New to this all

[gizzmoe]

Im new to this whole car modifying thing. Since I just got some money I decided to buy a TSI. I was just wondering what upgrades would be best to do first and what kind of things i can totally skip out on (like gauge pods and such). The only upgrades I know that I wanna do for sure is throw in a big 16 and an HKS SSQBV. Well any helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[DSM-Owner]

exhaust, headers, intake, performance chip, new pulleys... etc anything would do good

[slackingonthe1g]

well it all depends on how far you want to go with your car. i would suggest exhaust first to get it out of the way you will need it.(full turbo back 3" including O2 housing w/ test pipe or high flow cat) next intake pick up a 2g mas. that is a mass airflow sensor from a 95-99 dsm. soon after you might start to get fuel cut so get an aftermarket fuel pump. i personally went with the walboro 255lph. these are just a few things to get you started. check out www.dsmtuners.com they have a whole list of recomended steps i think you will find it very helpful. and to find parts check out www.dsmtrader.com but be careful whendealing with online sales.

[slackingonthe1g]

btw you only have 1 exhaust manifold so you dont need "headerS" and the 2g one is a good and inexpensive upgrade. if you are gonna go with something bigger than a 16g later on down the road like a t3/t4 wait til you get that to get a tubular manifold.

[jp91tsi]

you could easily hit high 12 second passes in the 1/4 mile with about 2k in parts invested into your car, giving you around 300whp.

1) intake filter and pipe (dejon tool works nicely with K&N Filter)
2) boost gauge (preferably autometer) and boost controller
3) catback exhaust (2.5" or 3")
4) high flow cat & downpipe
5) 2g ported exhaust manifold
6) ported O2 sensor housing
7) fuel pump (preferably a 255 from walbro)
8) hard smic upper pipe (buscher)
9) clutch (act 2100 or act 2600)

[gizzmoe]

Just wondering what exactly I will need to upgrade the turbo to either a big 16g or an Evo3 big 16g. Also is the Evo3 better than the big 16? What are the main differences? Also if I got a better boost gauge can I just swap it out with the stock one(assuming there is a stock one, i dont remember offhand)? And if i got a used 2g mani would it be an easy install? Thanks

[jp91tsi]

the big16g turbo will bolt directly onto the stock manifold (if you have a 1g). there are even some kits out there so that you can swap turbine housing from your 14b onto it and save a little cash.

i believe the only difference between the Big16g and the 16g out of an lancer evolution III is that the evoIII turbo has a 6cm turbine housing and the full big16g has a 7cm housing. i'm not totally sure on that one tho.

as for the boost gauge, the most popular places for it are to put it on a pod on the drivers side pillar or if you have a 1g, drill a hole where the button for the pop up lights is and pop the boost gauge in there. just leave the stock one alone. the only reason it is replaced is because it is not as accurate as an autometer.

if your looking to upgrade to a 16g, you'll most likely want to get you hands on the following

1) an Exhaust Gas Temp gauge
2) Apex'i AFC or S-AFC
3) 550cc injectors
and you may want to consider saving up for an fmic (not necessarily needed though)