My stage 2, etc. install thread - Q&A

Rather than ask random questions all over the place during the next week or so I figured I'd start this one up. Here's the basic list of what I'm hoping to install in short order:

Here's the list of parts / what's planned:

• Spark plug change
• Cobb Downpipe
• STI Up Pipe
• Grimmspeed EBCS
• Forge BPV
• BP TMIC Kit
• PLX Wideband
• aFe Air Filter
• Oil Change, MAF cleaning

All of the above needs to get done all at once for my stage 2 tune. Assuming it all gets done here's the rest of the list:

• VBG1
• Redline Tuning Hood Struts
• PCV Valve replacement
• Stainless Steel Brake Lines and flush
• TRS Retroquik HIDs
• Grimmspeed Master Cylinder Brace
• Group N Transmission Mount
• Front / Rear sway bars with end links

First question: what's the consensus on using splice connectors for wiring? I need to power the PLX unit and I'm thinking about just splicing into the cigarette plug wiring.

Subbed..

You and I are almost at the exact same place, and I've got a very similar list of parts about ready to go into surgery.

Originally Posted by BoozeRS05

Subbed..

You and I are almost at the exact same place, and I've got a very similar list of parts about ready to go into surgery.

Fun times I've done a lot of the stuff previously but I know I'll still have spur of the moment questions that pop up, especially with regard to wiring things up.

I'm not able to comment on wiring unfortunately, it's one area that's outside my comfort zone.

I'm excited to just be done with it and hopefully be happy for awhile

I have used splice connectors a lot when i installed alarm systems in various vehicles. It is a hell of a lot better and not to mention safer than splicong the wire and using electrical tape and even soldering.

-Anthony

Are talking about these splice connectors? If so those are the ones i would def reccomend.

If it's better than soldering that's all I need to hear--and yes those are the connectors I'm referring to. I'll pick some up to have on hand.

I'd go with an "add a fuse" style vs. the splice connector. I did this for my hardwired radar detector and will be doing it for my VBG1. They aren't the cheapest option but I prefer the option of separate fuses. I think NAPA had them for like $20 for the mini bus style fuse locally but it inlcudes a handful of fuses as well. If you buy with the VBG1 he has them cheaper and they can be found online for much much less as well.

Originally Posted by .:Catalyst:.

I'd go with an "add a fuse" style vs. the splice connector. I did this for my hardwired radar detector and will be doing it for my VBG1. They aren't the cheapest option but I prefer the option of separate fuses. I think NAPA had them for like $20 for the mini bus style fuse locally but it inlcudes a handful of fuses as well. If you buy with the VBG1 he has them cheaper and they can be found online for much much less as well.

I used one of these for my previous UEGO install. It worked fine for sure, but since I'm coming in on the passenger side I'd like to avoid passing unnecessary wires all the way across the car. I guess I can consider coming in on the driver-side again, but I'm leaning towards passenger.

FWIW, I've actually found that advance has those add-a-fuses for the cheapest, even compared to amazon.

Oh and the vampire tap mentioned earlier is not better than soldering

Dammit.

Originally Posted by BarManBean

I used one of these for my previous UEGO install. It worked fine for sure, but since I'm coming in on the passenger side I'd like to avoid passing unnecessary wires all the way across the car. I guess I can consider coming in on the driver-side again, but I'm leaning towards passenger.

FWIW, I've actually found that advance has those add-a-fuses for the cheapest, even compared to amazon.

I'd go driver side on the VBG1 since that's where your display will be (less wiring overall I'd think. I don't have Advance here Napa, O'reilly's and Autozone are the bigger ones and we have a regional chain called Baxter's.

Originally Posted by BarManBean

Dammit.

Even with the add-a-fuse I'd clip off that butt connector and solder that as well... solder and shrink-wrap rules for continuity and durability if done correctly.

I see you have a 05...Catless up pipe ???

Originally Posted by Max Capacity

I see you have a 05...Catless up pipe ???

It's in the list, brah! (STI up pipe)