Category Archives: Impreza

Intake pipe turbo subaru FAQ

Intake Turbo Subaru

The primary purpose of an aftermarket intake is to increase the amount of air flow the engine receives.

HP gain is 0-15HP. These HP figures are a range as different intakes have different dyno results.

What is an aftermarket intake? Aftermarket intakes can be broken down into two types:
1. Short ram: AKA shorty or ram pod.
2. Cold air intake: AKA CAI.

What does the stock intake look like? To gain a perspective on how aftermarket intakes function, the stock intake features will be shown and discussed for further clarity.

This is the stock intake as viewed from the driver’s side.
The “U” shaped assembly and the tank that connects to it on the left is commonly referred to as the snorkel,  silencer, or resonator. It is actually hidden in the fender.

Stock Subaru turbo intake piping.
Stock Subaru turbo intake piping.

This is the stock intake as viewed from the passenger’s side.

This is the stock intake as viewed from the passenger's side.
This is the stock intake as viewed from the passenger’s side.

This is the stock intake as viewed from above.
1. Stock “ram intake” funnel.
2. Stock air filter box.
3. MAF sensor.
4. MAF sensor piping.

This is the stock intake as viewed from above. 1. Stock "ram intake" funnel. 2. Stock air filter box. 3. MAF sensor. 4. MAF sensor piping.
This is the stock intake as viewed from above.
1. Stock “ram intake” funnel.
2. Stock air filter box.
3. MAF sensor.
4. MAF sensor piping.

Subaru WRX and STi Exhaust general info

Subaru WRX and STi Exhaust general info:

The primary purpose of an aftermarket exhaust is to remove or replace the stock catalytic converter(s) with a better flowing unit. It also increases the exhaust diameter for better flow. The term “aftermarket exhaust” can be broken down into the three main types:

1. Turbo back exhaust (TBE) covers items 1-4 as described below.
2. Cat back exhaust (CBE) covers items 3&4 as described below.
3. Axle back exhaust (ABE) covers item 4 as described below.

The stock WRX Subaru exhaust consists of:

1. Downpipe (with cat) | 2. Midpipe (with cat) | 3. Rear Exhaust Pipe | 4. Axle Back Muffler

The stock WRX Subaru exhaust consists of: 1. Downpipe (with cat) | 2. Midpipe (with cat) | 3. Rear Exhaust Pipe | 4. Axle Back Muffler
The stock WRX Subaru exhaust consists of: 1. Downpipe (with cat) | 2. Midpipe (with cat) | 3. Rear Exhaust Pipe | 4. Axle Back Muffler

Keep in mind that the above information is catered to the 2002-2005 WRX and is likewise applicable to all years of the STi, though there are slight variations. For example, the STi (all years) has a catless uppipe and the 2006+ WRX has a one piece downpipe/midpipe.

HP gain is dependent on the type of exhaust chosen. TBE gains are 20-30HP. CBE gains are 5-15HP. ABE gains are 5-10HP. These figures are highly debated as different manufacturers use different dynos with different cars with different levels of mods. It also varies because exhausts use different amounts of catalytic converters or are catless.

What about overall fitment between the WRX and STi or different model years? All OEM or aftermarket exhausts designed for 02-07 WRX/STi will fit either the 02+ WRX sedan/wagon or 04+ STi. Occasionally, you will have a slight fitment issue with some models (moreso if your car has the optional rear differential cover) that usually get be fixed via hanger adjustment, longer exhaust hangers etc. 06+ models have fitment issues with some exhausts (mainly the muffler portion) due to the new rear diffuser.

I have an 06+ WRX, is the downpipe the same? No. The 2006+ WRX has a unique exhaust in that it’s downpipe is both the downpipe and midpipe sections of the “older” exhaust. This means you must use a “long” downpipe to bolt up to the rest of your exhaust system. A full TBE will fit fine, but when replacing just the downpipe, you must use a long downpipe. Check with your Vendor for other possible fitment issues prior to ordering.

VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester

VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester:

Swapping a STi VF39 turbocharger onto your WRX/XT is really easy. Find out here the step by step process on swapping a VF39 onto your Subaru WRX/XT.

You can buy a brand new VF39 Turbocharger here:

Subaru 14411aa5729L Turbocharger

A lot of people seem to be getting hung up on the oil return lines and coolant lines. The coolant lines and banjo bolts from the TD04 ARE interchangeable if your vf39 doesn’t have them (mine didn’t). The oil return line is not and must be modified in order to fit the vf39, (mine had it). Or get a new one from the dealer. I will explain in the pictures when I get to these items.

First remove the intercooler, pretty self explanatory there are 2 bolts that it mounts to, 2 on the BPV and the hoses. Done Deal. Next the heat shield. You should be somewhere around here:

VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester: Start removing the head shield and downpipe.
VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester: Start removing the head shield and downpipe.

 

Remove the downpipe:

VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester: Start removing the downpipe.
VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester: Start removing the downpipe.

Then remove the bolt for the oil inlet (top of the turbo), and start removing the coolant lines (2 lines coming off the side of the turbo 1 goes up 1 goes down). Be careful as you will lose coolant during this step be prepared to either catch it under the car or plug the line:

VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester: Remove coolant lines and oil lines.
VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester: Remove coolant lines and oil lines.

Then remove the 3 bolts that hold the turbo to the uppipe. Loosen from the intake remove vacuum lines and anything else attached to the turbo and you should be ready to take it off. The hose that the oil return line fits into is directly under the turbo and you should probably just lift straight out. Try to leave the hose where it is and lift the line out.

Now that the turbo is off you can start swapping out the parts you need from the td04. The coolant lines from the TD04 will fit the VF39 however they are attached and too close together to fit directly on the VF39 see pic:

VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester: changing out oil lines.
VF39 STi turbocharger onto your WRX/Forester: changing out oil lines.

WRX/STi rear wheel stud replacement

WRX/STi rear wheel stud replacement:

Careful cleaning of the threads/lugnuts and using hand tools (AKA NOT an impact gun!) will help prolong the life of your studs. When the day comes though, here’s how to replace the studs in the rear with stock length studs. If you want to replace them with longer length studs (ARP, etc.) you will have to pull the hub entirely and buy new wheel bearings.


Subaru 28365FE001 Wheel Stud

ARP 1007716 Wheel Stud Kit for Subaru

 

Things you will need:
Stock length wheel studs (As Required): NAPA has these for ~$3 a piece. Part # 641-3209
M8x1.25 bolts (2): Home Depot Racing
M8 washers (~6): Home Depot Racing
19mm Socket: Lugnuts
14mm Socket: Caliper bolts
12mm Wrench: ABS Sensor bolt
7mm Allen Key: M8x1.25 bolts
5mm Allen Key: ABS Ring bolts
Hammer: of the BFH variety, for beating on studs that have misbehaved
Telescoping Magnet Tool: Optional, but will make life much easier.

New wheel stud in the freezer.
New wheel stud in the freezer.

Sticking the new studs in the freezer will cause them to shrink slightly and really help you when it comes time to seat them in the hub. Throw them in the freezer before heading out to Home Depot Racing or leave ’em in overnight, just make sure those puppies are ice cold. Leave them in the freezer until you are actually ready to use them.

Remove the two bolts holding the caliper in place using your 14mm socket, and ziptie it out of the way. I have mine attached to the swaybar in this picture.
Remove the two bolts holding the caliper in place using your 14mm socket, and ziptie it out of the way. I have mine attached to the swaybar in this picture.

2nd Generation Subaru Impreza WRX STi United Kingdom varients

Impreza WR1
Impreza WR1

A limited edition of 1000 Japanese MY04 WRX STI‘s with DCCD were exported to celebrate victory in the 2003 WRC drivers’ championship. 500 were sold in Europe, Australia and South Africa as the Petter Solberg edition; the other 500 were further modified by Prodrive and sold in the UK as the WR1. They had 316 bhp (236 kW) and 309.8 ft·lbf (420.0 N·m), an incredible 0-60 mph time of only 4.25 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) (electronically limited). They were equipped with Prodrive WRX STI springs, Pirelli PZero Nero tires, mesh grilles, special Ice Blue metallic paint and Prodrive PFF7 Pewter wheels. The new ECU and exhaust were not EU-homologated, so they were fitted after registering the car. The retail price was £29,995.

Impreza Second Gen WRX JDM special models

Second Generation Impreza WRX JDM special variants:

This car was an S-series Impreza based on the Spec C. All of the suspension and powertrain parts included STi parts from the STi part catalogue.
Subaru Impreza S202: This car was an S-series Impreza based on the Spec C. All of the suspension and powertrain parts included STi parts from the STi part catalog.

S202
This car was an S-series Impreza based on the Spec C. All of the suspension and powertrain parts included STi parts from the STi part catalog. The interior included special edition yellow seats with red STi logo stitching. A smaller, lightweight AC compressor was fitted to save weight. The brake rotors were gas slotted. The wheels were STi labeled Rays Volk alloys.

Subaru Impreza S203
Subaru Impreza S203

S203
This limited edition Subaru was an S-series Impreza based on the WRX STi. Again it is basically a car with all the STi parts available. It was sold with custom made 18-inch (460 mm) BBS alloys with Pirellis.

The new S204 was released at the end of 2005.
Subaru Impreza S204 render

22b: First generation Impreza WRX STi special variants

22bRare japanese widebody STi
22b STi

Japanese special variants

22B STi

(03/98 – 08/98)
In 1998, Subaru of Japan produced a widebody, 2-door, Impreza called the 22B STi. The 22B was used to commemorate both Subaru’s 40th anniversary as well as the 3rd consecutive manufacturer’s title for Subaru in the FIA World Rally Championship. On the release of the sales, all 399 sold out from 30 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the report.The cars had the starting VIN code of GC8E2SD. Another 25 were produced for export markets – see the 22B Type UK below.

The 22B had the EJ22 engine as opposed to the regular EJ20 engine. Note: internal Subaru material states the block comes from a V3 EJ20G NOT the EJ22G as most think. Also the intake manifold and heads were from the V4 EJ20K. This means the displacement was increased from 1994 cc to 2212 cc. The block is a closed-deck design. The heads (valves, valvetrain and such) were lifted from the STi Version 4 engine. It produce 350 PS (260 kW; 350 hp) at 6000 rpm and 363 N·m (267 ft·lbf, 37.0 kgf·m) of torque at a lower engine speed of 3200 rpm. The redline was lowered from 8000 rpm to 7000 rpm. The compression is an 8.0:1. The turbocharger is an IHI RHF 5HB (the internal company usage code is VF23).

This car was given a unique color of blue and had fender flared widebody taken from the Peter Stevens designed WRC car, thus widening the width by 80 mm (3.15 inches) for a total of 1,770 mm (69.7). During assembly, a WRX Type R chassis was taken off the line. The fenders were replaced with the 22B STi fenders. The car’s curb weight is 1,270 kg (2,800 lb). The suspension is provided by Bilstein. The brakes were standard 4-piston/2-piston brakes. However, the color is red and the Subaru name cast on the brake calipers and painted white.

THE THIRD GENERATION SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI

Impreza WRX STi
Third generation STi

Third generation (2008-present)
Third generation (GR)
Production 2008-present
Body style(s) 5-door hatchback
4-door sedan(2011-)
Engine(s) 2.0L 304 hp (227 kW) H4
2.5L 305 hp (227 kW) H4
Transmission(s) 6-speed manual
5-speed automatic (w/SPORTSHIFT manual mode) (Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia only)
Wheelbase 103.3 in (2,624 mm)
Length 173.8 in (4,415 mm)
Width 70.7 in (1,796 mm)
Height 58.1 in (1,476 mm)
Curb weight 3,373 lb (1,530 kg)
Related Subaru Forester
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2008The 2008 STI has received a higher degree of parts to differentiate it from its Impreza WRX brethren. Unlike the Impreza WRX, the STI uses aluminum suspension components, is only available as a 5-door hatchback, and has different fenders that are 2.2 in (56 mm) wider. It adopted “Subaru Intelligent Chassis Design” and “Dynamic Chassis Control Concept”. The turbo forces air through a larger top-mount-intercooler which has lost the red “STI” that was on previous generations. It is the first generation of this model with an automatic transmission which is able to import to outside Japan.

Like other 2008 Impreza models, the 2008 STI benefits from a lower polar moment of inertia due to smaller overhangs, and also features a double wishbone rear suspension.[16] The car also borrows new intake and exhaust components from the Legacy GT platform.

The latest Impreza WRX STI features Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with “Normal”, “Traction”, and “Off” modes, Subaru Intelligent-Drive (SI-Drive) with 3 modes: Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp (S#), and Multi-mode Driver’s Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD). The DCCD enables driver to select the manual or auto: “auto”, “auto+”, and “auto-” mode in order to distribute the torque based on driving preference or conditions.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Japan)The JDM version has a 2.0L 308 PS (227 kW; 304 bhp) EJ207 engine with a Twin scroll turbocharger, while other versions of the car have a 2.5L 300 PS (221 kW; 296 bhp) EJ257 engine with a single-scroll VF48 turbocharger.