I spent hours on end last night looking through posts after posts trying to figure out a good setup with $2k. At first I was considering getting the UTEC, because I know a good engine management can do a lot. However, in my years of messing with and modding cars I have not yet messed with fuel, ignition, etc maps so I kept looking at my other alternatives. Seems that the Cobb AccessPort is pretty popular, so I might go with that, knowing that later on I can upgrade to the AccessTuner so that I can then mess with the maps. Good choice?

Turbo back is no question. In my searches so far, the Cobb TBE seemed like a good choice since I wanted it to: have the bellmouth downpipe, a high flow cat, full 3-in exhaust. They also definitely seemed to have put in the time and effort to make the exhaust not hang low and still keep a pretty good straight through design. I tried looking for some pictures of the exhaust installed, but haven't seen any yet. Still too new?

So I figured I'd just get Cobbs Stage 2 package with the AccessPort and the turbo back exhaust. With shipping it came to $1,705.64 (phew!). With the $2k I wanted to make the car have a low 13 sec 1/4 time. They're averaging the stage 2 at 13.4. so if that is true with just the package then alls good. Lets go lower then!! Unfortunately that took a pretty good chunk, so the only thing I can think of that would make the biggest difference with $300 is a Helix uppipe.

So here's the list then:

Cobb Stage 2 Package
-AccessPort
-Turbo Back Exhaust
Helix Uppipe

Totalling about $2000. Wow, doesn't look like a lot of things for $2k!! LOL, But I know that right there is quite a bit of power! So what do you guys think of that so far? Some changes to get even lower times?

Let me know, thanks!

Blake

 

Sounds like a good setup... but the biggest improvement you can make to your WRX is a good set of tires and a set of 17'' wheels. If you havn't already done so, change the tires.

The tires that come stock on the WRX are crap... a good set of tires will make you realize how great the WRX actually is!

I too have an Accessport on order. Going to set that up with a Cobb Catted DP and perhaps a 3'' stromung dual tip cat back (I like the stock dual tip look). Should be a nice setup.

 

Yeah, that setup will work great for your budget. I would save for wheels/tires next.

 

Helix Turboback@gruppe-s : 750
helix uppipe @ gruppe-s: 200
cobb access port: 600

450 dollars more =) new wheels/samco hoses/custom tune on the access port/tmic. . . . keep it in your pocket. . . whatever you want.

 

vf22 package from gruppe-s (turbo, injectors, and fuel pump)-$1000

Gruppe-s TBE-$750
save for a UTEC-$900

or
vf22 package-$1000
Helix downpipe off ebay-$255
Custom 3" catback with 3"muffler off ebay-$140
UTEC-$900

or
VF34 package from gruppe-s-$1200
Helix downpipe off ebay-$255
Custom 3" catback with 3"muffler off ebay-$140
Access port-$565

 

i just spent 1080 on my set up. helix up and down borla hush cat back some exhaust hangers and samco ic hoses. now if you were to get that set-up, you would have roughly 1000 to spend. then you could buy cobb reflash, accessport, or even utec.

 

First off, thanks for the replies so far! I have some more questions though. One being, on the Helix turbo back, is there any cat on it at all? I haven't seen anything about it having one so far. If so, I guess if I were to get the Helix turbo back and uppipe I would have no cats whatsoever? For emissions purposes (and also I don't want to risk the fines) I was hoping to have a cat, possibly at the midpipe.

If the Helix turbo back exhaust has a cat in it, then how bout this setup:

Helix Turbo back exhaust
Helix Uppipe
VF34 Package
-VF34 Turbo
-STI 565cc Injectors
-Walbro fuel pump
Cobb AccessPort


Everything but the Accessport comes to $1949 according to gruppe-s.com . So with the Accessport (which I know I have to have or atleast some sort of management) I'll be looking at about $2500. From looking at the Cobb website, I should be able to just run their VF34 map with that setup and be pretty much tuned. Am I right? I know additional tuning would probably be better, but that should get me by just fine for awhile I would think, since it's everything the map calls for. I'm assuming I won't have to worry about getting a boost controller since the AccessPort with the VF34 map will take care of it? Would there be any downfalls to running this setup? or anything else I might need?

 

That's a great set-up with pretty much every thing you would need. That set-up does not include cat. You can buy a high flow cat for about $60 though and have any decent muffler shop put it in for you. You do not need a boost control with that set up, but you might want a boost gauge.

 

You are deffinetly on the right track, those are great ideas to spend $2000, I'm sure you won't be disapointed.

 

hey,

go to the link below, its the best round up of what you can do for 2K.

just go here

 

So if I were to get the Helix turbo back, where would I have the high flow cat put in? midpipe? I was looking on the gruppe-s website and under the exhaust section they have the Helix cat-back and Helix downpipe for $750. Is that what I'm going to be getting if I were to get the turbo back they have listed on the specials page? I would think since it's turbo back that the midpipe would be included even though they are both listed for the same price.

 

The helix cat-back and downpipe is a full turbo back. The downpipe and the midpipe is one piece.

You can have a muffler shop weld you in a high flow cat somewhere in the middle where your original 3rd cat would be.

 

Coilovers and tires!

 

go suspension or a tune.. worry about changing ur turbo after suspension...


a good rear sway bar / endlinks and strut bars will reduce roll a lot and you will like the way your car runs for the price...


then decide where to go from there.. but get those first.. cuz they are very inexpensive and easy to install..


btw if you buy a turbo and injectors... unless u are skilled with mechanical intelligence, they are difficult to install...so add that to your cost if u aren't...( btw labor for turbo / injectors is expensive )