Subaru WRX STi for Dummies: A Modification Guide

Modifying your Subaru WRX STi engine can be a pleasant expirience or a very scary one! It's important to do it in the right order to maintain maximum reliability since these engines are basically made of glass..
Here are my notes I made for this video to help you if you prefer to read!
Cat-Back
Accessport+ intake (except ACN)
Awkward Point
Downpipe + OTS Map If you want
East cost 93 octane much more stable fuel and run lean and be okay, west coast not okay get a injectors with a downpipe
IAG AOS
Injectors, Fuel Pump, Downpipe, BOV, Pro Tune, FMIC
Flex Fuel Kit + Fuel Pressure Monitor
ProTune Again - stock turbo is quick spool - if no E85 get a Cobb turbo will get it to 375 on pump gas
Stock location and pump gas only big turbo stock motor only 400 OR UNDER
Manley Pistons, Rods, bearings, maybe valve springs if high miles - stage 1 has high volume oil pump good to 500hp
500-600 closed deck block (heads off there's a lot of void area - plate aluminum they fill in the area and adds strength to the top of the cylinder - can't handle high volume without reinforcement - can cause funky wear issue (30lb of boost, 600hp)
600+ sleeve the block, and press in the cast iron sleeves (60+lb of boost)
Stage 1+ is not available in ACN
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[@joeybaru8807]

hey thank u for making this video no1 has anything like this it really helps people that dont have alot of experience and are shy about asking a tuner lol

[@GabeItchess]

Truuu I’m doin research before buying one cery informative tbh

[@dariuspayne3075]

@@GabeItchess did u buy one? If so do you like it?

[@GabeItchess]

@@dariuspayne3075 no not yet. i’m not rushing into one but i do want one soon. i’m always looking online to find the right one wit set price. but i will get one soon!! what bout you!

[@4Recce]

Just a follow up on the Hp numbers, I have been a Subaru owner for the past 7 years and have modded and worked on EJ engines for a while. The internals of the normal Ej series engines are made from cast iron so although it is possible to get 400 hp out of the engine, your wear is much higher which means your pistons, ring seals etc will fail eventually. We tend to keep the stock engine under 350 hp, any higher and you need to replace the internals completely to have a reliable engine. Higher than 600 hp it is recommended to get a custom block ( IAG make really good ones). Also, most of the Impreza variants 2009 up don't really need a cold air intake, rather focus on your intercooler with a performance air filter, and a high flow exhaust. You will see more hp for the amount you are going to spend. you can also look at changing sway bars and engine mounts to stiffen up the car. this will allow more hp to hit the road. One thing you can also do is upgrade the radiator, it can help with engine life, especially in a place that has a hotter climate like Texas Arizona etc.

[@postmodernyogi296]

I will caution that warranties will be voided and passing emissions can be difficult where you live. I found the emissions part the hard way. And got a clutch replaced for free on my stock 2018. Although, I did just buy it. Not to mention, better have some dough. These cars aren’t made for 22 year old college kids who can barely make payments. They are made for responsible people who have the money to make these cars run the way they are made to run. I’ve had STi’s since 2008. Learned the easy way and the hard way. Learning the easy way was always much more satisfying.

[@ballywafflez2240]

Good video, like the research put into it. Defiantly video anyone wanting to build a subaru should watch. Keep it up.

[@despicableren1143]

I love subbies.

[@mattlivetv9246]

I did everything right...AOS after break in. Quality tune. Then full bolt ons, upgraded injectors and fuel kit, with equal length headers and quality pro tune again. No knock, but sure as shit...cylinder's 2 and 4 just leak tested at 70% and 75%. 25k miles. :(

[@jeffreyaviles1520]

Damn. Sorry to hear man. What ended up happening after that if you dont mind me asking?

[@DrJayxxx]

Also curious

[@sunnyside832]

Best video out there. Thanks bro!

[@rboyett]

Closed deck is closing the deck in the block not head

[@dakotasteingrabe9490]

So if I just put the Tomei exhaust on my subie and everything else is stock it won't ruin my car?

[@GabeItchess]

broo that’s exactly what I want to do wit mines too! Jus a simple exhaust ! How it go wit yours ?

[@RA-hx2fu]

A tomei won’t do anything bad.

[@tenzingsherpa6323]

Anything more then cat you’ll need to tune it

[@wrx3853]

So right now i have an intake and headers just waiting for my down pipe to get a pro tune

[@warpdriveby]

If you're able to id swap the header, for a TGV/EVG delete, upgrade the charge pipe, and the EVB the WRX/STI has many more pre-cyllinder airflow issues than post. I have yet to install my Cobb accessport but this being my third self tuned car I've got to say the ability to instantly swap tune-maps without swapping out the whole ECU is a gigantic bonus. From the other buyers I've asked the one thing I hear most is OTS maps are ok but an actual dyno tune will be much better (not like 30hp/25wtq but as in the elimination of the bumps and humps in your output) last thing for All '15 and on owner and most of the older models: RUN A CAN OF SEAFOAM through it every 10k. The TGVs and egr are gunking up badly and leaving varnish/carbon deposits especially on the valves. I know it applies to the 06 STI as my brother owns one, just search your model year and TGV valves to see how much issue you'll have. I also have heard the JDM EGVs are plug and play but havent been able to verify this.

[@flyingdagger97]

Anyone here keeping their car relatively stock? lol

[@jackcollin1695]

Yeah.me. check mine on facebook @ Jack C. Kollin .bonestock engine.

[@adamgaudreau8297]

Yea, at the end of the day warranty is more important to me than power.

[@manny9800]

@@adamgaudreau8297 100% just do a cat back, and other supporting mods that will not void the warranty.

[@Tundra0128]

@@manny9800 full exhaust systems can void the warranty

[@manny9800]

@@Tundra0128 anything after the cat will not void the warranty

[@Recon_Racing]

Launch Edition brothers 💪

[@jwkpov734]

Stock IAG AOS Street Corsa Exhaust Lexus RCF Wheel by BBS (19X9.0 +50mm) 265/35R19 Firstone Indy 500 STi Wheel by BBS (18X8.5 +55mm) 255/40R18 Kumho Wintercraft WP75 Sony XAV-AX100 So far so good.

[@brandonturbo9911]

Exact diameter front to rear?

[@Recon_Racing]

Why do you have like 3 different wheels?

[@osbaldocastaneda28]

I’m from the future. Should I follow this his motor failed

[@RA-hx2fu]

I’m asking myself the same thing haha

[@vangstii]

I live in california and my subaru impreza wrx hatchback is stock which stage or map do I choose? I'm kind of confused tbh.

[@Germaingazm]

Did a similar video to this on my channel, same opinion as me 😁 stage 2+ is enough for me, dont want to fork out $$ for fuel system upgrades

[@MonRoeTheory]

What's your average mpg on that tune?

[@Yocloudii]

And what are your mods ??

[@Germaingazm]

@@Yocloudii intake, tune, exhaust, 3port boost solenoid ~270-280whp

[@Yocloudii]

@@Germaingazm no DP?

[@floZone007]

Good info! These mods add up quick ;)

[@invertedv12powerhouse77]

Dont know if youd see this but im helping a friend with not much car knowledge making a build and he has a 2015 sti, i noticed theres a lot more tubes and funny things around the engine than the old stis im more familiar, its getting a new built shortblock so i was wondering what i could do to simplify the overall system and remove the emission junk added all over. Im was a diesel tech by trade and this type of stuff is way different than what i dealt with

[@davidwefler5716]

I hope you meant to say the Closed deck would be in the block buddy not the heads just fyi... but good videos keep them coming

[@danielruiz3795]

If you live in california and have cobb intake, tomei exhaust and accesport should you run stage 1 91 or the stage 2 ACN

[@mikegrabowski1345]

Daniel Ruiz stage 2 ACN

[@503pilychvz8]

I have grimmspeed catted dp . Perrin intake and catback exhaust and I run stage 2 ACN 91

[@Iceman78ize]

Intake wont make a difference untill you get a bigger turbo. Stock sti intercooler can take 20psi from most a stock turbo can take easy

[@rubberlessg241]

Where can i find those wheels at?

[@codycromer2206]

Where in AZ is the best tune shop??? Drove down from Seattle. Looking to upgrade exhaust.

[@albertyao8622]

I'm thinking about getting an gold wheel for my STI. Which one do you put on this car?

[@jonathangarciavalle506]

I bought and STI 2018 the refresh model what and amazing car! It has the perfect handling for road in the mountains and more then enough power stock hitting top end. I’m personally spending most of my money on my suspension and better conering. If I want 500HP or 600HP you might has well just get a camaro or a corvette for the same price.

[@postmodernyogi296]

Buy a faster car pretty much is what I learned here. This is what you call going fast, with extra steps and spending extra money and making sure everything runs properly without having major setbacks.

[@mikegrabowski1345]

Ann Onymous agreed. If you want to go fast invest in a different car. If you’re in it for the passion and enthusiasm of the subies, go with the subie

[@terpfan428]

can yo do a tomei, cobb V3, cobb intake and cobb BOV??? will thay harm your engine

[@dylanboyance3682]

yes, BOV should get pro tuned

[@Zaikclon950]

I really want to get an STI and i also live in arizona, specifically in tucson. I plan to keep it stock but the only thing holding me back is that we dont have 93 oct gas. Should I do it?

[@CameronAlford]

Yeah just tune for 91 and be nice to it when it's hot and you'll be fine!

[@GabeItchess]

I want one to in Cali bro. I wanna keep it stock , we’ll jus with a exhaust install , that’s it , keepin stock other than that. What’s up wit the gas if I do that? The gas part confuses me haha . Stock wit exhaust on STi need 93? 89?

[@patrickpapania4891]

your wheels look so fucking good

[@hiramaragon1903]

In the market for one but not really down to have all these problems. I’m just wanting exhaust and catless downpipe and I do have to still tune ?

[@jeffyboye9739]

Is the 2015 wrx turbo placement different than the 2015 wrx sti ?

[@morrwheeles]

Thank you brother

[@Thundercracker67]

@CameronAlford So I have a 2021 STI and I put and ETS extreme on it. Was planning to do an intake and downpipe for stage 2 and get a pro tune. I am finding out that if I do both it will run too lean? So would I just do an intake then? I definitely don’t want to deal with flex fuel. Is that still a decent bump in power at that level with just an intake and catback?

[@jpm1383]

I currently have a cold air intake, turboback exhaust, aos seperator, and an upgraded top mount intercooler on an 07 wrx. I wanted to get a protune in the meanwhile and then get injectors and fuel pump when I have more money saved up. Would this be bad or could it hold up without the injectors and fuel pump for a while?

[@DiegoMartinez-um4qi]

I have a 2018 STI with a nameless cat back exhaust I have a Perrin intake ready to be installed do I need a pro tune and what map should I run now on my accessport

[@fearfused7946]

yes

[@yaboisubbie5503]

All I’m gonna do is buy a turbo,straight pipe, air filter, intercooler, new Rims, And the separator

[@mrbeans2425]

if i have an AP and catback Q300 but waiting on my intake and J-Pipe. would Stage 1+ be bad to run before i add the intake?

[@g80krish]

once i get intake and accessport am i good to run stage 1+ ots tune that comes with accessport or do i need to get it pro tuned right away?

[@Tundra0128]

how do you increase the hp and torque on one of these?

[@postmodernyogi296]

Start with a k and n cold air intake. Cheapest, fastest way. About $250-$280 and you can install them yourself. You will see an immediate improvement. Plus they will help fuel efficiency. Have fun in your Subie!!!!!

[@mikegrabowski1345]

Stock exhaust system is too restrictive for the car, get a turbo back exhaust with a cold air intake and you’ll be way happier

[@Thor6721]

I bought my 2015 WRX with a cold air intake already installed on it with no tune. Should I switch the whole cold air intake system back to stock? I don't plan on getting an accessport at all.

[@thedon9670]

Lol I'm guessing it's already blown on you then. Tough luck bud.

[@mogul1442]

Great video.whats that music at the beginning of the video?

[@jonnieinthe256]

So you have to tune it for every modification you do to it? I might rethink about getting a sti.

[@takeda1648]

it actually depends on what mods you get, if you get downpipe/headers/FMIC you will need a tune.

[@npaul4171]

Beyond a catback, if altering the airflow characteristics, it needs to be tuned. IMHO, it's best to just do all the mods at once and invest in a competent pro tune.

[@AngelGuzman-sj7zs]

EVERYTHING ON THESE CARS REQUIRE A TUNE EXCEPT A CATBACK

[@curvaholic]

Yup which is actually possible on the sti and evo factory ecu. Most other jdm rides require a standalone ecu.

[@patrickbrooks8749]

Zac Paul can i find tunes to download or do i have to find a tuner/dyno tuner?

[@Dmoney4600]

Doesn’t a STI come with over 300hp so why does he say you should be over 300 I’m always confused about that

[@jesusthenotorius6991]

He is talking about wheel horsepower vs the 300-305hp these come with, which is crank horsepower.

[@2k9mobbdeep]

You might want to go back to that drawing board 😂😂 Got damn Subaru.. so stressful..

[@jessejoly1878]

Zach William how?

[@2k9mobbdeep]

@@jessejoly1878 I believe his car succumbed to ringland Failure.. His whole engine was scrapped unfortunately but he did an awesome rebuild series for his sti.. Thats why I said back to the drawing board lol poor guy

[@myname11001]

what do you do to prevent ringland failure? i want to buy 2019 but i dont want to deal with that kind of problem

[@Landoram]

I bought 2019 and plan to stay stock except catback until warranty is up in three years. I don't drive much so I can be patient while it remains Subaru's problem.

[@mattiasandersson3444]

Buy and sWap out to forged pistons the first thing you do. It's the only safe way to do it.

[@DTFFP]

@K L only for the 15-17 ym i think, 18 and newer was revised.

[@DTFFP]

you prevent it by not doing stupid things. Get the right mods, don't overboost and always protune. example: don't run a catless DP on a cobb map... or don't run the DP along with an intake WITH stock fuel system on a shitty OTS map.. the top 2 biggest mistakes i've seen new owners do.

[@nicketheous9690]

Safe to run downpipe & Cobb Intake on Stage 2 OTS?

[@Fq7037]

HeartlessFitness you should be fine but I would still recommend a pro tune. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the Cobb ots maps

[@Jesssxox]

Great video but I’m still on the wall if I should start modifying my new sti that I have only had it for a month because it’s got 5 years warranty What do you recommend I should do?

[@gus6601]

You can still have an exhaust and a few other things

[@jimmyg6193]

Exhaust and call it a day.

[@JR-zj1ny]

if it aint still late, My recommendation is to save money as much as you can for the rest of the warranty, think and analize what you want to do and change, after 5 years, warranty is off, you take out all the money you save for mods, and turn it to a beast less than 5 months.. I believe is better, so you can have all at once, just wait and it will be worth it

[@BiggSwaggin67]

A tune is highly recommended for a cat-back exhaust. If you do want to keep that warranty, your safer with an axle-back muffler delete. If you don’t care about your warranty, then go all out!

[@samsmith4067]

Nick G why do you say a tune for "catback is highly recommended? I think you're confusing that for a turbo back.

[@J.NOBODY.1]

Tune is not necessary for a catback. If you replace your downpipe, then yes a tune would be ideal and necessary.

[@TimberWulfIsHere]

Only for turbo backs.

[@Menace_sti]

So if i have my sti with a ap and intake and want a downpipe. I will need a fuel pump and injectors + tune

[@collinleonguerrero9199]

nfamous_sti not really, you can throw the downpipe on and go get a pro tune or you can use the ots tune on the AP. But remember those tunes are made for Cobb parts so if you going accessport tune, get cob parts. A fuel pump and injectors aren’t necessarily “needed” unless you’re trying to squeeze every ounce of power. If that’s the case get a pro tune cause the tuner can keep it safe but have some extra power than stock

[@ninjaturdle69]

damn I just got a 00 2.5rs na and I need to find some communities lol

[@tilerf308]

Loved my STI but my engine blew at 35,000 miles. Happy with my F30 now 😁

[@aojjem]

Tiler F30 howd that happen? Were you stock or modded?

[@tilerf308]

Alberto Ortiz stage 1 and intake

[@Alonzoc16]

Tiler F30. I currently have stage 1 and intake at 28k miles. What else happened? 🤔 got me worried lol

[@dennisi6196]

Wait... so, I’m in Nevada. I just have an intake... so I’m supposed to be running a stage 2 ACN tune?

[@drnexus523]

If you have an aftermarket Intake. Your car should be tuned straight away since the new intake changes the air intake confusing the computer, which would actually make your car slower

[@TomCanino]

You mentioned stock block is good for 400whp but what about torque?

[@rboyett]

About the same

[@p13_velocity55]

So how much hp does a stock sti come with cuz I keep seeing multiple answers?

[@niallmcc6428]

Around 300hp I’m sure

[@yaboisubbie5503]

There’s 2 versions of the Sti one with atleast 300-310 and one with 315-321

[@thynysan]

Yep, glad I stayed away.

[@Soaraza]

lol that's what I'm thinking. He got ringland failure what not 6 months after this vid?

[@lolnoobz69]

I did learn something about my sti. I don’t want it anymore.

[@CameronAlford]

hahahahahahahahah..the rumble is worth it right ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@devynallred6363]

make one of these for the z

[@CameronAlford]

Already did :)

[@wrxstivideos7422]

I hate the fact that you never answer the comments this sucks like really bad.

[@Supertuner]

Subi love

[@noahbruckner3185]

Is a catback or turboback exhaust better? I have heard you get better performance from the turbo back but its also double the price of a cat back... What do you think?

[@tenzingsherpa6323]

Turbo back is so much better, obviously more expensive though

[@tenzingsherpa6323]

You’ll need to tune it too

[@noahbruckner3185]

@@tenzingsherpa6323 So is a turbo back basically a catback with a down pipe

[@tenzingsherpa6323]

@@noahbruckner3185 yes and can also use a down pipes from a different manufacturer, if you like the specs and if they're compatible. lookup and call your local tuner, a well reputable one that has successfully modified and tuned the same cars. he can advice you on how to mod your car within your budget

[@CarStory]

My mustang is for speed, my STi is for handling and all wheel drive fun.

[@danbenson5147]

Man one day I'll get a cool car again and modify it.

[@kellylynch9051]

WAAAAAY too many parts just to Frankenstein your car with unpredictable reliability. I’m going to trade my STI in for a corvette for reproducible power and SWAG!!

[@bryce850]

An sti was never built to be a Corvette, at heart it's still a small Japanese 4 door with a boxer 4.

[@mattiasandersson3444]

STI for dummies after having the car only a year. Lol.... What a joke. I have had 4 different STI's in 12 years, running 400 whp in stock engine is a idiot-thing. You really begging for trouble. Now running build engine and heads with a GTX 3582 Gen2. Doing 620 whp and it is holding up, not like with 400 hp in a stock engine holding up a couple month....

[@DTFFP]

i was searching for a comment like this. I thought i was crazy through out the video.. the stock block 370WHP and you're literally playing with fire. (not to mention the poor stock turbo) I happened to see the previous video where the fuel system was upgraded but was not mentioned here. Also if someone is maxing out the stock turbo there is no need to get a front mount intercooler, an upgraded top mount should hold up fine to 450-500 WHP... idk, to each their own but i wouldn't follow this video if I'm a new sit owner

[@eyesofdarkness8528]

Just keep it stock

[@lowlifeangler]

Might as well buy a used racing engine from Colin McRae

[@vincentbujold-roux4898]

This did not age well hahahah

[@cantfeelthis3288]

Wait why lol

[@vincentbujold-roux4898]

@@cantfeelthis3288 Because he blew up his engine a while ago hahaha

[@cantfeelthis3288]

@@vincentbujold-roux4898 oh god i was gonna follow this guide too haha thanks for the reply

[@Wonderlaust]

This video convinced me not to buy the sti I was looking at tomorrow, what an actual piece of shit motor

[@SigmaGuy1984]

Bov such a stupid waist of money. Completely unnecessary.

[@killrockstartv]

this video didnt age well lol.