The 'What Should I do to my MS6 (and MS3)" thread!
 

I posted this on the other forum, but I think it would be useful here as well. Not everything below applies to the MS3, just ask and I'll clarify.

This thread is designed with the sole purpose of stopping n00bs from asking that infamous question:

"HaI i'm new...I gotz a MS6 -N- I waHnt to m4ke iT teh fa$t3r! H0w do aye?"

Fear not! This thread is designed to be a simple one stop solution to answer this question. My goal is to break it down for those on a budget with recommended setups from members who have been here for a while, including myself. The goal is to provide a cost effective solution and give you noticeable gains, and update this as parts become available in the future.

I encourage any member to PM me experiences/suggestions, but please keep unnecessary chatter to a minimum. I will ask the 6/MS6 moderators to please clean up this thread as they see fit.

When installing these parts, it's important to save your stock parts. Should you need work at the dealer, you can swap most(or all) of them out and take it in to avoid having warranty issues.

NOTE: This is merely an opinion. These are not absolutes set in stone, so please do not jump me for telling you something that you may not agree with 100%. I assume no responsibility if you void your warranty based on suggestions from this list.


BASIC BOLT-ONS
Goal: Simple install, quick gains, cost-effective


Cold Air Intake/Short Ram Intake
Brands: AEM, Mazdaspeed, Cobb, ProtegeGarage, Corksport, CP-e
Gains: 10-20hp/10-30tq (est.)(depending on model)
Price: $175-400
Install Difficulty: 2/5 (grab a few beers and go to town)

Bypass Valve (BPV)
Brands: Forge, TurboXS, Turbosmart, Greddy, HKS
Gains: Holds boost pressure better than stock
Price: $150-350
Install Difficulty: 1/5 (5 minutes, literally!)

Turbo Inlet Pipe (TIP)
Brands: CP-e, Cobb, RPMC
Gains: 6-7hp, improved turbo response, spool at lower RPMs than stock
Price: $150-200
Install Difficulty: 3/5 (1+ hour, several hard to reach spots)

Top Mount Intercooler (TMIC)
Brands: ETS, TRZ (?), Street Unit, AutoExe
Gains: up to 20hp/tq
Price: $500-800
Install Difficulty: 1/5 (swap the old for the new under the hood, right on top)

Plug 'n' Play tuning solution:
Brands: Cobb
Gains: Depends on setup
Price: $695
Install Difficulty: 1/5 (plug into OBDII port)


Test Pipe (TP)
Brands: Street Unit, Turbo XS, SLS
Gains: 10 hp (est.) smoother turbo response
Price: $100-150
Install Difficulty: 1/5 (4 bolts under car, swap cat out)

Cat Back Exhaust System
Brands: Magnaflow, Corksport, ETS, CP-e
Gains: ??????
Price: $600-1000
Install Difficulty: 2/5 (get under your car and swap some pipes!)


Rear Motor Mount:
Brands: AWR, Street Unit, CP-e
Price: $80-130
Gains: More fluid shifts, better overall driveability
Install Difficulty: 2/5 (2 bolts, need a jack to hold motor up)

Short Shifter:
Brands: TWM
Price:$130-200 (depending on options, with or without bushings, Stage 1 or 2)
Gains: Shorter shifts between gears, less slop in shifter
Install Difficulty:2/5 (1+ hour, removing some interior trim temporarily)



Q - What should I buy for XXXX amount?

A - Depends on what you're looking for. This is the tricky part. Some people go for all power, where others want a good balance of things. Below are some standard suggestions for people based on several price points; $500, $1000, and $1500.


1 - The $500 'Package'

• AWR motor mount - $80
• Cobb SRI - $190
• SU test pipe - $110
• Forge BPV - $155

Total: $535 (yes, a bit more, but a good start for our cars)

2 - The $1000 'Package'

All of the above plus:

• Whiteline rear sway bar - $180
• H&R springs - $240

3 - The $1500 'Package'

All of the above plus:

• Cobb turbo inlet - $165
• AutoExe STB - $245

At the end of this third set, you'll have a noticeable increase in power, and improved handling as well.


Happy Modding!

Dont forget "hole in block stopper" ............... comes in a 12 oz can ... shake and spray the block ... rods wont fly out of it ...


:grumpy:

Dont forget "hole in block stopper" ............... comes in a 12 oz can ... shake and spray the block ... rods wont fly out of it ...


:grumpy:

I'll be sure to add that to my list...

As I said on the other forum (but need to get my post count up on this one) great post. Worthy of a sticky.

no offense, but no downpipes on the list? thats like the first power mod besides a cai. and... you left out the premier plugnplay engine management on the market when you only mentioned the AP:hmmm:

From peoples complaining for the RSB install on a MS6, I would think it's a 4/5 to 5/5 lol.

i don't think very many owners would say a RSB is or should be one of the first parts on the car.... and even fewer owners would say a $245 strut tower bar is part of the first $1500 to spend....

You're gonna get flamed. There's a ton of shit missing from that. And some of the suggestions don't make sense.

This is merely my opinion. for STBs for the MS6, there aren't many options if you have at TMIC. The goal is to try and do simple parts that anyone with minimal experience can install.

Really, I read through the instructions and it's not a difficult install. If bolts break and you run into hurdles, then it could definitely turn into a harder install.

I didn't know CP-e had a PnP solution out there. I can add it to the list if you give me the details. The downpipe is a more difficult install, and thats why I left it out. I'd consider that something to do after the list is completed.

Thanks! I'm gonna try to keep it updated on both.