first serious modifications?

Pearl Jam · 12-06-2007, 09:35 PM

Okay, so I am anxiously awaiting Christmas (And the bonus that it brings

) and have finally decided to start increasing HP on my WRX. Right now the only mods are a SPT Intake and the catback exhaust. I have been looking at two different setups.

1.) Cobb SS 3" Downpie
Cobb Turbo Uppipe
Cobb Lightweight Pulley

2.) Just the Cobb AP.

Trust me, if I could purchase both right now, I would. However, I can't. Any thoughts as to what would be the better option for me as far as power is concerned. I'm looking to pay $1,000.00 or less (less would be better) Are there better choices for less money?

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4ST-AIR · 12-06-2007, 09:41 PM

Well if you only have $1K I suggest the COBB AP V2. I run the COBB 3" SS Catted and I have a tiny leak where it mates up to SPT Axel back.

You could get a cheaper DP & the AP and run a Stage 2 map. COBB's not cheap.

rallydriverosix · 12-06-2007, 09:42 PM

doesn't cobb sell the stage 2 set which is the accessport and a downpipe for a little over 1k? why not go for that?

morph1n3 · 12-06-2007, 09:44 PM

get an ebay dp, thats what i have, and find an upipe here on the forums

and then get the ap, and you still havent spent more than 800 depending on where you get your ap...

$90 ebay dp..
$50-100 up..
$550-650 ap...

p01ntb1ank · 12-06-2007, 10:24 PM

get used dp, possibly on up but i'd just get new, then get tactrix cable for 100 bucks and buy the xpt map

WRX4eva · 12-06-2007, 10:28 PM

Trust me, you do not need to get anything new. $1k can get you a lot. Try getting used turboback and add the ap. you'll love it.

reddoak · 12-06-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p01ntb1ank

get used dp, possibly on up but i'd just get new, then get tactrix cable for 100 bucks and buy the xpt map

That's what I did, and I'm way happy with it. I spent less than $500.00 and got great results.

txl146 · 12-07-2007, 12:06 AM

Get used parts and be done with it. $1000 can buy you a decent TBE and possibly V1 AP.

NOFX686 · 12-07-2007, 01:10 AM

Dude,
If it's gotta be one or the other get the AP... You shouldn't be runnin a turbo back without engine management anyway. Unless you plan on getting a tactrix cable and open source ECU software, but I don't think this is the best path for you, you might pop your motor. I should be able to get you an AP for 600 (Brand new, not a great deal but 100 off) and you should be able to get a nice DP with the remaining 400 to get you to stage 2. Stage 2 is pretty fun and should put you right where I think you want to be.

If you're interested PM me and we'll talk.

Edit: By the way I wouldn't recommend getting an Ebay exhaust... I'm a strong believer in "You get what you pay for"

subarulz! · 12-07-2007, 03:14 AM

suspension then power is what I think.

Uncanny · 12-07-2007, 10:01 AM

you can get a used catless dp here for around 150, or pay 200-250 new for a Helix/Invidia. If you dont feel comfortable using something like Enginuity (which is as easy as an AP just with a couple extra steps) with an OTS shelf like XPT (which will run you less than 150 in parts and the map), then spend the rest of your money on a Cobb AP. Otherwise, at the most, you have spent 400 of your 1000 budget. Take the other 600 and invest in some good springs, strut/sway bars and endlinks. maybe a kartboy SS/bushings if you dont have one yet.
just my .02

Dave D. · 12-07-2007, 12:43 PM

For less than 900.00 I got a catted downpipe, STi intercooler/splitter, installation and a protune. A good open-source tune from a reputable tuner is a good alternative to buying an AP.

DaNewSube · 12-07-2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subarulz!

suspension then power is what I think.

+1

I'd have to strongly agree to this, since all the power you are putting goes straight to the tires and chasis, why not build a steady base to maximize what power you have right now?

If you have about 1k to spend, I would suggest:

Tires/Wheels
-Wheel optional, but defintily Tires

Brake upgrades
-so you can stop

Suspension
-Sways, Strut bars, endlinks, springs/Struts

Now your future power upgrades have a solid base to build on.

Just my .02

4ST-AIR · 12-07-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rallydriverosix

doesn't cobb sell the stage 2 set which is the accessport and a downpipe for a little over 1k? why not go for that?

No closer to $2K

irascible · 12-07-2007, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subarulz!

suspension then power is what I think.

+1

...............

WRXislander · 12-07-2007, 06:32 PM

If you're freaked out by openecu, you can get a used version 1 AP for $400 max.

+3212198 on the ebay DP. Get an ERZ. Cheap and pretty good quality. It will mate up fine up to your catback (even though the DP is a full 3"). You can also get a DP/UP combo for pretty cheap.

system60 · 12-07-2007, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subarulz!

suspension then power is what I think.

[email protected]#

nixgame22 · 12-07-2007, 07:03 PM

downpipe, rear sway bar, and opensource tune from a shop.

stierzy34 · 12-07-2007, 08:20 PM

I wouldn't slap any larger sized downpipe on your car without some sort of engine management. I went through this too because the 04/05 Imprezas have a problem with modifications without a tune. It will not turn out good. Just look into some used parts. I got my AP for 300 bucks but it is a V1.

96accord · 12-07-2007, 08:31 PM

Definitely get the AP!! Well Worth it!!

I paid:

$700 - AP (Brand New)
$200 - Cat-back (Used)
(Free) - DP (but is only bout $100)

dstan · 12-07-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subarulz!

suspension then power is what I think.

I almost agree with this statement
Brakes first then suspention

power is worthless if you can't contain it

WRXislander · 12-07-2007, 08:48 PM

^----I agree with having a suspension to match the power but... not just the rear swaybar, endlinks, etc. I have a Whiteline adj swaybar in back w/helix endlinks and upgraded mounts. If you don't like massive oversteer then this setup is not for you. If I had the money, I'd also add a mellow front swaybar for hard driving conditions and to make the gf happy.

geddesk2 · 12-07-2007, 09:02 PM

Don't get an AP....half of that will get you a great tune from a tuner!!!

Get a used catted DP, a grimmspeed up-pipe, and an opensource protune

txl146 · 12-08-2007, 01:05 AM

go on a diet... weight reduction!

domestic_abuser · 12-08-2007, 01:25 AM

I say get some coilovers.

12-06-2007, 09:35 PM	#1
Pearl Jam Scooby Specialist Member#: 145180 Join Date: Apr 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Glocester, RI Vehicle: 2018 86 2020 Nissan Versa	first serious modifications? Okay, so I am anxiously awaiting Christmas (And the bonus that it brings ) and have finally decided to start increasing HP on my WRX. Right now the only mods are a SPT Intake and the catback exhaust. I have been looking at two different setups. 1.) Cobb SS 3" Downpie Cobb Turbo Uppipe Cobb Lightweight Pulley 2.) Just the Cobb AP. Trust me, if I could purchase both right now, I would. However, I can't. Any thoughts as to what would be the better option for me as far as power is concerned. I'm looking to pay $1,000.00 or less (less would be better) Are there better choices for less money? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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12-06-2007, 09:41 PM	#2
4ST-AIR Scooby Specialist Member#: 148681 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: WI Vehicle: TBD Looking for STI Back in the Game!	Well if you only have $1K I suggest the COBB AP V2. I run the COBB 3" SS Catted and I have a tiny leak where it mates up to SPT Axel back. You could get a cheaper DP & the AP and run a Stage 2 map. COBB's not cheap.

12-06-2007, 09:42 PM	#3
rallydriverosix Scooby Newbie Member#: 145419 Join Date: Apr 2007 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: NORCAL Vehicle:* 2008 WRX now with more hatchbackin	doesn't cobb sell the stage 2 set which is the accessport and a downpipe for a little over 1k? why not go for that?

12-06-2007, 09:44 PM	#4
morph1n3 Scooby Specialist Member#: 149742 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: ʇɐʍ Vehicle: 2002 gears go weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee	get an ebay dp, thats what i have, and find an upipe here on the forums and then get the ap, and you still havent spent more than 800 depending on where you get your ap... $90 ebay dp.. $50-100 up.. $550-650 ap...

12-06-2007, 10:24 PM	#5
p01ntb1ank Scooby Specialist Member#: 134299 Join Date: Dec 2006 Chapter/Region: SCIC	get used dp, possibly on up but i'd just get new, then get tactrix cable for 100 bucks and buy the xpt map

12-06-2007, 10:28 PM	#6
WRX4eva Scooby Specialist Member#: 103343 Join Date: Dec 2005 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Precision Tuning Vehicle: 2004 2.5 Hybrid 6spd Rotated Manifold/35R	Trust me, you do not need to get anything new. $1k can get you a lot. Try getting used turboback and add the ap. you'll love it.

12-07-2007, 12:06 AM	#8
txl146 Scooby Guru Member#: 32459 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY Vehicle: 02 WRX VF34 (SOLD) Junior Tuned 301whp	Get used parts and be done with it. $1000 can buy you a decent TBE and possibly V1 AP.

12-07-2007, 01:10 AM	#9
NOFX686 Scooby Newbie Member#: 157257 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: CT Vehicle: 2005 Impreza WRX Silver	Dude, If it's gotta be one or the other get the AP... You shouldn't be runnin a turbo back without engine management anyway. Unless you plan on getting a tactrix cable and open source ECU software, but I don't think this is the best path for you, you might pop your motor. I should be able to get you an AP for 600 (Brand new, not a great deal but 100 off) and you should be able to get a nice DP with the remaining 400 to get you to stage 2. Stage 2 is pretty fun and should put you right where I think you want to be. If you're interested PM me and we'll talk. Edit: By the way I wouldn't recommend getting an Ebay exhaust... I'm a strong believer in "You get what you pay for"

12-07-2007, 03:14 AM	#10
subarulz! Scooby Specialist Member#: 99061 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Beaverton Or. Vehicle: 16 WRX CWP	suspension then power is what I think.

12-07-2007, 10:01 AM	#11
Uncanny Scooby Specialist Member#: 133012 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Kansas City Vehicle: 2015 STi Lightning Red	you can get a used catless dp here for around 150, or pay 200-250 new for a Helix/Invidia. If you dont feel comfortable using something like Enginuity (which is as easy as an AP just with a couple extra steps) with an OTS shelf like XPT (which will run you less than 150 in parts and the map), then spend the rest of your money on a Cobb AP. Otherwise, at the most, you have spent 400 of your 1000 budget. Take the other 600 and invest in some good springs, strut/sway bars and endlinks. maybe a kartboy SS/bushings if you dont have one yet. just my .02

12-07-2007, 12:43 PM	#12
Dave D. NASIOC Supporter Member#: 130990 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Menzel Lake, WA Vehicle: 06 Red Ltd.Wagon Dom 1.5xtr JJ tuned	For less than 900.00 I got a catted downpipe, STi intercooler/splitter, installation and a protune. A good open-source tune from a reputable tuner is a good alternative to buying an AP.

12-07-2007, 06:32 PM	#16
WRXislander Scooby Specialist Member#: 50064 Join Date: Dec 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Maine Vehicle: '12 WRX (WRX#8, Subi#12)	If you're freaked out by openecu, you can get a used version 1 AP for $400 max. +3212198 on the ebay DP. Get an ERZ. Cheap and pretty good quality. It will mate up fine up to your catback (even though the DP is a full 3"). You can also get a DP/UP combo for pretty cheap.

12-07-2007, 07:03 PM	#18
nixgame22 Scooby Specialist Member#: 101219 Join Date: Nov 2005 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Fort Collins CO	downpipe, rear sway bar, and opensource tune from a shop.

12-07-2007, 08:20 PM	#19
stierzy34 Scooby Specialist Member#: 92113 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Belleville, IL Vehicle: 2019 WRX STi Limited World Rally Blue	I wouldn't slap any larger sized downpipe on your car without some sort of engine management. I went through this too because the 04/05 Imprezas have a problem with modifications without a tune. It will not turn out good. Just look into some used parts. I got my AP for 300 bucks but it is a V1.

12-07-2007, 08:31 PM	#20
96accord Scooby Guru Member#: 145105 Join Date: Apr 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Middle River, Maryland Vehicle: 2015 Honda Accord	Definitely get the AP!! Well Worth it!! I paid: $700 - AP (Brand New) $200 - Cat-back (Used) (Free) - DP (but is only bout $100)

12-07-2007, 08:48 PM	#22
WRXislander Scooby Specialist Member#: 50064 Join Date: Dec 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Maine Vehicle: '12 WRX (WRX#8, Subi#12)	^----I agree with having a suspension to match the power but... not just the rear swaybar, endlinks, etc. I have a Whiteline adj swaybar in back w/helix endlinks and upgraded mounts. If you don't like massive oversteer then this setup is not for you. If I had the money, I'd also add a mellow front swaybar for hard driving conditions and to make the gf happy.

12-07-2007, 09:02 PM	#23
geddesk2 Scooby Specialist Member#: 119397 Join Date: Jul 2006 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Snohomish Vehicle: 06 STI & 13XT WRB	Don't get an AP....half of that will get you a great tune from a tuner!!! Get a used catted DP, a grimmspeed up-pipe, and an opensource protune

12-08-2007, 01:05 AM	#24
txl146 Scooby Guru Member#: 32459 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY Vehicle: 02 WRX VF34 (SOLD) Junior Tuned 301whp	go on a diet... weight reduction!

12-08-2007, 01:25 AM	#25
domestic_abuser Scooby Specialist Member#: 126696 Join Date: Sep 2006 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: las vegas Vehicle: 2002 Fatbody bugeye 03 R1 09 Raptor 700R	I say get some coilovers.