Well, I have been researching and looking at lots of DIY's and I think it's time to do some performance upgrades! I have used the search function but was wondering if I could get some straight up answers on a few questions I have!

Looking for performance, I prefer less expensive first obviously but would like to start getting some more expensive parts as well

03' R53

So far:
15% Pulley Reduction
Alta CAI with a Pod Filter and a 2.5" Intake Pipe
Iridium plugs and 8.5mm wires
SuperSprint Exhaust
VGS
Water Sprayer
Oil Catch Can
Wow, think that's it, seems like there is something else!

Anyway, was looking into these parts below and just asking for some general information on what to expect, brand names to get (websites), and information about what it does and how it will differ from stock! Any help would be great, never really had the chance to mod an engine so I'm ready to get at it!

Injectors (Not sure how big to go for my car, 380cc? 400cc?)
Cam (No idea on this one)
Highflow Intercooler (I've seen a couple on ebay pretty cheap, but everyone know's how ebay works, you get what you pay for!)
Oil Cooler
Headers
Chip (Not sure what to believe on these things)
Anything else?

Thanks for all the help!

 

I recommend injectors and a tune... 380cc or 440cc. I worked with Jan @ RMW and was able to get 440cc and a tune.. car runs amazingly better than it did before (very rich). This is a easy DIY install.. took me about 30-45 minutes but don't plan on doing the install unless you get a tune as well as the car won't be able to utilize the new injectors.

I cannot speak for the intercooler but from my research unless you run in really hot environments and/or AutoX the stock IC seems to be sufficient.

The cam and header was a great improvement as well but this wasn't a DIY install for my abilities so I ended up taking it to my shop. I believe it was 4-5 hours of labor to get done. So if you're looking for inexpensive this may be down your list alittle further.

No matter what.. with all your current mods a tune is something you should get ASAP through Jan @ RMW or someone similar. Combine the tune with injectors and your car should be a whole different beast. Good luck!

 

+1^

You can slip the 380s in now run them and get the tune when available. If going futher with cam, wait and get 440's + put them in on tuning day.

 

+1
As for the Oil cooler...if you spend a lot of time on the track...it might be a good idea, but if you do a lot of normal driving, you may find your oil runs too cool, and cannot boil off moisture....so it depends on how/where you do most of your driving. I have often heard that if you are just an occasional track driver, just do an oil-change after your track day, and let your car idle a bit after your run.

 

Okay, thanks for all the info! Thinking i'm going to go with the 400cc's for Bosch, or Helix. Not gonna do the oil cooler because I don't drive that much, and being in Houston, the humidity is horrible! I would like to get a cam in the near future, so are the 400's going to work okay? I would like to get a tune ASAP! Like tomorrow if I can get the injectors here, lol but I don't know where to go! I live in the Houston area so any help would be awesome on this! I have been looking into intercoolers but probably going to wait till after I do the tune. I need to lift my car and see if there are headers on there already, I bought the car used and the Super Sprint was on there!

 

I bet there are a number of dino's within a short drive...just do a remote tune using a local Dino....and you are good to go!!
Or sign up for a tune event....
I bet TSW might have some info on local Texas tuners, dino's, etc.

 

Remote Tune? I have never done a tune anywhere so I am still trying to figure this whole thing out! How do I know when Jan is coming around Houston??!? lol

 

Heck...if you end up buying his flash tool so you can keep a copy of your tune handy just incase it gets wiped out by a dealer reflash...the remote tune could be done on any Dino with Internet acess.
RMW is not the only game in town....WMW is doing remote tunes, and I think Mynes is down in your neck of the woods. I think helix said he will be bring some injectors to the Dragon to sell on sale...think they are on sale now....he was out of them for a long time if I recall correctly......I was debating getting his 380's....but found a great deal on the new JCW's I got.
Before you pick a cam....do some research...some are great at the top end...but are not so good in daily driving rpm's....they tend to be kinda specfic to the style/type of driving you do. Heck...if you get a great tune...you might not want/need a cam...but then again....more power is always good as long as you can matain streetability.

 

too bad you didnt hook up with Mynes. they were tuning in Houston just a few weeks ago