STI Hawkeye VF48 Turbo Upgrade Install Guide
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Subaru WRX STI Hawkeye
GDB-F (N/A)
Power
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0-60
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Top Speed
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Current Market Value
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Expert DIY
8-10 hours
Subaru VF48 Turbo Direct Replacement
Subaru WRX STI Hawkeye (GDB-F)Also compatible with: Other GD STI with modifications
Estimated Cost
$1,800-$2,400
Parts: $1,400-$1,800
Labor: $400-$600
Horsepower
+40-60 hp (330-350 whp peak on E85)
Torque
+50 lb-ft
Response
Similar spool to VF43, holds boost higher into rev range
Prerequisites
- • Fuel injectors upgraded (720cc or larger)
- • Walbro fuel pump
- • COBB AccessPORT or EcuTek required
- • Stock TMIC or upgraded front-mount
Installation Progress0%
Installation Steps
1
Disconnect battery, remove air intake box
20 min
Disconnect MAF sensor connector
2
Remove heat shield over turbo
15 min
3
Disconnect wastegate vacuum line
5 min
4
Remove O2 sensor and downpipe connection
30 min
5
Disconnect oil feed line from top of turbo
10 min
6
Disconnect oil drain line from bottom
15 min
7
Remove coolant lines to turbo
15 min
8
Unbolt turbo from exhaust manifold (4 nuts)
30 min
9
Extract stock VF43 turbo
15 min
10
Clean manifold mating surface
10 min
11
Prime VF48 with oil
10 min
12
Install VF48 with new gasket
30 min
13
Reconnect oil and coolant lines
30 min
14
Reinstall downpipe, O2 sensor, heat shield
45 min
15
Dyno tune
3-4 hours
Parts Required
All parts needed for this modification
Subaru VF48 ball-bearing turbo
Quantity: 1 • $1,350
OEM turbo gasket
Quantity: 1 • $25
OEM turbo oil feed line
Quantity: 1 • $80
Exhaust manifold gasket
Quantity: 1 • $30
Tools Required
Metric socket set
Common
Long extensions
Common
Oxygen sensor socket
Rental: $10/day
Rental
Supporting Modifications
Additional mods recommended or required for optimal performance
720cc fuel injectors
required
Stock 565cc inadequate above 320 whp
Walbro 255 lph in-tank pump
required
Supports VF48 airflow
TMIC upgrade (Cobb or APS)
recommended
Stock top-mount heat soaks at elevated boost
COBB AccessPORT
required
Required for ECU flashing
Tuning Requirements
ECU Flash Required
Dyno Tune Required
Estimated Tuning Cost
$600-$1,000
COBB AccessPORT flash and custom dyno tune required. Cannot use off-the-shelf map — VF48 needs full calibration.
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