Subaru Repair: 2002 Subaru WRX turbo being sluggish, fuel delivery system, chevron fuel

Question
QUESTION: I own the 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon with the turbo.  Lately I moved to Missouri from Utah.  We put the car on a trailer and hauled it out.  Now when I am driving it when I get above 3000 rpms the turbo starts to be very sluggish, especially in 2nd gear.  It's like the turbo kicks in and off.  There is no sluggish on the take off, only in the increased power of the turbo.  What could this be?

ANSWER: Hey Nathan,

There are a lot of possibilities.As the turbo works mostly in conjunction with exhaust pressure i wouldn't suspect a problem there and also that is not a common issue to the car.What I suspect instead, is you are having a fuel delivery problem.This could be brought on from a drastic difference in elevation and climate.If you look at the emissions sticker underhood and read for what area of the U.S. it was imported for sale, such as California or federal with a note about high altitude than we are on the right track.The vehicle may have to be re-flashed if its a high altitude car in the low lands.Other than that you could have a restricted fuel fiter.Or one of many other possible problems in the fuel delivery system.

Justin
All Wheel Drive Auto

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So by putting in a fuel cleaner, Chevron Fuel Cleaning, it won't help it much?  And do you know if most local auto shops do the "re-flash" on cars?

Answer
I wouldn't look to fuel cleaner it may compound the problem if the problem isn't a dirty fuel system.You also need to verify the emissions tag before trying to have it re flashed.And there may be a independent Subaru shop that can re-flash it for you.But if you are really nice a dealer may do it for free.

Hope that helps