My ST has lost boost and I can't find the cause

[M-Sport fan]

Would the stock cat wear down faster without the upgraded downpipe and high flow cat?

Just avoid any 'pops and bangs' tunes, or a very out of range (overly rich OR lean) tune, which any reputable tuner would not do anyway.

I would do this even more so on a $$$$ catted aftermarket downpipe as well because of those buck$ it co$t$ if you kill it.

 

[RCode]

So, I ended up going the lame route and got an OEM turbo. A dealer has one in stock and got me a good deal. All in with returning the old core, I'll be under a grand with gaskets and can install it this weekend. If I hadn't already spent money on a new BPV and solenoid (Both come with the OEM turbo of course) I might have considered it. Whoosh turbo, plus BOV and a tune would've been over 2k all in with shipping and tax. An X47 was way cheaper, but the Whoosh seemed to be the go to.

I also splurged big money on my BRZ by getting coils, BBK and some fancy forged wheels, I'm a bit spent! The extra grand covers some track days as well.

Already feeling some regret, but at 6 years with this car I'm not sure how much longer I'll have it as problems crop up. It'll be easier to sell this way. I'll post when hopefully the car is all buttoned up and back to lighting up the front tires.