Few questions about the WRX

[98StangGT]

I am considering buying a 2002 wrx and had just a few questions for anybody that could knows more about these cars. I have driven a few imports since I got my mustang gt, but never anything turbo charged and all-wheel drive, so any information on the questions I have will be grealy appreciated.

First off: Whats the stock boost on these creatures? And how hard is it to adjust the boost level with the stock turbo?

Second: What kind of quartermile times can I expect to run stock and with the boost level adjusted?

Third: Is there an audible BOV, or can you hear any part of the turbo spooling at all?

Fourth: What sort of overall top speed am I looking at stock and in each gear?

Fifth: How well do these things handle in general as compared to say a civic or some other small import?

....Just about all the questions I could come up with for now. I'll post more as I come up with them. Thanks to anybody who can help me out!

[Skyline_R32_Canada]

1.The stock boost is 13.5 psi on the wrx. You can change it via manual boost controller (anywhere from $5-$150), an electronic boost controller (more accurate, can control wastegate action by tricking it - $200-$600), or engine management (for people who want to upgrade more than the average joe, and can do a lot more than just boost...lots of power can come from this - $600-$1300)

2. Stock 1/4 mile is anywhere from 14.4-14.8 that i've seen, with a good and safe launch. Usually you don't want to just raise boost with no other modfications unless you have engine management such as cobb tuning AP. I think a good time for just AP is about 14.0.

3. If you remove the silencer in the airbox or something like that you can hear the turbo spooling a lot better, or if you get an intake (you should tune for an intake though - thats a different LONG story), there are many aftermarket "audible" bov's - they are called atmospheric for releasing 100% of the gas into the air which gives you sounds from PSSSSSH to WHOOOOOSH. If you want to hear it i would recommend a 50/50 (50% recirculated back into the intake system and 50% released).

4. Top speed is governed at 125mph i think, not too sure about the gearing but i know 1st gear is damn short and 4th gear is fucken great on the highway, really long and with a good sized turbo it will just keep pulling and pulling. Oh and cruising on the highway in 5th kinda sucks if you're gonna do anything more than 75mph cuz your revs will be like 3300rpm or something lol

5. This thing will outhandle the majority of cars on the road, its a rally inspired car man!!

[98StangGT]

thanks for your input skyline

[Right_LiRrr]

Yeah, when the straight line speed ends, which doesn't take long, the fun in taking corners takes over.

I just wanted to add that once the WRX gets moving, it's not what I consider to be a fast car. Don't be expecting to be beating most sports cars at any kind of speed over 70mph. To be honest, once u reach the end of third gear, acceleration is pretty disappointing.

The WRX has good 1/4 mile times because you can get a great AWD launch. The trap speeds are like 94-96mph which is pretty slow for a 14 second car.

Remember, the WRX is designed to enter and exit corners fast...it's not a highway monster.

[freakray]

Oh.....

[DTMx]

In all honesty I have raced in both the Imprezza and the EVO and I would have to say that the WRX is alot more fun to drive but the EVO is far better on handling, The EVO tends to grip better and stick to the line where the WRX likes to kick out abit (the fun part) an aftermarket exhaust on a imprezza will give one of the most impressive and pure pleasurable listening experiences as you drive, it urges you like a devil on your shoulder to go faster ;-)