Big Decision

[briancox33]

So I contacted Cobb wondering if I could run stage 2 with a stock CBE and catted DP. They got back to me very fast and said it is completely safe because cat-backs do little - nothing restriction wise(noise makers). So I have $600, do I make my car a stage 2 sleeper with an Invidia CDP and Grimspeed heat shield or do I go suspension with sways and endlinks? My car is a DD and I do some mountain runs about once a month that I run decently hard. If you have any input please let me know what you think.

[Methodical4u]

Had you searched on here first, you would have saved yourself the hassle of contacting cobb. Anyone on here can tell you a CBE does nothing gain wise.

You don't need a catted DP, but if you choose to use one that's your choice. Why a heatshield? That's going to do very little. Get a DP and a CAI. If you have an AP already then just go with their tune. If not, then I would contact torqued performance (Eric) and go with an opensource tune.

A heatshield is ok, but a turbo blanket is going to keep your temps cooler than anything else. Get the heatshield later.

[11blackSTi]

While the heatshield won't do much for raw power gains, you will be protecting your engine if there are any fluid leaks from cracked lines, and also will be good for preventing heatsoak to the nearby intercooler when you are at a stoplight. You can modify your stock one to fit with an aftermarket DP, or as suggested just buy the grimspeed one. I wouldn't want to not have a heatshield on.

Also, how do you feel with the car at the current power levels when taking corners fast? If you don't like the feel now, then adding more power without any suspension upgrades might not be your best option. Sometimes upgrades to prepare your car for more power are the safer option.

[Methodical4u]

While the heatshield won't do much for raw power gains, you will be protecting your engine if there are any fluid leaks from cracked lines, and also will be good for preventing heatsoak to the nearby intercooler when you are at a stoplight. You can modify your stock one to fit with an aftermarket DP, or as suggested just buy the grimspeed one. I wouldn't want to not have a heatshield on.

I don't have one... haven't had one for a while now actually and have had no issues... it's gonna get hot under the hood until the car starts moving either way.

[11blackSTi]

I don't have one... haven't had one for a while now actually and have had no issues... it's gonna get hot under the hood until the car starts moving either way.

Yeah no leaks then no problem. I just think that for how inexpensive it is to have one on (especially if you modify stock or buy used) why not? I don't need my seatbelt unless I get in an accident...Just my opinion though.

[MainFrame]

I don't have one... haven't had one for a while now actually and have had no issues... it's gonna get hot under the hood until the car starts moving either way.

So have you had a power steering line crack, spraying fluid on your turbine housing? Because I know someone who did (PS line cracks are common for us), and it burned his car to the ground. Just because your car has survived thus far doesn't mean it's a wise decision.

[wrxtreme06]

You don't need a catted DP, but if you choose to use one that's your choice.

Cobb stage II maps actually state very clearly to use a catted downpipe

[Methodical4u]

So have you had a power steering line crack, spraying fluid on your turbine housing? Because I know someone who did (PS line cracks are common for us), and it burned his car to the ground. Just because your car has survived thus far doesn't mean it's a wise decision.

Nope, not a single issue, no cracks, no nothing. Don't get me wrong, I have been planning to get a heatshield back on the car, but right now it's about money... which I we're low on right now.

[Methodical4u]

Cobb stage II maps actually state very clearly to use a catted downpipe

If he is using a cobb map, that's fine... i'm just stating that if he were to go OS with a TP map, he doesn't need it.