Speedtuning sells a stage 1 chip for a couple hundred bucks. Plenty of people are running it. There's a stainless exhaust on eBay made by a company called SSAC (i think) that's known to be pretty good and is considerably cheaper than Borla or APR. For DV's, you can run a 710n from a 225 TT. I'm running it, it's more than enough DV for a stage 1 K03 tune. The reason people shell out the cash for an APR R1 or a Forge 007 is because you can rebuild them with different springs for different boost levels. This allows you to run the same DV for a Stg1 K03 tune, then swap a stiffer spring when you go K04, then another one when you go BT, and so on.

 

Ahh okay. What's your opinion of Greddy or XS Power?

 

Greddy is better quality than XS Power but either will work for a StgI tune. There's also a member here by the name of "emilgevor" who sells good quality DV's, several members are running them. You can PM him for more info. I would stay away from blowoff valves for now until you're tuned for one, but if you absolutely have to have the "PSSHHHHH" noise when you shift at least makes sure it's a double piston design that's closed at idle. You'll still run rich in between shifts but it's a better design.

 

Alright, and for Stage 2 chips what would be good then? And I will contact him for prices. I don't want the typical BOV sound anyway, its too obnoxious.

 

I think GIAC offers one, maybe APR, and I believe Unitronics does too. They're not gonna be cheap though. Most of them also require upgrades like a front mount intercooler, larger exhaust, and fueling.

 

But how much power would I get from a stage 1? Would it really be noticeable?

 

Absolutely. Most stage 1 K03 chips are good for upwards of 50hp and 60+ ft/lbs of torque. You'd definitely be able to feel that with your butt dyno.

 

K03 as in the turbo? If so, I only have stock turbo so what would I gain accordingly?

 

K03 is the stock turbo. Chip puts you at about 50 hp and 60 tq gain.

 

Oh okay. Sorry for my ignorance. Still getting used to this all.

Also, before I go through with this and buy the chip and exhaust. What should I do as precautionary measures to make sure my car will handle the power? I know, buy the DV, but what should I check for to make sure this doesn't make anything freak out.