I have been doing some reading on the FAQ's and searches for a few mods that I have/had been considering in the future. What I'm looking for really is a road map to more HP. My goal is to do some "light" modding, mostly bolt-on power w/ an ecu reflash; however I have noticed that what I considered universal BPU's are actually a bad decision for the STI.

I wanted to do a BOV to replace my stock BPV, but after reading the FAQ, I'm not going that route. In addition I thought a replacement intake would be good, but it seems that unless you are going to do some heavy duty modding, that isn't nessecary. In addition, many of the warm air intakes, like that of SPT, are useless and are not worth the money. Overall it seems that intakes/CAI are nessecary once you go to FMIC and the like, but otherwise don't even bother.

So my thoughts move to Cobb Stage 1 accessport. A 25 crank hp bump sounds good for under 700 bucks. I did a search but couldn't find a quality thread which went over the changes. Dyno map seems legit, but then again who knows, this is the internet after all!

This leaves me with some confusion as far as how I should proceed with modifications. My price range is 1k or below, including shipping and installation by a professional if required.

What are the opinions of other STI drivers/modders as far as 1st mods go? Is cobb stage 1 a for sure easy power upgrade, set it and forget it? I am slightly concerned on this b/c other threads have reported slight issues, like CEL's and a general, my car seems slower after I did x y and z.

If anyone has a road map they went through and would like to share, I would appreicate it, or if a link exists with similar content, that would work as well. Especially interested in hearing from people who have gone cobb stage 1 from a bone stock setup.

Thx! :banana:

EM (like the Cobb AP) coupled with a new DP can be had right around that price. Great first step for power.

offset

get an accessport, a used downpipe, and a protune. +50 hp and less than a grand.

Gerald06STI,


I have gone the COBB engine management route with my 04WRX. I could not have been happier. I started out like most with the STG. 1 , then progressed up to ST. 2 when the money was available to do so.

Since I too have an 06 STI, I will make the same moves; however, I want to go with the gauges first. The new gauges are not going to make the car any faster, but will open up the road to power mods that will follow. A set of DEFI gauges that will match our guages will set you back about $800 bills. Depending on who you talk to, you will get varying opinions on which gauges to get ( I would pick EGT, Boost, Oil temp), anyway...

COBB makes some of the best parts in the evergrowing Subaru market. If you can't wait for a little extra power, and want to wait on the gauges, then go for the STG.1, you can always upgrade from there.

Oh, I almost forgot, once you start modding, you will be forever Jonsing for your next mod.....:lol:

Check out http://www.scoobymods.com/

There is alot of how to so forth.

Enjoy
Scott

I agree with GraphicWRX statements, however i feel the cheapest power adder is better fuel. Try running a tank of 93+ octane and a few full boost runs. Hopefully your ecu will not pickup any knock and adjust your fuel/timing/boost maps to the ragged edge ~for a stock ecu.

Good Luck

BTW - I followed the advice above and dyno at 251HP and 254TQ with 500 miles on a stock car that seems 10HP/TQ better than most with similiar setups.

Hey all thx for the advice so far. I have a couple of follow up questions.

1. Is protune the same thing (basically) as say cobb stage 1 or is it more involved where you take your car to an actual tuner and they tune w/ a dyno using "protune" software?

2. As far as the full boost runs go, what do I need to do? Just lay in to it for every gear say on an abandon highway a few times to program the ECU to be more aggressive?

3. Will a EM change along w/ say a downpipe be worth it in the end? Will my buttdyno notice a difference or is it just a waste of money; basically, should I go big or go home?

4. Would you all agree that aftermarket intakes w/o other major mods are useless?

Edit: Oh and does anyone know if the STI can be programmed to do Wide Open Throttle shifts? My buddy has an SRT4 w/ stage one and he can WOT shift, I really want to do that w/ the STI.

thx again :) :)

I went Cobb Stage 1 and I feel it is worth the money($645).
I personally didnt want to go as extreme as Stage 2 yet (boost creep and all).... so I figured I would bump the power a little, smooth out the power delivery and keep all those Stage 2 WRX/TR's at my rear flanks(lol).

Dont expect to be blown away by the added 25hp at the crank cause it simply aint much.
The added torque is def nice down low, but the car always seemed to pull well anyway (I come from an RSX Type S which had zero torque).
The best word for how Stage 1 feels is refined.
It takes a little bit of the edge off of the car in a good way.
The car seems more responsive.

I personally think the stock 300/300 is more than enough for my application but I have def caught the mod bug already:
Cobb Stage 1 A/P
Cobb Front/rear sways bars (with Kartyboy endlinks)
Group N motor mounts
Prodrive Springs with Group N Tops
Whiteline Steering Rack Bushings
Kartboy Short Shifter plus bushings
Debadged (took off all STI stickers (exept front and rear STI emblems) car looks so much better) :banana:

Have fun,good luck with the car, and good luck with your decision.

STix66

I went cobb stage 1 with a catback... then a downpipe and stage 2 map... after that I went Intake + protune.


Felt all 3 and you'll def. start to notice at stage 2 (even tho I didn't). You'll feel your car much smoother and etc. After my intake, the car felt smoother. maybe you should look at K&N Typhoon intake. I have had no problems so far. If you are going ot get protuned, a nice little goody to have (my tuner insisted me getting on for a lil more power)

Have fun :)

PS - If you want to save money, get used stuff :) (except intake.. since you better get a new one than a dirty one)

What is boost creep? Is that something I would face if I went stage 2? Would stage 2 allow me to WOT shift?

What is boost creep? Is that something I would face if I went stage 2? Would stage 2 allow me to WOT shift?
Boost creep happens when exhaust flow is greater than can physically flow through the wastegate. Typically what happens is you reach peak boost, hold it for a second or two and then your boost begins to "creep" higher. This is not the same thing as boost spike/spiking, which can usually be fixed be correcting the wastegate duty cycle.

It is possible to have boost creep on any STi running higher boost/more flow especially with a catless exhaust. The best thing to do is investigate your turbo prior to going "stage 2". You have most of it apart anyhow so spending a little time looking over your turbo won't hurt. A tiny bit of porting typically fixes boost creep.

I don't understand your last question?? I go WOT in stock form in any gear??

get the Cobb AP and thier downpipe. Can't think if a better way to spend $1000 on the STi

first mod on my sti was a full tbe, ported w/g, and a drop in filter (had it from my 03) i'm savin for a AP now.....

If you guys are talking about first mods then you should stay away from adding power.......for now at least.
I would start off with front & rear sturt bars, front & rear sway bars, short shifter w/bushings, a set of gauges, drop in filter with silencer removed, ecutek flash, and catted downpipe.

how about leave it stock. it's as fast as you'll ever need it to be

how about leave it stock. it's as fast as you'll ever need it to be

when you hang around with cars that's faster than yours, you change.

Actually modding is more for "fun". Modding IS fun. :D You don't want to be the same STi like 293874923879 of them out there

If you guys are talking about first mods then you should stay away from adding power.......for now at least.
I would start off with front & rear sturt bars, front & rear sway bars, short shifter w/bushings, a set of gauges, drop in filter with silencer removed, ecutek flash, and catted downpipe.

I actually have planned on doing suspension work first. I have posted in the suspension thread about what mods to do first, and they pretty much suggested what you have above. I'm the kinda guy though that likes to talk about stuff and dream; so now I'm in the research phase for power adders. It will be some time before I go that route, but taking the time now to research everything will ensure that once I do add on more power, I am going down a soild route. Could you explain catted downpipe?

I don't understand your last question?? I go WOT in stock form in any gear??

Yes, can you do wide open throttle shifts with the stage 2 mapping, (or any mapping, or which mapping will allow you to do so).

how about leave it stock. it's as fast as you'll ever need it to be

That's a fair and true statement - adding power is something that is on the horizon but right now I am trying to research some ways to go. For me modding the car is just another piece of the hobby - I like custom stuff and having a car that is modified is appealing to me. :)

how about leave it stock. it's as fast as you'll ever need it to be
so where do you draw the line? 300 hp? Is a WRX as fast as you'll never need it to be? Shouldn't have gotten an sti then.

People love to take some kind of high road and say "don't mod, buy a house," or "do suspension and brakes first." Feeling a big difference in handling requires you to be going 8/10ths. I don't know about you, but I don't do that on the road. What I can do on the road is punch it on an entrance ramp. Stage 2 will make that way more fun.

I'm not saying suspension/driving technique are not worthwhile mods, I"m doing them because I'm going to the track, but they are not the end-all-be-all.

I actually have planned on doing suspension work first. I have posted in the suspension thread about what mods to do first, and they pretty much suggested what you have above. I'm the kinda guy though that likes to talk about stuff and dream; so now I'm in the research phase for power adders. It will be some time before I go that route, but taking the time now to research everything will ensure that once I do add on more power, I am going down a soild route. Could you explain catted downpipe?


If this is your first high performance forced induction AWD car then I highly suggest you do those suspension mods first. I say this because you need time behind the wheel to get to know your car and drive it to it's full potential, after you have learned the driving habbits and tendancies of the car at it's limits you will be a better driver and will be ready for the next stage in mods :devil:

The downpipe is part of your exhaust that connects to the turbine outlet, it expells exhaust gasses. I suggested a catted downpipe cause it would be wise to keep one cat in your exhaust system for many reasons.
1.) it's safe for the environment
2.) it's somewhat legal
3.) less or no boost creep compared to a catless downpipe
4.) less noise compared to a catless downpipe

It's a good thing that your doing research, this way you can learn more about your car and which mods are good for it and bad for it. Also new parts are always coming out so you might regret a recent purchase down the road.

I didn't think you could run Stage 2 with just the down-pipe mated to the stock catback?
Am I wrong here?
If I am can you explain why everyone says that if you are going stage 2 you NEED a FULL TURBOBACK EXHAUST system.

In terms of what you should do first, last ,whatever.......

just do them all at once like me :)

I just got my 06 STi. I'm also interested in mods. The car seems very stable in corners, but I'd like to get more low RPM torque and less turbo lag. Will Cobb Stage 2 do it?

Indy,

Yes, if you go to Cobb's website they have the curves and you can see how they move. take a look at below.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTI1MTM3ODZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

I just got my 06 STi. I'm also interested in mods. The car seems very stable in corners, but I'd like to get more low RPM torque and less turbo lag. Will Cobb Stage 2 do it?
Less turbo lag....good luck with that. I'm guessing you've never driven the 2.0 WRX??

Turbo Lag on an STI????
Dude c'mon......learn how to drive it.

Turbo Lag on an STI????
Dude c'mon......learn how to drive it.

How could that be avoided (turbo lag), via driving or how could turbo lag occur with poor driving?

Graphic,

Thanks for the input. I have looked at Cobb's dyno output and agree that will help. Ordered it today. :devil:

Turbo Lag on an STI????
Dude c'mon......learn how to drive it. Heh... the only people who think an STI doesn't have lag are people who've never driven a V8 ;). Even stage 2 has noticable lag that shows up regularly in daily driving situations.

Heh... the only people who think an STI doesn't have lag are people who've never driven a V8 ;). Even stage 2 has noticable lag that shows up regularly in daily driving situations.
No - the people who think the STi has turbo lag are the people who don't know the difference between turbo lag and boost threshold.

FYI the STI has barely any turbo lag.

Heh... the only people who think an STI doesn't have lag are people who've never driven a V8 ;). Even stage 2 has noticable lag that shows up regularly in daily driving situations.
LOL....sure. Whatever you say. :lol:

Agree with Rootus. This is first turbo car I've ever driven, and there is a noticeable lag. Perhaps boost threshold vs. turbo lag, but in the end, lag is lag. I'm looking for mods that will give me more low RPM torque.

BTW Rootus, nice choice of color. Same as mine.

A high flowing turboback exhaust will help spool/decrease lag on stock turbo.

But wont the TBE cause boost creep or is that only w/ TBE & EM such as cobb stage2?

From my research, the most likely boost creep setup would be a catless downpipe with the stock setup. If you are really worried about creep, you could always take advantage of having the waste gate ported while you have things apart.

I am planning on getting a catted downpipe. I do not expect to have a problem with creep.

No - the people who think the STi has turbo lag are the people who don't know the difference between turbo lag and boost threshold.

FYI the STI has barely any turbo lag. Call it what you will, all that matters to me is what happens when I hit the go pedal. I get an instant 4-5 psi, then a pause... which you can call anything you want... and then whoosh I get 18 psi.

My '03 Cobra... I would push the go pedal... and instantly got 14 psi. My '95 Mustang GT (naturally aspirated)... I push the go pedal, and it goes ;).

The STI ... well, unless I'm cruising at >3000 RPM... I push the pedal, wait, then go. And if I take off from idle (i.e. normal everyday driving), and decide I need power NOW... well, it can seem like an eternity waiting for the torque. That's the downside of a low compression four-banger... it's gutless without boost.

LOL....sure. Whatever you say. Not sure whatcha mean :rolleyes:.

Dave

But wont the TBE cause boost creep or is that only w/ TBE & EM such as cobb stage2?
Yeah it can...do it right...port the turbo as part of the TBE installation. Problem solved.

Call it what you will, all that matters to me is what happens when I hit the go pedal. I get an instant 4-5 psi, then a pause... which you can call anything you want... and then whoosh I get 18 psi.

My '03 Cobra... I would push the go pedal... and instantly got 14 psi. My '95 Mustang GT (naturally aspirated)... I push the go pedal, and it goes ;).

The STI ... well, unless I'm cruising at >3000 RPM... I push the pedal, wait, then go. And if I take off from idle (i.e. normal everyday driving), and decide I need power NOW... well, it can seem like an eternity waiting for the torque. That's the downside of a low compression four-banger... it's gutless without boost.

Not sure whatcha mean :rolleyes:.

Dave

Uhh... downshift and you go ;)

well no shiet... 4 cyl and 8 cyl are different. Get used to it lol

so where do you draw the line? 300 hp? Is a WRX as fast as you'll never need it to be? Shouldn't have gotten an sti then.

People love to take some kind of high road and say "don't mod, buy a house," or "do suspension and brakes first." Feeling a big difference in handling requires you to be going 8/10ths. I don't know about you, but I don't do that on the road. What I can do on the road is punch it on an entrance ramp. Stage 2 will make that way more fun.

I'm not saying suspension/driving technique are not worthwhile mods, I"m doing them because I'm going to the track, but they are not the end-all-be-all.
That's What I'm Talking About!!!!!!

I Couldn't of Said It Better Myself..........

conker would I port the turbo or the wastegate or both? Just want to clarify :)

You are always going to experience turbo lag near boost threshold. They are related. On the STI, cruising down the highway in 6th gear at 3000rpm, mash it, and it will take a second to build boost.

It's hardly bad. It has a 6 speed gearbox for a reason. Use the sum'bitch! Even on the highway downshifting to 5th (still overdrive gear, mind you) and mashing it gives pretty instant results.

There is no such thing as "fast enough." ;)

If you want to avoid boost creep on the 06 then you can do either(or both), port the wastegate and get a catted downpipe. A lot of people run catless, port the wastegate and have no problems...really depends on who you ask.

Agree with Rootus. This is first turbo car I've ever driven, and there is a noticeable lag. Perhaps boost threshold vs. turbo lag, but in the end, lag is lag. I'm looking for mods that will give me more low RPM torque.

BTW Rootus, nice choice of color. Same as mine.


you guys are crazy talking about it having noticeable turbo lag, it's barely therem you're only in one gear at full throttle for like 6 seconds (some gears less), drive a stock 2.0L wrx, then you can talk about alot of lag

I agree, the lag on my wagon was much worse than the STI. Granted the extra half a liter helped with the torque until the turbo starts spinning up.

I just traded in my 2000 Z28 for my 2006 STI. There is definitely turbo lag, guys. Prior to the STI, I had an '88 Mazda 323 GTX, '89 323 GTX, and a '90 Eclipse GSX. The STI is the quickest of the turbo cars I've had...but there is an obvious difference in lag between the STI and the GTXs.

On another note, GO PACK GO! (ex-Neenah, WI)

...back on topic...

I think the natural path for the 2.5L is
stock -> Cobb Stage II -> 20G -> GT35

The more of those steps you can skip, the cheaper it is in the long run. And its definately true, once you mod, it doesn't stop.

J

... oh and maybe, someday -> H6

crossing fingers

How does one go about porting the WG? Sorry for the ignorance :)

if u want less lag and you are not interested in a much of top end get twinscroll vf36 or vf37 and setup and have deadbolt p&p it for u , this will give u instant tq and will get u around 300 whp with suporting mods depending on the dyno

Sheesh... ok now back to the thread...

I would say:

1. TBE I would say something in the 3" range for an STI that is going to be modded.
2. EM , any EM just EM.. I do COBB, but do what you like just get it tuned. Cobb off the shelf maps are not bad, but Protuned is much better.
3. Sway Bars... I am looking at Hotchkis or COBB really the same...
4. Coilovers or springs depending on budget
5. Brake pads and lines/fluid


I am not sure there is any worthy gain with strut bars... ??

R.

Hey all thx for the advice so far. I have a couple of follow up questions.

1. Is protune the same thing (basically) as say cobb stage 1 or is it more involved where you take your car to an actual tuner and they tune w/ a dyno using "protune" software?

2. As far as the full boost runs go, what do I need to do? Just lay in to it for every gear say on an abandon highway a few times to program the ECU to be more aggressive?

3. Will a EM change along w/ say a downpipe be worth it in the end? Will my buttdyno notice a difference or is it just a waste of money; basically, should I go big or go home?

4. Would you all agree that aftermarket intakes w/o other major mods are useless?

Edit: Oh and does anyone know if the STI can be programmed to do Wide Open Throttle shifts? My buddy has an SRT4 w/ stage one and he can WOT shift, I really want to do that w/ the STI.

thx again :) :)
Here are my responces to your questions...

1. If I were going to start over modding an STI, I would go with the AP first...

Pro tune is done by a tuner on a dyno, then some road tuning to dial it in further...

Look at it this way, after installing the AP, the car can be easily tuned from that point on...

2. I wouldn't worry about running different fuels until after the AP is set up with maps for each...

3. Consider the AP the first part of going big... Just remember that going big usually limits bottom end power...

4. I wouldn't change the intake untill it shows a power problem from future upgrades...

No - the people who think the STi has turbo lag are the people who don't know the difference between turbo lag and boost threshold.

FYI the STI has barely any turbo lag.

Last time I checked, all turbos have lag... You can't expect it to go from 20.000 rpm to somewhere around 100,000rpm instantly...

Boost threshold has nothing to do with the lag, it has to do with the point where the compressor starts to compress and move air...

Jeez I don't get the concern over lag on the STI at all. My 06 is the 4th turbo car I've had, and it easily has the LEAST lag. In fact, sometimes it doesn't even feel like it has a turbo.

Go drive an evo. Big turbo + small engine = lag.

The fact that the STI is virtually "lagless" has also been written about over and over and over in the auto press. Even Consumer Reports when they tested it against the evo8, 350Z and RX8 a few years ago said that the character of the STI pwr delivery was more like a high performance V8 than a turbo four, and likened it to a corvette.

Maybe you guys who are experiencing significant lag should honestly have your cars checked out, especially if your STI is coming up short against a mustang GT of all cars. My buddy has one of those, and it is a friggin dog.
___________

To the original poster: Get an AP as your first mod. You won't regret it.

Jeez I don't get the concern over lag on the STI at all. My 06 is the 4th turbo car I've had, and it easily has the LEAST lag. In fact, sometimes it doesn't even feel like it has a turbo.

Go drive an evo. Big turbo + small engine = lag.

The fact that the STI is virtually "lagless" has also been written about over and over and over in the auto press. Even Consumer Reports when they tested it against the evo8, 350Z and RX8 a few years ago said that the character of the STI pwr delivery was more like a high performance V8 than a turbo four, and likened it to a corvette.

Maybe you guys who are experiencing significant lag should honestly have your cars checked out, especially if your STI is coming up short against a mustang GT of all cars. My buddy has one of those, and it is a friggin dog.
___________

To the original poster: Get an AP as your first mod. You won't regret it.
Beware of over enthusiastic magazine writers. My STI is fantastic, and I also have a corvette. But anybody who tries to equate throttle response/performance at low to midrange rpm has as much intelligence as a box off rocks.

I just got my 06 STi on Sunday and installed the K&N Typhoon last night and I have to say that even if there are no real gains, the sound improvement is worth it. It does feel faster and the boost seems to come on sooner and more lineraly instead of a nothing followed by a big wallop..and the sound is just fantastic :) COBB TBE and AP are next along with sways and prodrive or eibach springs