Ok.. I have ran a search and I couldn't really find anything so here I go:

I have a '04 WRX w/ a Bushur Racing 3" cat-back. For the past few weeks I have been interested in going for a power package but, I just don't kow what to get. It seems so overwhelming and I don't want to make the wrong decision and regret it. I basically want to spend a max of $2000-2500 but I would really love to stay in the 1k range but get the best hp #'s for the $$.

I do like the Cobb Tuning stage 2 kit because of the AccessPort I just don't know if that is the best #'s for the money. I basically I want a nice streetable hp and better on road confidence. I also like the Group-S stage 2. Is that worth all the work compaired to the Cobb Tuning kit??? Since TurboXS is in my area they seem to have a nice package but I already have the exhaust. Mid 12's to low 13's is the ideal are I would like to be. I know that is a broad range but best hp for the $$ is the way for me.

Thanks for the help!

Subies to Life...

-Also something that I could install also. I am mechanically inclined so I'm not worried about doing the work I just don't want to tear the whole thing down for 'so much' hp.

 

Cobb tunning is known for reliable gains in performance, so i doubt they would be pushing out the best numbers for their off the shelf maps.

I do hear that turboxs and vishnu put out good numbers. they are a bit pricey, but good quality.

 

Stage 2.5...get the Cobb AccessPort ($600), a DP ($300), and VF30/VF34 ($500 used). with the Cobb it'll put out about 320hp/295tq at the crank.

when my Cobb gets here i'll be at a Stg 2 and hopefully Stg 2.5 by end of summer

 

yeah, i didn't put the pump down (read that it shoul be OK with Stg 2.5), but i've seen Walbro's for $80

 

Cobb is definetely the best bang for your buck. You can get the Helix up/dp combo from Gruppe-S for $450 and then the AccessPORT for $600. That'll put you at about 285hp to the crank with the Stage 2 map and you should be running low to mid 13s. In order to go Stage 2.5, you need the VF34 with the STi injectors. Cobb says that you don't need the Walbro, but it's probably a good idea. I'm at Stage 2 right now and it freakin rocks. I just love gettin in my car. I plan on going Stage 2.5 or maybe Stage 3 when it comes out in about a year or so. Go with Cobb and you'll never be happier.

psycho

 

You don't need to upgrade your fuel pump for the Cobb 2.5. All you need is a VF 30 or 34 (which seem to be getting cheaper by the week), STi Pink injectors, and a downpipe. Stock intake and stock intercooler are required, and stock upipe and even stock catback will work. You should see a very handsome power upgrade with this mod...

 

You don't have to get their exhaust system. The Cobb stage 2 was designed to run w/ a Turbo back exhaust. Ofcourse they will tell you that it will run best w/ their exhaust (any vendor will tell you to buy from them as much as possible). I would suggest the Helix Up/Down pipe combo to eliminate the cats on your car. With the Helix pipes, you can run whichever exhaust system you have a preference towards (I personally like either the Greddy Evo if you prefer JDM parts or the Borla Hush if you want to look stealthy). Just my $0.02 in.

-Soren

 

Thanks for the reply's. Well I think I am leaning towards the Cobb route. So my plans might be...

-AccessPort

-Helix Downpipe

Is it a must to do the uppipe also??

Low 13's would be just lovely!

Thanks

Also...with the Cobb stage 2 what map is the best???

 

Yes, the uppipe is a must if you are going to install a Helix Downpipe and Accessport running a Stage 2 reflash. The uppipe eliminates the pre-turbo cat which does the following: improves turbo spool up and eliminates the chance of the catalytic convertor breaking apart and grenading your turbo when bits of it gets inhaled.

-Soren

 

the UP isn't neccessary for Stg 2, but since you have the DP off, that would be the best time to put the UP in, since you have to take the DP off to get to the UP.

also a full TBE is recommended, but you can get away with just a DP for the Stg 2.

the best Stg2 map depends on the fuel you are using either 91 or 93.
the STX maps keep the boost at stock levels to keep them within the STX category.

Quotes from the Cobb site:
"Stage 2 using 93 octane fuel. Requires stock turbo, stock intake and turboback exhaust. 285HP / 285 ft-lbs. Cat Efficiency and EGT CEL's removed."

"VF34 map using 93 octane fuel. Requires VF34 turbo, STI injectors, stock intake, stock intercooler and turboback exhaust. 320HP / 295 ft-lbs. Cat Efficiency and EGT CEL's removed."



"If you have replaced the first section (second cat or downpipe section) and nothing else, then the Stage 2 map is what we would recommend. Again the results will be far less than optimal, but it will control the boost better than the Stage 1. If you have replaced sections 2-4 (third cat, mid-pipe, and muffler section then you are still Stage 1. You managed to get all except the part that makes the most difference. Again, we want to reiterate that Stage 2 will only get the intended results with a well designed complete turbo-back. "

"Q. I have an up-pipe, and/or intercooler hoses, and/or a panel filter, and/or a BOV, and/or pulleys, etc. but I don’t see a map with those mods. What can I do?

A. Those types of modifications are within the AccessECU’s ability to adapt. Most of them (with the exception of the BOV) make a slight improvement in efficiency, but do not change the characteristics of the car enough to require reprogramming to work properly. If you add these types of parts later it might take the car a driving cycle or two to get the boost right on, but it will likely adapt unless the part makes a significant change such as a turbo-back. As stated above, if you have a question about your parts, let us know and we will help you choose the map that is right for you. That is much better than getting a wrong map, or thinking we do not have a map for your combo."