first mods for a 96 Sti WRX - downpipe, intake resonator, boost?

[Guest]

Hello, I'm new on clubsub. I have two WRX, a 94 RA and a 96 STi. Both are low km cars (like about 30000 km each) and are just as they left the factory, but I want to tune the STi just a little (yea right - I can see where this is heading ). I figure for a start I will fit an aftermarket downpipe to get rid of the cat, remove the intake resonator, and manually increase the boost by maybe 2-3 psi. My main aim is to improve the responsiveness low down, and also get a bit more excitement when the pedal goes right down. Starting with the downpipe, I want to keep the standard STi exhaust mid section and rear so that it still looks and sounds fairly standard - not looking to impress anyone but myself with these mods. Does anyone know if the Rage downpipes will bolt straight onto the standard mid section - either for the 2.5" or the 3" downpipes? Anyone recommend any other brand of downpipe which is a bolt on?

For removing the intake resonator, have people had good experience with the racepro pipes that replace it? I used to have a 95 model V limited which had one and it went bloody well and I don't mind hearing the turbo spooling up either. What do you reckon - a waste of time or worthwhile?

And finally what is the most boost that people run in a standard 96 STi engine - ie no fuel or electronics changed. Is it safe to go to 16 or 17 psi with standard fuel system and electronics? Does it make much difference to the feel of the car?

Look forward to hearing some comments.... thanks

[viperguy]

frankly on the mods path, i find handling mods put the biggest smile on my face

lower it a tiny bit, uprate the swaybars and end-links, put an antilift kit on and be amazed how much faster you can get around without any extra power

[Guest]

Well actually my Sti does have aftermarket springs and dampers already - sits a bit lower and stiffer. As a street car I way prefer the standard suspension on my RA - wouldn't be as fast on the track, but perfect for the road. I still have the original Sti suspension (was removed and changed over when the car was brand new), and I'm actually tempted to put it back in if anything.

[Pappu1]

1st mod = down pipe easily man

put it in and see how u feel and then if u want more then start looking at further plans ay

[ODB]

my first mod was a downpipe but while i was there i decided to chuck on a full system lol.

Cant comment if a rage would fit right on to the mid section of a stock 96 STi. I would suggest a 2.5" would be more of achance than the 3".

Perhaps talk to someone who stocks rage items.