whats the difference?

gsxrider137

i am looking into buying an 08 impreza wrx, but i noticed the horsepower difference between the wrx and the sti is 80 hp. whats the diffence that nakjes the same motor make more power? anyone know? i am more interested in buying the wrx...esspecially if i can make it make that kind of horsepower easy

ateixeira

It's not really the same motor any more. I think they did use the STI block for the first year or two of the 2.5T, at least that was the case with the Forester XT.

Basically, you get a lot more boost and forged pistons to handle the boost, a semi-closed deck block, a much stronger 6 speed manual, and a stronger clutch, and I'm sure much more.

paisan

ECU, Injectors, Fuel Pump, Turbo, Intercooler, Intake manifold, and that's just on the power side.

It's not as simple as a manual boost controller and a Turbo-back exhaust to get from a WRX to an STi.

And I also suggest if anyone is going to push a WRX to STi levels, you'd also want the STi suspension, tire width, brembo brakes, transmission, rear diffy, etc. etc. or you run a safety risk.

-mike

gsxrider137

ok....then i'll just look at the wrx. 225hp is nothing to sneeze at...but i know i will be doing upgrades and i'd like to know where the threshold is on the car 1st...if i can.
with upgrades, whqat can the wrx push out safely?

paisan

Depends on what mods you do. I know of ones putting out 500+ whp but that is with heavy internal and external modifications.

The weak link will be your transmission and internals of the engine IMO.

-mike

ateixeira

Yeah, with that manual tranny I would not go much beyond 250hp, to be honest.

The automatics are actually a little more robust, and can handle more.