bigballs

iTrader: (8)

I have a 2002 WRX on 72k, I have had it a few weeks now and not having owned a 4x4 before - I have been driving it and getting to know the car. So far, I have learned that on a slippy day like today, few cars can live with it and 2nd/3rd gears are awesome.

Im thinking of keeping the car for a couple of years and happy to spend upto a grand on it over the next few months, but I honestly have no idea where to start.

For those that have been there an done it, is the below a good place to start and are the prices about right if I buy smart?
boost gauge 50
strut front 60
strut rear 60
coil overs 350
exhaust 200
induction 100
mapping/chips ??

Am I likely to make a good car unreliable and if so should I chip it and save my cash for an Sti next summer?

d4vidh

Exhaust second hand should see less than 200
Panel Filter 50 (Dont bother with induction kit or blow off dump valve)
Remap (Ecutek) 500ish

If its a UK WRX running about 215bhp as standard you should be able to get up to around 260-70 with these 3 mods. Any higher and you will need a bigger budget as bits will need to be changed i.e turbo/injectors/3 port boost solenoid. Any more then you need to start looking at better brakes as the wrx ones are woeful if running high power.

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

Get it breathing better and a remap. Then I'd go for brakes, or at least better pads.

Jammedsix

I'm pretty noobish to scoobs ,luckily i got one (UK300) with all the upgrades you mentioned with ppp/mapped plus more done but at some stage I will be upgrading to STI...totally different animal IMO
Get the power upgrade and brake pads as a minimum if you are gonna keep it until next summer and feel you need the extra power,otherwise I would save for the STI,Better car all round.

You can map a WRX to STI Power and above but at the end of the day it will still be a WRX

All IMO ....

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

dont believe anyone who tells you a wrx and an sti are the same car when running the same power.

this is called sti envy.

the sti is a far more capable car, 6 speed box,avcs heads,better brakes......

Kedlestone

iTrader: (9)

Brakes, decent set of pads and possibly braided lines will make a big difference firstly. Pads £140ish, hoses £68ish.

Green cotton panel filter or simlar to make it breath better. £39

Cat back exhaust to also make it breath and sound nicer. £250-£300

They would be my first things to change. The rest is really depends on where you want to take it, power/styling wise. For a bit more power an open source remap is roughly £350 which should see a bhp rise from 215 to 260ish or there abouts, every car is different.

Styling wise a decent set of coilover such as the popular BC coilovers go for around £600 but remember you then have the cost of fitting and 4 wheel alignment after. You could also just go for lowering springs on your shocks but this can reduce the life of the shocks. Also the front and rear anti roll bars are a well worth upgrade at some point.

Inside I just went for a standard a-pillar boost gauge which sits nicely in the corner to keep an eye on levels.

Wouldn't bother with strut braces to start with IMO.

Give the lads at Scooby clinic a shout, Adam or Kev will talk you through all your options. Great bunch there also.

bigballs

iTrader: (8)

The thing is having a turbo car is that it is rude not to up the boost for a little more power!

Thanks for all the advice and yes, I know its not an STi - I got this for pottering about to work in and I just really love driving it and have the bug a little.

Im not looking to turn the car into something worse that it already is. Dont get me wrong, some of the cars on here are immense, but about 10 years ago I turned a Golf GTi into something that couldnt deal with normal roads, was undriveable due to racing cams and clutch, noise from induction (i know) was a pain and the exhaust boomed at speeds over 60 onthe motorway and I was paranoid about leaving it anywhere as it stood out, which also meant that the fuzz were constantly pulling me over.

So I basically want power without the pain... am i asking too much?!?

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

then get a standard sti, a remap will see 330 to 340 easily and you can run standard airbox and exhaust so it will be quiet and easy to drive and comes with brembos and better suspension as standard

jobbie

iTrader: (1)

whiteline uprated rear arb and solid droplinks

less than £200, best value mod youll ever do!