Subaru Impreza STI Type UK vs JDM getting parts in the UK

[Adamjames1998]

Hi,

I am currently looking to buy a Subaru Impreza STI 2002 - 2005 (Blobeye)

I am torn between the Type Uk and the JDM version. I understand the benefits of the JDM car with the stronger engine, better drivetrain etc etc so understand it is probably the better choice.

However from a modification stand point do Uk parts fit a JDM model? Or would i be paying a premium to get parts from Japan?

Not sure what i would be doing but would like and exhaust and intake then maybe further down the line go for a bit more power with a turbo. I know theres a lot more too it but wanted to just get a quick understand whether I am going to find it difficult to get JDM parts in the UK or if its nothing to worry about.

Cheers

[plenty]

The main differences are the JDM non-widetrack blob has DCCD whereas the UK non-widetrack does not (both UK and JDM widetracks have DCCD), the twin-scroll turbo and equal-length manifolds, and a quicker rack on the JDM, plus a few minor details like sweeping clocks, indicator stalks on different sides, and rear wiper.

Most other items are interchangeable JDM vs UK, and there are lots of twin-scroll turbos and tuning options available in the UK.

Although having owned a tuned JDM hawk with LM450 turbo and a JDM blob running standard VF37, I preferred the latter. A standard JDM blob with exhaust and map is a very very good road car - you really don't need more power for the road.

Note that it's actually not true that the JDM cars have stronger engines. The UK engines are actually technically stronger as they came with proper forged pistons not the hypereutectic cast ones on the JDM. However all GDB EJ20 engines can safely handle up to approx 450/450 if mapped and fuelled properly.

[S100HP]

Don't forget a UK spec one is likely to have suffered more on our roads, and likely will have tin worm whereas I JDM one will have been here for less time, and have less rust (in theory)

[Konan]

Many day to day parts are shared and there are some UK suppliers that hold common JDM parts (as well as a couple in Europe).

Some Subaru dealers can be surprisingly accommodating too.

Even if it comes to getting stuff in from Japan (I've had to do this with Toyota) you'd be surprised at how affordable parts can be compared to main dealers for other manufactures.

I've been on a JDM daily for 5 or 6 years now with no real headache.

Just budget to get a map done for UK fuel or AT LEAST log it for a while to check for knock.