Last Updated on 5 March 2026 by Spencer Douglas
Few cars have reached legendary status quite like the Subaru Impreza WRX. Produced between 2001 and 2007, this generation of WRX – often referred to as the ‘bugeye’, ‘blobeye’ and ‘hawkeye’ based on its facelift designs – blends everyday practicality with rally-bred DNA. Under the bonnet lies the iconic turbocharged 2.0-litre flat-four Boxer engine, paired with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system – a combination that’s made it a favourite among driving enthusiasts for over two decades.
At Demon Tweeks, the 01-07 Subaru Impreza WRX remains one of our most popular performance cars for aftermarket tuning. Whether you’re daily driving, building a track toy or chasing WRC-inspired looks and performance, there’s no shortage of aftermarket upgrades available to unlock your WRX’s full potential.
What Mods Are Best?
When it comes to modifying your WRX, there’s no shortage of parts to choose from. But if you’re just getting started, these are the Top 5 Mods that make the biggest difference:
- Coilovers
- Induction Kit
- Exhaust System
- Dump Valve
- Wheels
Each of these upgrades brings performance, aesthetic or drivability improvements and when combined, can transform your Impreza into something truly special.
Coilovers
The WRX’s stock suspension is good, but there’s a lot more performance to be unlocked with a proper coilover kit. Whether you’re aiming for sharper cornering, a lower ride height, or customisable damping control, coilovers give you full control of your car’s handling characteristics.
Recommended Product:
- Tein Flex Z Coilover Kit
Manufactured in Japan, the Tein Flex Zs are tailor-made for the Subaru platform. Featuring 16-level damping force adjustment, ride height adjustability, and a twin-tube internal structure, these coilovers strike the perfect balance between daily usability and serious performance. A top choice for drivers who want to fine-tune their WRX for the road or track.
Induction Kit
The factory airbox on the WRX is fine for stock power levels – but if you’re chasing more performance and better engine response, an induction kit is a must. By replacing the restrictive paper filter and airbox with a high-flow setup, you’ll see noticeable improvements in throttle response, airflow and that addictive turbo flutter.
Recommended Product:
- K&N 57i Performance Induction Kit
K&N’s 57i Kit is a direct-fit upgrade, offering improved airflow and filtration, increased horsepower, and a deeper induction note. It’s an easy, bolt-on mod that improves acceleration, engine breathing and turbo noise – all without the need for mapping.
Exhaust
Upgrading your WRX’s exhaust is one of the most rewarding mods – both in terms of performance and sound. A performance exhaust system improves exhaust gas flow, increases power potential, and delivers that aggressive turbocharged boxer rumble we all love. Plus, with stainless steel construction, you’re gaining durability and corrosion resistance too.
Whether you’re replacing the cat-back, downpipe, or going all-out with a turbo-back system, a performance exhaust will help unlock more power and make your WRX sound like it belongs on a rally stage.
Recommended Brand:
- Cobra Sport Exhausts
Available in a range of setups – resonated or non-resonated cat-backs, sports cats and full turbo-back systems – Cobra Sport offer a stainless-steel solution for every build. Expect a deeper, more aggressive tone and performance gains thanks to smoother gas flow and reduced back pressure.
Dump Valves
No WRX build is complete without the iconic psshhht of a performance dump valve. While the factory diverter valve works, it’s not designed to cope with increased boost levels and often leaks under pressure. A quality aftermarket dump valve improves throttle response, holds higher boost more reliably, and adds that signature turbocharged soundtrack.
Recommended Product:
- Forge Motorsport Ram Type Dump Valve
This Forge unit is a direct replacement for the OEM valve, designed to handle higher boost pressures while offering consistent, leak-free performance. With its piston-based design and billet aluminium construction, it’s built to last — and sounds great doing it.
Wheels
Swapping out your factory wheels is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. Not only does it transform the look of your Impreza, but lighter alloy wheels reduce unsprung weight for improved handling and faster acceleration. You can also upsize slightly for wider tyres and more grip, perfect for track days or spirited driving.
Subaru Impreza WRX (01-07) Wheel Fitment:
- PCD: 5×100
- Centre Bore: 56.1mm
- Offset: ET48 is OEM, but ET35-45 works well with wider wheels
Shop Alloy Wheels:
- Alloy Wheels for Subaru Impreza WRX
Choose from top brands like OZ Racing, Team Dynamics, Rotiform, and more to complete the look and enhance the performance of your build.
Summary
The Subaru Impreza WRX (2001-2007) is one of the most iconic and tuneable performance cars of its era. Whether you’re chasing more grip, sharper handling, aggressive styling, or that signature turbo sound, our top 5 mods – coilovers, induction kits, performance exhausts, dump valves, and wheels – provide the perfect place to start.
At Demon Tweeks, we stock everything you need to modify your WRX – from suspension to styling, power upgrades to braking kits. Our expert team is always here to help with advice, recommendations, and even professional fitting at our HQ in Wrexham.
Ready to turn your WRX into the rally weapon it was born to be? Let’s go.