I just recently got a WRX, it has a bit more than 3k miles, I love it, problem is, that about halfway through 3rd, hard throttle, it sounds like it is detonating. anyone else experience a similar effect?

I am planning on getting the cobb reflash, and probably an exhaust, will this have any effect at all (pos, or neg)?

also, I notice that it does it more after I am accerating to get on the freeway after sitting at a light, I haven't tried getting off the freeway and getting right back on to bring it through third again, but that is next on the list (edit: meaning heatsoak could be the problem).

any thoughts or ideas?

and not that I am afraid of the dealer, but after reading how a lot have been treated, I feel I may be treated with indiference.

 

I had detonation when my MAF went bad - $$$!!! are you using aftermarket air filter? I think mine was caused by too much oil on my air filter (ITG foam).
i think the reflash would definitely help if everything elses in working order.

 

MAF could very well be the problem so check that soon...

 

Do you have any mods? If not, I would expect it to be heatsoak, especially if the knock doesn't return once you've been at freeway speeds for a couple minutes. Check out the article in this month's SCC for some itneresting data on the stock intercooler.

 

yup, OIL ON THE MAF. Happpened to me. I gently cleaned it off with gas and it fixed my problem....

 

I have no mods, and I can't think of how oil could have gotten into the MAF, but I will check it.

I think you are probably right BAN, I was thinking this myself, but just wanted to get confirmation from some people with more history with the WRX, and turbos in general before I jumped to conclusions. I will check out that article some time this weekend (as well as the MAF, just in case, when I pull out the silencer).

Thanks again guys

 

samagon,
if you're using stock air filter dont worry about MAF. in fact, MAF is very delicate so it's probably better if you dont mess with it.
Personally, I never experienced detonation due to heat, not even in Las VEgas heat during summer. I hope the reflash fixes all your woes. Cobb is the path i'll be taking soon as well, to cope with my misfortune - my buddy just got a STi.