1AS

Well,
After years of not modding, awaiting the end of warranty, I have now reached a transition point. Spoke to Stepehn at IA and anticipate delivery of a Fabspeed Gen 3 muffler, GT3 rear anti roll bar and bushings, springs (expecting Eibachs), and then a reflash for the X50.
After 6 years and 45,000 miles, I am hoping to keep my car another 6. But, with the passage of time, some of the built in features of the car are saying "time for change".
My hope is to decrease understeer, and add throttle response in the lower half of of the rev range in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. I also hope not to make the exhaust noticably louder inside the car, as it makes conversation tough and will make my wife crazy. It will remain my daily driver for foul weather.
If anybody has a different feeling about the Fabspped Gen 3, please tell me now.
I'm hoping to put my car at the performance level of the current 997ttSC.
By the way, if anyone hasn't spoken to Stepehn (pronounced Steven), he is really engaging, articulate, approachable, knowledgeable, and candid. So, that is quite a change from the usual world of car enthusiast flakes.
I'll keep you posted on the outcome. Unfortunately, during the process, I think I'm consigned to the A6 for daily driving as the snow here is a bit much for the new CLK BS. AS

Dock

So you're going with one of the GIAC Stages?

Kevin

Alexander PM me for a different twist and opinion.

Dock

I'm glad Kevin posted, because after reading that you want better throttle response, UMW was the first thing I thought of.

I've had GIAC software for over four years, and although it provides much better power over stock, throttle response is not it's forte.

1AS

Dock,
Thanks for your interest. I'm kicking myself right now, because that is a simple question I can't answer at the moment.
I described my goals to Stephen, and accepted his recommendation without specifically phrasing the question in that manner. My car is an X50, and the reflash is specific to that, so I don't know what Stage that comprises, but will ask.
Because I am reluctant to change things like diverter valves due to concerns about errors on the install, my goals are modest. I was very clear that I have dedicated track cars, so I don't want to compromise drivability for raw power. This car will never see a drag strip, and only rarely sees the track. So even the muffler change required a deep breath on my part. I have other cars with over 550 hp, and sometimes that makes waiting at a stoplight an agonizing experience.
Was there a point to your query, or just curiosity? All input welcome. AS

Dock

My advice is to not be concerned about changing the DVs or the exhaust...or adding a tune. I modified my Turbo when it was less than two years old, and have yet to have even a single mechanical issue with the car related to the modifications.

I asked about your GIAC decision because like you, I want better throttle response. The GIAC software is good on power, but did not offer much in the way of throttle response improvements.

I've decided to switch to UMW.

Dock

AS - Check your PM...

KPG

Really? What path did you decide to take? Software only or hardware as well.... Look forward to your impressions

Dock

It's going to be 2B with upgraded intercoolers and the UMW airbox...probably in the Spring.

KPG

Sounds great. Make sure you get the IC shroud modification done

TT Surgeon

AS, the fabspeed gen 3 is a loud exhaust, good but loud. The quiet version that they make currently is based on the gen 3 cans with fenestrated tubing and more packing, as opposed to the prev quiet cans. I have the 'quiet' version gen 3 on my car now, it sounds great, more of a moderate exhaust, certainly not quiet. Get the 'quiet' version.

MGS996

Dock.....I am considering the same path...UMW 2'B', IC & UMW Airbox.

johnyg

Dock,
You will be very happy with Kevin and UMW. I recently switched to the stage 2 zc turbos and tune as I already had the intercoolers. Throttle response is SOOOOOOO much better than it was before and total power is noticably better. My old setup was PSI stage 2 and it was spunky down low by nothing compared the the new turbos and tune. The stage 2b is a different turbo with higher upgrade paths available than me but this power level feels like it is close to as far as you can go without begining to break things. Good luck and keep us posted.

LAJ_996

my 2 cents, which is free for you today.
both guys are great and have a lot of info. i purchased
my exhaust from stephen (milteck) and have been very happy. the fab generation 3 was not out at the time.
i decided to go with kevin's flash because of ease of use/install. there is really no install to speak of. for GIAC you have to remove your ecu, realizing that this is very easy and great instructions are on stephen's site, i did not want to do it. the UMW flash plugs into the OBDII port and you have three different programs. the other key point is that the program can still be modified should you decide to go for more power. its like 3 seconds to switch from one to the other. this is very handy when i take my car to the dealer. i have had the program for 9 months and have had no problems, so no need to speak with kevin any more (although i am sure he is available).

suspension wise i went with KW V3 which i would highly recommend.

i never thought i would do all of this but i like you have decided to keep the car and wanted a few key mods done. (2002 X50)

good luck, great to have 2 great choices.

Land Jet

+1 for Kevin. I have no racing experience or dedicated race cars, but I feel like I do everytime I step into Kevin's flash program. Good luck Alexander, and keep us up to date.