What to do next - Engine Mods

Wanted some opinions. I've been around this board (mostly lurking) for about a year now. I'm currently driving an 04 WRX wagon on a Cobb Stage 2 map.

Mods: Perrin Y-pipe, gutted stock UP, Bosal shorty DP, STi Cat-back exhaust, stock 3rd cat.

I just had my first child so car mods have been put on hold. However, I'll have a little money to spend in the next few weeks and would like some suggestions on what I should do as far as engine mods go. I've got some other mods lined up (Kartboy Short-throw shifter, STi pinks, 20 mm RSB, Kartboy endlinks, TiC's comfort clunk killer, and I'll probably get in on the cryo rotors and pads since I need them anyway) but I'm looking for some advice on which way to go regarding engine mods.

I'm thinking GM BCS and custom tune. I was going to go with the XPT stage 2 w/ GM BCS map and then have that tweaked to my car. Any recommendations for tuners that could work with this set up?

Also thinking about picking up an STi TMIC (maybe A JDM one if I can find a good deal) with the appropriate splitter.

Thanks for any advice/opinions. I'm looking forward to getting back into mods.

josh

 

definitely more boost for sure

 

A more free flowing cat-back, lose the 3rd cat, custom tune maybe larger tmic? def gm bcs

 

I would like to keep at least one cat, but I was thinking about a high-flow 3rd. I also don't want to go much louder than the car already is. It's a DD.

I forgot to ask in my first post, what's everyone's opinion on custom tunes during the cold winter months here? Idealy, would it be a good idea to run a winter map and a summer map?

Thanks again for the advice.

 

GM BCS and tune after gutting some of your cats. Also, you should look into removing your catalytic converters. You shouldn't need a map for summer and winter, I haven't heard of anyone having problems in that respect.

 

Sounds like he has an AP judging from his original post.

 

Yeah, I should have said that the goal is a pretty quiet DD that is really fun to drive. As you all know, about 2 months after modding it starts to feel like your car is slowing down again. I'm just looking to renew that, "whoa, this is a really fun car to drive" feeling.

I'm pretty excited about the suspension mods for that feeling as well. I forgot that I also have the whiteline steering rack bushing on the way too.

I didn't say anything about injectors and haven't even looked into any injector/fuel pump/fuel rail upgrades. Any quick estimates on what a good setup would run (just to see if something like that is in the budget)?

Thanks again.

 

Yeah, AP w/ standard cobb stage 2 map. I've got a data cable to do logs with and to reflash if needed. My car isn't perfect with that cobb map. I'm not very savvy with regards to engine management, but I know that I sometimes get 12s and 13s for my advanced multiplier and I'd really like a tune that's more specific to my car.

 

As for power, you'd gain a bunch of midrange punch with just a GMBCS, removing that third cat, and a tune. Larger injectors will allow you more top end power.

Sounds like you have the suspension mods planned out. Honestly, out of all the mods on my car, the sways and endlinks have been the most "fun." I'd seriously recommends both a front and rear sway bar.

 

What size for a daily driver? With the STi Pink springs and kartboy endlinks I was just going to keep my front and upgrade the rear to the 20 mm from subarugenuineparts. I know a lot of people go 24 front/22 rear or something like that but I'm not sure I need that kind of setup.

 

The 20mm stock bar from an '02 WRX sedan is a good match for the 20mm stock front bar. It's what I've been running for a few years.

 

I've heard that many people are quite pleased with a 24F 24R setup, but that might be a bit much for a modest DD. I think 22F 22R would be for those who are a little serious.

 

Is anyone running the cobb sways?

 

yeah..we just had a car in the shop yesterday with the cobb stuff. the cobb heavy duty mounts are VERY nice. forgot the guys screen name though...

 

I am the guy with the cobb sways and adjustable mounts. I still have stock endlinks as of now whch suck (will be changing then out soon). So far i really like them even though the weather hasn't let me really try them out though ha. They are a little on the expensive side but the adjustability is definitely worth it.

 

I would add struts to the mix. I know my Saabaru has softer struts then the Subaru's, but it wasn't even close to being right with the Pinks, way underdamped. I went with Koni inserts.

 

Help

Ok - I have an 07 wagon and have FSB/RSB/ELs/(ALK?) on my to-do list. It is a high-mileage daily driver. No plans to change out the stock struts/springs for the time being.

Thinking 24mm front, 22mm rear, non-adjustable Whiteline SBs with the Whiteline endlinks.

I've been looking at ALKs but I'm confused by different mfr's descriptions of what they do - i.e. do they promote or limit front/rear vertical movement under accel- and deceleration?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

 

Yep according to their website they are hollow