[Sean_XTLux]

Don't forget boost and wideband gauges. That'll eat up around $300 of your budget.

These aren't entirely necessary though. I personally would not spend the money just yet.

My $1,000 (assuming suspension-wise the RSB at least is done to a 19 or preferably 22 mm, and that the DP and Cobb AP aren't coming out of the budget) would be:

- Used aftermarket TMIC (TurboXS, Process West, etc)
- Used VF34/43/48/etc.
- Pro tune (even if e-tune)

 

[Sean_XTLux]

If you're doing engine performance upgrades, I would say it's worth it to help keep an eye on the newly installed mods.

I'm not saying don't get them, just not yet; a VF turbo, TMIC and a conservative tune are, IMO, not straining the engine too much, if at all. If a larger turbo was going on, or there was a plan to ring the neck of a VF, then yeah, boost and wideband gauges are important.

Might be a difference in ECUs capabilities, but I don't have either boost or wideband gauge on mine (yet) with VF52, TMIC, fuel pump, silicone intake, TBE and tune (only 230 whp though). I can log all parameters needed to check, quite adequately.
I'm getting a more aggressive tune shortly, so wideband has been bought, but just not fitted yet...

 

[Sean_XTLux]

I was surprised I over boosted my TD04 today with just switching to a lightweight crank and catless up-pipe. CEL came on with a P0244 code, apparently over boosting is the only way to get the code based on my research on here. So gauges are now on my 'To Do' list, despite my short mod list.

That's unfortunate :icon_sad:
Can see why you're all for them then :icon_wink:
Shouldn't have too much of a problem with a VF on 16-18 psi, with a conservative tune, though (unless it's the VF which is prone to boost creep, was that the VF43??? I can't remember...)

Christmas is coming up...boost gauge is what I've asked my folks' for :lol:

 

[Sean_XTLux]

Just want to change what I mentioned before (STi TMIC, VF and tune); it didn't click that you have the catted up pipe and I didn't know the STi TMIC needed extra piping to fit the Foz...my bad

With $1,000 (again, assuming you have at least a 19 mm RSB! you need this), catless up pipe (the later SGs in Aus come catless, if this is the case in the US, visit a wreckers) and a pro-tune. I know there are e-tuners around that do a custom tune for around $120-150...

Even though you have "just" a TD04, there is still plenty of power to be made with catless UP, and a good DP. I've seen a late-SG ('08) go from 142 whp to 190 whp with even bigger gains in torque in the mid-range. Absolutely transformed the car completely. IMO, very much worth it; not only was power substantially increased, but fuel use dropped too because the car at cruising speeds, wasn't running as rich as the factory tune was. It was far from lean, just not as rich anymore. The fuel savings alone paid for the DP and tune (factory catless up pipe) in about 8 months...