rahulanand1130

Hey i did a search but i couldnt really find an answer to my question. For any of you with the stage 1 vrp (pulley, chip) and johnson CM30 how happy are you with the performance increase and does it make the car any louder? Can't really afford to do headers right now so im just looking into the stage 1 package.

1mean55

I have the VRP pulley, LET tune, and K&N's (equivalent to a stage I) and it was a huge improvment. I've been told the stage I is the best bang for the buck and i understand why. My biggest problem is heat soak and the upcoming HE core and CM30 will take care of that. As far as loudness, i also removed the resonators which helped with the exhaust tone, more than the stage I. It's tough to tell if the stage I helps the exhaust tone because the Supercharge is quite a bit louder (not annoying) and it drowns out the exhaust more. BTW, have about 500 miles on the stage I and my mpg went up to 16.7 mpg from 14.4 mpg prior to the tune...i thought it would have the opposite effect.

I Like Soup

I've got a "stage 1" VRP set up. Before I did that I took care of any heat issues I may run into with having a Code 3 heat exchanger and a Johnson CM30 pump installed. A couple of months later, I drove to CA to have VRP install the pulley, ECU tune, and filters. While they were doing that, I had a PTE thermostat and the -10C mod taken care of for full cooling coverage (I know, last step, split cooling). So...

It pulls like a freight train, especially when you hit it at around 60 or 70. The added power isn't as evident to me from a dig, but it is pretty obvious as the speeds get higher. Of course, it isn't as significant right now running the AC in 105-110 heat, but that soon, shall pass! The sound is a little throatier and the supercharger whine is a little more evident (I wish it was even louder!).

You will love the difference and should expect 50 or more HP.

phatmitzu

Soup,

Do this with your hood. It vents the heat out and you can hear the supercharger whine 10x better.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....18&postcount=1

IIRC, on my 05' it didnt have the plastic part. I just had to trim the foam.

I Like Soup

:thinking:

There seems to be some concern about getting the engine wet, is that really an issue? I mean, really...

jangy

I don't drive in enough rain to care, but there is a pretty decent angle up to the filters.

Stage 1 is definitely best bang, but sound is different from power. Sound is cheap on our cars and will come from the muffler. Stage 1 adds a little sound, but barely.

Hammer Down

I don't know about the rain but I have not had any issue's when I wash the car.

rahulanand1130

thanks alot for the information guys. cant wait to start the modding.

ChicagoX

It looks like that piece is used to keep the wiper assembly from freezing. I doubt it would hurt anything by removing it.