Opinions on my 2002 WRX - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

ironchefkorea · 12-03-2003, 06:30 PM

Okay. I have a 2002 Subaru WRX, 5 speed, and it's completely stock. I have a clean slate to work with. My goals are to have a smooth, comfortable daily driver that still brings plenty of power to the line when I want. I'm into rally-x and drift (well...I'm into pre- import scene drift, before it became the hot new trend with all the little kids with civics and spiked up hair), but I most likely won't be doing that aside from the occasional road trip out to the midwest. I know how to drift already.

Anyway, what I want to ask is, what do you people think I should start out with? On the top of my list right now is a turbo timer, simply because I'm sick of sitting in my car for an extra two minutes every time I want to stop the engine. After that, however, I'm pretty lost.

As far as audio config goes, since I can't get a bose system, I'm thinking 2 audiobahn 12's. I'm still undecided on my amps, speakers, and deck. But that's not my priority right now, since my stock set-up (I got the optional amp and speakers) is alright.

So that leaves performance, since the most I'm gonna do cosmetically is wheels (plain 5 spokes, since my car is midnight black pearl) with brake lights in the rims (cool initial D effect) and maybe removing the "SUBARU" from my trunk. Possibly new seats and a cage.

So, as I was asking before I went into the details, what is the first performance option I should get? I would prefer everything to be from STi.

Thanks in advance to any help you people can give me.

itsmeek · 12-03-2003, 07:11 PM

get a test pipe for your car, this will give you the most hp for the money. then i would go for a boost controller and perhaps after that a bigger turbo. a turbo timer is not really necessary, the newer turbos are all water and air cooled so you shouldn't have too much of a problem w/burning gaskets etc.

DEI37 · 12-03-2003, 07:13 PM

Brake lights in the rims? Sounds like a bad start to me. A plain 5-spoke or twin 5-spoke in carbon grey would be good with a black car. I don't know what all is out there, but here's a bump for ya.

wrongfullyaccuzd · 12-03-2003, 07:50 PM

Not actually sure what practical good it will do you, but my friend with a WRX got a huge hood scoop, and it looks awesome!
Do you have a wagon or sedan?

ironchefkorea · 12-03-2003, 08:16 PM

personally I hate carbon grey, but thanks for the suggestion. And the lights aren't a start, they're something I'm gonna add on when I have nothing major left to upgrade.

oh yeah...it's a sedan.

Kurant · 12-03-2003, 11:05 PM

Turbo timer, up-pipe, down-pipe, boost control, exhaust, STi engine mounts.(The mounts just take away that little flutter in the motor when shifting, if you don't know what I"m talking about, get some, and install them, you'll instantly tell a difference when you shift) Some things that are petty simple, that don't mess with the engine internals. If your into auto-x a set of slotted brakes with a nice set of pads, or go for a brembo setup.

Turbo timers are always good things to have, they serve a purpse, you can get one for 90-100 bucks.

If you want to gt crazy, start looking into upgrading the turbo, which would cost more by itself then all the other mods I listed above. Upgrading the turbo, is probably the last thing I'd do. With those mods listed about, depends on your driving, That can get a WRX to low 13's, high 12's.

I had a WRX before I bought my M3. With a down/up pipe, boost control, exhaust, couple other minor things (STi hood scoop, brembo brakes, STi engine mounts.) mine was into the low 13's (13.2 to be exact).

Be careful of the trannies, and believe what people say, they are paper.

Peryn · 12-03-2003, 11:09 PM

if you are gonna autocross, be careful before you start upgrading. Read the regulations. As you start modifying stuff you get bumped up into another class. Often you will get your ass thouroughly whipped by the other people that had the money to fully build it up to the class limits. If you are serious about Autocross....see how far you can go and still stay in your same class.

supafly · 12-05-2003, 02:19 AM

Turbo timer is quite handy, my brother owns a Subaru GT Tubo and has a turbo timer from his Clifford alarm. Also a sports exhaust is nice because of the boxer engine sound, it realy gets people to turn their heads. The last piece of kit i can recommend is a dump-valve it will get you that cool "pshttt" sound when you shift.

sensation612 · 12-05-2003, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kurant
Turbo timer, up-pipe, down-pipe, boost control, exhaust, STi engine mounts.

HunterDevourer · 12-06-2003, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by supafly
Turbo timer is quite handy, my brother owns a Subaru GT Tubo and has a turbo timer from his Clifford alarm. Also a sports exhaust is nice because of the boxer engine sound, it realy gets people to turn their heads. The last piece of kit i can recommend is a dump-valve it will get you that cool "pshttt" sound when you shift.

If by dump valve you mean blow off valve...I'm not sure if that is a good direction to take for him at the time. It isn't really necessary for anything but a very highly boosted car (from what i understand), and, around areas of sydney at least, I see a lot of crappy cars with BOV's (or fake BOV's). The exhaust is a good suggestion though, if it has a restrictive one in stock form. Freeing up the engine a bit can give it a power boost, and possibly open up the rev range.

Perhaps look into better suspension and brakes before significantly upping the hp of the car. Better to be safe and make sure the car can handle the power safely before working it off the tits and ending up around a pole. Suspension should give you better stability for the autocross, while brakes are obvious. Also, how is the air filter? Maybe getting a more open air filter or air intake could boost the engine a bit. Or intercooler.

Anyway, that's some general info...i'm not too knowledgeable about cars, but hopefully that may give you some help.

username · 12-07-2003, 12:43 AM

I have a WRX myself and have been debating on modifications. From what I have read the best mods (for power) are:

1) Up pipe
2) Downpipe
3) Exhaust
4) Engine Management (UTEC, Cobb Reflash, Cobb AccessPort)
5) New Turbo VF30 or VF34
6) Front Mount Intercooler

The BOV given stock is appearently fine until you get to high boost pressures (20+ psi). Air intakes like a CAI or Ram Air intakes don't do the car any good and lean out the engine.

Tech · 12-07-2003, 12:52 AM

http://www.clubwrx.net

this is the best source i have found for anything having to do with WRX's... the guys in their forums know more than i ever care to!

End User · 12-07-2003, 06:17 PM

Firstly, how can you drift in a AWD car?
Secondly, subs, amps and speakers will add extra weight to the car, making it harder to get "plenty of power to the line when I want..."
Thirdly, I recommend getting a really really big wing bolted ontop of the stock wing. This will give your car added downforce, and will therefore make it really fast and will also enhance the acoustics of the stereo. It will also look really bling, and help get sex from a chick who likes your car more than she likes your personality.
Next, get some Mugen and Type R stickers. They will add at least 30kW at the wheels.

What's that odour coming out of your exhaust? Smells like rice

Pragma · 12-07-2003, 06:44 PM

You can drift in any car - RWD, FWD, or AWD. All cars can lose traction, it's just a question of how easy it is.

herostar · 12-08-2003, 02:08 PM

wrxtuners.com and clubwrx.com will help

I'd get 17" wheels b/c they will help w/ traction but not sacrifice ride quality.

don't waste your money on seats

For performance mods start with a complete turbo-back exhaust and a cat-less up-pipe. An STI up-pipe also works as it is cat-less already. A free mod you can do is to remove the intake silencer box that is in the passenger wheel well. It makes the intake much more efficient.

End User · 12-08-2003, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pragma
You can drift in any car - RWD, FWD, or AWD. All cars can lose traction, it's just a question of how easy it is.

I've never seen any FWD or AWD cars drifting before...do you have any vids or links? Does it look weird?

Pragma · 12-08-2003, 11:07 PM

I've got this DVD which has quite a lot. In terms of look, it doesn't look like your typical RWD drift (which is the rear just goes sliding WAY out and the car keeps going), but it's not too dissimilar.

Try a google search, you can probably find some stuff.

12-03-2003, 06:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
ironchefkorea Insane	Opinions on my 2002 WRX Okay. I have a 2002 Subaru WRX, 5 speed, and it's completely stock. I have a clean slate to work with. My goals are to have a smooth, comfortable daily driver that still brings plenty of power to the line when I want. I'm into rally-x and drift (well...I'm into pre- import scene drift, before it became the hot new trend with all the little kids with civics and spiked up hair), but I most likely won't be doing that aside from the occasional road trip out to the midwest. I know how to drift already. Anyway, what I want to ask is, what do you people think I should start out with? On the top of my list right now is a turbo timer, simply because I'm sick of sitting in my car for an extra two minutes every time I want to stop the engine. After that, however, I'm pretty lost. As far as audio config goes, since I can't get a bose system, I'm thinking 2 audiobahn 12's. I'm still undecided on my amps, speakers, and deck. But that's not my priority right now, since my stock set-up (I got the optional amp and speakers) is alright. So that leaves performance, since the most I'm gonna do cosmetically is wheels (plain 5 spokes, since my car is midnight black pearl) with brake lights in the rims (cool initial D effect) and maybe removing the "SUBARU" from my trunk. Possibly new seats and a cage. So, as I was asking before I went into the details, what is the first performance option I should get? I would prefer everything to be from STi. Thanks in advance to any help you people can give me. __________________ If it wasn't for microsoft, if we lived in the middle east? Y'all wouldn't have no hands....

12-03-2003, 07:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	Brake lights in the rims? Sounds like a bad start to me. A plain 5-spoke or twin 5-spoke in carbon grey would be good with a black car. I don't know what all is out there, but here's a bump for ya. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.

12-03-2003, 08:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
ironchefkorea Insane	personally I hate carbon grey, but thanks for the suggestion. And the lights aren't a start, they're something I'm gonna add on when I have nothing major left to upgrade. oh yeah...it's a sedan. __________________ If it wasn't for microsoft, if we lived in the middle east? Y'all wouldn't have no hands....

12-03-2003, 11:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
Peryn Junkie Location: San Diego, CA.	if you are gonna autocross, be careful before you start upgrading. Read the regulations. As you start modifying stuff you get bumped up into another class. Often you will get your ass thouroughly whipped by the other people that had the money to fully build it up to the class limits. If you are serious about Autocross....see how far you can go and still stay in your same class. __________________ Dont cry kid, It's not your fault you suck.

12-05-2003, 02:19 AM	#8 (permalink)
supafly Psycho Location: Rotterdam	Turbo timer is quite handy, my brother owns a Subaru GT Tubo and has a turbo timer from his Clifford alarm. Also a sports exhaust is nice because of the boxer engine sound, it realy gets people to turn their heads. The last piece of kit i can recommend is a dump-valve it will get you that cool "pshttt" sound when you shift. __________________ Thumbs up

12-03-2003, 07:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
itsmeek Upright	get a test pipe for your car, this will give you the most hp for the money. then i would go for a boost controller and perhaps after that a bigger turbo. a turbo timer is not really necessary, the newer turbos are all water and air cooled so you shouldn't have too much of a problem w/burning gaskets etc.

12-03-2003, 07:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
wrongfullyaccuzd Addict Location: NoVA	Not actually sure what practical good it will do you, but my friend with a WRX got a huge hood scoop, and it looks awesome! Do you have a wagon or sedan?

12-03-2003, 11:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Kurant Junkie Location: Don't worry about it.	Turbo timer, up-pipe, down-pipe, boost control, exhaust, STi engine mounts.(The mounts just take away that little flutter in the motor when shifting, if you don't know what I"m talking about, get some, and install them, you'll instantly tell a difference when you shift) Some things that are petty simple, that don't mess with the engine internals. If your into auto-x a set of slotted brakes with a nice set of pads, or go for a brembo setup. Turbo timers are always good things to have, they serve a purpse, you can get one for 90-100 bucks. If you want to gt crazy, start looking into upgrading the turbo, which would cost more by itself then all the other mods I listed above. Upgrading the turbo, is probably the last thing I'd do. With those mods listed about, depends on your driving, That can get a WRX to low 13's, high 12's. I had a WRX before I bought my M3. With a down/up pipe, boost control, exhaust, couple other minor things (STi hood scoop, brembo brakes, STi engine mounts.) mine was into the low 13's (13.2 to be exact). Be careful of the trannies, and believe what people say, they are paper.

12-07-2003, 12:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
username Insane	I have a WRX myself and have been debating on modifications. From what I have read the best mods (for power) are: 1) Up pipe 2) Downpipe 3) Exhaust 4) Engine Management (UTEC, Cobb Reflash, Cobb AccessPort) 5) New Turbo VF30 or VF34 6) Front Mount Intercooler The BOV given stock is appearently fine until you get to high boost pressures (20+ psi). Air intakes like a CAI or Ram Air intakes don't do the car any good and lean out the engine.

12-07-2003, 12:52 AM	#12 (permalink)
Tech Addict Location: Baltimore MD	http://www.clubwrx.net this is the best source i have found for anything having to do with WRX's... the guys in their forums know more than i ever care to! __________________ -Tim- ~I swear sometimes i feel like i'm married to a child. ~You better watch who you're calling a child, Lois, cause if i'm a child than you know what that makes you? a pedophile. and i'll be damned if i'm going to stand here and be lectured by a pervert.

12-07-2003, 06:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
End User Insane Location: Sydney, Australia	Firstly, how can you drift in a AWD car? Secondly, subs, amps and speakers will add extra weight to the car, making it harder to get "plenty of power to the line when I want..." Thirdly, I recommend getting a really really big wing bolted ontop of the stock wing. This will give your car added downforce, and will therefore make it really fast and will also enhance the acoustics of the stereo. It will also look really bling, and help get sex from a chick who likes your car more than she likes your personality. Next, get some Mugen and Type R stickers. They will add at least 30kW at the wheels. What's that odour coming out of your exhaust? Smells like rice __________________ People who have no faults are terrible!

12-07-2003, 06:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
Pragma I am Winter Born Location: Alexandria, VA	You can drift in any car - RWD, FWD, or AWD. All cars can lose traction, it's just a question of how easy it is. __________________ Eat antimatter, Posleen-boy!

12-08-2003, 02:08 PM	#15 (permalink)
herostar Psycho Location: South Dakota	wrxtuners.com and clubwrx.com will help I'd get 17" wheels b/c they will help w/ traction but not sacrifice ride quality. don't waste your money on seats For performance mods start with a complete turbo-back exhaust and a cat-less up-pipe. An STI up-pipe also works as it is cat-less already. A free mod you can do is to remove the intake silencer box that is in the passenger wheel well. It makes the intake much more efficient. __________________ Got time to chill?

12-08-2003, 11:07 PM	#17 (permalink)
Pragma I am Winter Born Location: Alexandria, VA	I've got this DVD which has quite a lot. In terms of look, it doesn't look like your typical RWD drift (which is the rear just goes sliding WAY out and the car keeps going), but it's not too dissimilar. Try a google search, you can probably find some stuff. __________________ Eat antimatter, Posleen-boy!