what would give me more power?

[TreeFrog]

simple question

what would give me more horsepower and torqure, a 3" greddy EVO 2 cat back, or boost gauge and contorler set @ 15psi?

my set up:

stock everything cept full Injen intake, and soon to be greddy UICP, LICP, & type rs bov.

not sure which to do first, upping the boost would be cheaper, but what woudl give me more power and how much?

[DragonofBC]

I'd say boost guage before anything else you do. Before I put on my UICP and BOV I was boosting about 14 psi and afterward, I was up in the 16 range. The stock pipe is a pretty significant restriction.

I'd recommend the boost controller before the exhaust not necessarily to raise boost, but to maintain a consistent boost level.

As far as gaining the most power, the exhaust will probably give you the biggest kick, but know that as you remove restrictions in the system, (intake, IC pipes, exhaust etc.) funny things are going to start happening to your boost levels. Ergo, boost gauge first so you can see creeping and spiking should it happen. This is assuming of course that you want your T25 to last for any period of time.

[SLoe]

Originally Posted by DragonofBC

I'd say boost guage before anything else you do. Before I put on my UICP and BOV I was boosting about 14 psi and afterward, I was up in the 16 range. The stock pipe is a pretty significant restriction.

I'd recommend the boost controller before the exhaust not necessarily to raise boost, but to maintain a consistent boost level.

As far as gaining the most power, the exhaust will probably give you the biggest kick, but know that as you remove restrictions in the system, (intake, IC pipes, exhaust etc.) funny things are going to start happening to your boost levels. Ergo, boost gauge first so you can see creeping and spiking should it happen. This is assuming of course that you want your T25 to last for any period of time.

That sounds good to me.

[sganc4life_4]

Turning up the boost a couple of psi will give more hp then exhaust though.

But def go with the controller and gauge first.

[crunchymilk55]

Originally Posted by sganc4life_4

Turning up the boost a couple of psi will give more hp then exhaust though.

But def go with the controller and gauge first.

I disagree.

Stock 2gs are known to boost around 14psi stock. Now, on a practically stock car like treefrog's, a boost gauge and a boost controller don't make any sense. All that's going to do is tell him how much boost he's running, he can't turn the boost up or he'll damage his car, no point to it.

However, an exhaust will sound better, free up some more airflow, and even raise the boost a bit. With just an exhaust and stock everything, I was boosting 15psi, and it felt relatively strong. With an exhaust he'll get the benefit on more power from the exhaust AND the raised boost. No brainer IMO.

Also treefrog, before you consider upgrading your intercooler piping, think about what you're going to get for an intercooler. If you do end up getting the greddy pipes, you're pretty much stuck with the greddy fmic (crappy old design). You won't have options. Not to mention if you ever plan on going the short route piping way, the greddy pipes will be worthless. Short route piping is multiple times better than the older designs. Keep that in mind so you don't waste money.

[SLoe]

Originally Posted by DragonofBC

I'd say boost guage before anything else you do.
I'd recommend the boost controller before the exhaust not necessarily to raise boost, but to maintain a consistent boost level.

As far as gaining the most power, the exhaust will probably give you the biggest kick, but know that as you remove restrictions in the system, (intake, IC pipes, exhaust etc.) funny things are going to start happening to your boost levels. Ergo, boost gauge first so you can see creeping and spiking should it happen. This is assuming of course that you want your T25 to last for any period of time.

I agree with what Dragon said. Factory boost gauge does not even measure boost, it computes it. Boost gauge first. period. Not only will you know for sure what your boost level is, but they are also useful for trouble shooting. Boost controller idk, the factory system controls boost pretty well, but controllers are pretty inexpensive so why not get one now. The answer to the question though, is exhaust will give you the most power increase.

[TreeFrog]

lots of great info thanks, not sure if i'll ever get a FMIC cause the only use for it is with a larger turbo. by the time i get to that i'll be getting an EVO...