To mod or not to mod?

[JTSPEED]

I got a 02 Turbo SS with 175k on the engine. 60k on new tranny and clutch. Its bone stock, first I plan on working on suspension and brakes but than i wonder if i should just leave the engine alone. My buddy has parts ofp his WRX he will give me for free, turbo IC, Injectors. So the urge to change things out is there but somehow my brain is winning the battle on leacing the engine alone due to its mileage. What do you guys think?

[Matt Monson]

WRX injectors won't fit your rails.
WRX intercooler is a bitch to make fit (though it has been done)
In reality, there's not much in the way of stock parts off a USDM WRX that is an upgrade.

The usual order with the SS is the same:

TBE
Intercool
Boost Control
Bigger turbo
FCD
More Fuel

You will see quite a bit of difference from #1 and #2 on that list, especially up here in Colorado. 175k is just broken in on these engines if they have been cared for. I just pulled my engine because it was not cared for. It had way too many oil leaks to repair it in the car (including rear main). I could clean it up and reseal it and put it right back in, but I have bigger and better plans on the horizon. Regardless, if you engine is healthy and leak free, I say go for it. If it has a few leaks that are accessable, just reseal them in the process and be sure your oil pump and water pump are healthy. Part of my problem was a suspected failing oil pump...

[BAC5.2]

The WRX intercooler is a nice setup. If I had intended for my car to not make more power than it was, I would have stuck with it.