I just picked up a WRX Wagon and am loving it. I've been looking at countless threads about suspension, ecu, exhaust, wheels, etc... and there's just so much. I've seen a lot of posts about mods and what not, but my wagon has about 95K on it now and wondering about the effects of an upgraded ECU would have?

I've been advised not to do an ECU upgrade, but my friend isn't a WRX owner either.

And as far as all around mods are concerned what would be the order you would proceed if you had to gradually build up your car over time? I'm just a little tapped out after purchasing the car a few weeks ago.

Are there tride and true set ups that are dyno proven that I should follow?

Sorry for all the questions I'm just so stoked that there are so many mods I can do myself!

Thanks,

Evan

 

I would start with a decent turbo back exhaust, and a few gauges such as EGT, Boost...

Think about a manual Boost Controller to get a good 15-16psi under load. These mods will keep you happy for a bit and there are many options that will not break the bank.

Then I would head over to suspension and brakes before adding more power to get yourself a nice solid foundation.

For ECU tuning, the accessport from Cobb is very popular for a reason...its good stuff. Stay away from out of the box fuel controllers like the a Super AFC with the WRX.

Cheers!

 

FYI, My car has seen 3 track days and 2 autoXs (@95k+), and I plan on many more next season. I'm @ Cobb stage 2 with 101k on my 02 with 0 problems (original clutch even).

I've had it since it was new so I know it's maintenance record. If the guy before you took good care of it and you keep up with maintenance and don't beat the snot out of it I'd think you will be OK but then again I'm no expert.

 

Hey,

Thanks for the replies. That's awesome that MO REX you've gotten 3 track days and 2 autoXs in on a stock clutch. How long are clutches typically supposed to last? If you are at Cobb STage 2 that means the turbo back exhaust with the AP right?

Did you buy the whole set up or did you get the ECU first then the exhaust? If I were to get the ECU first then the exhaust I'd have reset the ECU?

I'm leaning towards getting the ECU first and then maybe a cat back exhaust. Would this be a logical order?

 

It depends on how you drive the car. I've seen 120K and I've heard of trannies grenading with less than 10K.

Yep, and I added an up pipe for safety. Cobb doesn't require a catless up pipe for stage 2 cars but I think they should.

Not saying this is the best order but it's how I did mine and my car had around 40K when I bought the AP.

(1)Catback
(2)Accessport (stage 1)
(3)Down pipe, up pipe and stage 2 reflash

You wouldn't have to but It would be a good idea.

I'd think that would be OK.

BTW, Some aftermarket down pipes (DP) won't mate with some cat backs (CB) so I'd research and find your DP and then buy the CB that will bolt to it.

 

I really appreciate your opinion on the upgrades. It's always good to know what has been working and seeing how you started with your mods at 40k it's awesome to hear that it's still running strong at 101K. I will start researching which down pipes will match up to the Cat Back exhaust to insure that I'm not hosed with an incompatiable one.

The order that you suggested is a good one and I'll be shopping around for all the pieces to the puzzle.

What kind of suspension are you running? I've read that ProTune springs are a popular choice as well as a wide array of coilovers. I was thinking about the Ground Control set up, but haven't read about too many guys that are using it.

A lot of people have a redline adjustable rear sway bar? I just realized that the mounts aren't included so does it matter the kind of mounts you get? I know that the end links are crucial as well and there are ton out there, kart boy, perrin, cobb, etc... Which ones are you using?

Thanks in Advance.

 

Here's a link to a recent thread that might help you decide on a good DP https://www.i-club.com/forums/engine-power-ej20t-pre-2006-wrx-jdm-60/best-downpipe-use-152832/ .

I'm actually running a fairly soft Ground Control (GC)/Koni (customised) setup. Front 290'# Rear 250'# with front top mount caster camber (C/C) plates. I'm pretty happy with the setup but there is 1 drawback to owning GC's. There isn't much strut travel since the front spring perches eat a lot of it up but stiffer rates help. If you run Koni inserts there is a way to gain 1" of travel. If you plan on doing a GC setup it is important to figure out what struts you want to run, how low you want to go and pick the appropriate length and rate. If you want more clarification on any of this just ask. IMO and many others GC is the best sleeveover on the market for our cars.

FYI, Imprezas don't like to be lowered too much since the lower control arms end up almost level when you lower the front to around 1.5". If you're serious about performance and you want to lower the car there is a great new mod that helps and here's a link https://www.i-club.com/forums/suspension-handling-brakes-195/holy-grail-lowered-wrx-must-read-track-junkies-153624/ .

I'm running a 24mm adjustable Whiteline RSB and a Whiteline 24mm adjustable FSB with Kartboy links front and rear. The 02 and 03 WRX's have weak mounts and I (like many others) bought some 04 mounts since they are a lot stronger. The 04+ mounts are the cheapest way to upgrade and according to my research there is no reason to spend the extra $ on aftermarket ones.

I went with Kartboy links and they are great but if I had to do it again I would have bought Whiteline rear links instead. You can't go wrong with Whiteline, IMO they are by far the best. Here's a great place to buy Whiteline and many other parts http://turninconcepts.com/index.php . Clint has been the best guy I've ever dealt with. Good prices, extremely fast service and shipping and second to none when it comes to knowledgeable support.

FYI, I'm not claiming to be an expert, I just know what I've experienced and researched.

 

Thanks for the two links. The DP thread was helpful, especially to see those photos of an aftermarket DP and stock. Wow, what a huge difference! I also checked out turninconcepts and they've got some good stuff at a reasonable price. So for now I've decided that I'm going with Whiteline Sway Bars + Rear Links, 04 mounts (as you suggested), and then the AP ECU and CAtback Exhaust. The Coilovers and wheels will be later.

I've got a friend that is a suspension engineer and that used to work at GC and I'm going to ask him about what kind of set up I should be getting. Good to hear that you are pretty happy with your set up.

Your comments and suggestions have been great. Much appreciated.

 

FYI, Whiteline doesn't rate their bars like most of the other companies out there. Cusco and many others list the softest setting and increase by 1mm for each hole. Whiteline does the the same on the front bar but it jumps 2mm, their rear bars list the middle setting and jump by 2mm so a rear 24 mm bar will give you 22, 24, and 26 and a front 24mm bar will be 24 and 26. I was going to get a 22mm bar but Clint explained how the adjustments worked on the Whiteline bars and that made want the 24mm bar.

Do your self a favor and send Clint an e-mail, explain what you want to do with the car and he will point you in the right direction. He has a lot more knowledge than most and he will be able to give you better advise than I ever could.

BTW, send me a PM when it's time for the GC's. I've got some great info that will help you optimize your setup. I know your buddy used to work for GC but he might not know about the Koni spacer mod.