Impreza WRX Advice?

[_Al_]

markCSC said:

_Al_ said:

What fuel were you running on and which rolling road was it?

Running it on Optimax and it was on the WRC dyno dyamnics rolling road.

Ok - ta. I want to stick it on Surrey Rolling Road to get as direct a comparrison with the MR2 as possible.

[MrFlibbles]

ScoobieWRX said:

Ultimately it's not so much the rotors(discs) that make a huge difference to braking (unless you use ceramic discs), but the pads you use. A set of EBC YellowStuff or Ferodo DS2500 or Pagid Pads with the standard rotors should be pretty good for lots of track use, however for your application i reccommend EBC RedStuff all round, and they are cheaper than standard OEM pads.

Ive got a set of DS2500's to put on the Honda tomorrow

Al it sounds like you are actually IN LOVE with the Scoob - and I mean physical love

Just how much quicker is it than the MR Poo?

[ScoobieWRX]

When you drive a machine that defies the laws of physics you gotta fall in love with it!!

[_Al_]

MrFlibbles said:

Al it sounds like you are actually IN LOVE with the Scoob - and I mean physical love

We're only sleeping together to save parking fees! It's platonic, I swear!

MrFlibbles said:

Just how much quicker is it than the MR Poo?

Much faster - even on a straight road from a rolling start in third. The Impreza would pass the MR2 like the '2 passes the FTO. It's not easy to tell the difference when you ride inside them as the Impreza is so much smoother, it pulls from nothing and holds power to the redline. The MR2s 'lag-bang-wheeze' delivery feels faster but if you actually look at the speedo you'll find you don't put anywhere near the same amount of speed on in the MR2.

Throw in a corner and the poor toyota doesn't stand a chance. There's a twisty slip road nearby that I could take very quickly in the MR2, after all I've had two years of practice. After three days of driving the Impreza (and only two attempts at this slip road) I'm leaving the last corner almost 30mph faster than I would in the MR2, but I know the Scoob is nowhere near it's limits.

I still prefer the drive of the MR2 - it actually feels the faster of the pair because you're so low down, but given the choice I'd take the Impreza most times. Its much more of a drivers car, sharper controls, faster steering, better noise etc.

Even when you're not going fast there's a better stereo to keep you entertained, air con to keep you cool and potentially three more people to talk to.

By the way - I'm getting better. Slowly. Including 45 miles of motorway driving tonights' tank of fuel was rated at 25mpg. I'm still surprised how high it is.

I thought I was flying...

[GravelBen]

ScoobieWRX said:

Have a look around the edge of the key to see if there is a little square plasticky bit embedded on the edge or even the back of it. If not then you may well be able to get away with a normal key...in which case £5 for 2/3 keys cut...SORTED!!

To be honest I wouldn't really expect a '94 car to have transponders etc. My old '90 Legacy certainly didn't, my '97 Legacy has a button for remote central locking but the spare key is just a straight metal one (with a Subaru badge on it and the same number as the main one) so pretty sure that doesn't either.

[GravelBen]

_Al_ said:

Stuff about driving the WRX

Dammit, now you're making me want to go and buy that STi-RA again! And here was me having nearly convinced myself that I'd be better off buying an MX5 or MR2 as a toy to go with the Legacy instead.

[_Al_]

GravelBen said:

_Al_ said:

Stuff about driving the WRX

Dammit, now you're making me want to go and buy that STi-RA again! And here was me having nearly convinced myself that I'd be better off buying an MX5 or MR2 as a toy to go with the Legacy instead.

I know someone who'll sell you an MR2 on the cheap.

Right - hopefully the final questions to resolve;

Can you adjust the headlights?
Can anyone recommend a supplier for a kph->mph kit that doesn't tick all the time?
Is a nardi steering wheel standard? (and if so, why does it squeak against the steering column surround?).

Thanks for all your help gents. I think this has been the longest thread I've ever started!

[ScoobieWRX]

_Al_ said:

GravelBen said:

_Al_ said:

Stuff about driving the WRX

Dammit, now you're making me want to go and buy that STi-RA again! And here was me having nearly convinced myself that I'd be better off buying an MX5 or MR2 as a toy to go with the Legacy instead.

I know someone who'll sell you an MR2 on the cheap.

Right - hopefully the final questions to resolve;

Can you adjust the headlights?
Can anyone recommend a supplier for a kph->mph kit that doesn't tick all the time?
Is a nardi steering wheel standard? (and if so, why does it squeak against the steering column surround?).

Thanks for all your help gents. I think this has been the longest thread I've ever started!

Yes to the headlights
If your speedo is clicking you need a new internal mech which means you may as well get a UK instrument binnacle that is already ready to rock and roll. You get mph and a nice quiet speedo. Only problem is the mileage on the new speedo will be out one way or another so keep the old speedo for proof. There are plenty of UK companies online that will sell you a conversion kit but that is mostly only the card that is calibrated and printed to the correct mph that goes in place of the old KPH one.
If lubrication doesn't help the steering wheel then either install a wheel boss to slightly pull the wheel towards you so that it clears the cowling or change the wheel altogether.

[_Al_]

ScoobieWRX said:

Yes to the headlights
If your speedo is clicking you need a new internal mech which means you may as well get a UK instrument binnacle that is already ready to rock and roll. You get mph and a nice quiet speedo.

Is there a guide for the lights available online. I downloaded one set of 'workshop manuals' but they're a joke. More like an owners handbook.

Do I get the instrument binnacle from a scrap yard or is there a reputable supplier?

ScoobieWRX said:

If lubrication doesn't help the steering wheel then either install a wheel boss to slightly pull the wheel towards you so that it clears the cowling or change the wheel altogether.

Out with the vaseline then....


DO NOT SAY A BLOODY WORD RUSS!

[MrFlibbles]

_Al_ said:

Out with the vaseline then....

[markCSC]

Some WRX's did come with a Nardi steering wheel. I take it has no air bag?

Mark

[ScoobieWRX]

Do you have a headlight leveller switch inside the car??

Download this 2002 workshop manula off my website and see if it helps. http://www.motorpic.rdtr.co.uk/Subaru%20Impreza%20...

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Friday 3rd August 18:57

[GravelBen]

The red arrows point to the headlight adjuster screws on my '97 Legacy, the WRX should be something similar. Can't remember which does what though.

hth

[_Al_]

Sorry this'll be a quick post. Just come off a 13 hour night shift and NEED SLEEP.


Nardi wheel - no airbag, correct.

Guide download in progress - thanks for that.

Adjust screws. I thought that would be them, but I didn't want to start yanking at things and break the reflector or something. Thanks!

Right - sleep then a trip to Cumbria methinks!

[ScoobieWRX]

The manual you download will give you the correct procedure for headlight alignment so you can do it your self and get it fairly spot on. Just follow the instructions and you should be fine. Ben is right btw, they all adjust in a similar fashion with a screw on the headlamp assembly and they are easily accessed. If you have the electronic leveller knob/switch in the car it must be set to Zero before you adjust, if not then no probs.

Enjoy

[_Al_]

At severe risk of a necropost, I thought I'd update this.

Headlights are now spot on, and the car did the 500+ mile Cumbria trip (pics to follow) with no trouble at all.

EBC brakes are going on either today or tomorrow and then we're off to the Ring!

[ScoobieWRX]

I look forward to seeing your Cumbria pics and i'd like to see pics of your trip to and around the ring if you get some, maybe some video if you've got the kit. Have fun

[_Al_]

ScoobieWRX said:

I look forward to seeing your Cumbria pics and i'd like to see pics of your trip to and around the ring if you get some, maybe some video if you've got the kit. Have fun

Ask and you shall receive!



But probably on Tuesday because I left my camera lead in London...

[_Al_]

A few Cumbria pics. Obviously most of the photos are of the spectacular scenery but the car puts in a few appearances. I've left out the mountain ones.







And my personal favorite...



Pics from the Ring will follow on Tuesday.

[ScoobieWRX]

Tell you what Al...cracking motor.....I think your car looks great and for the money you've paid...what a find!! Well done mate and enjoy the ring this weekend, look forward to seeing the pics.

Nice Cumbria pics BTW