Goodies before install?

stimpy · 05-09-2003, 06:56 PM

The deal on the stock exhaust fell through so I have time to re-evaluate my options. I don't know if I'll have the extra funds available or not, but I'm trying to decide if there are any upgrades that would be worth doing up front.

My current list of items include an up-pipe, a lightweight flywheel, or a turbo-back. The up-pipe I could always install later; I've done the install before and know what's involved. The flywheel would require the tranny to be pulled; definitely easier with the engine out of the car. My engine will be only coming with the stock downpipe, so I need to source almost an entire exhaust section anyhow. The stock exhaust would be about $130, or there are many used exhaust systems going for around $700.

When you did your swap, was there anything you wished you would have done before getting it all in there? Or perhaps, do you have any thoughts that might sway me one way or the other?

-Jon

peepshow · 05-10-2003, 10:00 PM

Jon, I got a ScoobySport turbo back exhaust when I had my swap done. I needed to get an exhaust, because my swap only came with the up pipe and turbo, no down pipe or any other exhaust parts.

Are you talking JDM or USDM swap? If JDM, I think the up pipes are catless already, so I'd definitely go with a turbo back.

Lightweight flywheels are nice, but I'd hold off on it. It's on my list as a "nice-to-have-someday-but-my-money-could-be-better-spent-elsewhere-for-now" mod. I'll probably replace the flywheel when the stock STi clutch goes.

- Trent

Jaxx · 05-12-2003, 12:43 PM

which tranny are you using ...

both the flywheel and upipe are lame installs do them while is off the car ... at least gut the stock uppipe..

the turbo back is much much easier.. you have to remove it to do the other two any way ..

stimpy · 05-12-2003, 02:57 PM

The engine and transmission are most likely coming off of a MY03 WRX. Not sure exactly yet since the car has not been located (have somebody looking right now).

I don't think I have much beef with installing the turbo-back or the up-pipe after everything is in. I've done them before. A couple hours to do either of them, tops. Provided I don't get another Vishnu pipe that is too short by a couple mm.

Being that the clutch/flywheel will almost be brand new, I wouldn't have to get back into there and touch either of those in a long while. So, if I am going to do the flywheel, it would either be before the engine goes in or it would be an exclusive install later. However, dsmawd's description of the flywheel is just about spot on with mine. Always wanted to own a car with a lightweight flywheel, but is it needed? No.

It's not like I _have_ to do any of these. I was trying to get a feel for what people did and what they wish they would have done. I haven't decided if I want to go barebones install first or upgrade the things that would be easily done with the engine apart.

-Jon

Aspen · 05-13-2003, 01:46 AM

up-pipe, flywheel, under-drive pulley(prevents radiator dings), STI engine/tranny mounts, Whiteline Steering Rack bushings...

peepshow · 05-13-2003, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aspen
up-pipe, flywheel, under-drive pulley(prevents radiator dings), STI engine/tranny mounts, Whiteline Steering Rack bushings...

STi engine/tranny mounts without question. Up-pipe would be a good idea, since you're talking USDM swap.

- Trent

Cacophony · 05-13-2003, 10:15 AM

Do it right, do it once. Anything that is easier to do without a drivetrain in the car should be done now. Chances are you'll want to do it later, but it will be far costlier later what with a drivetrain in the way.

Mounts, downpipe, clutch, flywheel.. do it all if you can.

My 2.5 had an 11lb flywheel, and when it was converted to an STi V I had a 10.3lb JUN ultralight put in. Trust me, these are essential mods.. once you have driven a car with a lightened flywheel, you will wonder how anyone can drive one of the stockers. I seriously have trouble with my wife's WRX.. the stock flywheel is so damn heavy that it's virtually impossible to shift slow enough to be smooth..

05-09-2003, 06:56 PM	#1
stimpy Homicidal Maniac Moderator Member#: 1612 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Austin, TX Vehicle: 2008 STI	Goodies before install? The deal on the stock exhaust fell through so I have time to re-evaluate my options. I don't know if I'll have the extra funds available or not, but I'm trying to decide if there are any upgrades that would be worth doing up front. My current list of items include an up-pipe, a lightweight flywheel, or a turbo-back. The up-pipe I could always install later; I've done the install before and know what's involved. The flywheel would require the tranny to be pulled; definitely easier with the engine out of the car. My engine will be only coming with the stock downpipe, so I need to source almost an entire exhaust section anyhow. The stock exhaust would be about $130, or there are many used exhaust systems going for around $700. When you did your swap, was there anything you wished you would have done before getting it all in there? Or perhaps, do you have any thoughts that might sway me one way or the other? -Jon

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Any have pics of MRT Front Mount Intercooler before installation	MooseWRX	Factory 2.0L Turbo Powertrain	0	06-07-2003 05:02 PM
Any Tips or Things I Should Know Before Installing OEM WRX Rear Lip Kit?	clsmooth71	Interior & Exterior Modification	9	04-25-2003 12:18 PM
Anything I should know before installing my COBB intake?	2.5RSMatt	Normally Aspirated Powertrain	11	04-20-2003 02:30 AM
I've got a lot of goodies to install,...	AllenWilson	Texas Impreza Club Forum -- TXIC	33	08-12-2002 02:39 PM
Fill Oil Filter Before Install?	Silver2000RS	Technical Forum Archive	24	10-07-2000 12:51 AM

05-10-2003, 10:00 PM	#2
peepshow Scooby Specialist Member#: 1777 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Charlotte, NC USofA Vehicle: 2005 LGT #92 FZippy	Jon, I got a ScoobySport turbo back exhaust when I had my swap done. I needed to get an exhaust, because my swap only came with the up pipe and turbo, no down pipe or any other exhaust parts. Are you talking JDM or USDM swap? If JDM, I think the up pipes are catless already, so I'd definitely go with a turbo back. Lightweight flywheels are nice, but I'd hold off on it. It's on my list as a "nice-to-have-someday-but-my-money-could-be-better-spent-elsewhere-for-now" mod. I'll probably replace the flywheel when the stock STi clutch goes. - Trent

05-12-2003, 12:43 PM	#3
Jaxx NASIOC Supporter Member#: 177 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Boise,Idaho,USA Vehicle: The 93 Imp W/EJ20K flat black	which tranny are you using ... both the flywheel and upipe are lame installs do them while is off the car ... at least gut the stock uppipe.. the turbo back is much much easier.. you have to remove it to do the other two any way ..

05-12-2003, 02:57 PM	#4
stimpy Homicidal Maniac Moderator Member#: 1612 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Austin, TX Vehicle: 2008 STI	The engine and transmission are most likely coming off of a MY03 WRX. Not sure exactly yet since the car has not been located (have somebody looking right now). I don't think I have much beef with installing the turbo-back or the up-pipe after everything is in. I've done them before. A couple hours to do either of them, tops. Provided I don't get another Vishnu pipe that is too short by a couple mm. Being that the clutch/flywheel will almost be brand new, I wouldn't have to get back into there and touch either of those in a long while. So, if I am going to do the flywheel, it would either be before the engine goes in or it would be an exclusive install later. However, dsmawd's description of the flywheel is just about spot on with mine. Always wanted to own a car with a lightweight flywheel, but is it needed? No. It's not like I _have_ to do any of these. I was trying to get a feel for what people did and what they wish they would have done. I haven't decided if I want to go barebones install first or upgrade the things that would be easily done with the engine apart. -Jon

05-13-2003, 01:46 AM	#5
Aspen Scooby Specialist Member#: 145 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: The Windy City Vehicle: Banned to Housework for Summer	up-pipe, flywheel, under-drive pulley(prevents radiator dings), STI engine/tranny mounts, Whiteline Steering Rack bushings...

05-13-2003, 10:15 AM	#7
Cacophony Scooby Newbie Member#: 213 Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Philly, PA Vehicle: 2004 Mazda RX-8 Black	Do it right, do it once. Anything that is easier to do without a drivetrain in the car should be done now. Chances are you'll want to do it later, but it will be far costlier later what with a drivetrain in the way. Mounts, downpipe, clutch, flywheel.. do it all if you can. My 2.5 had an 11lb flywheel, and when it was converted to an STi V I had a 10.3lb JUN ultralight put in. Trust me, these are essential mods.. once you have driven a car with a lightened flywheel, you will wonder how anyone can drive one of the stockers. I seriously have trouble with my wife's WRX.. the stock flywheel is so damn heavy that it's virtually impossible to shift slow enough to be smooth..