Chike's official n/a upgrade thread...

Chiketkd · #1 11-18-2005, 01:12 PM

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...

svxfiles · #2 11-18-2005, 01:29 PM

You could list your braking, suspention, and lighting upgrades here.

Power must be controlled.

Electrophil · #3 11-18-2005, 01:40 PM

Outstanding write up Chike!

Chiketkd · #4 11-18-2005, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxfiles

You could list your braking, suspention, and lighting upgrades here.

Power must be controlled.

Agreed Tom. I'll be the first one to say that with increased power better braking & suspension components are needed. But those should probably be in a completely new thread. I kinda want to keep this thread focused on n/a power mods.

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

Chiketkd · #5 11-18-2005, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electrophil

Outstanding write up Chike!

Thanks.

Just wait until you see the Stage 3! It's a blast!!!

-Chike

Chiketkd · #6 11-18-2005, 02:18 PM

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

Matthewmongan · #7 11-18-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxfiles

Power must be controlled.

without controll power is nothing

Matthewmongan · #8 11-18-2005, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiketkd

-Chike

wooooahhh what the pooh!?!?!?!?!?!?!? you never told me this.

Chiketkd · #9 11-18-2005, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthewmongan

wooooahhh what the pooh!?!?!?!?!?!?!? you never told me this.

We haven't talked in a little while monk!

Intake cams my good monk...intake cams.

-Chike

P.S. After talking to Svxfiles and TomsSVX, I decided to post this teaser pic in case other members were interested in seeing my car make a 1/4 mile pass at the Capitol Raceway drag meet next Friday (11/25). The front diff on my car is on the way out and I don't have the stage 2v5 or MAF bypass, so it won't be the fastest run possible with these cams, but it should be interesting to see what they'll do!

I'll say this, around 3,500-4,000rpms when the cams really start to come into their own, this car really PULLS!!!!!!!!

SilverSpear · #10 11-18-2005, 02:48 PM

Congrats Chike, really nice write up and mods. In your first thread i was going like... euh yea... euh ok... aha euh... skip skip skip... then

CAMS!! you were doing cams after all... NICE!! what is their config? where you will be doing them and at what cost?

Chiketkd · #11 11-18-2005, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverSpear

Congrats Chike, really nice write up and mods. In your first thread i was going like... euh yea... euh ok... aha euh... skip skip skip... then

CAMS!! you were doing cams after all... NICE!! what is their config? where you will be doing them and at what cost?

The cams are done and installed Danny. If I have time, I'll post my write-up this weekend... (it'll include specs, cam shop info, etc.)

-Chike

SilverSpear · #12 11-18-2005, 03:03 PM

Great, I will be looking forward to it... that if you have time of course. But through looking at the lobes and comparing to a pic of stock cams, I am not sure but I can tell that you increased lift? I might be mistaken... but if so pls give us just a number... I am curious to know if your engine became interfierent or not.

sicksubie · #13 11-18-2005, 03:55 PM

Don't forget Dayle's lightened crank pulley, $140ish and also should it be recommended that when the 5 spd swap is done to put in the Group N motor mounts?

Chiketkd · #14 11-18-2005, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sicksubie

Don't forget Dayle's lightened crank pulley, $140ish and also should it be recommended that when the 5 spd swap is done to put in the Group N motor mounts?

I don't see a lightened crank pulley as being a necessary mod. It'll reduce parasitic drag on the engine, but doesn't add power. The Group N motor mounts are great to have but also not necessary (the PWR radiator I installed is great to improve cooling on a modified engine but I haven't listed it as it isn't a necessity).

My goal behind this thread is to keep it like LAN's Stage 3 thread. He keeps that thread focused on his s/c kit fabrication. I'm keeping this one focused on n/a power mods.

-Chike

SVXRide · #15 11-18-2005, 07:07 PM

Chike,
Nice write up!

You'll definitely have to take at least two runs at Capitol - one against one of the Toms and one against me. I'm really interested to see how your level 3 does against my level 6

(I'll be going to level 7 over the winter). Isn't working in the na world fun?

-Bill
p.s. think you can make it down to Altered Atmospheres in December? I'm going to do some "pulls" to baseline level 6 before going to level 7