Stage Two Plans... And my Questions/Concerns

[General-Leo]

Ok so I recently purchased and installed a COBB cat back exhaust for my 13 WRX, I plan to eventually plan to get the car to the point that I can do a stage two tune safely... That being said I know its a good idea to install a down pipe (pref with a high flow cat) and I have heard about an up pipe as well, but when I talk to my car savy friends about my plans they look at me like I'm crazy and tell me they have never heard of an up pipe. Is this not something every turbo car has? And how important is it that I install this for a stage 2? I also plan to get an intake as well and THEN tune the car after the uppipe and intake are installed together. Any suggestions for an intake brand? Lastly how safe would you say the COBB tuner is compared to taking it to a local shop? Either way I think I want to get the tuner for diagnostic purposes if I run in to any trouble down the road.
Thanks in advance!

[the RIOT act]

Our Rex's don't have catted up pipes, therefore no need to replace it. And a pro tune is def a better way to go, but an AP is not a bad route either. I prefer to work with a tuner so I have professional opinions on what brands show true performance and reliability.


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[General-Leo]

Thanks for the feedback, good to know that the up pipe is not catted.

[the RIOT act]

And seeing you have the Cobb CB I'd roll with the Cobb DP as well. I run the Invidia which is also a good brand. Either way catted is def the way to go. There's very minimal gains with a catless and not worth the headaches for inspections or fumes pouring into the car. The stock intake will bring you to about 350hp so it's not needed but more of a personal choice mod. Even with a tune it'll show minimal gains with only the DP but will be worthy later in modding. But like the CB which also give minimal gains on our gens its more of the sound you're going for with an intake. It def brings the engine bay to life though, and perfectly fine to have as long as you're tuned for it. Stage 2 will put you around 19psi though and our BPV's start to give up at that point, so you might wanna consider buying that for your stage 2 setup...ESP if you plan to go further. Hope this helped and sorry for the long winded reply lol! I'm couchbound due to a surgery with nothing better to do.


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[General-Leo]

I would rather have a long winded reply than a short one. haha
so the new name of the game in my mind is looking a reputable BPV, along with the intake.
Because even though the CB exhaust did give my car a bit deeper rumble I would like it to be a bit louder too. Nothing too crazy though.

[brfatal]

Originally Posted by the RIOT act

Our Rex's don't have catted up pipes, therefore no need to replace it. And a pro tune is def a better way to go, but an AP is not a bad route either. I prefer to work with a tuner so I have professional opinions on what brands show true performance and reliability.


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A Cobb AP is required for a pro tune (which is specifically an AP tune). There are other choices out there though. It just depends on what tuner you use what you should get.

As said, an up-pipe is not required, but that doesn't mean there aren't potential gains from it. It's one of those when-you're-bored mods.

[the RIOT act]

Yeah I'd find your local tuners OP and see how they tune...cause there's multiple ways. I'd def try an go without an AP though as paying $550ish for one seems silly to me. Their not specifically dialed into YOUR car and manufactured mods. Then you'll pay MORE for custom AP maps. Or you can get a tune that's specifically formatted for your parts, your car, and only pay $450ish with something like a dyno/street tune and open source tuning. You can't change anything like you can with a Cobb AP, but IMO an average Joe shouldn't be tampering with ECU permameters in any way lol! Like mentioned by both of us though, every tuner is different and has their own style. Check your drivable area and start asking questions.


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[the RIOT act]

Originally Posted by General-Leo

I would rather have a long winded reply than a short one. haha
so the new name of the game in my mind is looking a reputable BPV, along with the intake.
Because even though the CB exhaust did give my car a bit deeper rumble I would like it to be a bit louder too. Nothing too crazy though.

I was told by my local tuner Forge was the way to go for a price/quality BPV without overpaying for something with a popular name on it. Cause no matter what, they all cause headaches eventually lol! Just keep up on maintenance, always install new gaskets, and use a liquid sealant for extra protection. Just stay off eBay for your BPV and you'll be good ! And make sure you stay "reciculating" with whatever you buy!


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[the RIOT act]

Oh and btw intakes and BPV's are like talking about politics on a forum lol...tread lightly 😂


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