IMPREZA WR1

[Vixpy1]

Vesuvius 996 said:

MilnerR said:

rsv gone! said:

If I was looking at Scoobies then I'd be trying to track down a Spec C

I looked around at a couple of WR1s and they are serious pieces of kit. In the end I went for a brand new STi PPP, mainly because I wanted a brand new car for once in my life (managed to get a good deal, aprox £24k with delivery miles and a PPP fitted).

The Hawk eye STi PPP is certainly easier to drive then the WR1. The 2.5 engine makes for much better pick up and more comfortable cruising.
There's not a lot to look out for really. Make sure any car comes with a full history, all the usual really. Clutches tend to suffer a bit due to the AWD system so listen out for any untoward noises in the transmission. Also keep an ear out for clonks and bangs from the diff. Check any mods are sensible and done properly. Other than that scoobies are, in the main, bullet proof.

Interestingly the dealer told me they'd never needed to do a clutch (!) which I found hard to swallow.

I might go for a bargain new car with three years warranty.


Any recommendations on what I might look for? Presumably an STI PPP UK Car?

Pref a 2.5 sti if you can find one.

[MilnerR]

The 3 year warranty is another reason I went for a new car (Plus I liked the idea of having something from new for a change). I'm sure the dealer has changed plenty of clutches, they're not a reknowned weak point (like HGF is on the K-series) but they are a part that gets a lot of stick. You have a heavy car with north of 300bhp (with the PPP) and it will get you to 60 in a whisker under 5 seconds with no wheel spin and no drama. The transmision takes a beating if you get a car that's seen some traffic light grand prixs. Having said that the later cars have much stronger clutches/gearboxes. Basically keep an ear out for any grumbling from the clutch/gearbox when holding the car back at low speed in a low gear, it could be a sign of wear. The other area that is expensive to repair is the diff but again these are built to last. The odd little noise or clonk isn't such an issue but any more than that is a worry.

On a related note, when driving a car with a driver controlled center diff (Hawkeye STi/WR1 in your case) you'll notice that at car park speed the car can judder around a bit. The auto setting on the DCCD doesn't handle car parks very well. You'll probably hear the wheels judder across the tarmac sideways a cm or two (the diff is a little too stiff). Nothing to worry about although the first time you hear/feel it, it's a little bit alarming.

The 2.5 boxer is a well put together engine and even at 316bhp it is in quite a low state of tune. As long as the oil is clean and the turbo pulls nice and smoothly you don't have to worry too much (especially if you are looking at a relatively new car).

I'd go for a 12 month old STi PPP that's just completed its 10,000 mile service. You'll get a good one for the price of a good WR1 and it will be just as quick, easier to drive and still have 2 years left on the warranty. Then, when the 2 years is up, take it to someone like Scooby Clinic, along with your cheque book, and let them get the best out of that lovely boxer engine.

[Mattt]

Soovy in "i'm selling my car" shocker, well, until the next time you go to sell it

[rsv gone!]

Which Evo did you try?

[Vesuvius 996]

rsv gone! said:

Which Evo did you try?

EVO VIII - not an FQ.

[edwardsje]

MilnerR said:

The 3 year warranty is another reason I went for a new car (Plus I liked the idea of having something from new for a change). I'm sure the dealer has changed plenty of clutches, they're not a reknowned weak point (like HGF is on the K-series) but they are a part that gets a lot of stick. You have a heavy car with north of 300bhp (with the PPP) and it will get you to 60 in a whisker under 5 seconds with no wheel spin and no drama. The transmision takes a beating if you get a car that's seen some traffic light grand prixs. Having said that the later cars have much stronger clutches/gearboxes. Basically keep an ear out for any grumbling from the clutch/gearbox when holding the car back at low speed in a low gear, it could be a sign of wear. The other area that is expensive to repair is the diff but again these are built to last. The odd little noise or clonk isn't such an issue but any more than that is a worry.

On a related note, when driving a car with a driver controlled center diff (Hawkeye STi/WR1 in your case) you'll notice that at car park speed the car can judder around a bit. The auto setting on the DCCD doesn't handle car parks very well. You'll probably hear the wheels judder across the tarmac sideways a cm or two (the diff is a little too stiff). Nothing to worry about although the first time you hear/feel it, it's a little bit alarming.

The 2.5 boxer is a well put together engine and even at 316bhp it is in quite a low state of tune. As long as the oil is clean and the turbo pulls nice and smoothly you don't have to worry too much (especially if you are looking at a relatively new car).

I'd go for a 12 month old STi PPP that's just completed its 10,000 mile service. You'll get a good one for the price of a good WR1 and it will be just as quick, easier to drive and still have 2 years left on the warranty. Then, when the 2 years is up, take it to someone like Scooby Clinic, along with your cheque book, and let them get the best out of that lovely boxer engine.

Undoubtedly there's loads more power to extract from a relatively unstressed engine but the RB320 OC have been warned by Prodrive that much North of the C320-325 that these cars are delivering on the dyno has dangers, primarily because the standard pistons won't handle it.

Someone has tuned theirs up to 360bhp/400lb ft, but I sensed a collective sucking of teeth anongst owners at the warranty & longevity implications.

TBH I think that the STi PPP power is just about right, and certainly more than an equal for the 996 (mine was a 3.4)

[rsv gone!]

Vesuvius 996 said:

rsv gone! said:

Which Evo did you try?

EVO VIII - not an FQ.

You should try an MR model (2004 onwards). They had various weight saving body panels and came on Bilstein shocks. The ride becomes more compliant.

They handle rather well;

http://youtube.com/watch?v=i-MQw5cbE5M

[MilnerR]

edwardsje said:

TBH I think that the STi PPP power is just about right, and certainly more than an equal for the 996 (mine was a 3.4)

I'd have to agree. I've heard that getting large amounts of power with non forged pistons is asking for trouble. Then again there are lots of owners which have done many thousands of miles without any problems with engines running 350+. You take your chances I guess. Personally, a little fettling, regular servicing and a bit of mechanical sympathy when warming up/cooling down and I'd be willing to risk it.

[stevieb]

The 2.5 engine is not as strong as the original 2l unit.. The pistons tend to be to weak for high power applications..

But a 2l can run 450Bhp reliably if maintained with oil changes etc quiet happily..

I know of one running 500Bhp Standard internals (Turbo and other upgrades needed)on high octane fuel.. and Vixpy has had this on his rollers and is ffffing quick!

[Smifffy]

rsv gone! said:

If I was looking at Scoobies then I'd be trying to track down a Spec C

Ballistic cars undoubtedly, but have you seen the lack of soundproofing on these cars? They are very, very noisy and harsh. As a weekend car that the OP was looking for it might just be perfect, but do a longer journey and I suspect your ears would be bleeding after an hour or so. Either way a quick trip to Litchfield is a good plan. They're nice chaps and love their cars.

There are many threads and knowledgeable people around about tuning the 2l, 2.2l and 2.5l engines. I usually start with www.22.bom for sensible answers. It's not just about the 22b but more a collective of people who are into motorsport or serious tuning.

I've not driven one but I suspect the WR1 or STi PPP would both be very capable weekend or day to day cars. Get your chequebook out man.

[rsv gone!]

Smifffy said:

rsv gone! said:

If I was looking at Scoobies then I'd be trying to track down a Spec C

Ballistic cars undoubtedly, but have you seen the lack of soundproofing on these cars? They are very, very noisy and harsh. As a weekend car that the OP was looking for it might just be perfect, but do a longer journey and I suspect your ears would be bleeding after an hour or so. Either way a quick trip to Litchfield is a good plan. They're nice chaps and love their cars.

There are many threads and knowledgeable people around about tuning the 2l, 2.2l and 2.5l engines. I usually start with www.22.bom for sensible answers. It's not just about the 22b but more a collective of people who are into motorsport or serious tuning.

I've not driven one but I suspect the WR1 or STi PPP would both be very capable weekend or day to day cars. Get your chequebook out man.

I've not driven a WR1 but I've driven STis as PPP and non-PPP. PPP is a big improvement in ride. Standard STi was bone-jarring.

[stevieb]

rsv gone! said:

Smifffy said:

rsv gone! said:

If I was looking at Scoobies then I'd be trying to track down a Spec C

Ballistic cars undoubtedly, but have you seen the lack of soundproofing on these cars? They are very, very noisy and harsh. As a weekend car that the OP was looking for it might just be perfect, but do a longer journey and I suspect your ears would be bleeding after an hour or so. Either way a quick trip to Litchfield is a good plan. They're nice chaps and love their cars.

There are many threads and knowledgeable people around about tuning the 2l, 2.2l and 2.5l engines. I usually start with www.22.bom for sensible answers. It's not just about the 22b but more a collective of people who are into motorsport or serious tuning.

I've not driven one but I suspect the WR1 or STi PPP would both be very capable weekend or day to day cars. Get your chequebook out man.

I've not driven a WR1 but I've driven STis as PPP and non-PPP. PPP is a big improvement in ride. Standard STi was bone-jarring.

The PPP is only a performace pack and does not change any other characteristics of the car..

With the PPP you get Upgraded exhaust a few Prodrive branded Samco hoses under the bonnet and a new engine map takeing the car form 265 to 305BHP Approx.

I do not see how it can change the way the car ride

[stevieb]

The WR1 was based on a 2004 STI.

Ok then

WR1 is a 2004 STi with all the Prodrive Options included

Options were
Prodrive Driving lamps in leiu of Fog lamp covers (£500 Delear fir option)
Prodive Suspensions upgrade (£1000 Dealer fit option)
Prodrive performce pack (£2500 dealer fit option
Exclusive Blue/silver paintjob

In addition to the above the WR1 had a DCCD Gearbox. which was not avalible on the UK STi in 2004.

So really yo could go for a 2005 STi as this had the DCCD gearbox as standard... and then add your PPP pack etc if you wanted a normal colour Black/Blue/White/Silver

[stevieb]

My choice of car would be

Option 1 Discrete but Quick
http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/stocklist.asp?i...

option 2
http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/stocklist.asp?i...

[ScoobieWRX]

I always thought the full PPP option as offered by dealers on a 2006 STi included Prodrive suspension pack (bilstein dampers and prodrive springs) as well as all the mapping/engine mods.

I could be wrong though

Edited to Add: I'd rather have option 2 than option 1, but overall i'd rather have a T25 Spec C

Edited by ScoobieWRX on Wednesday 16th January 13:42

[stevieb]

the PPP Pack was the engine mods only there was an additional Handling pack occording to the Option list i have in my desk draw!

[ScoobieWRX]

Ta

[adamfraser]

We've got a WR1 in at work, had a new clutch on it too if i recall... A few miles but definitely reflected in the price.

The WR1 - http://www.subaru.r66internet.co.uk/site/carview_s...


Just noticed, we've got an RB320 too -

http://www.subaru.r66internet.co.uk/site/carview_s...



Dealer site - www.sandsservices.co.uk

Let me know if you need any more info.

Edited by adamfraser on Wednesday 16th January 23:32

Edited by adamfraser on Wednesday 16th January 23:32

[Jolley]

Vesuvius 996 said:

Interestingly the dealer told me they'd never needed to do a clutch (!) which I found hard to swallow.

I might go for a bargain new car with three years warranty.

Well he is telling porkies!! In fact, there was a known judder problem on the blob eyes. I had my first replaced free of charge under warranty. I actually had 2 clutches in 60,000 miles... but I do like the traffic light Grand Prix!

stevieb said:

rsv gone! said:

Smifffy said:

I've not driven one but I suspect the WR1 or STi PPP would both be very capable weekend or day to day cars. Get your chequebook out man.

I've not driven a WR1 but I've driven STis as PPP and non-PPP. PPP is a big improvement in ride. Standard STi was bone-jarring.

The PPP is only a performace pack and does not change any other characteristics of the car..

With the PPP you get Upgraded exhaust a few Prodrive branded Samco hoses under the bonnet and a new engine map takeing the car form 265 to 305BHP Approx.

I do not see how it can change the way the car ride

As mentioned above, I think he is referring to the Prodrive springs and realignment (no shocks). Although the Prodrive setup is better than standard, you would be much better off spending your money at Powerstation (Litchfield's partner in crime) to get the full AST set-up. I had it on my Hawkeye and it was simply in a different class.... it could corner much faster than I thought safe.

I am coming back to the uk soon and looking for my next car. I personally will be looking for a UK Sti with around 10,000miles on and I will be taking it straight to Powerstation for the AST setup. That way you get a car very close in performance to an RB320 (which I would love) for £10k less and not so much worry about where you leave it. You also get a warranty (not so with Spec C's etc, but that depends on your preference).... because sometimes they do go wrong.

[Slippydiff]

stevieb said:

The WR1 was based on a 2004 STI.

Ok then

WR1 is a 2004 STi with all the Prodrive Options included

Options were
Prodrive Driving lamps in leiu of Fog lamp covers (£500 Delear fir option)
Prodive Suspensions upgrade (£1000 Dealer fit option)
Prodrive performce pack (£2500 dealer fit option
Exclusive Blue/silver paintjob

In addition to the above the WR1 had a DCCD Gearbox. which was not avalible on the UK STi in 2004.

So really yo could go for a 2005 STi as this had the DCCD gearbox as standard... and then add your PPP pack etc if you wanted a normal colour Black/Blue/White/Silver

quality Stevieb

P.S Ian took me out in the RA R, a superb piece of kit, but like the 22B, the suspension is a bit too stiff for UK roads (the 03/04 Spec C they had was much more accomplished over the bumps IMO)