Blobeye WRX Buying Advice/Facts
Discussion
Hey all,
So I'm hoping you can all help me with some solid advice and facts. I've done some research however I'd like to ask you all on here as I feel I'll be getting more factual and helpful opinions. So here we go..
I'm looking to purchase a Blobeye Wrx, I'd love an Sti but running costs as a daily I believe would be too much. From what I've read the wrx is much more suitable for a daily as well. I'd be covering 15k per year with my commute consisting mostly of motorway and A roads.
Firstly, is there any significant differences between 03-05? Also what are the spec options, is it just standard wrx and the SL package which adds leather?
Secondly, I would be looking to modify the car to get the best out of it. My first step would be to get it into mechanical order, what areas should I be looking to upgrade? Eg springs, dampers, ARB etc.
Thirdly, with the suspension and other mechanical bits changed or refreshed I would focus on upping the power and more importantly to me the torque. The 220lbs/ft in my E46 330ci seems rather boring and uneventful. Reading around, a reasonable figure would be 270bhp and similar torque.
Would this feel considerably different to my E46?
What would I need to do to achieve this? Would this increase have any detrimental effect on the engine or Gearbox?
So yeah that's my plan, any facts and figures would be great and opinions would be massively appreciated!
Edit: I'd be buying a completely standard car and having the mods done myself.
So I'm hoping you can all help me with some solid advice and facts. I've done some research however I'd like to ask you all on here as I feel I'll be getting more factual and helpful opinions. So here we go..
I'm looking to purchase a Blobeye Wrx, I'd love an Sti but running costs as a daily I believe would be too much. From what I've read the wrx is much more suitable for a daily as well. I'd be covering 15k per year with my commute consisting mostly of motorway and A roads.
Firstly, is there any significant differences between 03-05? Also what are the spec options, is it just standard wrx and the SL package which adds leather?
Secondly, I would be looking to modify the car to get the best out of it. My first step would be to get it into mechanical order, what areas should I be looking to upgrade? Eg springs, dampers, ARB etc.
Thirdly, with the suspension and other mechanical bits changed or refreshed I would focus on upping the power and more importantly to me the torque. The 220lbs/ft in my E46 330ci seems rather boring and uneventful. Reading around, a reasonable figure would be 270bhp and similar torque.
Would this feel considerably different to my E46?
What would I need to do to achieve this? Would this increase have any detrimental effect on the engine or Gearbox?
So yeah that's my plan, any facts and figures would be great and opinions would be massively appreciated!
Edit: I'd be buying a completely standard car and having the mods done myself.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 5th July 18:23
I'd did a quick check on insurance comparison site and it is cheaper for a standard Sti blobeye than my E46 with an exhaust modification noted down. Absurd.
Could anyone point to me the running cost comparison between an Sti and a wrx with the suggested modifications I've listed?
Is there a big difference in mpg returns of an Sti and wrx? Driven hard I expect less than 20 from both but is 25 achieveable in either with a relaxed journey?
It makes sense to start with an Sti but consumable costs, part replacements and Fuel swings me towards a wrx.
Could anyone point to me the running cost comparison between an Sti and a wrx with the suggested modifications I've listed?
Is there a big difference in mpg returns of an Sti and wrx? Driven hard I expect less than 20 from both but is 25 achieveable in either with a relaxed journey?
It makes sense to start with an Sti but consumable costs, part replacements and Fuel swings me towards a wrx.
@crow - I've just had a read on your profile of both your Sti and it was interesting to see the difference between the two!
If there is no real significant difference between the sti and wrx then it makes sense to go for the Sti.
Do you think it would suitable as a daily driver for my journey?
Is there any particular model year to go for?
Is the SL package worth the premium?
How much should I expect to pay for a Blobeye Sti?
What things should I be looking out for when buying?
Also what are the common failures on the car?
What are the servicing cost and intervals?
Thanks
If there is no real significant difference between the sti and wrx then it makes sense to go for the Sti.
Do you think it would suitable as a daily driver for my journey?
Is there any particular model year to go for?
Is the SL package worth the premium?
How much should I expect to pay for a Blobeye Sti?
What things should I be looking out for when buying?
Also what are the common failures on the car?
What are the servicing cost and intervals?
Thanks
Thank you very much for those comprehensive replies Tek and Crow! I'm sorry for asking so much, but trying to get genuine advice and facts is a right pain.. Just like answering my questions 
But alas the questions are not complete
I need some honest opinions now.
So I'm not interested in chasing figures hence a remapped and tweaked wrx would be idea for me. 280bhp with a nice wad of torque is perfect. If I bought an Sti I wouldn't mod it at all. As you mentioned Tek a wrx with a remap/PPP would give me more power and torque than a stock Sti. I'm not after a hardcore car, I'm just after a compentent fast road daily which can hold its own against most cars on the road. I have a budget of around 5k for an initial purchase of a subaru with a 1-2k mod/refresh fund for bringing it into top condition. 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.
Now to me everything is pointing to a Wrx. Would I be disappointed with a wrx with said mods over a stock Sti? Baring in mind I won't be taking the car on track and I'm looking for something that isn't on full attack every time I turn the ignition. Just fast and competent
Once again thanks for any replies!
But alas the questions are not complete
I need some honest opinions now.So I'm not interested in chasing figures hence a remapped and tweaked wrx would be idea for me. 280bhp with a nice wad of torque is perfect. If I bought an Sti I wouldn't mod it at all. As you mentioned Tek a wrx with a remap/PPP would give me more power and torque than a stock Sti. I'm not after a hardcore car, I'm just after a compentent fast road daily which can hold its own against most cars on the road. I have a budget of around 5k for an initial purchase of a subaru with a 1-2k mod/refresh fund for bringing it into top condition. 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.
Now to me everything is pointing to a Wrx. Would I be disappointed with a wrx with said mods over a stock Sti? Baring in mind I won't be taking the car on track and I'm looking for something that isn't on full attack every time I turn the ignition. Just fast and competent
Once again thanks for any replies!
@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.
@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?
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....
plenty said:
TEKNOPUG said:
Running costs are not massivley different bewteen either (assuming both in good condition when bought). Initial purchase price is the big, big difference.
Yes spot on. Remember though that you'll get that money back on resale, which you won't for a modded WRX.TEKNOPUG said:
If I was spending £10k on a car, I wouldn't be looking at 10 year old Subarus!
Curious - what better proposition is there at this price point than a Scoob?As for what other cars in that bracket, an E46 M3! I'd love one of those so we'll see what happens. However after owning the E46 330ci currently I think I'd want a change.
Can save £500 a month at the moment so it will take me 20 months to save up for one. Then I can use whatever I get for my E46 as a bork/mod fund.
Which spec Sti is the one to go for? What's the difference between the Jdm and UK spec?
MurderousCrow said:
This is clearly a big investment for you and equally clearly means a lot to you. You owe it to yourself to get on the forums, go to local meets (most enthusiasts love showing off their cars) but most importantly get out and test drive them. Each one: STi, WRX and everything in between. I'd also reckon you can get a significantly lower price on an STi by keeping a shrewd eye on the forums. Keep a knowledgeable pal on standby in case the right car comes available. I bought my current car from the forums; it had a lot of competing interest.
Teknopug's advice on suspension is something I'd strongly agree with, unless you plan to track your car. KYB shocks with a modest drop will serve very well for fast road in the UK. That said, I find STi pink suspension to be pretty comfortable too, I don't think there's a huge difference; it's only a bit harder IMO. Avoid cars with cheap coilovers, or at least have money aside to replace with Tek's suggestion or summat similar.
(JDM STis are a little bit more 'Gucci', a bit more focused, a bit quicker to spool and have some nicer bits. But you lose the burble If you're going JDM, go the whole hog and get a Spec-C: the differences between base JDM STi and UK STi are not huge.)
Thanks Crow I'll take that advice on-board! Teknopug's advice on suspension is something I'd strongly agree with, unless you plan to track your car. KYB shocks with a modest drop will serve very well for fast road in the UK. That said, I find STi pink suspension to be pretty comfortable too, I don't think there's a huge difference; it's only a bit harder IMO. Avoid cars with cheap coilovers, or at least have money aside to replace with Tek's suggestion or summat similar.
(JDM STis are a little bit more 'Gucci', a bit more focused, a bit quicker to spool and have some nicer bits. But you lose the burble
If you're going JDM, go the whole hog and get a Spec-C: the differences between base JDM STi and UK STi are not huge.)@mdma and Karl - Thanks for the input, although I'm not interested in a wagon at all. Don't like the styling what so ever.
@plenty - I won't be using the sti as a daily, just as a weekend car and maybe get involved in some track days. It sounds like that Jdm sti is the one to go for. I noticed that the spec are the same for the 05 but runs for the years 03-05, is this correct?
Also what is the spec C?
Rb5er mentioned about classics being much more fun. Could anyone give me some details on this? What sort of price would a good classic be and what sort of power/torque would make a fun fast roar car? If I did go for a classic I'd treat it as a weekend car.
@plenty - I won't be using the sti as a daily, just as a weekend car and maybe get involved in some track days. It sounds like that Jdm sti is the one to go for. I noticed that the spec are the same for the 05 but runs for the years 03-05, is this correct?
Also what is the spec C?
Rb5er mentioned about classics being much more fun. Could anyone give me some details on this? What sort of price would a good classic be and what sort of power/torque would make a fun fast roar car? If I did go for a classic I'd treat it as a weekend car.
MurderousCrow said:
Hahaha yes, it does look like daft man-logic. To explain, I'm not actually recommending the OP gets one – it's way out of budget – just pointing out that for me at least, the current trend of charging big premiums for base JDM STi models is unjustified. I've driven both; I found the Spec-C much more engaging. Given that I love the burble of the UK models, and am not too bothered about the lower spool from the standard position twin-scroll, the Spec-C is the only one I'd bother with. But everyone's different!
For example if someone's going to track the car (esp. on tighter circuits) they might prefer the JDM STi’s quicker steering, lower spool and shorter gears; it does depend on priorities and preferences to a large degree. The OP’s outlined his, for which a UK STi should fit nicely. If he can find a good JDM STi at an equivalent price to a UK model, it might be a good choice. I did consider them because they had DCCD before the UK STi did; but the UK widetrack blob was the one I wanted most, and I considered that worth more of a premium than an older JDM car. For those going the aftermarket route, there's other ways around the spool issue without losing the sound (AVCS heads and turbo choice for instance).
Luke
Ah ok so I've just read this and it sounds like I'd be quite happy with a 05 widetrack sti. It will be highly unlikely I'll be taking it on track so it seems like the minor differences to the spooling and quicker rack will be negligible for my road use. Is there a significant difference in prices between a Jdm and UK widetrack?For example if someone's going to track the car (esp. on tighter circuits) they might prefer the JDM STi’s quicker steering, lower spool and shorter gears; it does depend on priorities and preferences to a large degree. The OP’s outlined his, for which a UK STi should fit nicely. If he can find a good JDM STi at an equivalent price to a UK model, it might be a good choice. I did consider them because they had DCCD before the UK STi did; but the UK widetrack blob was the one I wanted most, and I considered that worth more of a premium than an older JDM car. For those going the aftermarket route, there's other ways around the spool issue without losing the sound (AVCS heads and turbo choice for instance).
Luke
tonyb1968 said:
Minor differences??!! Drive a JDM, you wont want to get into a laggy uk 2ltr after that and its drivability on the road where the JDM dominates, its just so much nicer to drive.
OK so I need to get a good drive in both a Jdm and UK spec sti then. When you're talking about twin-scroll is that two turbos, a bigger and smaller one? tonyb1968 said:
JDM's are a total different kettle of fish to UK cars, they are very different to drive compared to a UK model, engines still burble ever so slighy on idle but on throttle are more like the rally cars or a motorbike in sound. Pre 05 cars differ mechanically from post 05 cars, they changed all the geometry to that of the spec c (this includes uk sti's) but one of the buggest differences is that the engine is the bigger port version as seen in the 03/04 Spec C. These make for a great compromise rather than getting a Spec C, and as said, suspension (watch out for knocking rear struts) avoid cheap coil overs like BC's which fall apart after 6 months and are not as good as the standard suspension.
I take it the hawkeyes are significantly different to the blobeye then. From what I've read the blobeye is a more raw driving experience compared to the hawkeye. And the classics are even more raw than the blobeye.Hahaha apologies!
How I see it, I have a thread with all the collective information for myself and others.
I know what I want, it's a Blobeye Sti. However it's deciding between a Jdm or UK widetrack. Obviously it will involve test driving the cars until I've made my mind up.
However I'd still like some information and opinions on the the classics. I think they looked the nicest but they have severe rust issues? What would be the model to get for?
I'd have a 5k budget for a classic for weekend use.
I'd have a 10k budget for a Blobeye Sti for weekend use.
Neither cars would get tracked anytime in the near future.
Thanks again
How I see it, I have a thread with all the collective information for myself and others.
I know what I want, it's a Blobeye Sti. However it's deciding between a Jdm or UK widetrack. Obviously it will involve test driving the cars until I've made my mind up.
However I'd still like some information and opinions on the the classics. I think they looked the nicest but they have severe rust issues? What would be the model to get for?
I'd have a 5k budget for a classic for weekend use.
I'd have a 10k budget for a Blobeye Sti for weekend use.
Neither cars would get tracked anytime in the near future.
Thanks again
plenty said:
I am torn between "please do a search as these are huge and subjective questions that cannot be addressed in a single thread and there are 15 years of forum commentary out there to read", versus "it's nice to have an informative Scoob thread on PH even if it covers well-trodden ground".
I have looked elsewhere and done research. What the issue with asking more questions, if you don't want to help further then don't. It's not a problem. It's great that everyone has been helpful and informative and I really appreciate it.
Thanks again
paulmoonraker said:
I've owned a 2005 WRX PPP, and 2005 STi and a 2007 STI (engine rebuilt and what not). There is not much difference in running costs between the 2005 WRX and STi. However, it is worth saying that a mapped or PPP'd WRX is just as quick off the line as the STi.
The 2.5ltr engine cars are a gamble, but great if you have the funds to do the engine. The 2.0ltr is more fun compared to the 2.5ltr, but the torque available with the 2.5 is awesome.
If you buy the WRX you'll end up wanting the STi, or start spending silly money trying to make it into one.
Thanks Paul,fun is what I'm looking for so it seems I've already got the right model to be focusing on The 2.5ltr engine cars are a gamble, but great if you have the funds to do the engine. The 2.0ltr is more fun compared to the 2.5ltr, but the torque available with the 2.5 is awesome.
If you buy the WRX you'll end up wanting the STi, or start spending silly money trying to make it into one.
Do you know why the 2.5 are such a big issue when it comes to going pop? Read it's Ringland failures which seem to be the cause. What baffles me further is that they stuck with the 2.5 engine and it still doesn't seem to be massivley reliable!? plenty said:
AB57 said:
plenty said:
I am torn between "please do a search as these are huge and subjective questions that cannot be addressed in a single thread and there are 15 years of forum commentary out there to read", versus "it's nice to have an informative Scoob thread on PH even if it covers well-trodden ground".
I have looked elsewhere and done research. What the issue with asking more questions, if you don't want to help further then don't. It's not a problem. It's great that everyone has been helpful and informative and I really appreciate it.
Thanks again
As others have pointed out, if you are genuinely wanting guidance and direction (as opposed to merely having a nice conversation about Subarus) then a little more focus to your questions would be helpful. Your original post to start this thread was actually pretty specific and you received some specific feedback. We've gone from that to "I want a Subaru. What Subaru should I buy?"
I've not having a go, but am just pointing out if it's actual answers you are looking are for then there are a lot of answers available very easily via a search. If it's meandering banter you want that's absolutely fine as well.
I feel pretty informed on the wrx vs sti side, so much so I know I want an Sti. Which sti will involve some test drives. Like I mentioned before that the budget is quite far off as of current circumstances.
On the sti front, someone mentioned bug eyes as a cheaper option. Was there a Jdm variant for these and are they as capable as the blobeye sti widetrack? I presume not but as far as I'm aware they we the same as a Blobeye 04 minus the cosmetic differences.
As for classics, was there an Sti variant? And is this a good alternative to a Blobeye Sti?
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