What should be my first engine modification

[TurboLegacy]

my first plans were to get a bov cuz i wanted the sound, but i found out the hard way that it wont work right. Then i put on a performance muffler. What should be the next thing to do to my engine to get some more horses. I was thinking about getting a k&n airfilter and a boost gauge so i could install a boost controller to raise the boost. Then i am planning on getting a saab 900 intercooler. do these sound like the right steps to building big horsepower?-tips,hints,suggestions?

[ciper]

First thing would be to do any maintanance that hasnt been done. Including pumps/belts.

A turbo back exhaust next.
Instramentation.

You need to decide on a goal instead of just throwing parts at the car hoping to get more power.

[kelley]

ciper is right. you really need to have a goal. it is a bad idea to just throw parts at a car for many reasons. imho if your goals are much over 250 crank hp I would suggest your first mod to be a stand alone ecu. i saw great gains and improved driveability with only this change.

[legacy92ej22t]

Ya, set a goal but have fun along the way too.

Some of these guys are building their EJ22T's up outside their daily driver and swapping it in or whatever. If you're going to mod while driving the car it changes how you approach things a little. Like for one thing you can't go beyond about 350 chp without upgrading your internals (which won't be done with the engine in the car).

Stand alone engine management is a must if you go after big power, like Kelly said, but unless you know what you're doing or have a tuner set you up, you can mess your engine up in a hurry. So unless you're trying to build a monster or have $2K laying around, I wouldn't worry about a
TEC-III or anything.

If you just want to open up the EJ22T's hidden potential a little I would do this. Snorkus removal, K&N or other high flow panel filter, Instrumentation (Boost/vac, EGT, maybe oil pressure), then a 3" TBE, then I/C, then boost controller. If you want to raise the boost over 13 psi then you'll need a FCD too. Raise your boost to about 13-14 psi and you'll be running (I'm guessing) about 230-240 chp.

If you want to start getting higher then that you'll need a turbo upgrade, fuel pump, bigger injectors, and sooner or later engine management, internals, ect...

Boostjunkie was running around 16 psi with the stock ECU on a TD05 without problems but the stock injectors were having a fit IIRC.

Don't forget about handling and braking too. A nice set of bigger rims with a wider stance and a lower profile will make a big difference. Maybe some suspension upgrades or bigger brakes. The OEM WRX front brakes are a nice upgrade but you'll need at least 16" wheels for them to fit.