Okay, I have done a bunch of reading, compared notes to what I know coming from the Mazda DISI world. We had some pretty well defined upgrade paths so it was a no brainer on what to buy for a set goal, the hardest part was keeping from buying go fast parts that didn't really make you go any faster. Anyways the general consensus seems to be that CAI's/Short RAM's do not do much over a quality drop in filter but may be needed on the top end for better flow once you reach a particular point "400ish hp for example?". It seems that money best spent in the beginning would be on the tune/tuner "obviously" DP's, Tstat, and that is about it? Next you have the "splash of E85" or some Meth. Though I went the E85 route with the Mazda, the fuel system had enough head room to handle this and that does not appear to be the case with the 3.5 Ecoboost. I am leaning towards Meth here as my MPG's suffered in the Mazda and I am just not on it that much. Considering the MPG difference and the cost of twin in tank pumps the Meth is looking like the best option. I'm not looking to build a dyno queen so i'm not looking for a "number" I like to build on a budget and take pride not only in the outcome, but the level of sleeperness "yes I made that word up 
" and the bang for the buck. I had only $700 in my Mazda and it was putting down about 100whp and torque over stock. I must thank a good friend in the Mazda community for doing the tuning at no cost. I think I will go the SCT 4x route for tuning as I want data logging. Other than the required maintenance am I missing anything? As much as I love the sucking and blowing 
I will avoid a CAI and VTA if its not going to put up a better number, the intake money can be spent more wisely it seems. Something I have not come across, what can be squeezed out of the stock turbos? This is usually where I draw the line on a DD, swapping turbos is getting just a bit too deep for me. Thanks for the input thus far, everyone on the board has been great!
Scott
" and the bang for the buck. I had only $700 in my Mazda and it was putting down about 100whp and torque over stock. I must thank a good friend in the Mazda community for doing the tuning at no cost. I think I will go the SCT 4x route for tuning as I want data logging. Other than the required maintenance am I missing anything? As much as I love the sucking and blowing I will avoid a CAI and VTA if its not going to put up a better number, the intake money can be spent more wisely it seems. Something I have not come across, what can be squeezed out of the stock turbos? This is usually where I draw the line on a DD, swapping turbos is getting just a bit too deep for me. Thanks for the input thus far, everyone on the board has been great!Scott
