Just Getting Started

[tunafish]

I have been searching the forums for several weeks now, I have a 2005 WRX and want to make a few mods a short ram cold air intake, turbo back exhaust and replace the down and uppipe.
Most import this is my daily driver and I have to pass emissions testing.
What worries me is all the threads about cel, the mechanical fix or the electrical. Some members never having problems and others getting cel’s.
When I check ponyexpressperformance.com for the cel fix I can’t even find their web site.
It seems most of the mods and fixes have been done for the 2002-2003 so my question is does the 2005 still have catalytic converters in the up and downpipe and if so are there any current fixes so you don’t get a cel. Thanks to all that can help

[SuBeast]

well, if you want to make more power, be more efficient or whatever, some people here will tell you you should probably get a reflash also.

I am not 110% sure on this, but i beleive that the 05 has the cat in the UP and DP also.

[Jcarv20]

Get the Cobb AP and you'll get the most from your mods and it will fix any cel problems

[SuBeast]

yuperoonie, thats what i'm guna get is the Accessport... plus it does cool stuff like estimate HP, measure 1/4, 0-60 times. hehehe

[newtothegame]

Start with changing your up pipe first, then research some form of EM, then a DP or full TBE, and dont worry about any intake just a panel filter and you should be fine.

[wrXmon]

You get better performance with a panel filter, and in saying so, don't use an oil filtered filter. Definitely invest in some form of engine management before doing a downpipe, which is included in the turbo back exhaust system. I would suggest a Cobb AP, because it will help with removing CELs related to switching out cats.
I did my uppipe and downpipe at the same time and flashed Stage 2, which also removed the CEL before I saw it come on. Speaking of which, do the uppipe when you do the downpipe. Doing the uppipe in itself is a pain, but since you will have to remove the OE downpipe, it makes the job easier. Also, replace the hgaskets while you're in there.

The biggest benefit to replacing the uppipe is that the turbo will sppol up faster, because the cat before the turbo is removed, which also is a preventitive mod.

[wrXmon]

Oops. Double post.

[Strider327]

Originally Posted by wrXmon

Oops. Double post.

Basically what others have said. Engine Management, Catless Up-pipe, Catted Downpipe and you should be able to pass emissions with those mods no problem...except for the actual visual.

[tunafish]

Thanks for all the reply’s I guess I was trying to go the cheap route and try and get by with out some type of EM. So I will need a cat in the downpipe no way around it to pass emissions and is this the only cat I will need just one. Also once you clear the CEL with say the Cobb do they stay cleared or do they keep coming back every so often and have to cleared again?

[psinuse]

I live in Ohio and I don't have emissions worries, is that just a county thing?

[newtothegame]

Once you clear that specific CEL you shouldnt see it again. But if the light comes on its best to check and see what one it is.

[tunafish]

That makes me feel better about clearing the CEL and yes it is county thing about e-check in Ohio