Re: My 2005 WRX STi (exhaust video pg 7)
Shameless self bump because big daddy szala derailed the thread.
I got a second job for the summer and I'm debating either getting another car to DD or just dumping some more money into the STi. I don't want to replace the turbo yet, so what else could I do?
my opinion here, but take it how you may:
i have no self control and would mod the crap out of the STI and not care. they are reliable as hell so long as you keep the tune in check and dont let your throttle have two positions (on/off).
however, if youre not looking to replace the turbo i would 100% say it's time for an intercooler upgrade. look into the process west unit. supposedly its a mammoth and cheaper than most of the 'big name' brands out there (spearco, perrin, etc). i am a big fan of top mount setups, but if you really want to a FMIC setup wouldnt be a bad idea. most of the guys making lots of power have gone FMIC because the TMIC heat soaks pretty easily after a few, long, high boost runs.
since i know youre a reasonable dude, i'd say you'd be fine with a bigger TMIC.
this is all assuming you have a turbo back exhaust as it is...which i think you do...
also, if youre kind of content with the power situation, think about suspension. the car, even though it's an STI, does have a lot of slop in stock form that can be cleaned up with a new key components. the first of which should be some nicer end links (kart boy, perrin, whiteline, they are all the same). also think about sway bars. next up: drop springs. RCE (race comp engineering) makes FANTASTIC springs that drop the car slightly and actually have amazing spring rates and will help handling considerably. i would highly recommend them since i know you're not a fan of the sooper dropped cars like mine.
all in all, you cant go wrong any way you go.
but in the end, would it be a better option to keep miles off the STI and drive a beater for the majority of your commuting miles? sure would. your choice.