Who here owns a Subaru?

[ScoobyDoo69]

I won't say you're wrong... but I will disagree to a point. They all sit far far too high as standard, not only looking stupid, but really retracting from the feel of the car.

Prodrive/Eibach springs or similar really make a difference to how the car feels. You're right that they don't make much difference to the actually handling per say. But they are still worth the difference IMO.

You're right about the ARB though! Rear ARB is one of the best mods (need to do mine still) but I wouldn't do it before springs

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Lovely gravel express there! Rare cars too! You could always fit spacers if you wanted to keep your current alloys?

Meridian.. I think we'll agree to disagree. It's roots are in rallying, but it is a road car. The Evo doesn't sit on stilts for example. Every Impreza on standard suspension that I have had a chance to drive has always felt very woolly. Add lowering springs, Eibachs or Prodrives etc and the car feels so much more fun. So long as it's not stupid low or lower than they should be for an Impreza, you make them better not worse. When you see the slammed ones (which can look great) they only look good and have compromised the handling and the point of the car being a back road machine.

But hey that's my opinion. If my car wasn't already sat on Prodrive springs when I bought it, I would have added them or similar.

Anywhooo speaking of not doing my rear ARB yet.. these arrived today:

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

You don't need bushes as they're included.

You need to get under the back of your car and check if your car has the "C" shaped drop links or the straight ones. Then you know which ARB and links to order.

I can recommend any of the following:

www.scoobyparts.co.uk - This is where I order most my little bits, and where I ordered these. Very efficient service, great guys, great prices.
www.scoobyworld.co.uk - Like above, some prices are more expensive and some are less, they don't seem to deliver as quick as Scoobyparts though.

Those are probably the easiest to order online from. But there are plenty of other suppliers who may be able to do things cheaper.

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Greenlight won't touch me:

Basic acceptance criteria
Ownership of the vehicle, or Performance driving experience are the key factors for covering high performance cars.

Due to the type of vehicles we cover under our preferentially rated schemes being primarily performance or modified vehicles there are some acceptance requirements to qualify for these schemes. The underwriters require all drivers to:

1) Be aged 25 or over for Turbo models (or 21+ for the sport model)

I'm 24

Also the quote from Admiral for me (multicar mind you) is less than £900 a year for my STi this year. So can't complain too much. Everyone at all these companies keep telling me when I hit 25 they'll be able to beat my quotes. Doesn't help me until then though!

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

A-Plan are another one who say I must be 25.

Having another car is always a great idea, makes you appreciate it more. I'm sure my Impreza would be in a lot worse condition by now if I still used it for work! And I'm sure I'd be broke

In other news, my friend's Dad has a load of CNC machinery which he gets to use, and is wanting to get into making bits and bobs on the side, bits for cars, mountain bikes etc.

Here's a hub he has made for his bike. He got it anodised etc, looks really smart.

So he offered to make me a replacement battery clamp as something to do. And here's his first attempt at making me one, am looking forward to him making it pretty.

It's a bit chunky at the moment, but he just wanted to make sure it fits. When he finishes messing with the design he'll get it anodised and then laser etched with whatever I want to be wrote on there. Random piece of bling but why not!

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

I may as well say welcome back to the fold then

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

When he finishes it, can you ask him to make me one, that looks really nice compared to stock. (ofc happy to pay)

Yeah no worries I'll let him know. I think he wants to make a few to sell anyway! Unfortunately he's got an infection of the cornea at the moment, so it probably will be a while before it's done!

Such a small world really, occasional poster - mostly just lurk around.

But i've owned that WRX for about 2 years.

Had a shock when i recognised the number plate. Shame the Wing and splitter were taken off before i become the owner.

Its looking great in those pics

Guessing you were the first owner?

Get some pics of it's current look! Where are you from?

Well I bought it

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Indeed.. a terrible, terrible bug

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Mapped yourself? Well done. Ever had it on the rollers?

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Well done brendy. I've got a tactrix cable for mine but not used it yet.

Gurdas very nice sir! Give us some details! PPP? Mileage etc? Looks good

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Thanks chaps. Its a beaut, no PPP on this one but I guess I can just get it remapped how I want it, mileage is 29000 so its pretty much brand new! It's absolutely mint.

I've got a question regarding dump valve, I had one thrown in for free, its not a special one but in terms of blanking off the pipe that attaches to the standard one, do I need to blank it off with one of those aluminum plugs or can I just temporarily tape it up?

Looks very good. Get your mods and mapped right away

Blanking plug. Don't tape it as it might get sucked in!

Bit of a question, now I do have some car technical knowledge but this one is a bit weird. I'm pretty sure on any car the check engine light does come on when you turn the ignition key and all the lights come on the dash.

However in the Subaru it doesn't. I've checked the fuses for illumination, but all fuses are ok. Did the previous owner take the bulb out behind the dash? Or does it only come on Subaru's if there is a problem?

It definitely should come on at just ignition and then turn off when you start the car.

Get the clocks out ASAP and have a look! Two screws above the clocks remove the surround, give it a tug and the clips will pop out, then you should be able to see the clock fixings. Undo, unplug and check for the bulb!

What location are you in? Maybe someone local can give you a hand or if the CEL is on check the code for you? It could well just be the CAT below efficiency raising the CEL and the guy didn't know how to solve so just yanked the light.

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Looks like it could be the CEL, these are my clocks:

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

No bulbs inside the clocks as far as I'm aware!

I did always think the CEL was an LED which couldn't just be pulled though.. but either way get it checked on the OBD port.

Kristoph, they do very well in the wet, in fact that's when I tend to be more of a hooligan in mine!
However you'd be very surprised how in the dry a Clio 182 could easily keep up with a standard WRX!

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Duncan mapped mine.

Decat or sports cat in the downpipe. Decat centre section, Blitz NSR, fuel pump, decent panel filter.

Should do the trick. For a bit of better response get your manifold ported and a stainless up pipe. I recommend Harvey Smith for both - that's what I have!

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Any reason why you want a Hawkeye Andi?

Would you not rather a 2005 model to save having the 2.5 issues?

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

hi. ive been reading this thread with great interest as i will be purchasing a impreza soonish.

Can i ask what the 2.5 06 plate issues are please?? This information will help me to potentially find a decent vehicle.

i know u will pay high tax bud

Mainly because I had one before and much preferred the power delivery over the 2.0l.

I'm aware of the sudden switch in road fund license as mine was an early one on an 06, it was about a month before the price hike. But yes I'm not too worried about the tax as the fuel is more significant.

As for the engine melting I'm really looking for a Prodrive modded version which I think was OK but I'm willing to be corrected there. Anyway a car still running now should be OK.

They seem to be getting rare and I really don't to go to 57 plate which would pretty much have to be the new shape (if you even call iot a shape ) .

I got news this morning that I missed a really nice one an only 38 miles away.

Is there not a Subaru Heaven somewhere that sells these?

Andi.

Tax is a very minor issue when it comes to running these cars. An extra £200 over a year makes no difference.

The 2.5 issues can be summed up quite easily.

Bad mapping causing piston ringland failures, these include the standard Subaru map, their tweaked map, and the Prodrive map. All remaps should realistically keep the boost below 1.3bar on the standard 2.5s.

Head gasket issues. They seem to munch them for some reason. Even when people have them replaced with Cosworth head gaskets etc they still don't seem to last. This is put down to the block being weak and moving a lot. It's basically a 2.0 but with lots of meat missing from the block to make it 2.5. Never a good start for an engine.

Unless you can find one which has been rebuilt and uprated by a specialist, I'd keep miles away from the 2.5. They scare me. They're even failing in the hatches.

I'm looking to get a WRX spoiler for the back of sport wagon. I've seen a carbon fibre one which I like the look off, but it is the bolted down one which requires drilling into the boot lid. Something which I don't want to do. Would it be ok to tiger seal it?

Might be an idea to ring around the Subaru breakers and ask if they have a WRX boot lid in your colour with the spoiler attached? Saves you making holes and having to worry if the spoiler is going to stay on? People do it all the time with the saloons.. but I guess it is more hassle on the wagons

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

scoobydoo69 many thanks for the reply. That now helps me with what version to now get, so your help has been very important to me.

Blobeye scooby is what i am now after

No problem. I've heard too many horror stories of the 2.5s now. I wouldn't want anyone to have the issues they have!

Just bought some Tein S Tech springs for a reasonable price, easiest way to fit these Kosta? How much should it cost to have them fitted?

Easiest way to fit them would be to pay someone to fit them ! Trust me, the hassle of trying to get some of those bolts off just isn't worth it.

I wouldn't say as cheap as £50.. maybe £100-£150?


Anywho...
MOT time forces a front reg plate to reappear:

And in other news, my Type UK badge was peeling off, so I took it off properly and removed all the residue. Not sure I like it like this Might have to have something made for me.

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

I had tein s techs on my Yaris. Awesome springs although the rears were very soft. They're 'progressive' springs but do make the car handle very well. £50 all round should be a good price.

I'm in the dilemma of lowering my Subaru, I want to, but then again I don't want to. So going to get a 7" touch screen in and rear spoiler. Might tint the back windows to a suitable shade and that's it.

I'd get the lowering springs personally...

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

WRX wagon suspension will go straight on yes, but won't be much, if any lower. Just get some eibach springs, they're not very low, but make a nice difference

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Must Resist....

I've actually got my eyes on STI seats at the moment. Hoping I can pick some up cheap.

Don't bother.. you said you weren't going to mod so don't ! Springs, headunit, job done!

do u still have your sti front fog covers

I have them... but they're not fitted as the fog surrounds are on as you can see from the pic above.

I'm removing all the badges other than the STi and type uk one. Will look to get the springs fitted then. Also nice zunsport full front grill, thinking it will look good on mine in black, just ordered a pink 'i' badge too

Zunsport full front grille like mine you mean? I'm wanting to remove the WRX and Impreza badge now as it's no longer even looking. Either that or I get the boot lock removed and have nothing on the boot just like I had my WRX... Or I just buy a replacement Type UK badge. Might get my friend to make me a Type KK for fun though.