Hi guys,

Thinking it's going to be time for my second round of upgrades for the 08 WRX. Big service coming up so I figure I'll give myself something to smile about at the same time.

Have done wheels, suspension, exhaust and initial tune already and now going to go for some more power. Ideally I'd like to have 270-300whp with a good torque curve and nice response. Best of all worlds basically, but I'm sure I'll have to compromise somewhere. Also thinking of going E85 since I have a United that sells it about 10 minutes from my house. I will go through ASG for tune.

Budget for parts and tune is going to be around the $5k mark with me planning to fit parts myself.

Shopping list so far:
DeatschWerks DW65c Series Fuel Pump ~$160
DeatschWerks DV2 Fuel Injectors Top Feed 1200cc ~$800
GrimmSpeed Boost Solenoid ~$140
Perrin black TMIC or Process West TMIC ~$1000

That's the extent of my supporting mods at the moment. Is there anything I have left out, should I be considering a CAI or anything like that as well?

That list so far leaves about $3k for tune and turbo which should be about right. I'm at a loss as to which turbo to go with at the moment. VF52 seems to be the easy swap option, but it also seems like I could or should go something beyond that since I'm forking out to upgrade in the first place. Maybe a TD05 18g? Definitely want some good mid-range and top end but don't want to sacrifice too much low end power for it. I'm sure E85 will be able to help with that. Any advice on what turbo I should be looking at?

Thanks for looking and appreciate any help I can get.

TL;DR
Want more power, how does my supporting mod list look, and what turbo should I buy?

Ur TD04 turbo will max out at 260whp. I was doing research on mod list for 330whp if my leak down test comes out good. Here is my list for you:

On ebay:
Kinugawa TD05h-18g, 7cm hotside --$950, Extra $120 for STS lightweight turbine wheel:
Kinugawa Billet Turbocharger Subaru Forester Impreza WRX 08 TD05H 18G 7cm | eBay

Rally sport direct:
Perrien TMIC
ID 850cc injector for 98, 1000cc for e85
AEM CAI
Perrin inlet hose
NGK one step colder spark plug
Cosworth low temp thermo stat
DW 265lph fuel pump for 98, 300lph for E85
AEM boost gauge
Aem oil pressure gauge
Grimspeed AOS
Grimmspeed boost solinoid
Total: $3550 after tax, shipping $250 (believe or not)

From ultrex:
EL header--$550

Plus HKS SQV with return kit --$350 from RHD japan

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MY08 STI 422whp at 1.5bar on E85, built by Diversion Garage, assembled and tuned by EvoR

Update from new owner: 375whp at 1.4bar on 98, at Tokyo Motorsport

These part should give u at least 300whp with plenty head room and response.

Tial 38mm external wastegate and grimmspeed IWG bracket if u can stretch another $600

Do it once, do it right.

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MY08 STI 422whp at 1.5bar on E85, built by Diversion Garage, assembled and tuned by EvoR

Update from new owner: 375whp at 1.4bar on 98, at Tokyo Motorsport

JR - two words - ball bearing.

Don't bother with a VF52 if you have the funds for a decent turbo. I only put a VF52 on mine because it was $500 after a member upgraded the turbo on his 2010

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[I]trolololol[/I]

This ^^^ Don't spend as little as possible, spend you cash as smart as possible.

Learnt this over the years (sometimes the hard way).

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MY01 JDM EVO VII - 230KW / 430NM @ 1.6BAR

Blouch do not make XTR for 08+ wrx, i think. Otherwise, a better option, as Craig said. Cost u extra $600.

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MY08 STI 422whp at 1.5bar on E85, built by Diversion Garage, assembled and tuned by EvoR

Update from new owner: 375whp at 1.4bar on 98, at Tokyo Motorsport

I have read some good things about the kinugawa turbos, but I have also read that they make less power than their branded counterparts and take longer to spool. Anybody able to weigh in on that?

I've also considered an EWG setup, but have also not seen a solution that fits our RHD vehicles as all the off the shelf solutions hit the steering shaft.

Yep, ball bearing vs journal bearing is something I have read a little about. Still not sure which turbo options have this and which don't though, most seem to be billet but with a journal bearing.

Thanks for help so far.

Yes, u have to get custom ewg set up, but EWG is not as crucial on 18G, imo.

Response will depend on how good is ur tuner. Kinugawa has larger thrust bearing design. I never c a brand make ball bearing turbo for 08+wrx.

U have to be really careful about ur gearbox, anything more than 400nm torque (which will be certainly achievable with 300whp) can be dangerous though.

Both HKS EVC 6 and Blitz sbc electronic boost controller have twin solinoid and can support up to 5 boost settings, so u can use lower setting for dd and max boost on the track, but again depends on ur tuner's ability.

Im a fan of japanese tuning style (response) rather than american style (power).

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MY08 STI 422whp at 1.5bar on E85, built by Diversion Garage, assembled and tuned by EvoR

Update from new owner: 375whp at 1.4bar on 98, at Tokyo Motorsport

Two words: twin scroll

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No more GC8, sad face.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Nice one JR, now I'm jealous, your wrx is going to be balls after that, no more trailing behind on our next run lol!
Stick to what Dan and Trolley said, I wouldn't go past ball bearing/Blouch XTR 1.5 if you can afford, and they do make them for your car.
Good luck with the mods, looks like its time for me to return that favour soon with fitting help.

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06 STi: 337hp @23psi on E85...
06 STi: 309hp @22psi on 98ron...