Hey all I just traded in my 2003 Cobra for a new 2005 blue w/silver rims STI and very pleased so far. Just want a little more out of it. So and input would be greatly apperciated very much. Looking at maybe the Cobb stage 2.

Do a full exhaust and call it a day. It will never feel "fast" compared to the cobra imho. (if it was s/c'd that is)

~v6

Driving school maybe. You had a Cobra before so you have had a fast car already, but the STi takes a little time to learn how to drive if you have never driven a fast AWD before. Build skill and comfort first, then upgrade.

offset

Welcome, you may find my Subaru FAQ (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=482535) to be a nice read. Cobb makes great stuff, so give it some thought.

just enjoy it for at least 6 months the way it is then mod, just my advice. then when you start to mod you will then notice the diff. enjoy brother sti!

I agree, I wouldn't go out and mod the car for a good 5000 miles. You pretty much void your warranty as soon as you start tinkering too much. Give the car a chance to see if there's going to be any early problems, that you can get fixed under warranty first.
After the break in, you could do minor mods that don't void the warranty, but definitely wait a bit to do major mods.

The 2003 Cobra was the first year of the S/C correct?
Well, then I'm sure you read that comparision article "Hot Rod" mag had a few months back. The STI held it's own against the s/c Cobra. And the 2005 would do even better with the new LSD front end.

The STI probably will never "feel" as fast as that s/c V8, but rest assured, in anything short of a straight line, the STI will be a far faster car, and I'd imagine easier to drive fast as well.

At Willow Springs a few weeks ago, there were 2 Sti's and there was one newer Cobra.
The cobra driver was obviously not up to par with the STi guys, but still, the STi guys were giving EVERYBODY a hard time, lapping nearly every car from the NSX to the multiple M3's that were there too. There was one guy in a modded late 90's M3 that was showing his taillights to everyone though, he was FAST.

The first thing I did was to add the steering rack bushings a rear sway bar and got the car re-aligned. The cars handling feel is much improved, very little to no understeer now with the center dif on rear bias. This is the way the car should have come from the factory. That factory USDM EVO doesn't handle as well as my car with these cheap mods. I have driven them back to back. As far as performance I am not going to do anything without upgrading the fuel delivery system and getting the car dyno tuned using the stock ECU. That's just my personal preference for reliabilities sake. I would have to agree though that a driving school is important, just I would make those simple cheap mods first so you can start learning the car's handling the way it should be right away. Anyway that's just my take.

Full turbo back exhaust and Utec. (good for mid 12s)Those mods will add 50hp to your STi. This will also get you prepared for more upgrades down the line. www.turboxs.com or give them a call. I've had nothing but a great experience with them over the last 3 years. They can really help you chose what mods are right for your future plans.


I'm now waiting for a good reliable and conservative turbo upgrade package. Nothing too wild but something that will give me around 400hp (350 whp). I think this will make a great daily driver/weekend racer. Should be good for high 11s - low 12s.

I don't need to go any faster than that. I think this is the basic plan many STi owners have.

#1 would be radiator upgrade. if you are going to enhance performance/Hp. you are going to run the motor hot, the stock radiator is inefficient even at stock tune. i found on my 03 wrx to run 5 -10 degrees cooler after the upgrade to a fluidyne.

IMO leave well enough alone. You have time. It is a nice car with a good warranty. As stated before a TB exhaust will be a good mod.

If you have to spend $$ buy some DEFI red guages.

I agree, I wouldn't go out and mod the car for a good 5000 miles. You pretty much void your warranty as soon as you start tinkering too much. Give the car a chance to see if there's going to be any early problems, that you can get fixed under warranty first.
After the break in, you could do minor mods that don't void the warranty, but definitely wait a bit to do major mods.

The 2003 Cobra was the first year of the S/C correct?
Well, then I'm sure you read that comparision article "Hot Rod" mag had a few months back. The STI held it's own against the s/c Cobra. >>>>>And the 2005 would do even better with the new LSD front end.<<<<<
The STI probably will never "feel" as fast as that s/c V8, but rest assured, in anything short of a straight line, the STI will be a far faster car, and I'd imagine easier to drive fast as well.

At Willow Springs a few weeks ago, there were 2 Sti's and there was one newer Cobra.
The cobra driver was obviously not up to par with the STi guys, but still, the STi guys were giving EVERYBODY a hard time, lapping nearly every car from the NSX to the multiple M3's that were there too. There was one guy in a modded late 90's M3 that was showing his taillights to everyone though, he was FAST.

Is there concrete proof on this statement above?(In bold lettering)
The only benefit I have read about is that it is easier to modulate power through the helical compared to the Suretrac unit.

IMO leave well enough alone. You have time. It is a nice car with a good warranty. As stated before a TB exhaust will be a good mod.

If you have to spend $$ buy some DEFI red guages.

Where can I get Defi red gauges.

Is there concrete proof on this statement above?(In bold lettering)
The only benefit I have read about is that it is easier to modulate power through the helical compared to the Suretrac unit.


Well, no "concrete" proof, but seeing as I haven't driven either the 04 or 05 I'm going off of what I've understood. I did read a report somewhere, that stated the 05 STi with the new LSD and it's few other changes, should improve it's handling and lessen the oversteer.

Can't recall where I read it, but it makes sense. I doubt Subaru would make the change if it wasn't going to improve anything. So I'd say it's pretty sure it will improve handling. Even what you said, that it's easier to modulate power through, would make it easy to drive on the track and therefore most likely improve times.

Maybe, like the SRT-4, some owners and mags testers will compare the "old" to the new, and we'll get a better idea.

Where can I get Defi red gauges.
You can't. They are not in production.

You can't. They are not in production.

Open mouth insert entire bipod structures...

Click here to buy your DEFI red gauges (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590938&highlight=defi+red)

Except the LAWD.

Press release from Defi...

Amber Red Model Released (Due in August) (http://www.defi-shop.com/images/BFamber-Ind2-low.pdf)

How does one act when God is wrong? :eek:

definatly start with exhaust..open it up..my first mods were

-billyboat custom header
-3.5 aps turbo back exhaust (catless)
-aps intake
-turbo xs blow off

i ran 12.4's consistanly believe me you will be very happy with these minor mods..

how much did u get ur 05 for

I bought my STi in may. By next month my car will have a full txs tbe, txs short ram, utec, a VF34, and some omori gauges :(

That sad face isnt from me, its from my wallet. I would definitely get an exhaust though.

I own a 05 and recently saw in the new issue of turbo Subaru has a add with the NEW STI and a list of cars it can out run 0-60 and out break. Including ferraris and porsches.It claims a 0-60 dash in 4.6!!!!!!What does everone think of the claims??

I own a 05 and recently saw in the new issue of turbo Subaru has a add with the NEW STI and a list of cars it can out run 0-60 and out break. Including ferraris and porsches.It claims a 0-60 dash in 4.6!!!!!!What does everone think of the claims??

Based on a recent run-in with a new STi last week I'd say it's possible with the right driver. Otherwise expect lower 5 second 0-60 times.

I own a 05 and recently saw in the new issue of turbo Subaru has a add with the NEW STI and a list of cars it can out run 0-60 and out break. Including ferraris and porsches.It claims a 0-60 dash in 4.6!!!!!!What does everone think of the claims??

Possible if you don't mind abusing the hell out of the transmission :) Remember we are AWD, all four wheels can launch the car to 60 very quickly. After 60 though, RWD cars with 300+HP will start to pull, if they have decent gearing like the STi does, which is a big if.

Yes it is possible, I have done a 4.7 personally. I am sure if the conditions were right a 4.6 would be possible. I really wouldn't recommend making a habit of such things though. This kind of driving puts a lot of stress on the drivetrain. I only did it just to see what the car would really do. Quite a violent experience. :devil: I am satisfied with it and I don't feel the need to do it again. Personally I get more satisfaction out of testing and improving upon the cornering limits of the car.

definatly start with exhaust..open it up..my first mods were

-billyboat custom header
-3.5 aps turbo back exhaust (catless)
-aps intake
-turbo xs blow off

i ran 12.4's consistanly believe me you will be very happy with these minor mods..
What about reflashes or upgrades on the ecu?

I own a 05 and recently saw in the new issue of turbo Subaru has a add with the NEW STI and a list of cars it can out run 0-60 and out break. Including ferraris and porsches.It claims a 0-60 dash in 4.6!!!!!!What does everone think of the claims??


They got this number from Car and Driver.
They got the 2004 to do 0-60 in 4.6 seconds.
But again, as others have said, try doing this to often yourself and you'll become good friends with your local subie dealer's service department.

Most mag testers have run high 4's to low 5's.

Keep in mind, Car and Driver is also the mag that got the Forester XT to do 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. No other mag has even come close to that.
Most are getting high 5's and low 6's with it.
Also keep in mind, owners become more familiar with their cars than the mag testers have time to do. But most owners aren't willing to subject their own cars to that kind of regular abuse.
Track conditions can account for a lot too, and there is no "adjustment" for different tracks.

Car and Driver also "adjusts" their times for ideal atmospheric conditions. Which is kinda silly. How often is the atmospheric conditions ACTUALLY ideal in any given part of the world.

They should list the actual time they got and then the conditions they did it in, and let others be the judge as to whether they can meet or beat those times if their conditions happen to be better or worse.