('93-'01) What are the cheapest and best mods for a 2002 impreza 2.5RS?

Hyudra · 07-02-2001, 02:50 PM

I don't know if this has been asked recently, but I want to get some mods for my car, but cheap and good ones.

I'm more interested in mods that won't void my warrenty, since some or most of you must have contacted subaru about mods at one point or another.

My friends said I can add a intake and exhaust, and that won't void my warrenty, and would probably be the best upgrade I could get.

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Poseidon · 07-02-2001, 03:14 PM

A mod can't really void your warranty, unless it actually causes the problem you are trying to have fixed. If you make major modifications to the inner workings of the engine (like adding a turbo, increasing the stroke or bore, changing the heads, etc), however, all bets are off. That said, an intake is a good mod. Most people (including myself) will recommend the GanzFlow cold air intake at www.imprezars.com. I have one on my '02 RS. Better tires are a good idea. Replace the rear sway bar with a larger diameter bar, 18 or 20mm. I bought mine (20mm) from a WRX owner that upgraded, but you can use one that was made for an older RS. Exhaust is always a good idea. I'm pretty sure that any exhaust made for older RS's will fit, but I haven't gotten there yet. I don't know what the story is yet on strut tower braces. Some people have been developing them for the WRX, and those should fit the new RS as well.

Jordan

Hyudra · 07-02-2001, 03:18 PM

How much faster will I feel with these mods?

Will I ever be able to feel like I'm in a jet or roller coaster, like you sorta feel in a WRX?

Poseidon · 07-02-2001, 03:25 PM

None of this will turn your car into a "jet." Realistically, I think you can probably expect somewhere around a 10-15 peak horsepower increase with a new intake and exhaust. To make a really significant increase in power, you have to muck with the engine, and as I mentioned, you are then treading on dangerous ground in terms of your warranty.

Oh, I thought of one more. You could put in a short-throw shifter. That will reduce your shift times and might help your acceleration somewhat.

Jordan

go go go · 07-02-2001, 03:42 PM

take off the intake silencer in the fender, it makes little difference and it's FREE

Clegg · 07-02-2001, 03:44 PM

****, I rode in a WRX, drove a WRX, and personally the 2.5RS has a much more "jet like" take off. the WRX has some nice lag when you hammer it, the 2.5RS has a ton of torque right there and right away. the WRX does accelerate quite nicely once you get it past midway in 2nd gear.

In all honesty the 2.5RS is more of a jet then most people give it credit. also how long have you had yours? give it 2000 miles to come to life, mine tool around 2000 or 2500 to start to loosen up and start to rock.

Hyudra · 07-02-2001, 03:47 PM

Oh 2000 miles huh, alrighty

, I'll be waiting, I'm already at 800 in 2weeks !!! WTH! Or was it 3, but whatever.

I can feel a bit when I punch it, but it's not really like the WRX, and yea the lag I can feel in the WRX. My friends 2nd gen integra feels so fast for some reason.

Dirt Man · 07-02-2001, 03:58 PM

If you want to make the biggest improvement to your new RS, *****-can the crappy RE-92's and get some better tires! The Kumho Ecsta 712's, The Bridgestone RE-730, Pirelli P7000's, any of these tires and many more will vastly improve the handling of your RS and increase the "Fun Factor"!

b_tapper · 07-02-2001, 04:03 PM

the 20mm rear sway bar made a huge improvement

Brian

ylexot · 07-02-2001, 04:25 PM

I also have a 02 2.5RS (Midnight Black Pearl) and here's what I'm doing (in chronological order):
Cobb Intake (Ganz is more bang for the buck, but Cobb has more bang)
Whiteline adjustable sway bar, end links, and brackets
Short Shifter
Morrette headlights
Cat-back exhaust (not sure which)
Headers
STi replica wing
Tires when I need them (no point in throwing away good tires IMO)

Be careful with the sway bar. The ones from the older RS will fit, but I have been told that the new ones give more clearance for the exhaust and are better if you are going to upgrade the exhaust.

Micah

Silver2000RS · 07-02-2001, 06:00 PM

Protect your sheet metal with a set of Hella air horns or Supertones. The stock horn is too whimpy. I'm getting a a set of Supertones soon. A cheap but effective mod.

Clegg · 07-02-2001, 06:36 PM

Yes a BIG horn for the bastards in the world is a MUST
also it will make the security system more fun

Also the STi wing is not what I would consider a performance option.. since all it does at the speeds these cars go ( 120Mph is top for most people) is create more drag, get the factory stock wing and it will be less drag while keeping the sporty look of the car.

Hyudra · 07-03-2001, 12:41 AM

BTW how much does a aftermarket rear sway bar cost.

What's the difference between 18mm and 20mm?

And how much does the offical/real WRX rear sway bar go for?

Kostamojen · 07-03-2001, 04:02 AM

The offical "rear" sway bar the WRX has is $80 at www.subaruparts.com
Check out www.cobbtuning.com for some more parts, as well as www.autocaresubaru.com and check the WRX/New Impreza sections.

Heres my list of mods ive collected for the 02 RS that I want to get if I get my 02 RS

(im sure some can be found with better prices though):

20mm OEM Rear sway bar ($80)
STi Front sway bar w/ bushings ($110, part of the optional STi kit)
Anti-lift Kit ($159)
Rear Strut Bar ($155; V-brace attachment is $150)
STi Springs ($415) or Whiteline Springs ($279) or Optional STi Strut/Spring kit ($1000)
Stromung Muffler catback exhaust ($355)
Stromung intermediate-pipe ($125)
Borla headers ($550... Probably cheaper)
Cobb Intake ($269) or K+N intake filter ($40)

Hyudra · 07-03-2001, 01:24 PM

Alright I'm probably going to go w/ the OEM WRX rear sway bar, can someone give me the product # on it?

Also I'm thinking of going w/ the cobb intake as well, and how much better is the cobb intake than the GanzFlow?

Also wheels which will be 1 of my first 3 changes, so help me out here.

Hyudra · 07-03-2001, 03:51 PM

Oh yea, also do better pullys help?...

b_tapper · 07-03-2001, 03:59 PM

Just don't expect giant horsepower/torque gains from them. That's why I am going the suspension route first. I like handling over straightline speed anyways. I just can't believe how much faster I can drive my RS through the twisties compared to my old jetta.

Brian

Kostamojen · 07-04-2001, 03:47 AM

Heres the link to the WRX rear sway bar (3rd one down, the 20mm one): https://ssl.autocenter.net/webparts/...ience_625.html

And lighter pullies will help alot in some areas, less in others... probably better to spend that money on an exhaust or rims/tires first...

And the Cobb is probably the best intake you can find for the Impreza, and is worth every penny (Some intakes actually decrease low end torque, the cobb intake prevents that from happening)

2Point5RS · 07-04-2001, 04:20 AM

what good does great aftermarket power give you if your handling is stock...
sure, drag strip and straight lines...but in the real world, you have to turn sometime. or is that what the awd is for... :P

Matt
NSG Racing

07-02-2001, 02:50 PM	#1
Hyudra Scooby Newbie Member#: 7559 Join Date: Jun 2001 Vehicle: 2002 Impreza 2.5RS Midnight Black Pearl	What are the cheapest and best mods for a 2002 impreza 2.5RS? I don't know if this has been asked recently, but I want to get some mods for my car, but cheap and good ones. I'm more interested in mods that won't void my warrenty, since some or most of you must have contacted subaru about mods at one point or another. My friends said I can add a intake and exhaust, and that won't void my warrenty, and would probably be the best upgrade I could get. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

07-02-2001, 06:36 PM	#12
Clegg Scooby Specialist Member#: 7761 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Denver, CO Vehicle: 2008 VW R32 #3858 Blue	Yes a BIG horn for the bastards in the world is a MUST also it will make the security system more fun Also the STi wing is not what I would consider a performance option.. since all it does at the speeds these cars go ( 120Mph is top for most people) is create more drag, get the factory stock wing and it will be less drag while keeping the sporty look of the car. Last edited by Clegg; 07-02-2001 at 06:38 PM.

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07-02-2001, 03:14 PM	#2
Poseidon Scooby Specialist Member#: 4864 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North Bend, WA USA Vehicle: 2004 WRX Silver	A mod can't really void your warranty, unless it actually causes the problem you are trying to have fixed. If you make major modifications to the inner workings of the engine (like adding a turbo, increasing the stroke or bore, changing the heads, etc), however, all bets are off. That said, an intake is a good mod. Most people (including myself) will recommend the GanzFlow cold air intake at www.imprezars.com. I have one on my '02 RS. Better tires are a good idea. Replace the rear sway bar with a larger diameter bar, 18 or 20mm. I bought mine (20mm) from a WRX owner that upgraded, but you can use one that was made for an older RS. Exhaust is always a good idea. I'm pretty sure that any exhaust made for older RS's will fit, but I haven't gotten there yet. I don't know what the story is yet on strut tower braces. Some people have been developing them for the WRX, and those should fit the new RS as well. Jordan

07-02-2001, 03:18 PM	#3
Hyudra Scooby Newbie Member#: 7559 Join Date: Jun 2001 Vehicle: 2002 Impreza 2.5RS Midnight Black Pearl	How much faster will I feel with these mods? Will I ever be able to feel like I'm in a jet or roller coaster, like you sorta feel in a WRX?

07-02-2001, 03:25 PM	#4
Poseidon Scooby Specialist Member#: 4864 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North Bend, WA USA Vehicle: 2004 WRX Silver	None of this will turn your car into a "jet." Realistically, I think you can probably expect somewhere around a 10-15 peak horsepower increase with a new intake and exhaust. To make a really significant increase in power, you have to muck with the engine, and as I mentioned, you are then treading on dangerous ground in terms of your warranty. Oh, I thought of one more. You could put in a short-throw shifter. That will reduce your shift times and might help your acceleration somewhat. Jordan

07-02-2001, 03:42 PM	#5
go go go Scooby Specialist Member#: 2784 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Japan	take off the intake silencer in the fender, it makes little difference and it's FREE

07-02-2001, 03:44 PM	#6
Clegg Scooby Specialist Member#: 7761 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Denver, CO Vehicle: 2008 VW R32 #3858 Blue	****, I rode in a WRX, drove a WRX, and personally the 2.5RS has a much more "jet like" take off. the WRX has some nice lag when you hammer it, the 2.5RS has a ton of torque right there and right away. the WRX does accelerate quite nicely once you get it past midway in 2nd gear. In all honesty the 2.5RS is more of a jet then most people give it credit. also how long have you had yours? give it 2000 miles to come to life, mine tool around 2000 or 2500 to start to loosen up and start to rock.

07-02-2001, 03:47 PM	#7
Hyudra Scooby Newbie Member#: 7559 Join Date: Jun 2001 Vehicle: 2002 Impreza 2.5RS Midnight Black Pearl	Oh 2000 miles huh, alrighty , I'll be waiting, I'm already at 800 in 2weeks !!! WTH! Or was it 3, but whatever. I can feel a bit when I punch it, but it's not really like the WRX, and yea the lag I can feel in the WRX. My friends 2nd gen integra feels so fast for some reason.

07-02-2001, 03:58 PM	#8
Dirt Man Scooby Specialist Member#: 176 Join Date: Aug 1999 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Tampa, Florida Vehicle: 2011 Subaru Forester Silver	If you want to make the biggest improvement to your new RS, *****-can the crappy RE-92's and get some better tires! The Kumho Ecsta 712's, The Bridgestone RE-730, Pirelli P7000's, any of these tires and many more will vastly improve the handling of your RS and increase the "Fun Factor"!

07-02-2001, 04:03 PM	#9
b_tapper Scooby Guru Member#: 5291 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: pittsburgh,pa Vehicle: '08 Scion xB Nautical Blue Metallic	the 20mm rear sway bar made a huge improvement Brian

07-02-2001, 04:25 PM	#10
ylexot Scooby Specialist Member#: 6878 Join Date: May 2001 Location: St Inigoes, MD, USA Vehicle: 2002 MBP 2.5RS 1994 GMC Sonoma	I also have a 02 2.5RS (Midnight Black Pearl) and here's what I'm doing (in chronological order): Cobb Intake (Ganz is more bang for the buck, but Cobb has more bang) Whiteline adjustable sway bar, end links, and brackets Short Shifter Morrette headlights Cat-back exhaust (not sure which) Headers STi replica wing Tires when I need them (no point in throwing away good tires IMO) Be careful with the sway bar. The ones from the older RS will fit, but I have been told that the new ones give more clearance for the exhaust and are better if you are going to upgrade the exhaust. Micah

07-02-2001, 06:00 PM	#11
Silver2000RS Scooby Newbie Member#: 857 Join Date: Feb 2000	Protect your sheet metal with a set of Hella air horns or Supertones. The stock horn is too whimpy. I'm getting a a set of Supertones soon. A cheap but effective mod.

07-03-2001, 12:41 AM	#13
Hyudra Scooby Newbie Member#: 7559 Join Date: Jun 2001 Vehicle: 2002 Impreza 2.5RS Midnight Black Pearl	BTW how much does a aftermarket rear sway bar cost. What's the difference between 18mm and 20mm? And how much does the offical/real WRX rear sway bar go for?

07-03-2001, 04:02 AM	#14
Kostamojen Scooby Guru Member#: 2272 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: haha XD Vehicle: 95 L AWD LIFTED!!! 1970 Subaru FF-1 Coupe	The offical "rear" sway bar the WRX has is $80 at www.subaruparts.com Check out www.cobbtuning.com for some more parts, as well as www.autocaresubaru.com and check the WRX/New Impreza sections. Heres my list of mods ive collected for the 02 RS that I want to get if I get my 02 RS (im sure some can be found with better prices though): 20mm OEM Rear sway bar ($80) STi Front sway bar w/ bushings ($110, part of the optional STi kit) Anti-lift Kit ($159) Rear Strut Bar ($155; V-brace attachment is $150) STi Springs ($415) or Whiteline Springs ($279) or Optional STi Strut/Spring kit ($1000) Stromung Muffler catback exhaust ($355) Stromung intermediate-pipe ($125) Borla headers ($550... Probably cheaper) Cobb Intake ($269) or K+N intake filter ($40)

07-03-2001, 01:24 PM	#15
Hyudra Scooby Newbie Member#: 7559 Join Date: Jun 2001 Vehicle: 2002 Impreza 2.5RS Midnight Black Pearl	Alright I'm probably going to go w/ the OEM WRX rear sway bar, can someone give me the product # on it? Also I'm thinking of going w/ the cobb intake as well, and how much better is the cobb intake than the GanzFlow? Also wheels which will be 1 of my first 3 changes, so help me out here.

07-03-2001, 03:51 PM	#16
Hyudra Scooby Newbie Member#: 7559 Join Date: Jun 2001 Vehicle: 2002 Impreza 2.5RS Midnight Black Pearl	Oh yea, also do better pullys help?...

07-03-2001, 03:59 PM	#17
b_tapper Scooby Guru Member#: 5291 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: pittsburgh,pa Vehicle: '08 Scion xB Nautical Blue Metallic	Just don't expect giant horsepower/torque gains from them. That's why I am going the suspension route first. I like handling over straightline speed anyways. I just can't believe how much faster I can drive my RS through the twisties compared to my old jetta. Brian

07-04-2001, 03:47 AM	#18
Kostamojen Scooby Guru Member#: 2272 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: haha XD Vehicle: 95 L AWD LIFTED!!! 1970 Subaru FF-1 Coupe	Heres the link to the WRX rear sway bar (3rd one down, the 20mm one): https://ssl.autocenter.net/webparts/...ience_625.html And lighter pullies will help alot in some areas, less in others... probably better to spend that money on an exhaust or rims/tires first... And the Cobb is probably the best intake you can find for the Impreza, and is worth every penny (Some intakes actually decrease low end torque, the cobb intake prevents that from happening)

07-04-2001, 04:20 AM	#19
2Point5RS Scooby Specialist Member#: 3639 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Bedford, TX	what good does great aftermarket power give you if your handling is stock... sure, drag strip and straight lines...but in the real world, you have to turn sometime. or is that what the awd is for... :P Matt NSG Racing