Introducing the Overtake Aluminum Inlet for aftermarket turbos.
If you own a 2022+ Subaru WRX, chances are you’re already familiar with how capable the FA24 platform is and how quickly you start finding its weak points once you turn up the boost. One of the most overlooked bottlenecks in the VB WRX intake system is the factory turbo inlet. Even though it’s made of aluminum, the OEM design hides several compromises that directly limit airflow, increase intake temperatures, and quietly leak boost.
That’s exactly where the OVERTAKE Aluminum Turbo Inlet Big Turbo Version comes in. Designed specifically for WRX owners running larger aftermarket turbochargers, this upgrade isn’t just about durability, it’s about fixing fundamental engineering flaws that Subaru baked into the stock system.
Why the Factory VB WRX Turbo Inlet Holds You Back
On paper, the OEM turbo inlet seems fine. It’s aluminum, it bolts directly to the turbo, and it gets the job done on a completely stock car. But once you start pushing higher airflow and boost, especially with a big turbo, the weaknesses show up fast.
The biggest issue is an intentional boost leak. Subaru’s EVAP system requires a consistent pressure signal to function correctly, even under light boost. Because the EVAP sensor sits far from the turbo inlet, Subaru added a venturi-style “ejector” system by drilling a small hole directly into the compressor housing. This creates artificial vacuum by bleeding boost pressure back into the inlet.
While this trick keeps emissions systems happy, it comes at a cost:
- Boost is constantly leaking
- The turbo must spin faster to compensate
- Charge air temperatures rise
- Intercooler efficiency drops
- Top-end airflow and boost potential are reduced
In short, your turbo is working harder than it needs to.
Coolant-Heated Air? Yes, Really.
To make matters worse, Subaru routes engine coolant directly under the factory turbo inlet. This isn’t for performance, it’s there to prevent the venturi ejector from freezing and disabling the EVAP system.
The result? Turbo inlet temperatures around 200°F, even before compression. That heat transfers directly into the air entering the turbocharger, reducing air density and limiting performance. Hot air is the enemy of power, especially on a boosted engine.
Overtake Aluminum Big Turbo Inlet
2022+ Subaru WRX (VB)
Dyno-tested airflow improvement with proven gains on both stock and tuned setups. Eliminates factory restrictions and simplifies coolant routing.
View ProductThe OVERTAKE Solution: Eliminate the Leak, Keep the System Happy
The OVERTAKE Aluminum Turbo Inlet BT Version completely rethinks how the EVAP system is handled. Instead of relying on Subaru’s built-in boost leak, OVERTAKE uses the engine’s vacuum pump as a controlled, direct vacuum source.
This pump is normally only used for power braking, and OVERTAKE includes an inline restrictor pill to ensure vacuum levels remain exactly where the EVAP sensor expects them without impacting braking performance at all.
By sourcing vacuum closer to the sensor and eliminating the venturi ejector entirely, the system:
- Preserves proper fuel vapor management
- Removes the boost leak permanently
- Reduces turbo workload
- Improves boost response and efficiency
Because there’s no longer a risk of the ejector freezing, the coolant loop can be bypassed completely, allowing cool, fresh intake air to flow straight into the turbo.
Built for Big Turbos and Future Power
If you’re running a larger aftermarket turbocharger, this Big Turbo version of the inlet is essential. While OVERTAKE’s standard VB WRX turbo Inlet is sized for the stock 49.5mm inlet diameter, the Big Turbo version features a 54.5mm turbo flange, perfectly matched for popular big turbos like the Boost Lab BL45XR.
This larger diameter ensures:
- No airflow restriction at the compressor inlet
- Better compatibility with high-flow turbo setups
- Headroom for future intake and power upgrades
Whether you’re already running a big turbo or planning one down the road, this inlet ensures your intake system won’t be the limiting factor.
Smoother Flow, Better Air Velocity
Subaru also designed the factory inlet with internal pockets meant to quiet induction noise and warm incoming air. While that may help NVH on a commuter car, it’s terrible for performance. These pockets disrupt airflow and reduce intake air velocity before the compressor even sees it.
OVERTAKE removes these pockets entirely, creating a smooth, uninterrupted airflow path. The result is cleaner, more consistent metered air, improved turbo response, and better overall engine efficiency.
The Bottom Line
The OVERTAKE Aluminum Turbo Inlet Big Turbo version isn’t just a replacement, it’s a correction. By eliminating the OEM boost leak, removing unnecessary heat, smoothing airflow, and supporting larger turbochargers, it unlocks performance Subaru left on the table.
If you’re serious about making reliable power on your 2022+ WRX, especially with an upgraded turbo, this is a great option for you. It’s the kind of part that doesn’t just add performance, it solves a nagging problem of lost boost.
For WRX owners chasing cooler air, better boost response, and true big-turbo readiness, the answer is clear: OVERTAKE fixes what the factory didn’t.
