--- title: Choosing a Larger Turbo for more Power w/o losing reliability description: Subaru Horsepower Upgrades | When it comes to selecting a turbo, you will find out that there may be hundreds of different turbos available, but only some are listed as fitting your car. Choose the turbo that gives you the best performance and reliability. Going cheap is not going to save money. image: https://www.5250performance.com/hubfs/man%20question.png --- [![5250 Performance Dyno Shop Colorado](https://www.5250performance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/artwork_5250/Snip20170305_123.png?width=122&height=302&name=Snip20170305_123.png "5250 Performance Dyno Shop Colorado")](https://www.5250performance.com/) - [Home](https://www.5250performance.com) - [About Us](https://www.5250performance.com/about-us) - [Fab](https://www.5250performance.com/fabrication-services) - [Gallery](https://www.5250performance.com/5250-performance-car-gallery) - [Tuning / Upgrades](https://www.5250performance.com/performance-tuning) - [Need a Tuner](https://www.5250performance.com/tuner-page) - [Custom Fabrication](https://www.5250performance.com/fabrication-services) - [Line Card](https://www.5250performance.com/5250-line-card) - [Haltech ECU](https://www.5250performance.com/haltech-ecu) - [Mil Spec Wiring](https://www.5250performance.com/mil-spec-wiring-for-high-performance-cars) - [Repair](https://www.5250performance.com/automotive-repair) - [Current Gallery](https://www.5250performance.com/performance-gallery) - [IAG Subaru Blocks](https://www.5250performance.com/iag-subaru-engine-blocks-colorado) - [Most Popular IAG Blocks](https://www.5250performance.com/our-popular-iag-blocks) - [Dyno](https://www.5250performance.com/dyno-tuning) - [Performance Blog](https://www.5250performance.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.5250performance.com/contact-us) [![Need a Tune?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/532455/e98cee66-8412-4c1b-b0be-676df9108236.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/532455/e98cee66-8412-4c1b-b0be-676df9108236) # 5250 High Performance Dyno Shop Blog ## [Choosing a Larger Turbo for more Power w/o losing reliability](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/choosing-a-larger-turbo-for-more-power-w/o-losing-reliability) \[fa icon="calendar"\] Jul 10, 2018 8:00:00 AM / by [Mike Wiener](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/author/mike-wiener) ![](https://www.5250performance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Snip20171127_8.png?width=35&name=Snip20171127_8.png) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [![want a Bigger Turbo](https://www.5250performance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/man%20question.png?width=300&name=man%20question.png)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/5250-subaru-engine-builds-what-are-your-hp-goals)When you have a turbocharged engine, most manufacturers only use 80% of the full capability of the turbo. They do this to make the engine more reliable and last longer. But this is something an enthusiast has to put aside, whether they realize it or not. Since the manufacturer left so much on the table, some exhaust work and a tune unlock a considerable amount of power. But what do you do when you want even more power? The next step is a larger turbo. When it comes to selecting a turbo, you will find out that there may be hundreds of different turbos available, but only some are listed as fitting your car. We're going to use a 2013 Subaru WRX and STi as an example. Your favorite online retailer lists 40+ turbos for the STi, but only 6 for the WRX. Why? They're almost the same motor. Even though the motors are very similar, the exhaust systems identical, and the intakes the same, they have very different intake manifolds and intercoolers. The WRX has a modern plastic intake manifold and cheaper plastic and aluminum intercooler. The STi has the same aluminum intake manifold it has had since 2004 and a much larger all aluminum intercooler. The intercoolers and manifolds have different locations for the throttle body and the connections to the intercooler, making them incompatible. The STi style manifold has been around since 2004 and is even compatible with the first WRX's in 2002. This has given the aftermarket community 11 years to come up with stock replacement turbos and 11 years of vehicles to support their products. Even though the only real difference between the WRX turbo and the STi turbo is the compressor cover (other than power capability), not much attention has been given to the WRX community. There are only a handful of turbos to choose from. - One may think that the only way a WRX can utilize STi style turbos would be to swap to an STi style intake manifold, this is not the best decision. The plastic manifold is actually a better material. The plastic is smoother for better airflow and will not heat soak like the aluminum one will. Not to mention the swap is not as simple as just the manifold. You would also need TGV's, Fuel Rails, and a new Intercooler. [![Subaru Turbo Upgrades](https://www.5250performance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/turbo_specs/Snip20150808_32.png?width=250&name=Snip20150808_32.png)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/5250-subaru-engine-builds-what-are-your-hp-goals)A very commonly overlooked way to utilize an STi style turbo on a WRX is to get a GrimmSpeed or Process West intercooler. Not only do companies offer an incredible product, they also offer an optional adapter hose that will allow you to use an STi style turbo with the plastic manifold. This is the simplest and cheapest way to expand the available turbos for your vehicle. Get the power gains you want while also having a car that you can drive everyday. Choose the turbo wisely, also choose a shop that demonstrates doing it right. [![More Subaru Power?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/532455/988d4d19-1794-4621-8479-c07c40947558.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/532455/988d4d19-1794-4621-8479-c07c40947558) Topics: [Subaru Horsepower](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/subaru-horsepower) ![Mike Wiener](https://www.5250performance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Snip20171127_8.png?width=100&height=100&name=Snip20171127_8.png) #### Written by [Mike Wiener](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/author/mike-wiener) ### Subscribe to Email Updates - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Building Horsepower (9)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/building-horsepower) - [Dyno Tuning Colorado (7)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/dyno-tuning-colorado) - [Subaru Firewall Clutch Pedal Repair (7)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/subaru-firewall-clutch-pedal-repair) - [Superchargers (6)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/superchargers) - [Turbo Upgrades (5)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/turbo-upgrades) - [Dyno Tuning (4)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/dyno-tuning) - [Fabrication Welding (4)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/fabrication-welding) - [Subaru Horsepower (4)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/subaru-horsepower) - [Broken Weld Repair (3)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/broken-weld-repair) - [Custom Fabrication (3)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/custom-fabrication) - [Data and Gauges (3)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/data-and-gauges) - [Performance Modifications (3)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/performance-modifications) - [Prochargers (3)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/prochargers) - [Subaru Engine Failures (3)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/subaru-engine-failures) - [exhaust systems (3)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/exhaust-systems) - [fuel injectors (3)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/fuel-injectors) - [Custom Headers (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/custom-headers) - [Dyno Shop (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/dyno-shop) - [E85 (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/e85) - [Fabrication Services (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/fabrication-services) - [High Performance Shop (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/high-performance-shop) - [Race Car Prep (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/race-car-prep) - [Walnut Blasting (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/walnut-blasting) - [iag Subaru Blocks (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/iag-subaru-blocks) - [procharger (2)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/procharger) - [Air Oil Separators (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/air-oil-separators) - [Air Ride (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/air-ride) - [Battery Performance (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/battery-performance) - [Brake Upgrades (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/brake-upgrades) - [Cold Air Intakes (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/cold-air-intakes) - [Direct Injection cleaning (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/direct-injection-cleaning) - [Drift Car Build (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/drift-car-build) - [Emissions (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/emissions) - [High Flow Fuel Pump (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/high-flow-fuel-pump) - [Miata turbo (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/miata-turbo) - [Penske Shocks (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/penske-shocks) - [Quick Drain Valves (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/quick-drain-valves) - [Saab Repair (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/saab-repair) - [Street tuning (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/street-tuning) - [Subaru Clutch Upgrades (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/subaru-clutch-upgrades) - [Subaru Engine Kits (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/subaru-engine-kits) - [Subaru Transmission Problems (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/subaru-transmission-problems) - [Suspension Repair (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/suspension-repair) - [Turbine Housing (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/turbine-housing) - [Water Methanol (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/water-methanol) - [buying Rally Car (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/buying-rally-car) - [clutches (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/clutches) - [coil pack repair (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/coil-pack-repair) - [compound turbos (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/compound-turbos) - [intercooler design (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/intercooler-design) - [spark plugs (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/spark-plugs) - [winter tires (1)](https://www.5250performance.com/blog/topic/winter-tires) see all #### About Us We are a performance shop located in Longmont, Colorado.  Our specialty is forced induction performance cars.  We have experience in basic repairs to 1400 horsepower supercharged Hellcats.  Start something special. Learn More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\] [\[fa icon="facebook-square"\]](https://www.facebook.com/5250performance) \[fa icon="linkedin-square"\] [\[fa icon="twitter-square"\]](https://twitter.com/5250performance)  Copyright 2026 | Designed with \[fa icon="heart"\] by [Tru-Market](http://www.Tru-Market.com) \[fa icon="chevron-up"\]