So I just picked up my 2008 G37S Coupe (5AT unfortunately... but I got a killer deal) last week and I want to add a few bolt-ons until I can save up for the GTM S/C or possibly the TT

First things first:
1. Tint - Done
2. Strut Brace & Sway Bars - 2 weeks

Then:
1. Stillen Gen3 CAI
2. TP or HFC - haven't decided on company

I'm looking for more of a throaty exhaust note and obviously avoid any sort of residual fart can raspiness. If I go with TP's, I will be going resonated to avoid extreme raspiness. I've been looking at FastIntentions, Stillen & GTM for both TP's and HFC's. I know there are plenty of others, but it seems that these brands come most recommended. Feel free to recommend others... I plan on keeping the stock exhaust (for now, and maybe always).

I've read thru all the different threads and have seen that almost everybody prefers the Gen3 Intake... but there are a lot of mixed opinions on TP's and HFC's as far as which one and which company... I wouldn't expect much difference in gaines from either one and from one company to another, but mainly the affect they have on the exhaust note... am I correct in assuming this? I watched a lot of videos, but it seems most have installed aftermarket exhaust so I don't know how it will compare to the stock Borla exhaust...

And finally, what sort of gains can I expect from this combo, understanding that TP's will likely give me only 2-3 HP over a HFC, w/o a tune and with say an UpRev tune? Also, is an UpRev tune a necessity with CAI and TP's, or is it a benefit? I've read people that feel that bolt-ons such as these can actually hurt your performance without the proper tune. I plan on installing these myself, and then taking to a tuner when the time comes.

Any other cheap and easy bolt-ons that could give me even 5 HP. I like the idea of Headers... but obviously not cheap or easy.

 

here is my thread when I had ONLY Stillen Gen3 and Berk HFC's. https://www.myg37.com/forums/media-s...-berk-hfc.html

Since then I have gotten the ARK exhaust and after a tune I picked up ~18 WHP but prior to a tune, with the intake and HFC's don't expect a ton of gains.

The intake will cause your AFR to be off, which won't hurt anything, but your gains just wont be as much after the tune

Hope this helps!

 

Thanks, I actually watched your video earlier... sounds great!

So w/o a tune, 8-10 WHP or so? $1000 for those gains seems a bit ridiculous... but then you get the added bonus of better sounding exhaust.

I've heard an UpRev tune may only add ~10 WHP to a setup like this... How noticable was the 18 WHP gain? Enough to drop your 0-60 times a couple 1/10ths of a second?

 

Try looking at Tanabe's exhaust...
Tanabe USA Inc. - Medalion Touring Exhaust

Made about over 10 hp without a tune IIRC...

 

ERZ HFCs. Most affordable out there. Very happy with mine. No CEL.

Exhaust? Go full catback. Fast Intentions.

 

That is a VERY optimistic claim, I sincerely doubt it made 10 WHP w/o a tune

Honestly, w/o getting a tune you are not going to see any significant gains. And in terms of what you will gain WITH a tune, it is completely up to the skill of the tuner.

The difference from before/after the tune was like night and day. Both on the butt dyno, and the real dyno. Also the car was MUCH more responsive, and the AFR was back into ideal range.

Also remember, my 18 WHP gain was with the intake, HFC, AND exhaust. I would wait until you have all 3 to do a tune.

 

^ I agree with highspeed.. He knows what he's talking about. Anyone who thinks they can bolt on some parts like CAI and HFC without getting tune is dreaming that they will actually notice a difference. The reason for a tune is to calibrate the engine ECU and A/F ratio to work correctly with the bolt on parts that you add. With all my bolt ons and no tune my car was actually running slower and more sluggish than stock. If it's power you want out of bolt ons, and not just sound then I recommend seeing a good tuner. If the car is not running correct A/F ratio you're not going to see any increase in power and might even be disappointed.

 

HFC/Stillen Gen 3/FI CBE... no tune. The difference is dramatic. And I'm not one of those "placebo" guys. If something is useless, I will say it's useless, no matter how much $ I've spent. lol

 

Ok.. I went with intake hfc and FI exhaust and my car was way slower off the line before tune. The ecu could not adjust for the increase air flow from intake and exhaust.

 

Not at all am I saying that your mods are useless. You purchased some of the best stuff out there. I still recommend a tune, you don't know what you're missing. I've been where you are before and understand the difference after a tune first hand. So does highspeed.

 

Sorry if I came off a little harsh. That's not how I meant. lol

I know a tune will really make things pop... but another $5-600 just isn't an option right now.

I am saying that I do notice quite a big difference with my bolt-ons without a tune.

I have the Hypertech pocket flasher thingy, but it hasn't been updated for the 2010s just yet. I can't wait to remove the 0-60 throttle restriction.

 

Oh for sure efuseakay! The difference between stock and CAI/HFC/CBE (no tune) is absolutely noticeable. But the difference between that and post-tune is so amazing. Not only is the car more powerful but the response difference is like a whole new car.

I would absolutely make a tune your next mod man, you won't regret it (assuming you find a skilled tuner)

 

Yep. Between throttle restriction, responsiveness and more smooth power curve you will be very satisfied with a tune.

 

There are a few places here that are good. But the guys with an AWD dyno I don't exactly trust. I'm good for now though. Sometime down the road I definitely have plans.

 

So my question is now:

With CAI, HFC/TP, CBE & Tune... Do you guys feel that the extra 15-20 WHP is worth it for ~$2500-3000.

Would I be looking at the same gains when coupled with a S/C, or will the S/C provide more benefit for these components?