'05 STI Mod Suggestions, Best Bang for the Buck

Phibs · Post by **Phibs** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 10:12 pm

So I have a stock 05 STI and I'm looking to beef it up as it's starting
to feel slow

I live near Sabre and will bug him to help me install the parts so that's not a problem.

My initial thoughts:

Cobb Stage 2 Package
- AP
- TBE

Cobb Main Pulley
Cobb SF Intake System ( Short Ram )

Thoughts, Comments, Suggestions?

Post by **complacent** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:17 am

Skip the intake, you're not going to need it yet. The power gains with an intake are well proven to be *almost* nil, except for those with 500+awhp. Save teh $ for either a protune (more hp than just an off the shelf flash) or get started on the suspension (springs, sways, etc)

If you don't have the factory short throw there are a couple good aftermarket choices as well.

if all else fails, get some m4d tyt3 n3ons y0!!

Phibs · Post by **Phibs** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:48 am

LOL m4d n30nz y0!

Ok sounds good with the intake. So the AP + TBE is a pretty proven combo.
Will the main pully help at all? Any other 'easy' power gains to be had?[/quote]

Post by **complacent** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:12 am

The lightened crank pulley is really only going to free up *maybe* a hp or two, nothing big. I think the advantage to the pulley is a slightly greater (lighter?) throttle response. I think it's worth it, I have the Perrin crank pulley on my STi.

APE+TBE is a nice boost in power. Anything beyond that and you're going to be swapping out injectors... A HUGE difference in cost, as well as labor. Start with the above, and then see how fast you want to spend.

(yes, the second half of my last sentence is worded correctly.

)

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:45 pm

I agree, the AP and TBE are absolutely the first things to do!

The K&N Typhoon intake is good for 10-12 whp and 10-12 ftlbs. I was there, I saw the proof. But at $200+ it ain't cheap.

Headers are another worthwhile mod. If your thinking cheap, think Gruppe-S or Borla (good for about 12-14 whp / 14-18 ftlbs). If money is no object, think Perrin (good for 20+whp / 20+ftlbs)

I also have a lightened/underdriven pulley and with the exception of slightly better throttle response I don't see any gain in it.

One last relatively inexpensive upgrade would be a big ebay TMIC. They go for about $250 and have a 720 c.u. core.

Mr Kleen · Post by **Mr Kleen** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:23 pm

first thing you're gonna wanna do is remove your rear brakes and throw them behind your house.

where do you live again?

don't listen to me, but Colin and Doc know of what they speak.

Post by **Sabre** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:43 pm

Yep, Colin and Darrin gave you the best advice

When you want more power after that, you start getting into the 1000's with a new turbo and upgraded fuel system.

drwrx · Post by **drwrx** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:01 pm

Mr Kleen wrote:first thing you're gonna wanna do is remove your rear brakes and throw them behind your house. where do you live again?

Two problems with that:
05 STi 5 x 114 bolt pattern and no e-brake for you!

onelove · Post by **onelove** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 5:36 pm

I agree with the guys here.

I have a TBE, Access Port and Cold Air Intake and the jump in performance is signficant.

I have been told that you really don't get the FULL benefit of the intake until you get a Protune.

I'll be doing that before year end, so I will let you know as soon as it's done.