Mods to throw on my gen 2 ms3?

[same2me]

Having recently turned 16, my parents and I drove about 2 hours away to pick up a 2012 ms3 with 72k miles on it. I have saved money from as early as I can remember, and thought that this would be a nice and reliable car for me to purchase as I only had to pay half the price -- thankfully.
As I am somewhat new to the car "scene" and speculation depends on model, I decided it would be best to come on here and ask for a few opinions. What should I do to my car next?

What was on the car when I bought it:
motegi ff7 wheels
ultimate racing catback
injen cai
cobb shift knob
cobb lowering springs (1")

what I have put on it so far:
cs short throw shift plate




As for what to do now, I have no idea. I assume upgrade the fuel pump, then get an accessport, etc? I have no idea! If someone could guide me in a good direction that would be great. I'm a bit lost, thanks!

[Mmahan3510]

All you need to start is ap, or versatune, high pressure fuel pump internals, intake and e85 tune if you have it available. Most will say that is one of the best ways to get started and really enjoy the power of these few mods. Just search and read. Also before any serious mods figure out what your end goal will be. There is much fun to be had with this platform!

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[StevenPThomas]

I've also got the Corksport TMIC and Cobb TBE. With the e85 you'll be knocking on 300hp.


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[Ranyard]

6 months till zoom zoom boom or crash.

[StevenPThomas]

Originally Posted by Ranyard 6 months till zoom zoom boom or crash.

That's harsh.


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[g00s3y]

OP thinks an MS3 is a nice and reliable car after having been abused for 72k miles. No HPFP internals on it, but got a CBE and CAI.

Probably will be blowing up in about 3k miles.

Also, asks the same questions that have been asked over and over...

[Revolv0]

Originally Posted by same2me Having recently turned 16, my parents and I drove about 2 hours away to pick up a 2012 ms3 with 72k miles on it. I have saved money from as early as I can remember, and thought that this would be a nice and reliable car for me to purchase as I only had to pay half the price -- thankfully. As I am somewhat new to the car "scene" and speculation depends on model, I decided it would be best to come on here and ask for a few opinions. What should I do to my car next? What was on the car when I bought it: motegi ff7 wheels ultimate racing catback injen cai cobb shift knob cobb lowering springs (1") what I have put on it so far: cs short throw shift plate As for what to do now, I have no idea. I assume upgrade the fuel pump, then get an accessport, etc? I have no idea! If someone could guide me in a good direction that would be great. I'm a bit lost, thanks!

The forum members have little patience for newbies that don't research. Save up for an engine rebuild, Cobb AP, and internals. It is a roll of the dice with the mods currently on the car, if it will ZZB. Donate and they may all be nicer to you... That's a roll of the dice as well.

[Mmahan3510]

Don't harp on the kid too bad...I don't want to back up improper mods, but he bought the car with these mods on it. At that age we should all be helping with guidance and not criticism. Gotta learn the right way one way or another, if we can try and be helpful he may not zoom zoom boom! That is why we are here! This forum is for support and knowledge. Let's show that we can all still be helpful to a young man that is trying to do the right thing with his car, and help him not blow it up!

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[JakeMS3]

OP, first thing to do ASAP is get fuel pump internals. If it doesn't already have one, get a RMM. If cash is tight, stop there and get a OTS+ map from one of the tuners on here and enjoy those mods for the time being. The RMM will tighten up your shifts and make the car "somewhat" drive completely different. Or at least feel like it does. Good luck and congrats on your new ride. I can definitely respect anyone who saves up for their vehicle they want at such a young age.

[tmillner]

Much respect for saving and buying your first car. I will say this car can be a lot for a new driver. Get your hpfp, and an ap and enjoy before going any further. This car is plenty fast as it is. Keep the car maintained, oil catch can, good oil, and valve cleaning. Research mods along the way and as time goes on and you get more comfortable then continue on your path.

Post some pics too

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[Cheapspeed]

Kid is barely 16. This is more than enough car for him stock.

[Mmahan3510]

Agree with cheapspeed, respect the car and the power and be responsible. It may be difficult, but if you really love this car, take care of it and if will be a very enjoyable experience. If you don't you may regret it. And always do your research before you do anything. And listen to people that have been around this forum for a while. They speak from experience.

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[tmillner]

Originally Posted by Mmahan3510 Agree with cheapspeed, respect the car and the power and be responsible. It may be difficult, but if you really love this car, take care of it and if will be a very enjoyable experience. If you don't you may regret it. And always do your research before you do anything. And listen to people that have been around this forum for a while. They speak from experience. Sent from my VIVO XL using Tapatalk

But I said it first!!!

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[08cosmic3]

Best thing to do is find the closest Nator group and have them look at the car. They will know what to look for in the way of mods already on the car and issues the car may soon have. Always maintenance before mods, car may need Chains and VVTA, have the valves been cleaned? etc.

[same2me]

Originally Posted by JakeMS3 OP, first thing to do ASAP is get fuel pump internals. If it doesn't already have one, get a RMM. If cash is tight, stop there and get a OTS+ map from one of the tuners on here and enjoy those mods for the time being. The RMM will tighten up your shifts and make the car "somewhat" drive completely different. Or at least feel like it does. Good luck and congrats on your new ride. I can definitely respect anyone who saves up for their vehicle they want at such a young age.

I forgot to mention, I've already installed a cobb RMM.

[Cheapspeed]

Originally Posted by same2me I forgot to mention, I've already installed a cobb RMM.

Accessport and a proper tune since you're already modded without an upgraded fuel pump and call it done for a few years. You're driving a FWD car that can rival many modern v8s. Don't underestimate it's ability to get you in trouble.

[Jonb82]

Good for you on your purchase! Like everyone else is saying... keep up on the maintenance. When I turned 18 I bought a Eclipse gs-t. Threw an intake and boost control on it. Was it fast? Yes. Did it last? No. Too naive to take care of her and bent some valves due to timing belt going. Lesson learned. This has caused me to be a hypochondriac about the speed.


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[same2me]

Originally Posted by Cheapspeed Accessport and a proper tune since you're already modded without an upgraded fuel pump and call it done for a few years. You're driving a FWD car that can rival many modern v8s. Don't underestimate it's ability to get you in trouble.

I wasn't the first one to put stuff on it of course, only 1 owner though. Had full maintenance log; I didn't ask too many questions at the time. The things I listed are the only things I know that have been done to the car.


I've done:
cs shift plate
hmm (the old one that I replaced wasn't stock, I had no idea what it was so I picked up one of the cobb ones like I mentioned)

What was on it:
tmm? I believe
cbe
1" lowering springs
injen intake

and that's pretty much it as far as I know.

Considering how much that seems to be necessary for this car, before I get to ordering a new one, are there any other comparison pictures besides: Screenshot by Lightshot ?
I can't even find the thread this came from, I'm sure you can maneuver these forums better than me.

Hopefully there is already one installed -- would assume there is due to the shear amount of money put into cosmetics and nic-nacs alone

[tmillner]

Still waiting on pictures or it doesn't exist!

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[same2me]

Originally Posted by tmillner Still waiting on pictures or it doesn't exist! Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

this is all I have for now

[stockms3]

Originally Posted by same2me this is all I have for now

Those wheels....what the fuck. Had to be tuned in mexico.

[same2me]

Originally Posted by stockms3 Those wheels....what the fuck. Had to be tuned in mexico.

wheels look like shit unless you look from the side lol

[Jonb82]

Originally Posted by same2me wheels look like shit unless you look from the side lol

Umm... no. Good wheels look good at all angles. Truly not being a dick but even the stock gen pu wheels look better. Actually they look hella clean on a drop. After seeing the taste of the last owner, maybe you should look into that hpfp and maintenance more like stated earlier. FYI pic is not my car.


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[texasboy21]

Sell the aftermarket parts, and replace them with OEM. In stock form the car is plenty fast, as well as reliable. With the hodge-podge of parts on the car, its safe the say the previous owner wasnt "in the know" with these cars.

Id spend any money worth spending on the car on maintenacne and upkeep. Have you changed the spark plugs? Changed the diff oil? Compression test? Save your money for gas, insurance, and women.

[Jonb82]

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[KiwiFlavor]

OP congrats on your car. Props for saving up to buy your car.

Now, please for the love of God! Listen to all these suggestions above. Hit up your local Nator and bring lots of Vaseline.

[same2me]

in love regardless

Originally Posted by same2me Considering how much that seems to be necessary for this car, before I get to ordering a new one, are there any other comparison pictures besides: http://prntscr.com/bp2fyq http://prntscr.com/bp2i3z ? I can't even find the thread this came from, I'm sure you can maneuver these forums better than me. Hopefully there is already one installed -- would assume there is due to the shear amount of money put into cosmetics and nic-nacs alone

For anyone that was telling me about the hpfp, I was asking if there were any comparison pictures besides that one linked, to guide me when I do decide to take a look. I currently have fender liners on order to replace, so I won't be driving it anytime soon.

[KiwiFlavor]

Something like this?

[MD1032]

Originally Posted by Cheapspeed Kid is barely 16. This is more than enough car for him stock.

Oh man. The things I would have done with this car if I had it when I was 16. Minimum of one accident within one year. Smartest thing my parents did was only let me drive a Civic. Hell even with only like 70 whp, I was still driving like an asshole.

I would upgrade the fuel pump internals, then just get a half decent 93 tune dialed in and leave the power alone until it's paid off honestly. Being a student you will need what little money you have just to maintain your car. The harder you work the engine and the K04, sooner you'll be replacing both.

[g00s3y]

^ That, so much that.

You're young, half my age, the mods it has now are fine, get hpfp internals as stated. A good 93 tune, and you'll be one of the coolest 16 year old kids around.

Also, compression check asap. Just to be sure and safe.

[MacheteJames]

Gen2s have depreciated to the point that 16 year old kids are now buying them? Good lord... I still think of mine as a new-ish car. I guess it really has been almost 5 years.

I hope you're ready for the operating costs. You don't want to end up as car-poor. Between 93 octane fuel, eating expensive summer tires, and other consumables, keeping it on the road is going to cost you. Especially at 72k. It's going to need a valve cleaning and probably new struts if they're the originals.

Just remember to use good judgement when behind the wheel.

[Cheapspeed]

Originally Posted by MacheteJames Gen2s have depreciated to the point that 16 year old kids are now buying them? Good lord... I still think of mine as a new-ish car. I guess it really has been almost 5 years. I hope you're ready for the operating costs. You don't want to end up as car-poor. Between 93 octane fuel, eating expensive summer tires, and other consumables, keeping it on the road is going to cost you. Especially at 72k. It's going to need a valve cleaning and probably new struts if they're the originals. Just remember to use good judgement when behind the wheel.

I have 160k and no valve cleaning.

[ATXMSpeed3]

Invest in a passport radar detector haha. I would've gotten into way too much trouble if I had a fast car when I turned 16.

[IT GUY]

Welcome to the forums. Good luck with the car. Be safe out there. Wouldn't wanna see any speed's or drivers get hurt.

This became an awesome little tool I use a lot to search the forums.
Custom MSF Google Search

And like everyone else said, make sure you have the HPFP.

Also I didn't look more into it yet but I just read a few minutes ago the COBB ap v3 is not going to come with AccessTuner Race software any more???? if that's the case you will want to look into a different brand. Something about having to pay for a class and passing it before being able to own the software??? Thats the biggest load of crap if it is true and they will definitely lose a lot of sales. If i am wrong on this please feel free to let me know in the harshest way possible fella's.

If you still want the AP then look around for a tuner who sells it and can tune the car for you with it.

[Thor Hammer]

If someone mentions HPFP internals to this kid one more time my head is going to explode....Fuuuuuk!

Kid, if you're not driving it search the how to's and pull the pump already. Takes little time. Snap photos of the internals, and post them here. Then go from there.

I cut my driving teeth in a 74 Ford Station Wagon. LOL. Then I got to drive the family 65 fastback mustang for a while before building a 72 mustang with my dad I could call my own at the young age of 18. Long gone are the days of V8 muscle. Now all the kids want rice and turbos.

Many drag races and unnecessary displays of speed later I had amassed 14 speeding tickets over the course of 2 years. I suddenly had a keen interest in air cooled Volkswagens.

Speed safely and welcome to the forum. Don't drive over your head if you catch my drift....

[tmillner]

14 in 2 years!!! That had to hurt the pockets

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[MS3Shadow]

Originally Posted by IT GUY This became an awesome little tool I use a lot to search the forums. Custom MSF Google Search

Just wanted to note, that i made that custom Google search. It's very helpful when you need to search for anything on this forum.

sent from my Nexus 6P

[Cheapspeed]

Originally Posted by Thor Hammer If someone mentions HPFP internals to this kid one more time my head is going to explode....Fuuuuuk! Kid, if you're not driving it search the how to's and pull the pump already. Takes little time. Snap photos of the internals, and post them here. Then go from there. I cut my driving teeth in a 74 Ford Station Wagon. LOL. Then I got to drive the family 65 fastback mustang for a while before building a 72 mustang with my dad I could call my own at the young age of 18. Long gone are the days of V8 muscle. Now all the kids want rice and turbos. Many drag races and unnecessary displays of speed later I had amassed 14 speeding tickets over the course of 2 years. I suddenly had a keen interest in air cooled Volkswagens. Speed safely and welcome to the forum. Don't drive over your head if you catch my drift....

Internals.

[sheston]

Pics of head exploding or it didn't happen :-)

HPFP

[Thor Hammer]

It happened.