So let me get this straight

[BryanCregger]

Ok so just from reading around on the forums i've gained this. If i were to get a new up pipe for my 02 and then some EM or a reflash i could get much more power? And also is there any sort of EM that DOESN'T cost 1k+

[GoWRXGo]

you are on the right path. a new up-pipe will help with turbo lag and delete the cat that sits less than 2" from your turbo, decreasing turbo spool and making sure that the cat doesnt get pulled through your turbo. you would need a downpipe to flash to stage 2, thats where the power is IMO. Engine management can be delt with in different ways.
Some folks like the Cobb Accessport V2, that runs $695.00 + tax and shipping. Turbo XS UTEC is around $1000, ect... Opensource would be the cheapest EM solution, but it also involves the most risk.

[BryanCregger]

what kind of power gains would i be looking at with that in mind. I already have a full exhaust from the downpipe to the tip

[Longshot]

If you've already got an aftermarket DP (and CBE which = TBE) then you need to do your UP and some EM. Stage 2 is the 1st highly noticable throw you back in your seat power platform. It consists of whats listed above. I believe most people with a decent tune should see around 220 hp to the wheels.

[WReXd]

If you are willing to buy used, you could get a utec for $300-$350 or an ap v1 for $400. Open source is the cheapest by far ($85 for a tactrix cable), but I disagree with gowrxgo. There isn't any more risk involved with open source than there is with any other em.

[MetalGearRX]

Does it take long to install the Accessport and set the down pipe to Stage 2?

[Longshot]

Originally Posted by WReXd

but I disagree with gowrxgo. There isn't any more risk involved with open source than there is with any other em.

Well most newbs wont use the street tuner software, so there is less risk if you simply load an OTS map, although you can do that with any type. Map editing is when things become hairy if your not tuner savvy.

[newtothegame]

Originally Posted by MetalGearRX

Does it take long to install the Accessport and set the down pipe to Stage 2?

To "install" the AP is very simple. Connect test connectors, plug in AP, turn car to on position, not turned over, select map, let load (a few minutes), unplug AP, unplug connectors, start car and enjoy. I havent done my DP yet, but I hear it can be a PITA sometimes. Check out Cobbs website and download the AP manual to read about how simple it is to use.

["sub"erman]

Downpipes aren't too bad, but your car is older than mine and it might be a little harder to get those nuts and bolts off. I was lucky and with the help from some Liquid Wrench they came off farely easy. I actually had a harder time getting my uppipe nuts off. Look around in the classifieds for a used AP or some other kind of EM. They're out there.

[BryanCregger]

GoWRXgo commented that I would NEED a new downpipe to flash to stage 2. I already have one but for my understanding's sake why is it that i would "need" it?

[mosc]

without a downpipe, you should be running "stage 1" maps, not stage 2 maps. Yes, you NEED a downpipe to run stage 2 maps

[psinuse]

Originally Posted by BryanCregger

GoWRXgo commented that I would NEED a new downpipe to flash to stage 2. I already have one but for my understanding's sake why is it that i would "need" it?

You will need an aftermarket downpipe, is what everyone is trying to say. Your factory one doesn't allow enough exhaust flow to allow a stage 2 boost setting. You can reflash to a stg.1 and still see a noticeable difference in power.

[newtothegame]

Exactly what psinuse said. If you are/would run the stage 2 with a stock DP Im sure something would go wrong trying to push the extra air through the crappy OEM DP.