Hello, My name is Dustin Cubberley. I am from Knoxville TN. I just bought a 05 WRX sedan. This is my first post so figure I'll give some info. This is my first Subaru. I previously owned a 1994 Integra GSR. I built the car from the ground up minus one part. The fuel system because of lack of knowledge in that particular area. I made 401whp, but the fuel system just could not take it and the engine went. The guys who set up the fuel system did a very poor job(obviously) so I retired the car to storage for now and am enjoying the perks of reliability.

What I have done thus far is an apexi turbo timer(from integra), TXS rfl (from Integra comon guys I know this doesnt help but you tend to miss the sound after a while), Tein S tech springs, and KYB AGX struts. What I want to know is for reliability what hp can I squeeze from the car without worring to much. I am not an abusive driver, but I do do alot of (canyon carving) I really do enjoy backroads and the car will see WOT at times. I dont autocross or anything just alot of spirited driving. I would like the car be faster, but I dont want to loose all of my bottom end. I have ordered a Blitz FMIC kit, and I am also looking at the vishnu ecu services. I just want some opinions on turbos, exhaust systems (it will more than likely be custom. I am head R&D at a new company that makes high flow systems and cats) does and donts is really what I am looking for.

As for money I am not even going to say it isnt an issue. Because lets face it , it is. I dont make 100K a year, but I have never been one to pass by quality just because another product is cheap. You guys know what works and what doesnt. My knowledge for Subarus has grown so much just from reading your posts, but I just would like to hear your thoughts on my questions directly.

I hope you are willing to except a ex Honda driver into your community and share your knowledge and wisdom. I can honestly say so far most Subaru owners that I have spoken with have been alot nicer and carry more meaningful conversations thus far.

 

hey man

i say, first thing, unless you got a great deal on the FMIC, cancell the order. unless you're pushing 300+ WHP you don't need it. a big TMIC will be fine, and you wont need that till after the turbo upgrade.

start w/ a turboback(vishnu, cobb, custom, they're all similar in HP gain, just get a 3'' straight design), maybe some wheels+nice tires(tirerack.com is good), pullies(vishnu, some other brands), uppipe(helix, perrin, vishnu, etc) and then see how you feel about the car and its strong/weak points and go from there. take it slow. get to know the car. check out the i-club reviews section link at the top of the page. good luck and welcome.

 

I'd say drive it for a year stock before you start radically changing the car's specs. Not only are you going to destroy any warranties you might have (and have trouble insuring the car, if they get wind of those changes) but you won't have a baseline to compare your changes to. You're coming from a very different car, and one which (by your own admission) you melted down; also, that Integra might have required that many changes to become a performance car, but the WRX is set up extremely well (except for exhaust efficiency) right from the factory. I've got a few friends who went nuts with the upgrades on their WRXs just weeks after owning them, and now they can't go within 100 miles of the dealer if they have a problem, most normal auto shops throw up their hands in disgust (or confusion) due to all the aftermarket parts, and the cars themselves are much less reliable.

I can understand getting a '99 RS or an 02 WRX and making such radical upgrades to it, but the 05 WRX is a very refined car with a tremendous number of improvements over the original. Replumbing it for an FMIC that it doesn't need is the first step towards yet another melted engine in just a year or two.

 

Thanks for the replies. When I said that I had ordered the front mount, I should have explained in detail. I bought the kit used, It was on the car for about 6-8 months and the car was rear-ended and totaled. The guy who owned the car did not have insurance so is in a tight spot. I gave him 200.00 for the complete kit. I plan to just stick it in my garage until a later date(when it is needed). As for now I am kind of just feeling the car out.

The reason I am asking the questions is until Jan 2006 my house payment is paid( due to alot of saving and planning) so for the next 10 months or so I will have some extra cash. This seems to be a good time to purchase the parts I am going to need and set them aside until 1) the warranty has expired or 2) I just cant wait any longer. Which ever comes first. I am very patient though so I would say that it will be all suspension upgrades until then.

I am sorry I did not explain this first off. I do however see your point in getting to know the car. I tend to get used to a vehicle more quickly than other people , due in part to driving my dad's 4.90 drag car for 2 years.(He broke his back in the Navy and his body just cant take the abuse). I am in no way a drag raceing professional, but I do tend to learn cars quickly. Those days are over though I have become bored with straight lines and think that this time I have found the right automobile for my needs.

I hope this additional information helps you to help me and thanks again for the replies. Have a great New Year.

 

If you're going to be hitting the curvy roads, I'd suggest suspension mods 1st. If you have struts/springs alrdy. I'd get rear sway bar and new tires. After that, I'd check out Vishnu's or Gruppe-S's power package upgrades.

 

bump

 

When I bought my WRX the STI wasn't even being sold in the US yet. If I was going to do it all over again I would have bought as much car as my pocket book would have allowed (STI). Ever since, I've just been playing catch up with my WRX. Exhaust, engine management, suspension...ect and I still don't have a car that's as fast and RELIABLE as an STI. With all the money I've put into my WRX I could have easily afforded an STI...but like I said, it didn't exist in the US yet. If I were you,...if you're thinking about doing turbo, suspension, exahust, engine management, intake, blah blah blah....ect. Sell your car and get an STI. At least then you'll have a 300HP car that's under warranty. Plus if you want it to go faster later on, there's major potential and you'll never have to worry about blowing your engine.