Hi all
I have a 2003 wrx wagon with ppp.
A lot of advice and opinions required as what is the next steps to take for the next rung on the performance ladder.
Also has prodrive suspension package so handling is pretty good but some extra advice on stopping power wouldn't go amiss !!!

Thanks in advance

Steve

As much in laymans terms as possible would be an advantage

 

Welcome! The world's pretty much your oyster on this, and it'll be much easier for us to give you targeted and relevant advice if you can start by telling us what sort of aspirations you have and how much you have to spend (both in the immediate and longer term) to achieve them.

The obvious ways forward from where you are would be either a brake upgrade, or at least replacing the standard discs and pads with tidier ones plus some good fluid.

As far as engine is concerned, again a lot depends how much you want to spend. You will get a useful driveability and outright power increase from fitting a good panel filter, decat (or sport cat) exhaust and having your car custom mapped, which will bring it up to just under (or over) 300bhp. If you want to go over that you'll be looking at the above plus a turbo swap, so you'd be well into four figures by the time everything had been done.

Again, give us an idea where you're looking for improvements, and what sort of investment you want to put into finding them, and we'll know better what to suggest. Having a good read (or search) through the forum would be well worthwhile as well, as chances are you'll find someone in the past has been in exactly the same position - you'll invariably learn a lot from threads like that.

 

Splitpin

Thanks for the reply
300bhp sounds a nice step to make.
What is the best way to go about the up grades ?
Can I fit the panel filter and use car before remap and or exhaust or would I have to fit them immediatley before remap ?
Would this step progression then allow for the turbo change at a later date ?
What would you recomend as replacement items for the above ?
I live in the Chester area, any advise on who to see for the mapping ?
Sorry for so many questions !!!!!!!!!!

Steve

 

Decat and filter just before remap, speak to JGM

www.jollygreenmonster.co.uk

 

The panel filter will be fine to swap out and run the car with but the exhaust decat should be done just before the map (a couple of days ideally just in case it takes longer to do than you expect) and driven off boost til mapped.

Your std turbo wont quite make 300 - to get over that would require a bigger turbo, probably bigger injectors, fuel pump, probably STi intercooler so makes it quite an expensive step unless you can pick up bargains. Def worth it though from a driveability point of view.

As for mappers around that area, there are several of us that are mobile. I know I am in Chester next week and am generally up that way every month.

 

Thanks for the replys.
Does anyone have specific info on the replacement parts and cost.
ie What exhaust, What turbo, induction kit ????
I would rather spend the money on the best for the job than think "if only i had bought ............"
By the best and buy once !!!

Cheers

Steve

 

Leave the std airbox on - it is much better unless you go for a cold air induction kit that sits int he inner wing. Just fit a panel filter - either cosworth, green or K&N

Exhaust wise - it depends on how loud you want it tbh. Have mapped quite a few cars with the 3 inch Japspeed exhaust on recently (helped by the fact they give a discount to my customers) and they work out at less than £300 delivered for a full system.

Turbo - second hand off a seller on here - somewhere in the region of £250-£350 for a VF35.

Pink injectors - in the region of £150-£175 second hand or £230 flow matched and cleaned/tested.

STi TMIC - £150 with undertray (ish)

Custom Remap - £350

Fuel pump - £72 ish from Lateral Performance

Budget a bit extra for fitting and you are good to go.

 

Big thanks go to Duncan and others for taking the time to give some advice.
I think Duncan has got himself some work and probably lots of "why" questions, I hope you are patient !!!
Time to start sourcing the parts for that 330bhp kick up the a*** !!!

Steve

 

I have the same car- Panel filter, Miltek 3"exhaust, VF34 turbo, made 290bhp at Powerstation. They said 315bhp Standard injectors were ok up until 320bhp. Put in 550 pink injectors,fuel pump, upgrade TMIC, bonnet scoop, re-map this got me up to 325bhp. realistic ceiling I found was 330-340bhp with the WRX.
I've never felt the need to upgrade the brakes although I've stiffened up the suspension a little. Engine and drivetrain are not an issue at this level.
Trev

 

Hi Trev
Did you use sti tmic ?

Steve

 

No mate, it's an AVO which was fitted new. I think they'll be similer in size.
If you upgrade the intercooler remember to get the STI bonnet scoop and undertray. The undertray splits the airflow down onto the intercooler. I got mine used from japperformanceparts and they are well worth checking out for used parts.
Trev

 

Brakes wise, Godspeed do a very cost effective upgrade, 335mm front disks with pads for £625:
Subaru Impreza 335mm Brake Upgrade Kit - Using Mintex 1144 or Ferodo DS2500 Pads
Made a big difference on my 06 wagon, considerably better than the tarox grooved 295mm disks I tried previously
Quite apart from the safety aspect of upgrading the brakes to keep pace with the performance upgrades, better brakes will allow you to brake later into corners, and get higher overall speed