Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Subaru Models > Baja Forum

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-16-2018, 05:14 PM   #1
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default Sadness... I sold my Baja. :(

Actually, I traded my Baja in.

For a Baja.

Yes. That's right. I traded a 2005 Baja Sport in for a 2005 Baja Turbo.

Sooo, I actually have some questions. No, I'm not going to ask how to get a hojillion HP out of it, since I know how to do that already.

I had a 2002 WRX Wagon for 8 years, and I tuned it with ROM Raider and ECU flash, on a borrowed laptop. The tune was good, but my 'wiring mods' were terrible, basically a pair of rocker switches soldered in in place of the test connectors and the reflash plug. So, now that I finally have a turbo again, I AM planning on road tuning it. However, I've been out of the game for a good 5-7 years, so I'm basically looking for a refresher more than anything else.

So, my questions: Is Tactrix still the way to go for logging, flashing, and checking CEL codes?

Am I going to need to pick up a kit, or is the Baja reflash connector the same as on the WRX, basically a 2 pin connector that you jumper, or is it like the newer ones, with a 4 pin connector that requires a special jumper?

Is ROM Raider and ECU Flash still updating/supported, or will I need to dig out a legacy Windows XP Machine to use it? Or is there a newer alternative?

And last question... Where's the best place to get in depth specs on the engine, IE, injector size, intake and exhaust valve specs, head info, etc., that doesn't charge money, or doesn't require me to go to the library?

Yay. Subaru #7 for me. 3 Legacies, a GL Turd (cough), a WRX, and two Bajas. Out of them, one was totalled, the rest were scrapped (cough), traded in, or sad WRX, repoed.
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 09-17-2018, 08:38 PM   #2
Hawk296
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 14555
Join Date: Jan 2002
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: MI
Vehicle:
1995 Impreza L
Baja

Default

The 05 baja Turbo is alittle different than the 02 wrx. You dont need the jumper anymore. You Just need to connect the connectors under the dash.

Romraider has been kinda abandoned since the glory days you remember, but unless you go standalone ECU, or swap the ECU with an STi or FXT and add an accessport, it's still the best way to go.

The 05 Baja turbo is an EJ255 Identicle to the 04-05 FXT. That being said its the same as the 04-05 STI but with a smaller turbo, intercooler, catted uppipe, and a non red intake manifold.

The injectors are the same STI yellow top 550cc sidefeeds as the 04 sti. Heads are the same as well with the sodium filled exhaust valves etc. The factory service manual which I know used to be on scoobytruck and i think is linked on the facebook group lists all of those specs in the engine section.

I'm still running my rom raider tune 120,000 miles later and have also added the merpmod patch for launch control and no lift shifting.
Hawk296 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2018, 03:59 AM   #3
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawk296 View Post
The 05 baja Turbo is alittle different than the 02 wrx. You dont need the jumper anymore. You Just need to connect the connectors under the dash.

Romraider has been kinda abandoned since the glory days you remember, but unless you go standalone ECU, or swap the ECU with an STi or FXT and add an accessport, it’s still the best way to go.

The 05 Baja turbo is an EJ255 Identicle to the 04-05 FXT. That being said its the same as the 04-05 STI but with a smaller turbo, intercooler, catted uppipe, and a non red intake manifold.

The injectors are the same STI yellow top 550cc sidefeeds as the 04 sti. Heads are the same as well with the sodium filled exhaust valves etc. The factory service manual which I know used to be on scoobytruck and i think is linked on the facebook group lists all of those specs in the engine section.

I’m still running my rom raider tune 120,000 miles later and have also added the merpmod patch for launch control and no lift shifting.
I was having a wastegate CEL (P0244 I think), which turned out to be caused by a hole in the boost line going to the wastegate actuator. Fixed that, and now I no longer have a CEL code... And so I won't go hunting for a replacement TD04.

Does the EJ255 have AVCS, same as the STi? That's actually the one thing i'm unsure of... If I can find myself a cable and a laptop, I'll read up on how to tune with AVCS.

And the 550CC injectors means that with a TD04, there's a ton of tuning headroom. That's quite nice to know... My WRX had the 440's, and I ran out of injectors at 17 PSI of boost. I don't want to hit that wall again, at least not with a TD04.

Right now, the biggest thing I really am after is logging, though. I guess I'll go find a Tactrix cable and start looking for a good Laptop. Does ROMRaider at least run in Windows 10 or Windows 8.1?

Oh yeah... My Baja Sport was California emissions. My Baja Turbo is Federal. That alone made it worth it all... lol
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2018, 03:12 PM   #4
Hawk296
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 14555
Join Date: Jan 2002
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: MI
Vehicle:
1995 Impreza L
Baja

Default

Intake side AVCS only. Just like the STI.

RomRaider worked the last time I tried it on my old Toshiba running Windows 10.
Hawk296 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2018, 04:37 AM   #5
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default

Well... my last turbo vehicle was a 2002 WRX, which had no AVCS, and was only 2 liters. I set that car up for maximum low end boost, so I'm actually pretty at home with the EJ255 and a TD04. 99% of my driving is at low RPM, so having the power on tap at 2,000 RPM is more my style.

I'm baffled by this vehicle's history, though. The previous owner threw a TON of money at this thing, I'm guessing for some minor drivability issues. It's got a rough idle, and when I first got it, it was hitting fuel cut when at high throttle in 4th or 5th gear on the freeway. There's a receipt for a boost control solenoid replacement, yet... I found a hole in the boost line to the wastegate actuator. I'm guessing the really badly corroded positive battery terminal is the cause for the rough idle, though it might be the throttle.

Which brings me to the drive by wire. The throttle buzzes quite loudly when idling, is this an indication of an issue? Or should I fix the positive terminal and possibly the positive battery cable, then check it? I'm going to replace the battery as well, since it's a cheap POS, and I like going up in the mountains in the winter, so a beefy battery is a must.

I just don't understand why a Dealership can let a customer throw close to $6,000 at a vehicle and never even bother with the most simple basics first... I mean, maybe the PO walked in and said 'I want these parts replaced', but I kinda doubt that...
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2018, 12:35 AM   #6
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default

So, I'm still dealing with the lumpy idle. I replaced the positive battery terminal, my next step is to replace the battery, spark plugs, and all of the boost hoses that go to the wastegate actuator. I need to get the little hose clamps for the hoses, as most of them are missing. Any idea where to get replacements?

I was able to determine that there is no rust at all under this thing, which I'm surprised by. Well, the exhaust is rusting, but that's fine.

Speaking of exhaust, does the 2004 Legacy GT exhaust work on the Baja? Or am I going to have to get something and have it modded to fit?
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2018, 06:12 PM   #7
Baja_Gernaut
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 229922
Join Date: Nov 2009
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle:
2005 F-Inductd BAJA
rumble black

Default

If you still have that problem, inspect your air flow meter, that is an area people overlook
Baja_Gernaut is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-16-2018, 10:56 AM   #8
Mitenka
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 489041
Join Date: Aug 2018
Default

Thanks for this thread you two, I just bought a 2005 manual turbo Baja, and will be delving into the world of tuning. I think this information will be pretty helpful for me.

edit: three
Mitenka is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-17-2018, 04:42 AM   #9
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Baja_Gernaut View Post
If you still have that problem, inspect your air flow meter, that is an area people overlook
Yeah, that's actually the first place I looked. Hah. In fact, I unplugged the MAF sensor completely, but my misfire persisted.

I have determined that I have a bad coil pack. I'm probably going to replace two of them, since both the passenger side coil packs are held on by zip ties. I will be removing them both soon, and new ones will go on. At the same time, I'm going to drop in Group N engine mounts, an upgraded wishbone top/rear motor mount, and a Group N transmission mount. I also have a garbage UP I'll be dropping in at the same time, again, since everything will be unbolted and removed.

Still looking for a cable... The laptop has been purchased, and ROMRaider is loaded up and ready to go.

One question... Is there a gauge pod that fits the Baja? I'm thinking A Pillar. I'd like to get a Boost/Vacuum gauge, a Pyrometer, and a Wideband, but I don't want to hack the dash up. If I have to, I'll buy a replacement A Pillar trim piece and hack it up, then if I need to go back to stock, or whatever, I can just put the stock trim piece back and have it look nice...
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-17-2018, 07:46 PM   #10
Baja_Gernaut
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 229922
Join Date: Nov 2009
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle:
2005 F-Inductd BAJA
rumble black

Default

That’s good you checked it. Hopefully a valve is not chipped like it happened to me and it’s a long story but got it fixed so switch around coil packs to determine misfire.
As far for engine mounts, that will be one of the best upgrades you can do because I kept on breaking driveshafts on oem mounts.
I had a pro sport boost gauge with a pod and it was functional and out the way so it’s a preference with a budget on mind. Keep us posted
Baja_Gernaut is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2018, 01:12 AM   #11
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default

Yeah, I got the misfire to stop for a few days by pressing on the connectors on the coil packs on the passenger side (the side with both coil packs zip tied on), so I'm fairly certain that's the problem.

Does the Legacy A Pillar triple pod fit the Baja? Or am I going to have to just get single screw on mounts and screw them to the existing pillar, and drill holes for the wires?
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2018, 12:13 PM   #12
peirogi_baja
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 491366
Join Date: Sep 2018
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: North Cakalaky
Vehicle:
2006 Baja
Blue

Default

The title had me scared...
peirogi_baja is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2018, 03:02 PM   #13
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default

Well, a little update. I found my misfire is on Cylinder 4. Gonna swap out coil packs and see if it stops. I also was able to pull the base map off the ECU, and I did some preliminary logging. It's running the boost up to 15 PSI in first and second gear at WOT, even though boost target is 11.8 PSI.
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-28-2018, 12:30 PM   #14
Baja_Gernaut
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 229922
Join Date: Nov 2009
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle:
2005 F-Inductd BAJA
rumble black

Default

Funny I had the same misfire on that cylinder as well one time. 15 sounds safe to pull around
Baja_Gernaut is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2018, 04:34 AM   #15
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default

Yeah, it's 15 PSI in first and second, then it's lower in 3rd and above. Moves like hell in first and second, then it's just falls on it's face above that.

I've been putting off messing around with it for the last few days... I gotta get it figured out, it's not getting better on it's own, just worse. D:
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2018, 02:25 PM   #16
Baja_Gernaut
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 229922
Join Date: Nov 2009
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: New Jersey
Vehicle:
2005 F-Inductd BAJA
rumble black

Default

Yeah it happens with the td04 but you’ll get used it. I had a vf41 and that turbo gave a better punch. The 41 starved because of the filter and I went back with a td04 ceramic coated ported and polished with billet wheel, much better response in lower gears.
The bigger the turbo, the more lag around town which was my problem. On the highway, hondas and stock mustangs were chewed up but td04 flatten at higher gears.
Enjoy the car with the little thrust you can get out of it because the more you change, the more you pay in every sense.
Baja_Gernaut is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-08-2018, 10:26 PM   #17
Chi_San
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 53558
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Deadford, OR
Vehicle:
2005 Baja Turbo
White/Silver/Black 3tone

Default

Well, on a stock tune, the turbo should not make more than 11.8 PSI, but it's overboosting to 15 PSI, or even sometimes 17 PSI.

I'm not THAT worried about it because despite the misfire at idle, and the +15% fuel trim at idle, the ECU seems to be able to push enough fuel through to the engine while in boost that it's not running lean at all. And with the stock injectors being 550CC, I'm not worried about running out of injector duty cycle at 20+PSI.

Tomorrow, I'm going to buy a set of used 550 Yellow Top side feeds from another Baja and I'll swap in to #4 to see if it fixes the misfire. I'm also planning on pulling all 4 injectors, combining them with the 4 I'm getting tomorrow, and mailing them all out to a company that can clean them, and flow test them. I'll take the 4 best injectors and drop them back in, along with a TGV kit, parallel fuel rails, a Turbo Inlet, APS dual vent BPV/BOV/Chicken caller, motor mounts, and if I can find one, an STi TMIC.

I was able to eliminate the possibility of the coil pack being the cause of the misfire, I swapped it with #1 cylinder's coil pack which I purchased brand new from the local Stealership a few weeks ago. I also pulled the plug, cleaned the threads on it, cleaned the ground strap and electrode, and put it back in.

Though, I still am completely baffled by the cruise control. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I'll set cruise on the freeway, then there'll be a sharp surge, and it will disconnect, and refuse to connect. Other times, it just refuses to set speed. Other times, it'll engage and work just fine.

I did do some logging today, and was again baffled by some very odd stutters in the logs. There was around 100 rows that simply repeated over and over, and other times, the O2 sensor seemed to drop out (showing 20.1 afr for long periods of time)... No rhyme or reason to it. I still think I'm going to be dropping a new ECU into this thing in the near future...
Chi_San is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:05 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.