I just got a bonus check, and I'm dying to drop $2100 on the Turboxs Stage II upgrade (new UTEC computer and a new turbo-back). Supposedly it'll make 309 HP at the crank and about 230 at the wheels. A couple of questions:

1) Are the HP numbers reasonable? Anyone actually dyno-tested it?

2) How brutal is the install? I'm reasonable with a wrench (I do my own oil changes, brakes, tune-ups, etc.), but hardly a mechanic, and I've never tried a project as large as this. My biggest worry is that I get it started and then can't complete it. Any success/horror stories out there?


Throw me a bone here people...

 

How hard is this for the layman to atually install?

 

The computer is a piece of cake, the exhaust is a tad more difficult. You'll want to either have a lift or a good set of jack stands in order to work underneath. The downpipe and cat back really isn't too bad. If you decide to do an up-pipe, that's a tad more irritating.

Shouldn't cause you more than 3 skinned knuckles, two thrown wrenches, and say...no more than 25 expletives for the whole job.

 

expect more like 200-210 whp

 

I just installed the Turbo XS UTEC, in my nearly stage 1 version of a WRX. I have a Gruppe-S up pipe, Perrin hi-flow cat downpipe, coupled to a Supersprint cat-back. Samco hoses and now the UTEC.

What an AMAZING difference the computer makes. I wouldn't have believed it until I ran it. Really smoothed out the boost and put a real punch in the mid-range. The "seat'o'da'pants" dyno tells me I just picked up a load of power, but there's no real dyno near here that I can verify it with. Perhaps on a Bay area visit.

In any event, the UTEC is a key component for performance tuning and it is very easy to get used to tuning with. I give it a 5 STAR rating for the WRX!

Regards,
Kev

 

Statman,

The stage 2 is very simple to install and comes with a decent set of instructions. If you follow the instructions then you can't go wrong (Chip is plug and play, no splicing). I suggest you get an uppipe at the same time since you will have everything in pieces anyway. Just don't let anyone else do it, save the $$$ and do it yourself. The uppipe can be a pain the first time, but don't let that get you down. I have done it 4 times so far and now I can do it in about 30 minutes tops. Most people here have done these mods so help should'nt be so hard to find, but if you can't find any help then drop me an e-mail and I'd be glad to.

Peace

 

You know, my dealership cares less about my mods which I am finding to be a really good thing. I am hearing about these **** dealerships, but I also understand it is driven by SOA. Anyway, my dealership is the greatest, they offer to install these aftermarket parts for me, but I enjoy doing the work myself. How cool is that.

 

You are right and I quickly found that it pays to have service managers as friends

 

If my mods DO cause a problem (which is VERY doubtful at this point since all I've actually done is non-mechanical)(although I do have a all the stuff from TurboXS for a stageII upgrade sitting in my garage), I will have the ***** to take responsibility for blowing up my own engine and pay for my actions mistakes -- which is why I'll probably leave the Stage II sitting in my garage for another yar or so until my 36K mile coverage ends. Unlike a rather famous recent poster I DO feel responsible for my own actions...

 

Statman,

There really is no need in my opinion to let that Stage II just sit around. The stage II system is considered a mild to moderate modification. A turbo back exhaust system does not in anyway harm your car. Other than that, the new unichip would be the only thing I would be concerned about and I would only be concerned if it was a stage 4 or custom mapped, but even then, if you know what your doing and drive your car somewhat responsibly you should have no worries. The only thing you need to do is to keep the boost down to a reasonable level (15-15.5 PSI). After that, no probs. I have had mine in for about 20,000 miles. I have also ran it at the local drag strips (8.9 in the 8th mi) several times. I assure you that the only thing you could possibly mess up is setting the boost incorrectly and that would be hard to do.

I don't think you should wait, but that is up to you.

Peace