Owner: Import Tuner
Dynamometer: Dynapack Evolution 4000 Dynamometer
EcuTeK Tuning: William Knose
Dyno 1: Baseline
217.1 HP / 212.1 TQ
Pros
The USDM EJ20-based WRX has taken a backseat to its older brother the 2.5-liter powered STi in overall performance and reliability. In a quest to rekindle the love for these unappreciated 2-liter boxer vehicles, we hitched the trailer and trekked our way to authorized EcuTeK tuning facility I-Speed based in Oceanside, Calif., hell-bent on creating some serious horsepower.
Cons
The Dynapack 4000 Evolution dyno numbers reflects flywheel horsepower and torque figures. Our baseline run produced a disappointing 217.1hp and 212.1 lb-ft of torque. Calculating a correction factor of 1.2, we measured 180.9hp and 176.7 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. Although the numbers were recorded to be slightly higher than a factory WRX, the lack of tuning and simple bolt-on parts didn't seem to produce the horsepower we had been hoping to achieve.
Temperature
80.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Notes
Modifications to the vehicle prior to the baseline dyno include a Invidia Header, Invidia downpipe, TurboXS short ram intake, Tanabe Ultra Medallion exhaust, Blitz blow-off valve, and Blitz SBC-ID boost controller set to 14psi
Dyno 2: EcuTeK
260.8HP / 301.8TQ
| 2000 to 3500 HP range: -7 to 50 |
2000 to 3500 TQ range: -20 to 78 |
| 3500 to 5500 HP range: 44 to 70 |
3500 to 5500 TQ range: 97 to 36 |
| 5500 to red line HP range: 23 to 38 |
5500 to red line TQ range: 36 to 20 |
| Peak HP 260.8 |
Peak TQ 301.8 |
Pros
After remapping the factory ECU, we found the car to running a pig rich 10.3 to 1 air fuel ratio. The problem was traced back to the use of an aftermarket downpipe causing the ECU to throw an error code and the car to run excessively rich. A quick reflash of the factory ECU and some quick taps on the keyboard, the boost level was raised to 17.9psi. The WRX belted out an impressive 260.8hp and 301.8 lb-ft or torque-a gain of 43.8hp and 89.7 lb-ft with just tuning alone. Check out that torque figure folks, we're talking STi 2.5-liter realms. Data logging the boost, we recorded at 17.9psi the factory td04 turbo was maxed out and fell off at 5000rpm to 12psi.
Cons
Tuning the EcuTeK unit is licensed though an authorized dealer and tuner. That means unless you're a dealer or possess the tuning program, professionals can only tune the EcuTeK.
Temperature
81.1 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: +0.9 degree Fahrenheit
Tuning Time
Complete dyno session: 8 hours
Parts
None
Tools
A competent tuner, significant time behind the dyno
Notes
The EcuTeK is an effective method of remapping the factory computer (ECU) though the OBD port located directly under the steering column. Using a system like EcuTeK eliminates the need for additional sensors or unnecessary piggy back systems.
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