Car: 02 Subaru WRX Modifications: Exhaust package Problem Description: I have several minor holes in my exhaust. One is close to the engine and in the winter I've notice that if I sit idle I can smell exhaust through my heater vents. One is towards the back after the Catalytic Converter. The whole exhaust system looks pretty worn and rusted as I live in a cold state that uses salt on the roads during the winter. I want to just replace the whole thing since I'll probably have the car for awhile. What do you guys think? Should I just replace the parts with the holes in them or replace the whole thing... and if I replace the whole exhaust system then I want to upgrade it a bit but don't really need to go Stage 2. I don't race it much just want to give it a bit of an upgrade. What would you guys suggest for upgrades that are not going to cost over $1000. Recent Modifications/Maintenance: N/A
Second the stage 2 vote. You should easily be able to do a complete system change out for under a $1000 if you find some used, name brand stuff and don't mind doing the work yourself. Cheaper if you get the "cheap" stuff new, but you know what they say. Prior to my recent axle back experimentation, I had about $100 total into my TBE since I scored it all used and pieced it together. Then splurged on a brand new GrimmSpeed uppipe when I had the motor out.
Should also note that if you do end up switching everything out, you'll probably have to factor in a tune as well.
ok...thanks guys. I was researching stage 2 packages but they were like $1600 and I can't quite afford that. Can any of you guys point me toward a website or something that could help me out finding and researching the parts I need?
Patients. LOL, but seriously, just look on here or other subaru sites. People are always selling parts or the whole TBE. For example, i bought a used hks dp on nasioc, $80. I had that thing for 2 yrs before i completed my exhaust. I ended up buying a used perrin twin tip and had the guy who i bought it from custom me the mid section, all for $180, totaling $260. Correct me if im wrong, but you can run without a tune i believe for the 02-03 wrx's but it will be wiser and safer to get a tune. Good luck in your search.
^definitely want a tune if going with a different turboback. But if it's a catback, no tune needed. Should be able to find a catback for less than $500 used(probably more like $200-300). Check here in the FS threads and craigslist.
So...would a something like this work? 4.5"TIP TURBO BACK/CATBACK+DOWNPIPE+2PC HEADER EXHAUST FOR 02-07 IMPREZA WRX/STI
This would work, they're local so you can pick it up, and you wouldn't need a tune. http://www.maperformance.com/produc...m_medium=cse&gclid=COvu_9_mmMwCFQyNaQodSfcPSg You would need an adapter to go from stock to 3" tho.
Ebay = garbage fitment. I'm sure you can scour the FS section on here and buy one for less than $300 if you are only looking for a catback. Might as well go all out and get the whole TBE, that way you won't have to worry about new parts mated up to old rusty parts that will need replacing later on. If you want to buy used and don't find any on here, try mnsubiez on FB. I see a lot of people always selling parts on there.
Nice! thanks for the helpful replies guys. I'm probably going to just do the full TBE. I'll check out some of those sites.
When I had my 03 WRX several years ago, I went the budget eBay route for exhaust...I wouldn't exactly recommend/condone the eBay parts route, but if you're on a tight budget it can get the job done. eBay downpipe (I think it was ERZ brand) ~$100 eBay SRS catback ~$250-300 protune ~$200 The catback was pretty darn loud and droned horribly. It does come with a silencer that helps, but looks stupid IMO. Quality was okay...you really get what you pay for. Surprisingly didn't have any fitment issues with it. Stay away from eBay/off brand headers though - they tend to have fitment issues and crack welds after not too long. I would also recommend you swap out that stock uppipe while you're at it (another $50-$100). The cat material in the stock UP can eventually start coming apart and grenade your turbo. You're looking at roughly $600 minimum for a bottom dollar budget TBE + pro tune (UP optional, but recommended). On the other hand, you can just get a catback exhuast like tangledupinblu mentioned and skip the DP and tune.
I would definitely recommend stage 2 then! Parts list: -Turbo back(2.5" or 3")i prefer used...better bang for the buck. Just look for quality parts; Cobb, Invidia, SPT, Megan, TurboXS, etc. Ebay stuff usually works, but is cheap and tinny. -up pipe(optional but strongly recommended)-catless! -Boost control selenoid(EBCS)(GrimmSpeed) -tune(RS Motors/JM Automotive aka Devin at D-Tune/DB) Enjoy! -Josh
I went the ebay route with headers and downpipe on my wrx and the shop that did my exhaust had a really tough time getting the headers to fit right. Next time I do headers, Ill get some off a reputable site other than ebay. You spend more but they have better fitment. What I did from the catless downpipe was straight back to a flowmaster 40. I think it looked a lot better (imo) and more like stock than the cans and sounded pretty good.
