I want to keep my car reasonably quiet and standard looking but it does feel a bit strangled at high revs so I was wondering if there would be any point in decatting it but without changing the backbox. Is it worth getting rid of both cats or just one? Would it free up any power?

It's a 1999 Australian Import WRX by the way.

 

Decat'ing is only really a good idea if you're looking to remap it after, it does de-restrict the turbo flow, but also allows it to overboost which can lead to big problems.

 

As above you would need a remap if messing around with the cats, but an answer to your question is yes you could still keep the standard back box

 

Ok, I'm new to Imprezas and haven't been reading up on them on here yet...I take it the ECU can't up the fuelling/retard the ignition to compensate then?

I've had a couple of 200SXs and we used to be able to get cheap chips from a forum member (who has now set up Horsham Developments) mapped to specific mods and boost levels that worked very well for under £100. Is there an option like that with these cars or is it a case of getting a full on remap for megabucks as soon as you fiddle with boost levels?

 

£350 for an open source remap or £650 for Ecutek