02-23-2005, 06:30 PM
Hah, we could keep going back and forth on it forever, and I definitely agree with some of the points you're making. HP upgrades were going to be bought for my car regardless of whether I track it or not, that's just the way I am. I'm never satisfied with what I have, especially when I know it can be better, or I can have better. I don't need to justify anything to myself when it comes to the WRX; people like you and people like me are just in two different schools of thoughts when it comes to upgrading. That's fine ! I respect your opinion. It would be the same deal if I bought a 911 turbo or GT3 or even a Vette. I wouldn't leave the bastard stock.
If I started autocrossing a lot, I probably would go to racing schools, read racing books, practice techniques (I use stuff like rev-matching every single day) because I'm a champion like that ... but that wouldn't affect how I spend money on my car. Ask Aaron or Shea, I'm always telling them about what I have planned next or even what car I'll be upgrading to in the near future.
As far as larger turbo, yah you're generally right, they're going to suck with the lag. The stock turbo is really surprisingly small and does not have great output. Mine is basically maxed at its output right now with the turboback and engine management. There are some really quality turbos out there though with minimal lag (with a sacrifice in the highest RPMS). With a port / polished turbo, uppipe, good engine management, proper wastegate settings, IC hoses, and a few other things here and there, many WRXs are seeing and holding full boost at 2500-3000 rpms. I'm currently seeing full boost at like 3400 with the punch in power at 4k. It's just about how much money you're willing to spend.
Just FYI, the stock tires on the WRX are really piss poor. I don't know if you've ever driven one and taken a turn at high speed, but you'd completely agree with me if you have. It would take a really poor driver in a WRX with good tires to do worse than a good driver in a WRX with stock tires. That's IMO of course, never seen it happen. Just comes from what I've read and from what I've experienced in real world driving.
If I started autocrossing a lot, I probably would go to racing schools, read racing books, practice techniques (I use stuff like rev-matching every single day) because I'm a champion like that ... but that wouldn't affect how I spend money on my car. Ask Aaron or Shea, I'm always telling them about what I have planned next or even what car I'll be upgrading to in the near future.
As far as larger turbo, yah you're generally right, they're going to suck with the lag. The stock turbo is really surprisingly small and does not have great output. Mine is basically maxed at its output right now with the turboback and engine management. There are some really quality turbos out there though with minimal lag (with a sacrifice in the highest RPMS). With a port / polished turbo, uppipe, good engine management, proper wastegate settings, IC hoses, and a few other things here and there, many WRXs are seeing and holding full boost at 2500-3000 rpms. I'm currently seeing full boost at like 3400 with the punch in power at 4k. It's just about how much money you're willing to spend.
Just FYI, the stock tires on the WRX are really piss poor. I don't know if you've ever driven one and taken a turn at high speed, but you'd completely agree with me if you have. It would take a really poor driver in a WRX with good tires to do worse than a good driver in a WRX with stock tires. That's IMO of course, never seen it happen. Just comes from what I've read and from what I've experienced in real world driving.
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004
2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium
Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium
Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks