Hey all,
I apologize to everyone who thinks these are stupid questions but I could really use some guidance right now. (Mods feel free to delete if this isn't allowed) Just figured it would be worth a shot to get input from a variety of WRX and LGT owners (since it is an EJ255 engine). I am in the midst of having my 05 LGT wagon rebuilt. Full disclaimer, I am not super mechanically inclined but I can wrap my head around the basics. I live in Montana, and do not have what is seemingly a reputable pro-tuner in the area I can turn to at this point in time.
I have gotten an AP3-SUB-002 and found an online repository with all the stage 2 and further maps that cobb have seemingly removed due to complying with emissions regulations or whatever.
After spending hours searching forums, youtube videos, and discussions with fellow car enthusiasts I still have not found any definite answers to this question:
I have spent so much time and money getting all the parts needed to complete this build and I don't want to ruin it right off the bat. The goal for the car is to have a fun, reliable daily driver. Smiles per hour > Miles per hour essentially. Would the old OTS stage 2 tune jeopardize the integrity of the vehicle? Would the currently available stage 1+ SF OTS tune do the same and/or not be adequate? Regardless of which route I need to take, what are things to monitor and keep track of?
Ideally I would just use the cobb maps while I dial everything in, and in theory turn to a pro or e tuner in the future for a build specific tune, but I seemingly thought that a relatively conservative OTS tune would be the safe bet for the time being. I reached out to Anthony at DMann (Drunkmann Tuning) about potentially bundling up a break in tune as well as a Stage 1 / Stage 2 tune. I have yet to hear a response but if anyone has feedback on this idea or any other recommendations on e tuners I would appreciate it!
For some insight on the build, here is everything new going into it:
-(As stated above) AP3-SUB-002
-Brand new OEM EJ255 shortblock
-Machined B25 Heads
-Cobb Short Ram SF Intake (This sparks another question where people mention that an intake is unnecessary unless you plan on going 400+ HP, and can potentially lead to over boosting. Can anyone confirm or deny this? With a basic OTS tune in play, will it be ok?)
-Invidia Catless Up Pipe
-Invidia High Flow Catted Down Pipe
-Cobb 3 Port Boost Control Solenoid
-Torque Solutions Cylinder 4 cooling mod
-Spec Stage 2 Clutch
-Various / slightly upgraded OEM hard parts (i.e. gaskets, oil pump, timing belt/water pump kit, etc)
-AEM wide band AFR sensor / gauge
Any advice or guidance is really appreciated! I am incredibly excited to get my car back on the road and am just feeling a little anxious about it so I want to do this the right way.
(PFA)
