500+bhp Impreza P1 and how I got here.
Discussion
Its a shame you had to let it go through no fault of your own, at least you got good money and an easy sale. I think mine might be a bit of a challenge to move on. Cool that it was the press car. My mate has recently discovered his M3 was one of the press cars too.
Latest mods as mentioned the RCM Track Attack catch can which lets the oil drop back into the sump instead of covering the underneath of my car lol
And the gold bits on the lower arms are an anti lift kit, which increases caster, which is useful on these scoobs.
Then off for a full wheel alignment. I found some specs that a suspension guy had put up on a Subaru forum for a fast road / track setup so asked the guy there to set it up according to that. Only problem we had was my standard front suspension wouldn't give me as much camber as I wanted, only -1.3 instead of -1.5 and we realised I may have whacked a pot hole a bit hard at some point as my passenger side lower arm is ever so slightly bent which means the caster is not the same on both sides but its not far out.
Its always a bit nerve wracking when the tech gets the blowtorch out to loosen bolts lol.
Then to the trackday. Back at the local, Castle Combe for an attempt at a drama free visit!
Family day out, we have the P1, 2 M3 track cars, Modded Astra VXR, track prepped Megane and S2000.
A full on Baby Jesus micracle! Had no problems all day! The Curse of Combe has lifted
Car was a beast all day, even in the heat. Front left tyre is done now though.
Had a great time on track, spending a few laps chasing my mates and trying to chase the M3 he has upped the tyre game again and was wearing BTCC slicks! the braking and turn in of that thing are crazy now.
I was pretty happy with the P1s performance. I wanted to be below a 1.20 laptime and my best was a 1.16.5 which makes it 9 seconds a lap quicker than when I first got it. So at least all the time and money has shown some improvement
Shame my mate used the slicks as with just trackday tyres on he was also doing 1.16s so we could have had a good old play. With the slicks he was down in the 1.14s I think.
Vid of a lap of me chasing him.
Just to roll out all the racing driver excuses lol. My car is full weight, on road tyres that have already done 4 trackdays and a few thousand road miles, standard 20 year old suspension, road brakes standard aero blah blah blah excuses
https://youtu.be/4uJFLw0JQfc
Also a nice thing on this day was a chap there who does filming for rally events grabbed some shots of some of us. Its nice to see and hear my car from outside for a change.
https://youtu.be/IJnjmHxHphM
So now I'm looking at getting a spare set of 17s with some track tyres (not slicks) to give myself a bit more of a stable platform for pushing it. God the spending never ends
Next day out for it is a trip back home (not quite the same facility but close enough) to the Prodrive factory for a tour. Might ask if they have any spare bits lying about, or a mould for the splitter!
Latest mods as mentioned the RCM Track Attack catch can which lets the oil drop back into the sump instead of covering the underneath of my car lol
And the gold bits on the lower arms are an anti lift kit, which increases caster, which is useful on these scoobs.
Then off for a full wheel alignment. I found some specs that a suspension guy had put up on a Subaru forum for a fast road / track setup so asked the guy there to set it up according to that. Only problem we had was my standard front suspension wouldn't give me as much camber as I wanted, only -1.3 instead of -1.5 and we realised I may have whacked a pot hole a bit hard at some point as my passenger side lower arm is ever so slightly bent which means the caster is not the same on both sides but its not far out.
Its always a bit nerve wracking when the tech gets the blowtorch out to loosen bolts lol.
Then to the trackday. Back at the local, Castle Combe for an attempt at a drama free visit!
Family day out, we have the P1, 2 M3 track cars, Modded Astra VXR, track prepped Megane and S2000.
A full on Baby Jesus micracle! Had no problems all day! The Curse of Combe has lifted
Car was a beast all day, even in the heat. Front left tyre is done now though.
Had a great time on track, spending a few laps chasing my mates and trying to chase the M3
he has upped the tyre game again and was wearing BTCC slicks! the braking and turn in of that thing are crazy now.I was pretty happy with the P1s performance. I wanted to be below a 1.20 laptime and my best was a 1.16.5 which makes it 9 seconds a lap quicker than when I first got it. So at least all the time and money has shown some improvement
Shame my mate used the slicks as with just trackday tyres on he was also doing 1.16s so we could have had a good old play. With the slicks he was down in the 1.14s I think.
Vid of a lap of me chasing him.
Just to roll out all the racing driver excuses lol. My car is full weight, on road tyres that have already done 4 trackdays and a few thousand road miles, standard 20 year old suspension, road brakes standard aero blah blah blah excuses
https://youtu.be/4uJFLw0JQfc
Also a nice thing on this day was a chap there who does filming for rally events grabbed some shots of some of us. Its nice to see and hear my car from outside for a change.
https://youtu.be/IJnjmHxHphM
So now I'm looking at getting a spare set of 17s with some track tyres (not slicks) to give myself a bit more of a stable platform for pushing it. God the spending never ends
Next day out for it is a trip back home (not quite the same facility but close enough) to the Prodrive factory for a tour. Might ask if they have any spare bits lying about, or a mould for the splitter!
RB Will said:
Also a nice thing on this day was a chap there who does filming for rally events grabbed some shots of some of us. Its nice to see and hear my car from outside for a change.
https://youtu.be/IJnjmHxHphM
That's great, definitely more interesting than in-car footage, imho. https://youtu.be/IJnjmHxHphM
RB Will said:
Its a shame you had to let it go through no fault of your own, at least you got good money and an easy sale. I think mine might be a bit of a challenge to move on. Cool that it was the press car. My mate has recently discovered his M3 was one of the press cars too.
Latest mods as mentioned the RCM Track Attack catch can which lets the oil drop back into the sump instead of covering the underneath of my car lol
And the gold bits on the lower arms are an anti lift kit, which increases caster, which is useful on these scoobs.
Then off for a full wheel alignment. I found some specs that a suspension guy had put up on a Subaru forum for a fast road / track setup so asked the guy there to set it up according to that. Only problem we had was my standard front suspension wouldn't give me as much camber as I wanted, only -1.3 instead of -1.5 and we realised I may have whacked a pot hole a bit hard at some point as my passenger side lower arm is ever so slightly bent which means the caster is not the same on both sides but its not far out.
Its always a bit nerve wracking when the tech gets the blowtorch out to loosen bolts lol.
Then to the trackday. Back at the local, Castle Combe for an attempt at a drama free visit!
Family day out, we have the P1, 2 M3 track cars, Modded Astra VXR, track prepped Megane and S2000.
A full on Baby Jesus micracle! Had no problems all day! The Curse of Combe has lifted
Car was a beast all day, even in the heat. Front left tyre is done now though.
Had a great time on track, spending a few laps chasing my mates and trying to chase the M3 he has upped the tyre game again and was wearing BTCC slicks! the braking and turn in of that thing are crazy now.
I was pretty happy with the P1s performance. I wanted to be below a 1.20 laptime and my best was a 1.16.5 which makes it 9 seconds a lap quicker than when I first got it. So at least all the time and money has shown some improvement
Shame my mate used the slicks as with just trackday tyres on he was also doing 1.16s so we could have had a good old play. With the slicks he was down in the 1.14s I think.
Vid of a lap of me chasing him.
Just to roll out all the racing driver excuses lol. My car is full weight, on road tyres that have already done 4 trackdays and a few thousand road miles, standard 20 year old suspension, road brakes standard aero blah blah blah excuses
https://youtu.be/4uJFLw0JQfc
Also a nice thing on this day was a chap there who does filming for rally events grabbed some shots of some of us. Its nice to see and hear my car from outside for a change.
https://youtu.be/IJnjmHxHphM
So now I'm looking at getting a spare set of 17s with some track tyres (not slicks) to give myself a bit more of a stable platform for pushing it. God the spending never ends
Next day out for it is a trip back home (not quite the same facility but close enough) to the Prodrive factory for a tour. Might ask if they have any spare bits lying about, or a mould for the splitter!
Out of interest, what build number is yours? Going by the reg number, I'm guessing it's going to no more than 0150? Latest mods as mentioned the RCM Track Attack catch can which lets the oil drop back into the sump instead of covering the underneath of my car lol
And the gold bits on the lower arms are an anti lift kit, which increases caster, which is useful on these scoobs.
Then off for a full wheel alignment. I found some specs that a suspension guy had put up on a Subaru forum for a fast road / track setup so asked the guy there to set it up according to that. Only problem we had was my standard front suspension wouldn't give me as much camber as I wanted, only -1.3 instead of -1.5 and we realised I may have whacked a pot hole a bit hard at some point as my passenger side lower arm is ever so slightly bent which means the caster is not the same on both sides but its not far out.
Its always a bit nerve wracking when the tech gets the blowtorch out to loosen bolts lol.
Then to the trackday. Back at the local, Castle Combe for an attempt at a drama free visit!
Family day out, we have the P1, 2 M3 track cars, Modded Astra VXR, track prepped Megane and S2000.
A full on Baby Jesus micracle! Had no problems all day! The Curse of Combe has lifted
Car was a beast all day, even in the heat. Front left tyre is done now though.
Had a great time on track, spending a few laps chasing my mates and trying to chase the M3
he has upped the tyre game again and was wearing BTCC slicks! the braking and turn in of that thing are crazy now.I was pretty happy with the P1s performance. I wanted to be below a 1.20 laptime and my best was a 1.16.5 which makes it 9 seconds a lap quicker than when I first got it. So at least all the time and money has shown some improvement
Shame my mate used the slicks as with just trackday tyres on he was also doing 1.16s so we could have had a good old play. With the slicks he was down in the 1.14s I think.
Vid of a lap of me chasing him.
Just to roll out all the racing driver excuses lol. My car is full weight, on road tyres that have already done 4 trackdays and a few thousand road miles, standard 20 year old suspension, road brakes standard aero blah blah blah excuses
https://youtu.be/4uJFLw0JQfc
Also a nice thing on this day was a chap there who does filming for rally events grabbed some shots of some of us. Its nice to see and hear my car from outside for a change.
https://youtu.be/IJnjmHxHphM
So now I'm looking at getting a spare set of 17s with some track tyres (not slicks) to give myself a bit more of a stable platform for pushing it. God the spending never ends
Next day out for it is a trip back home (not quite the same facility but close enough) to the Prodrive factory for a tour. Might ask if they have any spare bits lying about, or a mould for the splitter!
I think the demand is going to always be there for the P1's as the 22B market is just crazy these days.
The one thing I really miss from my P1 were the bucket seats. They really helped my lower back when I was driving longer distances.
Even though it's 20 year old tech, the setup job Prodrive did on the P1's makes it one of the best B-Road monsters. When you compare the V5/V6 (version) JDM STi Type-R's to the P1, it's stunning how bad and snap oversteer they feel when pushed.
Will you get another set of the OZ 17's or will you get something that is the right fitiment?
Felix79 said:
Out of interest, what build number is yours? Going by the reg number, I'm guessing it's going to no more than 0150?
I think the demand is going to always be there for the P1's as the 22B market is just crazy these days.
The one thing I really miss from my P1 were the bucket seats. They really helped my lower back when I was driving longer distances.
Even though it's 20 year old tech, the setup job Prodrive did on the P1's makes it one of the best B-Road monsters. When you compare the V5/V6 (version) JDM STi Type-R's to the P1, it's stunning how bad and snap oversteer they feel when pushed.
Will you get another set of the OZ 17's or will you get something that is the right fitiment?
Mine is number 088 so a fairly early one. I think the demand is going to always be there for the P1's as the 22B market is just crazy these days.
The one thing I really miss from my P1 were the bucket seats. They really helped my lower back when I was driving longer distances.
Even though it's 20 year old tech, the setup job Prodrive did on the P1's makes it one of the best B-Road monsters. When you compare the V5/V6 (version) JDM STi Type-R's to the P1, it's stunning how bad and snap oversteer they feel when pushed.
Will you get another set of the OZ 17's or will you get something that is the right fitiment?
Funny you say about the seats a friend of mine always moans like hell that my seats ruin his back
The standard chassis is brilliant on a B road, just a little soft on track.
I haven't made my mind up about the wheels yet. I need to look into prices.
3 sets of 17” wheels from my P1 ( so correct offset etc) here which don’t fit my car anymore as the front Alcon 6 pots are 362mm.
The original OZ P1 WRCs, a set of OZ superleggaras, and a set of gold GT1s.
They are currently just taking up space in my shed and I should move them on but I haven’t got around to it.
If any interest then I’d be happy if they (some or all!) went to a fellow member of the 500bhp P1 club and I’m sure that we could agree a sensible deal.
The original OZ P1 WRCs, a set of OZ superleggaras, and a set of gold GT1s.
They are currently just taking up space in my shed and I should move them on but I haven’t got around to it.
If any interest then I’d be happy if they (some or all!) went to a fellow member of the 500bhp P1 club and I’m sure that we could agree a sensible deal.
FBP1 said:
3 sets of 17” wheels from my P1 ( so correct offset etc) here which don’t fit my car anymore as the front Alcon 6 pots are 362mm.
The original OZ P1 WRCs, a set of OZ superleggaras, and a set of gold GT1s.
They are currently just taking up space in my shed and I should move them on but I haven’t got around to it.
If any interest then I’d be happy if they (some or all!) went to a fellow member of the 500bhp P1 club and I’m sure that we could agree a sensible deal.
Why I sadly don't own a P1 any more, I do wonder if they would work on my Z4M-Roadster? I always loved the OZ wheels as they reminded me of oldschool Alpina wheels.The original OZ P1 WRCs, a set of OZ superleggaras, and a set of gold GT1s.
They are currently just taking up space in my shed and I should move them on but I haven’t got around to it.
If any interest then I’d be happy if they (some or all!) went to a fellow member of the 500bhp P1 club and I’m sure that we could agree a sensible deal.
When I put the Prodrive Alcon 6 pots on, I used a 330mm disc/hub from Godspeed brakes. It was a guy I spoke to that told me that if I was Hooning a lot, then the Blue-Stuff pads would be my safest option as they were really build for endurance/ Which is true as I managed to boil the brake fluid before the pads wanted to give up!
You should check whether the Z4 hubs are 5x 100, the spigot size and the offset for the Z4 before you try to put them on. OZ super / ultraleggaras look like Alpina wheels ( a bit) and are usefully lighter than the P1 WRC wheels - I’m sure you can get them in a Bmw fitment.
Re the brakes - I suspect you are thinking of the Prodrive Alcon 330mm 4 pot brake kit upgrade that you could get for the P1 ( and other models). I had one of those from when I bought the car in 2000 with Performance Friction rotors and separate hubs after I kept killing the Alcon 1 pieces, however, I now have Alcon 6 pots with bigger 362mm two piece rotors and Pagid rs42 pads.
Top 2 shots are 362mm Alcon 6 pots in my current 18” wheel. Bottom shot is 330mm Alcon “Prodrive” 4 pot behind my old 17” wheels. The 17” won’t fit over the 362mm rotors.
Anyway - back to Will’s thread!
Re the brakes - I suspect you are thinking of the Prodrive Alcon 330mm 4 pot brake kit upgrade that you could get for the P1 ( and other models). I had one of those from when I bought the car in 2000 with Performance Friction rotors and separate hubs after I kept killing the Alcon 1 pieces, however, I now have Alcon 6 pots with bigger 362mm two piece rotors and Pagid rs42 pads.
Top 2 shots are 362mm Alcon 6 pots in my current 18” wheel. Bottom shot is 330mm Alcon “Prodrive” 4 pot behind my old 17” wheels. The 17” won’t fit over the 362mm rotors.
Anyway - back to Will’s thread!
Edited by FBP1 on Monday 20th May 20:57
Yeah you're right, it's the 4 pots I put on mine. Because I never wanted to go over 400bhp , I guess I never needed anything more. I really don't like track days in my own car, so I never got close to pushing them to the limit. Knowing how frightening quick my P1 was, with another 200bhp on top I can easily see there is a need.
I know the Z4M has a seriously odd offset etc, thanks to them being like the E46 M3 CSL hubs etc. Finding wheels that fit that don't look like the CSL wheels has been causing me a headache. I don't really understand wheel fitments etc (even though I'm perfectly fine working in IT , it's too complicated for me lol). I really want to get Alpina classic wheels on my Z4MR, but in the smaller rim size (I think it's either 17/18" wheels I have) as I'd rather have a bit more tire wall.
This thread is making me want to get another Impreza, but only a 2 classic, as they look so damn awesome. One day I would like to get a 22B, as it's just got everything i love about the two door classic's.
I know the Z4M has a seriously odd offset etc, thanks to them being like the E46 M3 CSL hubs etc. Finding wheels that fit that don't look like the CSL wheels has been causing me a headache. I don't really understand wheel fitments etc (even though I'm perfectly fine working in IT , it's too complicated for me lol). I really want to get Alpina classic wheels on my Z4MR, but in the smaller rim size (I think it's either 17/18" wheels I have) as I'd rather have a bit more tire wall.
This thread is making me want to get another Impreza, but only a 2 classic, as they look so damn awesome. One day I would like to get a 22B, as it's just got everything i love about the two door classic's.
FBP1 said:
Yeah, you have to be careful with fitments as even a small difference in the offset can cause big differences in handling, never mind rubbing etc.
I’d be very jealous if you end up with a 22B - good luck with the hunt!
Sadly I don't seem to have a spare £100,000 tucked down the back of the sofa. When I first got my P1 in 2011, a 22B was only £24,000-£30,000 , now they have gotten collector car status the prices are too much for me. Even a v6 Type-R with a JDM made bodykit etc is high £20k'sI’d be very jealous if you end up with a 22B - good luck with the hunt!
Busy weekend just gone.
Got my drivers window fixed at last, thank Christ as Saturday was hot!
Saturday started off meeting a few fellow enthusiasts at a local dealership for a cross country drive to Prodrive for a factory tour.
Think I gave the guy leading us a bit of a surprise. He was in an E63 AMG and gave it everything coming off a roundabout onto a DC only to find a pesky Subaru right up his chuff
The rest of the drive was a bit uneventful getting stuck behind slow thing after slow thing but still a nice amble through the Cotswolds.
Back to the mothership.
DSC08492 by Will Prout
DSC08490 by Will Prout
The tour was great. Fascinating getting to see how they do things and the sort of things they work on, much more than just race cars. Office stools for example!
The place was super tidy, apparently Dave Richards does not like mess or clutter, you are not even allowed your fav coffee mug. You have to have a Prodrive one.
Some nice ornaments in reception
DSC08396 by Will Prout
Super clean workshop, numerous Astons being prepped and part of their classic collection.
DSC08451 by Will Prout
Highlight being allowed free reign to poke around the cars including one of Richard Burns and one of Colin McRae’s old cars. Great getting up close and finding all the little touches they do to make them rally cars. And the levels they go to. The Mini Clubman WRC car for example, according to regs there has to be metal panels only so far along the car, just past the B pillar in this case. So the rear doors front half is standard Mini metal and the rear half is carbon!
Also good to see was the P2, remember that one from old Top Gear? It’s the only one in the world.
DSC08415 by Will Prout
DSC08463 by Will Prout
DSC08398 by Will Prout
Couple of the people at Prodrive were happy to see one of their creations back. I asked if I could shove it into the workshop and get a picture of the P1 and P2 together but health and safety / insurance ruined that idea. Apparently nothing is allowed in the workshop with petrol in it, boooo. Should have brought a jerry can and hose pipe
After the tour a few of us bobbed over to Caffeine and Machine. Weather was much better this time, no snow! Some good stuff to look at and the food has improved too so that’s a bonus.
Rally car in the woods
DSC08497 by Will Prout
DSC08505 by Will Prout
Got home and had another P1 owner pop by to come and buy my old rear diff. The wife was very happy to have one less piece of “junk” in the spare room.
Then gave Walter (the Audi) a bath ready for Sunday.
Sunday was an early start. Leaving home at 6am I have the roads to myself except for all the local birds who seem to want to nest in the middle of the bloody road! So after avoiding countless birds and a handful of bunnies I got to Goodwood for the Breakfast Club Supercar Sunday. Great turnout of cars and great location. The local pork is always a winner in the bacon, sausage, egg bap too
62001803_2390128407910281_8151988076885835776_n by Will Prout
I think watching people try and park supercars should be a televised sport to be fair I’d probably be just as crap with 100 people watching me park between a few million £ worth.
Went to start the next trip of the day and got back to Walt to realise that washing him Saturday evening was a waste of time. I had been directed by the marshals to park next to the dirt access road, that had been used by a few hundred cars since I had parked so now had a brown rather than silver car from all the dust kicked up. Arse!
Next task for the day was to go against most advice and go meet a stranger off the internet, in a scary place (for a country boy) London Unfortunately not a sexy Russian or similar but FBP1 from here to purchase one of his spare sets of wheels and tyres. Thanks FBP1. Lovely house, lovely bloke 
61937841_1026814834180629_3605674815073026048_n by Will Prout
So hopefully next trackday in July will be dry and tyres won’t be such a problem.
Got my drivers window fixed at last, thank Christ as Saturday was hot!
Saturday started off meeting a few fellow enthusiasts at a local dealership for a cross country drive to Prodrive for a factory tour.
Think I gave the guy leading us a bit of a surprise. He was in an E63 AMG and gave it everything coming off a roundabout onto a DC only to find a pesky Subaru right up his chuff
The rest of the drive was a bit uneventful getting stuck behind slow thing after slow thing but still a nice amble through the Cotswolds.
Back to the mothership.
DSC08492 by Will Prout
DSC08490 by Will Prout
The tour was great. Fascinating getting to see how they do things and the sort of things they work on, much more than just race cars. Office stools for example!
The place was super tidy, apparently Dave Richards does not like mess or clutter, you are not even allowed your fav coffee mug. You have to have a Prodrive one.
Some nice ornaments in reception
DSC08396 by Will ProutSuper clean workshop, numerous Astons being prepped and part of their classic collection.
DSC08451 by Will ProutHighlight being allowed free reign to poke around the cars including one of Richard Burns and one of Colin McRae’s old cars. Great getting up close and finding all the little touches they do to make them rally cars. And the levels they go to. The Mini Clubman WRC car for example, according to regs there has to be metal panels only so far along the car, just past the B pillar in this case. So the rear doors front half is standard Mini metal and the rear half is carbon!
Also good to see was the P2, remember that one from old Top Gear? It’s the only one in the world.
DSC08415 by Will ProutDSC08463 by Will ProutDSC08398 by Will ProutCouple of the people at Prodrive were happy to see one of their creations back. I asked if I could shove it into the workshop and get a picture of the P1 and P2 together but health and safety / insurance ruined that idea. Apparently nothing is allowed in the workshop with petrol in it, boooo. Should have brought a jerry can and hose pipe
After the tour a few of us bobbed over to Caffeine and Machine. Weather was much better this time, no snow! Some good stuff to look at and the food has improved too so that’s a bonus.
Rally car in the woods
DSC08497 by Will ProutDSC08505 by Will ProutGot home and had another P1 owner pop by to come and buy my old rear diff. The wife was very happy to have one less piece of “junk” in the spare room.
Then gave Walter (the Audi) a bath ready for Sunday.
Sunday was an early start. Leaving home at 6am I have the roads to myself except for all the local birds who seem to want to nest in the middle of the bloody road! So after avoiding countless birds and a handful of bunnies I got to Goodwood for the Breakfast Club Supercar Sunday. Great turnout of cars and great location. The local pork is always a winner in the bacon, sausage, egg bap too
62001803_2390128407910281_8151988076885835776_n by Will ProutI think watching people try and park supercars should be a televised sport
to be fair I’d probably be just as crap with 100 people watching me park between a few million £ worth.Went to start the next trip of the day and got back to Walt to realise that washing him Saturday evening was a waste of time. I had been directed by the marshals to park next to the dirt access road, that had been used by a few hundred cars since I had parked so now had a brown rather than silver car from all the dust kicked up. Arse!
Next task for the day was to go against most advice and go meet a stranger off the internet, in a scary place (for a country boy) London
Unfortunately not a sexy Russian or similar but FBP1 from here to purchase one of his spare sets of wheels and tyres. Thanks FBP1. Lovely house, lovely bloke 61937841_1026814834180629_3605674815073026048_n by Will ProutSo hopefully next trackday in July will be dry and tyres won’t be such a problem.
), but good to meet you and look forward to seeing my old wheels/tyres being used properly again.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff