Adam's 2001 WRX upgrade
 

[I]I know the forum has a search and trust me I've used it.[/I]

I’ve just got this WRX a few days ago and it is fantastic!
However its down on power compared to my father in-laws. (Exact same year/car with boost override + CAI)

It’s a project and I'll kick off by listing what it has currently got and what I was thinking of getting.

[U][B]Current Mods[/B][/U]

1. Clutch Organic H/Duty 5spd from RMS
2. Flywheel Chrome Moly 5spd from RMS
3. K&N POD Filter + Heat shield
4. DBA 650 slotted Rotors on the Front from RMS
5. Pedders Sports Ryder Suspension
6. 3" Exhaust System* (think its CAT back not Dump back)?? It’s not OVER the top loud so I’d love to keep it how it is.


[U][B]What I'm thinking about getting [/B][/U]


1. Dual stage Electric boost control unit (What is stock boost on a 2001 WRX?) 15 Psi I read on one page, Seems high!
2. Pillar gauges x 2 (Boost + oil temp maybe?)
3. Base level retune of the standard ECU using EcuTeK Type 1 base map
4. Maybe STI Turbo or other turbo for higher boost without changing Intercooler?
5. Better air intake? CAI??


Like I said, I've used the search but I enjoy user opinions and discussion so it’s going in the mechanical section.

* I was looking at getting all work done at RMS but will consider others.



Cheers!!

1. Don't just up boost, there are better ways of doing things. Get a proper tune to match the boost.
2. Get the 3 gauge center pod, much nicer. Boost, oil temp, oil pressure would be my choices. (get a sandwich plate for mounting the sensors for the oil temp/press)
3. Don't bother unless you get a custom tune for your car. Verso from ASG would be the best value for money. Otherwise ECUTek Stage 3. Alternatively standalone ECU if you are using RMS (as they don't offer the retunes of stock ecu).
4. Turbo does not equal bigger boost. Best bang for buck combo is STi TMIC + VF34.
5. Waste of money unless you want more intake noises.

You dont need a electronic boost controller. If you have a ECU that is tuned properly for the mods then a boost controller will not be needed as the boost is controlled by the ECU.

x2 On what kato said.

Find out if it's a catback exhaust or a turbo back. If its only a catback, get a butler dump pipe. Most gains from an exhaust are in the dump pipe - and it won't it any louder or quiter.

Gauges are good if your doing track work / wank factor, but aren't absolutly neccesary for a general street car.

Dude if you're upping boost/tuning get rid of the cat in the up-pipe or say bye bye to your turbs. I have an 01 and have been down a similar path.

Bigger TMIC, VF34 + 20psi, injectors, zorts, up-pipe, verso, cai .. will net around 190awkw give or take ..


Back to beer

Kato: Not sure I like the 3 gauge holders. The Verso Tune does sound good. I've been told about this from a few people now.

The Dual stage turbo override was for my wife so she could drive it on a near stock boost level then I could jump in and have some fun.


How much are we talking for STI intercooler and VF34? Inc fitting..

If you decide to go the reflash rather than the stand alone or piggy back computer than Verso and ECUTek are your only options.

ECUTek is more expensive for the initial tune ( frigging license fees ) but does have interstate support if you might travel or move interstate with the car.

Verso supporters are more vocal on this site but the reality is the results are pretty much of a muchness. Talk to the guy who will be tuning it and go with the guy you feel most comfortable with.

I went ECUTek. My preference out of the two options you have is Lane from Race Torque. Steve from MMS does a good job to if you can get past his grumpy disposition.

about $2000. if you look around on these forums, you might get something cheaper second hand

yep thata pretty much what rms did to my car. but on 14psi runs awsome.
+1

[QUOTE=RichX]Dude if you're upping boost/tuning get rid of the cat in the up-pipe or say bye bye to your turbs. I have an 01 and have been down a similar path.

Bigger TMIC, VF34 + 20psi, injectors, zorts, up-pipe, verso, cai .. will net around 190awkw give or take ..


Back to beer[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=q2cmy00]about $2000. if you look around on these forums, you might get something cheaper second hand[/QUOTE]


$2000?!? Is that for STI Top mount + VF34 Turbo with Fitting!

Sounds WAY to cheap..

Id need ECUTek Tune and injectors I hear 550c are good? + this up-pipe on top so yeah I can see price going up an extra $1000 but still is $2000 correct for STI Intercooler + VF34 fitted?