I'm the proud owner of a stock 2003 WRX sedan and am starting to seriously consider some performance upgrades. So far all I've done are EDM STI headlights and 17'' wheels/tires.

I've been eyeing the Vishnu Stage 1 Kit and wanted to get some opinions from current Vishnu stage 0 and 1 owners. My main goal is that I'm looking for something that is reliable, but a step-up in performance over stock.

questions that I have:

--Has anyone experienced any problems running these systems (i.e CELs, lean conditions, broken stuff, ... anything)

--How is daily driveability? Most of my driving is done on freeways but also have the joy of commuting up an empty Skyline Blvd. just south of San Francisco (twisty mountain road) every day on the way to work. Although I can sometimes hit nasty stop-go traffic on the way home.

--Overall... what are the major performance differences between Stage 0 vs. Stage 1. It looks like stage 1 has a much stronger torque curve over stage 0. Is it worth it? (highly opinion based question... I know)

--Of course, living in the backwards state of California, I'm somewhat concerned about CARB/emissions issues. Has anyone ever had any problems with the visual inspections with the catless up-pipe or an aftermarket exhaust (with cat)? Any sniffer test problems?

If/when I decided to do this, I'll most likely take the trip down to Vishnu HQ's to get the install and testing done.

Thanks everyone for your advice, opinions, help, etc. Much appreciated.

Happy Holidays!

TQ

 

I have a Vishnu Stage 1. Since your close you should come to UCKK or some other meet and check it out. Im sure Im not the only bay area guy with this kit. Since the guys are local you can buy and get it installed in Pleasanton. I think they charge like less than 500 for a stage one install but don't quote me. Its worth it just to not have to install the uppipe.

Emissions will be a problem since your going to fail visual with the exhaust. I'm keeping my exhaust and will put it back on for Smog. It's about an hour or so of work on each side, but its worth the amount of fun you can have with the kit. I don't think anyone will fail you on the uppipe since its so well hidden. Ive read that the Vishnu kit will pass sniff with just one cat in place.

The twintip is major stealth.

The car is so much more drivable. It's amazing how much smoother and more powerful it is at the same time. Most of that comes from the reflash.

Let me know if you want to check mine out, Im just off of 92 / Ralston.

 

Very cool...Thanks for the info. I'll PM you sometime for your contact info to take a look at your setup. I'll probably try to make it out to one of the local meets.

As far as the exhaust goes... doesn't Vishnu's exhaust have a high flow cat? I'm not very familiar with the smog-laws in CA so I'm not sure if it would pass with an aftermarket cat or not. A catless exhaust is definetely out of the question though.

Does anyone else have any experience with the stage 0 or 1?

 

Another thread:

https://www.i-club.com/forums/showth...threadid=40011

 

Your first name doesn't happen to be Travis is it?

 

Yep... Travis.