Major different between JDM and US spec WRX??

wrxwing · 08-07-2001, 11:05 AM

hi im a new member of the iclub, and this is my first post. I just bought a 02 wrx 3weeks ago. i luv my new ride. But still want to get some more performance and looking style, so i want to know wut is the major different between JDM 250hp spec WRX and the US 227hp spec?? i know the exterior is kinda the same, except the headlight and side markers. i know the JDM Sti version got lots of better stuff then we do, but really dont know wut about the 250hp version. is just they can run higher boost for the stock??or the ECU??because i want to get some of the aftermarket stuff direct from Japan. so that they can perfect fit to the US WRX.
Thanks for reading my first post.

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JGard · 08-07-2001, 11:58 AM

i think it's running 276hp in japan, but maybe not...either way.

there are two differences, and not much that can be done about them (easily, anyway)

The japanese engine has variable valve timing. We do not. It would take a lot to upgrade to that.

the other thing...the US verion has 3 Catalytic converters, the JDM version has only 1 (as far as I know...it's less than three anyway)

CosmoTheCat · 08-07-2001, 12:53 PM

I think the regular WRX is in the 240ish hp range because of the vvt that we don't get. The STi versions are closer to 300hp. I think that all of the WRXs have 3 cats.

wrxwing · 08-07-2001, 01:22 PM

Becuz of the emission, thats y we got 3 cats right?
but what if i just take off the 3 stock cats and put on a custom make pipes, will that a big different for the acleration??

JGard · 08-07-2001, 01:38 PM

horatio, we are the only people stuck with 3-cats.

and yes, if you were to remove them, and replace with a single high-flow or something, it would give you more power...of course, you wouldn't pass emissions, so it probably isn't worth it.

J Colman · 08-07-2001, 02:01 PM

I thought since it was a low emmissions vehicle to begin with that removing the cat near the intake would not be a big deal

JGard · 08-07-2001, 02:11 PM

you could be right... I was just thinking that the cats are on there to serve their purpose. if it could get by without one of them, you would think that they'd leave it off. well, I'd think that, anyway

J Colman · 08-07-2001, 02:15 PM

I agree,
but I think I read that it met some sort of ultra low emmisions standard and everyone was pretty suprised by that. I'll see if I can find anymore info.

J Colman · 08-07-2001, 02:22 PM

Well maybe I'm wrong, here's a quote from SCC

Quote:

Subarus have always been intriguing with their uniquely efficient drivetrain layout and the WRX takes that mechanical fascination a few steps further. Not only are a turbo and intercooler squeezed into the same space occupied by the intake plumbing on the naturally aspirated version, but the 227-hp powerplant manages to meet the exceedingly strict Low Emissions Vehicle requirement despite its high specific output.

Justin

Corn-Picker · 08-07-2001, 02:23 PM

There may be something more to the emissions than just passing the emissions test. Perhaps if Subaru exceeds the emissions test by 50% they get a tax break of some kind in the US. I wouldn't doubt that such a law exists as our country slowly moves more towards communism but I digress...

Anyhoo, from the articles I've seen on the net, exhuast really doesn't add any HP to the WRX. Basically the ECU is the limiting factor as I understand it. Changing the intake/exhaust would give the <b>potential</b> for more power, but not actually give more power until the stock computer is piggybacked/replaced.

Here's the link to the story I was referring to:

http://www.autospeed.com/A_1064/P_1/article.html

I don't know if that's part one or two of the article, but in part one they install exhaust and an air filter and no gains are seen...

Corn-Picker

SammyDFG · 08-07-2001, 04:48 PM

theirs is pure japanese

its like cocaine
US cocaine has baking soda in it

CosmoTheCat · 08-07-2001, 05:53 PM

Off of the Australian Carpoint site:

Reduced emissions by including a pre-catalytic converter between the exhaust port and the turbocharger and an additional rear catalyst

Sounds like 3 cats to me. But hey. What do I know?

tahrndt · 08-08-2001, 12:38 AM

Biggest difference between JDM and USM is...their steering wheel is on the other side!!!

Just kidding,
I dont know about the STi's but IIRC ALL WRXs sold in the world have 3 cats. ie. Japan, Australia, UK, & Europe. According to Federal Law you cannot tamper with emmision stuff, ie removing or moving of cats, this would cause the cars emmisions to increase...it would also increase hp and torque! So young Jedi, the choice is yours.
The closer the Cat is to the exhaust ports the faster it lights off. Take a look where the Ford Focus's and the new Civic's is...it is almost bolted to the flaming engine block!
TIm

T-Rexer · 08-11-2001, 06:02 PM

wrxwing,
If you want to increase the power of the current US version of the WRX then I would suggest checking out the Cobb Tuning/APS high output kits they have available. Stage I gives you about 280hp and the Stage II kit ups it to over 300. They are trying to get the kits certified with CARB, and if they do then the kit should be virtually legal just about anywhere in the US.

i-Club member somber has the Stage I kit installed and is getting it dynoed soon.

There are other many mods available to help put a bigger smile on yer face.

Stay tuned! (er... pun intended

)

08-07-2001, 11:05 AM	#1
wrxwing Scooby Newbie Member#: 9037 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Houston TX Vehicle: 02 Impreza WRX WR BluE~BMW 325ci SilVer	Major different between JDM and US spec WRX?? hi im a new member of the iclub, and this is my first post. I just bought a 02 wrx 3weeks ago. i luv my new ride. But still want to get some more performance and looking style, so i want to know wut is the major different between JDM 250hp spec WRX and the US 227hp spec?? i know the exterior is kinda the same, except the headlight and side markers. i know the JDM Sti version got lots of better stuff then we do, but really dont know wut about the 250hp version. is just they can run higher boost for the stock??or the ECU??because i want to get some of the aftermarket stuff direct from Japan. so that they can perfect fit to the US WRX. Thanks for reading my first post. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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08-07-2001, 11:58 AM	#2
JGard pooptastic Member#: 1904 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Foster City, CA Vehicle: 2013 Tundra '02 BMW R1100S	i think it's running 276hp in japan, but maybe not...either way. there are two differences, and not much that can be done about them (easily, anyway) The japanese engine has variable valve timing. We do not. It would take a lot to upgrade to that. the other thing...the US verion has 3 Catalytic converters, the JDM version has only 1 (as far as I know...it's less than three anyway)

08-07-2001, 12:53 PM	#3
CosmoTheCat Scooby Newbie Member#: 3409 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woolley Vehicle: 1998 Ram 2500 Green.	I think the regular WRX is in the 240ish hp range because of the vvt that we don't get. The STi versions are closer to 300hp. I think that all of the WRXs have 3 cats.

08-07-2001, 01:22 PM	#4
wrxwing Scooby Newbie Member#: 9037 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Houston TX Vehicle: 02 Impreza WRX WR BluE~BMW 325ci SilVer	Becuz of the emission, thats y we got 3 cats right? but what if i just take off the 3 stock cats and put on a custom make pipes, will that a big different for the acleration??

08-07-2001, 01:38 PM	#5
JGard pooptastic Member#: 1904 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Foster City, CA Vehicle: 2013 Tundra '02 BMW R1100S	horatio, we are the only people stuck with 3-cats. and yes, if you were to remove them, and replace with a single high-flow or something, it would give you more power...of course, you wouldn't pass emissions, so it probably isn't worth it.

08-07-2001, 02:01 PM	#6
J Colman Scooby Specialist Member#: 1259 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Ashburn, VA Vehicle: 1999 Impreza RS Rally Blue Pearl	I thought since it was a low emmissions vehicle to begin with that removing the cat near the intake would not be a big deal

08-07-2001, 02:11 PM	#7
JGard pooptastic Member#: 1904 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Foster City, CA Vehicle: 2013 Tundra '02 BMW R1100S	you could be right... I was just thinking that the cats are on there to serve their purpose. if it could get by without one of them, you would think that they'd leave it off. well, I'd think that, anyway

08-07-2001, 02:15 PM	#8
J Colman Scooby Specialist Member#: 1259 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Ashburn, VA Vehicle: 1999 Impreza RS Rally Blue Pearl	I agree, but I think I read that it met some sort of ultra low emmisions standard and everyone was pretty suprised by that. I'll see if I can find anymore info.

08-07-2001, 02:23 PM	#10
Corn-Picker Scooby Specialist Member#: 8679 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Morgantown, WV Vehicle: 2010 The most hated vehicle on the internets	There may be something more to the emissions than just passing the emissions test. Perhaps if Subaru exceeds the emissions test by 50% they get a tax break of some kind in the US. I wouldn't doubt that such a law exists as our country slowly moves more towards communism but I digress... Anyhoo, from the articles I've seen on the net, exhuast really doesn't add any HP to the WRX. Basically the ECU is the limiting factor as I understand it. Changing the intake/exhaust would give the <b>potential</b> for more power, but not actually give more power until the stock computer is piggybacked/replaced. Here's the link to the story I was referring to: http://www.autospeed.com/A_1064/P_1/article.html I don't know if that's part one or two of the article, but in part one they install exhaust and an air filter and no gains are seen... Corn-Picker

08-07-2001, 04:48 PM	#11
SammyDFG * Banned * Member#: 6891 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Flushing, NY Vehicle: '02 Impreza WRX Safe 'n Sexy ASPEN WHITE	theirs is pure japanese its like cocaine US cocaine has baking soda in it

08-07-2001, 05:53 PM	#12
CosmoTheCat Scooby Newbie Member#: 3409 Join Date: Jan 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Woolley Vehicle: 1998 Ram 2500 Green.	Off of the Australian Carpoint site: Reduced emissions by including a pre-catalytic converter between the exhaust port and the turbocharger and an additional rear catalyst Sounds like 3 cats to me. But hey. What do I know?

08-08-2001, 12:38 AM	#13
tahrndt Scooby Specialist Member#: 1315 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Minneapolis, MN. U.S.A.	Biggest difference between JDM and USM is...their steering wheel is on the other side!!! Just kidding, I dont know about the STi's but IIRC ALL WRXs sold in the world have 3 cats. ie. Japan, Australia, UK, & Europe. According to Federal Law you cannot tamper with emmision stuff, ie removing or moving of cats, this would cause the cars emmisions to increase...it would also increase hp and torque! So young Jedi, the choice is yours. The closer the Cat is to the exhaust ports the faster it lights off. Take a look where the Ford Focus's and the new Civic's is...it is almost bolted to the flaming engine block! TIm

08-11-2001, 06:02 PM	#14
T-Rexer Scooby Newbie Member#: 9178 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Manteca, CA Vehicle: 98 Saturn SC2 Pearl White	wrxwing, If you want to increase the power of the current US version of the WRX then I would suggest checking out the Cobb Tuning/APS high output kits they have available. Stage I gives you about 280hp and the Stage II kit ups it to over 300. They are trying to get the kits certified with CARB, and if they do then the kit should be virtually legal just about anywhere in the US. i-Club member somber has the Stage I kit installed and is getting it dynoed soon. There are other many mods available to help put a bigger smile on yer face. Stay tuned! (er... pun intended )