I made 330whp and 315wtq with a K&N drop in filter, walbro 255 fuel pump, halman booost controller, VF34, and 850cc injectors running e85 on my old Ej205. Was a mild tune too.

 

I would just upgrade to a better tmic unless you are running a huge turbo. Spearco in my opinion is as good as it gets. Less turbo lag, less likely to get a ref ticket if you ever get your hood popped. Others will have different opinions that mine, but I'll never run another fmic.

 

Do the bugeye engines go out around 300 HP or can they handle the power w/ longevity?

 

I wouldnt go further than 350whp on the Ej205. I'd be way more worried about the 5-speed. Sepecially 02-03's 5-speed's

 

I'm in the same boat as you.... Currently I'm on a fp 16g conservatively tuned to 269awhp 305 tq. I want 300, but decided to start doing suspension mods...even at 269 the power is definitely present.... But an 18gxt is proper with supporting mods and I'm sure you'll be where you want. Good luck

 

No one seemed to mention that he isn't runnin an ej205, is he? 07 wrx TR should be a ej255 which already gets 260hp at the crank compared to the sti 300hp at the crank. The ej205 only does like 225 at the crank AFAIK, right?

 

Im pretty sure a stock wrx ej255 is also 225 hp at the crank.

 

Bingo. Stock Ej205 and Stock Ej255 have the same crank horsepower. The 255 has a little more torque stock, but the potential of the 255 is much more.

 

The numbers for the stock tune are the same but essentially with a different tune with stock set up should yield something close to a stock Legacy. Our turbos are similar VF-40 being one of the smaller ones. Hence why on a turbo back set up it does have a bit more power than a tuned 205, thus hitting closer to STi marks with a vf39 or what not. Top mount wise for 300 wheel, you can stick with an STi intercooler if you want that stock look, but you do get better flow with an aftermarket, I suggest process west, just looks awesome and feels like you paid for a very nice product. How modified do you want your car to look too is gonna become a big question. Luckily the Leggy's come with an engine cover (even though a TMIC is legal) betcha a cop won't even see my downpipe.

 

the wrx did not have 260 hp till 2009 the 06/07 wrx is still only 225

 

Yeah on stock tune. With a reflash its way more effective than a 205 is what Glebs pointing out.

 

Take the stock turbo off. Put a slightly larger turbo on. Add fuel pump and injectors to match turbo and call it a day. Maybe switch out the air filter to a K&N. Keep everything else stock. I'd recommend a PE1820 turbo. As it looks 100% OEM and you might be able to fit it under the stock heat shields.
You don't need headers, or Up-pipe. Maybe a downpipe, But I would not worry about it. Spend that money on brakes or suspension.
I think the best turbo for a almost stock wrx is the pe1820. You can get them used now for less then half new.

 

OEM HP numbers are not worth looking at. They are so far off. different dynos, Also they overhauled the OEM measurement in like 08-09 or some time around there. You can't compare all the numbers. And the 2006 WRX was way underrated anyways. Anyone that was around when that car came out knows this. They under rated that car to not **** off the STi owners since it was the 1st year of the 2.5 motor in a WRX. And the 2006-07 wrx motor and drivetrain is all the same.

Base run the car and then mod. That is where you see useful hp info.