GrimmSpeed WRX Charge Pipe Kits Now 50-State Legal

GrimmSpeed has received CARB approval for its Subaru WRX charge pipe kits. Both the 2015–2021 VA WRX kit and the 2022–2025 VB WRX kit are now covered under CARB Executive Order D-896-3.

For WRX owners in California, this means the GrimmSpeed charge pipe can now be installed on the covered applications without running into the usual emissions-compliance issue. The kits are approved for use in all 50 states.

What Does a Charge Pipe Do on a Subaru WRX?

The charge pipe carries compressed air from the turbocharger to the intercooler. The factory pipe gets the job done, but it was built around factory power levels, production costs and packaging requirements.

GrimmSpeed replaces that factory path with larger aluminum tubing, smoother bends and upgraded silicone connections. Reducing sharp transitions and changes in diameter helps compressed air move toward the intercooler with less restriction.

It is also a stronger setup for WRXs running increased boost or additional airflow upgrades.

GrimmSpeed Charge Pipe for the 2015–2021 WRX

The VA-generation kit fits the 2015–2021 Subaru WRX with the FA20DIT engine. It replaces the factory plastic charge pipe with 2.5-inch mandrel-bent 6061 aluminum tubing and custom-formed silicone.

GrimmSpeed uses gradual transitions between the turbo outlet and intercooler instead of unnecessary changes in pipe diameter. The kit also keeps the bypass valve in its original location, which reduces the number of parts that need to be moved during installation.

The VA WRX kit includes:

2.5-inch mandrel-bent aluminum tubing
CNC-machined turbo outlet adapter
Custom O-ring turbo flange
Formed silicone connections
Black or red powder-coated finish
Direct connection to the factory turbo and intercooler

One fitment detail is worth checking before ordering: GrimmSpeed notes that WRXs equipped with certain aftermarket radiators may require a slimmer radiator fan.

Shop the GrimmSpeed Charge Pipe Kit for the 2015–2021 Subaru WRX

GrimmSpeed Charge Pipe for the 2022–2025 WRX

The VB-generation kit fits the 2022–2025 Subaru WRX with the FA24DIT engine. The factory pipe narrows in several areas and contains internal shapes that can interrupt airflow. GrimmSpeed’s replacement maintains a more consistent diameter from the turbocharger to the intercooler.

The VB kit uses 2.5-inch mandrel-bent 6061 aluminum tubing with a cast-aluminum intercooler elbow. It also reuses Subaru’s factory turbo retention clip, so the connection at the turbo works much like the original pipe.

The VB WRX kit includes:

2.5-inch 6061 aluminum piping
Cast-aluminum intercooler elbow
Machined turbo adapter
Five-layer stepped silicone coupler
Buna-N O-rings and installation hardware
Black or red wrinkle powder-coated finish
Compatibility with the factory intercooler and most aftermarket top-mount intercoolers

Shop the GrimmSpeed Charge Pipe Kit for the 2022–2025 Subaru WRX

Does a WRX Charge Pipe Add Horsepower?

GrimmSpeed says the smoother and less restrictive pipe can improve airflow, turbo response and performance. There is not one horsepower number that applies to every WRX, however. The actual difference will depend on the car, its tune and the other parts installed.

On an otherwise stock WRX, the charge pipe should be viewed as an airflow and reliability upgrade rather than a major standalone power modification. Its value becomes more noticeable as the car receives additional upgrades and airflow demand increases.

Do You Need a Tune for a GrimmSpeed Charge Pipe?

GrimmSpeed specifically states that its 2022–2025 WRX charge pipe does not require tuning. It is a direct replacement for the original pipe and does not change the ECU calibration by itself.

If the charge pipe is being installed along with an intake, boost controller, turbocharger or other modifications, the complete combination may have different tuning requirements. Owners of modified VA WRXs should also confirm their complete setup with their tuner.

Is the GrimmSpeed WRX Charge Pipe Difficult to Install?

Both kits are direct bolt-on replacements. No cutting or permanent modification is required.

The kits include the hardware and connections needed for installation, although the exact process differs between the FA20-powered VA WRX and the FA24-powered VB WRX. Check the instructions for the correct generation before beginning the installation.

After installing any charge-pipe component, inspect each connection carefully and make sure all clamps, O-rings and couplers are properly seated. A loose connection can create a boost leak even when the pipe itself is installed in the correct position.

What Does CARB EO D-896-3 Mean?

A CARB Executive Order confirms that a specific aftermarket part has been evaluated and exempted from California’s emissions-system anti-tampering rules for the applications listed in the order.

With Executive Order D-896-3, the approved GrimmSpeed VA and VB WRX charge pipe kits can now be used on covered vehicles in California and the other states that follow California emissions requirements.

That removes one of the biggest concerns California WRX owners face when shopping for airflow upgrades: finding a part that improves the factory setup without creating an emissions-compliance problem later.

Shop GrimmSpeed WRX Charge Pipe Kits at Redline360

Redline360 carries GrimmSpeed charge pipe kits for both current WRX generations:

Choose the kit that matches your WRX generation and select either the red or black finish.

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