Newbler says hi
 

Hey folks!

New to the forums.

I have myself a nice stock 2013 speed 3 and love every bit of it.

I have recently been doing some research on aftermarket parts for the little lady though, and have some questions.

At this point in time I'm looking to just remove the restrictive gaseous parts. I'm thinking a better air intake and perhaps a catback exhaust to start with.

the primary idea is just to make sure the car can breath and fart like it doesn't have asthma and hemorrhoids. just to let it perform like it should.

While researching parts, I looked into cobb. I like the noises that come out the back, so I think that would be my option for exhaust.
But on their website under the SF intake box kit, they recommend tuning after installation. My question is how necessary is that tuning? How detrimental would it be for the car if I were to just install the parts and run it as is? Why don't competitors recommend tuning after installation of their equivalent parts?

Thanks for the help all, I'm new to the modding game and gotta start by asking some questions.

For those two mods, tuning isn't a necessity, but I also wouldn't recommend racing it without one (let's say it may not be very happy under hard driving due to a point I'll get to at the end). It is recommended by Cobb because they're arguably the best in the business, it'll always be safer for the car, and it'll actually unlock the potential of those parts since just tossing them on without a tune will yield a minuscule power increase (all from intake, the CBE won't help here). Now, 2 things. I'm asking that you search before you "start by asking some questions", everything I've told you can already be found elsewhere in this forum. They're valid questions, but they can definitely be found on your own. And secondly a short quiz: Given that you wish to improve the airflow throughout the car, what is the VERY FIRST mod you HAVE TO have in order to keep smiling while you've got it to the floor? You have until you install your first performance part/you ask any other modding question for full credit. Hint: The accessport isn't quite the answer but you should definitely invest in one if you'd like to safely continue.
Welcome to the forums, and happy modding.

If your goal is to increase performance and reduce restriction your first mod should be a racepipe (secondary cat delete); and also an Accessport to install the correct tune, and high pressure fuel pump internals.

In terms of restrictions (most gains when replaced) in the exhaust on the stock turbo, they are as follows: Secondary cat, downpipe, center and rear section. Adding a cat back exhaust wont do much and is simply a noise maker.

The installation of a racepipe (or any modification that will actually increase the cars performance) REQUIRES the installation of high pressure fuel pump internals. Its not if but WHEN the stock will fail to keep up with the increased airflow demands and you will get the all to common ZOOM ZOOM BOOM.

Having the proper tuning is critical for these cars. There are a few basic mods that when installed will extract 90-95% of the power available with the stock turbo. Hell, there is a tune available for free in the dyno section that puts down 50wtp over stock with just a tune and HPFP internals. This is EXTREMELY well documented, and there is an incredible about of information on the forum. Do some more homework before spending buying any parts.

Welcome. I would suggest getting the TIP/TIH and intake first. Then a RMM. These don't need tuning.

Welcome to your new expensive hobby. I bought mine 6 months ago and the mod bug just recently bit. waiting on hpfp and AP to instal. Those two are a must before proceeding. Make sure you search before posting or the 150 pound soaking wet keyboard warriors will raise their ugly heads.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yup, every forum is the same, there's always gonna be those that first introduce you to the search function.

When I was new to drums, I asked questions.
When I was new to firearms, I asked questions.

I've learned a lot that way, and given time and experience I learned a lot on my own. Whenever someone asks me questions about stuff I'm passionate about, I will sit and chat with them all day given the chance. People gotta start somewhere. Better they be encouraged, I think.

I just enjoy talking about things I'm passionate about, regardless of how silly or 'newbish' the question is, or how many times I've had the same conversation with other people.

I guess I expected more from the community, lol.

Thanks for those that gave a straight answer.
I'm new, so my line of thought may need correction.

Welcome.

You'll find the beginner mod path as follows:

1. AP and Internals combo
2. Intake (TIP + SRI)
3. RMM
4. RP/DP

Honestly though, once 1 is completed, you're basically safe to do most things provided the car is in good working order before all the mods go in. The above will get you a pretty decent power bump as well as removing good portion of the restrictive parts. Keep in mind though if the above is really all you want to do (i.e. no real thoughts on updating intercooler, meth, corn, etc) the tune is the most important. The above 4 things need a tune to get the most out of them.

Welcome, like these guys have said, best things you can do to unlock power potential is HPFP internals and an AP. After that, opening up the down/racepipe and intake will get you significant gains, for not all that much money...

Best thing you can possibly do though is start searching around here for threads relevant to your mods/questions and just read, read, read. There's tons of info around here, start with the sticky threads in the various sections and make sure you read your welcome post!

Good luck and happy modding!