Next Upgrades June 10, 2006
At the April IRCC event I did a ride-along in the “Japtrix” WRX. Jose just put in a 2.5L shortblock, VF-22, and supporting mods that put down nearly 300whp with a conservative tune on a Mustang (heartbreaker) dyno. That 42-second ride convinced me that staying in STX makes me a dumbass. I wanted to make this car into something wicked from the moment that I decided to buy it, and giving up all the enjoyment that would bring for the sake of bringing home the occasional trophy was just plain stupid.
For weeks I mulled over exactly what configuration I’d like and pricing it out. I got the labor estimate from Jose a couple of weeks ago and started ordering parts as if money were going out of style. I think the tally is somewhere around $4,800 in engine-bay parts.
- 2.5L Shortblock
- Helix 264 Camshafts and Titanium Valvetrain package
- TD06H-20G turbo, ported
- eBay TMIC
- Injectors, fuel pump, hoses, etc
- Cobb Street Tuner software
I’m expecting this combination to make around 350whp on 93-octane and there’s the potential for more with an agressive tune. Factoring in what I’ve recently spent on suspension bits, a couple of pricey dress-up items, and the BMW I’ve got no money left for the install, but that should only delay me by a month or two. Less if I can get the BMW sold quickly.
I never thought that I’d be one “those people” that puts > 50% of their new car’s price into upgrades, but… This car is going to be a monster and as I’m coming up on 30 years old this may be my last good opportunity to own such a beast.
Of course, once the BMW sells I will totally be looking to put most of the proceeds into a more fuel-efficient commuter car. I put roughly 80 miles on the car each work day and rarely see more than 21MPG. A TDI Golf or Jetta, circa 1999-2000, with an EPA rating of 42/49MPG is sounding mighty nice. They put down as much torque as the ‘01 1.8T models so they’re certainly not without sufficient highway passing power either.
- Posted in : Uncategorized
- Author :tby
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