[Eric335]

Hey E9XPost,

Today, i am blessed to have a pretty bad problem: i cant figure out what i want to do next

From factory, all it has is Sports Package. I have the stock oil-cooler.

Currently, i have:
-black kidneys/black lowers
-AlpineMSS HID Angels (i LOVE them!)
-Vishnu Procede Rev2.5 (as of a couple weeks ago)

Mods im considering:
-VRSF Full exhaust (with stock DPs, ~$800 + install)
-VRSF DPs ($320 + install)
-ST Coilovers (~$1000 + install)
- Mtech front bumper and CF splitter($ ???)
-Mtech rear bumper ($ ??? )
-Tint ($150-200)
-Performance Shifter ($ 125 )



Upcoming Maintenance:
-Clutch, stocker is slipping bad (im going with ACT Street most likely)
-Oil change
-Tires

I will be replacing my rims when i have to replace my tires to save $ (i have maybe 5-7k miles left on these tires, max). Ill probably end up going with BBS LM-R reps or Forgestar F14s, for reference.



What Would you do?
What mod would you recommend, and why? I think ill stay away from go-fast mods until the initial 'wow!' of my tune has worn off. I still find it to be a beast, even with just a Procede So, im slightly leaning towards the ST Coils or some new bumpers.

I cannot decide Opinions?

[N8N]

Take care of the maintenance items first, seriously...

Don't see a larger intercooler on your list? That seems to be high on most people's list along with DPs. I'm thinking about an IC and an aux oil cooler myself. DPs are probably a good mod as well but are the most expensive that I've listed and I ASSume are a PITA to install.

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by N8N

Take care of the maintenance items first, seriously...

Don't see a larger intercooler on your list? That seems to be high on most people's list along with DPs. I'm thinking about an IC and an aux oil cooler myself. DPs are probably a good mod as well but are the most expensive that I've listed and I ASSume are a PITA to install.

Oh, i will be doing those no matter what, im just listing them to show that ill only be doing tires and rims once i wear out my stockers.

And while i drive aggressively, i dont drive long enough/hard enough to get to scary temps (even in hot Florida). I hit 250 every now and then, but for the most part, ill see around 200-220 before i have to turn her off (city driving). Its only when im out on the weekends that i drive it hard, and its usually nice and cool outside (70's, at night). Keeps the heat soak down.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Upgraded IC and oil cooler are a must for long term ownership IMO. Not sure if you lease or own, but if you're in for the long haul with her definitely do it- heat kills an engine...fast.

[BMWcoupe335ii]

Get maintenance out of the way then save another grand and order the full mtech kit from tischer

[Delusive]

Originally Posted by BMWcoupe335ii

Get maintenance out of the way then save another grand and order the full mtech kit from tischer

+1

I'm putting a hold on modding and going to take care of my maintenance, you should do the same.

[spiike32]

aftermarket clutch and install will eat up your $1k pretty fast.

#1 tint = $300
#2 coilovers = $1k
#3 wheels =$1.4+ incl tires
#4 downpipes =$400
#5 ...

You're just getting started. Fix you car first then tint it.

[VTECaddict]

coils, especially if you're planning to get rims in the near future.

[Laguna Seca Blue]

Once you've taken care of your maintenance items, I strongly suggest you get a set of coilovers. The stock suspension is the weakest part of our cars. My AST's with Swifts completely transformed the driving experience. The car stays flat and planted while cornering and you can really take full advantage of your current and future engine mods. Your PROcede for example will become a lot more fun when you're able to safely and predictably put that power to the ground

[Eric335]

I think ill go with ST Coils. The maintenance stuff isnt a part of the budget, more of a reminder for me, since im still calculating my expenses with the car

[Eric335]

Originally Posted by spiike32

aftermarket clutch and install will eat up your $1k pretty fast.

#1 tint = $300
#2 coilovers = $1k
#3 wheels =$1.4+ incl tires
#4 downpipes =$400
#5 ...

You're just getting started. Fix you car first then tint it.

This is probably what i will do. The tint is a must in Florida

[jphughan]

Unless Florida is a lot cheaper than Austin, don't spend only $150-200 on tint unless you want a poor installation of low-quality tint that will look bad and have to be done again in a few years, if it even looks good from the beginning. Especially given that you're in Florida, pony up for good ceramic tint for the added heat rejection. I have 35% F1 Pinnacle Ceramic and I love it. Unlike other tints that have an orange/green/purple tinge, F1 just looks smokey, i.e. very OEM.

As for everything else, it sounds like you're much more into your car's looks and sounds than its performance judging by what you've already done and most of what you're contemplating; even the PROcede is geared more towards you being a straight-line hero. While coilovers may indeed improve the driving feel and overall handling, since you're on a rather limited budget and have a lot you're considering, be honest with yourself: Are you currently driving your car on fun twisty traffic-free roads (or the track) where you'll actually appreciate the handling improvement, or are you just DDing down city streets and the freeway? The answer to that should at least help narrow down the list to mods that you'll feel you've gotten your money's worth from.

[CombatNinja]

None of the above. Keep saving for the mods of all mods on these cars--a limited slip differential. It is like buying a completely different car.

[ragingpanda]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

None of the above. Keep saving for the mods of all mods on these cars--a limited slip differential. It is like buying a completely different car.

Better tires will make a bigger impact than a LSD in real world applications.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

None of the above. Keep saving for the mods of all mods on these cars--a limited slip differential. It is like buying a completely different car.

My same comment about coilovers would apply to this, i.e. the OP's apparent priority for appearance over handling. But incidentally, does installing an LSD in a car that isn't set up for one mess up DSC either in its intervention patterns or how quickly and well it makes corrections after intervening? I would think it would.

[splitsecond]

Coilovers will make the biggest overall difference, but be prepared for a compromise in ride quality. If you're not too concerned about adjustability of ride height, consider getting a spring/shock set... it'll allow you to get a nicer set within the same budget. Koni FSDs and the BMW Performance suspension are known to have good ride quality with a much more aggressive handling profile.

If you're looking for power, then downpipes should be the next step. When you're running higher-than-factory boost, your factory downpipes will be very restrictive.

[flip4335]

Originally Posted by jphughan

My same comment about coilovers would apply to this, i.e. the OP's apparent priority for appearance over handling. But incidentally, does installing an LSD in a car that isn't set up for one mess up DSC either in its intervention patterns or how quickly and well it makes corrections after intervening? I would think it would.

If OP's a poser, then he is on track with the show part.

If the OP wants go with the show, the first real mod to do is install a real LSD (gear or plate doesn't matter). I have had my Quaife diff for the past three years...and it has saved wear and tear on my rear brakes (e-diff uses braking power as part of the nanny control system) and provided tons of fun, especially with the DSC off.

As for your question, every car is setup for LSD...you just have to install it. Turbo, naturally aspirated, it doesn't matter. The LSD works on all vehicles without interfering with any electronic nanny controls. When you do (it is a mechanical item so there is no interference with the DSC aspects of the car), you will notice the difference right away.

Read this thread:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311570

Other mods are available, but LSD mod should be considered as one of the top three mods for go...then you could SHOW off your beastly modded ride.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by flip4335

As for your question, every car is setup for LSD...you just have to install it. Turbo, naturally aspirated, it doesn't matter. The LSD works on all vehicles without interfering with any electronic nanny controls. When you do (it is a mechanical item so there is no interference with the DSC aspects of the car), you will notice the difference right away.

Checked out that thread, interesting reading. I was more considering the fact that with an LSD, the rear wheels' relative speeds would be different in a given cornering scenario than they would be with the stock open diff. Undoubtedly they'd be different in a way that's better for handling, but given that DSC may be programmed to expect certain wheel behavior in a given cornering scenario based on what it ASSUMES the car has, if it sees something different because of the LSD, I'd be surprised if that didn't cause it to intervene. The more I think about it, the way it recovers may not be very different because of an LSD since recovery is usually cutting throttle and braking certain wheels, but I would still imagine that DSC might trip based on a different wheel speed ratio than would have occurred if an open diff were still installed.

[trimtab81]

If you are looking for performance I would go with DP's and a FMIC, that'll let you crank up the boost...buying a catback with stock DP's is kinda pointless unless you just want the sound...stock DP's are a big choke point in the exhaust...if you want looks, a full mtech setup looks good but don't forget the skirts...a coilover kit looks sick too...just a little drop makes the car look so much more agressive...thats pretty high on my list now...anyway good luck with the mods

On a side note...the clutch should be at the very top of the list...especially if you're leaning towards performance mods

[King mode]

down pipes and FMIC. Make it fast before pretty. And I agree with the maintenance comment.

[flip4335]

Originally Posted by jphughan

Checked out that thread, interesting reading. I was more considering the fact that with an LSD, the rear wheels' relative speeds would be different in a given cornering scenario than they would be with the stock open diff. Undoubtedly they'd be different in a way that's better for handling, but given that DSC may be programmed to expect certain wheel behavior in a given cornering scenario based on what it ASSUMES the car has, if it sees something different because of the LSD, I'd be surprised if that didn't cause it to intervene. The more I think about it, the way it recovers may not be very different because of an LSD since recovery is usually cutting throttle and braking certain wheels, but I would still imagine that DSC might trip based on a different wheel speed ratio than would have occurred if an open diff were still installed.

A DSC reduces power, while an LSD transfers power to the wheel that still has grip, which will enable you to power out of a curve because the power will be transferred to the outside wheel. This is a mechanical process that detects slippage and automatically transfers power without any effort from the driver.

When I am drifting and going into a power slide, I have DSC off, so the brakes do not get modulated to rob me of power to the wheels.

DSC detects slippage, so if one wheel is rotating faster than the other, it will apply the brakes (and rob you of power to the wheels) in an effort to stabilize the platform. With DSC on, you will not be able to drift.

[Envuks]

Coilovers. Wheels and tires are always the first thing I change out on my cars, followed quickly by a set of coils... It's not even a decision IMHO based on the options you presented...