starting 03 tuning, where to start?

thack03 · 07-10-2008, 01:56 AM

i have an 03 wrx with a dp and cbe, where should i go from there?
i was thinking em (maybe AP), uppipe, turbo timer
any recommendations would be wonderful

newtothegame · 07-10-2008, 02:13 AM

Some type of EM or tune would help you get more out of your mods. The up pipe is more of a safety thing. What are looking for out of your car, what is/are your goals?

thack03 · 07-10-2008, 10:50 AM

ya that's what i have heard about uppipes having a cat so close to the turbo. i would be happy with 300awhp, not sure how easy that is to get to but thats my goal. What would be a good em, i like the on the fly tunability of the AP though

sfelix818 · 07-10-2008, 11:05 AM

For 300whp I would say a 20g should easily put you there. Save the money and dont get the turbo time, you dont need it.

adizzle02 · 07-10-2008, 04:42 PM

on my 02 the uppipe helped the turbo spool a little faster and makes it sound bad ass

awdturb · 07-10-2008, 05:31 PM

get the up pipe asap!!! i had a up pipe come apart on me and it was a nightmair....kinda a pain to install but worth the money an labor!

thack03 · 07-10-2008, 06:25 PM

okay thanks what are some suggestions for a brand of em and for an uppipe

newtothegame · 07-11-2008, 04:28 AM

Depends on what you are willing to learn, or if you want to try on your own at all, and how much you want to really spend. The two popular ones here are the Cobb AP and the tatrix cable.

Tatrix:OPENSOURCE HOW TO: Flash your ecu useing opensource software
Opensource Read Up..
TurboXS Utec:New to UTEC? Read this...
Cobb AP (pre made maps):cobb . wrx accessport . map listing
and if you search the Cobb website and their downloadable manual it explains alot also.

thack03 · 07-16-2008, 01:12 AM

thats some good ideas the tactrix cable is sounding good cause the price, but thank you. How far can you get on a stock turbo due to lack of money right now and what should be done till I can get a better one?

03 CrazyTaxi · 07-17-2008, 04:47 PM

Uppipe, STi intercooler, all aluminum radiator (I've blown the bottom tank off mine), lightweight flywheel, lightweight crank pulley, clutch (I've got a 6-puck ceramic).

Hmm, I'd suggest looking at Gruppe-S.com and Renickmotorsports.com. Also, using OpenECU with a Tactrix is a great way to go. That's the EM I'm using and I was just recently tuned for a VF34 turbo, STi injectors, Walbro 255 pump, and larger top mount. Somehow managed to pull quite a bit out of power out of the car. I was running 13.7 at Gateway International before the above mods and tune, hoping to run mid 12s next time I'm there.