A bit worried. Black smoke

**TurboWill** · 08-21-2012 08:51 AM

Ok I am 99% sure the down pipe is after market. It looks like a full turbo back exhaust.

**mangostick** · 08-21-2012 08:58 AM

is the computer a little guy that looks like this ?

Click image for larger version.

Name: cobb_ap_2.jpg
Views: 46
Size: 18.3 KB
ID: 107672

If so, that's the access port I was referring to. If you have that lil guy you're in much better shape than not having one, and that also means that if you need or want to you can go back to a factory downpipe and simply re-flash a factory or stageI map back on.

Before you do any of that though, check the downpipe for names/logo's and see if there's a decent sized bulge in it. let us know what you find.

fyi, if its catless.. that will explain the odd smell like an old car would have when it fires up. First cold start cars run very rich for a few seconds (same affect as a choke on a older car or truck) then even out as they warm up.

**TurboWill** · 08-21-2012 09:13 AM

Yup that's the computer. I will check the downpipe later again and look for the cat. I'm pretty sure there are two on the stock exhaust system. One in the down pipe and one in front of where the catback attaches?

**xFalleNx** · 08-21-2012 09:21 AM

Could you post some pics of the dp/turbo area so we can maybe try to figure out what is has on it?

**TurboWill** · 08-21-2012 09:27 AM

Yes sure, I will be home around 3pm. I will deff post pics later

**06wrx4me** · 08-21-2012 09:52 AM

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the 09's had ring failures and coughed motors at about your mileage. Most were replaced under warranty.

It very well could be burning oil you smell and an early indication of doom. I would suggest putting the car back to stock (beg borrow steal parts), and drive to your local subi dealer to have it checked out under the 5/60k warranty. I'm sure they are aware of the 09 issue.

09 WRX Engine Failures

2009 WRX engine failure VIN/build date owner list - NASIOC

2009 WRX Engine Failure Poll - NASIOC

2009 Impreza WRX motor issues - NASIOC

**TurboWill** · 08-21-2012 10:17 AM

Oh great.... I am trying to find a stock exhaust

**mangostick** · 08-21-2012 10:20 AM

what? ... ring land issues were only on STI's and the bearing problems were only for 09 wrx's with a build date in august of 08.

Neither failure would lead to what the OP is seeing/smelling (only just after startup).. and both would amount to quite a bit of knocking noise. Wouldn't hurt to check it out but I'd first check the build date.. if it doesn't fall in the 8/08 range then dont worry about it.

FYI OP, the only cat you have to worry about is the one in the downpipe. I haven't looked at my factory dp in forever but I'm pretty sure there's also only one cat in there too. Some aftermarket dp's do have the cat mounted further downstream (right before the O2 sensor bung) but most have them up near the back of the turbo. Should be easily visible from the top side with the hood open.

also, read up here about your tuning device

http://www.cobbtuning.com/AccessPORT-s/70458.htm

**Rambo** · 08-21-2012 10:21 AM

To be honest, I'd really just try and return the car if you can, before trying to do a bunch of your own work on it. You've got a good case to do so if it really doesn't have cats, and if it does, you might still be able to work something out. This could become an incredibly expensive headache quickly.