Install the manual boost controller AFTER you put a aftermarket boost gauge in your car. You can turn up the boost to 15psi safely afterwards. The stock one doesn't actually tell you how much boost you are running at a given time. You don't really need a FMIC for a T25 unless you're constantly pushing your car and heatsoaking the SMIC. Since you're on a limited budget, a FMIC is too expensive for you to do and not the most benefitial. FMIC and pipes are expensive and I'm sure you'll want to upgrade your turbo later anyways so this mod will be best for later when you upgrade the turbo. There are discussion that you can search for about the pros and cons of using FMIC with T25. Do the "free mods" first. Forgot where it's listed but it's somewhere on this site.
Check the tech guides for a list of upgrades to perform in steps. http://www.dsmtuners.com/tech.php
Cheap mods would be getting a intake pipe and cone filter for your car to replace the stock accordian tube and air box. Gotta go. Have fun with your DSM. Oh, almost forgot to say...welcome to DSMtuners and the DSM world!

Think about what your goal is for this car. What hp?

If you think you'll eventually be shooting for 350+hp, you'll probably eventually need an FMIC, but if you're going to stay at or under 350hp, you can stick with an SMIC (maybe upgrade it but still keep it side-mounted).

If you're going to keep an SMIC setup, you'll want to upgrade the stock upper intercooler pipe (under your fuse box behind the passenger side headlight), as it is very restrictive. The LICP and hose from the UICP to the TB elbow aren't restrictive, and you can leave them stock to save money (many get metal pipes to replace them, but that doesn't buy you much if any power).

If you're thinking of eventually going to an FMIC, all of the intercooler pipes will have to be replaced, so getting an SMIC UICP would be something that you'd have to sell or throw aside at that point (not a good use of funds). You may still want to replace the stock UICP and use the SMIC for a while then replace it, but definitely don't get a full solid pipe kit for a SMIC if you're going to end up with a FMIC.

You definitely need a logger if you don't want to bust your motor. You can get the interface (special cable), software, and refurbished Palm PDA for around $150 online as a package deal, or you could find these pieces (interface and PDA) used in the classifieds or on eBay (be careful on eBay, though). Don't mess with your boost until you have a logger, or you're risking your motor.

As was mentioned, you also definitely need an aftermarket boost gauge before you do anything. These can be cheap ($45 at Autozone).

I agree with the suggestion to get a new air filter to replace the stock airbox, but you don't buy much by replacing the intake pipe at this stage (aftermarket intake pipes can be expensive - $100+). The BOV recirculates into the intake pipe, and the tube from the BOV into the intake pipe sticks way into the stock intake pipe blocking incomming air inside the intake pipe. You can pull this plastic tube out of the stock intake pipe and cut it back so that it doesn't block much flow. You can also improve flow through the stock intake pipe by cutting the accordion section away and clamping a solid pipe in there. There are tech articles for how to do this stuff. Find them and understand what you have to do before you attempt it.

And do the stage 0 mods as was already mentioned. You can make your motor run a lot better by these mods, and you have to have it running properly before you start pushing it past stock performance.

Finally, read this forum and www.vfaq.com. You'll learn a lot and can answer every one of your initial questions by educating yourself.

Good luck!

Why did you get a Greddy TT isn't the T-25 water cooled????
-Adam

thanks for all he replies guys your info was very helpful, id also liek to say sorry for not reading the free mods first and stuff... I jus started doing all the free mods and feel pretty good even though therye for the cheap folks ....thanks alot very useful info!

The t25 is a water cooled turbo mine has never been timed. I have about 180,000 miles on it no shaft play smoke nothing. Now its all preference but it is cool to walk away and have the car running .

Get aftermarket boost gauge and then install manual boost controller. Then you can get a good 15 psi in out of the t25. You don't need a FMIC with t25. You will only need fmic when you upgrade your turbo and such. Also get intake pipe and get rid of the stube filter box and get a air intake. Get bov blah blah don't feel like typing..... read tech guide and it will help you allot

Even with a water cooled turbo, it doesnt hurt to time it if you've been boosting a lot. However the t-25 is designed for people who don't know to time their turbos, so

its all preference

Click to expand...

Might as well get the timer early though, just for later

Well im gonna tell you my opinion...follow the tech guide...except im gonna put it in my order:

Free Mods:

Air Filter: either K&N...the best or for cheaper...procarparts.com..I have their filter and it works great (also you can get the pipe if you want...its not a huge gain)

Boost Gauge:Autometer is always a good choice...i opted for sunpro gauges at autozone...cheap and very accurate.

Exhaust: Catback, Downpipe, Highflow cat or testpipe.

Boost Controller: Controll Boost

BOV: 1G or Greddy for holding boost once you upgrade your turbo.

Turbo: Huge Gains

Fuel Pump and Injectors needed for Turbo: Support the turbo

FMIC:Reduce temperatures..that should give u a start

From there youll be making some power and probably need a new clutch. Once youve done all this come back......Good luck!

jibberishballr said:

Well im gonna tell you my opinion...follow the tech guide...except im gonna put it in my order:

Free Mods:

Air Filter: either K&N...the best or for cheaper...procarparts.com..I have their filter and it works great (also you can get the pipe if you want...its not a huge gain)

Boost Gauge:Autometer is always a good choice...i opted for sunpro gauges at autozone...cheap and very accurate.

Exhaust: Catback, Downpipe, Highflow cat or testpipe.

Boost Controller: Controll Boost

BOV: 1G or Greddy for holding boost once you upgrade your turbo.

Turbo: Huge Gains

Fuel Pump and Injectors needed for Turbo: Support the turbo

FMIC:Reduce temperatures..that should give u a start

From there youll be making some power and probably need a new clutch. Once youve done all this come back......Good luck!

Click to expand...

Meh that would get you around 300hp easily if you have the 16g. With the supporting mods its pretty easy to hit 300+ with the 16g. But yea that looks like the exact same list as mine.....hehe