STI tuning tips for reliable power
Forced Induction
ETS Twin Scroll EFR T4 EWG Turbo Kit – Subaru WRX STi (EJ20/EJ25)
ECU Harnesses & Sensors
Air Flow Meters
The Subaru STI is one of the most popular “tuner cars” sold over the past 20 years. Featuring a turbo EJ25 engine the STI make great power from the factory and with a few basic mods evolve into a truly fun and fast car to drive in just about any condition.
Below is a list of modifications that are proven to make reliable power on any STI. We have been using all or combinations of these parts regularly on hundreds of STI builds around the world with great success each and every time. If you have a 2015+ WRX be sure to check out our WRX specific article: Best WRX Modifications.

STI Cold Air Intake
The first mod for any EJ25 powered STI should always be an intake. At minimum a high flow drop in air filter used with the oem air box. For those that want a bit more performance the Cobb Intakes are a perfect choice. Starting with the Cobb SF intake this budget friendly cold air intake set the industry standard for the Subaru market. Those that want the best of the best should use the STI Cobb Redline Carbon Fiber Intake. The Cobb Redline intakes are hands down the best performing intakes on the market. Made from Carbon Fiber these intakes not only flow great they also look amazing in your engine bay and don’t heat soak like an aluminum, Titanium or steel intake tube does.
- STI Cobb SF Intake 2015+ Subaru STI
- STI Cobb Redline Carbon Fiber Intake 2015+ Subaru STI
- 08-14 STI/WRX SF Intake
- 02-07 STI/WRX SF Intake
STI Exhaust
Cat-back exhaust, downpipe and headers are 3 of the best ways to help your EJ25 breath. The factory exhaust and cast manifolds are very restrictive to the exhaust flow. Upgrading to a Turbo back exhaust and headers will net 15-20% increase in power simply by allowing the engine to exhale do to the lower exhaust back pressure. Headers also make the EJ25 sound amazing!
- Perrin Headers STI All years
- Killer Bee headers STI All years
- Cobb Titanium exhaust STI/WRX 02-07
- Cobb Catback exhaust Quad tip 08-14 sti
- Cobb Bellmouth Downpipe w/highflow cat STI 08-21 STI

STI Fuel System & Turbo Upgrades
As you make more power with the STI the stock fuel system starts to reach its limits. Using ID1050x injectors and AEM 340lph fuel pump that come in the Cobb Fuel System package listed below flow enough to support over 500HP.
While the OEM STI turbo is a great little turbo that spools fast it lacks airflow up top and power falls off hard in the high RPM ranges. Using a Cobb 3 port boost solenoid will help to get the most accurate boost control out of any turbo but if you want more power than the stock STI turbo can support we have the FP green stock location upgrade for a simple bolt on upgrade. We also offer full rotated turbo kit from ETS and Perrin for those STI builds looking for 600+ WHP.
- Cobb fuel system package STI 08-2021 STI
- ID1050x STI All years using top feed fuel rails
- AEM 340lph fuel pump STI All years
- Cobb 3 port boost solenoid 2015-2021 STI
- FP Green Turbo STI All years
- ETS STI Twin Scroll Turbo Kit This is hands down the best turbo kit on market, if you are looking for the best of the best this turbo kit is for you.

Catch Tanks
Forced Induction
ETS Front Mount Intercooler and Piping Kit 08-14 Subaru WRX STI
Standalone ECUs
Electronics