So thus far my performance mods are as follows:
Handling Improvements:
- Bajaron sway bar
- VREDESTEIN QUATRAC 5 SL - 165/60R-15
These significantly improve cornering and highway stability.
As for performance upgrades:
- K&N air filter
- Lamonster cat bypass pipe (I'm using mine without the included baffle)
- Akrapovic muffler
- Monster Fuel Injection - Stage 2 ECU remap
Lamonster pipe comes with a little baffle insert for those who want to keep things a bit more civil, but I have found that without it, the Stage 2 tune from Monster really shines, as the whole exhaust system is pretty much unrestricted. The noise is only obnoxious at WOT. During regular country road cruising in low gear, the exhaust has a very nice throaty feel to it.
I should note that I wear ear plugs all the time as a matter of habit. The exhaust tone is further subdued at highway cruising, as the speed of wind carries the sound backwards and is really not an issue at all.
With that being said, the Stage 2 ECU flash really lets the F3 shine. Throttle response is much more sensitive off the line. OEM programming had the throttle respond very gradually, taking off like a Toyota Camry. Gentle and smooth. Stage 2 makes it much more responsive off the bat. Certainly in-line with F3's sporty character. In the upper RPM range, the stock 115hp rating is increased to approximately 140hp with Stage 2, and you really feel it in 2nd and 3rd gears, where the thing simply rockets forward.
Monster Fuel tells me the engine actually runs cooler with Stage 2 and cat bypass because there is much less restriction on the exhaust flow, which makes sense. My coolant temperature has remained unaffected, even after riding in yesterday's 92 degree weather.
You do have to ship the ECU to Canada, which can take some time. I shipped mine overnight via UPS and had it back the same week, although that certainly adds cost to the whole upgrade. It is worth mentioning that Stage 2 ECU reflash requires you to ship the air filter lid as well to Monster Fuel, as they drill two large holes in it for additional air intake (makes sense).
Overall, initial impressions are very positive. I'll report back here should I come across any engine issues, but I am happy to have turned my sewing-machine-sounding F3 that rode like a Camry into something I actually look forward to riding every day.
Cheers.
ray:. 
hyea:
