SantaCruzS4vant

Got part of my tax return yesterday. I should do the smart thing and save it
for my upcoming unemployment. HA! Instead I decided on a new exhaust and
maybe (big maybe) a chip. I've looked through the archives and am left with questions.

Exhaust (cat-back);
Why should I spend more money on the miltek vs borla from APR? While I don't
have enough to say money is no object I either want the best quality or to
fully understand what I'm giving up by going with something less expensive.
I've heard the borla, sounds nice, not to loud, haven't heard the miltek.
I'm looking for something that will help my s-car breathe better, definitely
not interested in something super loud. Fit and finish is very important, I
would like to install this on my own, not have to bust out a welder. From
what I've read the VMx is probably to loud for my liking, that's why I'm not
considering it.

Chip;
I had decided some time ago that if/when I did get a chip I would go with
the APR with all the options. Recently it seems the X-chip has been all the
rave. I haven't had a ride in or driven a chipped s-car so I have nothing
but others opinions on this. More power is nice though I probably would be
in chipped, not race, mode most of the time. I don't anticipate much track
time for the Avant, just daily 'spirited' driving. Also, I don't want to
have to mix gas all the time to get enough octane to make a chip happy.
Every once in a while I go down and fill up with 100 octane just for a treat
but I'm trying not to let it become habit.

Oh yeah, I'm also thinking about a UUC SS kit and/or tinting my windows. It
seems the UUC is the way to go vs. the Tanoga. I don't want to start a
debate about this, rather I'm interested in any negative experiences as a
result of your SS install.

One last thing... Yes, some of this fun money will be spent on a safe driver
course and/or track time. I am interested in improving my driving skills,
not to interested in being a track star in the Avant. I'll save the real
track stuff till I get a decent car to build for track-only use.

Hope this doesn't get the, "sigh, not this again" response. I really did go
back and read the archives. Maybe I just need some reassurance
before I go out and spend a few grand.

TIA for your opinions and advice

Jason @ Streetwerke

Check your e-mail.

SantaCruzS4vant

just did... ??

2000redS4

I know mods are cool-I've done quite a few on my S4, but the two or three grand from your tax return could be put to better use-invest it, you'll be better off down the line.

Look at it this way: with an average return on your investment of 8%, your money doubles every 9 years. In 27 years, that 3 grand would be 24, which should help towards a comfy retirement.

If you're financially secure then never mind- spend away.

SantaCruzS4vant

I'm secure enough for now.. can you offer any opinions on my questions?

2000redS4

I've got some of the things you mentioned: Borla exhaust, APR chip, short shifter (Neuspeed though), also Bilstein sport shocks, etc...

Most of this stuff has been on for over 20,000 miles and I've been pretty happy so far. I'd probably go with the same stuff if I were to do it again.

Track time/racing schools are worth it: I've been to Willow Springs, Buttonwillow, California Speedway. Good stuff.