Looking to replace OE with an AM unit and looking for suggestions from those that have done this successfully.

My main concern is whether or not to obtain an AM pc. with the flex coupling (is this necessary as the original engineers designed it that way).

Also not wanting to spend much more than $200.

Thanks for comments, please keep it short.

 

They(subaru engineers) also put a cat in it. A properly designed uppipe will not need a flex section, it is a crutch for poor design/tolerances.

I vote Crucial Uppipe. A bit over $200 but well worth it IMHO.

 

...and an exhaust gas temp sensor, yes.

Is your comment regarding poor design tolerances justifiable somehow (where did this notion come from?)...what about heat/vibration/creep/etc. Some AM pcs. have the flex.

Thanks for the advice.

 

IMHO, there is no need for a flex section on a properly designed/engineered uppipe.

I'm sure it was much cheaper for subaru to incorperate a flex section than to actually require tighter tolerances that could slow down production as well as cost more to produce to spec. Same with aftermarket.

the factory egt is for cat temperature, not actual EGT.

 

Maybe inferred cat bed temperature, but it was my understanding the sensor was installed in the pipe.

Regardless, how long have you had your pc. installed?

 

Crucial racing looks like a nice one, Helix is a popular brand.

I have a gutted oem uppipe.

 

hks uppipe

 

helix and aps are nice up pipes, you will probably have to trick the sensor in the up pipe otherwise you could get a cel.

 

I've ran the Crucial pipe for almost 3 yrs.

 

cobb tuning. http://cobbtuning.com/wrx/power-i.html#uppipe


http://cobbtuning.com/wrx/pr-uppipe.html

 

+1

I don't have one but I do know that unlike Helix the Crucial pipe ID matches the turbo inlet, it's coated inside and out, and it has a limited lifetime warranty.

I used some Subaru bucks and bought a STI uppipe since it was basically free. I'm happy with it but if the money would have been coming out of my pocket I would have bought the Crucial. I'm not saying I know that it's the best uppipe for a WRX but I can say without a doubt that it is a very nice pipe.

If you plan on upgrading to a big turbo with a bigger inlet in the future you might be better off with a Helix or some other pipe that has a bigger ID.

BTW, Cobbs Inconel 625 uppipe looks very nice also but $375.

 

I would go with the Cobb uppipe but, that's just me.
Good luck with whatever you go with.