Hi guys !

I'm back on i-club !! It's been 3 years now I am living in south bay area (San jose West), and I love this place I am looking to get my first US Subaru, a '08 STI, but of course I have some questions concerning the known issues ...

I used the search engine of this forum, and I am worried about the oil pickup problem , and potentially the pistons ringland.

What are your advices about how to make this '08 STI more reliable and worry-free, specially in case of engine tuning ? What can be done to stay "smog" legal ? COBB Accessport reflash eCu with intake and cat-back exhaust (+ high flow cat) is passing smog check or not ?

I'm waiting for your answers, and really excited to get this '08 STI !

 

many people have passed smog with a catted dp and a stg2 tune

 

If you're worried about the oil pickup, look into the Killer B oil pickup.

I have a full turbo back (catted dp), Tomei ARMS Turbo, and supporting mods, and passed smog as clean as a whistle. It really depends on how good your tune is because running rich/lean affects your CO and HC levels quite a bit.

 

that are really good news !
BTW, do you know a good garage to replace the oil pickup ? this will be the first mod I will do on my new '08, because I dont want to have a little devil above my shoulder waiting to break my engine !

 

check out eqtuning or lic if you dont mind driving far..worth the trip in my experience

 

+1 for eq, one of their techs drives an 08 wrx I believe, or 09 I'm not exactly sure.

 

I checked on google maps, eq or lic are at least 1 hour 30 min away from home :S
There is no good garage/tech around san jose to perform a good maintenance / tuning on STI ?

 

+1 for LIC

 

Your best bet is probably Auto HQ in Redwood City.

 

This, if you're not looking to drive.

 

GST Motorsports in Hayward for Accessport tuning or parts installs.

 

+1 if you cant make it to LIC.