[sperry]

Originally Posted by Evo Mike

after changing the turbo on my wrx, i have concluded several things. if you do this, even with good tuning there will be lag. i put a garrett t-28 in my car(a very efficient and low lag turbo which isnt that big) and even with good low end tuning with my UTEC there is still a bit of lag. not a whole lot , but definitly not good for autocross as any one who saw it get beat up by stock wrxs would tell you when my bro drove it out at stead. straight speed and freeway with the full exhaust and turbo is great. when i get a decent tank of gas its more power than i really need on the street.(240whp @ SS) another thing is that if you plan on driving it around town they new turbo will get s**t for gas milage. and with gas prices the way they are currently this will set you back a pretty penny after filling up twice a week for a while.

my suggestion would be to get the power out of the ihi turbo thats in the sti. the sti makes great low end power and has a lot of low end torque. if you upgrade the turbo, you will be sacrificing torque for power since most of the tubos you can buy make power on the top end(just like mine). even with good spool up you will not gain torque numbers as fast at hp. not enough low torque means no good for auto x! my car might put down more on the dyno than an sti but there is no way even with my suspension could i beat an sti on a road course. on the street going straight, yes, but not racing auto x.

deans suggestions are also good. suspension is SUPER important right along with braking and yes sitting in your seat comfortably. i honestly think after everything that 500hp at the wheels on a stock sti block is nearly impossible without turning it into a strictly drag racing car, or running NX. the block just wont handle the boost, nor will the transmission, driveline, etc. get the power out of the stock turbo, im certain that you can attain 300+ at the wheels on the stock turbo by modifying around it(exhaust, intake, fuel etc....).

ryan

Wise words, based on great 1st hand experience! The stock STi turbo is actually a very good match to the STi motor for across the board power and low lag. With a wastegate port, turbo-back exhaust, and a remap, I'll bet you can see close to 275hp at the wheels all w/o adding lag to the system.