The guys at Jestr said this in reply:

"First thing you need to determine are what are you goals. The stock intake is designed quite well, so you would only need a K&N Drop in filter or the like. Exhaust is really dependent on how loud you want it. The main thing would be to remove the catalytic converter. Forge would be a good choice for BOV and boost controller. Make sure you get the Forge RS BOV if you decide to go that route. The stock 9 BOV is good for up to 22 psi, so you may not even need it. You can extract as much as 30-50 HP with the flash alone.

What do I need to plan (as far as parts go) to "remove the catalytic converter"??

Thanks

 

you put a test pipe in place of the cat. IMO get the ultimate racing test pipe especially since you have a IX. Theres comes with a bung welded to the side for the cel fix. The reason I say because you have a IX is the o2 sensor is in the cat

 

You will want something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WRX-S...spagenameZWDVW

I'm running a full exhaust (manifold, 3" dp, 3" rtp, 3" cb) on my IX and haven't had a CEL yet with something similar to this.

 

Is this what you have? Do I need a down pipe as well?
Thanks for your help -much appreciated

 

That test pipe will fit on the stock exhaust aswell as aftermarket. Yes I run that test pipe. I have had it on both evos and never one cel from it. It works like a charm and its only $75

 

If you can get a downpipe, testpipe, and catback exhaust before the flash then great!

If not, you will find that getting just the flash will be enough. Learn how to handle the car first, it is fast enough out of the box, before adding other power mods. This is what jestr was implying with the question of "what are your goals." Learn the car, learn your goals, and get there safer. After that, mod away!

 

the car will feel like cyber evo after flash

 

wait, does jestr tuning do through the mail flashes? ever thought about gutting the cat and just having it opened up to three inches at a muffler shop?

 

While I agree with the general gist of the advice (i.e., get a less restrictive exhaust), I would think (and research) very carefully before just going out and removing the catalytic converter. First of all it will be a LOT louder than stock. Also, I dont' know how tough cops are in FL, but the last thing you need is a ticket for running catless ($2500 fine minimum last time I checked).

A 3" high-flow cat matched up to a 3" down-pipe and 3" catback will make a huge difference, keep you relatively legal, and depending on the exhaust, won't be a whole lot louder.

l8r)

 

Now that is good advice --I think I will stick with the cat. I can't afford to throw away $2500 at this time. Is that really the penalty?

Question: Does a resonator/test pipe help keep the noise level down?

 

My first ECU Flash was done with just a MBC, nothing else and made a very nice improvment. If your going to get an exhaust, give Zeus a PM, he'll hook you up with a full 3" TBE and a great price.