I've got an 05 WRX, and looking to upgrade the induction/air flow at some point. I've read a few threads with pro's and cons, they seem to disagree a lot.
I just jumped in and bought a replacement performance panel air filter to replace the stock filter, then realised if I upgraded the whole system soon, i'd end up changing the filter again for a cone filter. I wouldn't be getting an induction kit for at least another 6months.

Whats the general consensus on performance differences between the two mods? The pricing difference is substantial. Is it worth the money to do a whole system, or bang for buck is it better just stick with a fancy new panel? I'm not looking at modding anyhing that requires a new turbo or intercooler. Not bothered with reaching 300bhp.

Went for a K&N filter, any opinions on the choice? Worth sticking with them if I end up going whole hog?

Appreciate any help, I'm a bit of a novice!

 

General concensus will be you have already done the right thing.

 

My thinking is induction/air filter, exhaust, then remap ECU and see what I get.
Hoping for 250/260bhp?

 

standard airbox with a K&N panel will be quite sufficient for your WRX power levels - even if you switch out the turbo later on.

You can go for an induction kit if you want but the cheaper ones can likely tinker with your fuelling (it's not just the MAF tube diameter than needs to remain the same, the shape of the air spinning/travelling through it has to be considered as well). Also most of the cheaper/ebay kits just leave the open filter sitting in the engine bay sucking up hot air.

A quality induction kit will have a heat shield or move the air filter out to the wing to protect it from heat soak a little so generally you get what you pay for.

 

also don't forget uppipe cat and 2nd cat delete - keep the main downpipe cat or try and get a prodrive sports cat in there too. Silicon intercooler pipe would be a worthwhile purchase too.

 

The filter also comes with pretty in depth instructions on taking the air box out/apart and replacing with the new filter in. Can i not just unclip the end slide the old one out and replace with the new one?!

 

yeh that's all I did - unclip and open the airbox, slip the old one out slip the new one in and jobs done. Instructions may advise you to remove the MAF pipe and such but it's up to you.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate it

 

Stock air box and performance filter is good for just over 400bhp. Closer to 450 it starts becoming a problem. Also having a larger filter and intake pipe to big for your turbo will start giving you compressor surge.