Welcome back Subaru WRX fans!
Today I thought I would discuss some easy Subaru WRX Exhaust upgrades that can net you some real usable power.
As I'm sure you already know, improving the breathablilty of any WRX flat four engine you will get more power. The WRX engine needs to be able to get rid of the spent exhaust as quickly and as efficeintly as posssible and by upgrading the stock WRX exhaust system with an aftermarket WRX exhaust kit, you can be confident that you have accomplished this goal.
The stock WRX exhaust system is comprised of the downpipe, the front-mid pipe, the rear-mid pipe and the muffler to outlet section. You have the option of upgrading each piece individualy or swapping out the entire WRX exhaust system with an aftermarket bolt-on kit.
WRX Muffler
Probably the first item most people will want to swap out is the stock WRX muffler itself. Since the Subaru WRX is a turbo, flat-four engined car, the vehicle has a great unique sound to begin with. By swapping in an aftermarket WRX muffler, you will get two great benefits with one simple upagrade, a better exhaust note and a few more ponies. Not bad, but we can do better.
Cat-Back WRX Exhaust Systems
Many companies offer aftermarket WRX performance "Cat-Back" WRX exhaust systems. "Cat-back," meaning from the catalytic converter back to the WRX exhaust outlet. Since the Subaru WRX technically has three catalytic converters - one before
the turbo and two after - the cat-back system would replace the WRX exhaust system from the rear/last catalytic converter to the outlet including the muffler. These systems include all installation hardware and require no welding or cutting. Simply unbolt the stock WRX exhaust pieces and install the new aftermarket pieces.
Just imagine, in one afternoon, your WRX exhaust system could be transformed from a stock wheezer to a fire breathing banshee! Now your talking.
Complete WRX Exhaust System Replacement
The ultimate upgrade you can make to your WRX's exhaust system would be to repalce the entire system from the engine all the way back to the outlet. This type of WRX exhaust upgrade would be much more involved and may require the expertise of a WRX performace shop. However, I can't imagine you not being happy with the results.
As you can see, there are several options as far as upgrading the Subaru WRX exhaust system. Next time I will discuss the intake side of the Subaru WRX turbo flat-four engine. Happy driving!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Surbaru WRX Performance Tips
Here are some easy tips that can be done to generate a few extra ponies for your Subaru WRX next time it's feeling a little sluggish. Enjoy.
Change Your Oil
This is obvious, yet somehow, easily fogotten or overlooked. The Subaru WRX manual suggests changing the oil every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions. Come on. Who really drives a WRX normally? The manual also suggests an oil change every 3,750 if you drive hard. Well, I guess we know which recommendation to follow.
Properly Gapped Spark Plugs
Proper spacing for an '02-'03 Subaru WRX is 0.028"-0.031" (0.7-0.8 mm). Check your manual if you have a different year WRX. This tip may seem a little anal, but any extra power that can be had for free is worth the time.
Clean Your Air Filter
The stock Subaru WRX air filter leaves something to be desired, but if you don't have the money right now to purchase and aftermarket one, please make sure your stock one is clean. The more air that gets to the engine, the more power you have. Simple right?
Use Premium Gasoline
I know gas is expensive, but you are driving a Subaru WRX. Spring for the good stuff.
The next couple tips are a little more involved but again, we are dealing with the Subaru WRX. Any extra power is worth it.
Try Insulating Your Fuel Lines
When you insulate your fuel lines, the temperature of your fuel stays cooler which can allow more fuel to enter the combustion chamber along with more air. The more fuel and air in the chamber, the more power.
The easiest way to do this is with air conditioning/refrigerator insulation which you can get from any hardware store.
Your Subaru WRX Needs to Lose Some Weight
This is basic physics. Less weight + more power = better performance. The less weight your WRX needs to pull around, the better it will porform in every category.
Well that's all I can think of for now. Stay tuned for more tips to improve your Subaru WRX.
Change Your Oil
This is obvious, yet somehow, easily fogotten or overlooked. The Subaru WRX manual suggests changing the oil every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions. Come on. Who really drives a WRX normally? The manual also suggests an oil change every 3,750 if you drive hard. Well, I guess we know which recommendation to follow.
Properly Gapped Spark Plugs
Proper spacing for an '02-'03 Subaru WRX is 0.028"-0.031" (0.7-0.8 mm). Check your manual if you have a different year WRX. This tip may seem a little anal, but any extra power that can be had for free is worth the time.
Clean Your Air Filter
The stock Subaru WRX air filter leaves something to be desired, but if you don't have the money right now to purchase and aftermarket one, please make sure your stock one is clean. The more air that gets to the engine, the more power you have. Simple right?
Use Premium Gasoline
I know gas is expensive, but you are driving a Subaru WRX. Spring for the good stuff.
The next couple tips are a little more involved but again, we are dealing with the Subaru WRX. Any extra power is worth it.
Try Insulating Your Fuel Lines
When you insulate your fuel lines, the temperature of your fuel stays cooler which can allow more fuel to enter the combustion chamber along with more air. The more fuel and air in the chamber, the more power.
The easiest way to do this is with air conditioning/refrigerator insulation which you can get from any hardware store.
Your Subaru WRX Needs to Lose Some Weight
This is basic physics. Less weight + more power = better performance. The less weight your WRX needs to pull around, the better it will porform in every category.
Well that's all I can think of for now. Stay tuned for more tips to improve your Subaru WRX.
Everything Subaru WRX
Welcome to Everything Subaru WRX. Here you will find information about the Subaru Impreza WRX, one of the best performance buys currently on the US market. There are few cars currently available that offer all-wheel drive, a turbo flat four engine, and real, world rally racing roots.
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line at info@EverythingWRX.com
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line at info@EverythingWRX.com
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