r/WRX_VA

It's hard to find good footage of VAs being driven in a track and/or autocross environment. It seemed like the number was bigger a few years ago but now it seems like hardly anyone wants to race these cars.

Hey everyone,

I’m trying to figure out what’s going on with my car and why my DAM keeps dropping. I’m wondering if I might be dealing with ghost/false knock, but I’d like some opinions from people who know these cars better than I do.

Car currently has ~82k miles. I bought it at around 78.5k miles, and since then I’ve done quite a bit of maintenance/preventative work:

• Walnut blasted the intake valves and replaced all gaskets/seals that were disturbed during the process
• MAP axle-back exhaust
• Mishimoto PCV-side catch can
• Brand-new OEM air filter
• New MAF sensor
• Cleaned MAP sensor
• Smoke tested for vacuum/boost leaks and couldn’t find anything, although I may test it again
• Brand-new spark plugs
• Checked intercooler couplers and made sure they’re tight
• Changed all fluids when I bought the car
• Already done two oil changes
• Using Motul 8100 X-clean EFE with an OEM oil filter

Current tune: COBB Stage 1 91-octane OTS map.

I know the OTS tune is probably going to be one of the first things people point to. However, the Stage 1 map has actually behaved better for me than the stock tune did. I also haven’t noticed any oil consumption or other obvious mechanical issues.

The main problem I’m trying to diagnose is why DAM keeps dropping and whether the knock readings I’m seeing are actual knock or potentially false/ghost knock.

I’m attaching the datalogs I’ve been taking as well. If anyone can take a look and point out anything suspicious—AFR, fuel trims, boost, timing, FBK/FKL, DAM, etc.—I’d really appreciate it.

Also, if there are any additional parameters I should log or tests I should perform, let me know.

Thanks!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FoObTS56SOeg55FK4x_mfBQhZK0EPoC_?usp=sharing