What I am trying to ask is how do these engines differ? Are the different power figures obtained by different engine internals or is it in the ecu?
The reason I am asking is I have an early JDM WRX (240 bhp) and I am trying to keep up with the jones's. He has the same model and the same mods but when he replaced his engine he was told it was a 280 bhp one. Am I always going to be 40 bhp behind?
I hope the above makes any sence!!!!!
Cheers. Mark.

 

it is ECU based.

Mainly down to boost IIRC.

You could fit a late 280ps engine with an early 240ps ecu and it isnt gonna give you 280ps.
You could however get one up on him and fit a Z5 ecu which would give you 260ps (from 95wrx)

Rob

 

Also the intercoolers got better. I guess you got the poxy little slanty one

 

I am now waiting for a zerosport chip which I believe has an agresive map (optimax and booster time). The scoobyecu I am now running has been mapped for slightly higher boost but also 97 ron fuel. I think what I gain in boost I am loosing in the safer ignition timing!

Yes I do still have the poxy little slanty intercooler. Is a front mount worth the money or will the later STI one be ok (just missed one on ebay this morning at £41)

Thank you for your help guys. At least I know I am not 40 bhp down in the engine internals to start with.

Cheers. Mark.

 

Intercoolers only got better on the 280 models.

Rob

 

Aquamist water injection is an option if you go for a more agresive map. I have a prova ecu on which runs a lot of advance and 16psi . With the WI with a good helping of methanol in, it goes stacks better.

 

Where did you get that mapping done? Sounds good the ignition advance. Can't stand maps that marginally increase boost but actually make your car slower to due to timing reduction - bull****.