Well at the moment I know the difference between a WRX and an STI seems to be be lots of money, for some pink badges.
Really basic stuff, there seems to be a load of Bug/Blobs WRX's about for 3-4k UK models. Then theres JDM, why are they better, is it just the rust thing? Then theres STI's which command almost double the money of the WRX, but what do you get for it? Presumably more than a pink badge?
This is what I need to read up on, is the STI money worth the difference, or should I just start with a cheap high mileage WRX and rebuild the engine.
Either way, mechanicals dont worry me as long as the shells solid.
Impreza Forums
Re: Impreza Forums
It's the shell, the engine, the gearbox, the suspension and the bhp. UK was 231 - JDM 255. It would cost a lot more to make a WRX as good as an STI
With subarus it's all about open deck, semi closed and closed. Generally speaking the JDM have the best kit. The best motor is closed deck, the weakest open deck.
As an example, my Type R rev's to 8000k where as a uk motor only goes to 6000k .. I have more hardcore suspension, gearbox and spec.
The JDM's are simply much better cars - it seems that uk cars are downgraded versions of the JDM i.e. the P1 was the uk version of my Type R minus the trick gearbox and the good suspension.
With subarus it's all about open deck, semi closed and closed. Generally speaking the JDM have the best kit. The best motor is closed deck, the weakest open deck.
As an example, my Type R rev's to 8000k where as a uk motor only goes to 6000k .. I have more hardcore suspension, gearbox and spec.
The JDM's are simply much better cars - it seems that uk cars are downgraded versions of the JDM i.e. the P1 was the uk version of my Type R minus the trick gearbox and the good suspension.
Re: Impreza Forums
Having owned and worked on a few Impreza's/Evo's/GTR's I would say that you need to take every advert with a pinch of salt and evaluate every car on it's own merits. I have seen truly awful JDM models (in terms of corrosion and damage) and some wonderful UK models......and vice versa. No such thing as consistency when it comes to cars like this in my experience.maff wrote: Then theres JDM, why are they better, is it just the rust thing?
Either way, mechanicals dont worry me as long as the shells solid.
http://www.auto-genie.co.uk
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
07733 527430
stuart@auto-genie.co.uk
Valeting, detailing and undersealing
Re: Impreza Forums
How much do you want to spend and what do you want it for.
I know a thing or two about imprezas. Ask away. :-)
I know a thing or two about imprezas. Ask away. :-)
Re: Impreza Forums
Hey Frayz, good man.
Right.
Budget is 5k. Maybe more depends how long I want to spend sleeping on the sofa.
Ideally I'm looking for something that will to 2-3 track days a year plus 5000 miles a year (all year round), to work and back on Norfolks crappy back roads.
I'm really not looking for a monster rocketship, rather something quick enough, reliable and fun on track and to take the boredom out of the commute. A decent starting point and a few choice mods. (Well to begin with anyway).
I've always had a soft spot for the Bug/Blobeyed Impreza's and as Stuart says they've aged well
So that was the plan.
Started off thinking UK WRX, but maybe a UK spec STI may fit better, if it comes in my budget, by the sounds of it the JDM ones may be too pricey.
So questions:
With the Nissan I got sick of chopping the rot out, mechanically I'm happy doing what ever, so with that in mind.
Where do they commonly rot?
How scared of big mileages should I be? Is it the old mantra of a good service history is worth its weight on gold?
Common faults to look out for on test drives? Clonks, blue smoke from cold, etc...
From some of the reading I've done it seems the good old ebay manifolds are usually useless, any other dodgy mods to look out for?
Cheers for all the help chaps!
Right.
Budget is 5k. Maybe more depends how long I want to spend sleeping on the sofa.
Ideally I'm looking for something that will to 2-3 track days a year plus 5000 miles a year (all year round), to work and back on Norfolks crappy back roads.
I'm really not looking for a monster rocketship, rather something quick enough, reliable and fun on track and to take the boredom out of the commute. A decent starting point and a few choice mods. (Well to begin with anyway).
I've always had a soft spot for the Bug/Blobeyed Impreza's and as Stuart says they've aged well
So that was the plan. Started off thinking UK WRX, but maybe a UK spec STI may fit better, if it comes in my budget, by the sounds of it the JDM ones may be too pricey.
So questions:
With the Nissan I got sick of chopping the rot out, mechanically I'm happy doing what ever, so with that in mind.
Where do they commonly rot?
How scared of big mileages should I be? Is it the old mantra of a good service history is worth its weight on gold?
Common faults to look out for on test drives? Clonks, blue smoke from cold, etc...
From some of the reading I've done it seems the good old ebay manifolds are usually useless, any other dodgy mods to look out for?
Cheers for all the help chaps!
Re: Impreza Forums
Okay dude. I'm working lates tonight. I'll answer in full later.
Basically you may need to up the budget slightly for the STI which is what I'd recommend over the WRX. I'll explain more later
Basically you may need to up the budget slightly for the STI which is what I'd recommend over the WRX. I'll explain more later
Re: Impreza Forums
Okay dude,
Basically sounds like you're after a "bugeye" or "blobeye". These are the common terms used for the 2001-2002 models and the 2003-2005 models respectively.
All of these cars will come with a 2 ltr engine, the 2.5ltr wasn't introduced in the UK until the 2006 "hawkeye" model.
All of these UK cars came with what's called a semi closed deck block. This is not something you should worry about and will support up to 500bhp. The big difference will be between whether you chose an STI or a WRX.
The UK WRX came with approx 215/225bhp in standard trim for bugeye/blobeye vehicles respectively.
In STI guise this was upped to 265/276bhp in standard trim for bugeye/blobeye vehicles respectively.
You will also hear the term PPP banded about. This means Prodrive Performance Pack, basically this was a dealer fit upgrade and included a sportscat/fuel pump in some cases and a remap. This took the WRX to 265bhp and the STI to 305bhp.
The WRX came with a standard 2ltr engine and Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger, it also got a basic interior, 4 pot calipers and 5 speed gearbox with centre limited slip diff.
The STI came with a whole heap more over the WRX. The STI got blue alcantara interior, a stronger 2ltr engine by the way of rods and pistons, larger IHI VF30/35 turbocharger, intercooler with water spray, VVT on the intake camshafts, livelier cams, better heads, much much stronger 6 speed transmission with 3x limited slip diffs, larger 4 piston gold Brembo calipers, better springs and dampers, larger bonnet scoop, different side skirts and a whole heap more.
The STI is a completely different car to that of the WRX even though it's based on the same model.
The JDM cars are a different story again, these are easily recognisable by the fact they will have a rear window wiper as required in Japan. From 2003 onwards the JDM cars will also have equal length headers (sounds different, eg: no flat four beat) and a twin scroll turbo, coupled with better heads and cams again. This took the JDM rev limit to 8k rather than the 7.5k of the UK car. The addition on xenon headlights and quicker steering rack were also present.
Spec C, RAs are all JDM models.
From 2005 the STIs were given a slightly wider track, noticeable by the small arch extensions on the rear, larger bearing packs and hubs and a wheel PCD change to 5x114mm rather than the 5x100 of the earlier cars.
To be honest all of the JDM cars will be out of your budget and to be honest it's no bad thing, they're not the be all and end all. As is mileage, a well serviced and looked after Subaru engine is a great motor. Look for regular oil changes and cam belts etc. All of the cars you will look at will have a history of sorts, try and get one that has been looked after and it will look after you. Look for sensible mods and if it's been remapped make sure it's been done by a reputable mapper.
Like all turbo car, they are fuel sensitive, so running them on vpower or super is a must. Good quality oil is also a must. The engines are very smooth and quiet and should not use any oil at all. If it has any unusual sounds at all, walk away.
The drive should be tight and responsive and again should have no knocks and rattles, look out for over lowered cars and crap quality tyres. The 03 onwards cars suffered from premature rear damper failure which resulted in a knocking from the rear struts. There wasn't ever really a fix for this and most will have after market dampers fitted. Once they started knocking they would only get worse.
The STI 6 speed transmissions about as strong as any you'll find, regularly taking over 600bhp and 500lbsft. The 5 speed is on borrowed time much over 330bhp, some do better than others but it's a little hit and miss. Although the 5 speed is 30kg lighter than the 6 cogger and personally I like the 5 speed ratios better. But to be honest it's a known weak point and I'd re inclined to steer clear of the 5 speed if your budget allows.
Watch out for the usual accident damage and crap repairs, generally Subarus don't rust if looked after from 2002 onwards so check carefully. Lots may have been spanked so check for original wings, sealer and paintwork.
I'd say realistically you need to spend about £5k upwards for a bug STI and maybe £6k upwards for a blob STI.
Both cars will see an easy 330bhp from a basic decat, free flow exhaust, fuel pump and remap. This will cost you about £1000/£1500. Mpg won't be great on any of them and expect high teens to low 20s, maybe more on a run.
Subarus are a real performance bargain and there are some great ones to be had out there, but steer clear of cheap mods and eBay bolt on tat. Chances are if they have cut corners on poor mods, they will have cut corners elsewhere. Personally I'd buy the best condition, most standard STI you can find, service it and go enjoy. They're a breeze to work on and really nicely laid out, so home servicing won't be an issue either if you're competent with a spanner.
Hope that helps you out a little, there's heaps more to say but I think this covers your goals and budget reasonably well.
Basically sounds like you're after a "bugeye" or "blobeye". These are the common terms used for the 2001-2002 models and the 2003-2005 models respectively.
All of these cars will come with a 2 ltr engine, the 2.5ltr wasn't introduced in the UK until the 2006 "hawkeye" model.
All of these UK cars came with what's called a semi closed deck block. This is not something you should worry about and will support up to 500bhp. The big difference will be between whether you chose an STI or a WRX.
The UK WRX came with approx 215/225bhp in standard trim for bugeye/blobeye vehicles respectively.
In STI guise this was upped to 265/276bhp in standard trim for bugeye/blobeye vehicles respectively.
You will also hear the term PPP banded about. This means Prodrive Performance Pack, basically this was a dealer fit upgrade and included a sportscat/fuel pump in some cases and a remap. This took the WRX to 265bhp and the STI to 305bhp.
The WRX came with a standard 2ltr engine and Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger, it also got a basic interior, 4 pot calipers and 5 speed gearbox with centre limited slip diff.
The STI came with a whole heap more over the WRX. The STI got blue alcantara interior, a stronger 2ltr engine by the way of rods and pistons, larger IHI VF30/35 turbocharger, intercooler with water spray, VVT on the intake camshafts, livelier cams, better heads, much much stronger 6 speed transmission with 3x limited slip diffs, larger 4 piston gold Brembo calipers, better springs and dampers, larger bonnet scoop, different side skirts and a whole heap more.
The STI is a completely different car to that of the WRX even though it's based on the same model.
The JDM cars are a different story again, these are easily recognisable by the fact they will have a rear window wiper as required in Japan. From 2003 onwards the JDM cars will also have equal length headers (sounds different, eg: no flat four beat) and a twin scroll turbo, coupled with better heads and cams again. This took the JDM rev limit to 8k rather than the 7.5k of the UK car. The addition on xenon headlights and quicker steering rack were also present.
Spec C, RAs are all JDM models.
From 2005 the STIs were given a slightly wider track, noticeable by the small arch extensions on the rear, larger bearing packs and hubs and a wheel PCD change to 5x114mm rather than the 5x100 of the earlier cars.
To be honest all of the JDM cars will be out of your budget and to be honest it's no bad thing, they're not the be all and end all. As is mileage, a well serviced and looked after Subaru engine is a great motor. Look for regular oil changes and cam belts etc. All of the cars you will look at will have a history of sorts, try and get one that has been looked after and it will look after you. Look for sensible mods and if it's been remapped make sure it's been done by a reputable mapper.
Like all turbo car, they are fuel sensitive, so running them on vpower or super is a must. Good quality oil is also a must. The engines are very smooth and quiet and should not use any oil at all. If it has any unusual sounds at all, walk away.
The drive should be tight and responsive and again should have no knocks and rattles, look out for over lowered cars and crap quality tyres. The 03 onwards cars suffered from premature rear damper failure which resulted in a knocking from the rear struts. There wasn't ever really a fix for this and most will have after market dampers fitted. Once they started knocking they would only get worse.
The STI 6 speed transmissions about as strong as any you'll find, regularly taking over 600bhp and 500lbsft. The 5 speed is on borrowed time much over 330bhp, some do better than others but it's a little hit and miss. Although the 5 speed is 30kg lighter than the 6 cogger and personally I like the 5 speed ratios better. But to be honest it's a known weak point and I'd re inclined to steer clear of the 5 speed if your budget allows.
Watch out for the usual accident damage and crap repairs, generally Subarus don't rust if looked after from 2002 onwards so check carefully. Lots may have been spanked so check for original wings, sealer and paintwork.
I'd say realistically you need to spend about £5k upwards for a bug STI and maybe £6k upwards for a blob STI.
Both cars will see an easy 330bhp from a basic decat, free flow exhaust, fuel pump and remap. This will cost you about £1000/£1500. Mpg won't be great on any of them and expect high teens to low 20s, maybe more on a run.
Subarus are a real performance bargain and there are some great ones to be had out there, but steer clear of cheap mods and eBay bolt on tat. Chances are if they have cut corners on poor mods, they will have cut corners elsewhere. Personally I'd buy the best condition, most standard STI you can find, service it and go enjoy. They're a breeze to work on and really nicely laid out, so home servicing won't be an issue either if you're competent with a spanner.
Hope that helps you out a little, there's heaps more to say but I think this covers your goals and budget reasonably well.
Re: Impreza Forums
Frayz, that's brilliant! Thanks.
UK STi does seem to make the most sense, tick all the right boxes.
So the search begins.
Ben, how did you get on with Hurst cars? They have some interesting cars.
UK STi does seem to make the most sense, tick all the right boxes.
So the search begins.
Ben, how did you get on with Hurst cars? They have some interesting cars.
Re: Impreza Forums
Don't get me wrong, the JDM is a slightly better car in terms of performance. However, you're far better off buying a decent UK than a shagged JDM for your budget.
Frayz
Frayz
Re: Impreza Forums
Are the later 2.5 sti any good? Some if them seem quite cheap now