M4 STAGE 2 advice needed

[rf82]

Hi guys,

Recently bought my first m4 and have done a few basic mods such as rims and a transmission and stage 1 map via BM3

I’ve never really modded a car before so basically a complete novice but I’m interested in potentially upgrading to stage 2

I’ve read a lot of conflicting info re the necessary hardware mods to go stage 2

Can someone please advise me on exactly what I’d need to do?

So far I’m thinking crank hub, downpipes and charge pipes.

Would this be considered to be enough or are there more mods? Or would the extra additions of inter cooler / spark plugs also be required?

Thanks in advance

[Slow M3]

Technically all you need for stage 2 are highflow/catless downpipes, however, I’ve seen people say they run stock DP’s. BM3 also says it’s “recommended”.

As for everthing else like charge pipes and intercooler, CP’s have been known to split under added boost and the TMIC is known to leak even on stock power due to the plastic end tanks. Most people “upgrade” these as preventative maintenance.

I say “upgrade” because if you use an inferior TMIC you will end up robbing the car of power due to heat soak.

I would tell you to do your research on the various TMIC brands and make an educated decision on how you want to proceed.

[HotRodM4]

Just upgrade the spark plugs and gap them .022