08-09 Temporary Turbo Swap

[Sylent_WRX]

So im in the process of piecing together my "stage 3" for this spring/summer.
Doesnt the use of the word "Stages" after the 2nd stage become pretty worthless in describing your car?  Anyhow...

I am currently running standard stage 2 on my 2008 WRX:

Catless DP
TBE
AP
CAI

My plans were to stay with what i have now until everything has arrived and im ready to put the 68HTA, FMIC etc on...

Well turns out a friend that works for Pro Tuning in Toledo has a perfectly knew VF-52 (2009 wrx turbo) hed sell me dirt cheap.  Now I REALLY want to put this turbo on for the temporary power boost untill I get my 68hta + FMIC etc on!  Id be looking at about a 55HP, 50 Tq gain with a tune which theyd do practically free for me.

Everything between the 08's and 09's is identicle as far as i know EXCEPT the VF52 turbo on the 09's.  I cant find a ton of information, and theres plenty of us 08 owners swapping the VF52 turbo's on, however some mention possibly upgrading your TMIC for it. Any forseeable problems with this?

Help!

[DangBruhY]

hmmmm

How much of a power gain did you get when you went Stage 2?

[Sylent_WRX]

Stage 2 where im at now should be about 250-255 WHP -270 tq.

Thats about the best estimation.

[DangBruhY]

If there is a problem with your setup right now, you are only going to magnify that problem when you slam more air into the engine.

[RossLH]

If you're going to go with a VF52 now and you want to upgrade past that (plus add a front mount), skip the HTA68. It'll be a small reward for a lot of money, whereas you can get a bigger, more capable turbo for not a whole lot more. The price to go with the HTA68 from a VF52 is just not worth the money.