With an up pipe and down pipe, you should be fine for normal driving. Your stock ECU will retard the timing if any knocking is detected to protect the engine.

I drove my 03 WRX for 4 years with no cats and a MBC with zero problems, with the exception of the CEL light when cruising in 5th. Basically, the car was running rich as I also had the Blitz ABOV.

Unless you have an upgraded turbo, there is no need for headers. An intake would be good for some minimal gains. But ultimately, getting the Cobb Access port will be the most beneficial. You will be able to get mods later and have the ability to update with the Cobb Access port. Plus you'll get better MPG's versus the stock ECU.

 

Its pretty bad when people start to relay bad advice. The OP said he has a 04 and you had an 03. 02 and 03 wrx can go with out em. But his 04 cannot.

 

Yea i mean i agree, i do need to research...and i have. I did mean protuned, but i just didnt know if i needed to buy the Cobb ap right away. Hmh i realize now after reading that i do. And thats the plan as soon as i get done with installing the tbe on my car. But since the Cobb ap is a bit heavy on the pocket im not sure when ill be able to purchase it, i didnt know that running a tbe would cause problems eventually.

 

Ahhh, I didn't know that the 04 ECU was that much different! My 05 wagon has pretty much the same set up, minus the cat deletes with zero issues. I'm just relaying personal experience with my Subies.

 

so are you running around with no em?
if so i feel sorry for your car.

 

So Ive been looking around trying to find places that sell the cobb ap for less than $695 but i cant find anything lower than that. Any ideas on places to look, or way to get a cheaper one??

 

if you dont mind buying one thats used, then you can search the classifieds.

 

Yea i wouldnt mind at all...ive been trying to search

 

if you just keep looking they pop up for around 500 every once and a while so i would say just be patient

 

Thats true, im hoping it would...been checking ebay but still same.

 

I was also wondering....ive read that the ap since, reflashing the ecu basically, can clear out Check Engine Lights? is that true orr??...ive had my checkin engine light on since installing the uppipe and dp and cant seem to find out why?

 

The acessport will suppress the codes related to your stage 2 mods when you flash to stage 2. but if and when you get other codes like over boost, misfire, evap etc due to other problems. The acessport can be used to read and clear them(but untill these types of problems are fixed they will come back).

 

Clearing the code just erases the code, not the problem. It will still come back later on. The AP acts like an OBD reader.

Your CEL is most likely due to you eliminating the cats. You'll need a CEL fix for that.

I highly suggest u get an OBD reader from Kragens or whatnot, or buy the AP to pull the error codes and look them up.

 

I see, yea thats what ive read so far. Thats ok, i just need to know what the problem is and ill fix it... i do have emissions that i have to pass and i have to fix that cel...all the more reasons to get the cobb ap!!!

 

I would use some caution if you're looking into buying a used AP. If the seller still has the software married onto his car, but sells u their AP without unmarrying it, the AP will be useless and u won't be able to use it. So I would stay away from any used EBay deal or a private party dealing unless it was in person and u were able to marry the AP to your car.