Blobeye WRX Buying Advice/Facts
Discussion
@Tek - Thanks again, much appreciated advice. What sort of suspension mods would you recommend going for or have you not investigated this yourself yet?
As for brakes, which is most reasonable option to go for, brembos are the obvious choice but is there any other options. What would you recommend?
Any idea of what parts would be required to hit that sweet spot output you mentioned?
Just trying to get an idea of what parts to research and costings.
@Crow - Without a doubt it's the better car. Im just trying to weigh up how much better compared to a lightly modded wrx. Also in conjunction with my daily usage and the last brief I gave. The Sti sounds fantastic if I want to drive it hard all the time, which I don't. Where the wrx sounds like it will do both relaxed and spirited fast road driving very well.
As for brakes, which is most reasonable option to go for, brembos are the obvious choice but is there any other options. What would you recommend?
Any idea of what parts would be required to hit that sweet spot output you mentioned?
Just trying to get an idea of what parts to research and costings.
@Crow - Without a doubt it's the better car. Im just trying to weigh up how much better compared to a lightly modded wrx. Also in conjunction with my daily usage and the last brief I gave. The Sti sounds fantastic if I want to drive it hard all the time, which I don't. Where the wrx sounds like it will do both relaxed and spirited fast road driving very well.
Personally I wouldn't consider an Impreza for a daily - a 2005/6 Legacy 3.0 is a far better daily proposition with the same AWD benefits - but if you are looking at them then one thing to consider is that the WRX suspension is more compliant than the STi. IMO Imprezas are strictly weekend cars being rattly, uncomfortable and noisy things, but if I had to have one to ply up and down motorways then a WRX SL PPP (or custom remapped) would be my bet.
AB57 said:
@Tek - Thanks again, much appreciated advice. What sort of suspension mods would you recommend going for or have you not investigated this yourself yet?
As for brakes, which is most reasonable option to go for, brembos are the obvious choice but is there any other options. What would you recommend?
Any idea of what parts would be required to hit that sweet spot output you mentioned?
Just trying to get an idea of what parts to research and costings.
@Crow - Without a doubt it's the better car. Im just trying to weigh up how much better compared to a lightly modded wrx. Also in conjunction with my daily usage and the last brief I gave. The Sti sounds fantastic if I want to drive it hard all the time, which I don't. Where the wrx sounds like it will do both relaxed and spirited fast road driving very well.
I purchased a 2005 WRX SL PPP about a month ago. Highest MPG I've got from it has been 26.1 (yes .1) on a motorway run - on anything approaching 70 if you're cruising it feels like it needs a 6th gear.As for brakes, which is most reasonable option to go for, brembos are the obvious choice but is there any other options. What would you recommend?
Any idea of what parts would be required to hit that sweet spot output you mentioned?
Just trying to get an idea of what parts to research and costings.
@Crow - Without a doubt it's the better car. Im just trying to weigh up how much better compared to a lightly modded wrx. Also in conjunction with my daily usage and the last brief I gave. The Sti sounds fantastic if I want to drive it hard all the time, which I don't. Where the wrx sounds like it will do both relaxed and spirited fast road driving very well.
I made the move from a 2008 300bhp Audi S3. It, like the guy above says, is a rattly experience. Mine has heated leather and a sunroof but it's a noisy place to be and wouldn't be something I'd use for sitting in traffic on the M8. I don't have any experience of an STI but I have to say at 265 (claimed) it feels speedy enough. Doesn't feel like I'd like to put much more than 280 through it but that's completely subjective.
@plenty - Thanks for the suggestion but the styling doesn't do it for me on the legacy. I think the blobeye impreza looks awesome and it's what I've always wanted looks wise. Something different and the performance that comes with it tops it off. And like you said for a daily the wrx more compliant suspension and a remap makes it great. I'll be looking for a SL spec one for sure but it seems like people want to command a large premium on them..
@Tri - Ah ok that's interesting on the mpg front! At 70 in 5th is it on or off boost? I was hoping closer to 30mpg on a run. I only go 70 on the motorway anyway as I don't get to work or home any faster. Fortunately I work shift and commute during off peak hours so traffic is rarely a problem. It's 30 minutes to get to work and about 22 miles each way. So the noisey cabin is something that wouldn't really bother me too much. Yeah I know what you mean, my main concern is the additional stress on the engine and Gearbox. From what I read 280bhp and 300lbs/ft torque is OK as long as you aren't launching from standstill.
What did the pair of you pay for yours?
@Tri - Ah ok that's interesting on the mpg front! At 70 in 5th is it on or off boost? I was hoping closer to 30mpg on a run. I only go 70 on the motorway anyway as I don't get to work or home any faster. Fortunately I work shift and commute during off peak hours so traffic is rarely a problem. It's 30 minutes to get to work and about 22 miles each way. So the noisey cabin is something that wouldn't really bother me too much. Yeah I know what you mean, my main concern is the additional stress on the engine and Gearbox. From what I read 280bhp and 300lbs/ft torque is OK as long as you aren't launching from standstill.
What did the pair of you pay for yours?
personally, I cant see why you would go for the WRX if you wanted an Impreza and not the STI.
unless, of course, money was the deciding factor. just my opinion but I am sure you will always regret not buying the STI in the first place.
main thing is that you try and buy the best available as a tired, unloved example will cost in the long run, whether it be WRX or STI. happy hunting but a JDM blobeye STI would be my choice.
unless, of course, money was the deciding factor. just my opinion but I am sure you will always regret not buying the STI in the first place.
main thing is that you try and buy the best available as a tired, unloved example will cost in the long run, whether it be WRX or STI. happy hunting but a JDM blobeye STI would be my choice.
MDMA . said:
personally, I cant see why you would go for the WRX if you wanted an Impreza and not the STI.
Personally I think it's mad to buy an Impreza to drive up and down motorways but if this is its intended use then a WRX will do the job fine, the only drawback compared to STi being the lack of sixth gear but benefitting from the fast-spooling TD04, softer suspension and higher levels of comfort.JDM blob STi is an epic, epic car but a motorway cruiser it is absolutely not.
MDMA . said:
personally, I cant see why you would go for the WRX if you wanted an Impreza and not the STI.
unless, of course, money was the deciding factor. just my opinion but I am sure you will always regret not buying the STI in the first place.
main thing is that you try and buy the best available as a tired, unloved example will cost in the long run, whether it be WRX or STI. happy hunting but a JDM blobeye STI would be my choice.
You won't regret not buying an STi if you never drive an STi unless, of course, money was the deciding factor. just my opinion but I am sure you will always regret not buying the STI in the first place.
main thing is that you try and buy the best available as a tired, unloved example will cost in the long run, whether it be WRX or STI. happy hunting but a JDM blobeye STI would be my choice.
AB57 said:
@Tek - Thanks again, much appreciated advice. What sort of suspension mods would you recommend going for or have you not investigated this yourself yet?
Make sure everythhing is in tip-top condition. Driving a performance car with tired suspension is no fun. Pay particular attention to drop-links, and ARB bushes. When worn they will knock, rattle and give a wayward feel whilst steering. They will also bugger up the geometary. You can replace the bushes with OEM or Poly if you like but they will give you a firmer ride. KYB shocks are fine for road show and not expensive. Some uprated springs are a must though (although don't go crazy with the drop). PCA Dynamics are my preferred choice but they are only produced in very limited runs. Eibachs are an alternative. Rear balance and turn-in can be improved by fitting a slightly thicker rear ARB (Whiteline etc). It's a bit of a cheat but works very well for the price. Decent tyres and full geo-setup. Car will be much better to drive.AB57 said:
As for brakes, which is most reasonable option to go for, brembos are the obvious choice but is there any other options. What would you recommend?
Some people are happy with just rebuilding the stock calipers and fitting decent discs/pads. Personally, I find them barely adequate. Godspeed do a big-brake kit using the stock calipers with bigger discs. Or Brembos are easy to find and fit. You only really need the fronts doing. AP kits pop-up from time to time (I have a set fitted) and there are Porsche conversions and lots of aftermarket stuff available.AB57 said:
Any idea of what parts would be required to hit that sweet spot output you mentioned?
Basic upgrade path is:Sports Cat (including second cat delete) - from STi or aftermarket
Upgraded Fuel Pump
Filter
Remap
This is the absolute minimum requirement. The 2 cats in the downpipe are a big restriction, the standard fuel pump doesn't flow enough and the air filter improves breathing.
However, I would suggest considering the following parts before a remap (saves you doing it twice)
Up-pipe decat - yes, there's another cat in the uppipe....it doesn't restrict power but it does effect spool. Also, if it breaks up, it will take your turbo with it. You can get de-cat pipes from STis or later Hawkeyes I believe. Or look for Harvey Trick pipes that reduce spool by around 500rpm.
Ported and wrapped exaust. Exhaust gases move faster with less obstruction. Heat is energy, the more you can keep inside the exhaust system, the more energy that will be transferred to the turbo = greater efficicency and reduced spool.
Spark plugs - PFR7B, one range colder than standard
Larger flow injectors - pinks from an STi or Dark Blues from a Hawkeye WRX. I'd budget on getting them cleaned and flow-tested too.
STi top-mount. Not essential at this power level but gives you a little more headroom.
That should see a reliable 280ish bhp from an WRX.
If you fit everything above and then add a turbo from an STi (vf28/35/43, TD05 etc) or even hybrid TD04, you should see anything from 300 to 330+bhp.
plenty said:
MDMA . said:
personally, I cant see why you would go for the WRX if you wanted an Impreza and not the STI.
Personally I think it's mad to buy an Impreza to drive up and down motorways but if this is its intended use then a WRX will do the job fine, the only drawback compared to STi being the lack of sixth gear but benefitting from the fast-spooling TD04, softer suspension and higher levels of comfort.JDM blob STi is an epic, epic car but a motorway cruiser it is absolutely not.
Short of spending a LOT more money, there has to be a compomise somewhere. So no, it's not the most relaxing car to drive long distances in but then it more that makes up for it when you come across some decent roads. The alternative would be to buy a car that is great on the motorway (which lets be honest, is boring driving any way) and yet no fun when you actually get off and onto some interesting roads.
I'd rather have a bad car on dull roads, which is good on fun roads; than a good car on dull roads, which is bad on good roads......that would just make me sad
The alternative is to run 2 cars. And I'd get an STi if it was just going to be a weekend blaster. But then an STi and a second motorway car is a whole lot more money, expense and hassle. May as well buy an M5 and be done with it!
TEKNOPUG said:
Basic upgrade path is:
Sports Cat (including second cat delete) - from STi or aftermarket
Upgraded Fuel Pump
Filter
Remap
This is the absolute minimum requirement. The 2 cats in the downpipe are a big restriction, the standard fuel pump doesn't flow enough and the air filter improves breathing.
However, I would suggest considering the following parts before a remap (saves you doing it twice)
Up-pipe decat - yes, there's another cat in the uppipe....it doesn't restrict power but it does effect spool. Also, if it breaks up, it will take your turbo with it. You can get de-cat pipes from STis or later Hawkeyes I believe. Or look for Harvey Trick pipes that reduce spool by around 500rpm.
Ported and wrapped exaust. Exhaust gases move faster with less obstruction. Heat is energy, the more you can keep inside the exhaust system, the more energy that will be transferred to the turbo = greater efficicency and reduced spool.
Spark plugs - PFR7B, one range colder than standard
Larger flow injectors - pinks from an STi or Dark Blues from a Hawkeye WRX. I'd budget on getting them cleaned and flow-tested too.
STi top-mount. Not essential at this power level but gives you a little more headroom.
That should see a reliable 280ish bhp from an WRX.
If you fit everything above and then add a turbo from an STi (vf28/35/43, TD05 etc) or even hybrid TD04, you should see anything from 300 to 330+bhp.
as stated above, why bother ? just buy the STI to start with. I don't get the reasoning ?Sports Cat (including second cat delete) - from STi or aftermarket
Upgraded Fuel Pump
Filter
Remap
This is the absolute minimum requirement. The 2 cats in the downpipe are a big restriction, the standard fuel pump doesn't flow enough and the air filter improves breathing.
However, I would suggest considering the following parts before a remap (saves you doing it twice)
Up-pipe decat - yes, there's another cat in the uppipe....it doesn't restrict power but it does effect spool. Also, if it breaks up, it will take your turbo with it. You can get de-cat pipes from STis or later Hawkeyes I believe. Or look for Harvey Trick pipes that reduce spool by around 500rpm.
Ported and wrapped exaust. Exhaust gases move faster with less obstruction. Heat is energy, the more you can keep inside the exhaust system, the more energy that will be transferred to the turbo = greater efficicency and reduced spool.
Spark plugs - PFR7B, one range colder than standard
Larger flow injectors - pinks from an STi or Dark Blues from a Hawkeye WRX. I'd budget on getting them cleaned and flow-tested too.
STi top-mount. Not essential at this power level but gives you a little more headroom.
That should see a reliable 280ish bhp from an WRX.
If you fit everything above and then add a turbo from an STi (vf28/35/43, TD05 etc) or even hybrid TD04, you should see anything from 300 to 330+bhp.
why buy a WRX and then spend thousands modifying it to try and make it an STI
just start with the better base car. Edited by MDMA . on Thursday 7th July 13:41
If your going for Modifications then start with an STI, they're completely different underneath and you can write the additional purchase cost off with the money you save on mods.
I had a bug eye STI and loved it. On my A road / motorway commute you could bleed 30+ MPG out of it. Doesn't have a ideal sized tank though.
Stick with standard STI suspension and 17 wheels on 45 profile tyres will be more than comfortable enough while still retaining the famed handling.
I had a bug eye STI and loved it. On my A road / motorway commute you could bleed 30+ MPG out of it. Doesn't have a ideal sized tank though.
Stick with standard STI suspension and 17 wheels on 45 profile tyres will be more than comfortable enough while still retaining the famed handling.
good choice here -
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
for me, standard, unmolested cars would be the best buy ( long term too ). they are getting few and far between so worth the money.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/s...
for me, standard, unmolested cars would be the best buy ( long term too ). they are getting few and far between so worth the money.
MDMA . said:
as stated above, why bother ? just buy the STI to start with. I don't get the reasoning ?
why buy a WRX and then spend thousands modifying it to try and make it an STI just start with the better base car.
Why bother buying an STi, just get a Skyline GTR instead?why buy a WRX and then spend thousands modifying it to try and make it an STI
just start with the better base car. Edited by MDMA . on Thursday 7th July 13:41
Oh yeah, because it costs more. A lot more.
Cheapest '05 STi on PH is £9k
The most expensive '05 WRX is £6k
But could buy a perfectly decent one for less than £4k
£1500 is plenty to have a 330bhp WRX with STi stoppers. No it's not an STi but then I don't think it's trying to be?
An STi is more car than a WRX, of course. But then it costs at least 50% more. So you're not comparing like with like. Even if you mod an WRX to far exceed the stock performance of an STi, its still far cheaper.
£9k for an STi, plus obligatory reamp and service and you are already at £10k. If I was spending £10k on a car, I wouldn't be looking at 10 year old Subarus!
And you can't buy an STi Wagon
TEKNOPUG said:
Why bother buying an STi, just get a Skyline GTR instead?
:
we are comparing Impreza models, not Skylines.:
i'm out the argument now. you clearly have a problem with anyone suggesting the STI because you bought the WRX. that's fine, move on
but the STI is the far better car, both standard and modified. MDMA . said:
TEKNOPUG said:
Why bother buying an STi, just get a Skyline GTR instead?
:
we are comparing Impreza models, not Skylines.:
i'm out the argument now. you clearly have a problem with anyone suggesting the STI because you bought the WRX. that's fine, move on
but the STI is the far better car, both standard and modified. 
But the OP CAN'T afford an STi...
AB57 said:
I would want to get the best Blobeye type UK sti I could get which is out of budget and doesn't incorporate a bork fund.
I have no problem with you suggesting an STi, I just don't understand why you are when the OP has said they can't afford one?So why do you all appear so keen to tell him to buy one? Don't buy X, buy Y, even though you can't afford Y....
TEKNOPUG said:
I agree - 80% of my 40k Impreza miles have been m-way. In my defence, I did buy the car before I ended up working the other end of the country. However, they are more than capable of schlepping up the motorway - just invest in a very goood stereo system
Short of spending a LOT more money, there has to be a compomise somewhere. So no, it's not the most relaxing car to drive long distances in but then it more that makes up for it when you come across some decent roads. The alternative would be to buy a car that is great on the motorway (which lets be honest, is boring driving any way) and yet no fun when you actually get off and onto some interesting roads.
I'd rather have a bad car on dull roads, which is good on fun roads; than a good car on dull roads, which is bad on good roads......that would just make me sad
The alternative is to run 2 cars. And I'd get an STi if it was just going to be a weekend blaster. But then an STi and a second motorway car is a whole lot more money, expense and hassle. May as well buy an M5 and be done with it!
@Tek - Thank you very much, you've been extremely helpful regarding the wrx knowledge and input Short of spending a LOT more money, there has to be a compomise somewhere. So no, it's not the most relaxing car to drive long distances in but then it more that makes up for it when you come across some decent roads. The alternative would be to buy a car that is great on the motorway (which lets be honest, is boring driving any way) and yet no fun when you actually get off and onto some interesting roads.
I'd rather have a bad car on dull roads, which is good on fun roads; than a good car on dull roads, which is bad on good roads......that would just make me sad
The alternative is to run 2 cars. And I'd get an STi if it was just going to be a weekend blaster. But then an STi and a second motorway car is a whole lot more money, expense and hassle. May as well buy an M5 and be done with it!
@Mdma - Without a doubt I want a Sti. However money does not permit me to purchase one anytime soon; probably not until the end of next year. If I did own an Sti I'd run it as a weekend car and but then I'd incur the costs if running two cars. I wanted a wrx as it would be able to fulfil my commute and b road fun when I take it out for a hoon. The Sti does not sound capable of this long term unless I get deeper pockets..
Sounds like I need to drive an Sti to see what everyone is saying. Then weigh up the costs of running two cars at once. Any reason why the jdm blobeye sti is the one to go for?
Mind you I will be keeping the advice you've given Tek as it's been super helpful!
Tek sums it up very nicely in the quoted section. People seem to be confused. The Sti is clearly the car to go for and I understand that. I don't have to money to currently buy one or run it as a daily. The wrx would give me similar power and enjoyment at an affordable running cost as a daily. Im not buying a wrx to make it into an Sti, I'm buying it because it offers the best compromise both financialy and performance/enjoyment wise.
Any other advice and tips? I need to go away and do some finance calculations
TEKNOPUG said:
I have no problem with you suggesting an STi, I just don't understand why you are when the OP has said they can't afford one?
So why do you all appear so keen to tell him to buy one? Don't buy X, buy Y, even though you can't afford Y....
Thanks Tek I'm glad someone understands my dilemma!So why do you all appear so keen to tell him to buy one? Don't buy X, buy Y, even though you can't afford Y....
AB57 said:
I wanted a wrx as it would be able to fulfil my commute and b road fun when I take it out for a hoon. The Sti does not sound capable of this long term unless I get deeper pockets..
No reason why you can't do this in an STi. The motorway driving will be worse but the b road fun will be better. Need to decide your priorities and what you are prepared to compromise on. Running costs are not massivley different bewteen either (assuming both in good condition when bought). Initial purchase price is the big, big difference.Gassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff