Hi there everyone, I have bought my first subaru -- a 2002 wrx with prodrive performane kit (in South Africa they claim 250 bhp)- I have noticed that boost and power falls off above 6000rpm - are there any mods to prevent this?? or should I accept this as fact of life with wrx and short shift??

The boost falling off after 6k is normal, its standard on all cars as if you keep the boost all the way to the redline you could end up doing some damage to your engine/car :(
The best way is to learn how to use this to your advantage, ie change gear at 6-6.5k rather than the redline so you keep your car on boost all the time ;)

Tony:D

Yup it's true !

I had a small *cough* race with an identical car a while ago and had the windows open, the other guy was holding each gear a lot longer than me (6000 RPM ish ) I pulled from a few car length's back and passed him :D

Change quicker to keep MAX torque :cool:

A big turbo would sort you out, and will keep producing more power virtually up to the red line, but you will lose boost threshold low down - maybe 500 RPM later to full boost depending on what turbo you select.

[Edited by john banks - 7/28/2002 12:34:19 PM]

Thanks guys ! really appreciate the advice. A bigger turbo sounds tasty -- will have to wait for the warranty to end though (in 3 years time)

3 years is a long time to drive about in a slow car.

lol @ slow car :D
john u mod pimp :D

well what do u suggest then?? other than a larger turbo.. an sti intercooler sounds nice (how many horses is that worth?).
ps will an atmospheric dump valve reduce lag?
thanks in advance..

i dont think i would wait 3 years .. the temptation for more power is too great..

Turbo, fuel pump if the pressure struggles and a remap of some sort depending on local availability.

scubynxer - decat your car - it increases engine response, gives more high rpm power, and also raises held boost slightly. Subaru Hatfield has a very nice system (twin dump, 3" into 2.5")...I have one on my STi, and it works better than a 3" system.

Fit a boost controller - Turbosmart GBC (R500) is equivalent to the "dawes" device. Or fit an electronic boost controller (R3500).

The higher you make the held boost, though, the closer your turbo will run to it's physical limits...which is not a good thing.

Red-line in first. Change up at about 6300 rpm in all other gears.

Oh, yes.
The use of higher RON fuel will have a big impact on the held boost.
And a BOV just makes a lot of noise...