Money to burn......

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 1:27 pm

1. Get the steel brake lines and ATE fluid from VIP installed for $150 while the special lasts. Have the Hawk HPS pads put on at that time as well.

2. Get a Helix catted downpipe from http://hopupracing.com/downpipeuppipe.html for $329.00 shipped.

3. Get a set of ebay headers (the kind w/o the integrated up-pipe) for $85 plus an extra $40 for shipping. They are basically Borla / HKS knock-offs, and for $125 it's a steal.

4. Get whatever springs, swaybars, endlinks, strut tower bars you want (I think only Whiteline makes the quick release version). Perhaps a set of summer only tires as well.

5. Find a cheap vf39/vf22/vf30/vf34/TD05-16G. I see vf39s used all the time for $350-$450. Heck, you can buy a new TD05-16G for $699!

6. Get a ProTune! Whether it's from MachV, Agile, Jeff Chang or Big Al (since he's coming to VIP November 11/3/07). It's worth the $250, $300, $400 to get the extra 30+ whp/ftlbs a good tune will net you.

7. Don't bother with the GPMoto Elbow, it does nothing. Skip the front lip, wagons are supposed to be stealthy not flashy.

sirwilliam · Post by **sirwilliam** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:11 pm

drwrx wrote:Skip the front lip, wagons are supposed to be stealthy not flashy.

Well so much for my wagon

That is a really good deal on the Helix. When I got mine for a good deal for my '04 XT, it was $360 shipped.

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:23 pm

sirwilliam wrote:Well so much for my wagon.

Sorry bro, as much as I love the Blue Wasabi. With the WRB paint and the very cool wheels, stealthy it ain't.

But look who's talking, the guy with the forester that shakes mortar loose with it's exhaust rumble. It may look slealthy, but it don't sound stealthy.

sirwilliam · Post by **sirwilliam** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:29 pm

drwrx wrote:
sirwilliam wrote:Well so much for my wagon.
Sorry bro, as much as I love the Blue Wasabi. With the WRB paint and the very cool wheels, stealthy it ain't.

But look who's talking, the guy with the forester that shakes mortar loose with it's exhaust rumble. It may look slealthy, but it don't sound stealthy.

I know...went 360 when I got this one...but I like it. Right now I am all show and no go (well, a little go for stock power

) when the '04 was the opposite starting out.

Regardless, w/ the WRB, stealth is out the door

Bluestreak2006 · Post by **Bluestreak2006** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:35 pm

Thanks everyone for your tid bits. Darren I reallly don't think I'm going beyond stage 2 anytime soon. And I happen to really like the looks of an 06 w/ the lip. Plus like you already said i'm WRB and I have an HKS hi power. Not exactly sleeper. I thought the rear strut bars in the wagon actually helped out some..... But I figure stage 2 w/ some suspension work should make for an entertaining automobile. I think I will try to take advantage of the brake lines and pads though.

Post by **Sabre** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:28 pm

drwrx wrote:1. Get the steel brake lines and ATE fluid from VIP installed for $150 while the special lasts. Have the Hawk HPS pads put on at that time as well.

2. Get a Helix catted downpipe from http://hopupracing.com/downpipeuppipe.html for $329.00 shipped.

3. Get a set of ebay headers (the kind w/o the integrated up-pipe) for $85 plus an extra $40 for shipping. They are basically Borla / HKS knock-offs, and for $125 it's a steal.

4. Get whatever springs, swaybars, endlinks, strut tower bars you want (I think only Whiteline makes the quick release version). Perhaps a set of summer only tires as well.

5. Find a cheap vf39/vf22/vf30/vf34/TD05-16G. I see vf39s used all the time for $350-$450. Heck, you can buy a new TD05-16G for $699!

6. Get a ProTune! Whether it's from MachV, Agile, Jeff Chang or Big Al (since he's coming to VIP November 11/3/07). It's worth the $250, $300, $400 to get the extra 30+ whp/ftlbs a good tune will net you.

7. Don't bother with the GPMoto Elbow, it does nothing. Skip the front lip, wagons are supposed to be stealthy not flashy.

This pretty much says it all for me!

Brakes: $350 (VIP Special) - You WILL appreciate this
DP: $330
Sway's & Endlinks: $260 (Rear only... Not sure of you all (wagons) feel much difference with a front)
VF39: $380
Injectors: Free mod or get them modded ($250)
Intercooler: $100
Protune: $200-300

If you have money left over:
Wheels/Tires for summer
Front sways/endlinks

Bluestreak2006 · Post by **Bluestreak2006** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:32 pm

Yeah I think I would like to pick up an STI intercooler if I could get it on the cheap.

Oh and I thought the 06+ WRX injectors were pretty good....

sirwilliam · Post by **sirwilliam** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:01 pm

Bluestreak2006 wrote:Yeah I think I would like to pick up an STI intercooler if I could get it on the cheap.

I will sell you one for $275 in great condition. Comes w/ ypipe, elbow hose, and TB hose.

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:31 pm

Sabre wrote:Injectors: Free mod or get them modded ($250)

He wouldn't need injectors unless he went to a turbo like the TD06-20G.
The 06 and up WRX has the same injectors as the STi. If he does go with an sti turbo, or one of similar size, he may want an upgraded fuel pump. But that is not really "needed."

sirwilliam · Post by **sirwilliam** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:33 pm

drwrx wrote:
Sabre wrote:Injectors: Free mod or get them modded ($250)
He wouldn't need injectors unless he went to a turbo like the TD06-20G.
The 06 and up WRX has the same injectors as the STi. If he does go with an sti turbo, or one of similar size, he may want an upgraded fuel pump. But that is not really "needed."

Yep...I will be upgrading my pump, though.

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:50 pm

I didn't upgrade the fuel-pump on my FXT, even with the clipped and ported vf22, and I'm only running 88% IDCs at 18psi.

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 3:39 pm

drwrx wrote:Find a cheap vf39/vf22/vf30/vf34/TD05-16G. I see vf39s used all the time for $350-$450. Heck, you can buy a new TD05-16G for $699!

Case in point: New TD05-18G never installed for $675.00 (local)
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=1378437

I think you could still get away with your stock injectors with this turbo.
Just keep the boost below 20psi and upgrade your fuel pump.

Post by **Sabre** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 10:16 am

drwrx wrote:I didn't upgrade the fuel-pump on my FXT, even with the clipped and ported vf22, and I'm only running 88% IDCs at 18psi.

Wow, those are great IDC's considering you didn't do fuel upgrades! That means upgrading the new WRX's is going to be a little cheaper

Bluestreak2006 · Post by **Bluestreak2006** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:40 am

Hooray for me!!!! I am reenlisting today and getting my bonus. So I started doing my pricing on the first few things I want. Let me know if anyone knows of better parts or better prices. Thanks

From rally sport direct:
Invidia V3 divorced DP- $299
Prodrive Springs- $259 Free shipping on anything over $200!

Mach V:
Prosport electric boost gauge and pod- $68
V-limited lip- $220
whiteline rear strut tower bar w/ quick release- $172

After this stuff I'm left w/ about $500 more I can spend. I was thinking of trying to find a cheap used STI TMIC and a rear sway bar. Anybody have an STI TMIC they want to sell me on the cheap.

And of course when I get all my stuff together we need to have an install day. I have access to the lifts at Ft. Myer and Ft. Belvoir to help us out.

Post by **Sabre** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:21 am

My manager (who was reserves - 38, two kids, married) just got called up to the sandbox

Good luck Jay, where ever you end up!

Is that a catted DP? You can definitely go cheaper on the DP if it isn't.

That's a very good deal on the guage... but is it a single pod? Think about having multiple pods just in case you want to put more in there later.

Spend the $500 on a used Access Port or improving your brakes (pads, fluid and lines).

sirwilliam · Post by **sirwilliam** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:24 am

Bluestreak2006 wrote:Hooray for me!!!! I am reenlisting today and getting my bonus. So I started doing my pricing on the first few things I want. Let me know if anyone knows of better parts or better prices. Thanks

From rally sport direct:
Invidia V3 divorced DP- $299
Prodrive Springs- $259 Free shipping on anything over $200!

Mach V:
Prosport electric boost gauge and pod- $68
V-limited lip- $220
whiteline rear strut tower bar w/ quick release- $172

After this stuff I'm left w/ about $500 more I can spend. I was thinking of trying to find a cheap used STI TMIC and a rear sway bar. Anybody have an STI TMIC they want to sell me on the cheap.

And of course when I get all my stuff together we need to have an install day. I have access to the lifts at Ft. Myer and Ft. Belvoir to help us out.

There is a newbie guy on nabisco selling F&R Whitline sways for his friend in Pittsburgh. I wouldn't trust him about shipping (since he is a new newbie that I don't know) it but if you can meet up in person, the price is a good deal...not sure if the rear endlinks they come w/ are whiteline...if so, great deal.

Oh, yeah...the link: LINKY

Bluestreak2006 · Post by **Bluestreak2006** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:26 am

I have an accessport already Julian. Yeah the DP is catless. They have the bellmouth V2 for $250.

Oh and I just had a funny thought. Are any of you STI guys willing to trade your stock CBE for an HKS Hiper CBE?

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:30 am

I don't want to talk you out of your purchases but if your trying to save money (and who isn't) I would offer up some advice:

1. If your buying a catless down-pipe (and it appears you are) why would you pay $259 for the Invidia? You can get bellmouth 3" stainless downpipes off e-bay for under $100, or look for a used on Nasioc. Seriously, it's just a pipe. The Invidia is a nice but it's not worth $259. I would also recommend against the divorced design It has been problematic on some installs.

2. Make sure what-ever springs you get are for the 04-07 WAGON! Also, watch Nasioc for used springs as well. I recently saw a set of Tein H-Techs for the wagon for $100 shipped, and those are great springs!

3. Every test I've seen on the strut tower bars say they make NO difference at the track, NONE! Grassroots motorsports even claimed their laptimes were slower with them on. So I'd say skip them.

4. If your still on the stock turbo, there's no need for the larger TMIC. And if you really want one look into the SSautochrome TMIC for $200. I was very impressed with the unit Bryan got, and the install was easy.
Once again from my old post:

Core size and efficiency are the most important issues.

The core size is easy, the bigger is usually better unless it is inefficient.
The only simple way to check efficiency is to rate the pressure drop. Most will give a rating of some kind (usually measured like less than .5lbs at 14psi). The lower the ratio, the more efficient.

STi TMIC Core size:
18.5" x 7.25 x 3"
Volume = 402

SSautochrome / no-name Ebay brand:
20" x 7.5" x 4.5"
volume = 675

And every test I've seen shows the bar and plate versions having less pressure drop and making power gains above the WRX/STi TMICs.

just trying to save you some money

sirwilliam · Post by **sirwilliam** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:31 am

Like Julian did, I would also suggest upgrading pads, coated SS lines and fluid for your brakes.

Bluestreak2006 · Post by **Bluestreak2006** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:39 am

So what springs would you suggest for the wagon? The only springs I have really come across that are wagon specific are the Teins and the Swifts.

Was it VIP that was running that brake line and fluid deal for cheap?

Thanks for all the good info. I'll take a look at ebay to see what out there. Blocked at work. Im really not trying to go VF39/43 yet so I guess I can cool off on the intercooler. < No pun intended. So I guess the dp, springs, and brakes for sure. Any none hp modes that might be a good thing to do?

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:41 am

Bluestreak2006 wrote:Oh and I just had a funny thought. Are any of you STI guys willing to trade your stock CBE for an HKS Hiper CBE?

If your trying to find something more stealthy, you might want to look at the Bosal single tip for $430.
http://www.oakos.com/Merchant2/merchant ... _Code=3220

Or just put the stock axle-back section to a MadDad(TM) Halfback Intermediate Pipe Value Edition $194.95. All the tests I've seen indicate the STi axle-back makes no more power than the WRX axle-back.

Bluestreak2006 · Post by **Bluestreak2006** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:45 am

I am looking for something more stealthy. But in my quest for cheapness I sold my stock CBE.
Also came across an APS 3 in 3 piece DP for $200 obo. I don't know anything about APS so what do you think?

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:48 am

Bluestreak2006 wrote:Im really not trying to go VF39/43 yet

Deadbolt is now selling a budget series of turbos:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=1129809

How about a oil cooled TD05-16G for $499.00!

You can also get water and oil cooled TD05-16Gs from Blouch, FP and Turbochargers.com for $699

Gruppe-S is also selling TD05-18Gs for $749

It's a good time to be turbo shopping!

Post by **Sabre** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:49 am

Usually APS stuff is VERY expensive and doesn't justify it's "performance" for the price... but $200 for a DP is a good deal

Also, make sure you are getting full DP's and not just "shorties".

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:50 am

APS makes very nice stuff. I'm not familiar with the 3 piece DP.
Can you post a link to it?