Noob, new uppipe!

[Weedity]

I'm new to driving the Wrx, and just recently got into automotives and what not. I hear the Wrx's stock uppipe isn't great for the turbo, and my car is a 2003 with 120K, I figured it's time to replace it to be safe. I do have some questions though because I'm not sure if the owner before me put in a new uppipe or not, he did change the exhaust system and tires so I wouldn't be surprised.
1) How can I tell if the uppipes stock or not, if I even can?
2) What's a good brand/material for the catless uppipe?

Again, I'm new to this, help would be appreciated!

[MainFrame]

It's hard to get a look at it, but I think the easiest way to tell is to see if it has heat shields installed. If it has heatshields it's stock, if it's just a bare pipe, aftermarket.


stock



aftermarket

[rurso01]

correct me if im wrong because i do not have an up pipe installed... but isnt the turbo extremely audible with one installed? just listening to the car alone you would be able to tell if one is installed.

[MainFrame]

correct me if im wrong because i do not have an up pipe installed... but isnt the turbo extremely audible with one installed? just listening to the car alone you would be able to tell if one is installed.

Not really, it's slightly louder, but the downpipe makes much more of a difference than the uppipe. So does the intake.

[FMS]

A great brand to get is the Grimmspeed. They even come ceramic powder coated so that you don't need to wrap it.

Uppipes - Flatline Motorsports

as for install:
DIY Stage 2+ (Downpipe, Uppipe, TMIC, EBCS, Ram Intake, Wastegate Blockoff, EWG)