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Budget Mods

14266 Views 53 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  valleyracer
I haven't seen a list like this floating around so I thought I would put some ideas together.

I've read several times that our cars aren't that mod friendly and have at times thought so myself but for around $100 someone should be able to see some very noticeable gains.

1. Gut the 2nd cat. FREE. Reports of up to 10 hp gains.

2. Spark plugs. $20-$30. http://www.forteturbo.org/forum/18-kia-forte-turbo-maintenance/585-spark-plugs.html

3. Wastegate boost hack. $10-$20. 3-4 psi gains until high rpms. http://www.velosterturbo.org/forum/xenon-element/11980-diy-wastegate-boost-hack.html

4. Air filter. $25-$50. Drop in or cone. Maybe 1-5 hp. I have no idea.

5. Intercooler resonator delete. $20-$30. Reports of up to 13 hp gains.

6. Upgraded hotpipe. $75-$100.

Mileage will absolutely vary. Some of the hp claims seem very high to me but who knows.
All of these can probably be done for a shade under $100 and in ideal situation should be able to net double digit hp gains, better mileage, and a few tenths off the 1/4 mile.
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What is the waste gate hack
I was too lazy to find it earlier.
Essentially you just get your boost reading after the intercooler rather than before it.


DIY: Wastegate Boost Hack
Also put upgraded hotpipe. You can do it for about 75-100

I will sticky this if needed to
I didn't put the hotpipe initially because I was asuing a $100 budget. But I guess that doesn't really matter. Even with it you could probably do it all for under $150 with a little shopping around.
I didn't put the hotpipe initially because I was asuing a $100 budget. But I guess that doesn't really matter. Even with it you could probably do it all for under $150 with a little shopping around.
Ah OK I read it wrong lol. It is a option if you want to do the stuff you listed first which I would recommend and then the next time do the hotpipe

Stickied so everyone can add to this so the OP can update the post as needed
Ah OK I read it wrong lol. It is a option if you want to do the stuff you listed first which I would recommend and then the next time do the hotpipe

Stickied so everyone can add to this so the OP can update the post as needed
$100 is arbitrary really. It's just cheap mods that have real gains. The hotpipe definitely falls in that category from what I've read.
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$100 is arbitrary really. It's just cheap mods that have real gains. The hotpipe definitely falls in that category from what I've read.
Must ad catch cans for sure! That's a big one

For the res delete pipe put a link to 6ths site for it
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Tork also has the delete for about the same price shipped but is SS (which looks like the same finish as the stock one) instead of aluminum (and shiny From 6th)in case any one wants options (and makes it easier to justify buying the tork collars).

Now I am off to read the wg hack.
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Tork also has the delete for about the same price shipped but is SS (which looks like the same finish as the stock one) instead of aluminum (and shiny From 6th)in case any one wants options (and makes it easier to justify buying the tork collars).

Now I am off to read the wg hack.
If I add a link it will probably be to both. I probably will next time I'm bored.

I should probably add rigid collars too. And maybe a trunk brace.

Let us know if you do the wg hack. I would like to hear my results from it before I do it myself. Sounds pretty good though.
Wastegate hack is a good mod to do because it will hold your boost better through the rpm range and the car is more responsive. For the price it's worth a shot for the non tuned guys.

Fixed the wastegate hack link in the first post.

Also may want to add the 6th shifter bushings for the manual guys. The Tork collars would be another good one to add with the trunk brace like you said
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1. Gut the 2nd cat. FREE. Reports of up to 10 hp gains.

2. Spark plugs. $20-$30. Spark Plugs

3. Wastegate boost hack. $10-$20. 3-4 psi gains until high rpms. http://www.velosterturbo.org/forum/x...oost-hack.html

4. Air filter. $25-$50. Drop in or cone. Maybe 1-5 hp. I have no idea.

5. Intercooler resonator delete. $20-$30. Reports of up to 13 hp gains.

6. Upgraded hotpipe. $75-$100.

Quick question..
On a stock car, which of these will make the car sound louder or even slightly annoying to others?
I'm really trying to minimize on noise but have the advantages of performance.
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Tried the link and states page not found.
Gutting the cat may slightly increase exhaust volume.
But with the rest of the stock exhaust components in place it SHOULD be largely unchanged. That is pure speculation though as I have not done this.

The link does appear to be broken. Huh. I can't find it over on the Veloster forum either. I guess I'll have to dig around and see if I can find it somewhere.
the boost hack is a yellow area.. some reports its good some its bad.. I think the link was removed due to the dubious nature of the mod.. I don't have a dog in the fight..
Rigid Collars and Intercooler Resonator delete were the first two things I did to my car. I got them both from Tork and saved on shipping. Plenty of good things to say about the rigid collars!
just curious can you say what those good things are about the rigid collars?
Rigid Collars and Intercooler Resonator delete were the first two things I did to my car. I got them both from Tork and saved on shipping. Plenty of good things to say about the rigid collars!
maybe a photo or two for those not in the know...........
IMO the wandering steering feel is greatly reduced with the rigid collars.
This video explains the point behind the the collars. It's 4 minutes well spent.
This thread from the Veloster Turbo forums details the install pretty well. Turbosocks Rigid Collar Install
Here's a distilled install thread from Turbosocks: http://www.turbosocks.com/assets/rigid_collars.pdf

The Intercooler resonator delete thread over at the VT forums is a wealth of knowledge too: Intercooler pipe mod / TorKPipe : review!
I personally went with Tork / DamnfastDD because their pipe is stainless steel.
IMO, the throttle response is much smoother and the Red Rocket pulls all day in 3rd gear now.

Turbo Veloster Tork Pipe | DamnFastDD.com is the Veloster / Forte part.

They talk about the Veloster collars being different sizes, but the ones I got from Tork were all the same sizes.
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i'm gonna get the collars too seems like a great investment.
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