I've decided at some point in the near future to get my car mapped, it already has a 3" decat system and uprated up pipe hence the reasoning for this, it also has a k&n panel filter, apart from this it is pretty much standard,
I want to keep it as original as I can, don't want to be cutting out bumpers for FMIC etc,
I'm not really interested in lc etc, just want it running nicely, not that it already isn't just piece of mind and if I gain a few more horses then all the better,
Having said this what are the best options to go for, looked into Esl and seems good and seems to meet my requirements,
Also would there be any worth while upgrades before hand, being as it is 20 years old would updating the fuel pump and fpr be a good idea,
Also may I add I'm from South wales, I'm aware that racedynamix come up to indigo gt but not sure how frequently, have used Bob rawle in the past but unsure if he does aftermarket ecu's and understand he can be quite busy with a long wait
Regards

 

Firstly ESL isn't an aftermarket ECU. It's merely a little chip that fits into your existing ECU, allowing it to be mapped. You can purchase one directly from ESL for roughly 300 quid plus vat. Very simple to fit and once done you can have it mapped by your chosen mapper.

Other mods.....
Fuel pump is a given. If you are still using the standard pump then you'd be mad not to upgrade it. Cheap and simple thing to do.
Later map sensor is worth doing as the early ones limit you.
Other than that you're pretty much there.

I own V2 STI RA and like you, want to keep it pretty original. I'm now ready for mapping so will be going ESL in the new year. As for mods,

Fuel pump
Full de - cat system
Air filter
Uprated plugs
Later map sensor

Will make an easy 300 ponies and be fun in a little RA.

 

Hi mate you don't need ESL to remap your Impreza, your ecu can be mapped as is.

Although there are many benefits to esl, one that i like is twin maps, this lets you have one map for economy driving and another for performance. Or for 2 different styles of driving.

You could up grade your intercooler to Newage STI, and fit a sports cat instead. Unrated fuel pump good idea aswell.

 

You sure that a standard 1995 impreza ecu can be mapped ???

Newage top mount would be nice but it's really not as simple as just bolting one on.

 

Nope pre 99 standard ecu can't be mapped without the use of a chip or daughterboard
Just to add that I would expect a bit more than 300bhp from a re map and upgrades but wouldn't like to go much more than 350 with the standard gearbox. I'm hoping to take mine from 280ps to around 350ps with the use of ESL

 

Exactly....!!!!

Why do people offer advice to newbies when in reality they don't really know what they are taking about.

 

As far as i'm aware then can be, 1997-1998 can't be remapped with out ESL, as i have one, i've been told my people over years of classic Impreza's can be mapped. 1999-2000 can definitely be mapped, and heard some years of Imported models can.

 

Which mappers were those then Jay ??

 

I see you edited the word 'mappers' to 'people' now.

 

No jay,people/mappers have misinformed you mate. No classic ecu pre 99 can be mapped without a chip/daughterboard and imo the ESL is the best for this

 

Wouldn't say a newbie, fourth impreza now, just not a serial poster and only ask for advice when needed, thanks for all the help, will look into the map sensor as this is something I hadn't thought of, was aware that Esl is a daughter board!, have tried to contact a few mappers, probably the wrong time of the year as had no response as of yet!

 

Mappers made it sound like all the people where mappers when they wern't.

I will try find the threads it was all on scoobynet. Had massive talks about it some years back. I will now try to find those threads

 

You CANNOT map a pre 98 ecu! Without daughter board or power FC etc.

 

Matt, Indigo GT have done the work on my V3 STI, ESL was fitted to an ECU done on an exchange basis all through Indigo so they like to order this in a couple of weeks in advance and Anthony also mapped the car there as well. Not sure if you've dealt with them before but speak to Ryan as he's very helpful.

 

I have dealt with them before when they did a geometry set up on a previous car, wasn't sure of their capabilities mapping impreza's, I know they deal a lot with evos obviously, wasn't sure if there was a particular reason the likes of racedynamix organised mapping sessions?

 

I'm intrigued about such threads because I can gaurentee you can't map a pre99 standard untouched impreza ECU. While the standard ECU is a very good bit of kit the only downside is it can not be flashed.

 

I did ask this question to a another SWS member, I think the reason why Indigo do this like a few others is they can maximise the use of their rolling road facility by booking a well respected mapper obviously taking a cut from each car that uses it while it's being mapped which makes perfect business sense. Some members also arrange a group buy also from time to time.

 

It's obviously a mis-read somewhere.

 

Yes, above 300 is achievable no doubt but you will be limited by the standard early top mount which struggles much past 300.
And chasing numbers is never a good thing. Pushing the boundaries will end in big bills, we are talking about a standard 20 year old engine and weak 20 year old 752 gearbox.
In my opinion somewhere around 300 with relatively low boost is the way forward with these old cars now.
I have a newage sti short motor in mine so could push much higher but I want to preserve my original gearbox. I've broken 2 752 boxes at under 350 ponies so know all to well how fragile they can be.

 

My apologies, I didn't look at your join date or post count when I replied. I just assumed you were a relatively new owner after reading the question.

 

Yep, more than likely.
I remember seeing a few threads about mapping early cars a couple of years ago where others were giving incorrect advice.

Was just waiting for the old "you don't need to map it, it's got a self learning ECU so just add the mods".....

 

Fair comment,it's unlikely I will be taking mine on a dyno so not really fussed about numbers,I agree it's all about how it drives but I'm guessing an extra 20 ponies won't feel too much different? Saying that as you will know the RA in standard form make you smile every time you drive it

 

Getting over 300 safely from the V2 takes some effort and money. Mine is making 320 atm and expect/hope it will make 350 at the next session. The last time it was on the rollers the coil packs started breaking down, so it was aborted at 320.

This is my spec using a FMIC, I thought about doing a new age tmic conversion but decided I liked the engine accessibility and IMO over sized bonnet scoops look even ****tier than FMIC.

As Matty said the transmission will let go if you use the cars performance, I'm on my 3rd box in two years. Im using a six speed dccd now £££'ss and no, the standard ecu cant be remapped without an ESL or after market ECU.

Replacement center thrust crank (measured and inspected)
ACL Race main and big end bearings.
"new age" STI con rods.
Mahle 4032 Forged pistons 92.5 O/S
OE bottom end gasket rebuild kit inc casing bolts
ARP 11mm head studs.
Gen Subaru MLS head gaskets.
Finch Motorsport modified oil pump.
OE water pump.
Genuine Subaru cam cover gaskets/seals.
AS performance clubman baffled sump.
OBP baffled catch tank.

Cylinder Heads and valve train:
22b cylinder heads, valves reseated refaced to finch motorsport spec.
Valve guides and seals replaced.
Valve clearances set.
OE Subaru timing belt tensioner & Idlers.
Gates "Racing" kevlar timing belt.
RCM timing belt guide.

Management & Electrical:
ESL Daughter board.
Mapped by Race dynamix.
97 STI MAP sensor.
MAF Delete.
"New age" coil pack conversion.

Induction, fueling & Cooling:
TDO5 16G top entry turbo charger.
440cc Yellow injectors
Sard fuel pressure regulator & Gauge.
Walbro 255 lph fuel pump.
RCM K&N Air filter.
HDI Hybrid front mount intercooler.
Upgraded Viper performance Intercooler hoses, clamps and vacuum pipes.
Forge Header tank.
Forge VTA BOV
Samco coolant hose set.
Motul inugel expert coolant.

Once you've done this you may find that your brakes and suspension that were once acceptable now terrify you

 

I might be wrong on this because I only run a standard 280ps v3 typeRA atm but I do find it hard to believe it will cost a lot of money to get an extra 30-40bhp and safely run with the standard tmic,airbox,turbo,gearbox and internals? Increasing the boost to 1.3-1.4bar and tweaking the fueling&ignition maps ect would safely get it over 300bhp wouldn't it?
Are we saying out of the box that the car is already at or close to its limits?
I guess only time will tell with my car,I intend to make some small inexpensive mods which are decat downpipe,3 port boost solenoid and the all important ESL. I would be very disappointed not to make over 300 ponies and have a safe and reliable car. I won't be chasing numbers but definatly will be looking for more power(if that's not a contradiction lol)
And matt12's engine is a cdb so stronger and even more reliable

 

They might have made 280 but I bet a few of those ponies have since got away. My brief was 350 SAFELY, hence the rebuild before mods.

 

I agree on not over 350 on the gearbox but it's really close ratio takes it from 0-60 in 4.5 sec so if I can get it to sub 4 sec then personally that's the kind of numbers I would be chasing

 

An extra 30 or 40 bhp is achievable with just a few simple mods and mapping, but pushing things much past that is asking for trouble on original engine and box imo. These cars are getting on a bit now and have no doubt had a fairly hard life so asking them to happily run an extra 30% (roughly 350bhp) power from standard is a bit of an ask in my humble opinion.
Plus, to see 350 you would need to start changing a few bits like the original slanty intercooler, injectors and I doubt the original turbo will make 350bhp.

A couple of other points, I'm fairly certain your car has a 3 port from factory anyway.
And a standard CDB is no stronger or reliable than any other engine. I have a broken one sat on my engine stand that was running at just 300bhp
You may find you have a CDB in your car from factory also. Check for hatching marks on the block near the starter motor.

 

I'm not sure about matt12's V2 but my V3 doesn't have the slanty intercooler as standard,also has 440injectors an a VF22 turbo(which won't like more than 1.4bar)
The car is totally original so injectors,intercooler,turbo and airbox are all good for 350 but I do hear what your saying Matty,the car is 18 years old and on 95k miles so sticking to a safe 330-340 will do for me
I know the heads have cross hatching marks but not sure if the block does(I'm pretty sure it doesn't)
And only a 2 port. I have a 3 port bought from scoobyworx ready to fit when the ESL goes on

 

The op's 95 car would have had a slanty cooler.

 

Sorry my bad, for some reason I thought you had a very early RA. I've not been getting much sleep so obviously skip read your earlier post

Yep you are right, 2 port on the V3 cars and a slightly larger top mount over the early cars. You'll have an open deck block on your car not a CDB too.