Mods for newbs

**Upgrayedd** · 11-27-2012 08:18 AM

Hello all

I plan to soon begin mods for my '07 WRX wagon, but even after reading the FAQs and other helpful threads around here, I still have some questions. Hopefully some of you can help me out. Initially, I'm going to get a Cobb AP. From what I have read, the AP can give you up to 25% more power output. A stock '07 WRX is listed at 227hp, so a 25% increase will give me something in the range of 50+ more hp. So to me it seems as if the best bang for the buck right out of the gates is the AP. Book it.
After that, I will be getting a downpipe. If what I have read is correct, the best DP for me would be a bellmouth/divorced catted DP.

From here I get a little fuzzy. What kind of power gains are typical w/ a downpipe modification, if any?
Titanium tipped mufflers and the like all appear to be mods for the sake of a particular sound, or the grown-up equivalent of sticking a baseball card in the spokes. Is this accurate?
Do any mods to the exhaust system besides the downpipe result in a power increase?

Speaking of sounds, since I bought my WRX last August, I have never once actually heard the turbo spool. I'm pretty sure it's working since the car is quick, but I have no current way of knowing. Is this typical of a stock (2007) WRX?

What other modifications would give me more power at the wheels?

**zax** · 11-27-2012 08:34 AM

A downpipe and a tune is a good start. A stock 2007 WRX typically dynos at about 190whp. With a tune and stock downpipe, you're looking at approx. 200whp, so not much of an improvement for just a tune. A pro-tune with a 3" downpipe will put down approx. 225whp (these numbers are debatable and depend on the dyno... however, all are borrowed from Cobb testing on their Mustang dyno). So you will see approx. 35whp increase over stock with a pro-tune and a 3" downpipe.

**xFalleNx** · 11-27-2012 08:56 AM

I read "mods for bewbs"......this is not what I expected.

**Rambo** · 11-27-2012 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by Upgrayedd

After that, I will be getting a downpipe. If what I have read is correct, the best DP for me would be a bellmouth/divorced catted DP.

I agree, especially if you plan on using Cobb's "Off the shelf" maps (the ones you were reading about). Those require catted downpipes. Catted downpipes also seem to have fewer issues with overboosting, especially in the 06-07 cars like yours.

Originally Posted by Upgrayedd

Speaking of sounds, since I bought my WRX last August, I have never once actually heard the turbo spool. I'm pretty sure it's working since the car is quick, but I have no current way of knowing. Is this typical of a stock (2007) WRX?

Yes. There is an intake silencer located in the front driver's right fender that pretty much kills turbo noise. Removing it takes 30 minutes and does not negatively impact the car, but it will add that sweet turbo noise (you can also hear the stock BPV). Here's a how-to video for your car: DIY: Removing the Intake Silencer

Welcome to the club!

**Upgrayedd** · 11-27-2012 10:22 AM

The intake silencer mod was the first thing I did to my car since it was essentially free. But I still do not hear my turbo spooling :/

Thanks for the replies!

**Rambo** · 11-27-2012 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by Upgrayedd

The intake silencer mod was the first thing I did to my car since it was essentially free. But I still do not hear my turbo spooling :/

Thanks for the replies!

Hmm, the difference in spool noise was night and day for me.

**KronosPerformance** · 11-27-2012 11:07 AM

A full Turbo back exhaust definitely adds some power, essentially u want to have the engine breathing easier, by getting a quality intake and exhaust you certainly do that. The Cobb AP is great for a quick tune, but nothing beats a pro tune as all cars are slightly different. I would do intake, exhaust, top mount intercooler. And then go from there maybe a turbo upgrade fuel pump injectors etc.

**yenny** · 11-27-2012 11:17 AM

yes stock wrx's are quiet. get an AP, flash stage 1. Later on get an intake and DP and flash stage 2. Intake will give you the BPV sound you're looking for. Catback exhaust or TBE with tune will give you the boxer rumble

**zax** · 11-27-2012 11:25 AM

While I agree the difference (in sound) between a SRI/CAI and the stock airbox and elbow delete is significant, the performance benefits (with the stock turbo) are negligible and IMO the sound does not warrant the cost. That is a personal decision, however.

**Mikie13** · 11-27-2012 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by xFalleNx

I read "mods for bewbs"......this is not what I expected.

Truf.

**Mikie13** · 11-27-2012 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by zax

While I agree the difference (in sound) between a SRI/CAI and the stock airbox and elbow delete is significant, the performance benefits (with the stock turbo) are negligible and IMO the sound does not warrant the cost. That is a personal decision, however.

$30 is a pretty warranted cost though

**Upgrayedd** · 11-27-2012 12:46 PM

**Upgrayedd** · 11-27-2012 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by KronosPerformance

A full Turbo back exhaust definitely adds some power, essentially u want to have the engine breathing easier, by getting a quality intake and exhaust you certainly do that. The Cobb AP is great for a quick tune, but nothing beats a pro tune as all cars are slightly different. I would do intake, exhaust, top mount intercooler. And then go from there maybe a turbo upgrade fuel pump injectors etc.

What TMIC would you recommend? I want to get a protune at some point, but not until I have a more complete set of mods. For now, the AP will do. It feels like the intake will make the car produce the sound I want, but does it also add to power output?