Thanks for all your votes. My primary concern is actually the transmission, more than anything else; 100+ more HP would be great but I've got a feeling even with careful driving I'd blow the guts of it right out of the transfer case. I know enough people who toasted their transmission in the 02/03 WRX with STOCK power (and they knew how to drive, not careless shifts down to 1st on the highway). 40 to 60 hp and just a little more torque is what I am looking for. I love that blouch 18g, the dyno chart I found for it was pure poetry.

Being a Subaru loyalist, I'd love to stick with the VF series as many of you have suggested, but I just can't justify the price, they are so freaking expensive for what you get...

 

After a talk with my tuner and his head mechanic, I decided you guys are right and I am going with a VF43. He said that despite the 16G's reputation as a bolt-on turbo, he often finds that they have a six to ten degree difference in the exit angle of the cold side that requires grinding or multiple gaskets to correct. He's installed all kinds of TD05s and never had one go in without some clearance or sealing issue when using the EJ20 block, especially with a non-flex up-pipe (I have the APS cast pipe, no flex section)... I'm on the wait list for the next time a used VF43 shows up at his shop!

 

have fun!

 

dude i just did that setup, vf43 (theyre pretty cheap) but you get a way higher volume of air so it does give more power not in boost, ac doesnt phase mine anymore (kinda) i think that is a wise decision, i was going to put that out there, but the 16g sounded so fitting to your needs. i think you will be nothing but satisfied with the 43, with your stock tranny and clutch being ok with no clutch dumps. just be nice to it, once you hit boost, there is nothing to worry about, everything will be behind you :P

 

oh and +100000 to ED at EQ TUNING!!!! unbelievable. catted 267 awhp, 235 tq. all the greater when my body and head is SHOVED into my seat and everything in my hatch flies to the rear of the car