This is not a question for a bunch of talking heads on the internet to answer. Here's what you do:

1) Decide what you want the car to do- drag race, circuit race, autocross, boulevard pimp, whatever

2) Find a reputable shop you trust with $15,000 of your money.

3) Take car and cash to said reputable shop, explain #1 to #2, and let marinate for several weeks.

4) Enjoy your badass new ride.

 

Sell STI, tkae extra 15K and go buy M3.

 

Sorry, but an STi with $15k of good mods will stomp all over an M3.

 

I know, but the M3 will arrive in style instead of just early.

 

If you want style, an M3 is the wrong car too. Go with a Lexus or Infiniti or even Cadillac if that's your thing. Either way, this thread has nothing to do with "arriving in style." Take that topic back to the Car Lounge.

 

ookkk???? Just a joke, but whatever Mr. Serious.

 

Stepping back from the "you don't know what you are doing" type of reply, I don't think making a decent daily driver that can also terrify mere mortals on the track is an impossible goal for $15,000. The STI is such a strong platform to begin with that you can spend $4,500 of that on the engine and turbo, $1000 on the exhaust and the rest on labor; you'd only have to spend minor amounts on suspension, transmission (may want to go with a stronger clutch and differentials) and perhaps a good set of gauges to monitor the vital signs.

There are hidden costs, of course; modding a car that "young" in terms of its life destroys the resale or trade-in value of a car. Most car buyers and ALL dealerships are extremely wary of modded cars, because they tend to be seriously screwed up by reckless drivers or untrained tuners.

Here's how I'd spend my $15,000 of fantasy cash on a 04 STI:

APS SR55 Turbo
APS DR725 FMIC
APS up-pipe
APS 3.5" turboback
APS CAI
Perrin fuel rail
Walboro fuel pump
ECUTek Tune
Upgraded radiator and fans
Syn lube for all fluids
Set of forged piston rods
(this comes to just over $8000)
Better seats
Harness bar & 3-point restraint
Strut bars, front & rear
H-brace
Coilover suspension
PSI-3 S.E.C.C.S. monitor (an amazing data system for your car)

That comes to about $14,500. That would be a streetable, pump-gas STI that could run with a Viper or C5 Corvette (at least until 130 -- after 130mph, they will kill you) and that could also most likely run a consistent low 12/high 11 on the drag strip. I might take the extra $500 and get an oil cooler, braided brake lines and some slotted rotors, but the stock braking system of the STI is so good, why mess with it?

Anyway, that's my thoughts after some research. I don't think this would be a wasted investment, if you planned to be an incredible bad-*** on the street or track; however, what you give up is 1) the ability to insure the car, as some insurers might cancel such a heavily modded car; 2) the ability to trade-in or sell the car (I see many modded cars get ZERO bids on e-bay, for example); and 3) it will be streetable, but will be a major PITA to drive in daily traffic. I've driven a Dodge Viper and a Ferrari Testarossa in city traffic, and man, IT SUCKS. An STI modded in this way would only be enjoyable out in the country, in the mountains or at a track.

 

I've actually spent $15k on my sti. Actually my STi have about $50k in it including the 32k I bought it for. PM me I have some advice. REALLY. If you want your car to be quick, I have some information for you. Please take my insight from someone who has already done this. My name is Nathan, and you can get a hold of my at XXX-XXX-XXXX.

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Nathan, I removed your number from public view. Please PM the poster with your number. I'd hate for you to start getting crank calls. -Egan