How to verify a PPP on a 05 WRX?

[WickedWizzzard]

Hi there. New to the forum and the Subaru world, so please bear with me if this is a silly question or the answer is somewhere else in PH.
I am on the market for a gen 2 (GD/GG) Impreza WRX. Found a good one that according to the seller has the PPP factory fitted. But seller doesn’t have an invoice or such. No power test either. I know the PPP included things like a larger intercooler hose. Is there a way for me to verify visually if in fact the PPP has been fitted? Thanks!

[Sad Weevil]

It should have a blue silicone y pipe from turbo to intercooler, resonated decat centre section and Prodrive back box, and the ECU is marked differently.

[WickedWizzzard]

Thanks for the prompt reply Sad Weevil. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I can’t easily see the y pipe, it’s behind (underneath) the intercooler. Same with the WCU, it’s under the glove box compartment from what I found on the web. Although that might not be hard to get into. I guess the easiest would be the back box: round vs oval and should say prodrive on the tip

[vxr2010]

ask a subaru dealer it should be listed as ppp fitted as it was done by them , wrx and sti had different bits fitted , have a look at any thing written on the ecu

[WickedWizzzard]

Thanks guys. Going out to see it today. The seller did also say that he rang the dealer and was able to verify the installation by them. Will let you know what I find out.

[texaxile]

Y pipe should be easy to see, it’s on the left , midway under the intercooler as you look at the engine.

Exhaust back box is round with prodrive on it.

PPP y pipe is blue, and depending on how it is fitted, you might be able to see pro drive written on it, mine also has a sticker on the front of the owners manual informing me to use high octane fuel and tell my insurance co.

I’ll post a couple of pics later.

[WickedWizzzard]

You were absolutely right. The y pipe sticks out of the bottom of the intercooler, blue and has prodrive stamped on it. Exhausted also identified as expected. Didn’t check the ECU. But the thing pulls!
Got it on the spot, an 05 WRX SL wagon. You will see it later in my garage
Thanks guys

[texaxile]

WickedWizzzard said:

You were absolutely right. The y pipe sticks out of the bottom of the intercooler, blue and has prodrive stamped on it. Exhausted also identified as expected. Didn’t check the ECU. But the thing pulls!
Got it on the spot, an 05 WRX SL wagon. You will see it later in my garage
Thanks guys

Good choice. SL models always sell that bit quicker and are more desirable. Better still if it’s a ppp, although many say that the ppp isn’t that great, and better results can be had with a different map, for me it offers enough extra power to make the car so much better than the standard version.
They do have an appetite for premium fuel, I always run momentum in mine and I get around 260-280 miles to a tank with mixed urban / dual carriageway.

Keep an eye on any rust, if it hasn’t been done, it might be worth cleaning under the arches and spraying them and the sills with dynax.

Preventative maintenance is the key to keeping these cars reliable, touch wood , mine has been faultless and brilliant over the last 7 years, just run decent oil, change it annually , do the coolant and other fluids on time and use good quality lubricants, spark plugs are not as bad as people say they are to do. Try to keep the tyres matched up, either all 4 or each axle changed at the same time. Air filters and fuel filters are cheap to replace, I just opt for Bosch fuel filter and a half decent, non oiled air filter .

Edited by texaxile on Sunday 3rd April 21:13

[R12many]

Whilst the front leather seats in my SL look great, I found they didn't provide much lateral support and spoiled the feel in bends as I slid around. In the end I swapped them over for some out of an 02 Bugeye and it feels much better now that I'm fixed in the driving position.

[WickedWizzzard]

I hear you. I’ve also read from many people complaining about the leather seats. Picked up the car this last week. Feels solid, haven’t driven it hard yet, but to be honest, the leather seats feel more than good enough to me. Besides, I’ll be using the car for the occasional school run or work commute, so I’m sure I’ll make use of the heated seats.
Now I’ll start the long and difficult process of deciding what to do with it. I have to give it a bit of a makeover, but need to decide how deep to go. To rebuild the engine or not? Upgrades? Respray? This is going to be fun. Going to make another post about it to consult the experts here.