STi Modification Path - ClubWRX Forum - Subaru Impreza WRX and STi Community and Forums

06blacksti · 08-16-2006, 06:16 AM

I have a stock black 06 STI and I am starting to wonder about mods. I, unfortunately, don't know much about working on cars (although I could talk about them all day) so I probably won't be able to do much of the work myself (not many tools, no garage, and lack of knowledge). But I do have some friends that may be able to hook me up. Anyways, I am wondering if I were to spend ~2k on mods (parts), what would be the first things to do to it? I guess you could think of this as a challenge to you gurus.

I have read a lot of the posts in here but a lot of them are beyond my technical knowledge so they are quite confusing (damn acronyms). I am still not fond of voiding my warranty, so if that can be avoided then awesome. Otherwise I guess I'll have to wait 3 years.

So basically, if you all had ~2k to spend on mods for an 06 STI, what would you do to it? (and please, avoid acronyms if possible since I am a technical idiot) I would really like to get rid of some of that turbo lag specifically, but whatever you guys think.

05wrx4U2nv · 12-28-2006, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06blacksti

I have a stock black 06 STI and I am starting to wonder about mods. I, unfortunately, don't know much about working on cars (although I could talk about them all day) so I probably won't be able to do much of the work myself (not many tools, no garage, and lack of knowledge). But I do have some friends that may be able to hook me up. Anyways, I am wondering if I were to spend ~2k on mods (parts), what would be the first things to do to it? I guess you could think of this as a challenge to you gurus.

I have read a lot of the posts in here but a lot of them are beyond my technical knowledge so they are quite confusing (damn acronyms). I am still not fond of voiding my warranty, so if that can be avoided then awesome. Otherwise I guess I'll have to wait 3 years.

So basically, if you all had ~2k to spend on mods for an 06 STI, what would you do to it? (and please, avoid acronyms if possible since I am a technical idiot) I would really like to get rid of some of that turbo lag specifically, but whatever you guys think.

you come up my way i will be more than happy to help or do.i enjoy doing these things.

MULEZSTI · 01-11-2007, 04:46 PM

I find all of this information very useful. I just wanted to get some input on my plans for when I get back. What to you think?

--HKS Carbon Tai CBE
--Gradual DP (probably HXS not sure)
--I was going to get an up pipe but after reading this sticky you say the 06 sti doesn't need one?
--Hydra ECU w/ wide band
--APS FMIC (hopefully)
--AEM SR Intake
--Turbosmart EBC
--Do I need to get an external waste gate?
--What I also want to know is with these product will I have the ability to cut down/eliminate boost creep?
--D2 Full coilovers ( I've heard sti's don't need camber adjustments after you lower them but I think that is crap)

Now I have a Turbosmart Duel Port BOV where its a 50/50 air going into the atmoshpere and 50 going back into the engine. Are those bad also? but when I get my FMIC i don't need to worry anyway. And is there any issues after all of these mods I can't go to 20psi? is there a limit to how high I should go until I have to consider rebuilding?

Suggestions are welcome since I have only owned an STi for 6 months and 2 of the months I owned my silver one and everybody saw on here the totalled picks of here and I bought my 06 and quickly deployed. And before that I was a Honda man with my two Integra's

Thanks
MULE

**YBNormal07** · 01-11-2007, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MULEZSTI

I find all of this information very useful. I just wanted to get some input on my plans for when I get back. What to you think?

--HKS Carbon Tai CBE
--Gradual DP (probably HXS not sure)
--I was going to get an up pipe but after reading this sticky you say the 06 sti doesn't need one?
--Hydra ECU w/ wide band
--APS FMIC (hopefully)
--AEM SR Intake
--Turbosmart EBC
--Do I need to get an external waste gate?
--What I also want to know is with these product will I have the ability to cut down/eliminate boost creep?
--D2 Full coilovers ( I've heard sti's don't need camber adjustments after you lower them but I think that is crap)

Now I have a Turbosmart Duel Port BOV where its a 50/50 air going into the atmoshpere and 50 going back into the engine. Are those bad also? but when I get my FMIC i don't need to worry anyway. And is there any issues after all of these mods I can't go to 20psi? is there a limit to how high I should go until I have to consider rebuilding?

Suggestions are welcome since I have only owned an STi for 6 months and 2 of the months I owned my silver one and everybody saw on here the totalled picks of here and I bought my 06 and quickly deployed. And before that I was a Honda man with my two Integra's

Thanks
MULE

Pretty aggressive plan, and a definite plus as a setup for an upgraded turbo. Fuel injectors and fuel pump is all you will be missing for a nice rotated mount set-up. TBH, what you are listing a quite a bit of overkill for just the stock turbo. A full hydra setup, with FMIC, TBE, and EBS is a worthwhile investment when you can truly use it to it's potential.....as in with an upgraded turbo and the additional air, fuel, and timing manipulations you'll need. My recomendation is that if your going with your listed mods, plan for the turbo, fuel pump, and injectors also to truly reach it's potential. Maybe a GT35r setup...good for upper 300 hp to the wheels, and with a hydra, likely inot the 400s with good tune.

The EWG won't be needed until you go with the upgraded turbo. Again though, you are going to be totally disconnecting the turbo anyway with these mods, so you might as well get a bigger snail.

Last, it's a Hydra man....use it all.....go with meth or water injection too, and maybe a nitrous spool up. Hydra is insane when it comes to capabilities.

MULEZSTI · 01-11-2007, 07:42 PM

Yeah I was prob. going with the 35R I got some friends from JRP in MD and getting a Hydra tune from Phil. But I have just 1700 miles on the car and I didn't want to change it out that fast. So I was looking for 300-350 to the wheels for the moment then with the 35R the 400-450 and I've been told from my guys in MD with the race gas the potential is 550 but I just want a streetable 400 range and that should mess some people up. So I know a lot of people on this site use the Cobb AP and some others, and I haven't heard that many use the Hydra, I mean I know maybe the price but it would be nice to know what people think of it. For this will be my first car with aftermarket tuning. As for the EWG I was boosting my 05 at 17psi and it spiked to 20psi 3 times in a row and had my fuel cut off thingy, so boosting 20 like I want too I don't want to experiment with that again. So thats why I was going to put on the turbosmart WG. And 20 psi should be ok on my stock engine I belive. God I can't wait to get back to get all my new toys. Thanks for all the input.

Mule

**YBNormal07** · 08-16-2006, 12:21 PM

Stage 1:
EMS or Exhaust. EMS to consist of piggyback or flash type unit. Exhaust to consist of full TBE, or just DP, or just CB. (read stickey on acronym's if these are confusing).
$350-1100.
Good for 10 (TBE) to 30 (EMS) HP to the wheels.
Durability not an issue.

For 06 STi: Replace OEM motor mounts with 04/05 mounts if you have the easy to break liquid filled mounts.

Stage 2:
EMS (off the shelf maps) + TBE
$1100-2000
Good for 30-60 to the wheels, depending upon tune, location, system, octane, and environemnt.
Durability not an issue

Stage 2.5
Same as above with pro-tune. Good for another 10-20 HP. More aggressive AFR's though, so be carefull.

Stage 3:
Stage 2 mods
Same as above plus:
Upgraded turbo and supporting mods, including fuel pump, injectors TMIC or FMIC, BOV if FMIC, EWG if rotated turbo. Also consider race type radiator, HP Radator cap, water and/or methanol injection, nitrous, headers for reduced EGTs, and upgraded fluids. Pro-tune is a necissity unless untill a company comes out with off the shelf maps for upgraded turbos on an STi application.
$-use your imagination. Easily over 3K.
Good for 350-400 HP to the wheels depending on configuration and aggressiveness of tune. Many common applications are now available that consistently put out 350-370 to the wheels.
Durability not totally known, but some applications are exceeding 30K miles on upgraded turbo setups.

Stage 4:
Same as above plus:
Built short block
Built long block if you have the cash.
Intake
Intake manifold ported
Upgraded clutch
$-Dependant upon level of build.
Good for upwards of 400 HP to the wheels, with current known application putting out +500 HP to the wheels. Durability is not known at this point, as the folks that spend this type of money don't advertise how much it cost, and usually don't always own up to breakage.

Non-engine related upgrades include, from less expensive to most expensive: shifter bushings, strut bushings, anti-lift bushings, short shifter, SS brake lines, Performance brake pads, undercarriage aero parts, springs, struts, camber kits, adjustable struts, tires and wheels. Of these, I recommend the following order: Brakes, tires, shifter, suspension, wheels.

This does not address Boost creep, CELs, warranty or any other potential issues you may have to deal with in your upgrade path. Using logic, you can easily see that regardless of your upgrade path, EMS and exhaust are two basics that always hold true.

If I omitted something or made a glaring error, which I've been known to do, or if you want additonal categories in here let me know. I basically have included the Stage, the parts, the cost, the HP gaines, and the durability...all based on my own limited knowledge.

Let me know if you want this to be a stickey. If I make it a stickey, I'll retitle it and delete non-applicable or OT posts as they occur. Feedback is not only welcome, it is probably needed

EDIT: As a benefit to those who are going after some good numbers on the dyno or at the track, and don't wish to use pure 110 race gas every time, here is a link to a locater for your nearest Sunoco station selling Sunoco 260 GT100, which is a 100 octane unleaded fuel right out of the pump, and no where near as expensive as 110.
http://www.sunocoinc.com/site/Consum...T100Locations/

Cheers,
Scott

Jon @ Kinesis · 08-16-2006, 01:04 PM

Thanks Scott, definitely a solid run down of everything.

Most of that goes along with what I thought and expected. As for the very specifics, I am sure that you are going to see differences in HP gains based on each individual product, as well as differences which arise from vehicle to vehicle.

Jon

06blacksti · 08-16-2006, 02:52 PM

Wow thanks a lot, that really helps. I've decided to go Stage 2 COBB with TurboXS Turbo-back system. Looks like anything else will start to get in the REALLY pricey range. Of course now I have to decide whether or not it's worth it to me to void the warranty. I guess some people think it's basically worthless anyways? Oh yeah, and the small matter of VA legality and money...

**YBNormal07** · 08-16-2006, 03:24 PM

I just took my stage 2 legacy in for service, followed by inspection. No problems at all. Kept the stage 2 map in place too. I love OBDII testing!!!!!

whitakerSTi · 08-16-2006, 09:29 PM

dude, yb....make this a sticky....although you might not want too...ill lose all my post points in the future of never getting to tell the newbs how to mod their sti! ;D !!!!!

tayhadar1 · 08-16-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 06blacksti

Wow thanks a lot, that really helps. I've decided to go Stage 2 COBB with TurboXS Turbo-back system. Looks like anything else will start to get in the REALLY pricey range. Of course now I have to decide whether or not it's worth it to me to void the warranty. I guess some people think it's basically worthless anyways? Oh yeah, and the small matter of VA legality and money...

Yeah if I were in your shoes that is probably what I would do. To me stage 2 just seems like the safest way to mod and not really lose reliability of the engine.

Idok · 08-17-2006, 08:24 AM

i just came back from subaru of jacksonville....took my first STi for a ride and LOVED IT....

they are telling me that the 07's will be on the lot in 2 weeks......

they also said that the dealership is MOD FRIENDLY.....in fact, the salesman that rode with me has a 06 STi with ECU and exhaust work done....

so, now to be clear:

stage 1 is turbo back exhaust OR reflash

stage 2 is TBE + reflash?

and stage 2 SHOULD get you 300 to the wheels...correct?

08-16-2006, 06:16 AM	#1
06blacksti Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: VA Posts: 89	STi Modification Path I have a stock black 06 STI and I am starting to wonder about mods. I, unfortunately, don't know much about working on cars (although I could talk about them all day) so I probably won't be able to do much of the work myself (not many tools, no garage, and lack of knowledge). But I do have some friends that may be able to hook me up. Anyways, I am wondering if I were to spend ~2k on mods (parts), what would be the first things to do to it? I guess you could think of this as a challenge to you gurus. I have read a lot of the posts in here but a lot of them are beyond my technical knowledge so they are quite confusing (damn acronyms). I am still not fond of voiding my warranty, so if that can be avoided then awesome. Otherwise I guess I'll have to wait 3 years. So basically, if you all had ~2k to spend on mods for an 06 STI, what would you do to it? (and please, avoid acronyms if possible since I am a technical idiot) I would really like to get rid of some of that turbo lag specifically, but whatever you guys think.

08-16-2006, 12:21 PM	#6
YBNormal07 Moderator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: PA Posts: 6,244	Stage 1: EMS or Exhaust. EMS to consist of piggyback or flash type unit. Exhaust to consist of full TBE, or just DP, or just CB. (read stickey on acronym's if these are confusing). $350-1100. Good for 10 (TBE) to 30 (EMS) HP to the wheels. Durability not an issue. For 06 STi: Replace OEM motor mounts with 04/05 mounts if you have the easy to break liquid filled mounts. Stage 2: EMS (off the shelf maps) + TBE $1100-2000 Good for 30-60 to the wheels, depending upon tune, location, system, octane, and environemnt. Durability not an issue Stage 2.5 Same as above with pro-tune. Good for another 10-20 HP. More aggressive AFR's though, so be carefull. Stage 3: Stage 2 mods Same as above plus: Upgraded turbo and supporting mods, including fuel pump, injectors TMIC or FMIC, BOV if FMIC, EWG if rotated turbo. Also consider race type radiator, HP Radator cap, water and/or methanol injection, nitrous, headers for reduced EGTs, and upgraded fluids. Pro-tune is a necissity unless untill a company comes out with off the shelf maps for upgraded turbos on an STi application. $-use your imagination. Easily over 3K. Good for 350-400 HP to the wheels depending on configuration and aggressiveness of tune. Many common applications are now available that consistently put out 350-370 to the wheels. Durability not totally known, but some applications are exceeding 30K miles on upgraded turbo setups. Stage 4: Same as above plus: Built short block Built long block if you have the cash. Intake Intake manifold ported Upgraded clutch $-Dependant upon level of build. Good for upwards of 400 HP to the wheels, with current known application putting out +500 HP to the wheels. Durability is not known at this point, as the folks that spend this type of money don't advertise how much it cost, and usually don't always own up to breakage. Non-engine related upgrades include, from less expensive to most expensive: shifter bushings, strut bushings, anti-lift bushings, short shifter, SS brake lines, Performance brake pads, undercarriage aero parts, springs, struts, camber kits, adjustable struts, tires and wheels. Of these, I recommend the following order: Brakes, tires, shifter, suspension, wheels. This does not address Boost creep, CELs, warranty or any other potential issues you may have to deal with in your upgrade path. Using logic, you can easily see that regardless of your upgrade path, EMS and exhaust are two basics that always hold true. If I omitted something or made a glaring error, which I've been known to do, or if you want additonal categories in here let me know. I basically have included the Stage, the parts, the cost, the HP gaines, and the durability...all based on my own limited knowledge. Let me know if you want this to be a stickey. If I make it a stickey, I'll retitle it and delete non-applicable or OT posts as they occur. Feedback is not only welcome, it is probably needed EDIT: As a benefit to those who are going after some good numbers on the dyno or at the track, and don't wish to use pure 110 race gas every time, here is a link to a locater for your nearest Sunoco station selling Sunoco 260 GT100, which is a 100 octane unleaded fuel right out of the pump, and no where near as expensive as 110. http://www.sunocoinc.com/site/Consum...T100Locations/ Cheers, Scott __________________ tEh PriUs=teH faSTah!@@! SOLD: 05 SWP Legacy GT Limited 5MT, 13.3ish@105 (stage 2) crappy stock clutch SOLD: 04 MPS/SW WRX Sti. 12.971 @ 103.97 (stock) 278 AWHP/283 AWT, Catback exhaust 306 AWHP/341 AWT, Stage 2 (Scott) Moderator-STi, Drag Racing, Car Purchasing, and Tutorial Forums Last edited by YBNormal07; 04-12-2007 at 06:32 AM.

08-16-2006, 01:04 PM	#7
Jon @ Kinesis Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 6	Thanks Scott, definitely a solid run down of everything. Most of that goes along with what I thought and expected. As for the very specifics, I am sure that you are going to see differences in HP gains based on each individual product, as well as differences which arise from vehicle to vehicle. Jon __________________ Jonathan Edwards - Kinesis Motorsports

08-16-2006, 03:24 PM	#9
YBNormal07 Moderator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: PA Posts: 6,244	I just took my stage 2 legacy in for service, followed by inspection. No problems at all. Kept the stage 2 map in place too. I love OBDII testing!!!!! __________________ tEh PriUs=teH faSTah!@@! SOLD: 05 SWP Legacy GT Limited 5MT, 13.3ish@105 (stage 2) crappy stock clutch SOLD: 04 MPS/SW WRX Sti. 12.971 @ 103.97 (stock) 278 AWHP/283 AWT, Catback exhaust 306 AWHP/341 AWT, Stage 2 (Scott) Moderator-STi, Drag Racing, Car Purchasing, and Tutorial Forums

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01-11-2007, 04:46 PM	#3
MULEZSTI Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central GA Posts: 41	I find all of this information very useful. I just wanted to get some input on my plans for when I get back. What to you think? --HKS Carbon Tai CBE --Gradual DP (probably HXS not sure) --I was going to get an up pipe but after reading this sticky you say the 06 sti doesn't need one? --Hydra ECU w/ wide band --APS FMIC (hopefully) --AEM SR Intake --Turbosmart EBC --Do I need to get an external waste gate? --What I also want to know is with these product will I have the ability to cut down/eliminate boost creep? --D2 Full coilovers ( I've heard sti's don't need camber adjustments after you lower them but I think that is crap) Now I have a Turbosmart Duel Port BOV where its a 50/50 air going into the atmoshpere and 50 going back into the engine. Are those bad also? but when I get my FMIC i don't need to worry anyway. And is there any issues after all of these mods I can't go to 20psi? is there a limit to how high I should go until I have to consider rebuilding? Suggestions are welcome since I have only owned an STi for 6 months and 2 of the months I owned my silver one and everybody saw on here the totalled picks of here and I bought my 06 and quickly deployed. And before that I was a Honda man with my two Integra's Thanks MULE

01-11-2007, 07:42 PM	#5
MULEZSTI Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central GA Posts: 41	Yeah I was prob. going with the 35R I got some friends from JRP in MD and getting a Hydra tune from Phil. But I have just 1700 miles on the car and I didn't want to change it out that fast. So I was looking for 300-350 to the wheels for the moment then with the 35R the 400-450 and I've been told from my guys in MD with the race gas the potential is 550 but I just want a streetable 400 range and that should mess some people up. So I know a lot of people on this site use the Cobb AP and some others, and I haven't heard that many use the Hydra, I mean I know maybe the price but it would be nice to know what people think of it. For this will be my first car with aftermarket tuning. As for the EWG I was boosting my 05 at 17psi and it spiked to 20psi 3 times in a row and had my fuel cut off thingy, so boosting 20 like I want too I don't want to experiment with that again. So thats why I was going to put on the turbosmart WG. And 20 psi should be ok on my stock engine I belive. God I can't wait to get back to get all my new toys. Thanks for all the input. Mule

08-16-2006, 02:52 PM	#8
06blacksti Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: VA Posts: 89	Wow thanks a lot, that really helps. I've decided to go Stage 2 COBB with TurboXS Turbo-back system. Looks like anything else will start to get in the REALLY pricey range. Of course now I have to decide whether or not it's worth it to me to void the warranty. I guess some people think it's basically worthless anyways? Oh yeah, and the small matter of VA legality and money...

08-16-2006, 09:29 PM	#10
whitakerSTi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 686	dude, yb....make this a sticky....although you might not want too...ill lose all my post points in the future of never getting to tell the newbs how to mod their sti! ;D !!!!!

08-17-2006, 08:24 AM	#12
Idok Banned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 89	i just came back from subaru of jacksonville....took my first STi for a ride and LOVED IT.... they are telling me that the 07's will be on the lot in 2 weeks...... they also said that the dealership is MOD FRIENDLY.....in fact, the salesman that rode with me has a 06 STi with ECU and exhaust work done.... so, now to be clear: stage 1 is turbo back exhaust OR reflash stage 2 is TBE + reflash? and stage 2 SHOULD get you 300 to the wheels...correct?

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