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Old 07-28-2009, 05:44 PM   #1
inigomontoia81
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Default New-where do I begin?

What is the next logical step to making more horsepower? I own a stock 2007 WRX and am looking to have some fun with it, but still keep it as a daily driver and maintain stock appearance and sound. Are there any mods that will safely give me more power at the wheels without compromising its drivability? Any expertise would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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Old 07-28-2009, 05:46 PM   #2
08EJ25
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Old 07-28-2009, 05:54 PM   #3
inigomontoia81
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Default overwhelmed.....

Unfortunately alot of the information in the manifesto overlooks the 2007 models or fails to mention them in great detail. I understand the basic information written in the document (which is incredible by the way) but was looking for any info related specifically to the 2007 wrx. Not to mention I was entirely overwhelmed by the amount of info and would just like to discuss the topic with another 2007 owner that has tried some mods of his/her own.
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Old 07-28-2009, 06:11 PM   #4
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I've just gone stage 2 (downpipe plus ecu reflash) and I love it. Stage 1 (just an ecu reflash) gives you a much more pleasant power band and stage 2 cranks that up a notch. I'm gonna stop here for now but next will be coilovers/springs and wheels. If you want just a basic power mod to start out, go stage 1 with a cbe.
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Old 07-28-2009, 06:25 PM   #5
magicstop
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First of all, you'll probably want to do some research into local/accessible performance shops that work with (or specialize in!) Subarus. With any real mods, you're going to need a tuner w/ a good dyno (I prefer Mustang Dyno's). Once you've found someone you are comfortable with, talk with him about starting out. He'll be able to give you good recommendations, pricing, etc.
Most people go with an interface like AccessPort (Cobb), UTEC (TurboXS), etc. Some people prefer having their stock computer modified (OpenSource) rather than buying another device. Again, your tuner can help you here. From there, you'll probably want a performance package, like Cobb's Stage 1 or 2, which entails tuning + mods.
Some of the most obvious, quality initial investments are exhaust systems (Catback or better yet, Turbo back), and suspension/handling (i.e., swaybars, bushings, etc.).
But again, talk w/ your tuner, and with him, figure out your goals and your price. For a thousand or two, you can make some pretty nice adjustments that will net you some power and handing.
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Old 07-28-2009, 08:30 PM   #6
Rusty Hanger
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Stock appearance AND sound? I would go for down pipe and tune. If you want to go back to stock at some point, I would suggest something like an AccessPort. Stage 2 nets great power and is a good DD.
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Old 07-28-2009, 08:54 PM   #7
Dave D.
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I would recommend downpipe, VF39, STi intercooler. STi catback/axleback, BCS and a tune. You might as well go VF39/43 as the 2007 fueling system is ready to go, and your uppipe is uncatted. A VFXX really only adds the cost of a used turbo to a Stage 2 tune.

You can get away with the stock catback if you have the downpipe, for the totally stock look.
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Old 07-29-2009, 02:39 PM   #8
inigomontoia81
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Thanks all for your help. I have started with a stage 2 tune from a preset data map on the Cobb AP. Using the 93 octane one. Would it benefit me to use a fuel additive?

My next step will be a catback exhaust, probably the cobb SS I like the stock look and the mature sound. After that the matching DP. Definitely the high-flow cat version seeing as its my daily driver. Is going DP before CBE a dangerous approach? I would see the stock catback being rather restrictive to the 3" downpipe. Wont it damage the turbo?

Would you recommend taking out the turbo and sending it in to be ported? or waiting until I go to stage three and sending my new turbo in before installing everything? (bigger TMIC, intake, vf39, etc...) I can't see me hitting stage three for another couple of years or so. Baby on the way.

I was thinking I would just buy a boost gauge to make sure I don't get too much boost before I know the car can handle it. I have heard of boost creep issues with the 06-07 models. What do you think?
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Old 07-29-2009, 03:25 PM   #9
06AZREX
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I hope your not saying that you flashed to stage 2 but are still running the stock down pipe??!!
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Old 07-29-2009, 03:57 PM   #10
airplnmdls
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 06AZREX View Post
I hope your not saying that you flashed to stage 2 but are still running the stock down pipe??!!
yeah, that's what it sounds like...hopefully not though, right?
If so then you DEF. need to get at LEAST an aftermarket DP...but what you should get is what Cobb recommends, which is that it requires a full TBE to go to stage 2...
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Old 07-29-2009, 04:04 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave D. View Post
I would recommend downpipe, VF39, STi intercooler. STi catback/axleback, BCS and a tune. You might as well go VF39/43 as the 2007 fueling system is ready to go, and your uppipe is uncatted. A VFXX really only adds the cost of a used turbo to a Stage 2 tune.

You can get away with the stock catback if you have the downpipe, for the totally stock look.

So you're suggesting IMMEDIATELY jumping another 100whp/150wtq over stock?

That sounds a bit over-kill when the car is stock.... 50% more power is a ****LOAD more power, not something to be done from stock power.






To the OP, my suggestion is a downpipe and Stage 2 tune, as has been mentioned already. You will make easily 40-50whp/50-90wtq over stock, and have better driveability, a fatter powerband, and actually have better gas mileage than you do now, and the sound will not change much.
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Old 07-30-2009, 05:07 PM   #12
inigomontoia81
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Yeah I mis-typed. I have gone stage 1 93 octane. Is octane booster a viable option?

Thank you for your concern all :-)
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Old 07-30-2009, 07:30 PM   #13
northshore
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If you have the cash even for a used one....Accessport and turbo back exhaust.
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Old 07-30-2009, 11:57 PM   #14
speedkills1133
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im curoius to see whay everyone says as well cuz im pretty close to stock to.
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Old 07-31-2009, 07:30 AM   #15
inigomontoia81
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Octane booster fuel additive? anyone ever use with the 93 data map?
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Old 07-31-2009, 07:44 AM   #16
Howl
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Quote:
Originally Posted by inigomontoia81 View Post
I have started with a stage 2 tune from a preset data map on the Cobb AP. Using the 93 octane one.
I do not think that means what you think it means.
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Old 07-31-2009, 08:54 PM   #17
inigomontoia81
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Default make sure you read entire thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Howl View Post
I do not think that means what you think it means.
It doesn't.... typo. Two posts back.
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Old 07-31-2009, 09:21 PM   #18
UFOpilot
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I will toss my 2 cents in.

The stock (pick a part) is not capable of handling the stock power output. Firmer than the rest of the lineup isn't saying much when it comes to the suspension. Tires, brakes, alignment, etc. - JUNK. Personally I didn't expect much higher caliber anything for the little bit of money they charge for the car. If you take the strong points and strengthen them, while leaving the weaknesses you most likely won't be happy. If you just want a little more kick when you pull around the driver in front of you that is going 10 MPH under, then stage II with a pro-tune is definitely worth it. I couldn't stand the handling characteristics of the stock car at stock power, so I went after the weaknesses first. I have been building and driving performance oriented vehicles since I was pretty young though, so I have learned some stuff the long, hard way. I didn't know how to approach the car I have now, as I had never owned a Subaru before. I drove it for over a year and researched stuff, a lot. It worked out pretty well for me so far. It may be an option you want to consider.
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Old 07-31-2009, 09:30 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by inigomontoia81 View Post
Octane booster fuel additive? anyone ever use with the 93 data map?

Won't do a damn thing.
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Old 08-01-2009, 01:58 AM   #20
R6_rider
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Audiosavvy View Post
Won't do a damn thing.
false.....

it will make his wallet skinnier, therefore weight reduction
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Old 08-01-2009, 02:12 AM   #21
Yoo Shin
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Tires, and rear sway. Watch how much you enjoy the stock power level. Then go Stage II. Let yourself enjoy that for a while before going any further.
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