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Should I get a remap if fitting CATback and Intercooler?

MK3
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480 views 12 replies 5 participants last post by  InsolentMinx  
#1 ·
Could I have your opinions/expertise please?
My motorbike just sold, so I have some spare cash to put into my mk3.5 ST that i'd like to modify.

Backstory...

My car has the Mountune induction kit fitted that sounds lovely, and 1 step colder spark plugs fitted on last service in prep for future mapping.

I bought an intercooler on sale back in November, and my original plan was to go straight for "stage 2" 300bhp by getting a turbo back exhaust to complete the holy trifecta of 'supporting mods'.

But I also want to tackle handling too, with some lowering springs and the uprated torque mount.

However all this adds up to a big chunk of cash factoring in the stage 2 tune and fitment labour costs for everything too.

Considering how expensive (but vital) a sports CAT is for the stage 2 tune, I'm now thinking of just scrapping the hunt for more power at the moment, and just going for lowering springs, torque mount, and a CATback to at least improve the handling and noise. :LOL:

This way I 'save' about ÂŁ1k for the CAT and the stage 2 remapping, since these could be done later.

However, if I fit just the intercooler and the CATback, since the car has induction kit too, will it now be running lean and need a remap anyway?
Or would the stock ECU learn how to fuel the car properly with these bolt-ons?

Or do I just spend a little extra and go for a Stage 1 map for 275-280bhp, and skip the CAT+300bhp plan that will put additional wear/tear on the car anyway?

What have you done?
Thanks.
 
#2 ·
I've heard a few times that such mods without a remap dont do the car any good and can make performance worse.

On my Mk2 experience, I'd go for the remap and lowering springs and see how you like the car just with these.

I found this an excellent improvement in both performance and handling and great value for money.

And if you later decide on more power, most remap makers provide a further map to suit.
 
#5 ·
Interesting, i was under the impression that although it does have the mk2 RS intercooler, the mk3 runs a lot hotter so most 275bhp+ tunes benefit from a bigger intercooler eg. Mountune/Dreamscience

I was planning on the MSD280 as local garage uses them... I'll have a chat with the Boss there.

Thanks for pointing that out.