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Old 09-08-2006, 12:26 PM   #1
2$SPIFF
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Subaru Stars What is the best turbo for my 02 WRX?

i'm looking to evenutally upgrade my turbo from the stock 02 wrx turbo to something a little bit more powerful. I was thinking of buying an STi turbo and installing it. I'm looking for a turbo that will improve my boost capabilities while still being able to handle the street daily driving and not break my bank account!

Oh I'd also like it to be either a direct bolt on or with as little modification as possible. I will be modding the car over time but I don't want something so complicated I won't understand its potential.

What does everyone suggest?

Pete
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Old 09-08-2006, 12:27 PM   #2
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if you are on a budget.

1) cobb accessport used - 450$
2) vf39 used- $250
3) walbro fuel pump $75
4) 06 wrx injectors used - <$150
5) ebay tmic - $175-230
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Old 09-08-2006, 12:45 PM   #3
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Definetly go for the VF39.

Great bang for the buck turbo!

Good Luck.

-Joe
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Old 09-08-2006, 01:03 PM   #4
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it all depends on what you want outta the car....do you want 300 awhp, or do you want something that is a great daily driver that will spool quickly? personally, if i was upgrading turbos, i would get a vf-39. good power can be had with the vf-39, and they can be found relatively cheap.
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Old 09-08-2006, 01:05 PM   #5
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If you have not driven a high powered sportscar before, I belive you (and most folks) should start with taking the stock turbo a lot closer to its limits.
Get an EBay TMIC, get at least an uppipe/downpipe (and full exhaust if you like loud cars.. I don't), and a reflashed ECU.
If you're a techy, reflash your own car with the $70 tactrix cable. If you're not, buy a Cobb AccessPort.

You may find that you're completely satisfied with a well tuned close-to-stock car.
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Old 09-08-2006, 02:59 PM   #6
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Subaru Stars

well i recently put on an exhaust and my intake is going in tomorrow. I plan on getting headers next and then maybe a front mount intercooler before the new turbo is in. I want to mod the stock turbo to it's full potential before upgrading it and then boosting higher.

what would you guys recommend modding before the upgrade ... also i dont exactly know all of the parts you are talking about either. an accessport and a tmic are??? sorry for all the questions but I am a beginner!

- Pete
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Old 09-08-2006, 03:22 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2$SPIFF View Post
well i recently put on an exhaust and my intake is going in tomorrow. I plan on getting headers next and then maybe a front mount intercooler before the new turbo is in. I want to mod the stock turbo to it's full potential before upgrading it and then boosting higher.

what would you guys recommend modding before the upgrade ... also i dont exactly know all of the parts you are talking about either. an accessport and a tmic are??? sorry for all the questions but I am a beginner!

- Pete
1. DO NOT PUT IN THAT INTAKE!
2. You do not need headers, unless you're tuned/running a bigger turbo. Stock Ported and Polished and Coated do just as well. Contact JDGrimm, he does a great job
3. Accessport= ECU Re-flash device by cobb. Good for a good deal of WHP.
4. TMIC= Top mount intercooler, what your car has stock. Get a bigger tmic to reduce lag over the fmic.(the ebay TMIC is great).
5. Read these before you ask any other questions: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=533787
go through every one of these FAQ's, and then decide if you need to ask questions. You shouldn't have too.
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Old 09-08-2006, 08:22 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wirolla View Post
1. DO NOT PUT IN THAT INTAKE!
2. You do not need headers, unless you're tuned/running a bigger turbo. Stock Ported and Polished and Coated do just as well. Contact JDGrimm, he does a great job
3. Accessport= ECU Re-flash device by cobb. Good for a good deal of WHP.
4. TMIC= Top mount intercooler, what your car has stock. Get a bigger tmic to reduce lag over the fmic.(the ebay TMIC is great).
5. Read these before you ask any other questions: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=533787
go through every one of these FAQ's, and then decide if you need to ask questions. You shouldn't have too.
^^OP, this is the 'rightest' answer yet.^^

My name's Pete too, I also have an 02, and I also looked to max out the TD04 before considering an upgrade.
The intake is a poor idea unless you're getting a CUSTOM (not off-the shelf) tune very soon after it's installation - and even then is one of the least cost effective power mods going. A FMIC isn't needed for a stock turbo and isn't essential for little turbos like the VF39. It adds a cooler intake charge, yes, at the expense of quick spool-up.
I P&P'd my own headers, throttlebody and IC inlet elbows. Super easy...search my thread started about this if you want...

You should max out the TD04, get a custom tune, and see what you think.

The weekend I got my ProTune, there was a stock STi on the dyno for a baseline pull, and my almost maxed 'stage 2' setup put down more torque on the Mustang dyno. You can do pretty well with the TD04...

<---
Cobb AP
Gutted UP
Cobb catted DP
STi axleback
Silicone IC Y-Pipe
Silicone turbo inlet
P&P'd Headers/TB/IC elbows
1 step colder plugs

229whp
235wtq
On a known low-reading Mustang dyno (The Heartbreaker) using crappy 91 fuel
On the hottest day of the year: 100F and dry

Just for fun, I'm going to re-dyno when it's about 40F I bet I put down some really impressive numbers. Oh...and my spool time is still lightning-quick!

Stock turbo FTW! ...unless mine craps out and then I'll go with either a Monster TD04, VF39, or 16G.
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Old 09-08-2006, 08:27 PM   #9
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methinks the suggestion about faq's just about covers it; they're FUN. next, learn to search, even the 'wrong' results will lead to hours of 'useful' reading, believe me...
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Old 09-08-2006, 09:23 PM   #10
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VF39 is a fine upgrade for your car. Just make sure when you're shopping for one that it doesnt have a cracked hotside, it's real common.

But if you're on a budget go with a stage 2 setup:

catless uppipe
catless turbo-back exhaust.
cobb accessport

and maybe a new catback as well.

It'll turn your car into a totally different machine. That way when you get tired of that then you can upgrade to something bigger like a 16g or VF30 or something. There is much fun to be had with the TD04.

Shane
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Old 09-08-2006, 09:40 PM   #11
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Im getting a vf22
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Old 09-08-2006, 09:51 PM   #12
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you may benifit from looking at the thread i have going on this forum right now, my turbo is going out, and i want a reliable but powerful daily driver. ive got a 2500-3000 budget, and i think im gonna be happy with the results, and its not going to be anything overly crazy either.
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Old 09-09-2006, 11:31 AM   #13
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many many many vf39's are cracked but have still put alotof power down. Its been proven and even if you find a non cracked vf39 it will probably get cracked in short order. doesn't seem power is effected much and i did a search about any cracks getting worse and didn't find anything. Very interesting. Now won't a sti fuel pump (although very similar to a wrx pump) be cheaper in the long run as you can get one probably from the guy you bought the vf39 from. If it pumps enough fuel for a sti surely our 2.0 will be plenty. turboback and uppipe should be done already they area given first bolt on when looking for more power and spoolup. I too am debating going to a vf39combo 06 injectors sti fuel pump and swap the stg2 turboxs chip would get swapped out for a stg4 mapping. Cheap yet safe and effective. The trans is my largest concern:check out question 2 below.

Question 1 : will 06 injectors throw any odd codes that woudn't allow normal passing of inspection like sti pinks do?

Question 2: i know the answer to this one but def something to think about: you have a stock trans how long do u expect it to last with an upgraded power level? Surely shifting like grandma it "should" last but...........

Scott
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Old 09-09-2006, 03:02 PM   #14
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Injectors won't throw codes as long as the car is tuned correctly.
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Old 09-09-2006, 09:31 PM   #15
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vf39. im not a tuner, nor do i want to be a tuner, but if your looking for more power and dont want to get back under the hood too often, the vf39 is the way to go. careful though because they are notorious for having cracks in the housing, and check for shaftplay as well. and make sure you pick up a wlbro pump, and sti pink injectors. thats what ive got planned with the next paycheck... i cant wait. and protune after the ebay tmic and bov get here.
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Old 09-09-2006, 09:58 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wrxsnowstyle View Post
vf39. im not a tuner, nor do i want to be a tuner, but if your looking for more power and dont want to get back under the hood too often, the vf39 is the way to go. careful though because they are notorious for having cracks in the housing, and check for shaftplay as well. and make sure you pick up a wlbro pump, and sti pink injectors. thats what ive got planned with the next paycheck... i cant wait. and protune after the ebay tmic and bov get here.
what do you need a BOV for when you are going to be running a VF39?
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Old 09-10-2006, 01:07 AM   #17
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well i put in my intake and i'm very happy with the mod regardless if its not increasing my horsepower through the roof

i've decided to increase air flow and install a fuel before even thinking about putting in a new turbo. There is so much to do before the stock turbo reaches its full potential but thanks for the responses.
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Old 09-10-2006, 01:11 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by intence View Post
if you are on a budget.

1) cobb accessport used - 450$
2) vf39 used- $250
3) walbro fuel pump $75
4) 06 wrx injectors used - <$150
5) ebay tmic - $175-230

i did this setup and I am not complaining, and I love the improvement overall, it has more lag than the stock TD04, but save up money and talk with a dynotuner and get a price on the tune and if you have any more questions, PM me if u like
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Old 09-10-2006, 01:16 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2$SPIFF View Post
well i put in my intake and i'm very happy with the mod regardless if its not increasing my horsepower through the roof

i've decided to increase air flow and install a fuel before even thinking about putting in a new turbo. There is so much to do before the stock turbo reaches its full potential but thanks for the responses.

not too sound rude, but there's no use really for more air/fuel with that little stock turbo....i will prey for ur motor tonight...
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Old 09-10-2006, 01:21 AM   #20
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sorry to hijack ur thread but here's a cliffsnotes about ur car's performance...


Remember that the car is a complete system. Upgrade the engine alone, and your suspension and brakes will begin to feel inadequate. Upgrade engine and suspension, but neglect brakes, and you can imagine where you might end up.

Even engine modifications have to work together. Bolt on a larger turbo, and your stock fuel injectors and fuel pump won't be able to keep up. Fix that, and the intercooler that was great for the stock turbo won't be able to handle the increased heat load. And so it goes also..

Do modifications incrementally. It may sound appealing to just put down a pile of money for a whole load of mods all in one shot, but you may not like the car you've created. Doing modifications in steps allows you to get a feel for how it will be to live with the car in its modified state, and allows you to reverse a mod if it doesn't suit your needs.


I did not write this but found it on another site, and found it useful...
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Old 09-10-2006, 01:33 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2$SPIFF View Post
well i put in my intake and i'm very happy with the mod regardless if its not increasing my horsepower through the roof

i've decided to increase air flow and install a fuel before even thinking about putting in a new turbo. There is so much to do before the stock turbo reaches its full potential but thanks for the responses.

wow just wow....

STOP EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING NOW!!!!!

and read every word of the Unabombers Manifesto....PLEASE
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Old 09-10-2006, 10:49 AM   #22
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18g is the way to go.
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Old 09-10-2006, 11:15 AM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D Money View Post
18g is the way to go.

And the reason for this would be what?

I dont see where he said anything about big power goals. He is most certainly going to have a ton of lag (compared to stock, and more lag than a VF39 which is the cheapest route, or even better, a 16G which will make better power with the same lag as the 39) with that 18G and make more than enough power to break his motor.


But yeah, great recommendation, and great job of explaining why It may be a very valid suggestion, but I dont see where he said anything that points to an 18G being what he should do. If you are going to suggest something, you should back it up with why.



Most definately his best "bang for the buck" is going to be a VF39, at the price there is no way to beat it.

Last edited by Davenow; 09-10-2006 at 12:37 PM.
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Old 09-10-2006, 12:34 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2$SPIFF View Post
well i put in my intake and i'm very happy with the mod regardless if its not increasing my horsepower through the roof

i've decided to increase air flow and install a fuel before even thinking about putting in a new turbo. There is so much to do before the stock turbo reaches its full potential but thanks for the responses.

No, get it straight, its not that you are not getting "through the roof" gains from that intake.

You are getting no gains from that intake. The stock intake tract flows way more than enough air to supply even a VF39. Until you get into the 300whp range (which a vf39 will NOT do on anything but the most "optimistic" (read, bull**** high reading) dynos)

Your ideas are correct in theory, but in the real world, the 2.0l wrxs just simply do not benefit from an intake.
The car that does benefit is the STI. There are real gains to be had rfom a quality intake. This means none of the unshielded short rams like the perrin on the SPT. The two best are generally accepted as the K&N typhoon and the APS cai. Both work wonderfully, cause no MAF issues or leaning of the A/F.
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Old 09-20-2006, 06:16 PM   #25
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is it safe to run a ebay tmic with the standard cobb vf39 maps? i've been looking around and it seems the STI IC's can be pricey and hard to come by, but the closest protuner is about 300-400 miles away so teh ots map has to work.
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