madmattwrx

Hi all currently have a 2002 bug wrx with standard topmount.
I'd like to update this as have a few plans with the car including a few track days would you recommend the sti topmount with tray or a frontmount?
Also which front mount if that is the direction you would go?

Thanks matt

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

What BHP and other mods will you be looking at?
Brakes, gearbox and clutch upgrades would be a good start before you consider ICs.

funkyrimpler

Top mount is OEM and looks good (imho), spools the turbo faster, allows for cooler engine temps, protected against road debris..Runs out of steam if the car is heavily modded, uses up engine compartment space. Intercooler spray is sexy if JDM.
Front mount is good if you're added huge horsepower, but a waste with modest modifications. Increases turbo lag due to the large amounts of pipework that require pressurisation. Increased engine temps. Requires cutting the front bumper to fit. Prone to damage from stone chips etc. Doesn't look stock (if that matters to you)..

madmattwrx

I will be updating the brakes to brembo calipers soon with ferodo ds2500 pads unsure on disks yet
Suspension is coilovers gearbox and clutch unknown at the min
Exhaust is stainless from behind the Dow pipe back but will be getting a decat down pipe
I've got some pink injectors, 340ltr ph fuel pump, stainless fuel rail with braided lines and FPR
Green cotton panel filter and will be changing the stock pipe to a newer aftermarket jobbie
Then a remap to suit
I'm just looking for 300+ hp and il be happy

funkyrimpler

I'm not a mechanic, but I'd be amazed if a bug eye even required a FMIC for 300hp..Maybe once you get to 370+
I'm sure a top mount is pretty good up to 370hp and even with a bigger turbo like a SC36 or SC46...

madmattwrx

I'd like the option to get more bhp if I wanted to down the line without sacrificing the engine block i.e. Max 380bhp

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

An STI top mount is good for 400 bhp.

funkyrimpler

^This

Job Done...Good old over engineered Scoobs.

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

A 6 speed is the gearbox of choice.
But why not buy an STi which is a better base car than a WRX. By the time you add all the cost an STi would have been financially better.

madmattwrx

I'm a bit backwards plus I don't plan on selling I'm a tinkering pain the wife says and I'd like to say I built a nice wrx that shocks a few people

1509joe

iTrader: (2)

From an engine safety point of view FMIC all day long. ACT go through the roof in any standing traffic and the TMIC becomes inefficient at speed. Would rather have a tiny bit of lag than be looking for an engine rebuild. The more efficient the intercooler is the quicker it heats up on a TMIC setup. The above relates to any power level not just high powered cars.

trevsjwood

iTrader: (2)

any heat soak clears very quickly once the car is on the move, an upgrade to a STI tmic is a good move and sufficient, unless the car is mainly for track use then a front mount is a must.
Trev

madmattwrx

Any particular brand of front mount people recommend?
The car will have more track use than street use so by the sounds of it FMIC is the way to go

eelz

iTrader: (10)

Does that figure apply for a Classic STi TMIC too?

1509joe

iTrader: (2)

It doesn't clear that quick it will take a good 45 seconds and that's travelling at speed. By then the damage is done if abused at the traffic lights

SouthWalesSam

iTrader: (1)

I'm running a WRX Bug wagon with 380+ using a Grimmspeed TMIC and an SC38.
No real issues apparent but then we don't have traffic lights here in mid-Wales.


As well as the mods mentioned above you'll need a revised suspension setup to get that power down.


Assuming yours is a saloon, you'd probably be best off doing what The Trooper said and starting with an STi though.

_Meridian_

iTrader: (1)

Agreed. You could probably go even further if you were only using it on the road, but track use will mean FMIC at 400+.

But you'll blow up a bugeye WRX before you get enough power to need a front mount. Actually, if you are modding it over 300 and taking it on the track you may well blow it up anyway.

madmattwrx

I've got 24 way adjustable coilovers already.... did you need to change your undertray for the grimmspeed?

trevsjwood

iTrader: (2)

have you an act thermocouple probe at the throttlebody?

funkyrimpler

madmattwrx

WHEN that happens a new 2.1 stroker will make an appearance but can't justify that whilst the engine still runs

funkyrimpler

The stroker is an awesome but of kit..It fills in the pre boost torque hole and makes the car less wild if boost starts to kick in mid turn.

1509joe

iTrader: (2)

Yes running syvecs have also logged many a car at work running speed density aftermarket ecu's and believe me it is true.

SouthWalesSam

iTrader: (1)

You would still likely need anti-lift so you can put the power down and steer at the same time.


Undertray? Yes, I fitted a Grimmspeed undertray and intercooler hoses as well, but I guess I should have mentioned that that was on top of a forged EngineTuner 2.1 stroker.

trevsjwood

iTrader: (2)

I've run thermocouple probes each end of my top mount for certainly the last 6 years and it's never been a problem, but then I certainly wouldn't blast away from traffic lights. You cant argue that heatsoak doesn't affect the tmic but certainly not enough to damage the engine when treating it like you value the car and not being just plain daft.
Trev

1509joe

iTrader: (2)

That Sir would be a good evaluation of the situation. We've seen act reach 80 degrees + with the bonnet shut and then when traveling take at least 45 secs to get down to 35 ish which is enough time to cause engine damage if not treated with respect.

trevsjwood

iTrader: (2)

Turbo compressor wheel outlet temps around 130C on full boost, heat soaked intercooler, that's crazyman stuff.
Trev

1509joe

iTrader: (2)

Yes agreed but that's while in motion on boost heat soak is another thing. You in theory could get up to engine water temperature plus exhaust temps all being absorbed by a very efficient interheater.

trevsjwood

iTrader: (2)

I've never seen those temperatures as air is being moved through the intercooler while the engine is running.
Trev

1509joe

iTrader: (2)

Would probably be due to type of air intake oem or cai or induction kit.