Hello All,

I'm new here, so please excuse my lack of understanding about this forum and my MCS. I recently bought an 02 MCS. Let me just say, I've put about 1000 miles on it in a little over 2 weeks and I love it to death. It's given me no problems thus far (knock on wood). I still get crazy excited when I walk into the parking deck at my job and see my ride home.

Anyways, I'm looking to mod this car. Not to the extreme, it is never going to touch the race track.

I'm debating between putting in a CAI or a 15% pulley first. The pulley's I've seen tend to be cheaper, but more invasive installation.

If I were going to install a CAI what would give me the most bang for my dollar? Which one have you guys seen as being pretty loud? I was looking at the ALTA as I've heard it is the loudest. I don't wanna be one of those people whose car is super loud but doesnt go anywhere, but I can't lie, I really like a good sounding acceleration.

Also, are there are any long term mechanical risks associated with installing a CAI? Should I install some cooler spark plugs?

Thanks so much,

Jon

 

Alta is loudest, pulley will give WAY more power. Both is best. No need to change anything if you're just doing a CAI. MANY threads on this. Most CAIs are within a stone's throw performance wise. Best to draw from the cowl and not the engine bay.

 

pulley is best bang for buck. really will change your car. Cai I have the alta yes its loud but Awsome. with both these mods your car will sound and be relatively fast.

 

What is the mileage and general condition of the car?

Cheers,

Charlie

 

For the best intake you really should check out the DDMworks for the R53 it really is the best, and has a great sound. If you really want an Alta I have a used one I'd sell you cheap, but I have the DDM on both my cars.

But the real biggest bang for the buck is a 15% pulley, harder than an intake to install, but more power for your dollar.

 

Its in good condition as far as I can tell. 114k miles. I wanted something newer with less miles, but as a VERY recent college grad I had only so much to spend and be able to pay off before medical school.

The only issue I've noticed so far is some moderate-severe cabin vibrations at 2100 rpms. My initial thought is the motor mounts.

I mean, I can't complain with how fast it is, but I'm always looking for more :P

 

The 1st thing I was going to upgrade was the pulley. Then I discovered the previous owner had already done it. So I decided to do the CAI, which I also discovered was upgraded too! Now I'm looking for a place that can do a tune and dyno in my area.

 

Adding a bigger rear swaybar is a great bang for the buck item....
The cai adds a bit of hp, makes the car sound faster(on the inside, not like a "ricer/glasspack muffler on an import) since you will hear more SC whine when speeding up.
Just about totally safe.
The pulley adds much more hp...makes the car more fun...
Very safe, time tested, but can in some cases magnify or cause other issues to happen slightly sooner....you are getting more hp out of the motor, and running it and the sc harder....but many folks have had pullies for nearly a decade now....
the rear swaybar...will improve handling, reduce understeer, and when driven with skill can make the car safer, and faster in turns if driven agressivly....
Those are the top 3, best r53 mods....
When all are done, it transforms the car!! Honest. Much more fun!!
Many cars have these mods....look first.

 

I've had the Alta on both of mine and can't complain. An easy afternoon install. DDM has a lot of followers as well and they all seem to like it. Can't go wrong with either one.
Pulley will give you the extra power you crave. NOT an easy install. If you have a good local club, you may be able to enlist the aid of some members who have done it before (beer is always a good idea to have on hand for such an occasion )
You really don't need to go colder plugs with a 15% pulley. I would recommend a JCW length belt.
Chat with Way from previous reply. He's the go-to guy for all of your questions.

 

my opinion based on my experience is that the pulley and rear sway bar are both great "bang for the buck" mods.

the intake was pretty expensive for the "benefit" (which to me has been mostly just increased sound)