Sprint Booster makes a difference in driver experience, but once again, it's at the cost point of a tune.

Matt