Sellybob

Newbie questions... Please go easy

I've had a good look around the site and can't find any clear advice on how to upgrade my wagon (MY06 WRX with PPP). I would like to hit around 300bhp (nice round number) but keep the hefty torque and drivability it has now (no power run so I guess it is 240-260bhp now?).

I *think* that I will need at least a 255lph fuel pump, some new exhaust bits (if not all of it) and a remap (ecutek?). Will that do the job or am I looking at a turbo and injectors too? Can I salvage any of the existing PPP exhaust?

Am I on the right track or should I just enjoy it for now and chop it in for a 2.0 STI when I get too bored?

As I am mechanically retarded, what kind of cost should I expect from a specialist?

the hamster

iTrader: (7)

1st question, why do you want 300bhp? Do you know what a 300bhp wagon will feel like?

2nd question, do you have £1000 spare for an exhaust system, fuel pump, panel filter, 3 port solenoid, turbo and remap? If you do, then go for it, if not you're wasting your money.

Alan Jeffery

These go really well with just a sport cat and remap. The extra torque makes for a very nice daily car.
A well done custom map beats the PPP set up any day of the week.

Sellybob

@ Hamster,

1. I like what it has now and it seems to stop and handle OK (a little lower and harder might be the next upgrade...) so an extra 50bhp or so seems a good idea..?

2. I can find the cash if it is worth it, as I opened the post, I am a newbie and looking for advice so any input valued!

Sellybob

@Alan,

Which bits will I need for sports cat, all of it from downpipe back? Can you recommend any systems?

Cheers!

birchy2010

iTrader: (12)

Sports cat is just the downpipe section although a full system.is a good idea incase you want to go further!

EngineMapper @ Group B Motorsport

The WRX 2.5 Hawkeye and it's turbo aren't capable of 300bhp with it's current spec. However, the torque increase after a map as Alan suggests is very addictive and will be an excellent increase from somewhere around 290lb/ft to 330-340lb/ft+.

The downpipe tends to be the biggest restriction on the 2.5s in terms of exhaust breathing and a panel filter would be sensible also.

Hope this helps,

Graham

Sellybob

Thanks all, appreciate the feedback

I get the picture, 300bhp+ is gonna cost and the my wagon is probably not the best start point. Perhaps just a few tweaks for my first Scoob and then look at an STI in a few months

The downpipe and filter sound like a no-brainer and after checking out the test mule link I like the sound of a custom map from Graham as I would like to be confident that I am getting the best out of what I've got.

Any recommendations for the downpipe as I am struggling to find a sports cat for my model?

Graham, PM heading your way, cheers!

the hamster

iTrader: (7)

you have to weight up the value for money chap.

Any mods you do will need to be supported by a map, so a sports cat, filter and map is going to cost £500. This will make a difference but then you'll proberbly want more, and you wont see your £500 back if you decide to sell the car.

The next step will start costing you, in terms of parts and map tweeks so you can easily rinse £300+ a time doing little bits. Best thing is to gather together all the components of a decent spec upgrade (turbo, filter, exhaust, pump etc) over a period of time, then fit all in 1 go and map it straight away. You'll get bigger benefits rather than paying for map tweeks over a period of time. Either that or get a performance pack from a tuner

http://www.scoobyworks.com/mapping_tuning.asp

Sellybob

Hamster, Totally understand that money spent is money gone, what I didn't know was the turbo limitation on the 2.5 WRX and the risks to too much power with the 2.5. To be honest I bought the car with the intention of ticking the Scooby box and getting rid after 6 months of fun... After a couple of months grinning ear to ear I know I am hooked!

After seeing a lot of negativity about the PPP upgrade and map on SN I doubt I am getting the most out of the WRX. Perhaps I should take it for a power run at Scooby Clinic (not far) before going ahead with the tweaks above..? I might have a good un.

Like I said above, I just want to know I am getting the best out of it, but not at the risk of trashing the non forged 2.5. So long as er indoors doesn't see the £500 disappear, I'm in the clear

Appreciate the advice... I'm bloody confused, but I'm learning

the hamster

iTrader: (7)

to be honest chap, power runs are pointless. If they turn round to you and say its got 200bhp what will you do and likewise if they say its 300?

You have to go by how it drives rather than chase numbers. A health check wont do it any harm, but once you get the numbers it'll get your brain ticking for all sorts of stuff and thats where the bug really bites. Before you know it you'll be chucking money at it to get a "bit extra" out of it, but is it worth it.

Your sensible in that you've stated you only wanted it for 6 months but then would look at a better car to build on and this is a better direction to go for rather than exploring the limits and limitations of what you have. A lot of people sell a newer car to fund a higher spec older car, thus gaining from someone elses expense of modifying. I've seen people selling 06/07 cars and buying blob sti's etc or going old skool with a classic.

The choice is yours, but personally i'd look at what you could buy with the money from your 06 wrx if it was me.

Sellybob

If 200, I know I need to fix it, if PPP numbers or above, I don't.

As this is my first Scoob I have no reference except my last car (TFSI), which was slower, and my mates 630bhp Mustang, which is a lot quicker (and scarier!). I need some way to measure cos like any car nut I want the best bang for my buck!

Anyone near me with a similar car to give me an idea?

I'm sold on the STI idea further down the line but meanwhile I want the Wagon to be as good as it can be without getting silly with the money.

As ever, appreciate the advice, you guys have probably saved me a grand!