Hi all.

just aquired this wonderful car. What have I been doing all these years, its just amazing. My question for anyone who can shed light is: What can I do to bring my WRX Prodrive up from 266BHP to about 325BHP? Is it ok for the engine to be upgraded to this level? If so, what is the best and safest way way to proceed without decimating its already very thirsty fuel needs. This car has a full scooby history, has now completed 60K, and has had all services, including the recent big one. Grateful for any pointers.

Thanks

 

Welcome

Andy Forrest has had his hands on my car in the past and you can't go wrong with his advice

http://www.andyforrestperformance.co.uk/58901.html

Shaun

 

To get 325bhp, you'll need a bigger turbo (e.g. VF34) and STi injectors as a minimum. You'll probably also need a decat up-pipe and sports cat down pipe / decat downpipe.

 

Very cool. Thanks for that. Appreciated.

Splodge.

 

As Gigsy said. I'd go for a full exhaust system from the turbo back, you could sell the Prodrive back box on ebay: saves any worries about the prodrive box not working well with the down pipe. Also a walbro fuel pump and ideally an STi top mount intercooler with shroud. Maybe colder plugs. If you're having the turbo out it's worth looking into ported and wrapped headers/uppipe, like those from Harvey Smith on here. I replaced the PPP on my 06 WRX with Powerstation's stage 1 upgrade for 290bhp (not worth it on the two litre, though I didn't get on with the prodrive map): that had a full 3" turboback sports cat exhaust, panel filter, and ecutek remap. I put a walbro pump in myself. When I then wanted to go up to 330 I got harvey to sort out a turbo, headers and upipe, and new plugs, all in one job. Very happy with the result, excellent spool characteristics. I got the VF35 because harvey had a used one readily available, but VF34s tend to be the preferred option. They spool up a little later but give another 10bhp or so.

If you're getting a new turbo watch out for cheap copies on ebay, there are a lot of counterfeit imports which vary in quality. At best they won't get you the results you want; at worst they'll fall apart and trash your engine. Better to get one from a reliable source. While you've got the engine bay open to fit the turbo it's worth thinking about whether there are any other mods you could do in there, like a new turbo inlet hose.