iain85

So I've recently got a bog standard 2004 wrx and am really pleased with it. I am just interested in any links or info as to what the basic tuning options are without,spending an arm and a leg (max £1000k) total and without compromising reliability.
I will wait a year or so and enjoy it as is for now but would like to know for future so I can keep my eye out for any potential bargains.

Dave Y

iTrader: (52)

that's what I started with,tell your wallet to brace itself

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

exhaust, filter,remap and some decent brakes is a great start

Norman Dog

iTrader: (1)

https://www.scoobynet.com/garage/200...man%20Dog.html

There you go, whole lot cost less than £1500, including remap.

iain85

So what sort of cost are we looking at for the exhaust, decats, panel filter and the remap?

iain85

Also rear brakes are nearly due for replacement. Is it worth upgrading them when the fronts (nearly new) are standard? If so what brand we looking at, pagids?

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

- second hand exhaust system with de-cat downpipe (£250)
- second hand STI up-pipe (£50)
- new uprated panel filter (£40)
- 3 port boost solenoid, second hand (£15)
- new 255lt fuel pump (£50)
- new NGKPFR7B plugs (£40)
- oil and filter change (£50)
- open source remap (£300)

Will see roughly 280bhp with similar torque and even leave some change for new discs and pads.

iain85

Thanks Matt,

That will do me just fine. Il make a note and try to get a few bits here and there so it's not a big bill at once!

iain85

Forgot to ask. Are injectors required?

Norman Dog

iTrader: (1)

Not unless you're changing the turbo.

This will give you an idea of the different stages.

http://www.andyforrestperformance.co.uk/58901.html

Turbo Tone

iTrader: (2)

This^^^^^^

Was in the same situation when I brought my blob WRX. Have got most of the parts above ready to go on but have also put uprated discs and pads on the car as the standard set up barely stops you at standard power.

iain85

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

Howdy, familiar name, sure i've seen you around another forum

Matty's list is pretty good, although if you're sticking with the standard turbo (TD04) you won't need the 3 port boost solenoid to make 280bhp, standard 2 port will be fine. Same with the fuel pump, although it can't hurt to change it if your car has done a lot of miles.

Personally, I'd spend less on chasing bhp and more on handling/brakes. Buy a whiteline rear ARB and solid drop links, and get the condition of your shocks checked - at 10 years old, mine were knackered, buying new KYB shocks and adding lowering springs improved the car massively

iain85

Hi Steve,

After this evenings spirited drive I think you could be right about the brakes! Literally 3 miles and they were stinking and useless.
As for handling I am majorly impressed as it is. Well I'm pretty new to the impreza and loving it so far.
I can't imagine how quick it will be with 300 bhp!

See you/meet you Monday steve !

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

I think once you've had it a while you'll start to discover it's shortcomings in the handling department, Mattys list it spot on and will see you with a much better power delivery and as mentioned circa 280bhp.

It's not cheap at around £500 but the Godspeed big brake conversion for your standard 4 pots is a good upgrade and will be spot on for any future plans, it also fits with your standard wheels and IMO is better than forking out £500+ on a set of knackered brembos that may still require discs pads, heli-coiling and calliper refirb so be warned and make sure you know what your getting into if you go the brembo route, although you may be lucky and find a good set for that kind of money if you shop about.

Back to handling, here's my list of must do's to get the new age somewhere close to decent.

front anti lift kit.
solid rear drop links.
Eibach springs.
polly bushes in the oem rear anti roll bar, good to change the fronts too.
Geo set up by a subaru specialist.
and some decent rubber on the wheels.

There are those that would say 24mm rear anti roll bar as well but if your on a budget i'd go springs before roll bar, although you may pick up a second hand one for about £100 off here, but just changing the bushes helps you find the limit progressively as opposed to opps it's gone.

That lot will keep you entertained for a while.

iain85

Cheers for the info.

Il look into the Godspeed brakes. Got any links?

Is it normal for,the standrd brakes to go off after a couple of miles spirited driving? It's a bit worrying as I've got a track session at brands on Monday

The car has Bridgestone potenzas on it now which I assume are pretty good?

I don't want to go to mad with throwing loads of money at the car as just maintaining it and fuelling it costs a fair whack. That being said being able to stop when required has it's uses

Cheers,

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

just google Godspeed brakes and speak to ian, it may take a couple of calls as he's usually very busy.

Performance friction pads are supposed to be good as are Carbontech Z rated, but i've not used either.

AS performance is also another good supplier also on here, Allan is the main man there.

if your doing track days you really want some decent high temp fluid like 5.1 and some braided lines is a good idea too.

I think for monday you'll just have to try and keep off the brakes for the first few laps while you learn the circuit and warm the car up, then put in a flying lap and a couple of easy ones and flying again don't forget to do a cool down lap too and check your tyre pressures.

have fun and don't bin it.

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

Its not really normal no. The WRX 4 pots aren't great, but they're generally fine for fast road in most circumstances. It might be that you just have budget pads in them at the moment.

I spent good money on better discs/pads to try and improve the standard 4 pot setup - and it worked, to a point. The problem is that the better the brakes, the more confident i got on track and the more i pushed them. So i still ended up melting pads and warping discs. Gave up and went with a ksport 356mm kit in the end, difference is huge.

As ditchmyster says, the Godspeed kit is an option. But at £550 its a lot of money when you're reusing your existing (probably tired) calipers. Same applies to Brembos, they're a good caliper, better than the standard 4 pot but an old set might need refurbing and its a false economy once you start adding new discs/pads.

Just take it easy on track, as if you're getting fade within a few miles on the road, you'll notice it within a single lap on track! Come and say hello and the SES guys can have a look at your new car on Monday and make some recommendations

iain85

Nice one Steve and ditchmyster, yeah i will just take it steady and try and gleam some advice for you ses chaps. Cheers,