[bmwarg]

A friend of mine who tuned his Subaru made several upgrades to handle the power. I was wondering if I should upgrade certain components to handle the JB4. Do I have to worry about the transmission? The pistons warping? etc.

[AlpineSwift]

Charge pipe. Definitely upgrade the charge pipe and consider a new intake. Transmission can handle a $hit load more power than what you're currently putting out, as will the engine (including pistons).

If you get any misfires, check your coils and plugs and replace as necessary. A good rule of thumb is to replace the plugs when you tune the motor for the first time. Coils are kind of hit or miss but they are definitely known to die.

[Alohaaaaa]

Our motor is a little better built then the halfassed new gen STI'S... Last I heard they were blowing motors left right and center. Guess that's what you get for having a high strung H4.

Consider an intake (to let your car suck in all that air!), and OCC (keep your valves clean, no more oil buildup!), charge pipe (OEM is plastic, how it doesn't explode under stock boost confuses me) and intercooler is you live somewhere really hot (our OEM one can heat soak after a good sprint).

If you have an auto you don't have to worry at all, the tranny can take a ton of abuse. Our engine internals are pretty mean, and forged! They are exceedingly hard to break.

Don't forget to Pat yourself on the back for spending like 1500 bucks to make 100hp extra! And to laugh at your friend when his motor poofs! 3 guys in my car club have fragged scoobies.

[AughtOcho335]

Originally Posted by bmwarg

A friend of mine who tuned his Subaru made several upgrades to handle the power. I was wondering if I should upgrade certain components to handle the JB4. Do I have to worry about the transmission? The pistons warping? etc.

Testicular reinforcements!!!!

[RaceTruk]

my friend blew his cylinder 4 gasket on his 2014 WRX in 500 miles.
N54 have nothing to worry about.

[Darryl79]

When you have a tune, your suspension really comes out as something that needs to be upgraded. A lot of people do the M3 suspension bit, control arms, bushings, sway bar, etc..

[Ml3456]

If your putting the Jb4 on you really need a new charge pipe. The OEM one is pretty weak. A OCC really isn't needed and your valves will still get dirty. Nothing you can do about it since the don't see fuel on the valve stems to clean them. Enjoy for a while and see what your next mod will be. More power or suspension upgrades.

ML

[bmwarg]

Looks like a charge pipe is in order. What happens if the current stock charge pipe breaks? Major $$$ or just replace with a newer charge pipe?

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

When the stock charge pipe breaks you are left running open throttle body and no boost.

You won't necessarily be stranded on the side of the road but you would be driving with no filter and no boost.

It's better to get it sooner then later as when it does break (cause it will) it usually happens at the worst time LOL

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by bmwarg

A friend of mine who tuned his Subaru made several upgrades to handle the power. I was wondering if I should upgrade certain components to handle the JB4. Do I have to worry about the transmission? The pistons warping? etc.

Make sure your plugs are changed every 15k or so. Intake is a good idea as well as new FMIC and a charge pipe.

Mike

[bmwarg]

Yes, I think I will change the spark plugs too. That's a good idea. Is there a recommended spark plug? I read this before "Stay away from platinum plugs in BMWs. These don’t last as long as the regular Bosch copper or silver plugs and NGK plus, and have been known to fail in other ways."

For charge pipe do you recommend Stett or ER or ETS or BMS charge pipe? Looks like ER is good because it uses similar fitments as stock charge pipe. I don't care about meth. I'm thinking I should just keep the stock diverter valves.

[jayzF30]

Best upgrade after a JB4 is to get a real tune and swap it for a Cobb! Oh no I just said that HAHA

[335is808]

Originally Posted by jazze90

Best upgrade after a JB4 is to get a real tune and swap it for a Cobb! Oh no I just said that HAHA

*secret fist bump* LOL

[bmwarg]

I don't understand the comment about getting a "real tune."

Anyway, is the ER Charge Pipe a good bet?

[JC335xi]

I don't think the charge pipe is nearly as much of an issue as these guys are making it sound like. My 2c would be to ditch the stock intercooler next. It is barely up to the task with the stock tune never mind with an aftermarket one.

[C.Pop]

I'd get a radar detector.

[bmwarg]

Originally Posted by JC335xi

I don't think the charge pipe is nearly as much of an issue as these guys are making it sound like. My 2c would be to ditch the stock intercooler next. It is barely up to the task with the stock tune never mind with an aftermarket one.

Would this depend on where one lives? I live in pretty temperate climate. My oil temperatures go to 240-250 Fahrenheit.

[Sandman614]

Originally Posted by bmwarg

Would this depend on where one lives? I live in pretty temperate climate. My oil temperatures go to 240-250 Fahrenheit.

intercooler cools air, not oil.

[bmwarg]

Yup... got confused for a second. Is the intercooler necessary if not in hot climates and not tracking the car? I guess it would be nice to have, but not sure if necessary yet. The charge pipe to me sounds like a good idea to prevent damage if it were to blow out.

I will get the charge pipe... I might consider also getting intercooler as a package.

Speaking of ER charge pipe... is anodized black or polished a better look with the rest of the engine's components?

[Sandman614]

if you're gonna be tracking it might as well do both

Intercooler will keep intake air temps lower for longer = more power for longer during your run

[bmwarg]

Originally Posted by Sandman614

if you're gonna be tracking it might as well do both

Intercooler will keep intake air temps lower for longer = more power for longer during your run

No tracking anytime in the near future. But I would make sure to change the intercooler if I start to track the car.

[Sandman614]

Originally Posted by bmwarg

No tracking anytime in the near future. But I would make sure to change the intercooler if I start to track the car.

oh sorry didn't see your edit. A lot of people that don't track their car still upgrade the FMIC, it seems to be consensus that it's a major weakpoint of the car no matter how you use it