HP increase...looking for opinions

Franks2308 · 11-04-2009, 03:52 PM

Hey guys,
So basically I've been throwing around ideas for my next upgrade on my 02 WRX(already have catback) and I'm not 100% on what I'm going to do. I've heard a lot of good things about COBB APv2's and installing an up/down pipe. The nice thing about this is that I don't need to tune hence the AP. Another idea I had was to just turbo swap to a vf 39 and buy a new tmic, injectors, and a fuel pump. After this I would of course have it tuned. Would the turbo swap decrease engine/tranny life dramatically? Also, is there anything I'm overlooking? Thanks!

Franks2308 · 11-04-2009, 03:54 PM

Also, does anyone know what kind of HP gains would be obtained through a vf39 from TD04 Turbo swap?

Audiosavvy · 11-04-2009, 03:54 PM

If your car is stock, a turbo upgrade is way to large of an initial jump.

I would start with an uppipe/turbo-back exaust, and a professional tune. That's a SOLID 25% increase in power at the wheels, with that power coming sooner and staying longer than stock, basically a taller AND fatter powerband, as well as being smoother and getting better mileage.

As to how it's tuned (AP or open-source), that depends on what software your local tuner(s) use.

Fill out your profile please.

luvless2620 · 11-04-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiosavvy

If your car is stock, a turbo upgrade is way to large of an initial jump.

I would start with an uppipe/turbo-back exaust, and a professional tune. That's a SOLID 25% increase in power at the wheels, with that power coming sooner and staying longer than stock, basically a taller AND fatter powerband, as well as being smoother and getting better mileage.

As to how it's tuned (AP or open-source), that depends on what software your local tuner(s) use.

Fill out your profile please.

+1

What he said, also any large turbo swap can decrease engine/tranny life dramatically, it all depends on its tune and how you drive/abuse it.

rtmccormick · 11-04-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvless2620

+1

What he said, also any large turbo swap can decrease engine/tranny life dramatically, it all depends on how you drive/abuse it.

truth. the reliability of your car depends heavily on maintenance and the way you drive it. lots of clutch drops and WOT runs every time you leave a stoplight is a great way to blow up any car, regardless of power.

Agkelos · 11-04-2009, 04:41 PM

Gut your up pipe, get a used accessport, get a downpipe and midpipe. If that is not enough power for you, then get the VF series or a 16g.

Try out stage two first though, it will likely satisfy you for a few months anyway.

Agkelos · 11-04-2009, 04:41 PM

double

Franks2308 · 11-04-2009, 05:14 PM

so you guys suggest a professional tune? Are the AP maps not very good or are professional custom tunes that much better? Also, do you know how much a custom tune is?

luvless2620 · 11-04-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franks2308

so you guys suggest a professional tune? Are the AP maps not very good or are professional custom tunes that much better? Also, do you know how much a custom tune is?

OTS maps are okay but they're not as effective as a protune because unlike an OTS map, it can specifically factor in the many intangibles of your car that an OTS map cannot cuz every car behaves different. A custom tune could range from $350-$500, depending on your relationship with your tuner. However, which ever route you decide to take, both are a cost-effective means to getting an extra "Hmmf!" out of your ride.

leecea · 11-04-2009, 06:07 PM

In my opinion, OTS maps are a safe, average tune. A good tuner can do better and a poor tuner can do worse. In fact, a poor tuner can damage your car. So, if you go with a custom tune, make sure you find a good, reliable tuner.

fastwrx25 · 11-04-2009, 09:55 PM

skip the ap and get a real tune, you'll get better smoother power tuned for YOUR car and mods. Uppipe, full turboback exhaust at a minimum. Intake, inlet, samco tmic hoses, bar plate tmic optional.

don't gut the uppipe...takes too much time and the flow path is still not great. I wouldnt get a flex uppipe.

and don't use mobil1 5w30, change plugs, clean maf sensor if it hasn't been done recently. Do maintenance stuff before you get a tune.

if you on stock suspension......suspension can be just as satisfying or if not more imo.

chazly413 · 11-04-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtmccormick

truth. the reliability of your car depends heavily on maintenance and the way you drive it. lots of clutch drops and WOT runs every time you leave a stoplight is a great way to blow up any car, regardless of power.

If your engine is tuned properly and you stay on top of your maintenance, this shouldn't be a problem. Worry more about abusing the car when the engine is cold versus when it's warmed up.

Franks2308 · 11-04-2009, 11:31 PM

alright thanks for the opinions guys! I'm going to do some upgrades in the next few weeks...I'll post pics after!

11-04-2009, 03:52 PM	#1
Franks2308 Scooby Newbie Member#: 228793 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Des Moines Vehicle: 2002 WRX Aspen White	HP increase...looking for opinions Hey guys, So basically I've been throwing around ideas for my next upgrade on my 02 WRX(already have catback) and I'm not 100% on what I'm going to do. I've heard a lot of good things about COBB APv2's and installing an up/down pipe. The nice thing about this is that I don't need to tune hence the AP. Another idea I had was to just turbo swap to a vf 39 and buy a new tmic, injectors, and a fuel pump. After this I would of course have it tuned. Would the turbo swap decrease engine/tranny life dramatically? Also, is there anything I'm overlooking? Thanks!

11-04-2009, 04:41 PM	#7
Agkelos Scooby Specialist Member#: 58163 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Saint Louis Vehicle: 2002 Stage 2 WRX World Rally Blue	double Last edited by Agkelos; 11-04-2009 at 04:42 PM. Reason: internet lag

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11-04-2009, 03:54 PM	#2
Franks2308 Scooby Newbie Member#: 228793 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Des Moines Vehicle: 2002 WRX Aspen White	Also, does anyone know what kind of HP gains would be obtained through a vf39 from TD04 Turbo swap?

11-04-2009, 03:54 PM	#3
Audiosavvy Antique Roadshow groupie Moderator Member#: 150794 Join Date: Jun 2007 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: The taint of California Vehicle: 2.3 built bugeye In it to win it	If your car is stock, a turbo upgrade is way to large of an initial jump. I would start with an uppipe/turbo-back exaust, and a professional tune. That's a SOLID 25% increase in power at the wheels, with that power coming sooner and staying longer than stock, basically a taller AND fatter powerband, as well as being smoother and getting better mileage. As to how it's tuned (AP or open-source), that depends on what software your local tuner(s) use. Fill out your profile please.

11-04-2009, 05:14 PM	#8
Franks2308 Scooby Newbie Member#: 228793 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Des Moines Vehicle: 2002 WRX Aspen White	so you guys suggest a professional tune? Are the AP maps not very good or are professional custom tunes that much better? Also, do you know how much a custom tune is?

11-04-2009, 06:07 PM	#10
leecea Scooby Specialist Member#: 37359 Join Date: May 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: PA Vehicle: 2003 WRX (Sedan)	In my opinion, OTS maps are a safe, average tune. A good tuner can do better and a poor tuner can do worse. In fact, a poor tuner can damage your car. So, if you go with a custom tune, make sure you find a good, reliable tuner.

11-04-2009, 09:55 PM	#11
fastwrx25 Scooby Specialist Member#: 126441 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: california Vehicle: 02 bugeye	skip the ap and get a real tune, you'll get better smoother power tuned for YOUR car and mods. Uppipe, full turboback exhaust at a minimum. Intake, inlet, samco tmic hoses, bar plate tmic optional. don't gut the uppipe...takes too much time and the flow path is still not great. I wouldnt get a flex uppipe. and don't use mobil1 5w30, change plugs, clean maf sensor if it hasn't been done recently. Do maintenance stuff before you get a tune. if you on stock suspension......suspension can be just as satisfying or if not more imo.

11-04-2009, 11:31 PM	#13
Franks2308 Scooby Newbie Member#: 228793 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Des Moines Vehicle: 2002 WRX Aspen White	alright thanks for the opinions guys! I'm going to do some upgrades in the next few weeks...I'll post pics after!