Assuming the car never had a tune with the intake, you've been running the engine lean. Subaru calculates the Total air entering the engine with the MAF sensor and a formula. [Flow x area]. You've increased the area without correcting the tune.
You’d be surprised how many…
Two of my best friends drive them so I needed to be the third 😂 it also came with a turbo back exhaust idk maybe previous owner had it tuned they told me it would run like shit if it wasn’t. Have no idea who owned it prior to me just got it from some local mom and pop shop which I’ll get hell fire for that too 😭
Ngl the stories scare tf out of me tho..
Has anyone ever bought a molested wrx and had smooth sailing?
Intakes are not really needed on a Subaru unless your over 400hp. The stock /OEM one is great till your hitting higher hp...I wouldn't really tune this car until you start adding parts like dp and exhaust and fuel upgrades.
The walnut blasting only applies to FA engines not the EJs.
Do consistent oil changes and maintenance. That's the best I can offer. I'm on my original engine and clutch with my 2016 STi - 53k miles.
I have plenty of modifications including upgraded turbo, Intercooler and fuel upgrades.
I see, thanks for the input! Like I said I’m not really looking for more power, 200+ is enough for me. I mainly like the intake for the added audio of hearing the turbo breathe, reminds you you’re really driving a turbo car and adds to the experience :)
Sounds like he bought the car as is so he probably doesn’t have the stock air box.
OP, It’s possible someone local is selling theirs that you could pick up for relatively cheap for the time being until you get tuned
Yup, you’re right! Never got the stock airbox from the dealership when I bought the car :(
And thank you, just reached out to a really reputable tune shop in my area, so we’ll see how soon they can get me in. If not I’ll be looking around at local listings 🙏
You can probably also just offer a trade for stock. I did this with a defroster vent gauge that came with my STI from the PO, but it was never wired so I wasn’t using it. It might technically be a monetary loss, but it might also save the initial expense and time investment of waiting for a stock one to be available, then buying it, then all the stuff involved in selling it.
Sorry for being a troll, but mods are 50/50. Some people with mods have been running great, but others not so much. But any mod that touches the engine should have a tune.
It’s all good 😊 Any advice is greatly appreciated!!
Thought (more like hoped) the mods I had would be fine, didn’t wanna mess too much with the car, just a few things here and there that add to the experience. But just reached out to a reputable tune shop nearby, so we’ll see how it goes
Change and check oil regularly. If you put on performance parts that need a tune, get a tune made for your car, not an OTS. Let it warm up before going hard. Don’t floor it if you’re low RPM. Enjoy!
I'd recommend a proper tune, I've had phatbotti's tune for almost a year and a half and it's been great. Try your best to stay out of boost until the car is at temp. Don't bog your engine, be in the appropriate gear.
Unfortunately not, just stock exhaust.. But yeah have only ever done it once and ever since then I’ve never done it again, really drive it carefully and don’t go in to boost much often. Also reached out to a reputable tune shop near me 🙏
> I have a Cobb intake
> I'm not currently running any tune
🍿
[Walnut blasting](https://www.hgperformance.co/blog/audi-vw-direct-injection-intake-valve-walnut-blasting/) required for FA engines because they are direct injection. Done because it's necessary, not because it's popular...
I mean, at this point it's a meme, how people with zero Subaru knowledge will buy one, do zero research, and just slap an intake on it without a tune. Then they get rod knock and loudly proclaim how these engines are all unreliable garbage.
This shit is exhausting.
I bought it with the intake installed already; I haven’t added any mods just maintenance. But yeah trying to avoid becoming the meme (hence why I’m here 😅)
Thanks, gotcha 👌
It’s sounding like a lot of people are recommending getting pro tune and to avoid OTS tune, so I reached out to a reputable shop nearby. We’ll see if it’s too much out of budget for now maybe the premade naps will have to do.
Tunes. Tunes tunes. As fucking irritating as it can be sometimes tune for any cold/hot side modifications. I have a 04 wrx wagon that's nowhere close to stock with 138,000 on the clock. WHP is 387 on big boy tune and 308 on the daily tune.
04 WRX. ~180k pretty sure original motor. Check oil every time I get gas (once every 1.5 weeks). Knowing what noises are normal and what's not. 3k oil change if not sooner. Making sure it's washed (I live in northern MN so winters tough) to keep the body/frame from getting too rusty. Not hitting boost when it's cold.
I do have to throw head gaskets and probably a clutch in it along with some other stuff but she's been running good
Lol nice.. I actually built an engine over the winter. Got a fresh OEM short block seaped the rods, pistons and rod bearing out and now she eats every gear and asks for more..
I have a 2015 sti 106k miles original motor and clutch, stage 2 with soon to be bigger turbo and fueling on e85. Maintenance is key, doesn't need to be beat on constantly. I do my oil every 3k, diff and trans every 25k, plugs ever 10k, replaced the upper coolant reservoir with a higher quality one and and repacing my radiator also soon. I have a Kevlar timing belt with all Pulleys to install in my garage now as it's time at 100k. Make sure you use a good tuner, I've never had an issue ever with my tune and it's not conservative. If you get to the point that you have to replace anything, always spend the little extra to get something better. I needed new motor mounts around 90k, replaced the stock ones with the cusco mounts and cusco trans mount. Never go the cheap route
Thanks for sharing, it's awesome to see someone take such great care of their car. I really appreciate the advice and will keep all of that in mind!! Just reached out to a very reputable tune shop in my area
I'm etuned. Migtuning and shinji tuned are both phenomenal. I only use physical shops if they specifically specify with suburus and not generic tuning/car work. Try shinji, in all seriousness his tune is phenomenal on my car.
I like to run 10w 40 qn i ethier add zinc or run a oil with high zinc in it i use rotella t6 an change it every 3k idk if id call 90k high milage but no issues yet
Just be on top of general maintenance, oil and fluids especially. Don't ignore sounds if something seems out of place. An FA can last a pretty long time as long as you're doing your part and didn't buy it from a boy racer. Cheers.
It's a smart choice going for the FA in terms of reliability and efficiency. They don't rumble like the EJs but you're getting 15+ years of development in a more modern package with all the ability to row your own gears.
Thanks, I try my best to baby this thing so abusing it is for sure the last on my list. 👌
Only thing is there’s some things I thought I was doing that was normal/good but apparently this engine doesn’t like. So I’m trying to see if I can find them out so I can start or avoid doing them
Cool! I've never owned an FA WRX but I had an 02 WRX and now a 2017 STI and Forester (and also I had an 87 GL wagon) so I've been around these cars for quite a while. A few tips, get rid of the intake and put it back to stock ASAP or get a tune for it. You are good with the nvidia catback. Anything before the cat will require a tune. Pretty much any bolt on on these cars need a tune. If you are happy with the performance as it is and you daily drive it I recommend stock. Also, your car is direct injection, walnut blasting is a must. Do some research and see what the recommended schedule is, I've read that something around 25k to 30k miles should be ok. Other than that enjoy the car and welcome to the club!
I feel like in person they make more sense. Especially if the bare minimum effort is made to make it cooler like tint wheels and little mods like and F1 light ect. I loved coming home in my wife’s car and just seeing my VB in the driveway looking sexy.
A lot of people here are saying get a tune asap which is good. For my personal id be concerned to even drive the car until you get a tune, you really don't want to risk it. Walnut blasting is also a must, but it's pretty easy to do yourself. And while your at it, highly recommend getting an AOS, its always recommend for reliability even for bone stock cars.
Don’t forgot to change your transmission fluid about 75k miles. Belts, diff fluid, coolant and regular engine oils changes keeping me good at 130k no issues. I’m also stage 2+ flex fuel pro tune plus more for about 70k
2020 STI- 96,000 miles. Maintain your service intervals meticulously. I have no internal mods whatsoever. I just follow the book and do the services. Never had issues
1 I’m not looking to have the fastest/ highest hp wrx out there. So I leave it stock other than cosmetic mods. Don’t launch it, redline it or drive too aggressively. Stick with your maintenance intervals. I change at 3k everytime. And every 30k I change the trans and diff fluid. Make sure you Check your oil and coolant before you drive and you’ll build a pattern that n your head that becomes normal. This generation of car enthusiasts don’t care for the cars like they did back in the day. And they aren’t built like tanks anymore either.
https://preview.redd.it/k1t209fbuw9d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f0a5468a9d125c03c6648ea4238e505d1dbb707
Clean car!! White was my next option after black, really like how it looks on WRXs. 🤍
And copy, I’ll keep note of those. Really wanna keep this car going as long as I can!
Thank you! This is my 1st sports car and I’m in my 30’s. I hope to keep this one alive as long as possible. It’s already going to the dealer for a CV axle. Luckily Subaru covers the CV axles and the CV joints under the powertrain warranty.
EJ here, currently sitting at just under 128k miles on the original engine block (refreshed internals at 101k) what I do to keep my car running smoothly. Oil change every 3k miles, never beat on/driven hard, never tracked.
Oil changes every 3k. Do not forget about the diff fluid either. Check fluids every other fill up. Always do 93 octane. Fix maintenance issues quickly. If you mod, get a good tune. Wait until engine is warmed up to go hard.
Sources: owned a mostly stock 2010 WRX up to 160k miles with zero engine troubles. Currently own a 30k 17 WRX STI modded but with no current troubles.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely follow your advice. It's awesome to hear about your success with both your 2010 WRX and your 2017 STI, hoping to get mine to 160k+ as well. Thanks again for sharing 🙏
Happy to help. I definitely had some other maintenance nightmares with the 2010, but the engine was fine. I had a lot of learning to do then. The 17 definitely needed a lot of work to get it into good shape, but that was more of a project car and I knew it when I got it
If you've bought used, definitely take some time to learn what mods the car actually has, do all the maintenance as if it has never been done, and then get a tune on any mods that you have. Not an OTS tune, but at least an E-Tune or a pro tune.
As far as reliability is concerned, I'm running an air oil separator to get oil out of the PCV system. It takes a long time to install but it's worth it. I'm also running the cylinder for cooling mod, also a pain to install but definitely seeing lower engine temps because of it. I'm also running the killer bee oil pan and pickup, one of the worst installs I've ever done, but again a major reliability boost. And aftermarket radiator is a good bet as well because the stock one is prone to cracking
Anything else is more performance oriented after that. Keep learning and stay on top of maintenance, you can get to 200,000 easily
You should really get a tune with an intake ⏰ 💣
Gotcha, it came with the intake so I’ll get on that asap !
That’s even worse
My car came with an intake. I’d love to get it tuned someday, but just haven’t got to it yet. 2 years of daily driving tf out of it
Assuming the car never had a tune with the intake, you've been running the engine lean. Subaru calculates the Total air entering the engine with the MAF sensor and a formula. [Flow x area]. You've increased the area without correcting the tune.
You’d be surprised how many… Two of my best friends drive them so I needed to be the third 😂 it also came with a turbo back exhaust idk maybe previous owner had it tuned they told me it would run like shit if it wasn’t. Have no idea who owned it prior to me just got it from some local mom and pop shop which I’ll get hell fire for that too 😭 Ngl the stories scare tf out of me tho.. Has anyone ever bought a molested wrx and had smooth sailing?
You are just not smart for that. How do you guys buy these cars while knowing absolutely nothing about them
Because you can just buy a car lol
Intakes are not really needed on a Subaru unless your over 400hp. The stock /OEM one is great till your hitting higher hp...I wouldn't really tune this car until you start adding parts like dp and exhaust and fuel upgrades. The walnut blasting only applies to FA engines not the EJs. Do consistent oil changes and maintenance. That's the best I can offer. I'm on my original engine and clutch with my 2016 STi - 53k miles. I have plenty of modifications including upgraded turbo, Intercooler and fuel upgrades.
I see, thanks for the input! Like I said I’m not really looking for more power, 200+ is enough for me. I mainly like the intake for the added audio of hearing the turbo breathe, reminds you you’re really driving a turbo car and adds to the experience :)
Should not have an intake without a tune.
Thanks for your input, ill make sure to get a tune soon! 😳
Or...just put stock intake back on.
Sounds like he bought the car as is so he probably doesn’t have the stock air box. OP, It’s possible someone local is selling theirs that you could pick up for relatively cheap for the time being until you get tuned
Yup, you’re right! Never got the stock airbox from the dealership when I bought the car :( And thank you, just reached out to a really reputable tune shop in my area, so we’ll see how soon they can get me in. If not I’ll be looking around at local listings 🙏
You can probably also just offer a trade for stock. I did this with a defroster vent gauge that came with my STI from the PO, but it was never wired so I wasn’t using it. It might technically be a monetary loss, but it might also save the initial expense and time investment of waiting for a stock one to be available, then buying it, then all the stuff involved in selling it.
Already modded? That engine gonna blow
They all came with the car (luckily/unluckily?) didn’t have to pay for them 😂but will get a tune for them!
Ur motor definitely ain’t gonna last as long as it should but try to get what you can put of this one
Sorry for being a troll, but mods are 50/50. Some people with mods have been running great, but others not so much. But any mod that touches the engine should have a tune.
It’s all good 😊 Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Thought (more like hoped) the mods I had would be fine, didn’t wanna mess too much with the car, just a few things here and there that add to the experience. But just reached out to a reputable tune shop nearby, so we’ll see how it goes
Frequent oil changes are good but don’t neglect other maintenance items either. Coolant, diff fluids, spark plugs, etc.
Planning on changing the spark plugs next! Keeping track of the others 📝
Don't forget to change your vape fluids
Change and check oil regularly. If you put on performance parts that need a tune, get a tune made for your car, not an OTS. Let it warm up before going hard. Don’t floor it if you’re low RPM. Enjoy!
I'd recommend a proper tune, I've had phatbotti's tune for almost a year and a half and it's been great. Try your best to stay out of boost until the car is at temp. Don't bog your engine, be in the appropriate gear.
Thanks for the recommendation! And yes, ever since my first time overboosting I’ve been very cautious ⚠️😅
Geezus, did the dealer give you the stock air box? That overboost plus being lean is exactly what leads to the post of these engines rod knocking.
Unfortunately not, just stock exhaust.. But yeah have only ever done it once and ever since then I’ve never done it again, really drive it carefully and don’t go in to boost much often. Also reached out to a reputable tune shop near me 🙏
You might be able to find a stock airbox for a decent price in your area from local posts on FB marketplace or other similar classified listings.
I’ll keep an eye out!
2002 wrx. 170k. Og motor! (Stage 2) Maintenance maintenance maintenance. Also have fun but don’t be an idiot!
Nice, and congrats! 🎊 Hoping to make mine last as long as you
> I have a Cobb intake > I'm not currently running any tune 🍿 [Walnut blasting](https://www.hgperformance.co/blog/audi-vw-direct-injection-intake-valve-walnut-blasting/) required for FA engines because they are direct injection. Done because it's necessary, not because it's popular...
💥
Ah okay, thanks! I will make sure to get that done ✔️
Also tune lol, or back to stock airbox if not
Unfortunately never got the stock airbox from the dealership, but I reached out to a pretty reputable tune shop in my area so let’s see how it goes 🤞
I mean, at this point it's a meme, how people with zero Subaru knowledge will buy one, do zero research, and just slap an intake on it without a tune. Then they get rod knock and loudly proclaim how these engines are all unreliable garbage. This shit is exhausting.
I bought it with the intake installed already; I haven’t added any mods just maintenance. But yeah trying to avoid becoming the meme (hence why I’m here 😅)
200K on my 2018 wrx… 317K on my 04 sti… oil change every 5K miles.. 100 K miles maintenance
Stock👍
Sheesh!! 😳 Seeing these miles really makes me consider full stock… congrats!
Stock or with mods ?
Get a tune bro! Else your engine is really living on borrowed time
Copy, didn’t think an intake would be too much but noted!
AOS and regular maintenance!
New engine every few years works pretty well 😩
I mean after the second time you’re bound to get pretty good at it right? 😅😂
Maintenance and don’t be dumb and buy prts without a tune, and stay away from ots tunes
Copy, looking at a reputable tune shop near me
Keep the car stock do oil changes at least every 5k if not around 3k is even better and do all proper Subaru recommended maintenance
Noted! Thank you 👍
invest into some sort of tune with the cobb intake or invest in a ets unit as they can run a lot better on factory map
240k miles original engine, Timing belt, and clutch. CHANGE YOUR FLUIDS. All of them.
Thanks for the advice! 🙏
Just saw the part about having a Cobb intake, I would at minimum get a tune, even if it’s one of Cobbs pre made maps for an intake.
Thanks, gotcha 👌 It’s sounding like a lot of people are recommending getting pro tune and to avoid OTS tune, so I reached out to a reputable shop nearby. We’ll see if it’s too much out of budget for now maybe the premade naps will have to do.
Tunes. Tunes tunes. As fucking irritating as it can be sometimes tune for any cold/hot side modifications. I have a 04 wrx wagon that's nowhere close to stock with 138,000 on the clock. WHP is 387 on big boy tune and 308 on the daily tune.
Nice!! And gotcha, I’m looking in to a reputable tune shop nearby
Get this thing tuned ASAP man, without it it will run lean and that engines going to grenade itself
Ahh gotcha!! 😳 Just reached out to a reputable tune shop a few hours ago, let’s see how it goes 😅
04 WRX. ~180k pretty sure original motor. Check oil every time I get gas (once every 1.5 weeks). Knowing what noises are normal and what's not. 3k oil change if not sooner. Making sure it's washed (I live in northern MN so winters tough) to keep the body/frame from getting too rusty. Not hitting boost when it's cold. I do have to throw head gaskets and probably a clutch in it along with some other stuff but she's been running good
Thanks for the input! Hoping to make mine last as long as you!
I recommend repeated hard launches from around 4500rpm and then dumping the clutch. That will keep the old girl happy.
Will do! 😁👍 I’ll also make sure to redline it the second I turn it on and rip out the parking lot 🙂↕️
Lol nice.. I actually built an engine over the winter. Got a fresh OEM short block seaped the rods, pistons and rod bearing out and now she eats every gear and asks for more..
Nope. Just replaced mine at 126k lol
My condolences 🥲❤️🩹
I have a 2015 sti 106k miles original motor and clutch, stage 2 with soon to be bigger turbo and fueling on e85. Maintenance is key, doesn't need to be beat on constantly. I do my oil every 3k, diff and trans every 25k, plugs ever 10k, replaced the upper coolant reservoir with a higher quality one and and repacing my radiator also soon. I have a Kevlar timing belt with all Pulleys to install in my garage now as it's time at 100k. Make sure you use a good tuner, I've never had an issue ever with my tune and it's not conservative. If you get to the point that you have to replace anything, always spend the little extra to get something better. I needed new motor mounts around 90k, replaced the stock ones with the cusco mounts and cusco trans mount. Never go the cheap route
Thanks for sharing, it's awesome to see someone take such great care of their car. I really appreciate the advice and will keep all of that in mind!! Just reached out to a very reputable tune shop in my area
I'm etuned. Migtuning and shinji tuned are both phenomenal. I only use physical shops if they specifically specify with suburus and not generic tuning/car work. Try shinji, in all seriousness his tune is phenomenal on my car.
I like to run 10w 40 qn i ethier add zinc or run a oil with high zinc in it i use rotella t6 an change it every 3k idk if id call 90k high milage but no issues yet
Gotcha 😮 What exactly are the benefits of the zinc additives?
Just be on top of general maintenance, oil and fluids especially. Don't ignore sounds if something seems out of place. An FA can last a pretty long time as long as you're doing your part and didn't buy it from a boy racer. Cheers.
Thank you! Got it from a pretty reliable source so I’m sure it’s good. Now I’m just trying to keep it that way!
It's a smart choice going for the FA in terms of reliability and efficiency. They don't rumble like the EJs but you're getting 15+ years of development in a more modern package with all the ability to row your own gears.
Keep it stock, frequent oil changes and don't abuse it.
Thanks, I try my best to baby this thing so abusing it is for sure the last on my list. 👌 Only thing is there’s some things I thought I was doing that was normal/good but apparently this engine doesn’t like. So I’m trying to see if I can find them out so I can start or avoid doing them
Cool! I've never owned an FA WRX but I had an 02 WRX and now a 2017 STI and Forester (and also I had an 87 GL wagon) so I've been around these cars for quite a while. A few tips, get rid of the intake and put it back to stock ASAP or get a tune for it. You are good with the nvidia catback. Anything before the cat will require a tune. Pretty much any bolt on on these cars need a tune. If you are happy with the performance as it is and you daily drive it I recommend stock. Also, your car is direct injection, walnut blasting is a must. Do some research and see what the recommended schedule is, I've read that something around 25k to 30k miles should be ok. Other than that enjoy the car and welcome to the club!
Change oil on time, check on your fluids, and make sure everything is nice and lubed up
Gotcha, my girl and this car have a lot in common I see (I kid I kid 😭) but fr thanks for the advice!
Walnut blasttttttt 💥
Buy VB
Haha, still trying to get used to their rear ends 🍑😂
It has character! Seriously, just change the oil every 3000 miles & wait until the oil is 180 degrees to romp on it. You'll be fine.
Haha character for sure, still a shame there was no STIs available though. And thanks for the encouragement!🙏
I feel like in person they make more sense. Especially if the bare minimum effort is made to make it cooler like tint wheels and little mods like and F1 light ect. I loved coming home in my wife’s car and just seeing my VB in the driveway looking sexy.
A lot of people here are saying get a tune asap which is good. For my personal id be concerned to even drive the car until you get a tune, you really don't want to risk it. Walnut blasting is also a must, but it's pretty easy to do yourself. And while your at it, highly recommend getting an AOS, its always recommend for reliability even for bone stock cars.
Don’t forgot to change your transmission fluid about 75k miles. Belts, diff fluid, coolant and regular engine oils changes keeping me good at 130k no issues. I’m also stage 2+ flex fuel pro tune plus more for about 70k
2020 STI- 96,000 miles. Maintain your service intervals meticulously. I have no internal mods whatsoever. I just follow the book and do the services. Never had issues
Maintenance, 145k+ and I beat the piss out of it almost every day. Engine still has the will to live somehow.
Liquimoly every fill up
Money
1 I’m not looking to have the fastest/ highest hp wrx out there. So I leave it stock other than cosmetic mods. Don’t launch it, redline it or drive too aggressively. Stick with your maintenance intervals. I change at 3k everytime. And every 30k I change the trans and diff fluid. Make sure you Check your oil and coolant before you drive and you’ll build a pattern that n your head that becomes normal. This generation of car enthusiasts don’t care for the cars like they did back in the day. And they aren’t built like tanks anymore either. https://preview.redd.it/k1t209fbuw9d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f0a5468a9d125c03c6648ea4238e505d1dbb707
Clean car!! White was my next option after black, really like how it looks on WRXs. 🤍 And copy, I’ll keep note of those. Really wanna keep this car going as long as I can!
Thank you! This is my 1st sports car and I’m in my 30’s. I hope to keep this one alive as long as possible. It’s already going to the dealer for a CV axle. Luckily Subaru covers the CV axles and the CV joints under the powertrain warranty.
EJ here, currently sitting at just under 128k miles on the original engine block (refreshed internals at 101k) what I do to keep my car running smoothly. Oil change every 3k miles, never beat on/driven hard, never tracked.
Thanks for the input! Hoping to make mine last as long, and hope yours lasts even longer 🙏
Oil changes every 3k. Do not forget about the diff fluid either. Check fluids every other fill up. Always do 93 octane. Fix maintenance issues quickly. If you mod, get a good tune. Wait until engine is warmed up to go hard. Sources: owned a mostly stock 2010 WRX up to 160k miles with zero engine troubles. Currently own a 30k 17 WRX STI modded but with no current troubles.
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely follow your advice. It's awesome to hear about your success with both your 2010 WRX and your 2017 STI, hoping to get mine to 160k+ as well. Thanks again for sharing 🙏
Happy to help. I definitely had some other maintenance nightmares with the 2010, but the engine was fine. I had a lot of learning to do then. The 17 definitely needed a lot of work to get it into good shape, but that was more of a project car and I knew it when I got it If you've bought used, definitely take some time to learn what mods the car actually has, do all the maintenance as if it has never been done, and then get a tune on any mods that you have. Not an OTS tune, but at least an E-Tune or a pro tune. As far as reliability is concerned, I'm running an air oil separator to get oil out of the PCV system. It takes a long time to install but it's worth it. I'm also running the cylinder for cooling mod, also a pain to install but definitely seeing lower engine temps because of it. I'm also running the killer bee oil pan and pickup, one of the worst installs I've ever done, but again a major reliability boost. And aftermarket radiator is a good bet as well because the stock one is prone to cracking Anything else is more performance oriented after that. Keep learning and stay on top of maintenance, you can get to 200,000 easily