[Subb]

I'm a current silvia owner, but looking for a subaru for the practically purposes


My questions are based on the 2001 - 2004 model models
I want to retain as much response as possible, but get the most torque out of the EJ20 engine legally. I''m leaning towards a STi 2002 (bug) or a WRX 2003/4 (non bug).

I set out my basic concerns

1)
I've been trying to find information on which WRX and/or STi models have the stronger internals, but failed. Which years and which models?.
Do all STi models have them?

2)
With a STi gearbox, can 3,500rpm luncher be done with confidence.
Or what's the go in that department?
Can off the line wheel spin resualt in a 'bang' all to easy?

3)
AWD system - like GTR, can it be controler? Have more rear drive? Does the 50:50 ratio always stand?

4)
Sluggish engine under 3,500rpm - it's still a trubo? can't a smaller twin turbo be fitted to help combat this, and would it be a reasonable mod?

5)
Is there much potential with cams and cam gears like on a SR20 for people that choose not to go for big turbos, with little trade off (+250rmp idle)?

6)
Any way to get around the loss of response and not much more lag with the a FMIC?
Or any way of upgrading to a better then STi topmount intercooler, to a FMIC level (or near)?

7)
Intake - is there much power potential - such as a bigger throttle or plenum for decent price like a Z32 AFM on a SR20

8)
What's the go with rims with low offset - I have read that bearing issues happen. Is this just like on a silvia - it happens 'faster', but you can still run low offset with wide rims.


Detailed responses much appreciated

MJ

This post has been edited by Subb: 22 January 2009 - 10:34 PM

[1JZ_MZ20]

Hey Mate,

1) Yes an Sti is the way to go, all round they are a better value car in all aspects, unless you buy an already modified wrx but in stock form they are much better

2) Sti gearboxes are stronger but it also depends on the clutch as some standard gearboxes can be blown if you are using an after market box, to be safe go a 6 speex sit box or strait/helical cut gears

3) No can not be altered unless you want to remove drive shafts ect yep it is always 50:50

4) standard sti/wrx's are not at all like standard nissans they are much more responsive, if yoy get a wrx with a vf34 you can make 200+ awkw and hit FULL boost by 3800rpm

5) Yes cams as in most cars are a great modification, and rememeber you dont need a big turbo to go fast in a wrx

6) the lag difference you will not notice, in summer tmic can get heat sap from the engine thats why i have a fmic

7) Ide look at different modifications such as ecu, silicion inlet hose, fmic, tb exhaust+ dump pipe, upgraded turbo (vf34)

8) I have never had bearing issues, personally i like standard wrx rims so I am not sure about the offset

If you need any more info let me know

[Harthorn]

i used to drive s13, now drive a 05 wrx with vf34, but closed deck block.. i can say, compared to my s13, ej20s are definately abit more sluggish in my opinion.. but definately more power and traction.. so it may not feel as fast in wrx but in actual fact.. is faster than s13s unless if large single turbo / rb25 etc etc upgrade in s13

[bloodzkull]

1JZ_MZ20, on Jan 23 2009, 08:28 AM, said:

4) standard sti/wrx's are not at all like standard nissans they are much more responsive, if yoy get a wrx with a vf34 you can make 200+ awkw and hit FULL boost by 3800rpm

can't say anything about the rest but my gtr (still only 2.6) was making full boost 3600 at 330awkw.

also exactly what practicality are you talking about? i.e. what in particular?

[Boof]

1JZ_MZ20, on Jan 23 2009, 08:28 AM, said:

Hey Mate,

1) Yes an Sti is the way to go, all round they are a better value car in all aspects, unless you buy an already modified wrx but in stock form they are much better

2) Sti gearboxes are stronger but it also depends on the clutch as some standard gearboxes can be blown if you are using an after market box, to be safe go a 6 speex sit box or strait/helical cut gears

3) No can not be altered unless you want to remove drive shafts ect yep it is always 50:50

4) standard sti/wrx's are not at all like standard nissans they are much more responsive, if yoy get a wrx with a vf34 you can make 200+ awkw and hit FULL boost by 3800rpm

5) Yes cams as in most cars are a great modification, and rememeber you dont need a big turbo to go fast in a wrx

6) the lag difference you will not notice, in summer tmic can get heat sap from the engine thats why i have a fmic

7) Ide look at different modifications such as ecu, silicion inlet hose, fmic, tb exhaust+ dump pipe, upgraded turbo (vf34)

8) I have never had bearing issues, personally i like standard wrx rims so I am not sure about the offset

If you need any more info let me know

In regards to #3 yes you can alter the drive split but i beleive it was only on the sti's that you could do this? They had an electrically controlled centre diff.

[Boof]

bloodzkull, on Jan 24 2009, 08:06 PM, said:

1JZ_MZ20, on Jan 23 2009, 08:28 AM, said:

4) standard sti/wrx's are not at all like standard nissans they are much more responsive, if yoy get a wrx with a vf34 you can make 200+ awkw and hit FULL boost by 3800rpm

can't say anything about the rest but my gtr (still only 2.6) was making full boost 3600 at 330awkw.

also exactly what practicality are you talking about? i.e. what in particular?

Well speaking from old school nissan here....FJ20 with standard turbz zhuast and filter was making fullboost by like 4k and LAGGY as hell!! Since put a KKK26 on it and its much more responsive alot like the wrx actually!

[willski]

sorry, i havent read anyone elses replies, so i apoligise if im just repeating, but heres my 2c on the whole thing (i used to drive a wrx, and wil upgrade my s15 to an 06-07sti later this year, so ive been looking into them a bit)

Subb, on Jan 22 2009, 10:33 PM, said:

1)
I've been trying to find information on which WRX and/or STi models have the stronger internals, but failed. Which years and which models?.
Do all STi models have them?

im fairly certain all the late model stis have forgies. the 05 2.0L sti certainly did, and can make a comfy 250kwatw with those internals

2)
With a STi gearbox, can 3,500rpm luncher be done with confidence.
Or what's the go in that department?
Can off the line wheel spin resualt in a 'bang' all to easy?

the late model 6 speed is known for being extremely durable, and is reliable even up to around 400kwatw, and 10sec 1/4 mile runs. so yes, the gearbox will be fine in an sti. just be careful of the driveshafts if youre gonna do 6000rpm clutch dumps. the older 5 speeds arent as sturdy as the 6 speed, so treat them with care....


3)
AWD system - like GTR, can it be controler? Have more rear drive? Does the 50:50 ratio always stand?
just a standard 50:50 split unless you get the 05sti which has a driver controlled centre differential, meaning you can send up to 65% of power to the rear. cusco sell a tarmac special lsd that alters the torque split to be 65% rear too, but thats meant to be for very advanced drivers....
4)
Sluggish engine under 3,500rpm - it's still a trubo? can't a smaller twin turbo be fitted to help combat this, and would it be a reasonable mod?
in standard form the 01 and 02 sti is rather sluggish, this was meant to have been fixed up with the 03sti and later models, but a aftermarket ecu or reflash will still result in a better drive, and reduce sluggish driveability on and year model. twin turbo sounds like a waste of time and money, i think theres good reason no one ever bothers with it....

5)
Is there much potential with cams and cam gears like on a SR20 for people that choose not to go for big turbos, with little trade off (+250rmp idle)?
you could, but it really isnt worth it for the gains, not many people go down this path, as the later models have some form of variable cam timing, which do a great job. cant remember the name, something like avcs... a bigger turbo is really the next step in engine power after a retune/exhaust/intake

6)
Any way to get around the loss of response and not much more lag with the a FMIC?
Or any way of upgrading to a better then STi topmount intercooler, to a FMIC level (or near)?
the sti top mount is suitable for up to an above 200kw atw... if you upgrade to a bigger, 250awkw turbo, then maybe a fmic is a worthwhile mod.
most aftermarket top mounts are about the same size or only slightly bigger than an sti TMIC anyway. i cant remember which stis have waterspray standard, but you can get it fitted too, and is a good idea if youre worried about heatsoak

7)
Intake - is there much power potential - such as a bigger throttle or plenum for decent price like a Z32 AFM on a SR20
yes, a common intake upgrade is a silicon hose to replace the plastic standard item, which flows better and is said to help response and a bit of power...
i havent heard much about people upgrading the afm on late model wrxs, only the older ones like 99/00 can take a z32 with a PFC.

8)
What's the go with rims with low offset - I have read that bearing issues happen. Is this just like on a silvia - it happens 'faster', but you can still run low offset with wide rims.

most aus suby owners soft out with offset, so i doubt many of them will offer you advice on wheel widths and offsets other than sticking with standard specs. id suggest nasioc and iwsti forums for research into low offset rims

[Subb]

Sorry for the late response guys,
I use my work computer for this.
In the mean time I took the liberty to test drive a 02 STi,
unfortunately I couldn't 'joy drive' it.

He's a bit of elaboration and response to most questions


1)
1JZ_MZ20 - I was under the impression that some STIs are not the JDM version (while some WRXs are) and do not have the forged pistons and crank. Something lead me to believe that this was the bug era, and that's why I'm interested in the WRX of 03-04 AS WELL as the 02 bug STi.
willski - I'm not after a late model STi, but 02 STi OR 03-03 WRX

I found this great post listing what parts are different in each model per year
http://forums.nasioc...ad.php?t=823167
I only wish it said which parts are the superior ones!

2)
1JZ_MZ20 - I was also under the impression that a WRX or STi can't be launched visiously, and that's what dictated how long a box/axle lasted.
Hence the reason why they are viewed so slow off the line, say compared to a XR6 Turbo.
willski - Hopefully you meant 'late = 2000+'

3)
I read off another site: "The default split is RWD based on all STis" - where DCCD plays a part. But no where was it writen specifically for the 02 STis - comment please.
Then another site outlines that it has equal torque from front to rear in pre-2003 STis

Questions 4 to 7
I mean practicality in terms of a car with adequate leg and head room in the rear, with noticeably better then stock acceleration, near stock response/lag and one that 'can' be driven to use less then 13L/100kms. In other words... A golden mix.

That said, I was amazed that the 02STi had lag - as a stock!
What's behind this lag, since the 03+ (WRX/STi) had them fixed, right?

With the current information I think,
- That an aftermarket TMIC is only a notch better then the STi 02 TMIC and not worth the effort
- Intake is fairly decent with minimal gains (with both 02STi and 02/03WRX?)
- Given the evident lag on a 02STi, a VF34 (or any other snail upgrade) will only give me more lag with little power in return - consequently out of the question
- FMIC will cause extra lag, even with a front facing intake (which should really only be considered with a upgraded snail) - and not worth the effort
- AVCS is on all 01+ STis? but not on any WRXs pre 2006? - consequently upgrading cams/camgears on a STi will not produce much power/torque

The only upgrades to retain most of the response and gain extra power/torque would be,
ECU,
Lighter flywheel,
Intake piping and exhaust wrapping,
Exhaust (uppipe, downpipe, cat and back). Although I couldn't remove any of the 3 cat's completely because of legal issues.

Is it just me or is it hard to extract power and torque from a EJ20 without a drop in response and jump in lag.
Only 40KW more then stock, yet 230KWs seams impossible...
While the SR had a nice jump of 65KWs over stock with little on the down side.



Thanks to all current and future respondents,
MJ

[1JZ_MZ20]

well it depends how you modify it mate, I mean you have to also remember your dyno figures are at all 4 wheels so 230 at all 4 compared to just at the rear will be quicker, if you want all out response and around the 230awkw mark you will indeed have to go for a bit of lag but full boost by 3500rpm is sweet f*** all lag in my book.

With the mods you are looking at you may make around the 200awkw mark, you can always go for a pe1820 (22b) clone turbo which will make around the 230awkw mark with mininal lag and also use the p18 exhaust housing which may restrict power but will create response.

If you are wanting something with basically no lag what so ever and make the numbers you are looking at, ide suggest a V8 as I looked into the same thing and if you want a decent amount of power you have to sacrafice some lag.

I mean I have a closed deck block ej20 and I make 262awkw on 22psi and I hit full boost at around 4000rpm but it does rev to around 8000rpm and believe me the kick it gives its amazing it is well worth the lag but its a personal decision but I think if you have driven one and dont like the standard feel of the lag then dont buy one because it wont get any better if you want to make the numbers your aiming for

[Subb]

I'm a huge fan of the V8s,
but not going to buy one unless it's a weekend car.
For the obvious reasons: low redline, petrol prices, low potential for a sleeper.


As far as lag,
I wouldn't mind it if I planed to rally drive it half the time.
But the 'sad' reality is I do a lot of city driving and flinging the needle past 4,000rpms is just stupid... from my point of view... if you know what I mean.
And I'll only be driving it hard, past 4,000rpm 10% time, say at night...

I'm even considering super charging a EJ now... Yeah.. I know...

A car that that hits full boost at 3,000rpm with 230kws = hmmm

[willski]

you dont need a fkn supercharger or anything to make 230kw in a suby with no lag.

2.5L conversion

end of story.




some mroe answers for you, now i know youre after a bugeye sti

Subb, on Jan 26 2009, 08:56 PM, said:

I found this great post listing what parts are different in each model per year
http://forums.nasioc...ad.php?t=823167
I only wish it said which parts are the superior ones!

be careful with nasioc, the USA spec wrxs and stis are usually different to aus, then different again to japan.... so get all your technical info off rexnet


2)
1JZ_MZ20 - I was also under the impression that a WRX or STi can't be launched visiously, and that's what dictated how long a box/axle lasted.
Hence the reason why they are viewed so slow off the line, say compared to a XR6 Turbo.
willski - Hopefully you meant 'late = 2000+'

an stock sti is way faster off the line than a stock xr6 turbo. the 6 speed is tough as nails, and can be launched hard, just no stupid 7000rpm clutch dumps.

3)
I read off another site: "The default split is RWD based on all STis" - where DCCD plays a part. But no where was it writen specifically for the 02 STis - comment please.
Then another site outlines that it has equal torque from front to rear in pre-2003 STis
theres no torque split controller in the 01-02 stis, its just standard 50:50


Questions 4 to 7

That said, I was amazed that the 02STi had lag - as a stock!
a retune will fix that right up

What's behind this lag, since the 03+ (WRX/STi) had them fixed, right?
its mostly in the tune, so yes it was fixed for the 03+, but even they benefit from a retune!


With the current information I think,
- That an aftermarket TMIC is only a notch better then the STi 02 TMIC and not worth the effort
+1
- Given the evident lag on a 02STi, a VF34 (or any other snail upgrade) will only give me more lag with little power in return - consequently out of the question
no not true, there are fast spooling turbos with more power, ie a vf34 over the standard vf35. although really not much more power

- FMIC will cause extra lag, even with a front facing intake (which should really only be considered with a upgraded snail) - and not worth the effort
again true, but you might want it if youre aiming for 230awkw or above


The only upgrades to retain most of the response and gain extra power/torque would be,
ECU,
Lighter flywheel,
Intake piping and exhaust wrapping,
Exhaust (uppipe, downpipe, cat and back). Although I couldn't remove any of the 3 cat's completely because of legal issues.


Is it just me or is it hard to extract power and torque from a EJ20 without a drop in response and jump in lag.
its just you....
Only 40KW more then stock, yet 230KWs seams impossible...
40kw more than stock? i dont think so. 195kw is at the FLYWHEEL. an 02sti will make around about 150-160 kw atw in stock form. so asking another 80 kw at the wheels is not going to be easy, but still doable. if you only want 230kw at the flywheel, then you cold easily do this with a remap + exhaust and intake... they usually gains about 40kw

[Subb]

Hang on a sec, I skimmed the rest, which I'll read in depth later, but this confused me

willski, on Feb 3 2009, 06:23 PM, said:

40kw more than stock? i dont think so. 195kw is at the FLYWHEEL. an 02sti will make around about 150-160 kw atw in stock form. so asking another 80 kw at the wheels is not going to be easy, but still doable. if you only want 230kw at the flywheel, then you cold easily do this with a remap + exhaust and intake... they usually gains about 40kw

I am sure, if not on subituned, then somewhere else,
but on a couple of sites I have read and heard that the 195kw is at all four wheels.

Because if it wasn't that would mean it would be classed with SR S15s - who are rated a bit less but around that figure at rear wheels.
And I thought it was more in the category of a RB25 (but not to RB26 level).

This post has been edited by Subb: 04 February 2009 - 12:10 PM

[willski]

dude, ALL power figures quoted by a manufacturer are at the flywheel, NEVER at the wheels. the only time you get an at the wheels reading is on a rolling dyno, usually when aftermarket mods are performed

jdm s15 = 185kw at flywheel, usually about 135-140 at the wheels
gtr = 206kw at the flywheel, usually about 160-170 at the wheels
sti = 195kw at the flywheel, 150-160 at the wheels

[Subb]

Well I can't say accurately,
but my S13 was at 140-something atw when I got it - with only TBE and boost at 10 ( I think it was 10psi... long time ago)
Think they where quoted by a manufacturer at 147kws.

Not important.
I just wanted to confirm something,

Subb, on Jan 26 2009, 08:56 PM, said:

The only upgrades to retain most of the response and gain extra power/torque would be,
ECU,
Lighter flywheel,
Intake piping and exhaust wrapping,
Exhaust (uppipe, downpipe, cat and back). Although I couldn't remove any of the 3 cat's completely because of legal issues.

as people have been saying so and so upgrades will give 200kws, now was that atw.

And then hearing about turbo upgrades with same lag as stock, but with 210kw at all four...

This post has been edited by Subb: 05 February 2009 - 12:14 PM

[willski]

yeah, when people talk about upgrades then measuring power, thats usually at the wheels. stock power is always at the flywheel

and your s13 with 147kw at the flywheel, would be about 110-120 at the wheels. and yes, a turbo back exhaust + 10 psi of boost will see a healthy increase of about 20-30rwkw

[Subb]

Cheers for the figure explanation,
didn't really come across that before...

I been out hunting for cars, and not really next to a computer.
I will mention that I feel that there is less cars on carsales now with the economy crisis.
Before I could find a 02STi for sub $23,000 with little effort.

I'm having trouble finding the info on twin-scroll turbos...
Are these still in production or are they from a older STi?
I read it allows for equal length exhaust runners, which:
1) Increases spool over VF35?
2) Silences the Subaru boxer rumble?
3) Allows for extra boost, and approximately 220kw ATW?
4) I could not find any cost figures... So what price might it add up to?

I have also notice that WRC STi has vee mount/high mount intercooler with front facing intake.
Would this setup get better flow then an aftermarket top mount and support a power of 220kwatw+,
yet have better then stock response (and/or less lag)
Would this be an expensive mod? For the results?

This post has been edited by Subb: 16 February 2009 - 08:12 PM

[Slideways_Master]

Subb, i currently own a 2001/2002 bug eye rex and i only bought it a couple of weeks ago and have been doing some major research about the vechile from fuji heavy industries, as i used to be an s13 silvia owner things i have found out are: that your best wheel/rim size is an 18 with a 7.5 inch offset any bigger than this and depending on your state you could be finding yourself defected and most suitable tyre width is 225. the best thing to do in this case is to buy the standard WRX and upgrade it to the same mechanical state as an sti, funnily enough it's about 4000 dollars cheaper to do it this way, and go for a ej25 with 2ltr heads with bigger head studs as ej's are prone in some area's of australia (due to enviromental difference's) blowing head gaskets. DEFINANTLY get the 6 speed sti box and upgrade the diff as well (rear) from the wrx r160 to the sti r 180 unit, also depending on were you live the tmi or fmi's both have advantages and disadvantages. tmi is GREAT for response and protected vs the fmi which unfortunantly increases the amount of lag that the subby already suffer's from but inherently decreases engine idle temps from not beging mounted on top but being mounted away from the engine. ALSO WATCH THE O2 SENSOR'S, yes there is 2 of them one before and one after the turbo, ONLY use 98octane fuel as anything lower WILL destroy these VERY sensitive o2 sensor's, engine light on dash comes on then it's a trip to the mechanics and it also detrimentally affects your fuel economy when this light comes on because of it's false readings it's trying t compensate for the octane level, leading to back firing at low rpm. Another idea as i found out from the rally circuit is to get the vf34 send it to dynatorque or gcg in adelaide and have it High flowed along with the throttle body and the plenum just these 3 things alone will set you back some penny's but have seen upwards of 38awkw increase and .5 to 1 sec of standard wrx times and major increase in response from down low. Cheers Rob

[Boof]

Slideways_Master, on Feb 20 2009, 12:40 AM, said:

Subb, i currently own a 2001/2002 bug eye rex and i only bought it a couple of weeks ago and have been doing some major research about the vechile from fuji heavy industries, as i used to be an s13 silvia owner things i have found out are: that your best wheel/rim size is an 18 with a 7.5 inch offset any bigger than this and depending on your state you could be finding yourself defected and most suitable tyre width is 225. the best thing to do in this case is to buy the standard WRX and upgrade it to the same mechanical state as an sti, funnily enough it's about 4000 dollars cheaper to do it this way, and go for a ej25 with 2ltr heads with bigger head studs as ej's are prone in some area's of australia (due to enviromental difference's) blowing head gaskets. DEFINANTLY get the 6 speed sti box and upgrade the diff as well (rear) from the wrx r160 to the sti r 180 unit, also depending on were you live the tmi or fmi's both have advantages and disadvantages. tmi is GREAT for response and protected vs the fmi which unfortunantly increases the amount of lag that the subby already suffer's from but inherently decreases engine idle temps from not beging mounted on top but being mounted away from the engine. ALSO WATCH THE O2 SENSOR'S, yes there is 2 of them one before and one after the turbo, ONLY use 98octane fuel as anything lower WILL destroy these VERY sensitive o2 sensor's, engine light on dash comes on then it's a trip to the mechanics and it also detrimentally affects your fuel economy when this light comes on because of it's false readings it's trying t compensate for the octane level, leading to back firing at low rpm. Another idea as i found out from the rally circuit is to get the vf34 send it to dynatorque or gcg in adelaide and have it High flowed along with the throttle body and the plenum just these 3 things alone will set you back some penny's but have seen upwards of 38awkw increase and .5 to 1 sec of standard wrx times and major increase in response from down low. Cheers Rob

WRX laggy?? Your kidding right? My 02 wrx with just a rear muffler is on boost by 3k now i don't consider that laggy at all...I gather you haven't driven an 80's turbo car! Now thats lag!! Blowing head gaskets?? EH???

Also standard wrx can run on 95 octane even says it in the manual...The STI can only run on 98 octane

[willski]

you should really sign up to rexnet mate, people here really seem to be clueless about wrxs...

eg.

Slideways_Master, on Feb 20 2009, 11:40 AM, said:

your best wheel/rim size is an 18 with a 7.5 inch offset any bigger than this and depending on your state you could be finding yourself defected and most suitable tyre width is 225.

Slideways_Master, on Feb 20 2009, 11:40 AM, said:

the best thing to do in this case is to buy the standard WRX and upgrade it to the same mechanical state as an sti, funnily enough it's about 4000 dollars cheaper to do it this way

[shortshifta]

Uh huh 18x7.5inch offset rim WTF???
I also am looking into buying an sti, from what i've been told 200kw atw is pretty easy to attain. So my suggestion would be to get to this stage first and see how it drives before you spend any more money. As when you get more power you are generally going to get more lag. If your happy with how it drives with 200kw atw then search for future upgrades.

[TougeR34]

anyone know how a stock imprezza Wrx (turbo) does for redline launches? or is that gearbox breakage very very quickly?

[JDM-RPS13]

iv been looking into bugeye rexys lately, as an upgrade from my 180, and some things slideways says are true, but for decent fitment 18x9 +30 is nice on the GDB chassis rexys, gc8's are about 8.5 +35ish for a nice fitment.

Also i wouldnt be trying to many high rpm launches, the boxes are prone to being smashed if given too much smashin

also 200kw is a nice power level in a rexy, a mate of mine took me for a run is his completely stock standard gc8 through the hills and it was f*ckn nuts standard, depends on driver/driving style aswell though, but more power and awesome suspension/tyres would be crazy

[willski]

just a quick note re: fitment - keep in mind that all sti models up to 05 have stud pattern 5x100, which is almost impossible to find wide, low offset rims for (outisde of the US). 05 onwards is usually where its at unless a hub conversion is done. which not many people do.

[JDM-RPS13]

yeah second hand rims in decent fitment are hard to find, can get new wheels easy enough, just means big cash. I was actually looking into a hub conversion, from an 05+sti, so then 5x114.3 wheels can be fitted, but also there are 15mm bolt on wheel spacers which change the stud pattern aswell, which would be loads cheaper and easier

[Subb]

willski, on Feb 25 2009, 08:31 PM, said:

you should really sign up to rexnet mate, people here really seem to be clueless about wrxs...

Yeah mate, I been getting a fair load of info from that place

It's not to say I was clues of Subarus before, but I think it's safe to say I know a lot about them now...

Only * problem now is that I'm stuck with FINDING a 2002 STi !!!
6 months ago there was 4 to 6 at any given time on carsales.com,
now - not even one under $25,000.

So wish I didn't reconsider buying this black one because I thought I need to investigate more...

Anyone with suggestions on where to look?

This post has been edited by Subb: 02 March 2009 - 02:11 PM

[willski]

nah just carsales and rexnet...
theres like 50 on carsales at the moment... just cos theyre not advertised at under $25k doesnt mean you wont get them for that... negotiate

carsales 01-02 sti

[Subb]

I'm in Vic,
so it's more like this
http://carsales.com....s...ing|0&D=sti

Notice how the there's STis close to 25k,
but they don't have a RWC provided.

I can go up to 25k,
but that's my max.
My aim was around 22k.
And a little while ago that was realistic.

Specify after a black 02 one.

This post has been edited by Subb: 06 March 2009 - 01:10 PM

[Harthorn]

patience man.. patience..

[gauly_13]

Hey mate,
Rims can be had in Aus, but yes you need to be cashed up a bit. ROH or Simmons will custom make a set for you, to what ever size/offset requirements you have. But be prepared for a wait (put an order in for my s13 with ROH, 12-14 week wait ). So if you do want decent fittement, do some research and ask those guys to hook u up!

Yes you can launch STI's fast, just not stupidly (id personaly keep it under 4.5, still plenty quick enough to have fun, but shouldnt cause to many issues). Anything with the wrx 5 speed is just askin for trouble tho.

Practicality . . . well I have a 97 model wrx, and even tho its a 4 door, still not a lot of leg room in them (bear in mind i'm 6'2!), so road trips with 4 or 5 blokes can be a pain. not sure if the newer models are any better, but a quick trip to a car dealer to test one out should sort that out!

And just to stir the pot a bit (and because i am still a nissan fan ), considered a stagea? More room, RB25's are easy to mod for more power with less lag than a subie (in my experience anyway) and a bit rarer (some nice wrx's get about, but unfortunatley a lot of tooled up wannabe's use them as well, makes everyone else look bad ).

Just some food for thought, have fun either way

[Tsuro]

Haha stagea's are good for what you get, except for the fact they're so long & heavy you should be required to have a truck license to drive the mofo's!