Where to start...

[SLO]

Ok, all my cosmetic (or at least non-engine) mods are complete...at least until a front lip comes out. Now that I have completed the break-in period on the car, I'm ready to start with some performance mods. I already have exhaust but I consider that more cosmetic than anything anyway. So, where do I start? The most logical thing would be software, right? Is there anything I should really consider to support the additional hp of the software? Is the DDV very important to have? Oil catch can?

Please help with my list of perfomance mods in order of importance.

[M II]

I would recommend checking out the JB3, it will give you great power and torque gains and the price is pretty good.

After that it is really up to you on how far you want to go. Do you want to eliminate the catalytic converters, or do you want to keep them? How much power are you hoping to achieve?

Your car can and will make awesome numbers, it's really all up to you on what level your looking to take it.

[TheRustler]

lose the runcraps and get some bigger and stickier tires if you plan on getting a tune. Power is nothing without control!

[guardianangel3290]

Terry has shown that south of 400 hp the stock diverter valves work just fine and the oil catch can is a good supporting mod for anyone who wants to make safer power.
I'd go with a tune though. But if you're leaning toward the JB, I'd wait for the JB3 1.4 to be released. Of course, you would need to be careful with the tune and maybe pick up a BT scan cable as well.
If you're not ready to take the plunge on software, definitely go with down pipes. Short of a tune, they are the singular mod have proven to make the most power out of the N54.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by TheRustler

lose the runcraps and get some bigger and stickier tires if you plan on getting a tune. Power is nothing without control!

And judging by that slogan you should get Pirelli Tires.

[SLO]

Thanks guys! I do already have wheels and tires, so good there.

I have the RR DDV valve but haven't installed it yet...still trying to decide whether to keep it and whether I really need it.

Downpipes are at the top of the list...just trying to decide between cattes and catless. I don't want it too much louder so I think I'm willing to sacrafice some power for catted dp's.

The is the toughest call for me. Trying to decide between JB3, SST, etc.

[akak1997]

+1 for JB3. With some better/wider tries, you're gonna love it.

[fshowcars]

undoubtedly JB3... great product and great company to deal with.

[themyst]

I've had a JB3 since 1.2 and I love it. Terry (JB3 creator) could have rested on his laurels and not create a software update after 1.22 and no one would have said a word. 1.3, and now work on 1.4 beta! You will never get burned going with the JB3. Their customer service is AMAZING, and Terry will always get back to any e-mail requests within the hour. No matter how stupid the question, he will always answer it in a professional, friendly manner.

Now... if ONLY Terry would fix the shift bogging for guys who drive an MT, I would be a VERY happy camper!!!!

[TunedM2C]

It's amazing how much performance you get out of the JB3 alone. Add the chip burner and you'll have unlimited upgrade potential. I'm on the new 1.4 beta and it keeps getting better!

[Si-M240i]

Originally Posted by SLO

Thanks guys! I do already have wheels and tires, so good there.

I have the RR DDV valve but haven't installed it yet...still trying to decide whether to keep it and whether I really need it.

Downpipes are at the top of the list...just trying to decide between cattes and catless. I don't want it too much louder so I think I'm willing to sacrafice some power for catted dp's.

The is the toughest call for me. Trying to decide between JB3, SST, etc.

I have the RR DDV kit on my car. The throttle responce feels a little sharper and sometimes you can hear the valves "dump" which it really nice...it's not over bearing at all, just subtle and good to hear.

I'm leaving mine fitted as I think its a great piece of kit. I have the medium springs fitted and will leave them in.

[Eyeman]

I think an oil catch can is the first mod to make if you plan to drive hard at all.

I went the same way as you, cosmetic first, and all I'm waiting on is a lip also. I assume you have an intake. I did that and an exhaust with catless dps. The axleback effected sound more than downpipes. Downpipes mainly just make my car louder at idle.

I'm in no rush to move to my performance upgrades. I'd like to do a flash tune so the longer I wait hopefully the better they'll get and the more warranty that I'll have used. I'll do an intercooler and maybe meth upgrade also at that time.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by SLO

The is the toughest call for me. Trying to decide between JB3, SST, etc.

I ran the SSTT on my car for a while, and switched to JB3. I would recommend the JB3, especially if you're considering going with catless DPs. The gains will be better with the JB with those.

If you decide you want to go with an SSTT, PM me. I'll sell you mine for $100.

[SLO]

Is there much of a performance difference between catted and catless or is it more just the sound?

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by SLO

Is there much of a performance difference between catted and catless or is it more just the sound?

No, there's a performance difference. (Around 20Hp I think).

[ronnyek]

Are you sure about that? Catless and stock maybe, but numbers I've always heard of catless performance downpipes and catted performance downpipes were more like 5hp. Honestly I'd rather sacrifice a few hp and not have my car smell like arse

[My135]

I would start with an oil catch can, JB3 and a front sway bar. All these things are cheap and easy to DIY and give you the best bang for the bucks. After this, it is your call, intake, exhaust, down pipes, larger inter-cooler, coil over, rear sway bar and tire upgrade, but they are more expensive and costly to install (except intake and exhaust).

[ktdw]

I recommend you get a PROcede, or atleast test both tunes before you decide.

Don't get catted downpipes, that's kinda a waste. I see you already have an exhaust, and don't want it any louder, so I would pass on the exhaust side of things. You can better spend that money elsewhere. Ideally, I would have said to go catless downpipes and stock exhaust...that's probably the best combination for those who don't want it too loud, but want good performance.

After a tune, I would focus on suspension mods.

[blklacker]

JB3/New Rubber and you should be good. If that's not enough the DP's.. If your using your ride as a DD then Catch can is recommended...

[SLO]

Originally Posted by ktdw

Don't get catted downpipes, that's kinda a waste.

Really? It won't improve performance at all?

[blklacker]

Originally Posted by ktdw

Don't get catted downpipes, that's kinda a waste.

?? I will have to disagree

[ktdw]

Originally Posted by SLO

Really? It won't improve performance at all?

My point was that I don't think the improvement is worth the cost. Of course it will improve performance, but I'd rather put the money elsewhere.

Now, catless downpipes are a different story.