2003 WRX PPP Mild upgrade route
#1
2003 WRX PPP Mild upgrade route
Hey chaps, I've been on this forum for a while and I'm in need of your advice...
I've recently traded in my old 1995 JDM WRX for a newer 2003 WRX with PPP and I'm looking for a bit more oomph out of the new ride. The old car had an addictive power delivery (mine was ESL'd) and I'm missing that midrange rush and effortless top end. I'm not chasing horsepower (although power on oversteer can be fun on a closed circuit ), I just don't get on with the delivery of the tiny TD04.
I'm thinking that a TD05 18G and remap might be the way to go, as I want to retain the bulletproof reliability and not strain the gearbox/ clutch, etc. Also, I don't want to lose the airbox or top mount.
Am I right in thinking that the standard ECU is flashable with a new licence?
Only other notable mod is a Cobra cat back (with resonator).
What would you do for a high 200's low 300bhp motor that will last forever? Mileage is currently 80k with FSH.
I've recently traded in my old 1995 JDM WRX for a newer 2003 WRX with PPP and I'm looking for a bit more oomph out of the new ride. The old car had an addictive power delivery (mine was ESL'd) and I'm missing that midrange rush and effortless top end. I'm not chasing horsepower (although power on oversteer can be fun on a closed circuit ), I just don't get on with the delivery of the tiny TD04.
I'm thinking that a TD05 18G and remap might be the way to go, as I want to retain the bulletproof reliability and not strain the gearbox/ clutch, etc. Also, I don't want to lose the airbox or top mount.
Am I right in thinking that the standard ECU is flashable with a new licence?
Only other notable mod is a Cobra cat back (with resonator).
What would you do for a high 200's low 300bhp motor that will last forever? Mileage is currently 80k with FSH.
#2
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (7)
PCA dynamics springs, polly bushes all round, tail happy geo set up, then learn to drive a bit better.
Speaking as a 330bhp Type R owner, my blob WRX ppp lacks nothing in the power department, you just need to learn how to carry speed, Blobs are way more composed than classics, you just need some ***** and to hold your nerve, so much easier to drive fast, but it's about holding on to the speed not letting it tail off and then relying on bhp and light weight to make you quicker.
Way too many people go for more power when what they need is more skill to learn how to get more out of what they already have.
Speaking as a 330bhp Type R owner, my blob WRX ppp lacks nothing in the power department, you just need to learn how to carry speed, Blobs are way more composed than classics, you just need some ***** and to hold your nerve, so much easier to drive fast, but it's about holding on to the speed not letting it tail off and then relying on bhp and light weight to make you quicker.
Way too many people go for more power when what they need is more skill to learn how to get more out of what they already have.
#3
Ah, ok.
Brakes and alignment already taken care of, but thanks for the heads-up.
Always looking to become a better driver, but that's not the purpose of this exercise.
Dyno'd at 257hp, the PPP is a little tamer than I'd like from such a great power plant. I'd like to free up a few horses and improve the driving experience. Got to add that this is for my own personal pleasure and may not appeal to other peoples tastes...
Brakes and alignment already taken care of, but thanks for the heads-up.
Always looking to become a better driver, but that's not the purpose of this exercise.
Dyno'd at 257hp, the PPP is a little tamer than I'd like from such a great power plant. I'd like to free up a few horses and improve the driving experience. Got to add that this is for my own personal pleasure and may not appeal to other peoples tastes...
#4
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (7)
TD04 is not a punch in the back of the seat kind of turbo, it's more linear in it's power delivery, personally I think it's perfect with PPP or just a remap, having had a blob with both I don't think a remap is worth the extra and all a bigger turbo does is increase lag.
I get that people think that more bhp = faster but in reality it doesn't, better handling and braking along with driver tuition are the things that really = faster.
You'll need a very well set up 450bhp plus car and the ability to drive it to be going anywhere from what you already have in the real world.
Back in the days when there were people on here that knew what they were talking about it was generally accepted that you will need a 100bhp advantage to make any noticeable difference on the road, so unless you plan on going for 350bhp + it's pretty much pointless.
I get that people think that more bhp = faster but in reality it doesn't, better handling and braking along with driver tuition are the things that really = faster.
You'll need a very well set up 450bhp plus car and the ability to drive it to be going anywhere from what you already have in the real world.
Back in the days when there were people on here that knew what they were talking about it was generally accepted that you will need a 100bhp advantage to make any noticeable difference on the road, so unless you plan on going for 350bhp + it's pretty much pointless.
#5
Bit early in the evening for the strong stuff, but I get what you're saying... If it was at all applicable, I'd be taking you seriously.
So, to anyone else who "knows what they're talking about"... I'm after a bit more midrange punch. Would a TD05 plus remap deliver this, or are there better options?
So, to anyone else who "knows what they're talking about"... I'm after a bit more midrange punch. Would a TD05 plus remap deliver this, or are there better options?
#7
Thanks south_scoob, but I'm being ultra careful. An injector swap and decat is going to trash my AFR without timing and fueling mods. I'm thinking of a one stop solution to change the character of the power delivery without unnecessary reliability woes...
Trending Topics
#8
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: england
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
a decated and remapped tdo4 at 280 would see the benefit of faster spool and extra mid grunt?
Edit i see you already have ppp so sports cat. I don't know mate
Last edited by south_scoob; 15 December 2015 at 10:19 PM.
#9
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (7)
Fair enough mate, your money, your choice, but having been around Subarus for 12yrs I have learned that it's not more power you need, it's better handling and brakes.
At the end of the day you'll spend £2k for a car that gives you the "mid range punch" you're after but it won't actually be any faster.
At the end of the day you'll spend £2k for a car that gives you the "mid range punch" you're after but it won't actually be any faster.
#10
Scooby Regular
I'm making 330bhp from a TD05 16G and sportscat and it's a tad too much for me on the twisties.
300bhp can be had with a TD04 and generous supporting mods and spool will be as low as 2500rpm afaik but power will drop off well below 7000rpm.
TD05's can be laggy, mine doesn't kick in until around 3600rpm and I don't feel the kick until 4000rpm, but it holds power nicely to the red line.
When you get it mapped after a Turbo swap make sure the restrictor pill is in the hose or the right one!
#11
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Rotherham
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey chaps, I've been on this forum for a while and I'm in need of your advice...
I've recently traded in my old 1995 JDM WRX for a newer 2003 WRX with PPP and I'm looking for a bit more oomph out of the new ride. The old car had an addictive power delivery (mine was ESL'd) and I'm missing that midrange rush and effortless top end. I'm not chasing horsepower (although power on oversteer can be fun on a closed circuit ), I just don't get on with the delivery of the tiny TD04.
I'm thinking that a TD05 18G and remap might be the way to go, as I want to retain the bulletproof reliability and not strain the gearbox/ clutch, etc. Also, I don't want to lose the airbox or top mount.
Am I right in thinking that the standard ECU is flashable with a new licence?
Only other notable mod is a Cobra cat back (with resonator).
What would you do for a high 200's low 300bhp motor that will last forever? Mileage is currently 80k with FSH.
I've recently traded in my old 1995 JDM WRX for a newer 2003 WRX with PPP and I'm looking for a bit more oomph out of the new ride. The old car had an addictive power delivery (mine was ESL'd) and I'm missing that midrange rush and effortless top end. I'm not chasing horsepower (although power on oversteer can be fun on a closed circuit ), I just don't get on with the delivery of the tiny TD04.
I'm thinking that a TD05 18G and remap might be the way to go, as I want to retain the bulletproof reliability and not strain the gearbox/ clutch, etc. Also, I don't want to lose the airbox or top mount.
Am I right in thinking that the standard ECU is flashable with a new licence?
Only other notable mod is a Cobra cat back (with resonator).
What would you do for a high 200's low 300bhp motor that will last forever? Mileage is currently 80k with FSH.
#14
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
If you want a midrange thump rather than a linear delivery, then you need a bigger turbo. However, without bigger injectors, fuel pump, exhaust mods etc, you won't be taking advantage of the bigger turbo's capability. So you'll end up with a later spool, more lag, a smaller power band but no more top end or power than a TD04. But you will get nothing, nothing, bang delivery.
#15
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
as has been said above, the TD04 can run the standard injectors to their max once mapped so if you want anything more you'll have to upgrade injectors too. Fuel pump and boost gauge should be already done along with uppipe cat delete and you can stick with your existing top mount/intake setup (just drop a panel filter in).
In my own experience the 16g comes in a little sooner than the VF's on a WRX but the VF will have a little more up top so chose what suits your driving style (do you like to rev the life out of it or do you like earlier punch and shifting up sooner).
For me the 16g suited the WRX perfectly, I also got a little more miles per gallon even with the addition of the STI pinks. A decent set of headers would enhance any upgraded turbo choice and you'll be able to claw back a few hundred RPM in spoolup time too.
Make sure to get rid of the up-pipe cat even if your planning on keeping the TD04, mapped or not the cats are getting on in life and it's only a matter of time before it breaks up and tries to escape through your turbo exhaust housing.
I don't think your WRX has a sports cat on the PPP so there would be some gains to be had there as well.
In my own experience the 16g comes in a little sooner than the VF's on a WRX but the VF will have a little more up top so chose what suits your driving style (do you like to rev the life out of it or do you like earlier punch and shifting up sooner).
For me the 16g suited the WRX perfectly, I also got a little more miles per gallon even with the addition of the STI pinks. A decent set of headers would enhance any upgraded turbo choice and you'll be able to claw back a few hundred RPM in spoolup time too.
Make sure to get rid of the up-pipe cat even if your planning on keeping the TD04, mapped or not the cats are getting on in life and it's only a matter of time before it breaks up and tries to escape through your turbo exhaust housing.
I don't think your WRX has a sports cat on the PPP so there would be some gains to be had there as well.
#16
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (46)
Where you trade your 1995 JDM WRX? Been looking for one
Hey chaps, I've been on this forum for a while and I'm in need of your advice...
I've recently traded in my old 1995 JDM WRX for a newer 2003 WRX with PPP and I'm looking for a bit more oomph out of the new ride. The old car had an addictive power delivery (mine was ESL'd) and I'm missing that midrange rush and effortless top end. I'm not chasing horsepower (although power on oversteer can be fun on a closed circuit ), I just don't get on with the delivery of the tiny TD04.
I'm thinking that a TD05 18G and remap might be the way to go, as I want to retain the bulletproof reliability and not strain the gearbox/ clutch, etc. Also, I don't want to lose the airbox or top mount.
Am I right in thinking that the standard ECU is flashable with a new licence?
Only other notable mod is a Cobra cat back (with resonator).
What would you do for a high 200's low 300bhp motor that will last forever? Mileage is currently 80k with FSH.
I've recently traded in my old 1995 JDM WRX for a newer 2003 WRX with PPP and I'm looking for a bit more oomph out of the new ride. The old car had an addictive power delivery (mine was ESL'd) and I'm missing that midrange rush and effortless top end. I'm not chasing horsepower (although power on oversteer can be fun on a closed circuit ), I just don't get on with the delivery of the tiny TD04.
I'm thinking that a TD05 18G and remap might be the way to go, as I want to retain the bulletproof reliability and not strain the gearbox/ clutch, etc. Also, I don't want to lose the airbox or top mount.
Am I right in thinking that the standard ECU is flashable with a new licence?
Only other notable mod is a Cobra cat back (with resonator).
What would you do for a high 200's low 300bhp motor that will last forever? Mileage is currently 80k with FSH.
#17
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
as has been said above, the TD04 can run the standard injectors to their max once mapped so if you want anything more you'll have to upgrade injectors too. Fuel pump and boost gauge should be already done along with uppipe cat delete and you can stick with your existing top mount/intake setup (just drop a panel filter in).
In my own experience the 16g comes in a little sooner than the VF's on a WRX but the VF will have a little more up top so chose what suits your driving style (do you like to rev the life out of it or do you like earlier punch and shifting up sooner).
For me the 16g suited the WRX perfectly, I also got a little more miles per gallon even with the addition of the STI pinks. A decent set of headers would enhance any upgraded turbo choice and you'll be able to claw back a few hundred RPM in spoolup time too.
Make sure to get rid of the up-pipe cat even if your planning on keeping the TD04, mapped or not the cats are getting on in life and it's only a matter of time before it breaks up and tries to escape through your turbo exhaust housing.
I don't think your WRX has a sports cat on the PPP so there would be some gains to be had there as well.
In my own experience the 16g comes in a little sooner than the VF's on a WRX but the VF will have a little more up top so chose what suits your driving style (do you like to rev the life out of it or do you like earlier punch and shifting up sooner).
For me the 16g suited the WRX perfectly, I also got a little more miles per gallon even with the addition of the STI pinks. A decent set of headers would enhance any upgraded turbo choice and you'll be able to claw back a few hundred RPM in spoolup time too.
Make sure to get rid of the up-pipe cat even if your planning on keeping the TD04, mapped or not the cats are getting on in life and it's only a matter of time before it breaks up and tries to escape through your turbo exhaust housing.
I don't think your WRX has a sports cat on the PPP so there would be some gains to be had there as well.
#19
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#21
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#23
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#25
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
this was my other thought is running the hawkeye TD04 - http://www.racedynamix.co.uk/remap/3...u-impreza-wrx/
#27
Scooby Regular
#28
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Andy Forrest does do a hybrid TD04 that can make up to 310BHP with supporting mods.
http://www.andyforrestperformance.co.uk/58901.html
#29
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've never known anyone get a genuine 300BHP from a standard TD04 in all my time on here.
Andy Forrest does do a hybrid TD04 that can make up to 310BHP with supporting mods.
http://www.andyforrestperformance.co.uk/58901.html
Andy Forrest does do a hybrid TD04 that can make up to 310BHP with supporting mods.
http://www.andyforrestperformance.co.uk/58901.html
However I did have one mapped by him on my old classic and it was an excellent responsive turbo with low spool and a little more top end than the standard TD04L
It ran about 312/300 iirc and was a great car....like said its not all about the power
cheers
Matt
Last edited by mattpat; 16 December 2015 at 07:54 PM.
#30
Hey guys, many thanks for all the input. Looks like I have a lot of research still to do.
Never considered the VF35, but I can see that's one to add to the list.
Technopug, yes that's exactly what I'm after. The PPP is a very capable car and I have absolutely no complaints. I'm not looking to "beat someone away from the lights" or anything like that, just want to alter the driving experience a little.
South_scoob, a remap was always on the cards - I don't want to do a little here and there. Makes more sense to me (time wise) to do a bit of research and then change everything at once.
jaygsi - Private sale mate after 10 year ownership. Miss that old girl, she was mint.
Injectors! What's the duty cycle on pinks with a 16G or VF35?
Going to keep on working through all this stuff, and start preparing a shopping list!
Never considered the VF35, but I can see that's one to add to the list.
Technopug, yes that's exactly what I'm after. The PPP is a very capable car and I have absolutely no complaints. I'm not looking to "beat someone away from the lights" or anything like that, just want to alter the driving experience a little.
South_scoob, a remap was always on the cards - I don't want to do a little here and there. Makes more sense to me (time wise) to do a bit of research and then change everything at once.
jaygsi - Private sale mate after 10 year ownership. Miss that old girl, she was mint.
Injectors! What's the duty cycle on pinks with a 16G or VF35?
Going to keep on working through all this stuff, and start preparing a shopping list!