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Featured Questions
Which exhaust should I buy, and how bad is drone/cold start?
The perfect VB exhaust will always depend on the person. Muffler deletes are considered the loudest, muffled systems tend to be a bit more tame, most setups wil involve some tradeoff between tone, volume, and highway drone.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
What fuel should I run: 91, 93, or can I use 87?
Use premium. Subaru lists 91 octane or higher for the WRX VB, however, if 93 octane is available it is recommended.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
Will mods void my warranty?
Not automatically, but tunes and power mods make powertrain claims much harder. That is the dominant owner consensus.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
Do I need a tune for an intake system on the VB?
Yes. Community consensus is that an intake is treated as a tune-required mod on the VB unless you are following a very specific, well-tested setup and tuner guidance, even then most frown upon this.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
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Beginner Mods
View allEngine / Intake / Exhaust
View allReliability
View allWhat fuel should I run: 91, 93, or can I use 87?
Use premium. Subaru lists 91 octane or higher for the WRX VB, however, if 93 octane is available it is recommended.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
How should I break in a new VB, and should I change the oil at 1,000 miles?
Subaru guidance is first 1,000 miles, vary speed and keep it under 4,000 rpm; the community is split on the 1,000-mile oil change, but many owners do it anyway for peace of mind.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
Transmission / Drivetrain
View allTuning
View allDo I need a tune for an intake system on the VB?
Yes. Community consensus is that an intake is treated as a tune-required mod on the VB unless you are following a very specific, well-tested setup and tuner guidance, even then most frown upon this.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
Is an Accessport/tune worth it on a mostly stock VB?
Yes, if you care most about power and drivability and accept the warranty risk; no, if warranty peace of mind matters more.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
Is the SPT/CVT reliable, and how much tuning can it handle?
For stock or lightly modified daily use, owners are generally positive on the SPT/CVT, but the tuning consensus is keep torque conservative and do not treat it like the manual.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
Warranty
View allAll Questions
6 questions found
Why is the 1–2 shift so rough, and how do I make the manual smoother?
The common advice is shift 1–2 a little higher, around 3k–3.5k rpm, and practice! If still no luck then add shift-feel mods before assuming something is wrong.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
Is an Accessport/tune worth it on a mostly stock VB?
Yes, if you care most about power and drivability and accept the warranty risk; no, if warranty peace of mind matters more.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
Is the SPT/CVT reliable, and how much tuning can it handle?
For stock or lightly modified daily use, owners are generally positive on the SPT/CVT, but the tuning consensus is keep torque conservative and do not treat it like the manual.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
How should I break in a new VB, and should I change the oil at 1,000 miles?
Subaru guidance is first 1,000 miles, vary speed and keep it under 4,000 rpm; the community is split on the 1,000-mile oil change, but many owners do it anyway for peace of mind.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
What wheel and tire specs fit best on the VB?
A very common enthusiast fitment is 18x9.5 +38 with 255/35, but once you lower the car or go taller/wider, rubbing and flare trimming become much more likely.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
What are the best first mods for a stock WRX VB?
The most common “safe first mod” answers are cat-back/axle-back exhaust, wheels/tires, shift-stop/shift feel mods, tint, and cosmetic pieces.
Updated 03/26 · Read answer →
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