I have a 2000 Impreza L Wagon. Just like everyone i want more horsepower and want the least expensive way to do it. I have some basic bolt-ons (Borla header, Cobb Tuning high flow cat, Apex'i N1 cat-back, AEM short ram) but they are never enough. I'm not looking to drag the car, although eventually I'd like to do some racing in SCCA or other local rallies. I'm not looking to make massive amounts of horsepower, i just want the car to be a little more fun other than in the twisties. Only looking at running 5psi to give her a little more oomph.

I know that Unique Motorsports makes uppipes and downpipes that i can use with the exhaust system that I already have. I can also take a TD04 and a stock WRX intercooler and use them with the various lines and fittings that I need.

Ok. Now for the question. What is the least amount of engine management i can do with this to make sure that it runs well and doesn't blow my engine to shreds. Would just a piggy back afc do the trick or am I looking at a full engine management system like a TecII/III or whatever else I can get for my poor 2.2l.

Thanks,
Chris

Don't worry so much about fuel, a RRFPR and upgraded pump should do the trick. Worry about timing. A knock-link, ITC, etc should be used to dial back the stock N/A timing at higher revs. I'm playing around with the GReddy E-Manage for my 99 2.5, I know there are 99s and 00+ 2.5s running this thing... so it should be a feasable option for you as well. Of course a stand-alone (TEC, LINK, Wolf, etc) would be ideal but you can get by without. BTW, if you live near a unichip tuner it may also be an option for you.

How do you like the greddy ECU. Is it doing everything you want it to do fairly easily. What kind of a price am I looking at for it installed? I know with the new TEC-III (which looks like a really sweet piece) it's 2500 just for the equipment and then god know's how much to get it installed and tuned.

We'll see what happens when I get all the pieces together and actually get ready to install everything.

Still working on getting the E-Manage up and running. Partly due to weather, partly due to being hung over this weekend. So far I've had the car running but have not gotten a comfortable idle so I've removed the E-Manage after each install (twice now). Stay tuned.

Figure your budgets , AVO has full bolt on kit with Link ECU for $4180. The WRX stuff will bolt on if you change the engine crossmember. As for the engine management , that is the one place I would not skimp. Engines are expensive!

I'm using an Apexi S-AFC and an upgraded fuel pump on my 98 L, and it handles the extra power like a champ. If you're looking to go over 7 psi, however, then timing will most definitely come into play, as well as the need for a RRFPR. I've heard from several 2.2 turbo owners that the MSD 1100 or something like that has a timing retard option that can correct that problem.

Also Chris,
Your engine can be found in bountiful quantities all over any junkyard, so if you happen to blow it up, new ones can be found complete for under $400. Another option is to put 91-94 Legacy turbo heads on your engine, which are bulletproof, and combined with turbo valves and probably a valve job can increase your boost capabilities. My mechanic has this setup and has been running up to 13 psi on his (however I wouldn't recommend it!)

The E-Manage is installed and working. Looks to be the best option for the budget minded. Follow my results on the other boards if you're interested.

BOY,
what is e-manage?

impreza7/scoobysnacks,

The E-Manage is a piggyback fuel/timing controller by GReddy. It's been out for a while now but hasn't gained much of a user base due to GReddy's terrible support. The basic unit acts as a very simplistic AFC (air fuel controller) but you can purchase upgrade options including an additional injector harness, ignition harness, boost sensor (MAP) harness, and best of all the PC interface cable and software to tune it with a laptop. For ~$500 brand new (1/2 that used) you get more control than an S-AFC + ITC combined allowing larger injectors, additional injectors, MAP/MAF sensor swaps, etc.

Do you know if will eliminate the top speed governor?

Nope, no tach signal modification.