Hello fellow NAMers,

I have an 07 MCS, current performance mods include Atla intake, warm side boost tube and Borla cat-back exhaust system. I'm certainly looking to get a Manic tune within the next month and would love to go stage 2 however I do not want the added noise or any drone from my Borla by adding a downpipe. My question to the Manic savvy folks, can I expect to see any performance gains from adding a FMIC along with my current mods and a stage 1+ tune? Or is a FMIC pointless unless I decide to go stage 2? One of my key goals for getting a tune is to drop the engine's normal operating temp from ~225° down to ~180°. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

On another note, can anyone provide and first hand feedback on how the Borla cat-back sounds with a milltek catless DP. The Borla is extremely quiet, which is great. I certainly can live with a little more noise but am afraid I'd probably end up regretting the added acoustics a DP would generate.

Thanks

 

The FMIC will always be beneficial for an engine especially a tuned engine that is run harder.

Have you considered a high flow cat like the 100 cell Akrapovic?

 

Yes, I have considered a high-flow catted DP but I understand they still run quite loud plus it's a pretty expensive piece for trial and error.

 

So I just spoke to M7, my local Manic Tuner. It turns out that the FMIC along with a Stage 1+ would certainly provide some benefits and the tune will drop the engine's temp down to 180 degrees

 

The de-catted DPs will definitely be louder and sometimes raspy in the high rpms depending on what exhaust you have, but I have the Akrapovic HF100 catted DP on mine, and its not loud at all. In fact, it gives a nice deep tone when you get on it. Also, keep the resonator on if you want a more civilized exhaust note.

 

+1

The most restrictive part is the DP. So you wont see as much gains without a catless/high-flow DP.
Mario estimates a 15-20% increase in sound when going catless.

 

15-20 percent is not bad at all, especially given that my Borla is pretty quiet. I'm still on the fence but certainly going the FMIC route.

 

I've had stock, catless, high flow Akrapovic. The catless was too loud for me, the Akrapovic I really like and is what I'm using now. In fact my 70 year old coworker was driving behind me one day and commented on how nice it sounded. They do come available on the marketplace for around $400 used.

 

Yep, same. Got my Akra DP used on the forums here for $350 and couldn't be happier with both performance and sound.

 

Just picked up my wagner FMIC this afternoon and planning on stage 1+ later this month. I'll post back and update accordingly.

 

A meth injection kit would have done more for you than a FMIC, drop those intake air temps at or below ambient temperatures. The added octane boost and chilled air turbo engines respond to well, not to mention the added timing advance.

 

That's fair but I must admit that I am 1000% not familiar with meth kits or how they work. I'd rather stick with something I understand and am capable of installing and diagnosing possible issues on my own.

 

To the OP. The water temp drop to 85C is only applicable to the Stage 2 tunes and above. I recommend an FMIC to all of my clients, even those running Stage 1. With a stock tune and factory FMIC the IAT's can exceed 130F. At anything beyond 110F the ECU begins pulling timing to prevent detonation.

 

I agree with Tigger, get the passive FMIC first. Then get the sexy meth kit.

 

I agree also, colder denser air makes power and good insurance. BTW I'm also a Meth believer

mQubed Motorsport California Manic Tuning Dealer

 

We run turbos bud, a catless downpipe isn't going to add noise at all unless you're gunning it. Ended up getting a Stage 2 (Map A currently) on a whim and absolutely love it. My car runs a Milltek catless DP and Milltek resonated exhaust with the oval tips. Normal driving whether it be highway or street is not loud at all. A cop even told me it sounded good lol.

Now when I get on it, it's a different story. Loud AF. lol

 

FMIC and warm side boost tube installed this past weekend, along with a braided turbo oil line. Tuning it sometime within the next 2 weeks. Even with the stock ECU I can certainly feel added gains with these 2 mods, nothing significant but throttle response and booSt both are more crisp.