bass_straitener wrote:G'day Guys.
Quick question Rome.
Did you have to get a tune after installation or reset the ECU or anything like that. I've heard good things about the dump pipe mod, but spoke to STI Docklands who suggested the STI tune would suffer should the dump pipe changed. They advised to keep the car standard. Now I'm really confused as I heard this was a must do by the turbo Suby brigade.
What's been your experience so far in terms of driveability, noise and fuel consumption and running rich or lean?
No offence to STI docklands because I think there is a member on here who works there, but there are certain dealers who say that the cars are better left stock. What a load of rubbish, they just want you to think the cars they sell are already perfect.
With any major (and even some minor) performance modification to do with the engine, intake, exhaust etc. you will not experience the greatest benefit unless you get the ECU retuned to match the changed conditions.
I have had my dump pipe for 3 months now without a tune and the car runs great. The STI tune has not suffered at all, the car is a lot more responsive and quicker with the dump pipe. I am planning on getting a retune but am waiting until I finish the rest of my exhaust mods before doing so.
There are a ton of members on this site who now have a Phat Dump Pipe, the benefits are instantly noticeable, it is definitely not just a placebo effect. And as you can see from the video, it does give the exhaust note a throatier sound.
Driveability - Improved, the car is more responsive, feels a lot quicker. It feels as if it has opened up the car (best way I can describe it) so it is not as restricted
Noise - Not a massive increase, but the car is definitely a little bit louder. Not so noticeable at idle but when you give it you can hear it roar a bit more.
Fuel consumption - The STI tune is apparently a rich tune, so the fuel consumption does increase slightly. At first, your fuel consumption will go sky high cos you'll want to give it at every opportunity
But after a while you will notice it is only slightly thirstier than stock. A tune will fix this though.