[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Can I drive the car for a short period of time on the MHD Stage 1 without changing out the plugs/coils/charge pipe? This is a weekend driver car, I'm not racing it or running it hard.

Sure....just stay out of the boost. Worst thing that could happen is you blow the stock chargepipe off and/or get some misfire codes if your coils aren't is good shape.

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Can I drive the car for a short period of time on the MHD Stage 1 without changing out the plugs/coils/charge pipe? This is a weekend driver car, I'm not racing it or running it hard.

A charge pipe is a must, you don't want to be stranded because the plastic one blew cause it couldn't handle the boost, this can happen even if you aren't racing or running tune car hard. The stock charge pipe just can't boost above stock levels, ticking time bomb.

I would do the plugs and coils, if you want to minimise chance of misfires, I did all 3 before I went stage 1, never had a misfire.

[Gregrobin]

Thanks everyone. I talked to an experienced tuner today who came highly recommended. He recommends this charge pipe:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AIR-INTAKE-...-/122517056877

and these downpipes:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/downpipe-N5...-/273729198510

he also recommended the n55 coil packs someone else on here suggested.

Thoughts? Are these good pipes?

[fgpalmer71]

I don't have DP's.....yet...but if it were me I'd buy the VRSF DP's for like $30 more. They're on sale this month for $269 shipped. That or grab a set from a forum member. The CP and knock off BOV might be ok. I'm running an AR charge pipe and genuine TIAL bov, I'm not sure how big a difference a knock bov is going to make. But DP's.....I'd do something different for sure.

[Smgs1992]

Downpipes like suggested. I’d get VRSF and know that theyre gonna fit. My experience with ebay downpipes on other platforms was fitment was off or they rust out after a couple years.

As far as the chargepipe same deal i’d just spend a few bucks more and get a name brand that’s known to fit. I’m running the stock diverter valves at 20psi no problem. However i’ve heard the knock off BOV’s work fine once you put genuine springs in them

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Thanks everyone. I talked to an experienced tuner today who came highly recommended. He recommends this charge pipe:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AIR-INTAKE-...-/122517056877

and these downpipes:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/downpipe-N5...-/273729198510

he also recommended the n55 coil packs someone else on here suggested.

Thoughts? Are these good pipes?

I would do FMIC upgrade before downpipes, because you will be suffering from heatsoak on stock FMIC when tuned, happens even on stage 1 after multiple hard pulls.

Can't speak for Ebay charge pipes, I'm using VRSF one with diverter valves, no BOV.

[Gregrobin]

Originally Posted by Saif2018

I would do FMIC upgrade before downpipes, because you will be suffering from heatsoak on stock FMIC when tuned, happens even on stage 1 after multiple hard pulls.

Can't speak for Ebay charge pipes, I'm using VRSF one with diverter valves, no BOV.

What's FMIC?

[fgpalmer71]

Front Mount Intercooler....

[Gregrobin]

Thanks, what started as what I thought would be a quick and simple flash/tune to get a little extra HP and umph from stock has turned into replacing a lot of parts, which was never my intent/goal. I'm ok replacing the charge pipe and plugs/coils and keeping the car as stock as possible, but I do not want to do more than that.

So, at this point I think I will just stay with stock.

Thanks everyone for the great and thoughtful replies. I've learned a lot.

[ky0u]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Thanks, what started as what I thought would be a quick and simple flash/tune to get a little extra HP and umph from stock has turned into replacing a lot of parts, which was never my intent/goal. I'm ok replacing the charge pipe and plugs/coils and keeping the car as stock as possible, but I do not want to do more than that.

So, at this point I think I will just stay with stock.

Thanks everyone for the great and thoughtful replies. I've learned a lot.

FWIW, a lot of the parts that were suggested to be replaced are not 100% necessary as they span a large range of performance goals. They're there as a matter of thoroughness, to cover your bases. But unless you're planning on flashing stage 2 or above, you don't "need" to do them. (Exccept for the Chargepipe, the stock one is plastic and brittle at this age, significant increases in boost can cause it to explode, but you can get metal ones that utilize the stock Diverter Valves to save on cost).

MHD can run without issues in stage 1 or even stage 1+ without needing more than a spark plug + coils refresh. And that's usually only if you're already at a point where they should be changed out anyways.

I've been running stage 1+ for almost 20k miles with my stock downpipes (with primary oem cats intact) as well as the stock intercooler the car came with. I've had zero issues with my temps or anything. In fact, the only issue I had was blowing an ignition coil once, but that was moreso due to it being the original coil that came with the car from factory. I do drive pretty "spiritedly" but i don't do back to back redline pulls nor do I have any desire to, but if you did, that's when the FMIC would help

[fgpalmer71]

Charge pipe with the plugs and coils puts you into position to flash MHD's stage 1. If you change your mind that's more then enough for the average Joe! Coils and plugs your going to be doing every 30k moles or so anyway. If you have no intention of pushing it past stage 1 then OE coils are fine. OE plugs should also be fine....but for the same money 1 step colder plugs keeps you finer! The FMIC might be overkill for you AND for stage 1. I went with the FMIC because I MIGHT be satisfied with stage 1+.....lol.

Truly, our cars stock are plenty for the average person. I'm just not average and can't leave ANY of my cars alone!

[ky0u]

Originally Posted by fgpalmer71

Charge pipe with the plugs and coils puts you into position to flash MHD's stage 1. If you change your mind that's more then enough for the average Joe! Coils and plugs your going to be doing every 30k moles or so anyway. If you have no intention of pushing it past stage 1 then OE coils are fine. OE plugs should also be fine....but for the same money 1 step colder plugs keeps you finer! The FMIC might be overkill for you AND for stage 1. I went with the FMIC because I MIGHT be satisfied with stage 1+.....lol.

Truly, our cars stock are plenty for the average person. I'm just not average and can't leave ANY of my cars alone!

Honestly i think FMIC's are overkill even for 1+, but that may be due to my personal driving style. I havent ever passed 260f since I flashed 1+, even when having fun. But again, I'm not doing back to back pulls, I know some people do so YMMV

[Gregrobin]

Ok, thanks everyone. Upgrade the charge pipe, maybe replace plugs/coils, go with MHD stage 1. I am on it :-)

[Gregrobin]

I am purchasing the MHD Super License for N54.

I am confused which MHD adapter I need though. I have an Android 6 phone. Do I need this one:

https://burgertuning.com/products/mh...-flash-adapter

Or something else?

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

I am purchasing the MHD Super License for N54.

I am confused which MHD adapter I need though. I have an Android 6 phone. Do I need this one:

https://burgertuning.com/products/mh...-flash-adapter

Or something else?

Either that one or the Thor dongle. I opted for the Thor but only because it was cheaper. Those are the only options as far as I can tell, with the exception of the cord of course.

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by ky0u

Honestly i think FMIC's are overkill even for 1+, but that may be due to my personal driving style. I havent ever passed 260f since I flashed 1+, even when having fun. But again, I'm not doing back to back pulls, I know some people do so YMMV

If your tuned then you know more then I do right now. I just went with the intercooler over DP's originally because I got a steal on a Wagner FMIC from a forum member. I had always intended to go FBO eventually, but now that I'm seeing how these inlets and outlets tend to look after some heat cycles, well, I'm no longer sold. The gains that are quoted for the stage 2+ over the stage 1+ don't SEEM to be massive.....on paper. I might stick with stage 1+ and the xHP tune and forgo the DP's, inlets, outlets, etc. As soon as the Thor dongle arrives we'll see.

[Smgs1992]

Originally Posted by ky0u

Honestly i think FMIC's are overkill even for 1+, but that may be due to my personal driving style. I havent ever passed 260f since I flashed 1+, even when having fun. But again, I'm not doing back to back pulls, I know some people do so YMMV

Intercooler doesnt affect your oil temps at all. It affects your IAT’s(intake air temp) if your IAT’s were even close to 260 you’d have major power loss and probably limp mode.
I have a 7.5in vrsf intercooler and my IAT’s never go more than 10degrees above ambient temp unless i’m sitting in traffic. My temps actually drop during a pull. When the IAT’s get too hot the engine starts to pull timing which reduces power. That will happen very quickly on a tuned car which is why theyre highly recommended even on a stage 1 tune.

[ky0u]

Originally Posted by fgpalmer71

If your tuned then you know more then I do right now. I just went with the intercooler over DP's originally because I got a steal on a Wagner FMIC from a forum member. I had always intended to go FBO eventually, but now that I'm seeing how these inlets and outlets tend to look after some heat cycles, well, I'm no longer sold. The gains that are quoted for the stage 2+ over the stage 1+ don't SEEM to be massive.....on paper. I might stick with stage 1+ and the xHP tune and forgo the DP's, inlets, outlets, etc. As soon as the Thor dongle arrives we'll see.

I can only speak from my personal experiences, but with under stage 2, it seems like the FMIC part depends on your driving. I am planning on getting one and going FBO including inlets because I want to go 2+ and cover my ass and make sure it's all optimized first

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

Intercooler doesnt affect your oil temps at all. It affects your IAT’s(intake air temp) if your IAT’s were even close to 260 you’d have major power loss and probably limp mode.
I have a 7.5in vrsf intercooler and my IAT’s never go more than 10degrees above ambient temp unless i’m sitting in traffic. My temps actually drop during a pull. When the IAT’s get too hot the engine starts to pull timing which reduces power. That will happen very quickly on a tuned car which is why theyre highly recommended even on a stage 1 tune.

Noted! I was under the impression that 1 would lead to another, but I still got a lot to learn.

That being said, I also have never noticed the power loss from heat soak even when I'm being lead footed. I definitely don't doubt that it happens, but i also know me having fun is conservative compared to a lot of you guys in here (although still significantly more aggressive than commute pedalwork). I figured if OP just wanted a bump in power for a fun weekend tourer, he should be fine holding off on the FMIC as long as he stays 1/1+

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

Thanks, what started as what I thought would be a quick and simple flash/tune to get a little extra HP and umph from stock has turned into replacing a lot of parts, which was never my intent/goal. I'm ok replacing the charge pipe and plugs/coils and keeping the car as stock as possible, but I do not want to do more than that.

So, at this point I think I will just stay with stock.

Thanks everyone for the great and thoughtful replies. I've learned a lot.

Then I suggest you do the plugs, coils, charge pipe and run Stage 1 flash,

No other hardware upgrades required.

Big difference between stock and stage 1 flash, you will likely not want to go back after you've flashed Stage 1.

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by ky0u

Honestly i think FMIC's are overkill even for 1+, but that may be due to my personal driving style. I havent ever passed 260f since I flashed 1+, even when having fun. But again, I'm not doing back to back pulls, I know some people do so YMMV

MHD highly recommends FMIC upgrade for a reason on stage 1+

You will get away if you do one or two pulls in low ambient temps, multiple hard pulls will cause timing corrections and power loss, because stock intercooler cannot cool the intake air fast enough.

I got my stock intercooler to heatsoak even on stage 1, after multiple hard pulls at 30 degrees C ambient temps.

[Gregrobin]

My plan is Stage 1 and stay there for a while, probably permanently. Again, this is a weekend driver, I am not racing, dragging, just want a big grin on my face when I step on the pedal from time to time.

So I am hearing I do not need to upgrade the FMIC?

Also, can other's confirm the adapter/cable I will need for the MHD flash using an Android phone?

[fgpalmer71]

Originally Posted by Gregrobin

My plan is Stage 1 and stay there for a while, probably permanently. Again, this is a weekend driver, I am not racing, dragging, just want a big grin on my face when I step on the pedal from time to time.

So I am hearing I do not need to upgrade the FMIC?

Also, can other's confirm the adapter/cable I will need for the MHD flash using an Android phone?

Your a better man then I! Lol. Ever since my very 1st car some 25 years ago, I've had the mod bug. A serious affliction to be sure. It's akin to gambling, or crack. Once I get a taste something takes over me.....I can't stop myself. I'm telling myself that stage 1+ is more then enough. But just knowing that for veritable peanuts I can get more, well, I'm not sure I'll be able to resist the mod bug. I know better, I'm wiser now.....but that chick hits HARD!

Cable....I'd say to spend a few dollars more and grab a good one. Many places have them. Just google MHD cable and pick I'd think. I'm going the wifi route personally. It just seems more convenient.....I plan to log and monitor quite often.