Hello everyone,
I have an 03 UK STI that I will be remapping soon.
It has all the usual stage 1 mods done.
It still has the original VF35 turbo but I am thinking of upgrading to something a bit bigger.

I will be fitting Ported headers, harvey upipe and uprated catless downpipe so it wont be much extra work to change the turbo too.
I'm not going spending 1500-2 grand on a new 400+bhp turbo as it will only ever be a road car but I am thinking of maybe changing to something like a VF43 or 48 which can be bought for handy money second hand.
By selling the vf35 afterwards it would actually cost very little to upgrade.
I will also be running 20% methanol which would help spool on the bigger turbo if I was to fit one
Im not looking for a big upgrade over a vf35 either, just something that might help me get another 20bhp or so.

So what I want to ask is would it be worthwhile to change from the vf35 to either a vf43 or 48?
All opinions appreciated

 

You might make 340-350 on a vf43 but the lag will be noticeable compared to a vf35.
The 48 and 43 are both suited to the 2.5 engine.
I've done pretty much what your planning and the 43 spoilt the car to be honest.
If you can afford to buy another turbo then a sc38 would see you between 380-400 without sacrificing spool too much if at all.
If not stick with the 35, get it mapped to 320-340 and enjoy

Regards
Siv

 

I had a vf43 on a blob and the lag was awful, really didn't enjoy driving the car

 

Thanks for the comments lads.
From what ye are saying I reckon I will stay with the vf35 although I am thinking about maybe upgrading to an SC38.
Its a lot of money though.

 

look for a 2nd hand 20g, should give 380-400 with a splash of meth.

 

Save your money and Keep your eye out for A second hand md321h it will spool like a vf35 but pull hard all the way to redline and produce around 400ish On vpower