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, 02:06 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 · #5 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 · #6 11-18-2005, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiketkd

-Chike

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

Chiketkd · #7 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

Matthewmongan · #8 11-18-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxfiles

Power must be controlled.

without controll power is nothing

TomsSVX · #9 11-29-2005, 08:25 PM

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

intellibomb · #10 11-29-2005, 09:41 PM

Quote:

o, if I have a 5MT with a 3.9 ratio and I am looking for maximum performance on a road track (not AutoX), with top speeds of maybe 110-120 mph, but only getting down to 2nd gear, what lobe center setting should I ask for? Thanks.

is the 5mt with 3.9 refer to the WRX 5spd?
isnt 3.9 the stock final drive? thats why i ask

thanks

shotgunslade · #11 11-30-2005, 07:15 AM

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.