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- Stage 2 Power
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» Stage 2 Power |
Requires all of the Stage 1 Mods, minus the Intercooler Hose upgrade.
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Step 1:
Programmable ECU
In order to have complete control and flexibility over the fuel system, timing, boost levels, and other vital engine settings, you'll need a programmable stand-alone system. The programmable system gives you control over fuel, timing and boost levels, and is perfect for those who are serious about modding their cars. If you find that you're constantly upgrading engine parts, the stand-alone system is for you.
Shop for ECU Upgrades.
Step 2:
Fuel Supply
If you're planning a turbo upgrade soon, it's time to start thinking about upgrading your fuel system. A larger turbocharger will demand more fuel than the factory system can handle. The parts in question will be the fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator. Your future plans and modifications will dictate which components need to be upgraded and what flow rates you'll need to support. It may be best to talk to some well known WRX performance shops to see what they suggest for your specific goals.
Shop for Fuel Supply Components.
Step 3:
Air Filter/Intake
A performance intake filter will help throttle response and help all future mods achieve maximum performance. A hard intake pipe will also improve air flow over the factory piece. On many cars, an air intake is one of the first modifications done. However, on the WRX, a cold air intake tends to create a lean condition, and should be done only after fuel upgrades and engine management systems are installed.
Shop for Filters/Intakes.
Step 4:
Larger Intercooler
With all of the upgrades you've performed so far, you factory intercooler will begin to become inadequate to cool the intake air. In order to maintain and gain power, you'll need to make sure the intercooler is cooling the air intake to the turbo as much as it possibly can. You can replace the top-mount with a larger version, or go all out with a front-mount intercooler. Each will have it's advantages, but the front-mounted version will greatly increase your potential for power.
Shop for Intercooler.
Step 5:
Aftermarket Exhaust Header
Expensive, but will eliminate the last restriction in the exhaust system to maximize the flow the exhaust gases and provide a decent bump in horsepower. Though it does not yield huge gains, it does maximize the effects of all your other mods and will ensure you extract more power in the upper RPM range.
Shop for Exhaust Headers.
Step 6:
Turbo Upgrade
At this point, your system is ready to handle higher boost levels than your turbo can efficiently support. It's time to upgrade to a higher flowing, more efficient unit. The size you choose will be dependant on what your goals are. The larger turbos will have more "lag" and have higher top-end power potential, which makes them better for drag racing, but not so great for autocrossing, road courses and everyday street use.
Shop for Turbos.
Step 7:
Clutch Upgrade
With all the added horsepower, you'll need to replace the stock clutch with a high performance model soon, if you haven't had to do so already.
Shop for Clutches.
Step 8:
Lightened Flywheel
This upgrade will help acceleration and low end power, and will be most helpful for competition driving, as it reduces parasitic drivetrain power loss. We'd recommend doing this mod at the same time the clutch is replaced for the sake of efficiency.
Shop for Flywheels.
If you think you're ready to go beyond a Stage 2 setup, you've probably broken a few things already and realize how expensive it can get. Visit our Power Mods Forum to discuss further mods.
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