Modifications to Avoid
These are modifications that are either sub optimal, useless, or detrimental.
- Catless J-Pipes
- Intakes without a proper airbox
- Anything Mishimoto offers
- BOVs or BPVs that are not either stock, Tial, Turbsomart or Cobb
15+ WRX Modification Minimum Recommendations
Common issues to look out for before modification
- Low Compression or Bad Leakdown
- Incorrectly gapped, old, or completely wrong spark plugs.
- Excessive carbon buildup
In general, you want to minimally have the equivalent of a fully functional stock vehicle BEFORE you start modification.
From there, here are my minimum recommendations based on approximated power goals. Each list is inclusive of the list prior.
Stock Turbo Level 1 (~300whp max)
- IAG TGV Plates or IAG/IBR TGV Risers
- COBB, ETS or GS Intake with Box
- Quality Catted Turboback Exhaust
- IAG AOS
- Cobb Accessport
Stock Turbo Level 2 (~375whp max)
- GS/PW/COBB TMIC or ETS FMIC
- COBB or GS EBCS
- KillerB Turbo Manifold (EWG Optional)
- ACT HDSS/XTSS
Moderate Turbo Upgrade Level (FP Blue ~450whp max)
- FP Blue
- Optional: KillerB Turbo Manifold (with or without EWG)
Flex Fuel (adds ~60whp+)
- AEM Fuel Pump w DW Install Kit
- Cobb Flex Fuel Kit
- Optional: Cobb LPFP Fuel Pressure Sensor Kit