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1,171 Posts
The goal here is improved drivability, better (or same) economy. This is my daily driver, commuter, and long distance cruiser. Peak performance is NOT the goal. Durability is also important. I fully expect to be driving this car 100K miles from now. I don't want to spend a lot of bux and down time on repairs.
In stock form, the car runs pretty good. It gets good gas mileage on mid grade fuel. It's quiet and comfortable on the highway. I wanted to retain all that; or at least most of it. I've driven the car about 600 miles, so I had a pretty good idea of what needs to be better.
I did a lot of research in a lot of places. Looked at the cost:benifit ratio. After considerable thought, these three areas need to be addressed: 1. Retune the stock computer. That's really the key component on these computer controlled cars. 2. Cold air is good air. 3. If the air moves in, it must move out.
1 & 2: I contacted Brenspeed and purchased a tuner and Mac CAI. Other brands may produce a few extra ponies. But they are also more $$. Gotta have balance. How much is 3hp worth? Installation and re-program took about an hour.
3. Bought a pair of GT take off mufflers on e-bay for $40. Took me about 30 minutes to install. The hangers are a little differant on the '08's. Didn't even need to jack up the car.
Wow! I have a new car! It feels much better. Easier to drive, with a little more low end torqe. The Butt-O-Meter demonstrated a significant improvement in the mid range. The drive by wire throttle behaves much better now. Pulls better out of the corners, too. I just got back from a trip to Denver. Gas mileage is the same, or maybe a smidgen better; certainly not worse.
The sound is also a lot better. When on the throttle there's that sound I love so much. Cruising down the highway or the city street it sounds just as quiet as before. No droning at all.
I'm very happy with these simple changes. This is the way the car was supposed to run from the start. Relativly inexpensive. Easy to do with simple hand tools. Easy to change back.
Next, lowering springs. Maybe.
In stock form, the car runs pretty good. It gets good gas mileage on mid grade fuel. It's quiet and comfortable on the highway. I wanted to retain all that; or at least most of it. I've driven the car about 600 miles, so I had a pretty good idea of what needs to be better.
I did a lot of research in a lot of places. Looked at the cost:benifit ratio. After considerable thought, these three areas need to be addressed: 1. Retune the stock computer. That's really the key component on these computer controlled cars. 2. Cold air is good air. 3. If the air moves in, it must move out.
1 & 2: I contacted Brenspeed and purchased a tuner and Mac CAI. Other brands may produce a few extra ponies. But they are also more $$. Gotta have balance. How much is 3hp worth? Installation and re-program took about an hour.
3. Bought a pair of GT take off mufflers on e-bay for $40. Took me about 30 minutes to install. The hangers are a little differant on the '08's. Didn't even need to jack up the car.
Wow! I have a new car! It feels much better. Easier to drive, with a little more low end torqe. The Butt-O-Meter demonstrated a significant improvement in the mid range. The drive by wire throttle behaves much better now. Pulls better out of the corners, too. I just got back from a trip to Denver. Gas mileage is the same, or maybe a smidgen better; certainly not worse.
The sound is also a lot better. When on the throttle there's that sound I love so much. Cruising down the highway or the city street it sounds just as quiet as before. No droning at all.
I'm very happy with these simple changes. This is the way the car was supposed to run from the start. Relativly inexpensive. Easy to do with simple hand tools. Easy to change back.
Next, lowering springs. Maybe.
