Impreza WRX TYPE-R
Discussion
Look nice but most have had or need engine rebuilds (one of my friends has one). As they are imports, they are not keen on our fuel.
Prices seem to be from about 6.5k upwards.
As mentioned, take a look on scoobynet, lots of owners there to talk you into it.
Prices seem to be from about 6.5k upwards.
As mentioned, take a look on scoobynet, lots of owners there to talk you into it.
Edited by Nicol@ on Thursday 8th March 12:23
Type-RA V-ltd models were various special editions of the RA (lightweight homologation 4-door with all the mechanical goodies), depending which version they would have made probably either 555 or 1000 of them. Generally a V-ltd will be 555 or WR blue, with the traditional gold wheels. Not sure about type-R V-ltds (have never heard of one myself as far as i can remember) but probably something similar.
GravelBen said:
Type-RA V-ltd models were various special editions of the RA (lightweight homologation 4-door with all the mechanical goodies), depending which version they would have made probably either 555 or 1000 of them. Generally a V-ltd will be 555 or WR blue, with the traditional gold wheels. Not sure about type-R V-ltds (have never heard of one myself as far as i can remember) but probably something similar.
Has the Type R Vltd got the roof vent as standard?
I had a look at a mint one just before xmas.
The RA all have the roof scoop (including v-ltd) as it was a homologation part for the rally cars, not sure if all the Type-R cars have it though. definitely some do. AFAIK all type-R and RAs have the intercooler spray, definitely all have the DCCD adjustable centre diff (64/36 static torque split), which makes them much more fun to drive. I think the engine is generally identical to the STi of the same age, the real differences are in the body (R is 2-door, RA is lightweight 4-door) and drivetrain, both have more agressive front and rear LSD's, and the RA version also have the close-ratio gearbox.
GravelBen said:
The RA all have the roof scoop (including v-ltd) as it was a homologation part for the rally cars, not sure if all the Type-R cars have it though. definitely some do. AFAIK all type-R and RAs have the intercooler spray, definitely all have the DCCD adjustable centre diff (64/36 static torque split), which makes them much more fun to drive. I think the engine is generally identical to the STi of the same age, the real differences are in the body (R is 2-door, RA is lightweight 4-door) and drivetrain, both have more agressive front and rear LSD's, and the RA version also have the close-ratio gearbox.

ScoobieWRX said:
GravelBen said:
The RA all have the roof scoop (including v-ltd) as it was a homologation part for the rally cars, not sure if all the Type-R cars have it though. definitely some do. AFAIK all type-R and RAs have the intercooler spray, definitely all have the DCCD adjustable centre diff (64/36 static torque split), which makes them much more fun to drive. I think the engine is generally identical to the STi of the same age, the real differences are in the body (R is 2-door, RA is lightweight 4-door) and drivetrain, both have more agressive front and rear LSD's, and the RA version also have the close-ratio gearbox.

I'm an STi anorak who drives an NA Legacy wagon

Plenty of other reasons to have a good STi type R (or type RA) over a P1. Including:
The diffs in the type R/RA are all superior to the P1. (Helical LSD on the front, plated LSD on the back and DCCD) The P1 loses all of these in favour of UK stuff IIRC.
Engine is the same as the P1 - exactly the same - so you have fuel worries whichever you go for. Prodrive DID NOT ECUTek map the P1 to be safe for UK fuel (because ECUTek didn't exist at the time!) instead, they tweaked the OE ECU to be more sensitive & reactive to knock, but that's about it. So you still have the same engine risks.
Suspension is a little better on the P1 than my standard type RA stuff, I have to admit. But for the price difference between a P1 and a type R, you can get a damn good set of coilovers...
The P1 is definitely better for motorways. A type R/RA will be at 4k+ RPM at sensible (still legal) speeds. This gets annoying very quickly. The P1 does have longer gears.
The P1 has a nicer spoilers, both front and back. You're paying quite a premium for these really.
OK, I'm biassed. I have a type RA.
The diffs in the type R/RA are all superior to the P1. (Helical LSD on the front, plated LSD on the back and DCCD) The P1 loses all of these in favour of UK stuff IIRC.
Engine is the same as the P1 - exactly the same - so you have fuel worries whichever you go for. Prodrive DID NOT ECUTek map the P1 to be safe for UK fuel (because ECUTek didn't exist at the time!) instead, they tweaked the OE ECU to be more sensitive & reactive to knock, but that's about it. So you still have the same engine risks.
Suspension is a little better on the P1 than my standard type RA stuff, I have to admit. But for the price difference between a P1 and a type R, you can get a damn good set of coilovers...
The P1 is definitely better for motorways. A type R/RA will be at 4k+ RPM at sensible (still legal) speeds. This gets annoying very quickly. The P1 does have longer gears.
The P1 has a nicer spoilers, both front and back. You're paying quite a premium for these really.
OK, I'm biassed. I have a type RA.

Does DCCD come in the WRX Ver 4 type R. I know it came in Ver 3 but my google searches appear to find that it wasn't on the 1998 Ver 4?
Also what year did the Ver 3 come out till? I've seen pictures of a 1998 WRX type R V-limited and it has the WRC emblem on the seats but it says V3???
Also what year did the Ver 3 come out till? I've seen pictures of a 1998 WRX type R V-limited and it has the WRC emblem on the seats but it says V3???
AFAIK all type-R and RA models had the DCCD, but most of the regular STi versions didn't so it may be one of those? Definitely STi-RA v4 has DCCD so I'd expect the R to have it as well.(There was also a WRX-RA which I don't think had it though as it was the lightweight body with WRX rather than STi engine etc)
The V-ltd versions have the longer 5th from the normal STi for better cruising than the normal RA, otherwise the CR box is the same. Never been quite sure if the R shares the RA CR box or the normal STi box though, anyone know for sure?
The V-ltd versions have the longer 5th from the normal STi for better cruising than the normal RA, otherwise the CR box is the same. Never been quite sure if the R shares the RA CR box or the normal STi box though, anyone know for sure?
Nicol@ said:
Look nice but most have had or need engine rebuilds (one of my friends has one). As they are imports, they are not keen on our fuel.
Prices seem to be from about 6.5k upwards.
As mentioned, take a look on scoobynet, lots of owners there to talk you into it.
Prices seem to be from about 6.5k upwards.
As mentioned, take a look on scoobynet, lots of owners there to talk you into it.
Edited by Nicol@ on Thursday 8th March 12:23
Why do they need rebuilds and at what sort of mileage is this an issue?
Hi guys,
I have a 97 STI Type R V4. It's fantastic! Imported it from japan with some history. Changed the cambelt and idlers etc as a precaution, amost 4 yrs later, it's done around 38,000mls in total but has given many smiles with minimal problems. Infact, it's not caused me any trouble. I always use Shell VMAX or Optimax as it was and octane booster.
I don't have any problems with the gear ratio's now that I am used to it. It's not even over noisy cruising at 70.
I'd recommend a Type R to anyone looking into scooby ownership!! There cant be many reliable, cheaper ways of getting from point to point?.
I have a 97 STI Type R V4. It's fantastic! Imported it from japan with some history. Changed the cambelt and idlers etc as a precaution, amost 4 yrs later, it's done around 38,000mls in total but has given many smiles with minimal problems. Infact, it's not caused me any trouble. I always use Shell VMAX or Optimax as it was and octane booster.
I don't have any problems with the gear ratio's now that I am used to it. It's not even over noisy cruising at 70.
I'd recommend a Type R to anyone looking into scooby ownership!! There cant be many reliable, cheaper ways of getting from point to point?.
GravelBen said:
The RA all have the roof scoop (including v-ltd) as it was a homologation part for the rally cars, not sure if all the Type-R cars have it though. definitely some do. AFAIK all type-R and RAs have the intercooler spray, definitely all have the DCCD adjustable centre diff (64/36 static torque split), which makes them much more fun to drive. I think the engine is generally identical to the STi of the same age, the real differences are in the body (R is 2-door, RA is lightweight 4-door) and drivetrain, both have more agressive front and rear LSD's, and the RA version also have the close-ratio gearbox.
The only TypeR with a roof scoop is the STi Type R Limited, and that was an optional delete on that model.
The Type RA's have a roof scoop, although on some models that was a delete option.
The Non STi versions of the Type RA dont have IC water sprays, they also dont have DCCD, but they do have the lower gearing, they also come with ABS, something the STi version doesnt have.
The engines are diferent between the Non STi and STi versions, the main diference is in the cam follower design and piston materials, which allows a higher red line on the STi (7900rpm rather than 7500rpm). The STi version also has more power, it varies with model year but STi's ended on 276BHP, non STi's had 250BHP.
There was a 2 door Type RA produced in very limited numbers, so you cant say all TypeRA's are 4 door.
The TypeR and Type RA share the same gearbox ratios although it was optional on the TypeRA Limited to have the higher, normal STi 5th gear ratio. The STi Type R and TypeRA share the same rear diff LSD, but only the TypeRA has a helical front LSD, the TypeR front diff has no LSD, just a normal open diff.
There are lots of other variables depending on model year and spec, for example non STi versions of the RA have sliding rear calipers, solid rear disks and R160 rear diff with viscous LSD, STi versions have 2 pot rear calipers, larger vented rear disks, bigger hubs and wheel bearings, bigger driveshafts, an R180 rear diff with a plated LSD.
There is also three specs of steering rack, the best 13:1 quickrack was only fitted to the 22B and STi5/6 Type R/RA Limited, the normal 15:1 quickrack found itself on the other TypeR/RA's and then you have the normal slow rack on everything else.
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