Exploding on to the scene is the best way to characterize when Subaru finally decided to release the WRX stateside. After years of longing for the WRX our prayers were answered in 2002. Thousands flocked to their Subaru dealers to get their hands on the coveted prize for which they have been longing for so long.
The turbocharged four-cylinder Boxter engine is rated at 227 horses at the flywheel in stock trim. But one drive and you will notice very quickly that the 227 horsepower under the hood quickly dies out above 5000 rpm. One reason for lackluster performance after 5000 rpm is the factory electronic controller on the Subaru. The factory boost controller starts to limit the boost pressure, lowering it to about 8-9 psi by the time it hits redline. One of the best ways to remedy the situation is by adding an aftermarket boost controller. Our tester was equipped with a Blitz Dual SBC i-D boost controller to regulate the boost to 15 psi at peak, finally tapering off at 12 psi at redline. The Subie also came equipped with an Injen cold-air intake, Invidia downpipe and exhaust manifold.
Made in Japan, the Magnaflow Ti system caught our eye at the 2003 SEMA Show and we were blown away by how good the system looked. We had to look twice at the Magnaflow logo before we believed it was actually made by a U.S. company. The system utilizes Japan-style slip-fit connectors with coil springs to hold the system together. The trick system is constructed entirely from titanium with the exception of the two hollow Cadmium hangers and stainless-steel hardware. As many of you know already titanium is extremely light and the entire system barely tips the scale at 13 lb, compared to the factory system that weighs in at 33 lb. Just from the 20 lb weight reduction should be reason enough to get the Magnaflow Ti system. The Magnaflow exhaust did produce a very distinctive tone characteristic of titanium systems. The system was fairly loud but tolerable. One of the main reasons for the louder exhaust tone was the addition of the Invidia exhaust and header manifold.
On XS Engineering's Dynamic Test Systems 4WD Dyno the WRX registered in at 272 horsepower and 257.7 lb-ft of torque at the flywheel in stock trim. Once the Magnaflow Ti system was installed we were able to generate 270.9 hp and 263.5 lb-ft of torque. We were not able to generate any more peak horsepower but we did make ton of midrange power where the Subie needed it most. The largest horsepower increase was realized at 3500 rpm with a gain of 16 horsepower. On the torque side, the largest increase was realized at 3550 rpm with a jump of 25 lb-ft. On the street the Subie was able to reach peak boost much quicker and pulled all the way to redline when before the engine would flatline after about 5500 rpm.
The Magnaflow system not only makes more power but also reduces the overall weight of the Subie for all you Atkin's dieters out there. Reducing the fat and making more power, isn't that what everybody is after these days?