Best bang for the buck?

Planespotting · 11-02-2009, 05:22 PM

I want to do UEL headers to get a true scooby sound. This should reduce the HP a bit and I would like to make it back.

I plan on doing the following soon:

New clutch
STi Pink Springs
New Struts
Lighter wheels (Kosei possibly)
RalliTek cams (20HP?)

What other mods are there for horsepower on an '05 2.5 NA? Just like the title I don't want to spend $16k on a Cosworth I'm just looking for the smaller things. Oh, I have an STi catback exhaust as well. I don't want to rebuild a transmission or replace the diffs because I've got too much power just modest gains.

Thanks in advance to the gurus!

WagonMafioso · 11-02-2009, 05:37 PM

Cams and exhaust will net you the best gains, also think about Engine management that will squeeze the best gain out of the cams and exhaust and you be running more "reliable" with a good tune.

GrimmSpeed · 11-02-2009, 06:21 PM

PM'd

Mike

nairbmik · 11-02-2009, 07:23 PM

You sure you want to spend this much on an NA engine?

PA-Outback2000 · 11-02-2009, 07:32 PM

intake, header, high flow cat, and lightweight crank pulley take care of the bolt-ons. cams and piggyback ECU, like SMT6, will help get the most out of the mods. some cams don't need an ECU, they run with the stock one. good luck.

Planespotting · 11-02-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nairbmik

You sure you want to spend this much on an NA engine?

Headers, Cams, and tune shouldn't be too much. The handling goodies won't be too bad either.

What I said was I do not want to spend $16k on it.

Da-Risin-Smoke · 11-02-2009, 09:00 PM

Best bang for buck is a bigger rear sway bar and learning how to drive well!

nkx · 11-02-2009, 09:09 PM

if you go for engine management, dont forget to get a tune for 93 octane (or whatever the top grade fuel is out there) so the timing can be advanced.

Planespotting · 11-02-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Da-Risin-Smoke

Best bang for buck is a bigger rear sway bar and learning how to drive well!

Bar was the first thing I did.

Scoobie2.0 · 11-03-2009, 01:13 AM

got a hydra ems on mine. very nice but addition to the car. btw was the sti catback just a straight bolt-on? cuz I had a few shops telling me that it would need to be modded.

formula91 · 11-03-2009, 01:34 AM

Intake, cams, pnp, tune.

then a little later and a couple grand later...

Forged internals, High Comp Pistons, standalone ems.

Done!

Planespotting · 11-03-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobie2.0

got a hydra ems on mine. very nice but addition to the car. btw was the sti catback just a straight bolt-on? cuz I had a few shops telling me that it would need to be modded.

Oh no, it is not a straight bolt on... it comes up a little short. I believe the flange is also turned a bit from the NA one.

Scoobie2.0 · 11-03-2009, 02:46 AM

Ah ya that is what a shop told me. Said I'd have to extend the exhaust pipe a couple inches. Thanks. Just wanted to confirm this with someone who had it done first hand.

Qman · 11-03-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planespotting

Oh no, it is not a straight bolt on... it comes up a little short. I believe the flange is also turned a bit from the NA one.

The biggest bang for the buck could be several different directions. As you have already read, it means different things to different people.

Cams and an access port are the biggest gainers. Intakes have been debated several times here and 2.5RS. You have already made a decision on the exhaust. Suspension upgrades should also be considered. You seem to have the right attitude about gains as not too much but just enough to see simple upgrades.

Good luck on your build.

SleeperWgn · 11-03-2009, 09:55 PM

Remember that replacing the cams on our engine means lifting the engine out or at least a ton of work. A good subaru shop would charge around $1500-1600. That's not bang for the buck, unless you do the cams yourself or already needed to pull the engine for other work. If you're pulling the motor to do cams, might as well do everything else that would require the engine pull. Just my thoughts, since I looked into this as well.

01LGT · 11-04-2009, 02:32 AM

although i have a 2001 i have done. the pulley, intake, header + the rest of the exhaust. rallitek says the cams give you 20 that's a big gain for the bolt-ons, i believe them they know what they are doing. have you consulted rallitek? they will answer any questions. intake about $330 for me (injen), borla header $418 (brand new, search for used or replicas), crank pulley was about $150. these prices were after shipping. header and intake have been the most noticeable so far. the cams will be the best. the rallitek cams that you are referring to do not need an ecu but it will optimize it for you. crank pulley was noticeable, just barely, wraps a little faster, it "releases" more power, agency power makes one of the lightest it weighs 5 lbs lighter. intake really accentuates the header, when both are used it will make u smile.. lol

VIsubi · 11-04-2009, 11:31 AM

This is true^^^ if done by you the cams are best bang for the buck I also have all listed above..want to get headers but since I'm going with AVO 2.5i turbo kit want to make sure clearance isn't an issue either and to be on the safe side I'm getting an HKS high power cat back exhaust...when all this is done last will be PnP of the heads and cams...already have the AccessPORT with agressive throttle..very noticable especially with LW crank pulley.

Qman · 11-04-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleeperWgn

Remember that replacing the cams on our engine means lifting the engine out or at least a ton of work. A good subaru shop would charge around $1500-1600. That's not bang for the buck, unless you do the cams yourself or already needed to pull the engine for other work. If you're pulling the motor to do cams, might as well do everything else that would require the engine pull. Just my thoughts, since I looked into this as well.

Doing the work yourself it is the biggest bang for the buck! There are enough people who have installed cams that help isn't far away if you have a problem.

WagonMafioso · 11-04-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleeperWgn

Remember that replacing the cams on our engine means lifting the engine out or at least a ton of work. A good subaru shop would charge around $1500-1600. That's not bang for the buck, unless you do the cams yourself or already needed to pull the engine for other work. If you're pulling the motor to do cams, might as well do everything else that would require the engine pull. Just my thoughts, since I looked into this as well.

Its cams not a WRX SWAP

.

subi400 · 11-04-2009, 05:06 PM

I am thinking about doing this same exact thing to my car. It has the 2.2 in it, I was thinking PnP the heads, get a full 2.25 inch exhaust with an intake, either light weight pully or lighter weight fly wheel, then I could possible do the cams as well like the OP is doing. I am wanting to reach about 200 hp at the crank, which would be 35 more hp than it has now. I have some buddies here who could help me as well.

I think you should be happy with this setup you are doing. Espeically with the tune for 93 octane, oh yeah!!

KaptainKandy · 11-04-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SleeperWgn

Remember that replacing the cams on our engine means lifting the engine out or at least a ton of work. A good subaru shop would charge around $1500-1600. That's not bang for the buck, unless you do the cams yourself or already needed to pull the engine for other work. If you're pulling the motor to do cams, might as well do everything else that would require the engine pull. Just my thoughts, since I looked into this as well.

Any shop charging $1500-1600 in labor for a cam install is crazy. I have heard of local reputable shops that offer AT->MT swaps for less than that.

nairbmik · 11-04-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planespotting

Headers, Cams, and tune shouldn't be too much. The handling goodies won't be too bad either.

What I said was I do not want to spend $16k on it.

Eh ... $2000+ dollars total is a little too much to spend on an NA engine. I know everyone says this, but if you want to start modding, save all that money, sell your 2.5i, and get a used WRX. It has so much more potential than an NA engine. But hell, thats just my opinion, whatever you decide to do, keep it clean

11-02-2009, 05:22 PM	#1
Planespotting Scooby Newbie Member#: 128073 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Petoskey, MI Vehicle: 2005 Saab 9-2x Black	Best bang for the buck? I want to do UEL headers to get a true scooby sound. This should reduce the HP a bit and I would like to make it back. I plan on doing the following soon: New clutch STi Pink Springs New Struts Lighter wheels (Kosei possibly) RalliTek cams (20HP?) What other mods are there for horsepower on an '05 2.5 NA? Just like the title I don't want to spend $16k on a Cosworth I'm just looking for the smaller things. Oh, I have an STi catback exhaust as well. I don't want to rebuild a transmission or replace the diffs because I've got too much power just modest gains. Thanks in advance to the gurus!

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11-02-2009, 05:37 PM	#2
WagonMafioso Scooby Newbie Member#: 222641 Join Date: Sep 2009	Cams and exhaust will net you the best gains, also think about Engine management that will squeeze the best gain out of the cams and exhaust and you be running more "reliable" with a good tune.

11-02-2009, 06:21 PM	#3
GrimmSpeed NASIOC Vendor Member#: 136396 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: St. Paul, MN Vehicle: 96 L 10 Genesis 99RS	PM'd Mike

11-02-2009, 07:23 PM	#4
nairbmik Scooby Newbie Member#: 220259 Join Date: Aug 2009 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Maryland Vehicle: 09 Impreza 2.5i Spark Silver Metallic	You sure you want to spend this much on an NA engine?

11-02-2009, 07:32 PM	#5
PA-Outback2000 Scooby Specialist Member#: 161832 Join Date: Oct 2007 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: PA Vehicle: 2000 Outback Limited Black	intake, header, high flow cat, and lightweight crank pulley take care of the bolt-ons. cams and piggyback ECU, like SMT6, will help get the most out of the mods. some cams don't need an ECU, they run with the stock one. good luck.

11-02-2009, 09:00 PM	#7
Da-Risin-Smoke Scooby Guru Member#: 172486 Join Date: Feb 2008 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Cheney, WA Vehicle: 1995 Impreza 2.2L Awaiting Version 4 STi	Best bang for buck is a bigger rear sway bar and learning how to drive well!

11-02-2009, 09:09 PM	#8
nkx Scooby Specialist Member#: 96951 Join Date: Sep 2005 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Cumberland Co., PA Vehicle: 2004 Impreza WRX 96 Impreza Brighton coupe	if you go for engine management, dont forget to get a tune for 93 octane (or whatever the top grade fuel is out there) so the timing can be advanced.

11-03-2009, 01:13 AM	#10
Scoobie2.0 Scooby Newbie Member#: 209493 Join Date: Apr 2009 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Beach Park, IL Vehicle: '04 W-RS-X Pacifica Blue	got a hydra ems on mine. very nice but addition to the car. btw was the sti catback just a straight bolt-on? cuz I had a few shops telling me that it would need to be modded.

11-03-2009, 01:34 AM	#11
formula91 Scooby Newbie Member#: 102984 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Northbrook, IL Vehicle: 2005 2.5RS 4EAT Platinum Silver	Intake, cams, pnp, tune. then a little later and a couple grand later... Forged internals, High Comp Pistons, standalone ems. Done!

11-03-2009, 02:46 AM	#13
Scoobie2.0 Scooby Newbie Member#: 209493 Join Date: Apr 2009 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Beach Park, IL Vehicle: '04 W-RS-X Pacifica Blue	Ah ya that is what a shop told me. Said I'd have to extend the exhaust pipe a couple inches. Thanks. Just wanted to confirm this with someone who had it done first hand.

11-03-2009, 09:55 PM	#15
SleeperWgn Scooby Newbie Member#: 176293 Join Date: Apr 2008 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, Oregon Vehicle: 2007 Impreza 2.5 Wgn Newport Blue Pearl	Remember that replacing the cams on our engine means lifting the engine out or at least a ton of work. A good subaru shop would charge around $1500-1600. That's not bang for the buck, unless you do the cams yourself or already needed to pull the engine for other work. If you're pulling the motor to do cams, might as well do everything else that would require the engine pull. Just my thoughts, since I looked into this as well.

11-04-2009, 02:32 AM	#16
01LGT Scooby Newbie Member#: 224816 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Rapid City, SD Vehicle: 2001 Legacy GT	although i have a 2001 i have done. the pulley, intake, header + the rest of the exhaust. rallitek says the cams give you 20 that's a big gain for the bolt-ons, i believe them they know what they are doing. have you consulted rallitek? they will answer any questions. intake about $330 for me (injen), borla header $418 (brand new, search for used or replicas), crank pulley was about $150. these prices were after shipping. header and intake have been the most noticeable so far. the cams will be the best. the rallitek cams that you are referring to do not need an ecu but it will optimize it for you. crank pulley was noticeable, just barely, wraps a little faster, it "releases" more power, agency power makes one of the lightest it weighs 5 lbs lighter. intake really accentuates the header, when both are used it will make u smile.. lol

11-04-2009, 11:31 AM	#17
VIsubi Scooby Newbie Member#: 187834 Join Date: Aug 2008 Vehicle: 06 2.5i impreza Red	This is true^^^ if done by you the cams are best bang for the buck I also have all listed above..want to get headers but since I'm going with AVO 2.5i turbo kit want to make sure clearance isn't an issue either and to be on the safe side I'm getting an HKS high power cat back exhaust...when all this is done last will be PnP of the heads and cams...already have the AccessPORT with agressive throttle..very noticable especially with LW crank pulley.

11-04-2009, 05:06 PM	#20
subi400 Scooby Newbie Member#: 216984 Join Date: Jul 2009 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Coeur D A'lene, ID Vehicle: 1996 Impreza outback Green	I am thinking about doing this same exact thing to my car. It has the 2.2 in it, I was thinking PnP the heads, get a full 2.25 inch exhaust with an intake, either light weight pully or lighter weight fly wheel, then I could possible do the cams as well like the OP is doing. I am wanting to reach about 200 hp at the crank, which would be 35 more hp than it has now. I have some buddies here who could help me as well. I think you should be happy with this setup you are doing. Espeically with the tune for 93 octane, oh yeah!!