4/00 --- read my first article about the WRX. `It'll do ---what?!?!?!'
2/03 --- researched modding a WRX and decided `this is something I'll do someday'
5/03 --- took delivery of my new 04 WRX.
12/06--- after lurking for months, joined NASIOC.
1/07 ----bought an Accessport in the classifieds and flashed to Stage 1 --- @ 80K miles. A nice bump ---decided to do Stage 2 `soon'.
9/25/07 -- Finally got to Stage 2.
Modern Auto Performance in Plymouth MN hooked me up with the Invidia V2 (catless) and bolted 'er up for me last night. Great guys, I recommend them. I drove home on my Stage 1 Cobb map and it felt a bit stronger.
I flashed to Stage 2 91 Octane later last night and took her for a spin --- that's a nice upgrade, very noticeble increase in power and faster spool.
The extra sound isn't bad. There's a whistle from the turbo at low RPMs and a bit more rat a tat under partial throttle. It takes some getting used to but I can handle it.
I'm a bit surprised by the smell though. I knew there'd be some, and maybe I'm just sensitive, but it is VERY noticeable whenever I stop.
Does this ever go away? Fade with time?
I'm currently running the stock catback. I know I'll free up a few extra HP with an upgrade --- anybody have a good estimate as to how many? I'm thinking my next mod will be sways --- that I'll feel that more than I would the catback --- I'm not looking to get louder or look meaner or anything like that.
Thanks for reading.