Best Turbo For Sti: Replacement and Upgrade Options Compared

#1 · Best Overall

1. BuyAutoParts VF48 Turbo

• Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 10 in
• Weight: 15 lb

Best for: Later US-spec STI replacement.

Why it ranks #1: Listed as an exact-fit replacement for US-spec 2008–2020 WRX STI models, it replaces the IHI VF48 and includes an oil line banjo bolt.

An included oil-line banjo bolt distinguishes this BuyAutoParts replacement, while its fitment is listed for US-spec Subaru WRX STI models from 2008–2020. It is an exact-fit replacement for an already turbocharged vehicle, not an add-on for a car that did not originally have a turbocharger.

The exact-fit replacement positioning gives owners of a listed US-spec STI a direct replacement path rather than an add-on conversion. The included oil-line banjo bolt is specified alongside the turbocharger, so buyers can account for that component when planning the repair. BuyAutoParts says the unit is engineered to meet or exceed original-equipment standards and each part is inspected before leaving the factory. The listing also names a 2008–2019 title range and 2008–2020 fitment text, so confirm the vehicle listing details before ordering.

Skip it if you have a 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 Impreza; the BFO TD05-20G lists that earlier generation instead.

This suits a US-spec WRX STI owner replacing an existing turbo and wanting the included oil-line banjo bolt in the repair plan. Its stated application is specific to turbo-equipped vehicles, so it is not a conversion option.

Listed on Amazon as: Turbo Turbocharger w/Oil Line Banjo Bolt For Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2008-2019 Replaces IHI VF48 – BuyAutoParts 40-30187AN New

#2 · Complete VF48 Kit

2. A-Premium VF48 Kit

• Weight: 14.97 lb

Best for: WRX owners wanting a kit.

Why it ranks #2: Its VF48 assembly fits specified WRX STI applications and includes a wastegate actuator and gasket, useful when replacing a more complete assembly.

A wastegate actuator and gasket are included with this A-Premium VF48 turbo kit, giving Subaru 2.5L WRX and STI owners named components to account for in a replacement job. Its fitment spans listed Impreza applications from 2008–2014, including specified WRX and STI trims.

The VF48 model and included wastegate actuator identify what comes with the turbo, while the supplied gasket makes this a more complete package than a bare turbo listing. Fitment covers several 2.5L Impreza versions, including WRX, WRX Limited, WRX Premium, and specified STI models across the listed years. That broad trim range can help owners narrow their search, but the application varies by year and trim. At 14.97 pounds, the package is still a component assembly that needs to be planned into the installation.

Skip it if you need a 2003–2007 Legacy, Outback, or WRX STI EJ20 kit; A-Premium RHF55 APTBC219 lists those applications.

This kit fits buyers replacing a listed 2.5L Impreza WRX or STI turbo who value an included actuator and gasket. Its year and trim coverage is specific, so select it only when the vehicle matches the stated application.

Listed on Amazon as: A-Premium Complete Turbo Turbocharger Kit with Wastegate Actuator & Gasket

#3

3. PartCatalog OE Turbo

• Weight: 15 lb

Best for: 2015–2021 OE-style replacement.

Why it ranks #3: This OE replacement is listed for WRX STI models from 2015–2021 and is designed to fit and function like the original equipment.

OE-replacement positioning is the key feature of this PartCatalog turbocharger for Subaru WRX STI models listed from 2015–2021. The seller describes it as designed to fit and function like the original equipment, making it a replacement-focused option for owners addressing a worn or damaged unit.

PartCatalog describes this as a direct OE replacement, with fit and function intended to match the original equipment. That positioning can help keep the repair focused on replacing the existing component rather than selecting an upgrade path. The stated 2015–2021 WRX STI range provides a starting point for checking application, while the listing directs buyers to its image-gallery fitment chart. It weighs 15 pounds and is supplied as one turbocharger, so installation planning should account for the component and verify the vehicle against the chart.

Skip it if you need a listed 2008–2020 US-spec STI replacement with an oil-line banjo bolt; BuyAutoParts 40-30187AN includes one.

Choose this for a WRX STI owner seeking an OE-style replacement within the listed 2015–2021 range. The fitment chart is central to confirming the application, and the supplied details identify one turbocharger rather than a broader kit.

Listed on Amazon as: Turbocharger for Subaru WRX STI 2015-2021#nrLf

#4 · VF39 Replacement

4. Mustrod VF39 Turbo

• Dimensions: 11.02 x 10.24 x 9.45 in
• Weight: 15.18 lb

Best for: VF39 2.5L sedan replacement.

Why it ranks #4: The RHF55 VF39 replacement lists 2004–2007 Impreza WRX STI 2.5L fitment and identifies OEM reference 14411AA572.

Mustrod identifies this as an RHF55 VF39 turbo with a focused fitment for 2004–2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2.5L sedans. Its listed OEM reference number and related VA–VE440028 turbo numbers give replacement buyers concrete identifiers to compare against the existing unit.

The specific 2.5L sedan application helps narrow the choice to the listed 2004–2007 Impreza WRX STI, rather than a broad Subaru engine family. Mustrod identifies the turbo as RHF55 VF39 and supplies OEM reference 14411AA572 alongside VA440028, VB440028, VC440028, VD440028, and VE440028 numbers. Those identifiers support a part-number comparison during replacement planning. The seller also claims improved response, smooth acceleration, and stable power at high altitude, but the listing provides no measured figures for those benefits.

Skip it if you need a listed 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 replacement; maXpeedingrods YI30EX covers that earlier WRX/STI range.

This is aimed at owners replacing a turbo in the listed 2004–2007 2.5L WRX STI sedan and comparing VF39 or OEM identifiers. Its application is narrow, so use the engine, body, and year details as boundaries.

Listed on Amazon as: VF39 Turbo Turbocharger VA440028 Replacement for Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2.5L 2004 2005 2006 2007#14411AA572 Mustrod

#5 · 400+ HP Upgrade

5. AINTIER TD06-20G Turbo

• Dimensions: 11.81 x 11.42 x 10.63 in
• Weight: 17.16 lb

Best for: TD06-20G higher-output applications.

Why it ranks #5: Its TD06-20G listing specifies EJ20/EJ25 WRX STI applications from 2002–2007 and claims compatibility for 400+ hp.

A stated 400+ hp application distinguishes this AINTIER TD06-20G turbocharger, which is listed for Subaru Impreza WRX/STI EJ20 and EJ25 2.0L or 2.5L engines from 2002–2007. The TD06-20G and TD06-20GHW model names give buyers specific configurations to compare.

The listed 2002–2007 range covers Impreza WRX and STI applications with EJ20 or EJ25 engines, while the 2.0L and 2.5L details further define the target vehicles. AINTIER names TD06-20G and TD06-20GHW, providing a model comparison point for a replacement decision. The listing describes reduced performance, damaged compressor or turbine blades, and operating noise as replacement signals. Its stated 400+ hp application is the key output claim, though no supporting performance measurements are supplied.

Skip it if you need a stated 380 hp TD05-20G option for 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 engines; BFO TD05-20G lists that application.

This is for an owner considering a TD06-20G replacement for a listed 2002–2007 EJ20/EJ25 Impreza and weighing the stated 400+ hp application. Treat that figure as a listing claim and keep the vehicle range in view.

Listed on Amazon as: Turbo Turbocharger TD06-20G

#6

6. BFO TD05-20G Turbo

• Dimensions: 10.63 x 9.06 x 11.42 in
• Weight: 15.98 lb

Best for: Early-generation 380 hp setup.

Why it ranks #6: This TD05-20G is listed for 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 WRX STI applications, with a stated power capability of up to 380 hp.

The BFO TD05-20G pairs a stated capacity up to 380 hp with heat-rated turbine components for Subaru Impreza WRX and STI EJ20/EJ25 engines from 2002–2006. Its forged-aluminum compressor wheel and ductile-iron housing give buyers concrete construction details alongside the early-generation fitment.

The engine listing covers turbocharged 2.0L and 2.5L H4 applications, helping narrow this choice to the specified 2002–2006 Impreza range. BFO rates the ductile-iron turbine housing to 1292°F and the alloy turbine wheel for operation at 1652°F, which identifies the component's stated heat capability. A forged-aluminum compressor wheel completes the listed construction. The stated ceiling of up to 380 hp helps define the intended output range, while the 15.98-pound unit remains a component to plan for during installation.

Skip it if you need an OE-style turbo for a 2015–2021 STI; PartCatalog PC-5588261 lists that newer WRX STI range.

This is a candidate for an owner of a listed 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 Impreza seeking the TD05-20G format and stated 380 hp capacity. Keep its generation and output ceiling in view when choosing a replacement.

Listed on Amazon as: BFO Turbo Turbocharger TD05-20G for Subaru Impreza WRX STI EJ20 EJ25 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 380HP,

#7

7. maXpeedingrods Turbocharger

• Dimensions: 10.63 x 9.06 x 11.42 in
• Weight: 16.49 lb

Best for: 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 replacement.

Why it ranks #7: Its stated 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 WRX/STI fitment and up-to-380-hp claim suit an earlier application, though the listing is less specific about turbo model.

A forged-aluminum compressor wheel pairs with a ductile-iron turbine housing, giving this maXpeedingrods turbo material specifications suited to the heat of a compatible EJ20 or EJ25 setup. Its listed fitment covers Subaru Impreza WRX and STI models from 2002–2006, with a stated output capacity up to 380 hp.

The 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 fitment narrows the choice to an earlier Impreza generation, while the listing names both 2.0L and 2.5L turbocharged engines. Its ductile-iron turbine housing is rated for 1292°F, and the alloy turbine wheel for operation at 1652°F, details relevant to buyers considering heat exposure. The forged-aluminum compressor wheel is another specified construction feature. At 16.49 pounds, it is a substantial replacement component to account for during handling and installation.

Skip it if you need a turbo for a 2008–2019 US-spec STI; the BuyAutoParts 40-30187AN is listed for that generation.

For owners replacing a turbo on a listed 2002–2006 Impreza WRX or STI, this pairs defined EJ20/EJ25 coverage with heat-rated turbine materials. Treat the stated 380 hp capacity as a boundary, and check that the engine and year match.

Listed on Amazon as: maXpeedingrods Turbo Turbocharger for Subaru Impreza WRX 2002-2006

#8

8. APFAITH TD05-20G Turbo

• Weight: 15.4 lb

Best for: TD05-20G model matchers.

Why it ranks #8: The TD05-20G listing covers 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25 WRX STI models and advises comparing flange and oil and water line locations.

Three TD05-20G configurations—TD05-20G, TD05H-20G, and TD05-20G-8—are named for this APFAITH turbocharger, alongside 2002–2006 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI EJ20 and EJ25 fitment. That model detail gives replacement shoppers specific identifiers to compare before selecting a unit.

The stated generation and engine fitment make this a candidate for 2002–2006 Impreza WRX or STI owners with EJ20/EJ25 engines. APFAITH also names three compatible TD05-based configurations, helping buyers compare the listing with their existing turbo model. Its fitment notes explicitly call out flange style and oil and water line locations, useful details for checking installation compatibility before ordering. The listing asks shoppers to compare product images as well, so this is a more hands-on verification process than relying on the model name alone.

Skip it if you need a listed 2004–2007 2.5L STI sedan VF39 replacement; Mustrod 14411AA572 specifies that application.

This suits an early Impreza owner matching a TD05-based turbo configuration and willing to check flange and line locations. Its stated fitment is 2002–2006 EJ20/EJ25, so confirm those details against the existing assembly.

Listed on Amazon as: TD05-20G Turbocharger fit for Subaru Impreza WRX STI EJ20 EJ25 (2002-2006)

#9

9. A-Premium RHF55 Turbo

• Weight: 19.25 lb

Best for: EJ20 gasket-included assembly.

Why it ranks #9: This RHF55 assembly includes a gasket and lists EJ20-family fitment from 2003–2007, but its Subaru fitment also emphasizes Legacy and Outback models.

The RHF55 turbo assembly includes gaskets, a practical detail for Subaru Legacy, Outback, and WRX STI owners with listed EJ20 applications from 2003–2007. A-Premium says the gaskets help keep impurities from the compressor room and oil pipeline, tying the included parts to the turbo's operating setup.

This complete turbo assembly is listed for Subaru Legacy, Outback, and WRX STI vehicles with EJ20, EJ20G, or EJ20E engines from 2003–2007. Its RHF55 model designation gives buyers a specific turbo family to compare with the existing unit. Included gaskets are described as helping prevent impurities from entering the compressor room and oil pipeline, making them relevant to the installation and operating workflow. The alloy construction and 19.25-pound package are additional practical details when handling and fitting the assembly.

Skip it if you have a 2004–2007 Impreza WRX STI 2.5L; Mustrod VF39 14411AA572 lists that specific application.

Consider this for a listed 2003–2007 Legacy, Outback, or WRX STI EJ20-family replacement where included gaskets matter to the job. Its stated coverage is distinct from EJ25 applications, so verify the engine family.

Listed on Amazon as: A-Premium RHF55 Complete Turbocharger Turbo Kit Compatible with Subaru