First off I want to say Hi to everyone. I recently purchased a Silver 04 Subaru WRX 2.0T with 27,000 miles on it for $17,950. It the 2.0 engine (EJ20) with a 5 speed manual. Currently running 16lbs of boost. I love the car. I bought it with a few mods already installed by the previous owner. Heres the parts list.
On the car now:
3" HKS Exhaust
3" down pipe
Exel 18 inch Radius Rims
Turbo XS FMIC w/ hard piping
Turbo XS S BOV
A/F & Boost Autometer Gauges
Apexi Turbo Timer
VIS Carbon Fiber Hood and Trunk Lid
Tein S.Tech Springs
Perrin Rear Sway Bar
Off the Car:
Greddy BOV
High Flow Cat
4" Test Pipe
STI Axle Back Exhaust
Plus all the stock parts Rims, Hood, Trunk, you get the point.
Anyways my question is what would be a good worth while next purchase for this vehicle. I want to get the best results and spend my money wisely. I dont drive it daily but I do drive the vehicle. I want to upgrade it safely and get the most out of my money so any information would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking about purchasing a uppipe, piggyback, and headers next then moving to suspension and brakes. I also purchased an EGT guage and wideband O2 sensor. Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
It has a MBC Manual Boost Controller. The Boost Gauges is reading 16lbs. Also is a Electronic Boost Controller that much better than a manual boost controller?
I have heard that stock headers flow just as good as many aftermarkets out there. I have thought about bigger turbo and I have seen the STI pink injectors. So those would be safe upgrades for my next purchase as to what I have now? Also I have the stock Top Mount Intercooler as well.
No boost controller is the best. Get rid of it!! And with a frontmount that means you have an intake as well, MBC+intake+frontmount=blown subaru motor...get management, and get a tune. Lose the boost controller.
So take the MBC off ? Thats cool yeah it has a AEM intake as well. Is what I have now something I need to worry about meaning the set up I have on the car or are you saying next purchase loose the MBC and get a piggyback system?
I am saying that modding the intake system that much...intake/fmic and putting a mbc is horrid for your car. I would lose the mbc immediately. And then find an engine management system you like, and get your car tuned as soon as possible for your mods.
My friend put a front mount on his car and the motor melted a piston about 2 weeks later...I don't know what I would do...but losing the MBC would be #1 in my book...
I am not too sure...but the safest and easiest way to make your car reliable would be to get rid of MBC, buy a 3 port boost solenoid, and accesport, and get a protune, either remotely with EQtuning like I did, or on a dyno if there is one near you...you do have the "danger will robinson" mods, all of them...so doing this quickly would be your best bet. I just saw where you live, and there are a lot of killer tuners near you...take advantage of them.
Yeah I called Dyno Inc and I'm gonna set up a dyno/ tuning session with them ASAP. Where can I purchase a solenoid? I'm new to WRX's and turbo engine so bear with me.
AEM short ram. I have the stock top mount. Im gonna start putting that back on if its going to blow my engine. And that MBC is gone first chance I get.
You can run the fmic with the AP, it just not best. The turbo xs kit is a PITA to install. If you have never tried this, leave it on the car. Like MXboy said get tuned ASAP.
PS you can find a used 04 AP on other boards, here is one http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1106980&highlight=04
You can leave the AEM short ram intake on the car and it will be ok....Man Ya'LL are scaring the poor kid the death .I have a AEM short ram intake and It is fine. There is nothing wrong with that mod. But yeah ditch the MBC.
intakes take more air throw it into your engine. On a turbocharged car without making the proper adjustments for A/F can lead to a lean mixture and engine knocking. Its almost the same idea of a boost controller, its putting more air into your engine and your ecu doesnt know how to adjust to that. I'm sure i moderator can shed more light into what i'm saying.
get as close to stock as possible until you get the engine management. the closer to stock the safer you are. If you can get a used AP then you'll be able to run an ots map until you get it tuned like previously stated. Don't start peeing in your pants or anything, you'll be fine just don't ruin the hell out of the car.
Thanks everyone! Well update I have a Test and Tune Session with MJ from Dyno Inc. in the next couple of weeks he is going to use the Cobb Tuning Program. I'm going to ditch the MBC like suggested and I'm going with a suggested TurboSmart single stage boost controller so I can flip a switch and have it pre-tuned for a set boost or go back to low boost when I'm driving around town. I also ditched the Turbo XS Type S BOV and I'm going to put on my Greddy Type RS BOV. Either way thanks to everyone who gave me input and I really do appreciate it. One thing I DO have to do after I get it tuned is a new clutch any sugestions? I dont want a full blown race clutch just something that can handle more abuse when called on but not insane horsepower.
Also the car is still under warranty will they replace the clutch with the mods I have? Reason I ask is non of my mods would affect the drivetrain so I dont see them not honoring it. anyone dealt with this???
My experience with the dealership honoring their warranty is be prepared to fight for what you want. My girl drives an 03 WRX with nothing but an HKS Cat-back, and a BOV. Her suspension failed(she is a casual driver, no launches, no hard acceleration). They told her the weight difference from the exhaust could have made the suspension fail.
Oh I'm prepared but according to the law unless they can PROVE that a modified peice is what cause the failure they have to honor it. So I will keep everyone posted on it and see how things go. the car only has 27,481 miles on it. And granted I dont know how the driver before I had it drove the car but I havent driven it hard and dont see any of the mods done will warrant a clutch failure.
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