Pre-pre-Planning Rambling

So anyone that knows me, knows that I take a while to make up my mind on purchases lol.

There are a few upgrades that I want to do to the STI.

Gauges
I don't plan to track the car.  Maybe some light autox for fun, but nothing else really.  I really like the new 3-in-1 gauge from Maddad.  It has boost, EGT, and temp (water or oil) all in one gauge.  I would probably use the oil temp.

Link: http://www.daddysscp.com/product_p/gr3in1-bst.htm

Suspension

Suspensionwise, I want to keep the STI civil since my MINI is pretty low and harsh.  I need something to be decently civil for my daily commute.  Also, I don't really want to slam the car since I want it to be usable during winters.

I am thinking some Race Comp Engineering yellow springs. 

Link: http://www.racecompengineering.com/

and some whiteline sway bars.  I will probably go with the 22mm adjustable ones and some kartboy endlinks.  These mods should flatten out the car through corners a lot over the stock suspension.  I may be spoiled but I think the stock STI feels really bloated.  Probably because I am used to the MINI, my previous 3 miatas, and my previous S2000. 

Tires

The stock Dunlop tires are known for being horrible in snow.  Since I don't get much snow, I plan on changing out my worn Dumlop 600 for some Continental DWS (dry, wet, snow) all season tires.  From what I have read from other users, these make great all year tires.

Exhaust

I am still undecided if I want more boxer rumble from the car.  Right now, it has the maddad shorty downpipe which retains the OEM cat and catback.  It allows you to go "stage 2" but keeps the car quiet.  The car is almost too quiet, but at the same time, I would rather it be super quiet than super loud.  Most exhaust systems for the GR STI, I find too loud for my taste.  I wish I could find something similiar to my TurboXS stealthback with prodrive oval tip that I had on my 2002 WRX. I'll keep looking around and watching endless youtube clips lol.

Sound System
The stock sound system is pretty weak.  I am not an audiophile but I would like a little more low end thump.  I am thinking about the Infinity Basslink.  It is a powered sub with all the connections in it to wire into factory stereo systems.  It should give me a decent amount of low end that the stock system lacks.

P.S. All of this costs money.  I need to win the lottery!!!!


P.S.S. There is still more to do to the MINI!