What are Subaru Stages?

[@sinks8796]

2017 sti here. I have the killer bee oil pan, IAG performance v3 air/oil seperator, Cobb stage1+ kit w carbon fiber sf intake, ARP head studs and invidia h1 catback. Currently running stage1+ ots

[@alexs_wrex]

Nice 👍. You run into any issues while owning your STI?

[@VB_Bryan]

Just got my 2023 vb base in October. Really excited to start modding it!

[@alexs_wrex]

Nice! Good luck with your mods, lots of potential with the new VB's. I'm looking to get one soon.

[@HollowMagz]

What you gonna do? Im scared to mod and tune mine cuz i dont wanna void warrenty incase i blow the trans pushing it to much. Its my daily and i dont got the dough for a new trans lol

[@VB_Bryan]

@@HollowMagz Probs gonna get an intake and then do the drunkmann OTS stage 1 tune. After I will get a catch can then start looking at doing maybe the charge pipe. Its my daily too lol but from what I have seen people are only blowing the trans from going past 400whp. I am only aiming for like 300whp or so maybe around 320whp. Sometimes you just have to SEND IT haha

[@robertdavila5652]

2018 WRX limited I have and new purchased Cobb stg 2 with access port with intake, chatge pipe, boost controller.With the 401 ots and cat runs well. I am getting a turbo back soon with a pro tune local. My car also has 30k miles.

[@alexs_wrex]

The protune will make a night and day difference. I wish I had done it sooner.

[@andymorales7605]

If you don’t care for the sounds that come with going Bolton parts, I would definitely recommend going flex fuel tuned! I have been running a tune with delicious tunings flex fuel kit for over a year now. Running a E72 blend on my stock 2019 WRX I was pushing 315 whp and 338 ft lb TRQ. You can obviously get more horsepower and torque if you run a higher ethanol percentage. However, at the same time you can fluctuate how much ethanol you run and also run lower horsepower and torque. Definitely not trying to push running Flex Fuel tunes over full bolts on tunes as everyone definitely has their preferences. Just definitely want to bring to light something that I don’t think many people think of and or maybe even understand is a thing. As before running the flex fuel tune, I truly didn’t understand the complete differences. To get perspective cost wise. On average, it cost $5000 plus on just FBO parts. Not including install if you pay a shop to install your parts or Dyno time for a tune. So I would say depending on where you live in the country that could look like closer to $7k to $8k for just running a tune with FBO. You would probably realistically make around 310 to 315 whp and around 330 to 350 ft lb TRQ depending on if you have access to 91 or 93. On the flipside with running a flex fuel kit/tune you can easily run more whp & trq while technically staying stock and probably spending no more and than $3000 on parts, labor/install & tune. With all that being said, definitely recommend looking into your options as you can spend way less and technically make more power, but also having a choice to run less power at any given time if you want to run less ethanol gas & in your VA Subie. If anyone has any questions or would like some more information, let me know. I’ll be happy to share my Instagram and we can talk there! 🤛🏽

[@alexs_wrex]

I had already gone down the rabbit hole of bolt ons when I really started to learn about Ethanol tunes. I'm thinking of getting a VB soon, I'll probably go the ethanol route on that one, ik those cars make some serious gains.

[@andymorales7605]

@@alexs_wrex Oh nice that’s awesome! The VBs 100% get down! 🏎️🔥 I am positive tuners are out there trying to get a flex fuel kit made for them! Looking forward to seeing what content you make with the VB when you get it! 😁

[@TheWizard99705]

I might just do that just got a 2018 WRx premium. Came with Cobb intercooler nd intake. Ik I need a tune asap. But after that I might think about the flex fuel kit compared to FBO. Appreciate you throwing out ideas

[@TheWizard99705]

I live in Delaware though so idk if there’s any ethanol around me. Currently running 93. If I get a flex fuel kit, can I only run ethanol? Or would still be able to use 93?

[@alexs_wrex]

@@TheWizard99705 Yea, you should be able to run pure pump gas up to whatever mix you get tuned for, like e30, e60, e85, etc. Double check with your tuner though.

[@rjp2830]

2021 WRX Grimmspeed bolt-ons: stealth box intake, V2 gesi j-pipe, EBCS, invidia r400 CBE. 91 octane protune 292whp/328wtq . Coming soon: Grimmspeed ELH, v2 BPV, V2 turbo inlet, charge pipe, TMIC kit, radium engineering dual catch can kit installation then back to the shop to get tuned for the new parts on 91 octane. See how it handles it on stock fuel system. May have to upgrade the fuel pump and or injectors if it's maxed out the fuel system.

[@alexs_wrex]

Nice dude 👍. Sounds like you'll have a sick setup and it'll make all the right noises lol. Enjoy it!

[@rjp2830]

@alexs_wrex Thanks! I'm definitely looking forward to completing my Grimmspeed build take it back and let my tuner work his magic and go from there

[@outdawayyy887]

Love the videos bro. I just purchased a 2018 wrx. Bought the car at a dealer and had a Cobb intake/filter already installed. I don’t believe there’s currently a tune on it because the car dies right around 4K rpm and does not continue pulling.

[@jakekridler1510]

Get a tune on it asap! I have a 2020 wrx premium with the cobb SF intake and you absolutely need that tune if you don't wanna damage the car

[@alexs_wrex]

Glad you like the videos 👍. Definitely recommend getting an accessport and a proper tune. MAF readings are properly all screwed up. I would double check the position of the filter too. It should be an inch away from the inlet of the intake tube. Having it too far in or not far enough in can throw off the readings too.

[@TheFornesto]

If you get a new intake, you'll always want a tune. The amount of air flow to the engine will not be calibrated.

[@TheFornesto]

Not saying you didn't know this, upset at the dude before you who didn't.

[@tehSUNMAN]

I thought stage 2+ was intake, downpipe, and the upgraded top mount?

[@alexs_wrex]

Originally stage 2 was just a downpipe with a tune and stage 2+ was downpipe & intake with a tune. The new NexGen Stage 2+ package from Cobb provides an upgraded top mount instead of a downpipe.

[@tehSUNMAN]

@@alexs_wrexi’m tuned pre green speed with jpipe intake and top mount upgrade so that must mean stage 2++? 😂 i dk

[@lucian7182]

My tuner called my tune a stage 2 + but it’s literally injectors rails and lines away from stage 3. On my sti I have a ebcs, tmic ,intake, turbo inlet, bpv, fpr, fuel pump, dp, catback, radiator, oil pan kit, cylinder 4 mod and aos.

[@alexs_wrex]

@@lucian7182 Technically Stage 2+, as in Stage 2 plus everything else lol. But I guess it depends on who you ask.

[@zkcrazyy]

I'm not sure if you mentioned it in the video, but who did you get tuned by?

[@alexs_wrex]

I went to a shop called EFI Logics in Connecticut. Really good shop and they do some fantastic work. I'm planning on taking my car back to them to get it walnut blasted.

[@O8WRx]

STAGE 1: I won't modify it STAGE 2: I will only modify it without voiding the warranty STAGE 3: Fuck the warranty STAGE 4: "Smiles per mile"-justification for more power STAGE 5: (years later) How to prove to your significant other that it's a "family car" This was how it was for me. Totally worth it. A pro tune is ALWAYS better than an OTS. OTS to me is just to get you to the dyno imo. Although when I went STAGE 5 I ended up getting a Jeep Grand Cherokee as a family car lol.

[@alexs_wrex]

Lmao love this comment 😂

[@O8WRx]

I still have the STI. The Jeep was to appease the ol lady. Lol

[@Zach-z5m]

I have a 4EAT 2004 WRX with COBB stage 1+. I'm planning on putting a hsk blow off valve as well as hsk exhaust. Do you think I need Stage 2 tune?

[@alexs_wrex]

I know the newer wrx's need a tune for a blow off valve since you're venting to atmosphere instead of recirculating, so this throws the maf readings off. Not sure for 2004 WRX. If the exhaust is a catback you don't need a tune. If it's a turbo back, (with a downpipe/jpipe) then yea, you'll need a tune.

[@cristopherlopez1527]

does this minimizes the reliability on the car ?

[@alexs_wrex]

By making more power you are putting more wear on the engine and drivetrain. So things will need to be replace sooner than if it were stock. But tuning the car isn't going to necessarily make it "less reliable". All depends on the driver and how you maintain the car. A tuned car can be just as reliable as a stock car.

[@wombo7317]

Cat back and axle back don’t need any tune? I can just run the car stock tune?

[@alexs_wrex]

Yep, no tune needed until you mess with the downpipe.

[@cfletch3173]

What yall think about 2017 wrx w 64k miles? Safe to go stage 2? What can i do to check engine health and what factors should weigh in my decision?

[@alexs_wrex]

Did you just buy the car or have you owned it since new? Anything can happen when you mod your car but it all depends on maintenance. If the car's been maintained properly I don't see an issue. I'd highly recommend doing the 60k maintenance first if you haven't already. So Engine Oil, Trans/Dif Oil, Brake flush, Spark plugs, and good idea to get the intake valves walnut blasted at this mileage. My car currently has 61k and I've been protuned for about 15k miles, it's running perfectly fine. I'm really thorough with maintenance though. I'd recommend going with a protune or etune instead of the OTS tunes, the car will run a lot better.

[@cfletch3173]

@alexs_wrex thanks for the reply brother 🙏 I just bought it. The carfax shows a list of maintenance I'll look through and see if they did the 60k maintenance. I have a friend with the same year that blew hers up at 80k I'm trying to do everything I can to avoid that lol

[@ChetJang]

I have a new 3.5 bar MAP sensor my Cobb Accesstuner software doesn't support the settings I need. COBB has not been helpful after being fined by EPA. They never even answered my email.

[@alexs_wrex]

Damn, sorry to hear that man. Do you have a tuner you use? Maybe they can figure something out?

[@EricLinkhart]

Great video, I have a 2017 wrx, FBO. Cobb v3 accessport, cobb charge pipe, cobb boost control solenoid, top mount intercooler,cobb bpv, big sf intake, cobb turbo inlet, gesi cat back downpipe, axel back titanium exaust, e60 , and pro tuned by Cryotune performance. 306hp 306 wtq mustang dyno. On a dyno jet probably 340 for both. And the crank close to 400.

[@alexs_wrex]

That's dope man. Enjoy the car!

[@unknownproject1717]

Probably a stupid question but what would you recommend for Cobb intake and Hellfab side exit exhaust? Just Stage 1+?

[@alexs_wrex]

Do you still have the cats? If you do I'd just do Stage 1+. If you're catless I'd honestly get a protune or e-tune.

[@unknownproject1717]

@@alexs_wrex i’ll be catless. Perfect thank you!

[@Lucaswrxx]

Probably a stupid question but I have a tomei expreme cat back exhaust, a grimmspeed downpipe, no cats, a Cobb intake and a blow off valve but I’m pretty sure I’m still on stage 1, but I I have no idea what a reflash is or if I have installed it or not

[@alexs_wrex]

Do you have an accessport? There's no off the shelf tune for the mods you have. I'd highly recommend getting an etune or pro tune. You will need an accessport though. The car will perform so much better, assuming it's still running a stock tune or stage 1 tune.

[@Lucaswrxx]

@@alexs_wrexyes I do have an accessport and rn the maps are ECU realtime and ECU reflash both of them say stage 1 91 v400 and my car has performed way better with them, but when I got the accessport I noticed after triple digits mph it takes way longer to speed up than it did without the tune so why might that be happening? Should I go to stage 2? If I have all the mods I need?

[@VitalSyntax]

What side engine bay shroud do you have?

[@alexs_wrex]

Compressive Tuning

[@CandidKiller]

What am I if I got a an air intake, catless downpipe, external waste gate, after market bov, front to back fuel swap with 1050cc injectors running stage 2 Cobb ots tune. Bc from what you saying I’m way higher than I thought which was a stage 2+ Edit: also have a grimspeed boost control solenoid so I don’t understand how mine runs if this is true

[@alexs_wrex]

I mean the OTS tune will still let it run but it's not running at 100% , the ots tune isn't meant to handle all the other parts you have. I'd highly recommend getting a pro tune or etune. Your car will run a lot better and will probably make a lot more power.

[@CandidKiller]

@@alexs_wrex gotcha, that makes sense man I’ll definitely have to save up for that now

[@alexs_wrex]

@@CandidKiller It'll be a night and day difference. Good luck 👍

[@Craiggg12345]

💣 🤦‍♂️

[@zacharylipke9488]

How are you making those numbers? I have all the same mods but a GS TMIC and I am only making like 290hp and 280tq. Who’s your tuner?

[@alexs_wrex]

I went to a shop in Connecticut, they're called EFI Logics. They work on a lot of Subarus and do fantastic work. They said my Dyno numbers were what they expected for my mods. How many miles did you have on your car when you got tuned? I only had like 45k, once I hit 60k I walnut blasted the valves and replaced all the spark plugs. Feels even better now.

[@acidfall123]

I think I know this parking garage. Is it in White Plains?

[@brianyanes5615]

So now i can run the ots tune for the boost controller on the new nex gen for the wrx

[@alexs_wrex]

That's what it looks like. Here are the map notes for the NexGen tunes: cobbtuning.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/PRS/pages/1154154583/Map+Notes+for+VA+WRX+USDM

[@WilliamSilverman-j4c]

is flashing the ecu actually required when on stage 2 or will you be fine without it

[@alexs_wrex]

You definitely want to at least use the OTS tune if you're putting on a downpipe. Stock tune is not meant for a downpipe, your car will not run properly.

[@FuneralTransit]

Really wanna get a new E TUNE on my FA WRX limited so far full rebuild ACL racing main bearings drilled and ported oil jurnals for bearings upgraded heads from aluminum to steel valves upgraded oil pump 93 tune INTAKE and full grim speed cat back all the way back no cat no mufflers sti short shifter clutch master clutch kit. Process wess full race billet aluminum intake manifold just waiting to get the nord storm tunable injectors and Nord storm HP fuel pump and 450 LPH tank pump installed there sitting in my shed with the TGV delete and avo vertical mount intercooler and get another tune . Currently have the forced performance blue ball bearing full race turbo just saving up for the manifold and waste gates to get the turbo installed . Always catching them v8s off guard 😇🙃

[@alexs_wrex]

God damn dude. You are going all out, this thing sounds like a beast! 💪 Must be a ton of fun to drive!

[@law22inoc]

why not Cobb?? you have 2-3 volume did i miss something?

[@alexs_wrex]

Not sure what you're asking

[@law22inoc]

@@alexs_wrex COBB offers the stage 2 upgrade minus intake...(CA EXEMPT)

[@law22inoc]

By far best upgrade besides engine pieces by Perrin

[@jonjohns7080]

The older cars, Cobb doesn’t have anything past stage 1 anymore

[@alexs_wrex]

I don't know if they have the original "stage 2 package" but pretty sure you can still pick up downpipes for the older gens on the site.

[@thetogoodkid2315]

How do I install it onto my car

[@alexs_wrex]

You need a new one or one that isn't "married" to another car. Then plug it into your OBDII port with the supplied cable, turn the car on and follow the instructions on the accessport's screen to install it onto your car.

[@johngalt6159]

What wheels are those?

[@alexs_wrex]

Avid 1 AV-06

[@jonjohns7080]

Man that looks like my old car but it was an 11 had verticooler and mortegi wheels

[@alexs_wrex]

Nice!

[@jacksonwheel1464]

i got a fp black, iag stage 2 block, flex fuel and nvidia full system. and a sti swap.... what stage am i lmao

[@alexs_wrex]

Stage 69 lol 😂

[@Strz-wl2kg]

Good taste my car has same wheels av06

[@alexs_wrex]

Thanks 👍

[@Luke-hw3ne]

id still be worried about bending a rod or spinning a bearing over 300 😅

[@alexs_wrex]

True, there's always risks when it comes to modding your car. In general people don't have problems until they hit 350 wtq though, but yea anything can happen at lower numbers, even a stock car can have issues.

[@jonjohns7080]

An Cobb intake box

[@ninjaskillzyt]

doesnt that apply to like every car

[@alexs_wrex]

Well if its turbo then I guess. But Cobb only makes tunes and parts for certain cars.

[@franklinpuma5696]

There’s no way to stage a wrx/sti and not decrease your engines life/reliability… it’s not possible.

[@alexs_wrex]

If you're that worried about it then leave it stock. But doing the right mods and maintaining the car properly will keep it running strong for a long time. It's more about how you drive the car and proper maintenance. Stock cars can get blown engines too.

[@Craiggg12345]

lol stages. Stages are when new people don’t know anything about modifying cars 😂 Just list your mods. Like me saying in stage 1 with a 20g turbo, ets TMIC and killer b headers lol

[@alexs_wrex]

I mean the first 2 stages are just the main routes people go with. And it's easy to understand for people who are just starting out with modding their car. They are the most common mods too. I don't even fall in the category of "stages" anymore. I have a bunch of extra mods.

[@j20sti]

Just get a 2023 WRX and ej swap it😂

[@alexs_wrex]

Lol nah the FA24 is definitely better at making power from what I've seen. Swap in the STI trans and you're good to go.

[@dreambiggarage]

Stages are some bull shit Cobb cooked up for the level of money you waste on there parts lol

[@alexs_wrex]

You get quality parts that work together with a tune to run it...seems like a good deal. With most other companies you have to get a tune elsewhere or run it with no tune and hope nothing bad happens. The "stages" are mainly for people new to the platform anyway. I have other parts on my car besides Cobb but I have no complaints with their stuff.

[@stock.cars.2ned]

100%

[@Cats_Are_Scary]

There have been stages before Cobb. I was tuned by Vishnu with my 2003 WRX without a Cobb AccessPort back in 2003 and Vishnu also went by stages.

[@dreambiggarage]

@@Cats_Are_Scary man they had stages before they made Subaru parts lol

[@Cats_Are_Scary]

@@dreambiggarage well you said it was something Cobb cooked up. I know they had stages before tuning Subaru only cars.

[@jamesgrant1713]

Lmao 🤣 🤣 "not many peaple would know about the stage 3" 2 days to change a down/J pipe.... Ok then, leave the wrenching to the men...

[@alexs_wrex]

LOL what are you talking about. I know a lot of people who took 2 days, as in started one day and then finished the next.

[@mjb1337]

No such thing as stages That just means you dont know wtf is done to your car Nice reps btw

[@alexs_wrex]

I beg to differ, there's literal Stage 1/2/3 packages you can find online and tunes with the same names in the accessport. It's just a general guide for the common tuning route. I chose to spend a few hundred per wheel rather than a thousand per wheel.