Hi Guys,

So I've got a hard to choice to make:

a) Get an RMW tune + new injectors to compliment my current setup -- Dinan CAI, Milltek catback, Helix 15% pulley. My R53 runs pretty strong, but more powaaaaaah and torque is always a plus.

b) Get FSDs + IE fixed camber plates to deal with NYC terrible roads and improved handling. I might also do front control arm bushings if my OEM ones are shot.

Obviously I'd want to do all these mods, but for now, I feel like I have to choose one. What do you guys think?

 

Suspension. On IE fixed camber plates, there's no guarantee you'll get equal camber settings on both sides.

 

If the roads are really not good I'd go suspension. Tires wearing too quickly or unevenly can be bad. Just remember that when you do bushings it may be wise to use OEM bushings for a smoother ride. Poly bushings are good, but not for roads that are bad. I'm thinking of working suspension on my 05 R53 first because roads in Maine are not very good either.

 

Argh. You were supposed to say tune. :-) My heart says tune, but my head says FSDs.

 

I say get the tune. It's much harder to get Jan out this way than it is a set of shocks!

 

That's true. Hmm.

 

+1 If You are as far as you want to go with power mods.....
Once you tune....it makes motor mods harder!!

 

Jan can work some serious magic on R53s. I had a flash tune done at MOTD this year (with almost the same mods that the OP has) and holy schnikies did my car wake up! And a flash isn't as good as a dyno tune either, so if you have that opportunity, get on it!

Zippy has a good point tho: a custom/dyno tune is a great way to wrap up all your mods. If you're not done yet, i.e., thinking cam or header (or both) wait on the tune so you don't have to re-tune.

 

funny...i live in NYC as well. Here is how I did it.

engine/drivetrain mods: 15% pulley, cai, GRS intercooler, alta catback, stock header/cat for now.

All that felt good until i did the following

Suspension mods: bilstein pss9 coilovers, vorshlag camber plates, 22mm rear swaybar, adjustable rear lower control arms, front lower control arm bushings (powerflex), adjustable front and rear endlinks, wilwood 2 piece f/r rotors w/ ebc yellowstuff pads,

Then it felt great. I then went ahead and did the following:
Corner balance + alignment

Then it felt AMAZING. I did all that with no tune. If i was you I would worry about the suspension/brakes THEN worry about the tune. You dont NEED a tune 15% pulley.

 

Argh, you guys are making this hard. You all make valid points, but I would disagree about the not needing a tune though. I mean yes, technically I don't "need" one, but everything I've read on NAM about RMW tunes says that it makes a big difference -- more power and torque even with just a 15% pulley, CAI, exhaust (i.e. special no header, cam, etc.), smoothing out the power band, etc.

I did my brakes last year -- EBC reds w/braided hoses. Great combo and way less dust on my white wheels.

 

You can get a tune if you want, but like i said its not necessary. It makes a difference yes, you do get more power BUT if your suspension isnt up to par then you cant really use the power...ESPECIALLY if your car squats under accel then you will just be burning up your tires..

 

Agreed. I could wait on either thing really. The main things pushing me towards a tune are that I've wanted one for a while and that Jan is at Helix in Philly next week. I can get suspension done any time, but I hear you on the need to get that right. Based on what I've read, a set of Koni FSDs would be perfect for me, plus maybe some camber plates.

 

A tune is going to put a bigger smile on your face then suspension. If you decide to do more power mods later getting a retune isn't bad. $50 for the retune + dyno time. Let's put it this way.. It'll probably be a year before Jan is back out this way

 

That's true and there's always Christmas for the FSDs :-)

 

Now you're talkin'

 

How much are they charging for a tune anyway?

 

I think it's $350 for the tune itself, plus $95 for an hour of dyno time. Pretty good deal if you ask me. Yesterday they had slots open for Thursday and Friday. They said they'll add Saturday if there's enough interest. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ing-event.html

 

Hey MiniBlu/Fridayiii,

You guys still have plenty of burble and pop with your RMW tunes, right? I've heard some people they got rid of it with a tune and others say you just have to tell Jan to keep it in the tune. I've ordered 380cc injectors from ECS and booked a slot for next Friday. :-)

 

The tune im assuming is a flash. Now if the ecu was reset or the battery was to die, then what happens to the tune ?

 

I think it's a reflash, yes. I'm assuming the battery dying or an ECU reset won't put the ECU back to the original factory software since it's been overwritten. You can always ask Jan or Helix directly to be sure, but I've never heard of it happening.

Btw, Jan just replied to me and told me that I can keep the burble and pop. :-)

 

lol @ keeping the burble/pop, it does sound pretty nice. I am considering driving down there to get a tune but i can only make it on saturday :\

 

I'd prefer Sat, too, but I 'll probably go Fri and work remotely if they don't do it. You could always call Helix and get them to pencil you in for Sat in case they do it that day. If they get enough people they said they would.

 

Normally I would say suspension (shocks, springs, rear sway bar, and camber plates) before a tune. However, since Jan will be in your area I would get a tune.
Just as long as you promise to do the suspension work within the next year.

 

Scout's honor. :-) Actually, I already have a rear sway. It's my second fav mod after my pulley. I also have the cabrio braces (bargain). I'll probably get FSDs by the end of the year.

 

I spoke to Helix, they arent taking appointments for saturday yet. "call back mid next week" is what i was told.