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Uppipe Install


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I installed a STi uppipe in my Legacy. The change in response is amazing it cuts the lag by a 60% or more (butt dyno). I really recommend this as a first mod. Here some pics. Here the OEM uppipe look at the cat (ugly). [img]http://www.sccpr.org/vault/upipe%20005.jpg[/img] Here the STi uppipe free of any interference :) [img]http://www.sccpr.org/vault/upipe%20006.jpg[/img] Side by side comparison note that the STi uppipe doesn't have the sensor bung. [img]http://www.sccpr.org/vault/upipe%20007.jpg[/img] Installing the uppipe... [img]http://www.sccpr.org/vault/upipe%20010.jpg[/img] Resistor to eliminate any CEL problem [img]http://www.sccpr.org/vault/upipe%20023.jpg[/img] Here is where the resistor is inserted [img]http://www.sccpr.org/vault/upipe%20024.jpg[/img]
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Thanks for the pics, If you have the opportunity, I would be interested in seeing a brief write-up with respect to the scope of the job to install the uppipe. (There is a modifications topic on the main page) I am interested in doing something like this eventually. The service manual instructs you to remove the turbocharger to do this job, which inturn directs you to removing the downpipe, which inturn directs you to remove the intercooler, and it goes on and on. I would love to know if you used any shortcuts and see your strategy. I figure that it can be done without doing all of the above. I would be interested in learning from your experiences. How long did the job take anyway? Enjoy your car, and the added benefits of that new uppipe. Thanks again for the pics. Rob S.
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Its illegal to remove a CAT. But I have never once heard of a case when someone removing a uppipe was caught doing it, hehe. Don't worry about it, you will pass emissions just fine, and if you get a STI uppipe it looks almost exactly the same, no one who does't know exactly what to look for would ever know, especially a cop or someone at a emissions station.
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Your conscience, however, will know exactly what to look for, even if people whose job it is to regulate these things, doesn't. But hey, all's fine in the search for mAd PowEr. Here's a question of function. If the turbo spools earlier, does it reach capacity earlier, and are you simply moving the powerband around? Driving up and down pipe-equipped cars, I noticed that they boosted a bit earlier, but pooped out a bit earlier, as well. So are you adding power, or simply moving power? Kevin
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[quote name='gtguy']Your conscience, however, will know exactly what to look for, even if people whose job it is to regulate these things, doesn't. But hey, all's fine in the search for mAd PowEr. Here's a question of function. If the turbo spools earlier, does it reach capacity earlier, and are you simply moving the powerband around? Driving up and down pipe-equipped cars, I noticed that they boosted a bit earlier, but pooped out a bit earlier, as well. So are you adding power, or simply moving power? Kevin[/quote] A dyno plot could answer that question. :D
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[quote name='Stryker']The installation was made in the dealer where I bought my car they only remove the downpipe and the header.[/quote] Very surprised that the dealer would be willing to do that. They can be fined $25,000 for permanently removing a fully functional OE cat within the federal emissions warranty period, even though the car may still pass the tailpipe emissions test.
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Stryker, I'm assuming you have a friend that works in the service department at this dealership? It's a great move. Cats are a terrible hinderance to turbocharged cars. I just about cried when I saw that big one sitting right underneath the turbo of my new Legacy, but you have given me hope that there a still ways around such power robbing designs. A few years back, one of my friends had an early 90's MR-2 Turbo, and it also had a cat right there below the turbo, and a second, huge one midway through its small exhaust. There were no sensors to worry about. So after gutting them both, we shaved nearly 4 tenths off the car's 1/4 mile time. With the addition of a performance muffler, manual boost control unit, and K&N cone, the car eventually went from a stock 14.62 quarter, to a 13.64. Since most races are short stoplight spurts, having that turbo spool more quickly, free of such restriction, should be a huge benefit for Legacy GT owners.
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It is not absolutly necessry to remove the precatalytic converter in the up pipe. Xcceleration.com out of VT sells an up pipe with a high flow cat. Obviouslly, it will not be as efficient as having no cat at all, but for the environmentally conscience, it is an option and probably add some performance over stock. I do not know if the performance increase is worth the money though. I have not been able to find anyone who has used the product. The catted uppipe that I mention does not have an EGT bung either.
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[quote name='Th3Franz']So the new STi pipe doesn't have a bung like the original did?[/quote] The STI uppipe has never had a EGT bung, its allways been without one. GTGuy, as for power band and it moving around. From what I have seen on the WRX when doing an uppipe it increases spool up so your power comes on stronger earlier, and it also increases power overall throughout the entire power band, even giving you a little more top end. So basiclly it lets the turbo spool up quicker and stay spooled up longer. As an example, my friend had a stage 2 WRX with a catless uppipe, and another person had a Stage 3 (no uppipe, but bigger intercooler). They both had their cars tuned at turboxs the same day. My friends stage 2 made about 10 more whp and wtq then the stage 3. TurboXS said it was because the uppipe makes such a big difference. Also I don't see the point of adding another catted uppipe inplace of the stock one. your not going to spool up much quicker, and your hp gains wont' be much either. It just wouldn't be worth the time or money I don't think. Just go with a catless uppipe and you will feel the difference.
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Yeah there is absolutely no reason why that cat should be there. It robs alot of power steals your low end and is a waste of good platinum. Let alone breaking up over time and spewing nice sharp catylitic converter material into your turbo. There is not one on the STI and it meets all emissions standards. I also recall on a wrx forum that the "precat" only reduces emissions for the first 5 minutes when the downpipe cat AND the midpipe cat has not warmed up yet. Readings with a catless uppipe during normal operating temperatures were almost identical to that with an uppipe cat givent he other 2 were in place.
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The Subaru site only says this: [quote]Note: MSRP is suggested retail price and does not include destination and delivery, licenses, and state or local taxes. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees to the dealer's location, and may vary in some states. Accessory price shown does not include installation costs. Actual price is set by the dealer and may differ by dealer based on local installation or labor costs. Please check with your local dealer for availability in your area. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice. * Some 2005 Legacy and Outback models with the naturally aspirated 2.5 liter engine are available as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) credited Super-Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV2). Legacy and Outback models which meet these requirements have a base MSRP that is an additional $200 and are distributed for sale in states which have adopted California Specification Emission Control Systems -California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and some bordering states. Horsepower for these models is rated at 163 hp @ 5600rpm. The manufacturer’s PZEV emission control system warranty coverage is for 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. For complete warranty information, including coverage and exclusions, see your Subaru dealer.[/quote] No mention about the 2.5L turbo engines. I'm going to guess LEV with the up-pipe cat. I see no special mentions about the WRX STi. As for the up-pipe cat being necessary, I'm sure they could devise a shorter turbo manifold with the turbocharger being placed lower in the engine bay reducing required pipe length with a little more intake piping length. Here is just a representation of where the turbo sits (WRX pic)... [img]http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/wrx/my01/up_pipe/rear_engine_med.jpg[/img] Legacy GT pics: [img]http://www.subiegal.com/images/events/05subaru_legacygt/05subaru_legacy_cutaway2.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.subiegal.com/images/events/05subaru_legacygt/05subaru_legacy_cutaway3.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.subiegal.com/images/events/05subaru_legacygt/05subaru_legacy_cutaway6.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.subiegal.com/images/events/05subaru_legacygt/05subaru_legacy_engine2.jpg[/img] I know the boxer is a fairly wide engine and that complcates some things, but I also know that Subaru has been using much of the same design criteria for the past 10-15 years and part placement has changed very little overall, heck the new TMIC is a significant change for Subaru. So it would be very interesting to see any changes in the area of exhaust routing and oil pan design to reduce weight (hey, every pound counts in the grand scheme of things, particularly when you add it up from many spots), make servicing potentially easier, and overall less complications. Once again, just throwing ideas on the table. ;)
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Guest *Jedimaster*
[img]http://www.sccpr.org/vault/upipe%20010.jpg[/img] Is it my imagination or does he have the exhaust manifold off? Is that necessary to install the uppipe or is it just helpful?
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