The Official Fchat Subaru Thread... | FerrariChat

The Official Fchat Subaru Thread...

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by Tad Cody, Oct 3, 2008.

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  1. Tad Cody

    Tad Cody Formula 3

    Sep 9, 2006
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    #1 Tad Cody, Oct 3, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    First, thanks, Rob for making a place for the rest of us to go with our 'import' cars... even if it was just to get the GT-Rs out of the other sub-forums!
    I'll start this thread as a place for those of us with Fuji Heavy Industries finest...

    I love my Subies.
    I do most of the wrenching myself.
    It starts without fail, every day.
    And besides the obviously costly mods, has cost me less than a grand in total maintenance (chewed up and spit out wheel bearings/knuckles) over ~50,000 miles. ;)

    Heavily modified Platinum Silver Metallic 2003 Subaru WRX 'Turbo S' AWD sleeperwagon
    VF34 Japan-market turbo (from JDM Spec-C Type RA)
    STi injectors (also Type RA)
    Walbro fuel pump
    Unichip engine management with Sean Logan tune
    GPMoto catless turboback
    GPMoto ceramic coated equal-length headers
    STi TMIC
    Perrin intake/turbo inlet/hoses
    Baer brakes (330mm, C5 corvette calipers)
    Volk GTP 2-piece forged wheels
    Cusco front and rear bars (front AL, rear carbon)
    Japan market body parts- scoop, grille, foglight covers, corner markers
    'Koji' modded headlights
    NW Power Products 175A alternator
    Sony MEX-1HD hard drive head unit
    Phoenix Gold Octane Limited Edition carbon fiber amplifier (1 of 200)
    Phoenix Gold Titanium Elite 9"/5"/1" three-ways with passive crossovers
    Dual PG equalizers (TEQp4 and TEQ6)
    PG 1/0g power, ground & associated distro
    Alpine navigation
    Custom install with trunk buildout for amps
    Factory carbon interior kit
    20/15/5 tint
    Boost gauge
    Escort GT2 performance meter
    LNR Carbon fiber front lip
    CompuStar remote start alarm system
    FCA sticker (see first pic, windshield, driver's side lower) (adds at least 25 hp on the butt dyno)

    Haven't had an opportunity to dyno, but tuner estimates should be ~350hp or so (227 stock), or 175hp/liter (2.0T).
    ***Gravel driven DAILY... no pavement queen rally car here!

    I roll with a crew local to PDX, and here are a few pics:

    So... any more Ferrari enthusiasts also Subaristi? Let's see 'em!

    -Tad
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  2. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
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    Very nice bugeye. I love the hatch. Nice plate too! WRX4ME :D :D
     
  3. SPEEDCORE

    SPEEDCORE Four Time F1 World Champ

    Jul 11, 2005
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    #3 SPEEDCORE, Oct 3, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I can't believe it! The Japanese make other cars besides the GTR :eek: :eek: :eek: :D

    Kudos to self installed mods!


    Best pic I could find of mine is following a Lambo :eek: :D
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  4. Mrpbody44

    Mrpbody44 F1 Veteran

    Jul 5, 2007
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    Steve Metz
    Subaru's are great cars any one have information on any of the mid engined special that have been built using the WRX motor?
     
  5. Tad Cody

    Tad Cody Formula 3

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    Thanks! I, too, prefer the lines of the hatch to the much boxier sedan, and built this one this way because I wanted a sleeper, and they didn't import the STi wagon that Japan and Europe got. I haven't liked the style of the WRX much at all since the bugeye went away. I bought the car new in late '02 and even though that was the first year of WRX import, was surprised that plate was available. Many don't get it. ;)

    Yeah. I know it isn't as 'pretty' as most of the cars 'native' to this site (though there are exceptions, I don't want to step on any toes)...
    In fact, for another site, I coined the 'backronym' "Sorta Ugly But All Racecar Underneath" to describe the love/hate.

    The mods haven't been that bad, although the turbo swap was a serious knuckle basher- those japanese must have some mighty tiny hands- and when I got the old one out, there was a moment of panic where I wasn't sure I'd be able to either put it back together, or drive it to a competent shop to finish what I had started. That was 25k+ miles ago, so I guess it worked out alright.

    Nice Murcie, but what are you driving?

    Post 'em up!

    -Tad
     
  6. Mrpbody44

    Mrpbody44 F1 Veteran

    Jul 5, 2007
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    Steve Metz
    I am thinking of getting a WRX what is the best year to get and what should I look for in a used one? These cars seem like Lotus's and the ones I have looked at have been in accidents. Of course when I tell the owner I can tell the car has been in a wreck they fess up.
     
  7. bigodino

    bigodino F1 World Champ
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    Apr 29, 2004
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    Peter den Biggelaar
  8. bigodino

    bigodino F1 World Champ
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    #8 bigodino, Oct 4, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I loved my MY99 Impreza! I had it for almost eight years. My brother bought it new and after one year I bought it from him. It was fast, reliable and practical and dare I say it looked pretty good to me.
    I've sold it so I could start my search for a 308 but sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice.

    Ofcourse it was modified as well, mainly exhaust and chip. It was a perfect car to follow Ferraris on the Tour Auto for example.

    Best, Peter
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  9. Tad Cody

    Tad Cody Formula 3

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    #9 Tad Cody, Oct 4, 2008
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2008
    That 99 is sweet! I have those wheels on my backup subaru (Forester)...

    Earlier US cars, '02 and '03 specifically, are generally regarded as 'better looking' (called the 'bugeyes' for their round, Porsche-like headlights) and are therefore more desirable to the cognoscenti. They also feature the 2.0 liter engine as opposed to the 2.5 liter engine found in the more recent WRXs and STis. The newer cars have better torque at lower rpms, the older cars are more fuel efficient, and more true to the rally class the cars come from (2.0L, AWD). If reliability is your chief concern, I'd recommend a car that has been modified as little as possible, as modded cars tend to be driven rather hard (ask me how I know!) but also, be careful buying a car that has been modded and subsequently returned to stock (one way to maximize ROI on the $$$ spent on mods) as this is common practice.

    Many of them do end up in fender benders, as it is a whole lot more car than most people expect it to be. These cars can be modified to produce in excess of 400 hp for less than $10k additional, and at 3200 lbs, that yields an 1:8 power-to-weight ratio... comparable to some much more expensive and sporty cars. Unknowing parents buy these 'cheap' cars for their high schoolers as first cars, and the results are, sadly, predictable.

    Try to find a private party, one owner car with little to no mods. An 02 or 03 should run $10-12k without mods, and if you're willing to gamble a bit, you can find a nicely modified car for less than $15k. Maintenance is minimal, but some things, like transmissions, can be pricey...$3k or more. STi 6-speed tranny swaps, or JDM RA or PPG gearsets are common upgrades to the stock transmission- called by some the 'glass' transmission owing to the ease with which some have been able to break them. That said, I throw my car around like nobody's business, and have had no problems in 50k miles (of course, I match rpms pretty well, and rely on the brakes at least as much as downshifting.).

    Anyhow, if you enter into the relationship with the understanding that these are simply high powered economy cars, you won't be disappointed by plastic in the interior, cloth seats, poor panel gaps or bad paint. The underpinnings are remarkably well developed and make these cars a hoot to drive. You have to spend an awful lot more money with any other carmaker to get anything near as fun to toss about.

    Good luck in your search, and enjoy the all wheel drive!

    -Tad
     
  10. Pav

    Pav Formula 3
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    #10 Pav, Oct 4, 2008
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    My STI7 in 2004 . If i dig in my hard drive on the stationary comp i might find more pics of it. Stock except supersprint exhaust.
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  11. Mrpbody44

    Mrpbody44 F1 Veteran

    Jul 5, 2007
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    Thanks for the info that was what I was looking for. I like the 2002 in the photos with the head lights a really great looking car. My brother in law is a used car dealer so I will start looking at the auctions with him. Sounds like a lot of bang for the buck. I like the look of the new model as well.

    I have a Honda Element that has been the best car I have ever owned. 220,000 and not one problem. My friends with Subarus have had good luck as well. I have had it with German cars.
     
  12. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 6, 2003
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    #12 ryalex, Oct 5, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Here's my old 04. I had a similar experience as the OP - in 49,000 miles from new, I only had to do oil changes, brake pads, tires (2 sets) and one major service at about $300. Nothing "broke." The only things I added where a MOMO King shift knob and MOMO shoulderpads for the belts.

    Steve - check out 04 and 05 models before you buy - in 04 they updated the seats and the instrument cluster on the inside and the headlights, grille and taillights on the outside. I looked at 02 and 03 models before getting the 04 new (it was in mid 03), as I preferred the updated car.

    My personal take on it:

    Likes
    - Zippy speed; one thing the 0-60 time doesn't reflect in a turbo car is that it feels like you go from 0-10 in 4 seconds and then 10-60 in 1.6 seconds.
    - Mountain-goat traction, especially in snow. Looking back, I did some daring driving in that car, and was on interstate through four serious blizzards. Doing nearly 60, passing crawling vehicles, including the police and snow plows.
    - Industrial mechanical quality; nothing broke.
    - Light weight
    - Thumpy boxer exhaust doesn't sound like any other 4-cyl

    Dislikes
    - Sporty seats were not comfortable on longer drives or commutes over 1hr (>4hrs = imminent thrombosis death); leather wasn't option yet
    - Plastic interior, esp the dash and console were very economy grade
    - Road and wind noise, overall cabin noise
    - Weak A/C and climate controls that required constant adjustment on/off
    - Small back seat
    - Nailpolish-thin paint that chips when frowned at
    - Base stereo has little bass tolerance
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  13. ProRallyCodriver

    ProRallyCodriver Formula 3

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    #13 ProRallyCodriver, Oct 9, 2008
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  14. Veedub00

    Veedub00 F1 Veteran
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    Jun 30, 2006
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    #14 Veedub00, Oct 25, 2008
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  15. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
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    Mar 1, 2007
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    How do you like the 09? How long have you had it?
     
  16. $5 footlong

    $5 footlong Karting
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    Oct 16, 2008
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    What no love for the SRT-4's teh fastar ?
     
  17. Lemke

    Lemke F1 Rookie

    Oct 27, 2004
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    #17 Lemke, Oct 26, 2008
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  18. Tad Cody

    Tad Cody Formula 3

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    Nice rally car pic, 09 and SVX above... love the Giugiaro lines of the 'funky' windows, and if it didn't weigh so much, I'd do an SVX/STi swap in a heartbeat.

    Speaking of SVX's- Why *are* there no two door Subarus anymore?

    As for the other comment above, the Cobalt SS is the new SRT-4. Fast@r. Better recognize. ;)

    -Tad
     
  19. Mang

    Mang F1 Veteran

    Jul 11, 2007
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    #19 Mang, Oct 28, 2008
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2008
    so in summary the absolute best model Subaru to buy giving aesthetics and bang for the buck is......???

    my head is spinning...I too am interested in driving my Range Rover POS off a cliff...after I have safely exited and finding a cool daily driver Subaru, but I want to drive THE best of the breed! Please if you were starting out fresh and could pursue any Subi, what one would it be? YEAR, MODEL, OPTIONS, SPECIALS?

    ps, criteria = I am not interested in mods, unless subtle and tasteful, performance is not important, gas mileage and reliability are. Thanks for any suggestions. Oh yeah....looking cool is a BIG PLUS!!!
     
  20. Tad Cody

    Tad Cody Formula 3

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    Well, you left out some considerations like budget, etc. and looks are subjective, but IMHO, the best looking Subie (besides mine, of course) is the current Legacy 2.5GT Sedan. It's really gotten very refined and elegant compared to the other cars in the lineup, and even compared to the Legacys of just a few years ago. The best looking earlier cars would be an older (pre-2002) 2.5RS coupe (which is probably the most desirable of the mainstream Subarus, so prices will be higher than comparables).

    None of the turbo models (WRX, STi, GT, etc.) will provide "good" gas mileage, but I get ~20-22 in everyday use (with plenty of time in boost) and 28 as a high water mark, all highway, from PDX-Seattle and back.

    Looking cool isn't really on the agenda for Subes, with the emphasis on AWD performance and reliability... as the backronym goes, "Sorta Ugly But All Racecar Underneath".

    -Tad
     
  21. djui5

    djui5 F1 Veteran

    Aug 9, 2006
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    Wow, you guys are f'n nuts!! I couldn't imagine doing something like that. Must be quite the thrill no? Much respect :D
     
  22. 95Aero

    95Aero Karting

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    #22 95Aero, Oct 30, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    They are great cars which really do offer their owners a different experience then any other car, EVO included. These cars can take a beating if you choose to do so which is not a good thing either since it can be difficult to spot one which has been beat on. One area which they are terriable in is their stereos but I dont think you buy this type of car to listen to music, atleast not if its your second car. I had to trade in mine cause it was my daily and I was tired of spending thousands on mods which you have to suffer with day in and out. Like a 3" exhaust with headers

    If this is a weekend toy then its hard to go wrong if you dont mind being deaf :)
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  23. Benelli90

    Benelli90 Karting

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    #23 Benelli90, Nov 3, 2008
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  24. Dobes

    Dobes Rookie

    Jan 26, 2004
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    #24 Dobes, Nov 5, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I'll add my 2 cents and brag about my past/current Subaru's. My 1st was a 1998 2.5RS bought new in 1997. I kept this almost 10 years and had plenty of fun hillclimbing, tracking, autoxing, etc with it. Eventually it became my "fun" car after a few years of commuting with a rollcage and 5pt seatbelts. I ended up purchasing a 1997 Legacy GT with 150k miles for daily driving. It promptly blew a headgasket at which point I swapped in a mildly tweaked 2.0L turbo WRX motor with WRX trans and WRX rear LSD. The car is a delight a comfortable as can be with it's soft, squishy suspension and rapid acceleration. Shortly thereafter (and 142k miles from new) I reluctantly sold my 2.5RS and traded up to a 2006 STi which the previous owner (a known friend) spent a lot of time and money modifying the right way. It's super fast but, honestly, not as much fun on the road as my 2.5RS - it's just too fast for normal duty!
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  25. Pav

    Pav Formula 3
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    Changed my mind upon that from an Allroad. Delivery is tomorrow.
     

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