Mods in the $150 range?

So it looks like my boss is going to be generous to all us employees and give us a gift that we want. We were told to write down 3 things that we want that are around $100 - $150 (US). So, I thought I would ask all you experts out there what are some good things I could get for my 04 STi in that price range? Preferably stuff that is fairly easy to install as I am no mechanical expert. BTW it is 100% stock right now. Thanks

 

A decent boost gauge if you don't have one.

 

Tell him that you want a $150 check, so you can put it towards something bigger

 

Steel braided brake lines, upgraded pads, or the boost gauge. There is also the short shifter with shifter bushings that make the shift tight. Camber bolts in the rear are nice to dial out some understeer.

 

You could probably get an Alex for that much...

 

I have the stock boost gauge... short shifter probably will go on my list but which one should I get? I have read some about the Cobb and the Kartboy (the suby one seems way over priced). And is it easy to install? Also is it necessary to get the bushings as well?

Keep the ideas coming, thanks for the help

 

The Cobb shifter kicks ass or you could go for a Whiteline Swaybar, which is the most bang for your buck for $150 or less

 

for the swaybar: front or back first? (back right?). fixed or adjustable? easy to install?

 

track day

 

Since the rear swaybar on the STi is much larger than the WRX, most STi people go with the front first (opposite for WRX). Both short shifters work just as well. I use the Kartboy and have no complaints about it. It didn't really shorten the shift a lot (since the stock shifter is already pretty short), but it did tighten the shift up a lot. No playing around between gears, you can feel it lock into the gear, and less miss shifts. Yes, definitely bushings. Its a fairly easy install, except the rear bushing is a little difficult to wiggle out because its above the driveline, but they are 10x better than squishy rubber bushings that are stock. Go to scoobymods.com for the shifter install, they have pictures of everything.

 

doesnt the STi come with a short shifter already. i say swaybar

 

it's an option, and i don't have it. right now i think the cobb short shifter is my top runner. i definitely like the idea of a sway bar but i think i should probably track my car a few times first so i can even notice the difference. i was also thinking about a scangauge (http://www.scangauge.com/)... anybody have thoughts on that?

//edited to fix link

 

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i dunno .. thats what the site showed

since ur tracking get some handling into the car

 

$150 AMEX gift certificate

 

I think a front sway bar for the STi would be more than $150. So in lieu of that, here are a few suggestions:

As Brian said, Track Day
Driving School
Gas Card
Brake Pads
Auto-X Registration
Helmet (for auto-x)

 

FYI: the difference between the cobb and kartboy shifters is that the Cobb is a double adjustable shifter. Throw & height of the shifter can be adjusted

 

thanks for all the feedback guys! i asked if i had to put 3 things on the list or if i could just put 1 that i really want, even though it's a little above $150. sooo... it looks like i will be getting the cobb short shifter!

 

Does anyone use any other setting besides shortest throw and height?

 

i thought there was a buy one get one free special goin on

 

$150 in stickers! That'll give you atleast exactly +/-127.96WHP... Unless you can find a "Type R" one, those are worth somewhere around 245.1123WHP. And I had the dyno sheet to prove it, but my supermodel girlfriend ate it because it was low in fat and high in fiber... stupid blondes.

 

My video card w/ fan for $125