sold the Acura TL 2003 185k miles

got a 2002 WRX with 79k
Engine
Cobb stage 2
3" turboback Borla Hush
04 STI tranny, short shifter, sti ****
intercooler sprayer (it really works!)
tmic splitter
all new Samsco rad and intercooler pipes
Upgraded rad
cooling rad panel
K&N filter

Suspension:
Perrin F&R Sways
Perrin F strut bar
KYB adjustables
Eibach springs

What i did in 2 days
Dewing
Cleared headlights + Silverstars (non HID FTL)
Full dynamat and sound absorbing foam
window tint
clay and detail

It is temping to up the boost/bigger turbo/ injectors but i am gonna try and keep it as is and continue focus on the Z

 

whatever you do, don't get a bigger turbo for these cars. They tend to cause a ton of issues. But I bet you're loving that STI tranny, I'm looking for one myself along w/ a motor.

 

STI tranny < type ra gears, I have 2 friends that have put on vf22/vf34(BB) and they never have had problems, but its when you start putting on the rotated gt30r and stuff that I have seen some stuff happen.

 

LOL @ ABUI, that dude dont know squat...

Nice DD, I considered them for a while, but decided their glass transmissions werent for me...

 

thats why I am so happy it has an upgraded beefier tranny.

I was looking at evo3 16g or vf34 turbo swap to get 300-320whp

damn it sucks having 2 mod friendly cars...it can get pricey and confusing

 

VF34 is a nice turbo, great spool and plenty of mid-range power to play with in this area, not to mention with the short STi tranny the trq should be insane programmed with an accessport of some sort. I believe the VF34 is the largest IHI direct bolt-on turbo out there.

 

because Alberto owns 1, so he obviously knows best

I got a few buddies w/ upgraded turbo's on their WRXs, 1 had so many issues he just sold it and cut losses, the other 1 blew his motor (tuned by a good shop too) running 320awhp... and on the forums its pretty much the same story. Seems like once you go beyond 300+ the motor doesn't like you very much.

 

I am not a fan of the older EJ20's the (22b is different) the 25 are the ones that can take abuse. I have seen a share of problem on the 2.0 once they get over 300AWHP mark something would always go wrong in the cylinder heads, wether it be lifting or failure in the valve springs it was always something.

 

thats why 300whp would be good for me on a safe tune. it's my DD so I want to keep it reliable. I may leave the turbo alone for now.

I am guessing it should be around 240-250whp right now with all the mods and the pro tuned cobb accessport....what do you guys think?

 

I had a built WRX. I sold it due to engine problems but I also had a Hybrid 2.5STi block and 2.0 Head. I was also running the equivalent of a GT30R and tuned to a comfortable 360AWHP. I ended up detuning it to 300awhp and it felt pretty good. I had a few issues with misfiring that would throw codes left and right but that was expected with a mismatched motor. My suggestion is go with a vf34/39. It will give you plenty more power that is deff noticeable and it's reliable. The only thing you would have to worry about is the transmission which you already have covered. You can also pick up a set of modified stock WRX injectors to flow as much as the STI pinks at around 550cc. That matched with the Cobb AP you should have yourself one hell of a reliable 300AWHP setup for a DD... If you have any questions feel free to PM me. I'm pretty knowledgable when it comes to the EJ's. Or you can talk to the guys at Z1. They know they're stuff. Also I suggest registering on Nasioc if you haven't already. Plenty of people who've walked the path before you so they can give you first hand experiences.

http://www.z1auto.com/prodmore.asp?m...rbo&prodid=549

PS: nice pick up btw. I'm getting sick of my TL (2001) I bought it after the original owner replaced the transmission and it's still acting up!. Might end up back in a WRX soon.

 

For a daily driver, i would say leave it alone, just get protune and leave it alone. I'm not familiar with the 2.o motors but if you are looking to swap turbos, go with a vf43 with is out of the 07 STis. I think they spool faster the the 39.

 

+1 on more boost.

I got a friend that can take care of those injectors for you, along with other small but effective ways to gain more power.

nice pick up. jealous Asian right here.

 

Come on Ahn...We all know a simple turbo upgrade doesn't cause issues. The people working on them do.

 

well since it's my DD I dont want to remove the injectors and mod them. As far as I know the sti pinks will work with my cobb accessport. V34 or evo3 16g, ebay TMIC and a walboro I think I am good to go.

Is there a pump that is quieter than the walboro, I just remember mine whining all the time in my gutted and boosted civic hatch.

 

nice find and Im envious of an AWD DD. I will get a DD soon and hopefully its AWD. Still trying to track down 2.5RS so I can be like Ahn.

 

Very nice! Interested in a trunk swap? =)

 

yes I am!!!!!

I took my wing off and its in the garage....you wanna trade me your wingless trunk?

More than likely u think mine is wingless but i am rockin duct tape for a hot minute till i fill in the trunk or buy a new one

 

If you dont mind me asking, how much did you get for the TL? I prob would have bought that from you if the price was right.

 

$5,500 it had high miles and had the type s wheels on it.

 

nice newish ride, sounds like you will be spending lots of mods...