Did a good long run in the car today with the new manifold on. It's definitely improved the torque dip - really noticeable when accelerating on the motorway in 6th. Should be interesting to see the results after @Mike@TD.co.uk and Nick have worked their magic. It also makes an epic noise. But unfortunately too much of it for my taste - the combination of the manifold and the (already quite loud) non res cobra is too much for me (and, I fear, most tracks) so a new exhaust is on the cards I think.
Ok, so now I've got my insurance sorted I can now review this little lot...
After a bit of reading on here and elsewhere it seems the best gains to be had on an n/a car come from a manifold replacement. Much as I love the car, two key things that had slightly underwhelmed on the standard car from new we're the lack of mid range grunt, and the slightly characterless engine note.
So given that I'm in the North West I decided to get Mike at Tuning Developments to have a go at the car. I've basically had the upgrades he's now offering as a package, so k&n filter, custom decatted manifold and overpipe (sourced from a rather excellent local exhaust specialist) and an Ecutek tune to suit.
TD offer EL and UEL manifolds. I went UEL because this is a boxer and I wanted it to sound like one . I have memories of Colin McRae in flying Imprezas... Etc etc
So what's it like? Really good. The torque dip is gone. What this means in practice is that the car bogs down much less - on most B roads you could basically stay in 3rd if you're feeling lazy. There's enough extra top end to make it feel quicker than it was before - the engine now feels a better match for the chassis. This is how I wish it had come from the factory, and how it probably would have done ten years earlier...
Any downside? No not that I can think of. Fuel consumption seems identical as far as I can tell. And while the engine note is more characterful and definitely louder under throttle, with the standard exhaust system in place from the second cat back it is still as quiet as stock at a cruise. Perfect.
I have a very minor teething problem at present with a VERY slight clearance issue on the overpipe (not uncommon with aftermarket overpipes looking at forum threads - there isn't much room) - but that's booked in to sort.
So would I recommend?
Manifold and remap as best bang for buck for an N/a car? Definitely.
Tuning Developments? Yes - they know what they're doing and on the basis of my experience they look after you. Added bonus - this set up can be a stepping stone to their turbo installation. Nice to have a decent specialist to look after us Northerners.
UEL manifold? Well... Results so far suggest that the EL manifold gets the best power gains by a few bhp, so take your pick. I wouldn't swap mine as I like the uneven Subaru burble and doubt you could tell any difference in power from the drivers seat, but if you're a sprint series warrior EL might be best on current evidence...
Hope this is of use to someone.
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DaveJenks95 got a reaction from ThatGuyThere in Some advice on upgrading the speakers