Hey all. So I am coming back home from a deployment and I have some questions/looking for a little bit of help. Right now my car is a daily driver with thoughts about taking it to Tail of the Dragon for some fun a few times a year. Eventually I want to get my car to the point where it's track ready, but not anytime soon. Also my car has about 75-80k+ miles on it. My current mod list will be below plus the ones I am looking to get when I get home. I just have a few questions about some parts.

Current mods:
-Alta CAI
-Alta Hot Boost Side
-Alta Down Pipe Back Exhaust

​​​​​​Parts in mind to get when I get home:
-NGK Laser Iridium Spark Plugs ILZKBR7A-8G
-MANIC Stage 2 ECU Tune
-CNT Racing Mini Cooper V2 catless downpipe
-Wagner Tuning FMIC (Competition)
-Oil Catch Can from M7

​For the CNT downpipe I am pretty questionable about because the exhaust I got from them when I had my gen coupe had fitment issues and was wondering what is the difference from this and JM Turbo's downpipe. Another part I was thinking about picking up is the Exhaust Manifold from WMW. When it comes to coilovers I don't know what's good or not. When I start looking to upgrade my suspension I am looking to get coilovers equal to or less then $1k or a better question is what should I stay away from. Also with the milage on my car what would you guys recommend to replace or upgrade.

I know I may be asking a lot but I want to make sure for what I have in mind is the right way to go as I made a few mistakes in my last car.

Thanks.

 

Do you still have runflats on your car or have you gone with a more performance driven tire? If you're looking to do track days/spirited mountain driving I wouldn't go with runflats

 

I currently run HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE2 XL but when I start down mountain driving or track days I will be getting better ones.

 

Most Manic tuners suggest a colder plug for the N14 --- NGK stock # 1422 (ILKR8E6), besides, the one you list (stock # 5992) is no longer available. I don't know what's best for the N18's --- which engine do you have, hopefully the N18?

For the catless downpipe, you need to be sure you can still pass the emissions test for the area you live in. I've read that MarioKart sells one. He also does Manic tunes. Ideally, you can find a tuner local to you, so you don't need to remove the ECU for shipping.

I'll second the runflats suggestion --- lose them!

I wouldn't mess with the exhaust manifold unless you go with an oversize system --- 2.75 - 3" dia. then you're starting to really improve engine breathing.

Before committing to any upgrades, I highly recommend working with a tuner to get their suggestions for how you want to drive the car. My Manic tuner of choice is EuroTechAZ, in Tempe, AZ --- an added 15% WHP to my '07 MCS with nothing more than a stage 4 Manic tune --- 'course my mod list was pretty drastic.

 

Forgot to mention i have a N18 engine. Also the exhaust from Alta is a 3in pipe.

 

My '07 MCS is also using Alta's 3", but they probably updated it since my 2010 buy. My catless downpipe was part of a Garrett turbo kit, and I don't have to worry about emission testing in my county. So yes, go for an upgraded exhaust manifold.

To maximize engine breathing, think about porting the head. Not a simple bolt-on, and kinda pricey, but well worth it if you want big WHP and torque numbers. Lotsa people out there claiming head expertise, but I chose Thumper Performance for mine --- very happy with his results.

I can't help with coilovers --- I built a "sleeper" so it looks like a grampa's Mini --- which it really is. Another worthwhile suspension upgrade would be a Hotchkis Sport Competition Rear Sway Bar --- awesome improvement in cornering.