Baja? Baja Turbo??

ProvenPSI · 07-15-2007, 01:08 PM

Alrighty... well while trying to figure out what i want for new car. I came across the baja, which I had pretty much even forgotten existed. Iv pretty much been active in the european market for a long time (and will still love it) but im in the mood for a scoob. My only issue with getting a bug eye wrx is that sometimes it would be nice to have extra room (since im selling my truck) and i also am an avid mountain biker (but theres always roof racks). I could also use a truck bed for work (large tvs and tools and gear). The baja is an obvious choice then. However...

The whole reason im selling my truck and other car is to have an awd driver that would also terror a track ( auto x ). Im a bit nervous about what seems to be lack of performance parts for the baja. So here some some questions that might help me figure out if the baja is really what i want..

I understand that its the same motor at the wagons but are there any sites or companies that are doing baja labled stuff?

The N/A baja is obviously slower, does it really only do a 9.5 0-60 and a 17 1/4?

If I ended up with a N/A, what limitations would I have as far as tunning? (dont worry im not gonna try and turbo it..but some extra balls and a loud exhaust would be nice..)

I keep hearing about noise? Is the cabin noisy at high speed all the time? or just when the rear is open to the bed ?

Please help me figure this stuff out. Thanks.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

downhilbil · 07-15-2007, 07:55 PM

well if you want performance ONLY look @ the turbo Baja most of the upgrades will work on the BAJA due to the fact that it is the same basic motors as all the others (ej25) as far as electronics I know cobb doesnt have an AP for it you could get one and use an STI ECU but you lose cruise control and I forget what the other thing is. bigger turbo larger intercooler work well as it does come stock with STI injectors. Mine has been to 148MPH numerous times and usually cruise @ 95ish (im a speeder) the noise is no different with any other car hauling that fast (of courseI dont have roof rack/bars on my baja) there are a few people that post on here that have achieved and surpassed STI performance. all I can say if you buy N/A you will regret it if you are a performance oriented dude.

zardoz9 · 07-15-2007, 08:02 PM

^AMEN to the above^,

Love my turbo Baja, as well as my '05 turbo Outback!

tom

JLBaja · 07-15-2007, 09:22 PM

Don't go N/A...only TURBO.

ProvenPSI · 07-16-2007, 12:29 PM

turbo might be to much money..is the N/A still worth it?

bprich · 07-16-2007, 01:48 PM

"The whole reason im selling my truck and other car is to have an awd driver that would also terror a track ( auto x ).
The N/A baja is obviously slower, does it really only do a 9.5 0-60 and a 17 1/4?"

I own a 2002 Outback (165hp 2.5) and 2005 Baja Turbo (over 210hp, same 2.5); I hate driving the Outback because the response is just not there.
My point is: the Turbo is definitely worth the extra money.

Bajar · 07-16-2007, 01:58 PM

Went through the same process deciding Turbo/ NA. Went for the N/A, 5MT for the simple reason that it takes reg. gas (saves $$), better mpg (save even more $$), and initial cost less (saves more $$$) plus.....if I Turbo'd, I'd have a ticket every other day, 'cause I love that feeling.
The N/A is hot after 4000 rpm, but dogs out of 1st gear; posts on the N/A forum indicate this is an innate issue due to throttle design.
I drove an '05 MT N/A 'cause the dealership had no '06 on the lot when I went in. If I'd have driven the '06, probably wouldn't have bought it due to acceleration issue at take off. Suggest you drive '06 and '05 for comparisons.

bulwnkl · 07-16-2007, 02:10 PM

I love our turbo '05 except for fuel costs. So far, a regular pickup may end up costing me less fuel money because I wouldn't have to buy premium. I'm hoping some things I'm doing will improve that. I love the Baja much more than a pickup you understand, but that fuel cost is a significant issue for us.

If you went N/A and eventually turboed it (without changing pistons, head, or head gasket, of course), you'd see MUCH better mpg when just cruising around because of higher base compression ratio. Plus, you'd have significantly less lag and better response to the throttle. But, it would take more work, planning, care, and possibly cost to turbo an N/A car after the fact.

ProvenPSI · 07-16-2007, 04:06 PM

Alright well then ill ask the stupid question... where are good places to find N/A parts. I know you can swap off of other subies ( Could someone give me a list of what cars thats best off of) but is there anyone that makes BAJA parts. I know exhaust is out there and i found a place that does cams... what about plugs and fual? CIA....springs or coilovers?

I also have a kinda wierd question...why dont i see any "tuner" bajas with different wheels. Seems like everyone sticks to stock... kidna a shame i think...

the only issue with the baja is its more then a wrx... which makes me just want to bite the bullet and get what i REALLY want...

moonzie · 07-16-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProvenPSI

Alright well then ill ask the stupid question... where are good places to find N/A parts. I know you can swap off of other subies ( Could someone give me a list of what cars thats best off of) but is there anyone that makes BAJA parts. I know exhaust is out there and i found a place that does cams... what about plugs and fual? CIA....springs or coilovers?

I also have a kinda wierd question...why dont i see any "tuner" bajas with different wheels. Seems like everyone sticks to stock... kidna a shame i think...

the only issue with the baja is its more then a wrx... which makes me just want to bite the bullet and get what i REALLY want...

As expected there's not much that can be done with the N/A Baja. You can always check the N/A 2.5 Drivetrain forums for upgrades that people do there.

As far as body/interior mods - the Baja is very very similar to the Legacy platform. Most Legacy parts will be interchangable with a Baja.

You won't find many "tuner" Bajas in the N/A category for obvious reasons. As far as the Turbocharged Bajas go - there's a number of them, and they have posted here before - just do a search on Baja Turbo and you'll find tons of info. I think a number of the original tuners dropped off and don't come here too often anymore but the info is still valid and it's still there in the archives.

Bajas in general are hard to find. They only made around 30,000 and weren't too popular after the initial offering. I'm from southern Indiana - home of where the Baja was manufactured in Lafayette so I see them occasionally around here. None of course are as sharp looking as mine..

I think you should go with turbo.

Keep in mind one thing - the Baja weighs in a good 300-400lbs heavier than the Impreza WRXs and STIs and I think a good 200lbs heavier than the Legacy/Outbacks. This is also why fuel economy is a bit low; I typically run 22-23 mpg on my turbo auto sportshift. I've also got about 120 lbs worth of tools and speakers I carry around all the time too.

The 2.5 N/A is just a bit underpowered for the 3660lb trucklette in my opinion but gets a good 2-3mpg more in the auto and 3-5 more on the manuals.

Go turbo.

Hawk296 · 07-16-2007, 05:22 PM

I am sorry, but you simply cannot make an NA baja fast. Sure you can make it a little quicker and more responsive, but you cannot make it as fast as you can make a turbo. If you truly want to have a track vehicle, Ide go turbo. the NA motor is barely enough for the lightweight GC impreza, and thats almost 1,000 pounds less than a baja.

moonzie · 07-16-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawk296

I am sorry, but you simply cannot make an NA baja fast. Sure you can make it a little quicker and more responsive, but you cannot make it as fast as you can make a turbo. If you truly want to have a track vehicle, Ide go turbo. the NA motor is barely enough for the lightweight GC impreza, and thats almost 1,000 pounds less than a baja.

^^ +1 to what he said.

downhilbil · 07-16-2007, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProvenPSI

Alright well then ill ask the stupid question... where are good places to find N/A parts. I know you can swap off of other subies ( Could someone give me a list of what cars thats best off of) but is there anyone that makes BAJA parts. I know exhaust is out there and i found a place that does cams... what about plugs and fual? CIA....springs or coilovers?

I also have a kinda wierd question...why dont i see any "tuner" bajas with different wheels. Seems like everyone sticks to stock... kidna a shame i think...

the only issue with the baja is its more then a wrx... which makes me just want to bite the bullet and get what i REALLY want...

Mine is tuner like it has Rota sub zeros (wheels) goodyear carbon fiber tires, STI seats, STI pedals,3" exhaust whiteline swaybars/strutbrace, VF39 STI topmount, cleared headlights, lol a trailer hitch, dark window tint,and deleted roof rack x bars.
But once again to reiterate buy the TURBO change your driving habits to afford the better fuel and enjoy the out of the box fun. Read the forums people with the N/A ones aren't into fast fun... and if they are they are looking @ ways to make their N/A go faster... its all there in black and white in all the forums the sporty N/A people are not satisfied. drive both a N/A subaru and a TURBO

JLBaja · 07-16-2007, 11:26 PM

Very nice

. Which is your daily driver?

Quote:

Originally Posted by downhilbil

Mine is tuner like it has Rota sub zeros (wheels) goodyear carbon fiber tires, STI seats, STI pedals,3" exhaust whiteline swaybars/strutbrace, VF39 STI topmount, cleared headlights, lol a trailer hitch, dark window tint,and deleted roof rack x bars.
But once again to reiterate buy the TURBO change your driving habits to afford the better fuel and enjoy the out of the box fun. Read the forums people with the N/A ones aren't into fast fun... and if they are they are looking @ ways to make their N/A go faster... its all there in black and white in all the forums the sporty N/A people are not satisfied. drive both a N/A subaru and a TURBO

ProvenPSI · 07-17-2007, 12:11 AM

im getting a wrx wagon.. nuf said lol .

Hawk296 · 07-17-2007, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProvenPSI

im getting a wrx wagon.. nuf said lol .

And I'll still be faster

haha j/k.....but not really

RUTGERSJPM · 07-23-2007, 04:44 PM

Do yourself a favor and test drive if you haven't already. I drove a good 8-10 trucks before I made it to the local Subaru dealer. Took out a non-turbo and wasn't overly impressed. Took out the turbo and immediately fell in love. It may only be a 4 cylinder engine, but I can guarantee you won't find a truck on the market at the same price point that's more fun to drive.

fastfoord · 07-29-2007, 12:49 PM

29.2 mpg with mixed driving with the a/c on - on the last 2 tanks.

moonzie · 07-30-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastfoord

29.2 mpg with mixed driving with the a/c on - on the last 2 tanks.

Very nice.

My turbo only gets 23.

pirates-rus-3 · 07-30-2007, 09:18 PM

Just purchased a 06 turbo and love it above 2500 rpm's pulls like a dream.

BrunoShield · 08-06-2007, 08:36 PM

A real newbie here, but I'd say you really want the turbo. The stock 2.5 NA engine is OK but not hot by any means. Still, manually shifting my AT gives some pretty fun runs. The Baja is a solid and heavy vehicle. It's going to take some work to make it do the auto X stuff, not that it can't be done, but it's going to take some money and time. If performance is what you are after then the turbo, with the premium gas and all the other stuff that goes with it, is about your best option. I haven't dug into mine hard enough yet to figure out any hot rod tricks on it, but that will come.

bulwnkl · 08-06-2007, 09:32 PM

You know, the more I think about it, the more I think that for hard core autocross you want an N/A car. The reason is turbo lag. You have to drive VERY differently in a turbo car because of when and how the power comes on. In my limited experience locally, WRXs and STis are not competitive in a way that is commensurate with their hp levels. This may be almost entirely incompetence behind the wheel, but that seems to be the deal. I know that my turbo SAAB was tough to autocross quickly, and it had VASTLY less lag than a turbo Subaru of any vintage at all because of their turbocharging approach. Just some thoughts...

Flowmastered87GL · 08-07-2007, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProvenPSI

turbo might be to much money..is the N/A still worth it?

Yes. Its not as fast, but its cheaper, uses normal gas and will be more reliable in the long run

sabelIII · 08-28-2007, 02:58 AM

well if you want fun, consider this my 03 silver N/A no turbo that year.
gets about 29-30 mpg no s$@t. if you are ever in NM check out snow lake take the mountain road. take a tubo junkie and see if he/she can take some real fun. The few times i have been left the ground all 4 tires, she only stalled 2 times my fault.

07-15-2007, 01:08 PM	#1
ProvenPSI Scooby Newbie Member#: 129372 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh,PA Vehicle: 2** Fill the blank*	Baja? Baja Turbo?? Alrighty... well while trying to figure out what i want for new car. I came across the baja, which I had pretty much even forgotten existed. Iv pretty much been active in the european market for a long time (and will still love it) but im in the mood for a scoob. My only issue with getting a bug eye wrx is that sometimes it would be nice to have extra room (since im selling my truck) and i also am an avid mountain biker (but theres always roof racks). I could also use a truck bed for work (large tvs and tools and gear). The baja is an obvious choice then. However... The whole reason im selling my truck and other car is to have an awd driver that would also terror a track ( auto x ). Im a bit nervous about what seems to be lack of performance parts for the baja. So here some some questions that might help me figure out if the baja is really what i want.. I understand that its the same motor at the wagons but are there any sites or companies that are doing baja labled stuff? The N/A baja is obviously slower, does it really only do a 9.5 0-60 and a 17 1/4? If I ended up with a N/A, what limitations would I have as far as tunning? (dont worry im not gonna try and turbo it..but some extra balls and a loud exhaust would be nice..) I keep hearing about noise? Is the cabin noisy at high speed all the time? or just when the rear is open to the bed ? Please help me figure this stuff out. Thanks. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

07-23-2007, 04:44 PM	#17
RUTGERSJPM Scooby Newbie Member#: 154771 Join Date: Jul 2007	Turbo Or Bust Do yourself a favor and test drive if you haven't already. I drove a good 8-10 trucks before I made it to the local Subaru dealer. Took out a non-turbo and wasn't overly impressed. Took out the turbo and immediately fell in love. It may only be a 4 cylinder engine, but I can guarantee you won't find a truck on the market at the same price point that's more fun to drive.

07-29-2007, 12:49 PM	#18
fastfoord Scooby Newbie Member#: 155259 Join Date: Jul 2007	I love the NA 29.2 mpg with mixed driving with the a/c on - on the last 2 tanks.

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07-15-2007, 07:55 PM	#2
downhilbil Scooby Newbie Member#: 74675 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 2005 subaru BAJA T blue	well if you want performance ONLY look @ the turbo Baja most of the upgrades will work on the BAJA due to the fact that it is the same basic motors as all the others (ej25) as far as electronics I know cobb doesnt have an AP for it you could get one and use an STI ECU but you lose cruise control and I forget what the other thing is. bigger turbo larger intercooler work well as it does come stock with STI injectors. Mine has been to 148MPH numerous times and usually cruise @ 95ish (im a speeder) the noise is no different with any other car hauling that fast (of courseI dont have roof rack/bars on my baja) there are a few people that post on here that have achieved and surpassed STI performance. all I can say if you buy N/A you will regret it if you are a performance oriented dude.

07-15-2007, 08:02 PM	#3
zardoz9 Scooby Newbie Member#: 124864 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SoCal Vehicle: 2005 Baja Turbo Garnet Red Pearl	^AMEN to the above^, Love my turbo Baja, as well as my '05 turbo Outback! tom

07-15-2007, 09:22 PM	#4
JLBaja Scooby Newbie Member#: 137951 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: South East Location: NJ / Florida Vehicle: 2006 Baja Turbo Blue Phat Botti Tuned	Don't go N/A...only TURBO.

07-16-2007, 12:29 PM	#5
ProvenPSI Scooby Newbie Member#: 129372 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh,PA Vehicle: 2** Fill the blank*	turbo might be to much money..is the N/A still worth it?

07-16-2007, 01:48 PM	#6
bprich Scooby Newbie Member#: 148972 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma Vehicle: 2005 Baja-STI AT Monterey/Brilliant Silver	"The whole reason im selling my truck and other car is to have an awd driver that would also terror a track ( auto x ). The N/A baja is obviously slower, does it really only do a 9.5 0-60 and a 17 1/4?" I own a 2002 Outback (165hp 2.5) and 2005 Baja Turbo (over 210hp, same 2.5); I hate driving the Outback because the response is just not there. My point is: the Turbo is definitely worth the extra money.

07-16-2007, 01:58 PM	#7
Bajar Scooby Newbie Member#: 151711 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: N.W . AR Vehicle: 2006 Baja Sport Silver	Went through the same process deciding Turbo/ NA. Went for the N/A, 5MT for the simple reason that it takes reg. gas (saves $$), better mpg (save even more $$), and initial cost less (saves more $$$) plus.....if I Turbo'd, I'd have a ticket every other day, 'cause I love that feeling. The N/A is hot after 4000 rpm, but dogs out of 1st gear; posts on the N/A forum indicate this is an innate issue due to throttle design. I drove an '05 MT N/A 'cause the dealership had no '06 on the lot when I went in. If I'd have driven the '06, probably wouldn't have bought it due to acceleration issue at take off. Suggest you drive '06 and '05 for comparisons.

07-16-2007, 02:10 PM	#8
bulwnkl Scooby Specialist Member#: 41070 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Arizona Vehicle: 2005 Black Tiger (Black Turbo Baja)	I love our turbo '05 except for fuel costs. So far, a regular pickup may end up costing me less fuel money because I wouldn't have to buy premium. I'm hoping some things I'm doing will improve that. I love the Baja much more than a pickup you understand, but that fuel cost is a significant issue for us. If you went N/A and eventually turboed it (without changing pistons, head, or head gasket, of course), you'd see MUCH better mpg when just cruising around because of higher base compression ratio. Plus, you'd have significantly less lag and better response to the throttle. But, it would take more work, planning, care, and possibly cost to turbo an N/A car after the fact.

07-16-2007, 04:06 PM	#9
ProvenPSI Scooby Newbie Member#: 129372 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh,PA Vehicle: 2** Fill the blank*	Alright well then ill ask the stupid question... where are good places to find N/A parts. I know you can swap off of other subies ( Could someone give me a list of what cars thats best off of) but is there anyone that makes BAJA parts. I know exhaust is out there and i found a place that does cams... what about plugs and fual? CIA....springs or coilovers? I also have a kinda wierd question...why dont i see any "tuner" bajas with different wheels. Seems like everyone sticks to stock... kidna a shame i think... the only issue with the baja is its more then a wrx... which makes me just want to bite the bullet and get what i REALLY want...

07-16-2007, 05:22 PM	#11
Hawk296 Scooby Specialist Member#: 14555 Join Date: Jan 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Troy, MI Vehicle: 1995 L (Apex Tiger) Battle Ready Baja	I am sorry, but you simply cannot make an NA baja fast. Sure you can make it a little quicker and more responsive, but you cannot make it as fast as you can make a turbo. If you truly want to have a track vehicle, Ide go turbo. the NA motor is barely enough for the lightweight GC impreza, and thats almost 1,000 pounds less than a baja.

07-17-2007, 12:11 AM	#15
ProvenPSI Scooby Newbie Member#: 129372 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Pittsburgh,PA Vehicle: 2** Fill the blank*	im getting a wrx wagon.. nuf said lol .

07-30-2007, 09:18 PM	#20
pirates-rus-3 Scooby Newbie Member#: 155388 Join Date: Jul 2007	Just purchased a 06 turbo and love it above 2500 rpm's pulls like a dream.

08-06-2007, 08:36 PM	#21
BrunoShield Scooby Newbie Member#: 155944 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kenosha Wisconsin Vehicle: 2003 Baja Black Granite Pearl	A real newbie here, but I'd say you really want the turbo. The stock 2.5 NA engine is OK but not hot by any means. Still, manually shifting my AT gives some pretty fun runs. The Baja is a solid and heavy vehicle. It's going to take some work to make it do the auto X stuff, not that it can't be done, but it's going to take some money and time. If performance is what you are after then the turbo, with the premium gas and all the other stuff that goes with it, is about your best option. I haven't dug into mine hard enough yet to figure out any hot rod tricks on it, but that will come.

08-06-2007, 09:32 PM	#22
bulwnkl Scooby Specialist Member#: 41070 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Arizona Vehicle: 2005 Black Tiger (Black Turbo Baja)	You know, the more I think about it, the more I think that for hard core autocross you want an N/A car. The reason is turbo lag. You have to drive VERY differently in a turbo car because of when and how the power comes on. In my limited experience locally, WRXs and STis are not competitive in a way that is commensurate with their hp levels. This may be almost entirely incompetence behind the wheel, but that seems to be the deal. I know that my turbo SAAB was tough to autocross quickly, and it had VASTLY less lag than a turbo Subaru of any vintage at all because of their turbocharging approach. Just some thoughts...

08-28-2007, 02:58 AM	#24
sabelIII Scooby Newbie Member#: 157589 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: LC NM Vehicle: 03 BAJA SILVER	well if you want fun, consider this my 03 silver N/A no turbo that year. gets about 29-30 mpg no s$@t. if you are ever in NM check out snow lake take the mountain road. take a tubo junkie and see if he/she can take some real fun. The few times i have been left the ground all 4 tires, she only stalled 2 times my fault.