I have an 02 WRX wagon — helix (flex) up pipe and down pipe. 70k miles. Everything else is stock with exeption to the wheels (rota sdr's) tires (falken azenis 215) and brake pads (cobalt sport gt).

I took it to my first track event this past weekend at CMP. Did three sessions on Saturday. Had my instructor take me out in the instructor group on Sunday (WOW!! he can drive!!) and then I took it out for my first session sunday. So a total of 5 sessions and when I went to drive to the class instruction I heard a funny metallic noise resonationg out of the downpipe. Kind of like a "click click click click" rhaspy sound that moved in parrallel with engine speed.

I brought it to my mechanics this morning and they said that it really didn't sound like it was coming from the turbo but they could really hear it on the downpipe. They used that stethascope and said they could hear more from the down pipe than from the turbo. They also said that nothing seems like it could be making that sound other than the turbo.

So I bring my question to the all mighty forums for some advice to what it might be. And any suggestions on what to do to the turbo if it might be rebuildable. My instructor told me if I have to replace it — not to get anything that will give me a huge increase in power as it won't help my driving.

As always thanks in advance.

<was in ej25 but realized I posted in the wrong forum>

 

Did you answer my last question?

 

If I remember.. I did not notice a loss of power. Yet when I did notice the problem I did not bring the car to more than 3k on the way home.

 

Do you have a cat in your uppy?

 

no cats at all.

 

Not sure if this could be the sound you hear....but I know on many fuel injected cars the actual fuel injectors make a clicking sound like that when they are cycling, this would also increase or decrease in frequency as engine speed increases/decreases too. My injectors make a sound similar to that on my car too.....this sound also becomes alot more noticeable as you start to remove things like Cats, and the intake silencer, or add a CAI. I'd have your mechanics use that stethascope thing to see if its the injectors you are hearing cycle. That could also explain the location....since your injectors on the pass. side are very close to the turbo.

Hope this helps

-Ted

 

Thanks Ted.

I will ask them to check into it.