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Chike's official n/a upgrade thread...
Okay, since people are starting threads on adding turbos and s/c to the SVX, I thought it would only be fair to the n/a lovers that I start one for n/a upgrades.
I really want to keep this focused on topic, so please no hijacking! Stage 0: Before embarking on any upgrade path with the SVX, complete ALL necessary maintenance. Radiator flush, timing belt change, engine seals, rear wheel bearings, O2 sensors, etc. Once your car is running properly, only then are you ready to upgrade! Stage 1: Best upgrade when looking to make more power is to fix the tall gearing found in all awd SVXs (3.545 for US models and 3.70 for JDM/OZ/Euro models). The only trans worth putting in this car is the 4.44 trans and R160 rear diff found in the '96 through mid '98 Legacy Outbacks. The trans typically runs $500-$600 and the rear diff another $150. The trans swap is listed as a 5.5hr job, and the rear diff swap will add at least another 3-4 hours to the tab. So this complete upgrade will run close to $1,000.00. After the swap, I see 25-27mpg highway, and around 21-22mpg in mixed city/highway. Your SVX now has the right gears to build serious n/a performance on!!! Stage 2: Now you have the right gears, let's improve the flow: Air Filter: Green, K&N or STI panel filter (you could also go with Dayle's CAI). The cost will be anywhere between $35-$160 depending on which filter you go with. Phenolic Spacers: From www.outlawengineering.com/. These spacers go between the intake manifold and the engine block and help reduce the rate of heat transfer which will keep your intake manifold cool. Cost is roughly $100.00. ECUTune Stage 2v5 w/ Z32 MAF: The stage 1 package is great but if you plan on making 240+hp, you'll need to get the stage 2 from http://www.ecutune.com/svx-stage2.htm. Cost is $429 for just the software, or $647 for the software with Z32 MAF and electrical connector. This upgrade isn't available for '96-'97 SVXs yet, however, Mychailo's MAF bypass mod will work on all SVXs: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29386 Impreza FPR: This mod will definitely be needed as you start making more n/a power. Get one from a '00-'05 Impreza RS (not WRX). One from a '99-'04 Legacy GT should also be the same. This fpr ups max fuel pressure from 36psi (stock) to 43psi. Cost ~$75. Exhaust: Go with whatever system design you like best (i.e. true duals or 2-into-1) but use the following rule-of-thumb: For a true dual go with piping no larger than 2" ID. In a 2-into-1 set-up, when the pipe comes into one, go with nothing larger than 2.5" ID. In my set-up as I wanted to maximize flow, I removed the two primary cats, had 2" OD pipe go into a 2-into-1 high flow cat from Maganflow: ...followed by 2.5" OD pipe back to a glass-pack then to a single inlet, dual outlet camaro-style magnaflow muffler leading to the tips on each side of the car: Expect the exhaust parts and labor to run you anywhere between $500-$1,000 (higher side if you use stainless piping and mandrel bends). -Chike P.S. I'll post about the Stage 3 upgrade in the next 1-2 weeks...
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"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) Last edited by Chiketkd; 11-18-2005 at 07:54 PM. |
#2
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You could list your braking, suspention, and lighting upgrades here.
Power must be controlled.
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www.svxfiles.com The first SuperCharged SVX, the first 4.44 gears, the first equal length headers, the first phenolic spacers, the first Class Glass fiberglass hood, the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway Fiberglass Hood thread My locker 4.44 Swap link |
#3
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Outstanding write up Chike!
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Robert Is Bush in jail yet? (Looks frantically at watch, then back up) How about now? Now? Come onnnnnn...... Someone freeze me until January, this wait is killing me. Update: 09 January, and still not in jail! Wassup?? 1992 Teal LS-L - 160k (Now new and improved with perfect paint!) |
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Just wait until you see the Stage 3! It's a blast!!! -Chike
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"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
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Stage 3 tease...
My stage 3 upgrade is probably the worse kept secret on the Network right now, so here's a little tease...
Full write-up will follow as it approaches Thanksgiving. This 'upgrade' has currently been IN my car for roughly 2 weeks! -Chike
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"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
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wooooahhh what the pooh!?!?!?!?!?!?!? you never told me this. |
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I'd like this thread to be a reference point for members who don't wish to install a s/c or turbo system. -Chike
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"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
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Here are a couple pics of my cam install without taking the engine out
wtf why can I not add images to the post??? eh here is a link to Mike621's locker where the pics are Linky link linker Tom |
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isnt 3.9 the stock final drive? thats why i ask thanks |
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Yes. The 3.9 would be a WRX 5MT, which is what I am planning to have by next summer. As I understand it, the rear drive shaft from the WRX transmission is underdriven, so that it can be used with the stock SVX rear differential, and be consistent with the 3.9 ratio on the WRX front differential.
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____________________________________________ 95 LS-i Red, 31,xxx; bone stock for now; Daily Driver 94 LS-i Emerald Pearl, 106,xxx,; 246 whp; Tomyx snorkus and HKS Cold air intake; PWR aluminum radiator, silicone hoses; Inline thermostat; enhanced coolant routing; external power steering and oil coolers; Phenolic intake manifold spacers; 2004 WRX 5 speed transmission; ACT Clutch Kit, Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, Lightweight flywheel, performance disc; Group N motor mounts; ‘07 WRX 4-pot front calipers, cryo-treated slotted Tribeca rotors; Hawk HPS ferro-carbon pads; Frozenrotor rear slotted rotors; SS brake lines, Axxis Ultimate pads; Rota Torque 17x8 wheels; 245/40-17 Bridgestone RE01-R's; Koni inserts with Ground Control coilovers, Eibach springs; K-Mac camber/caster adjustable strut mounts; Urethane swaybar bushings; Bontrager rear sway bar; Urethane differential bushing; Custom Whiteline adjustable rear lateral links; Outlaw Engineering forged underdrive pulley; custom grind Web intake and exhaust cams (11 mm lift, 250° duration); solid lifters; CP custom aluminum forged 11 to 1 pistons, Brian Crower coated SS intake & exhaust valves; Brian Crower upgraded springs w/ titanium retainers; NGK sparkplugs; RallyBob (Bob Legere) ported and polished cylinder heads; Eagle H-beam rods; ACL Bearings; Cometic Head gaskets; ARP head studs & fasteners; Hydra Nemesis EMS; Wideband O2 sensor; 740cc Injectors; Walbro 255lph fuel pump; Upgraded WRX starter; Equal length SS headers (3 into 1); dual Magnaflow cat converters; 2 into 1 into 2 SS exhaust with Bullet muffler; OT Fiberglass hood; Oil pressure gauge; Programmable shift light, 2017 Subaru Forester XT, metallic dark gray, 29,xxx 2005 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabrio, 24,xxx 2006 Subaru Outback LL Bean, 166,xxx sold 92 LSL Dark Teal, Smallcar Shift Kit - sold |
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