any experiences good or bad will be appeciated. i am thinking of putting one on a 95 wrx jap import. 260 bhp standard, with stainless steel big back box, and k&N induction kit. what sort of performance increase can i expect. i want to do it right so i will be going for boost gauge as well (i will take the advice of john banks on that one).

cheer

big sinky

 

Big,
i think you mean 260PS on 100 ron fuel (so around 250hp on 97 ron).
The dawes is a good device, better really for UK spec cars than Jap imports where IMHO i would see about getting an ecu to do the job rather than the dawes, but as long as your getting the 4 door (5 door wrx's upto around the MY96 yr only had 220ps) i would get use to the performance of the car before modifying it.

Tony

 

My advice is don't bother unless you really want a "bang"

 

I looked at a Dawes a while ago but decided against it. By the time you get a boost gauge and air/fuel ratio gauge plus an exhaust gauge it's cheaper to buy a programable ECU.

Phil

 

what sort of programmable ecu are we talking about here? John do you not have one of these things on your motor? can be all that bad then!

cheers

big sinky

 

I dont think you will get a "bang" but as far as bang for your buck then yes it certainly offers the biggest!

 

I had one on, but that was a UK car, not an import. Big difference. We have this discussion in Drivetrain every two weeks or so, so have a little look back and see previous detailed comments with various points of view.

[Edited by john banks - 12/27/2002 11:13:54 AM]

 

They are better on UK cars that want a bit more go.
On WRXs probalbly not worth doing. 1st Induction, then Up the boost (electroncic boost controller) and then an ECU upgade.
I you use dawes then have a boost guage which shows what you are running. I know people that are running dawes with out a boostgauge and they are so far ok, but they are lucky. FACT - The more boost the more likely it is to go bang. UNSLESS you upgrade the internal stuff

Steve

 

From looking at various early ECU maps (MY96) the difference between UK and WRX ones seems to be minimal. I used to run a MY93 WRX with a Dawes and basically had it running just over standard boost but the biggest plus was the improved response. I have now ditched the Dawes and have the ECU remapped running 16.5 psi......... much much better and for only £60 too. See scoobyecu . I would say what ever you do that a lambdalink and knocklink are essential. I wouldn't worry about running a Dawes with the standard fuel cut in place.... if you up the boost (using a FCD) tho then on the fairly advanced ignition map of a MY96 WRX (compared to MY93 WRX) i'd expect to see a bit of det even running on Optimax (or SUL) and OB.

Just my 2p worth.

Tony.

 

I had a dawes device before i fitted my Blitz Boost Controller
Apart from having the ability to set my boost up per MPH and adjust boost level on the move the dawes is just as good..
It holds the boost the same as my BC, maybe a touch quicker spool up with the dawes but that may be due to hose length of the Blitz..
One costs £60(?)
One costs £500+

You pays your money and you makes your choice

Rob
p.s. this reminds me, i must mount my Boost controller nearer my turbo