i own a 2004 wrx and i just installed my helix up/down and catback. What i need help in is with a decision on what to do next... Should i get a new turbo (vf34), injectors, and fp? or a new intercooler/headers? or something else? keep in mind i have about 2k to spend on my car right now... what would you do in my situation?


if i were to install the vf34, sti injectors, and fuel pump, and then tune it how much power do you think it would produce?

 

If you dont have any suspension/brake mods, I would do some first before the vf34...

1)new tires
2)get ecutek/cobb reflash/EM for your current powAr mods
3)springs/swaybars/endlinks
4)pads/fluids?? do you like your brakes?

$2000 can go a long way, especially if you find good deals or buy used. IMO its better to have a well rounded car than just all out HP

250+ all wheel hp depending on dyno and tune (stock wrx is about 155-165 whp)

 

I would upgrade with a VF34 combo before doing the headers/intercooler. That type of upgrade would require some type of engine management such as an Ecutek reflash or Cobb Accessport. On our Mutang dyno, VF34 setups usually put down anywhere from 240-260whp on 91 octane gas.

Headers and intercooler are a good upgrade after a turbo upgrade.

Thanks,
Preston

 

I would agree with Preston on the vf34. The only problem my friend ran into was getting heat soaked very easily using a bigger turbo and he also had a bigger top mount intercooler. I could imagine how bad heat soak would be with a stock intercooler. This is the way I set up my car in order: Turbo back exhaust, front mount intercooler, headers, utec, vf34, and 785cc injectors. I was really happy with the steps that I took. I never had heat soak in the summer time, and I could turn up the boost to 16psi after I added the front mount intercooler. Good luck.

 

Heat soak is not that bad of a problem to correct. It's as easy as having your turbo ceramic coated and it is also good to get the downpipe coated or wraped. If you get headers and wrap them too you will be helping your performance greatly. Your under hood temps shouldn't be that bad if you do all of the above and heat soak will be a thing of the past.

 

Then what would you suggest doing?

 

You quoted my suggestion and thats what I have done.

 

I would do suspension, brakes, or EM

 

all good information, so before i go with a turbo upgrade i need to have other supporting mods to, including injectors, fp, and a new IC? another question what exactly is EM?

 

Engine management. Example Utec, Cobb Accessport, Hydra which is a stand alone ( works better for the sti )