Why Upgrade the Intercooler on Your WRX VA?
We know that the WRX VA is already light on its feet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more performance potential that can be squeezed out of it with the right upgrades. Take the stock intercooler for example. There’s definitely nothing wrong with it, but its capability is more suited to errands and casual commutes. If you’re wanting to engage in spirited drives with a bit of tuning, you’ll quickly find that it’s gasping for air. That results in your power falling short, your temps start to rapidly climb, and your turbo feels like it's exercising in a sauna in full ski gear.
The best way to change that narrative is with an upgraded performance intercooler. Getting cooler, denser air fed directly into your engine means you’ll feel sharper throttle response, harder pulls, and a level of horsepower that sticks around no matter how hard you decide to push your build. If you think this mod just adds a little bit of power to your VA, you’re sorely mistaken. It’ll make your WRX VA feel like it’s coming alive through every gear, season, and road you can throw at it.
The Intercooler’s Role in Your WRX Performance Story
When your stock intercooler starts to get overwhelmed by your driving demands, it can feel like it’s trying to breathe through a straw. When that hot air starts to get into your engine, your turbo feels like it's working overtime, but you won’t be seeing any gains from all that effort. So when you choose to upgrade your intercooler, the whole essence of your ride shifts. You’ll find that your pulls feel more violent than a fistfight, your throttle is electric, and every other conjoining mod gets a noticeable boost in performance. This is more than just a simple upgrade, it’s the secret sauce that makes the rest of your build feel incredible.
Cooler Air, Bigger Power
It’s no secret that turbos need cold, denser air in order to crank out the power, and obviously the same is true for your VA WRX. THe problem is that by the time that air hits your turbo from the intercooler, it's too hot with too little oxygen to really give your WRX the power you’re looking for. It’s just not designed for the kind of spirited driving or tuning that draws people to the VA in the first place. You can’t have your intercooler folding like a house of cards in a breeze when you’re trying to do what should come naturally to the VA, so drastic measures have to be taken.
Giving your WRX an aftermarket intercooler is like giving it a new set of lungs. Your intake temps drop, oxygen levels go through the roof, and every single pull hits like a ton of bricks. You’ll also feel a sharper throttle response, and that power will continue to show up no matter how long you keep it going. This type of upgrade isn’t actually measurable, but it’s the kind you can feel in your spine every time you feel your boost come alive.
Shop WRX VA Intercooler Upgrades Here!
Reliability to Match Your Ambition
By now you’ve hopefully realized that if you’re still running the stock intercooler on your VA, expecting it to keep up with your aggressive tuning or larger turbo is an exercise in foolishness. When they get pushed outside their comfort zone, bad things can happen and leave you feeling disappointed and looking for answers. After all, nothing's more disappointing than watching your power fade away and wondering why your setup can’t handle the abuse you had in mind.
Going the route of an aftermarket intercooler is an upgrade your engine will thank you for. Its larger core, increased airflow capacity, and materials that shed heat quickly will take stress off your motor, which in turn lets your VA continue to run cool even when it's under heavy load. This gives you fewer risks, better reliability, and the feeling that you can keep dialing up the boost without worrying what’s going on under your hood.
Power You Can Feel, With the Right Brands
If you think the only thing worth gaining from an aftermarket intercooler is increased horsepower, think again. Arguably even better than that bump in power is the consistency that comes with it. You’ll forget how it felt when you wondered if your VA was holding out on you as you get the same powerful response every time you hit the throttle. It doesn’t matter if you want it for your daily commute, twisting canyon turns or appearances at the track, the difference an aftermarket intercooler will give your VA’s performance is night and day, something you’ll be able to feel in your chest every time you punch it.
Now, something important to mention is that which intercooler you choose is just as important as your decision to upgrade your intercooler in the first place. Mishimoto is a brand that excels at bringing that ideal blend of performance and reliability for street-driven VA builds, making them a standout choice for enthusiasts who are looking for more punch without the compromise. On the flip side, Cobb creates intercooler setups that are designed to pair seamlessly with their tunes, which gives you a paired system perfectly designed for power and safety straight from the get-go. These are just two brands that boast setups that can fit with any build plan, no matter what you’re trying to accomplish with your WRX VA.
Comparing Upgrade Potential Between the WRX VA & VB
Find All Intercooler Options for Your Subaru WRX VA at MAPerformance!
If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to get a new intercooler for your VA build, then consider our guide today as the jumping off point so you stop dragging your feet now that you know what they can do for your ride. The best place to find the right fit is the MAPerformance store, we have the best selection of intercoolers and other upgrades you need to take your VA to the next level and beyond. We offer free shipping and quick delivery for all purchases, and we also have some fantastic financing options available if you want to make your purchase easier and more affordable by making payments back over time. And if you need help with choices or have questions, our world-class customer service team is always available to help you with whatever you need. Find the best intercooler upgrade for your WRX VA build with MAPerformance, and get ready for performance like you’ve never experienced before!
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