Just joined the forum and have a rather basic question to ask. I will be taking delivery of an '04 WRX wagon here in a couple of weeks. It obviously will not remain stock for long, but what mods should I do first?

How about a K&N airfilter. Good place to start I think.

K&N is a good suggestion...

 

I'd also recommend:

"better" suspension

make the car handle better before making it faster

 

Jamie

Talking about handling, how big are your wheels? The bigger the diameter the better the handling (to a certain point). When I upgraded my 14" alloys to 16", the change in handling was huge! No more rolling and bouncing in curves and better response and feel.

a lightweight pulley is a good mod that does not put extra wear and tear on things it also can give you better gas mileage when you don't drive hard with it. here is a spot to get one.

http://tpi.mrjosh43.com/home.html

Apple,

When you went to 16"s what size tire did you go with?

Just don't forget to not to do something to void a warranty (if its important to you). I'm surprised there are no head gasket issues with the WRX yet, considering there is more chance for detonation and the extra heat in the engine compartment.

 

Go nuts on the mods AFTER your warranty is up, otherwise when a problem arises.....you are up ****e's Creek without a paddle.

I got some impressa six spoke alloys (gold:D) from a junkyard (cheap) and put on 205/50 16. They fit perfectly, no rubbing at all and speedo is only 0.5% off.