Okay I finally got the chance to install my exhaust system:

Helix Flex Up-pipe
Helix Catted Downpipe
Anti Fouler Spark Plug DP Mechanical fix
Up-pipe oil drain plug, removed egt sensor and used the 2.2 KOHM 1/2 5% watts resistor
California Stage 2 mapping.
Stock Catback.

The CEL didn't start until this morning....it was blinking for a while and then went away. Then it blinked again after a couple of hours and went away. Just around 7PM after during a drive for about 10 minutes it started blinking longer and eventually stayed solid. Any ideas? I'm gonna pull the code tomorrow morning and see what it reads with the AP. Any suggesstions or recalled history of this problem is appreciated, thanks.

 

can't tell without that CEL code dood.
Are you hitting target boost? it should get you to about 16PSI if I remember correctly.

 

Yeah I'm hitting boost. I just pulled the code, its a P0301: Cylinder 1 misfire. I resetted the ecu and drove it around a little bit and got to a stop. The CEL started blinking once again and the car started shaking, not too much but still noticeable. Any idea on how to fix this? I'm leaning towards the ignition system, like maybe the plugs or the coilpacks. But don't know for sure.

 

first try changing the spark plugs. If you're not already running the NGK Iridium one step colder plugs, go get some.

Call up a Napa Auto Parts store and have them order NGK(Manufactor P/N: BKR7EIX) plugs for your car(02+ Impreza WRX 2.0L?). they should run about $8.50 to $9 per plug, and they can get them in about a day for you.

If changing the spark plugs doesn't do anything, then I would say yeah it could be a coil pack.
You can easily swap two of the coil packs and see if the misfire CEL goes to another cylinder. if it does, you've found the problem.

I think Gruppe-S can hook you up with a coil pack.

 

Cool thanks. Sounds easy enough. Yeah I got 04 wrx so it should be cool. Do you know how long the spark plugs you mention last? When should I change them again? Thanks.

 

they should easily last 30K miles.

Subaru recommends replacing the WRX spark plugs every 60K miles, and the STi spark plugs every 30K miles.

 

Damn I just went to NAPA they said they couldn't order it. I was wtf are you talking about? They said you gotta get it online or something...hmm...any ideas where locally in the bay I can get them?

 

try a different Napa:

http://www.napaautoparts.com/MasterP...artNum=BKR7EIX

The website says they are only available in the store, so the person you talked to doesn't now WTF they are talking about.

Gruppe-S or Speed Element might have them. You could try winchester auto as well, or a Subaru dealership. Make sure they are pre-gapped for 0.030.

I ordered mine from Oakos.com but I think Napa should be faster and cheaper.

 

Thanks again man. Another question I just realized that I have an extra set of plugs NGK: PFR6G Can I use those? Or is the one you recommended better?

 

colder plug + iridium = the only plug you should use for aftermarket engine management.

 

those are the stock ones

im going to put them in tonight

my car didnt start on the 8 iridiums

 

Okay so far the problem still exists, changed and checked Spark plugs, coilpacks, ground wires, spark plugs wires, injectors.....don't have any clue on what's next. Could it be the vaccum lines....that's the next hunch. What do you guys think any suggestions?

 

your bad gas theory might be it.

how does it drive when you are not on boost?

 

Well I ran the whole tank out........and refilled it with 76 91 octane....no difference at all....with or without boost. sigh...damn

 

what were your compression levels?