How To: Make your Subaru WRX Over 300HP CHEAP! (Launches/Pulls)

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My current build on my 2008 Subaru WRX is:
Exedy Stage 2 Clutch
STI Short Throw Shifter
Cobb BOV
Cobb SF Intake
Invidia 3" Down Pipe
Invidia High-Flow Cat
Invidia Turbo Back Exhaust
Cobb AP Stage 2 MTv300 Tune
1000CC Injectors
Upgraded Fuel Pump
Noble S1 Street Tires
Motegi Racing Wheels
Stock Suspension
Stock Tranny
Stock Block
315HP/320TQ

[@bbuildingmarch7060]

Although the power gains are minimal, what you've said is realistic and that is really useful for someone who wants to start getting more power. Great video.

[@BrunoPolar]

Dude, I had a 2009 wrx hatchback which was rated at 265bhp. I miss it so much! Watching your video made me reminisce. It seems like the turbo on your`s spools up much faster, specially on the first pull you did in movement. Really nice, grats on the car and mods.

[@EJL2004]

Step 1: -Moroso Oil pick up tube -Killer B Windage Tray -IAG/ Perrin Air Oil Seperator -Cobb Accessport. -#4 Cylinder coolant line upgrade. Step 2: -Downpipe, -fuel pump -intercooler Step 3 Pro tune.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

your talking $3,000 + dollars = NOT CHEAP AT ALL !

[@EJL2004]

Definitely not cheap! Unfortunately the EJ has a few things that needs taking care of before looking at power. I found out the hard and extremely expensive engine detonation method from a cracked oil pickup tube. @@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm

[@GainsGoblin]

@@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm 3k + old sti (10k) + tune (800) is very cheap tf u on bro

[@caleb9246]

Great shit! Thanks for the break down and doing all those pulls for the viewers homie nice car

[@skripts7128]

I'm pretty sure if you get air fresheners, each one give like 15hp

[@NapFloridian]

if you wear shorts while driving, will get you to 390 easy....however, wearing an Apple Watch will reduce that horsepower by at least 50%

[@SpiderSense-ation]

@@NapFloridian vape in hand gives you easily 150 hp 🤣

[@pc287]

Esp the turbo shaped air freshener that thing gave me 50 hp to the wheels dogg!

[@Brock_Landers]

That Cobb BOV reminds me of my Tial BOV on my Civic. I have wanted to get a WRX since they first came out, but never got the chance to get my hands on one. I have always been a Honda guy since I was 18 and bought an older Integra (back in 2001). I bought a 97 Civic for $1k back in 2014 and boosted the VTEC single cam that was in it and it would hang with modified WRXs. Now though, it has a built forged LSVTEC turbo in it and so far I was able to make 508 whp on my current setup, and still have room for more. Yes, it is still FWD, but with the LSD that I put in the trans it grabs and goes. Regardless of what I am into, I still always show love to other people's builds no matter what brand it is because they put their heart and soul into it and that's what matters to me. Awesome build brother.

[@dannythompson1948]

Bro... Your car is soooooo fucking sick..

[@squishypitbull]

Get yourself a lightweight crank pulley. I have basically the same mods on my car. I can say that after installing the lightweight crank pulley the car feels like a whole new animal.

[@EducationalSnipers]

Can cause crank walk if your on a lightweight flywheel

[@devan.darrell]

Thanks for the video man!!! I got a LGT I'm looking to get around the 300WHP range. Nice to know with some simple BPU parts and tune I can get close to that without tearing into the motor and still using the stock turbo.

[@abc_u_hater]

Stickers and blow off valve

[@magicpoptartz1436]

Lol

[@ZrowFoxGivn]

Don't forget the LEDs under the dash. An easy 15 horses.

[@Khaki_wrx]

@@ZrowFoxGivn Got mine in blue so its a "cooler" for the turbo from factory haha

[@nonamebtw5720]

Don’t forget the fuzzy dice

[@abc_u_hater]

@@nonamebtw5720 nah fuzzy dice = too much hp.

[@iHiTMaN69]

That BOV sounds amazing

[@petermello55]

I’m going to have this set up with headers/uppipe and grimspeed intercooler. I’m excited after seeing your numbers.

[@papermind4010]

You may be disappointed

[@danaschoen432]

That Boxer Exhaust note just cant be beat!

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

I love the noise!

[@ericpierce8641]

I will definitely be trying this!!!

[@magicpoptartz1436]

Your car sounds amazing I want it lol I prefer the 2006 sti but your one sounds awesome

[@brennanm5645]

So many people use stage 2 with either an intake or catless and then complain when they have problems. If you are using an OTS tune be sure to use the right parts!

[@wedgoku]

My 2002 Subaru wrx wagon stage 2+ using cobb sf intake/aftermarket boost controller with pro tune made( @ 16-17PSI) 210WHP & 218torque on a all-wheel drive dyno that 300HP must be the crank number!

[@bigdm9349]

Want to know what to do??? Downpipe, injectors, fuel pump, e85 tune... thats is the easiest most reliable way to get 300 imo

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

I agree

[@zaucy_]

i know this is an old ass comment but what size injectors?? and what brand fuel pump do you recommend?

[@djcromwell439]

@@zaucy_ look Into some Subaru forums

[@zaucy_]

Dj Cromwell cool will do. Thanks man!!

[@dominicchavez9649]

He said the same exact ringing in the video 😂

[@hellfire72]

Thank you for using the correct term AFTERFIRE. There are so many people that keep calling the pop from the exhaust BACKFIRE.

[@Furiousbob]

Right? If your car was truly backfiring, you wouldn't be driving it very long haha.

[@TTime685]

+David J Either Who the fuck says "afterfire".. lol Either term is correct...

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

+TTime685 no, definitely not. Backfire is where unused fuel combusts in the cylinder. After fire is where it combusts after the cat.

[@TTime685]

+SubaruWRXRacing Uh, look up the definition and get back to me.. Cylinder or exhaust

[@agarcia8800]

+SubaruWRXRacing after fire is post turbo or post engine.

[@np7065]

Had my 2002 wrx since 2011 and since then I have a built ej257 and ra gears. I invested quiet a bit of money on this car but at the end of the day I love waking up in the morning.

[@neptuneatlantic4883]

Niko Pichardo

[@neptuneatlantic4883]

Niko Pichardo

[@fl4tgamer639]

Dude this is nice

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

I have been getting lots of questions and messages, I will be able to reply a lot quicker on Twitter - @SubaruWRXRacing

[@lifeistooshortletitgo9574]

Twitter is dead.

[@istiklalcaddesi]

How did you go with all mods? Did your engine or gearbox had any issues at all? If not I am impressed!

[@mik3323]

@subaruwrxracing hey, I have almost the exact same mods (minus the Cobb cai, I'm running aem)!! my next purchase is probably going to be a catted dp and a pro tune. but its nice to see a fellow narrow body out there!!

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

That's what I'm talking about!

[@robertdepesci3418]

many people have complained about a throw out bearing issue with the clutch... what are your thoughts on this?

[@daniellawson5127]

7:03-7:09 = 0-60 in close to 6 seconds I know that factory intercooler was probably heat soaked but a 300hp wrx should be in the 4's 0-60... considering the stock ones can run it in 5 flat. Get a fmic, air oil separator, and a real tune... then you'll be closer to 300hp, your 0-60 will reflect it at that point.

[@MrStlover99]

i have the same setup on my 07 sti, dynoed on a dynapak, got 323hp and torque 340

[@MrPachanga-ln1jq]

Sweet ride

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

Thank you!

[@ErgoProdigy]

Kinda odd they nerfed the stock boost on the STI. Just get a tune and you'll make the 300 HP easy.

[@YoBroISnipe]

I just bought my 05 WRX Sedan about a week ago, has 39K miles, and the only mods that it has are an SPT intake and an AVO bov. I just wanna get it over 300 hp right now and then ill probably sit there for a while & do some cosmetic upgrades.

[@mbondarchuk17]

Dang lucky. would love to find a 05 with low miles! If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay?

[@YoBroISnipe]

yeah i was checking the postings every day for a month or two before i found it. I paid 14.5 for the car plus taxes n stuff. the car did come with an SPT intake and AVO blow off valve, along with two 10 inch subwoofers and a decent set of rims and tires. So it was expensive for a wrx but its such great condition

[@mbondarchuk17]

+not Jhayy What state do you live in? I can't find any wrx or Sti's with low mileage where I live

[@YoBroISnipe]

bought it in Oregon

[@mbondarchuk17]

+not Jhayy I live in Seattle. Maybe I should look at some cars in Portland

[@DOLSON1120]

love to see dyno spec numbers, 09 wrx stage two pro tune here.

[@sfricke33]

RED FLOOR LIGHTS, MOD LEVEL OVER 9000!!!!!

[@MrBillDaBear]

On a wrx I would NOT upgrade the clutch, unless the trans is strengthened. There needs to be some slip in the system when driving hard, especially since common aftermarket mods increase torque (like Cobb Stage 1, 2). Torque is what kills drivelines Since it’s AWD, tires won’t slip like in 2WD. So that leaves either the clutch, or all other driveline components. I’d rather have the clutch slip than an axle snap or have my trans explode lol

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

300 ft/lb torque on my automatic ej207 = that is what makes me win on the street !

[@gncstroud4158]

That high rpms launch tho haha

[@tastysti5322]

COBB SF INTAKE ,,,, i swear i saw the AEM intake under the hood there

[@beatinxmoney9153]

it has the heat shield

[@au123ful]

Brian Jamieson aem is better cobb is basic bitch shit

[@ccfbrad]

Looks EXACTLY like my AEM intake but with a heat shield. : /

[@MondoFlix]

Aem better

[@tastysti5322]

@@MondoFlix haha this was 4 years ago I wrote this comment

[@GMWsho]

If it was me, I would buy an sti, get Catless TB exhaust, fuel pump, 3 port boost solenoid then a tune and at that point im sure you would have similar power but you dont need to worry about injectors, intake, clutch and you have a super strong 6 speed also with better suspension and stronger engine however if your talking about 2008 wrx vs sti it could be a big money difference. I have a V7 Sti and im so glad I didnt get a wrx but like I said, the 2008 sti would be a lot more than the wrx so thats a big factor I guess. Nice build tho, 315hp for wrx is pretty good, the Turbo must pretty maxed out tho.

[@peterfinlan8159]

Hey there! My 2008 WRX is in the shop right now undergoing a stage 2 upgrade with full invidia TBE and cold air intake (+ tune). What's the noise like from this exhaust? I don't overly love loud cars so was trying to avoid anything obnoxious just purry, and subtle.

[@JamesRyanCopeland]

Ive got the same setup as the description except the injectors and i assume it is under 300hp by the way it pulls, do you have the claimed hp numbers proven?

[@shaantewari6178]

I have on 05 wrx and went stage 2 about a month back. I was hitting about -2.11 fine knock learn at throttle changes and ~-4.22 feeback knock sometimes. Last week I was hitting positive .7 fine knock. I switched to the ACN stage 2 91 tune and am still getting ~-2.11 feeback knock. Are you having the same problem? My plan is to do uppipe, Cobb sf intake

[@bryantgaspari]

Bov dosent do anything except sound like unicorn farts lol

[@athaothao2880]

nice 2008 subaru turbo 300hp pulll

[@tomaszstarling]

I have a 2005 Saab 9-2x aero which is a WRX with different body panels, a better suspension and a quieter exhaust, if it wasn't for the hail damage it would be like new because I rebuilt the engine at 90k miles so it's like new.

[@miggyv6856]

I could never take advice from someone who leaves his hand on the stick when he’s driving...

[@WrenchesnWenches]

But it’s comfortable 😭

[@miggyv6856]

@@WrenchesnWenches it’s also bad for your synchros. Then people wonder why it won’t shift into 3rd gear anymore 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@peterraps9659]

I don't know man... you're not convincing... anyone? You sound like the guy who blows his engine.

[@jason11801]

no killer b oil pan, baffle and pickup. he doesn't plan on keeping it long, he should do that and air/oil separator with equal length he could make it reliable with 3500 maybe less

[@caleb9246]

You sound like a guy who goes to Swinging Richards instead of the Pink Pony

[@Cayylub]

So can you also do this on an 08 impreza 2.5 or will you need extra parts to support the engine/other parts that at non-wrx?

[@redline350zHR]

Is that where the light shows up when you turn traction off? I have a 2011 and that is where my light shows up (same as on your dash) My friend has a 2013 and when he turns traction OFF, his light shows up right underneath 8k rpm mark on his RPM gauge. Just wanted to know if this is normal thank!!

[@eagled7526]

Perhaps an automatic trans swap is in the works? Looks like it would suit you better lol

[@jakubtryzna1543]

Quick questions, at what RPM are you cruising highway at 75MPH on 5th gear? thanks!

[@archangelpaladin44]

Ya i call bs. Even if your "tuner" was giving you crank hp number based on some very generous conversion formula there is no way your tiny turbo could make that power with the stock intercooler on pump gas. Cobb says that a typical 2008 will make about 20% more whp on stage 2 so you're looking at 220-230 whp max so like 250-260 crank hp max. There is a reason why 2009-2014's are in such higher demand than 2008's.

[@luckyduckydrivingschool3615]

What about 2004s?

[@rattleheadcs6758]

They come 265hp crank stock...

[@ryanbialorucki1201]

Do you have a Protune on this I have heard you need a Protune with a catless Downpipe or would the stage 2 Cobb map work fine with it

[@rafaelcastaneda4407]

I have a question I have a 2001standard wrx and my first gear isn't getting enough gas what could it be?

[@shroomape]

Might have been said before, but the exhaust is Invidia, not Nvidia. Sorry to sound picky, just so people know if they want to research where to buy them.

[@Furiousbob]

Yep you are correct! My bad!!

[@Allidor985]

+Aaron L video wasnt clear enough, installed a new videocard in car

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

Lmao ^^

[@TheNucMed]

+Alex Koch LMAO....nice

[@dog942]

+Alex Koch Whats you car's FPS?

[@cartereastman9856]

Watching the speedo my 02 wrx with just the ap pulls harder and faster acceleration

[@simoncarlsson7949]

Rides clutch on every shift

[@angelomaselli5191]

I just got my 2016 sti I wanted to know where can I get good deals on Cobb acess port and cobb intake and cobb bypass valve . I have the axle back nameless exhuast I also need the mid pipe but don't want to spend the 600 for it from nameless .

[@Turn0vers]

Does this apply to every generation? Looking at tuning up a Hawkeye for on the low.

[@gavinpancirov]

i have an 08 wrx and am making 320 awhp 370 lb ft tq. vf 52 turbo though that td04 is unreliable. Im surprised that little tiny intercooler doesn't get heatsoak.

[@suvacirema2247]

nice

[@Curly_-pk1hu]

Just add stickers it will make it faster It will make any car faster

[@f12got49]

i would smoke wrx all day in my little 1.8t jetta that thing would hit 90 on 3rd gear spooled way quicker than a wrx turbo but sadly i had to sell it to get wrx for some fun but mostly real use in these hard winter times

[@reyrallos5042]

hello i just have a quick question your footwell illumination is that the OEM?

[@808Cummins]

So you're saying your 08 WRX is making more hp than my 11 STI which is running stage 2? I am confused 🤦‍♂️

[@theELiTEboarder]

Is your downpipe the divorced catted one or is the high flow cat comewhere else?

[@elmoreno7606]

What's the different between 2009 wrx vs 2009 sti cause I am thinking about getting a wrx lol but yeah

[@loveii5481]

I have a Subaru Impreza gx s and I want to turbo it but my engine can’t handle it would it be cheaper to engine swap it to the wrx/ or sti engine then to buy a wrx as a whole altogether I’ve only got 3k saved atm for my car so yeah

[@fate7781]

I want to get like 2002 wrx and I need it to run faster than a 2005 mustang gt. What should I do to it and how much will it cost to make it a low 13s car

[@kcampbell4098]

yup, my '08 GT500 was 500 hp OEM then , 160f thermostat, carbon fiber 140mm CAI, L&M 72 mm throttle body, tune, mix well 650tq 630ish hp supporting suspension parts, SVT exhaust(borla) race car with plates.....will drink 30 gallons of fuel an hr....oB

[@Uncle_rizz]

I have a 2010 forester XT with the same exact engine I believe

[@junior963300]

Get E85 like I did. I had the same numbers before flex fuel. Look at my dyno vid to see what corn does! LOL

[@onedayillpay]

have you upgraded anything since this video... I have a stock 08 hatch 4 years now and its depressing lol I hope to get the access port with intake soon... that would be a start... I like your video is on a budget build... I do have a 12 pound flywheel I put in my self!

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

Unfortunately I don't have this one anymore :(

[@onedayillpay]

4:30 did u clutch kick it... I'm putting in a new clutch in a few weekends. have not made the decision on the stage 2 yet. have you run into firewall spot weld issues? any clicking when u push the clutch in?

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

I used to have a clicking issue, Subaru said it was a recall and fixed it for free. It was the pedal bracket came un-welded

[@zakattack467]

Was thinking about getting a bugeye but after watching this video I think the only "mod" I want to do is not become a "subie bro"

[@Spartanic89]

NICE! can i ask if you've had any issues since you went stage 2? w/all the mods you did.

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

Next to none to be honest @chefgamer. I had a small oil leak at one point and an exhaust leak but besides that it's still running strong!

[@Spartanic89]

+SubaruWRXRacing cool, do you recommend EWG? I wanna get rid of creeps permanently. Also if however your transmission breaks, where would you start to build a stronger one? This is one main reason why i dont wanna mod my wrx beyond stage 2, do you know where to get parts for stronger transmission or swaps for wrx 2011 in bay area ca? Thanks for your infos.

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

+CHEFGAMER I don't really know many places over there, I would do a google search, I normally go to my tuner and ask and he generally will direct me in the right place. Find a local tune shop and ask one of them they should get you in the right place

[@MrMichaelProductions]

That 5speed only has an estimated half a dozen good launches before she goes

[@nickgigglestick5853]

Is it still running? What's the reliability of stage 2 ots map?

[@jessec.7047]

Are you protuned? I make 342whp/362 trq 650 dw injectors ebay top mount intercooler 3 in catless 2 inch up pipe 340 aem 3 port ebcs protune 91 octane

[@noahbrown3121]

Realistically what does an access port do becuz idk if I’m tryna spend that much on it

[@rysnik26]

What is up with all of the vibration when you are in gear???

[@andrew360gl4dplayer]

why does it seem slow 0-60 looked like 5 or 6 sec

[@masonmirante1538]

I have a 2005 wrx that I just bauhht stock with 120,000 miles I just started my journey of building and I just bauhht a intake and acces port

[@surfjujitsu2456]

Hello i just recently baught a 18 wrx. I am going to tune it in the futer. Was wondering whats the smartest way to get around 300 hp. Im not trying to do to much to it jjst make it around the same hp as an sti. If anyone could inform me id apreciate it thanks.

[@XxdjforrestxX]

I gotta see those mods on an STI

[@StylezOnline]

If you want a reliable WRX I would not recommend going past Stage 1 Personally I own a 2009 Impreza WRX with, Cobb Accessport (Stage 1, 93 Octane) Cobb SF Intake Invidia Q300 Exhaust Lighter Aftermarket Wheels (6lbs less per wheel) Dyno read 285+ WHP Meaning 350+ at the Crank I have some cosmetic things like a Cobb Shift Knob, front lip, and vortex generator however nothing I’ve done isn’t tasteful

[@stevewort]

Put it on a dyno, and come back with the charts backing up your claims. Otherwise go with what the respective bolt on claims are, which is 20% gain as mentioned by others ...

[@smple5337]

Well I was skeptical that a couple of bolt ons would net 300hp on a wrx but today I was proven wrong and was glad about it lol my 13 wrx made 302hp and 335tq with a protune and only actually power mods I have are intake, downpipe, tgv deletes, and ebcs this was on a mustang Dyno and I do have a copy of the Dyno sheet

[@DireReplay]

Juan how much psi

[@matthewvarnam4302]

How much HP will a stock Subaru engine hold

[@EducationalSnipers]

Why do you keep going from 3rd to 4th then back to 3rd then back to 4th when your at the exact same speed

[@lifeistooshortletitgo9574]

How not to drive: Check; Buddy spend some cash on driving lessons.

[@pyschedeliceveryday]

Hey did you do a new fly wheel with that clutch?

[@Acosta11165]

how long have you been running stage 2?

[@dredarko8174]

Does this work with the 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX bugeye?

[@traviss9074]

I'm a former 08 wrx owner... The 2.5 with 227hp. So all those mods which aren't much brought u up that much huh?? I got a 2017 now and so far my mods are injen intake access port stage one (no exhaust yet) and winter tires. Wondering what kinda hp I'll be sitting at when I get downpipe turbo back and possibly fmic. I'm down the road wanting to either get a crate motor from Crawford 400+ hp as a daily driver. Or deciding if I wanna mod my way there. Anyway man good job and good luck with the narrow body. I remember the suspension sucked balls in that year. Any plans on suspension mod? I love the new gen suspension. Freaking incredible

[@SubaruWRXRacing]

Sounds like a solid plan! So I sold this Subaru, and bought a 2011 STI that I was working on building, unfortunately it threw a rod and I won't be continuing that build. Hopefully will have a new one soon I can start making some progress with!

[@bensumma]

Is there anything I can do to make an Impreza faster?

[@lownb8656]

I might be buying one tmrw, I feel very pressured. Seems like people care a lot about how you drive and it’s a subie so it gets a lot of hate. I am nervous also because I don’t know a lot. I am very excited and eager to learn about the engine and all that. Anybody have tips. I really want to know more. Any places I can learn? Thanks

[@eliashrodriguez6651]

How did the stage 2 tune last you?

[@nothingOr01010101]

4:31 in the video, the car chirps the tires and jumps 1000rpm in a split second :o

[@redwingking97]

Am I stupid or is does the invidia downpipe already have a high flow cat? Why are you saying it desperately like it’s two different things?

[@alexbocanegra4498]

How did you overcome the boost lag in the 08? I have an 08 as well and just want to know how to improve power, getting an access port soon and have a exhaust system on it and BOV. Any tips?

[@alexbocanegra4498]

Also have stage 2 clutch

[@theokranz]

315 hp at the crank or wheels?

[@tynce563]

I’d assume at the wheels actually. I’m not sure if it would be that high. I have a 2015 wrx with a turbo back and instake (basically the only power mods he has) and it gets anout 290 to the wheels on the dyno. The cobb tune only put me at about 270 or so.

[@gary4864]

what i liked about your build = safe power, new clutch what i would of done differently = save up 3-4k and then buy everything at once, in the end get a professional tune, access ports suck, every car is different and you might be fucking yourself and you dont even no it, leave cpu n shit like that to pro's and a well known tuner x.x Full exhaust, a real cold air intake, fuel injectors, fuel pump, and tune with e85 probably 300 whp for 2k instead of 315 CHP for 3-4k hopefully he switched out the tune to a pro tune im scared for him if he gets ring land failure and i dont even own the car x.x nice setup tho :)

[@thatmncarguy9011]

how is it running to this day?

[@user-wr3zm4jr4t]

It’s a bummer that Cobb doesn’t offer the stage 2 for the 04 wrx