Downpipe + tune. You will get a small gain from a catback (TBE). Total gains are very dependent on year/model of car.

 

Ah haha how foolish of me to forgot the year its a 2002. that's what I thought was a downpipe + tune

 

I know it generally consist of a downpipe and up pipe (TBE)

A TBE is a downpipe and catback. The uppipe isn't included. Although if you have an 02-05, a catless uppipe is a must

+1 to what zax said

 

A pro tuned stage 2 Bugeye will dyno approx 225whp which is a 50whp increase over stock. At least these were the dyno results from Cobb.

 

what is the safest power band I could reach and still be safe without breaking parts. Cuz I know once I get stage 2 it'll be fun for about 2-3 months then I'll just crave more power lol. I've been trying to research for months on the most amount of power you could reach with EVERYTHING stock on the 02 wrx. No plans to upgrade transmission. That's my biggest concern haha. I really wanna reach 300whp. Any advice you can give me? how much power is your bugeye?

 

I know it varies from wrx to wrx and from owner to owner on how they treat the car with that much power, and how some hold up better than others. I have no plans to do extreme clutch dumps.

 

It really depends who your talking to.

Many manufacturers/vendors make power kits.

A stage 1 tune can be (essentials):
Tune

A stage 1 tune can be:
CAI
Tune

A stage 2 (essentials):
Downpipe
Tune

A stage 2 tune can be considered:
Downpipe+Exhaust
CAI
EBCS
Tune

 

It really depends who your talking to.

Many manufacturers/vendors make power kits.

A stage 1 tune can be (essentials):
Tune

A stage 1 tune can be:
CAI
Tune

A stage 2 (essentials):
Downpipe
Tune

A stage 2 tune can be considered:
Downpipe+Exhaust
CAI
EBCS
Tune

Do you know of any manufactures that make a similar CAI that doesn't go all the way into the wheel well? I was gonna upgrade my air intake but some people said its better not upgrading it. Also another reason I never did upgrade it is cuz I am so paranoid about the water issue. I don't wanna hydrolock my motor. I saw you can buy adapter that prevents this that is like $50 though.

 

That is quite true to mod slowly now that I think about it. I'm very impulsive when it comes to things that peak my interest so I wanna go all out right away. I think I will take it slowly, so if I do break something I will have time to fix it. Stage 2 should be a safe starting point. I personally don't know if I will crave more power after stage 2 I'll just have to wait and see XD. I'll move more towards cosmetic mods after performance mods. Like wing delete, new wheels, HID headlights etc. Just alternate back and forth so I wont get sick of it

 

Cosworth makes what they call a CAI but I would almost classify it as a ram air intake.

Cosworth High Flow Air Intake System Subaru WRX / STI 2002-2007 - Flatline Motorsports

Cobb make a great ram air intake but not a CAI. If you purchase the air box with it, it will perform the same. Its a really nice set up.

Cobb Air intake:
COBB Tuning Short Ram SF Intake System Subaru WRX / STI / FXT 2002-2007 - Flatline Motorsports

Cobb Air box:
Cobb Tuning SF Air Intake Box Subaru WRX / STI 2002-2007 / Forester XT 2004-2008 - Flatline Motorsports

assembled product uses your OEM air scoop:

 

Cosworth makes what they call a CAI but I would almost classify it as a ram air intake.

Cosworth High Flow Air Intake System Subaru WRX / STI 2002-2007 - Flatline Motorsports

Cobb make a great ram air intake but not a CAI. If you purchase the air box with it, it will perform the same. Its a really nice set up.

Cobb Air intake:
COBB Tuning Short Ram SF Intake System Subaru WRX / STI / FXT 2002-2007 - Flatline Motorsports

Cobb Air box:
Cobb Tuning SF Air Intake Box Subaru WRX / STI 2002-2007 / Forester XT 2004-2008 - Flatline Motorsports

assembled product uses your OEM air scoop:

How do you define a ram air intake? How about a CAI? i.e. what are the criteria that make an intake one or the other?

 

Ram air would be an intake that is in the engine compartment typically with a box but takes fresh air from a direct colder source ie fender or hood scoop.

Cold air would be an intake that routes the fastest/easiest way out of the engine compartment and filters in colder air.

 

Yeah I go back and forth on whether or not I should consider spending 100+ dollars on a air intake. I honestly believe the aftermarket air intakes are their just to add noise, even though I know that's not the purpose they serve. On the older model wrx's like the one I have I think its best to stick with stock. there's countless threads out there with mixed opinions on them.

 

I agree with you frenzied, the most you can really hope for is some added HP (little) and a lower boost threshold <--- That will be your largest gain (once again very minimal)