l just got a 2002 WRX(Automatic). As far as l know, all it has is a aftermarket muffler. Right now it is pushing about five pounds of boost. I've been asking around at little subaru meets on the blvd., and l hear that flashing can up my boost and give me a ton more lower end.l would like to get my boost to 15 pounds max.

I am wondering if l can just connect my Laptop to the OBD-Il and flash it that way with a cheap program(software)?
I am really new to turbos, l know theirs nothing wrong with the car and/or turbo. But it has a lot of vacuum pressure. It drops bellow 0 to about 20 on my boost gauge. I am guessing that it is either running really rich or the guy that had it before me turned the turbo way down for putting around and not racing.

If u just want to use the cheap flash method, you're either going to need tuning experience, a professional tuner who can do it for you, or download a map from someone who has the same setup as u on Romraider.com. The reflash hardware including cables should cost about $150-200. Ask ur local friends where a good tuning shop is. With only a muffler, it might not be worth it to get it professionally tuned if u r planning to do more mods.

If u want to do the above, open-source tuning is ur best bet. Here is some information on it. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1410201
The rest of the forums r a great source of information. A good starting point is here: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533787

Also, if u r only boosting 5psi right now, there is something wrong with ur car. Stock WRX is should boost 13.5psi max. A reflash should get it to about 15psi without any mods, maybe 15.5 with a muffler only. For more gains u will have to get more parts of the exhaust system, a catback/turboback & up-pipe.

Another option for a reflash r commercially made reflashing hardware, which come with pre-made maps depending on ur setup. Cobb is Accessport is a great tool although it costs $695. You can download maps for no mods, turboback exhaust, upgraded turbos, etc.

To run open source you need a tactrix cable, a laptop and which ever map you are uploading. You can purchase a map or perhaps get a free one from another person who has the same modifications as you.

Though it is recommended that you obtain a wideband oxygen sensor if you are planning on doing any of your own tweaking.