Peter Banks If you’re looking to get the most out of your Subaru WRX, tuning your car is one of the best ways to achieve that goal. Tuning your car can improve performance, increase horsepower, and make your car more responsive. However, tuning a Subaru WRX can be a complex process that requires knowledge and expertise. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about tuning a Subaru WRX.
Key Takeaways
- Tuning your Subaru WRX can improve performance, increase horsepower, and make your car more responsive.
- There are two types of tuning: engine management tuning and piggyback tuning.
- Tuning should only be done by a qualified professional with experience in tuning Subaru WRXs.
- Upgrades such as exhaust, intake, and intercooler can improve the performance of your car and work in tandem with tuning.
Types of Tuning
There are two types of tuning: engine management tuning and piggyback tuning. Engine management tuning involves remapping the car’s computer to optimize performance. Piggyback tuning involves adding a separate computer to the car’s engine management system to control and adjust signals.
While piggyback tuning is less invasive and less expensive than engine management tuning, engine management tuning is often the better choice for improving performance. With engine management tuning, the car’s computer is reprogrammed to optimize the air/fuel mixture, ignition timing, and boost pressure. This can result in significant increases in horsepower and torque.
Choosing a Tuning Method
When it comes to choosing a tuning method for your Subaru WRX, there are a few things to consider. First, consider your budget. Engine management tuning is more expensive than piggyback tuning, but it’s often the better choice for improving performance. Second, consider the level of performance you want to achieve. If you’re looking for significant gains in horsepower and torque, engine management tuning is the way to go.
Finally, consider the expertise of the person doing the tuning. Tuning should only be done by a qualified professional with experience in tuning Subaru WRXs. A poorly tuned engine can cause damage to your car’s engine and reduced performance.
Upgrades
In addition to tuning, upgrades such as exhaust, intake, and intercooler can improve the performance of your car and work in tandem with tuning. Upgrades can increase air flow and reduce engine heat, resulting in better performance and increased horsepower.
Exhaust upgrades can improve performance by increasing airflow and reducing backpressure. An upgraded intake can improve airflow and reduce engine heat, resulting in more power. Finally, an intercooler upgrade can reduce engine heat and improve performance by increasing the density of the air entering the engine.
Tuning Process
The tuning process for a Subaru WRX can vary depending on the type of tuning method used. However, the general process usually involves the following steps:
- Baseline dyno run – this involves running the car on a dyno to establish baseline horsepower and torque.
- Install upgrades (if applicable) – upgrades such as exhaust, intake, and intercooler should be installed before tuning.
- Initial tuning – the car’s computer is remapped to optimize air/fuel mixture, ignition timing, and boost pressure.
- Dyno testing – the car is run on a dyno to test performance and make adjustments as necessary.
- Final tuning – the car’s computer is fine-tuned to optimize performance.
During the tuning process, it’s important to monitor air/fuel mixture, ignition timing, and boost pressure to ensure that the car is running safely and optimally.
FAQs
Q: Is tuning safe for my car?
A: Yes, tuning can be safe for your car when done by a qualified professional. A poorly tuned engine can cause damage to your car’s engine and reduced performance, so it’s important to choose a reputable tuner.
Q: How much does tuning cost?
A: The cost of tuning can vary depending on the type of tuning method used and the level of performance you want to achieve. Engine management tuning is more expensive than piggyback tuning, but it’s often the better choice for improving performance.
Q: What upgrades should I consider?
A: Upgrades such as exhaust, intake, and intercooler can improve the performance of your car and work in tandem with tuning. Exhaust upgrades can improve performance by increasing airflow and reducing backpressure. An upgraded intake can improve airflow and reduce engine heat, resulting in more power. Finally, an intercooler upgrade can reduce engine heat and improve performance by increasing the density of the air entering the engine.
Q: Can I tune my car myself?
A: We do not recommend tuning your car yourself. Tuning should only be done by a qualified professional with experience in tuning Subaru WRXs. A poorly tuned engine can cause damage to your car’s engine and reduced performance.
Conclusion
Tuning your Subaru WRX can improve performance, increase horsepower, and make your car more responsive. However, it’s important to choose the right type of tuning method, consider upgrades, and choose a qualified professional to do the tuning. With the right tuning and upgrades, you can get the most out of your Subaru WRX and enjoy a more exhilarating driving experience.
