2002 Subaru WRX Questions
Asked by Noob321 Jul 09, 2018 at 09:14 AM about the 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Base
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I am looking at getting an 02 Subaru WRX
with 180k km. The car seems clean, engine
wise, and has had a few mods. The turbo
(VF39), intercooler, and 800cc injectors
were added from an 04 STi. Should I go for
it? Also a questions regardng the turbo, it
kicks in at 3000 rpm, and the boost gauge
readings are as follows: idling was -13 psi,
and revving at a standstill took it to -4 psi.
Is this normal and is the turbo supposed to
kick in that late (at 3000 rpm). The guy said
the turbo was for a 2.5 L and this is a 2.0L.
Should I get it and change the turbo or is it
not worth my time? I am willing to spend
some money on the car.
6 Answers
If a turbo is too big you will end up with turbo lag. You can't get much if any boost when the engine is not under load so checking it in neutral is not a fair test. Since you don't give a price for the car I could not say if it is a good buy or not. Be wary of hot rod Subaru's!
Hey F_O_R, Thanks for the answer! The car is $5500, but I’m trying to get it for $5000 CAD. What’s a hot rod Subaru? Should I change the turbo and to which one? I did drive it and the boost kicked in at 3,000 rpm. I didn’t check the psi though.
I’m thinking about getting a VF34 turbo to replace the 39 because of the 2.0L engine. Should I go for the 34 or a 16/18G? This will be a daily driver and has a stock interior except for 800cc injectors and an STi intercooler.
A hot rod Subaru is what you are buying. People mod them to get more boost. Usually (but not always) a sign of abuse by young guys.
Thanks F_O_R. I decided to not go for it because of all the work needed.
