Tax refund improvements - advice!?

[Citrix]

I'm coming in to some cash around tax time and I've budgeted <$2k to spend on my car. Once spent - that will be it - no more mods.

Would I be better off getting a Turbo to cat exhaust (I'm pretty sure the cat-back is fine from my reading).
- Key benefit being a nicer sportier note and a little power

or the Chiptorque flash?
- key benefit being more power, but mostly a more even spread of power and less limitation. (I think it would be a nicer all round drive without the OEM restrictions).

I was also going to throw in an engine mount, but am second-guessing that now in case I end up with ridiculous vibrations in my daily drive.

Any advice on Brisbane Vendors also appreciated.

PS: I only have an SRI at this point.

[mazda6mps]

Dump pipe is about 1k - 2XS i think are in QLD and do the dump pipes for the 3. Aussie made and proven results.
Custom exhaust after dump pipe should set you back about $800 - mild steel, mandrel bent. Stainless is good, but it will be loud and possibly drone. $$ are on the exhaust/resonator out the back. Get a good one.
Throw in engine mount for $200 - Sure motorsports.
The other option is the Hypertech tuner - i think it works on the Gen 1, no love yet for the Gen 2. US seller on this forum is the go (Advancespeed). - approx $500 AUD shipped.

[raffa]

I was just about to ask the exact same question ..
I'm thinking dump pipe, hypertech , jbr rear mount and in dash DVD and maybe some yellow coilovers >3k ? And if I get more hyperflow tmic ?

[Reedy]

On a $2000 budget, get a DP (2XS or CP-e, Just don't order from MPSG), Hypertech tune and a SURE rear Engine mount.

If you have any money left over get a Rear Swaybar as well.

I have the Street grade engine mount, after about 1000k's the vibrations are mostly gone, the improved drivability is just so worth it. It improves the daily driveability in a lot of ways because the clutch will actually have some feel to it for once.

[luke 3mps]

SRI $300ish
intake pipe $200ish
Engine mount $200ish
corksport DP $400ish ( reuse 2nd cat) not sure if troy has on that can do this?
hypertech flash $450 ish
Rear sway bar $300ish


PS hope you can do install yourself

[KRNAGE]

Are you going to fit the mods yourself? The DP would be the hardest out of all of the mods you'd get so did you budget in labour?

You can find good prices for a Hypertech in the US stores just need to setup a forwarder

[Citrix]

Thanks for the advice guys, sounds like the exhaust is the best way to go. A SURE engine mount will probably be in there too since wheel-hop is embarrasing.

Raffa, I was also considering the Double-din GPS/DVD and speaker combo. It's still a possibility but it was looking to be pretty expensive since I'd have to replace the whole BOSE system (I hate the BOSE, but it might sound okay after some cheap dynomatting).

Don't know much about hypertech yet, but it also sounds good - will do some reading.

I won't be doing any of the installs myself... I have feeble office worker hands and operating a toaster is about the limit of my mechanical abilities.

[SarcasticOne]

I won't be doing any of the installs myself... I have feeble office worker hands and operating a toaster is about the limit of my mechanical abilities.

Sounds familiar

[raffa]

Raffa, I was also considering the Double-din GPS/DVD and speaker combo. It's still a possibility but it was looking to be pretty expensive since I'd have to replace the whole BOSE system (I hate the BOSE, but it might sound okay after some cheap dynomatting).

Yeah looked at that one too , but I'm concerned bout some of the grafix quality one that on I've found a few other ones on eBay
But I guess you get what you pay for !!

[Citrix]

I've since had the seller confirm that it will wipe the A/C display on <07 models (Mines 06). So I've ruled it out.

If you want quality gear at cheaper rates, you can try the Pioneer factory seconds store at https://shop.pioneer.com.au/itf/phx/phoenix.nsf/Index Huge reductions on reconditioned units.