Subaru WRX / STI Guides
How Does a WRX Dyno Tune Work? Complete Guide
Learn how a Subaru WRX dyno tune works, from the pre-tune inspection and baseline pull through ECU changes, validation, cost, and the final dyno graph.
Guide archive
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru WRX and STI guides for performance, maintenance, reliability, ownership, and practical upgrades.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
How Does a WRX E-Tune Work? Subaru E-Tuning Guide
Learn how a Subaru WRX e-tune works, including base maps, Accessport datalogs, map revisions, required equipment, completion time, and safety.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
WRX E-Tune vs. Dyno Tune: Which Custom Tune Is Better?
Compare a Subaru WRX e-tune with an in-person dyno tune by process, safety, cost, power, drivability, and fit for VA, VB, and STI builds.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
EJ257 Rod Bearing Failure Symptoms: STI Rod Knock Diagnosis
Learn the warning signs of EJ257 rod-bearing failure, how rod knock differs from normal Subaru noises, what tests can confirm the problem, and when to stop driving.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
VA WRX Clutch Problems and Replacement Cost: 2015-2021 Guide
Learn how to diagnose clutch slip, chatter, throwout-bearing noise, pedal problems, and transmission symptoms on a 2015-2021 Subaru WRX, plus realistic replacement-cost planning.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru WRX VA vs. VB: Differences, Reliability, and Which to Buy
Compare the 2015-2021 VA Subaru WRX with the 2022+ VB WRX by engine, transmission, AWD, handling, interior, reliability, tuning, and used-car value.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
2022+ WRX FA24 RTV Oil Pickup Problem: What Owners Should Know
Learn what is known about RTV sealant debris and the FA24 oil pickup in the 2022+ Subaru WRX, what symptoms matter, how the system is inspected, and whether buyers should be concerned.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru WRX Boost Leak Symptoms and Diagnosis Guide
Learn how to recognize Subaru WRX boost leak symptoms, find common FA20DIT and FA24DIT leak points, and pressure- or smoke-test the system before blaming the tune.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
WRX Alignment After Lowering: Camber, Toe, Tire Wear, and Parts
Learn what alignment changes after lowering a Subaru WRX, when you need rear camber or toe correction, and how to choose street-friendly settings for VA, VB, STI, and older EJ cars.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru WRX vs. WRX STI: Differences, Reliability, Cost, and Which to Buy
Compare the Subaru WRX and WRX STI by generation, engine, transmission, AWD system, brakes, maintenance cost, reliability, tuning potential, and daily-driver comfort.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru WRX Transmission Fluid: Type, Capacity, and Change Interval
Find the correct Subaru WRX transmission fluid, gear-oil capacity, and service interval for VA, VB, EJ, manual, CVT, and SPT cars.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru WRX Reliability by Year: Common Problems and What to Check
How reliable is the Subaru WRX? Compare EJ, FA20, and FA24 generations, common problems, modified-car risks, maintenance priorities, and the checks that matter before buying.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
FA24DIT Common Problems and Reliability: 2022+ Subaru WRX
A practical FA24DIT reliability guide for the 2022+ VB Subaru WRX, covering oil use, carbon deposits, heat, clutch and transmission concerns, tuning risks, and what is actually known.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru WRX Walnut Blasting: FA20DIT Intake Valve Cleaning Guide
Learn when a 2015-2021 Subaru WRX needs walnut blasting, what carbon buildup does to FA20DIT intake valves, how the service works, what it costs, and whether DIY cleaning is worth the risk.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru WRX Maintenance Schedule: VA, VB, and STI Service Intervals
Use this Subaru WRX maintenance schedule to plan oil changes, fluids, spark plugs, inspections, and extra service for VA, VB, and EJ-powered WRX and STI models.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best Wheels for Subaru WRX: VA, VB, STI Fitment and Offset Guide
Compare the best Subaru WRX wheels for street, track, value, and rally builds, with VA, VB, and STI sizes, offsets, tires, and brake-clearance guidance.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
WRX Open-Source Tuning: Atlas for VA and VB Subaru WRX
Learn how open tuning works on the VA and VB Subaru WRX, including Atlas, compatible cables, ECU flashing, datalogging, COBB differences, and safety limits.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
FA20DIT Common Problems and Reliability: 2015-2021 Subaru WRX
A practical FA20DIT reliability guide for the 2015-2021 VA Subaru WRX, including carbon buildup, knock, boost leaks, oil consumption, tuning risks, and inspection advice.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Cobb Project Green Speed: What It Means For WRX Tuning
Cobb Project Green Speed changed WRX tuning, downpipe support, DTC deletes, flex fuel, and Stage 2 packages. Here is what still works in 2026.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru EJ25 Engine: Specs, Reliability, & Biggest Problems
Looking to buy an EJ25 powered Subaru, or just keep yours running in top shape? We've got everything you need to know.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Subaru FA20 Engine Specs, Variants & Information
Learn about the Subaru FA20 engine's specifications, naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, applications, and key differences across Subaru, Toyota, and Scion models.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best Subaru WRX Brakes: VB, VA, Street, Track, and Big Brake Picks
The best WRX brake upgrade depends on your chassis and use case. Here are the best street, track, and big brake picks for VB, VA, and Brembo-equipped WRXs.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
8 Best Motor Oils for Subaru WRX / STI
If you want to keep your Subie running great for a long time, it's important you use the right motor oil. Not all oils are created equally. It's important not only to use synthetic oil, but make sure the oil has the right certifications, such as API SN, SN PLUS, or SM . If you want to ensure a longer engine life for your car, proper maintenance with the right supplies is important.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Top Mount Intercoolers: VB and VA WRX TMIC Guide
The best WRX top mount intercooler depends on whether you have a VB or VA WRX. These are the best TMIC picks for street, stage 2, and heat-soak control.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Exterior Mods: VA, VB, and STI Appearance Upgrades
The best WRX exterior mods depend on chassis, fitment, and how permanent you want the change to be. This guide covers VA WRX/STI and VB WRX exterior upgrades, including mud flaps, front lips, rear fog lights, plate relocation kits, overlays, rain guards, and carbon trim.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Front Lips: VB, VA WRX, and STI Fitment Guide
The best WRX front lip depends on chassis, bumper, material, and how much scraping risk you can tolerate. This guide covers VB WRX, VA WRX, and VA STI front lip options.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Lowering Springs: VB, VA, STI, and Older WRX Guide
The best WRX lowering springs depend on chassis, drop height, damper condition, alignment budget, and whether you have a VB WRX, VA WRX, VA STI, or older GR/GV WRX/STI.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Shift Your WRX Smoother? Perrin Shift Stop Review.
The stock shifter set up on the 2015+ Subaru WRX leaves some room for improvement. For one, it's possible to push the gear lever too far to the left when shifting into 1st and 2nd gear. Luckily, this is easy to solve with the Perrin shift stop, a simple modification that can be installed in less than 30 minutes, but greatly improves the accuracy and feel of the WRX's shifter.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best Fumoto Valve for Subaru WRX: VB, VA, STI, and Oil Drain Fitment
The right Fumoto valve for a Subaru WRX depends on engine family and oil-pan fitment. This guide covers F108SX and F108S for FA-series WRX models, F105-series valves for EJ WRX/STI models, install notes, clearance risks, safety clips, and leak checks.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Air Oil Separators and Catch Cans: VB, VA, and STI Picks
The best WRX AOS or catch can depends on whether you have a VB FA24, VA FA20, or EJ-powered WRX/STI. Here are the best current air oil separator and catch can picks.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best Subaru WRX Tires: Daily, Summer, All-Season, Winter, and Track Picks
The best Subaru WRX tire depends on climate and use: summer performance, ultra-high-performance all-season, all-weather, winter, or 200TW track/autocross tires.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best Subaru WRX Mud Flaps: Rally Armor vs RokBlokz, VB, VA, and STI
The best Subaru WRX mud flaps depend on chassis, clearance, material stiffness, and whether you want rally style or subtle paint protection. This guide compares Rally Armor, RokBlokz, OEM splash guards, and budget alternatives for VB, VA, STI, and older WRX fitment.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Stage 2 Kits? VA, VB, legal, and custom-tuned paths.
The best WRX Stage 2 kit depends on whether you have a 2015-2021 VA WRX or a 2022+ VB WRX, and whether you want a compliant stock-cat package or a custom-tuned j-pipe build.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Coilovers? VB, VA, GD, street, budget, and track picks.
Best WRX coilovers for VB, VA, GR/GV, and GD chassis cars. We break down fitment by generation and compare the strongest coilover options for daily driving, spirited road use, and serious performance.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best Subaru WRX Shift Knobs: VB, VA, STI, and Older WRX Picks
The best Subaru WRX shift knobs depend on chassis, material, weight, and reverse-lockout fitment. This guide covers 2022+ VB WRX, 2015-2021 VA WRX/STI, older 2002-2014 WRX/STI fitment, and what to avoid before buying.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best Subaru WRX Interior Mods: VA, VB, and STI Accessories
The best Subaru WRX interior mods make the cabin easier to live with and more satisfying to drive. This guide covers VA WRX/STI and VB WRX interior accessories, including shift knobs, floor mats, shifter upgrades, cup holder liners, LED lighting, trim, storage, and CVT-specific picks.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
WRX Flex Fuel Guide: Best CAN Flex Fuel Kits for VA and VB WRX
WRX flex fuel is back through COBB CAN Flex Fuel for supported VA and VB WRXs. Here is what changed after Green Speed, which kits fit, and what to verify before running ethanol.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Catback Exhausts: GD, GR, VA, and VB Guide
The best WRX catback exhaust depends on whether you have a GD, GR/GV, VA, or VB WRX/STI, and how much sound and drone you can live with.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best 2015-2021 WRX J-Pipes and Downpipes: Catted, GESI, and Green Speed Notes
The best 2015-2021 WRX j-pipe depends on your tuning path, emissions rules, and transmission. Here is the current catted downpipe guide after COBB Green Speed.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Stage what? WRX Stages 1, 2, and 3 explained.
Learn what WRX Stage 1, Stage 1+, Stage 2, Stage 2+, and Stage 3 mean after COBB Project Green Speed, including VA, VB, STI, CVT, and custom-tune differences.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best WRX Axleback Exhausts: VB, VA WRX, and STI Muffler Delete Guide
The best WRX axleback depends on chassis, muffled vs muffler-delete sound, drone tolerance, and whether you have a 2022+ VB WRX or 2015-2021 VA WRX/STI.
Subaru WRX / STI Guides
Best Subaru WRX Intakes: VB and VA WRX Cold Air Intake Guide
The best WRX intake depends on whether you have a 2022+ VB or 2015-2021 VA WRX, and whether you want an OTS-supported, CARB-friendly, or custom-tuned setup.