Need Advise on Performance Options

[Chris Bergman]

Hi. I own a 2010 GC 2.0T GT.

In Canada the GT came with 19" Rims, Brembo Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC - which I can turn off) and an assortment of interior upgrades (Sun Roof, Better Sound System and Black & Red Seating.

I would like to do some performance modifications - and looking for some advice on where to start first. And what to do in over time.

I'm looking to start by spending $3 - $4K now. And don't mind spending a couple grand later. And let's leave tires and rims out of the whole equation.

I'm assuming one starts with a new Turbo Kit. Then exhaust. Then moves to suspension, rims & tires. (I'm wondering if my brakes, rims and suspension isn't adequate....and I should be thinking of other upgrades.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ShadowZ]

Coming from turbo Z cars, my suggestion is this:

Start with breathing, so intake and exhaust mods. BUT plan those mods according to what you will do with the turbo upgrade and injectors. You'd be surprised at what you can squeeze out of your stock turbo. A high flow intake and intercooler with good test pipes and down pipes are going to benefit your stock or upgraded turbo.

In my TT, I had a set of Godspeed SMIC (side mount intercoolers) that in most applications out performed a large central intercooler and reduced lag. So bigger isn't always better. K.I.M.

You shouldn't need to upgrade your brakes for a while because those brakes should out perform your power. Assuming you do not drive like a punk kid.

After intake and exhaust (before SMIC) I went with an upgraded ECU, and lightweight parts to reduce rotating mass. (Crank pulley, flywheel, driveshaft, wheels)

When you get to the point where your turbo just can't produce any more boost and your are going to do an upgrade, then you also need to look into injectors (and since you are a good planner, you have an ECU that will be programmable for larger injectors) And this is where I caution you to know your internals and understand your limits. I have no idea what the stock internals are like on the Hyundai, they should be forged but I am not sure.

Understand that parts and technology for your vehicle will change over time.

I bought my 1990 TTZ in 2002, at that time it was out of production in the US since 1996. The average heavily modded Z put out 600-650 HP, with the top dog being around 750+ in the 3.0L. Now, with E85 and better tuners/pioneers in production the same 3.0 will easily put out 900HP and I have seen them at 1,200HP. 600 being easily and inexpensively attainable in comparison to 10 years ago.