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Comments
Here's the official STI website, where you can see both the words and the logo used side by side:
http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/e/index.html
Craig
-juice
CRaig
Jonathan
It sort of depends on your dealer and what they "tolerate", but if there is ever a warranty claim and they determine, or just suspect, that your mods were a cause, then it would probably be a hassle.
I think you're better off with the factory bov, which mixes discharge back in with intake air. If you go with an aftermarket "atmospheric" bov for the cool whoosh sound, your engine is going to run rich which won't help power or economy!
And a CAI is pretty much a waste on a turbo-charged and intercooled engine. The resulting temp rise through the turbo and temp drop through the intercooler will dwarf any miniscule effect of a CAI. On top of that, you'd be messing with the intake resonator which tunes the standing wave pattern in the intake. Dyno data has shown that you can actually lose power by messing with the standard intake system.
My opinions -- best performance mods on an 02 WRX would be 17" wheels and tires; you get a lot of bang for the buck there and they look good too. The factory short-throw shifter is nice too, if your car doesn't already have it. And of course upgrading the nut behind the steering wheel is the best thing you can do ;-)
When I had my 03 WRX, I installed a Prodrive axleback exhaust, and it sounded awesome. That would be a nice mod to consider as well.
CRaig
Try a FATT (Friday at the Track) event for starters.
-juice
DjB
My b-day is tomorrow.
-juice
Bob
-juice
I'm forty-six and am enjoying my WRX like an eighteen year old
-Dave
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Bob
Any commentary will be much appreciated.
Craig
I had a 22mm Perrin Rear Sway Bar and Whiteline endlinks installed on my '04 WRX sedan back in May. Handling noticeably improved w/ the upgrade, but the ride became noisy when going over speed bumps or road imperfections. Lately it's become even noisier w/ a lot of squeaky sounds even when I turn into my driveway or going over bumps at 5mph.
I've never had aftermarket sway bars prior to this, so I was wondering if this is normal. Or is this something I need to get checked. Anybody had any similar experience w/ aftermarket sway bars?
Thanks!
James B.
You may want to re-apply liberal amounts of grease on the bushings and mount points of the RSB.
Good luck,
Phil
Craig
James B.
Craig
-B
JB
-Dave
It is interesting that not all urethane joints squeek.
The Subaru dealership quoted me $236.62 for parts and $240 for labor. So that's $476.62 + tax. I was just wondering if I can get a better price elsewhere and what should I expect to pay? And if I were to go w/ aftermarket brake pads, what brands would you guys recommend? How much do they cost?
I'm located in the Bay Area (East Bay), so any suggestions or places you would recommend would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
James B.
You can shop for service like you shopped for a car, but don't kill yourself doing it. Most dealers can match the corner gas station if pressed and they use real parts.
http://imprezashakedown.com/
-juice
My question is whether the Hawk HPS pads are just as good, worse or better than what came stock w/ the '04 WRX. Anyone out there w/ experience w/ these pads? Are they as quiet as the stock ones? I'm happy w/ stock, but wouldn't mind getting something w/ better performance although not if it means I'll have noisier brakes. Please advise.
Thanks!
James
Yes
Quiet?
Not really - some squealing and "ghunking" once in a while.
Other question not asked:
Do they dust?
Yes, quite alot.
-Dave
Are there are brands out there that are at least just as good as stock performance-wise and are just as quiet, but won't be as expensive as Subaru charges?
James B
sort of like when your rotors are rusted and you lightly press on the brakes.
The squealing isn't often and isn't as loud as the HP+
Somehow, I'm wondering if I really do have the HPS.
It doesn't squeal as much/everytime or loud as the HP+, but it sure dust like the HP+.
-Dave
So...tell the Subaru dealer you have a better deal and see what he says...is this the only dealer in your area? Again, go ahead and shop for a better deal.
I checked w/ the local Big-O Tires shop nearby and they quoted me $180 for parts and labor. I asked what brand pads they use and was told they use Bendix, which they say is very close to OEM. I was wondering if any of you are familiar w/ this brand and have any input. It's a better deal price-wise, so I'm seriously considering it. Bendix is part of Honeywell Corp. so at least that's a reputable company.
James B.
Best bang for your buck is an Ecutek Reflash. Period. Next best thing decent 17" rims/rubber.
I no longer have my 02 but I had it dyno'd tuned using the Ecutek Reflash when installing a full APS race exhaust (catless, incl UP and TBE). My dealer didn't care about the mods. Further, my tech told me they had no way of knowing about the reflash.
The majority of what you can achieve without really delving into the guts of the engine can be had with the reflash and it's meaningful. Google GRD Performance and Vishnu Tuning and see what you get. Also, go to www dot nasioc dot com for the real scoop on mods.
Don't waste $ on aftermarket BOV, CAIs, etc. They're more likely to trigger CELs, yield little if any improvements and just make the car sound like the 2F2F set. Heck, even my race exhaust wasn't "necessary" but it did yield big MPG gains.
Most importantly, enjoy!
If it were gone, though, you'd need to email pf_flyer, the Wagons board host.
I'm anxiously awaiting my 5 test drives I have scheduled for this weekend, and just wanted some feedback as to what I should pay special attention to, or what you guys thought about my choices.
1st: I'm going to drive the 06 si tomorrow morning. Very excited, but from what I was told on the phone, its some copper color that I am not familiar with.
2nd: (little high) 06 V6 6speed Accord - if its as great as I think it might be, I might be able to justify the higher payments on it. I have never driven any accord, but I have heard nothing but great things about them.
3rd: The following morning I am going to drive the 06 vw GTI (NOT THE 05, the NEW one.) Its a DSG paddle shift 6 speed. I can't wait to see how the new transmission performs.
4th: (Lower budget) The Scion tC (figure it will leave me room for a Supercharger, some nice wheels, and a new Television haha.
5th: 05 Subaru wrx (NON STI, drool . . .) wish i could afford the STI, but don't think insurance would fly too well.
Having just landed my first real job and thank god I'm not married and DON'T have any kids (knock on wood) haha just I've got some money layin around for a new car that gets better than my trucks 18 mpg.
However, I am hoping to head to Law School in the next 18 months and am on a limited budget due to the fact that I want the car paid off in 18 months.
What would you guys suggest I check out? What do you think about my choices?? I love aftermarket parts - but not crappy ricer looking stuff, more along elegant performance upgrades. IE: NO BIG WINGS!!!
Let me know, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
-juice
Thanks so much for the input - maybe I can sneak a test drive in when I drive the wrx.
I guess my question about the scoob is the aftermarket dept. I would like to find a low mileage wrx that would leave me enough money to immediately put a turbo back exhaust, and uppipe, downpipe, and reprogram. What sort of numbers can I expect with those upgrades -
I'm a little concerned about the upgradability of the CIVIC SI. With its high compression ratio, I don't know how well suited it would be for forced induction. What do you guys think?
-juice
best use of money, most reliable, least hassle.
~Colin
Craig
-juice