NO uppipe, you don't need it because it doesn't have a cat like the wrx. For 2 grand, get the cobb accessport, a turboback exhuast, sti pink springs and hardened strut top. I would look into atleast a boost gauge too, so you can see if you have boost creep or overboost.

 

Speaking of boost, how much can you crank up the boost (nominal) to still be running safe on a stock sti engine? 14.5 I heard was really conservative for our cars??? yes no?

 

i think the average i have heard is 17.5 (peak) fuel cutoff is around 18 i think

 

WOW and to think my evo runs at 19 psi stock...

 

if you're not looking to go crazy with suspension, pink springs and hardened strut tops work great. You'll definitely notice an improvement in handling, and the ride quality actually improves. $640

can't comment on the TBE or flash as I haven't gotten mine installed yet, but any decent brand name downpipe & catback and ecu upgrade (accessport, UTEC, ecutek, Xede, etc) will get you more than your HP goal. $800-$1600 depending on exhaust, $650-$1500 depending on ecu flash.

 

I would get these if I wanted straight line power:
Headers (It makes a huge difference in top end)
Full TBE (Turbo back exhaust)
Reflash (Like an accessport)

You'll spend about 1.5 grand that way.

With the other 0.5 large, I'd go ahead and pick up an anti-lift kit and lower control arms.

-GDO

 

pinks, strut tops.

Cobb AP, tires gauges.....

dont mess with MBC please

TBE, not unless you have the Cobb

 

I agree with most of these posts - a good TBE and a ECU reflash of some type will easily surpass 30hp.

For suspension, I haven't seen one post mention sway bars yet. You can get good front and rear sway bars for under $400. Also, get some STi pink or Prodrive STi springs.

If you do all four of these things it might take you a little higher than $2K - maybe 2.2K or 2.3K, but your car will be a much better all-around performer than a stock STi or Evo. These are also pretty safe mods as long as you get a reflash by a company that knows what it is doing.

 

uppipe for an STi?

 

These threads from the Threads of Note sticky should help you out:

What is boost creep exactly? How do I fix it?:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/engine-power-ej25t-sti-2006-wrx-90/why-did-do-boost-creep-44825/

What is a turbo, and how does it work?:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/engine-power-ej20t-pre-2006-wrx-jdm-60/anyone-point-me-good-turbo-explanation-28349/

Why shouldn't I get a Cold Air Intake?:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/engine-power-ej20t-pre-2006-wrx-jdm-60/cold-air-intake-debate-36823/

Helpful diagrams:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/engine-power-ej20t-pre-2006-wrx-jdm-60/some-helpful-diagrams-65142/

What first mods should I do to my STi?
https://www.i-club.com/forums/subaru-general-30/05-sti-now-what-68278/

 

He thought the poster had a WRX, he hadn't specified yet.

 

My 2 cents, $200 budget, 2004 STi:

Turboback+reflash, plus wastegate porting if you live at low altitude
rear sway bar
steering rack bushings
alignment on a laser rack by someone who knows custom alignments
STi pinks and strut tops

that's probably a little over budget, but so what. One mod at a time and you'll have the money.