Discussion
Hi all,
Just popped over from the Ultima forum, my toy is a GTR but I really like the look of the older Imprezza. I know this might be an elementary question to you but what makes the 22b the car that holds its money year after year.It must be pretty special but what sets it apart from the others.
Thanks Dan
Just popped over from the Ultima forum, my toy is a GTR but I really like the look of the older Imprezza. I know this might be an elementary question to you but what makes the 22b the car that holds its money year after year.It must be pretty special but what sets it apart from the others.
Thanks Dan
Read all about it and get the info first hand from people that own them and love them. http://www.22b.com/media_cardriver.htm
Most people in the know will agree though, and IMHO as far as Scooby's go....it is just beautiful!!
Most people in the know will agree though, and IMHO as far as Scooby's go....it is just beautiful!!
Bitzleftover said:
Hi all,
Just popped over from the Ultima forum, my toy is a GTR but I really like the look of the older Imprezza. I know this might be an elementary question to you but what makes the 22b the car that holds its money year after year.It must be pretty special but what sets it apart from the others.
Thanks Dan
Its rare, very rare.. and they are always in demand.Just popped over from the Ultima forum, my toy is a GTR but I really like the look of the older Imprezza. I know this might be an elementary question to you but what makes the 22b the car that holds its money year after year.It must be pretty special but what sets it apart from the others.
Thanks Dan
markCSC said:
Looks and rarity. There are better Scoobys to drive but none look like a 22B.
What he said. 
"You want it so badly for its looks, image and blistering performance but at the same time you know it's not as polished or complete a driving machine as the 'lesser' STi Version V. What is certain, though, is that the Type UK is the best incarnation of the 22B, and one of the most desirable cars you can buy. Shame, then, that all 16 of the UK cars have already found owners."
Richard Meaden
Edited by Smifffy on Tuesday 8th July 16:45
Smifffy said:
markCSC said:
Looks and rarity. There are better Scoobys to drive but none look like a 22B.
What he said. "You want it so badly for its looks, image and blistering performance but at the same time you know it's not as polished or complete a driving machine as the 'lesser' STi Version V. What is certain, though, is that the Type UK is the best incarnation of the 22B, and one of the most desirable cars you can buy. Shame, then, that all 16 of the UK cars have already found owners."
Richard Meaden
Edited by Smifffy on Tuesday 8th July 16:45
Is that normal?!
One of the members on scoobynet has two although they are both imports.
http://bbs.scoobynet.com/members-gallery-5/700019-...
http://bbs.scoobynet.com/members-gallery-5/700019-...
theboymoon said:
Smifffy said:
markCSC said:
Looks and rarity. There are better Scoobys to drive but none look like a 22B.
What he said. "You want it so badly for its looks, image and blistering performance but at the same time you know it's not as polished or complete a driving machine as the 'lesser' STi Version V. What is certain, though, is that the Type UK is the best incarnation of the 22B, and one of the most desirable cars you can buy. Shame, then, that all 16 of the UK cars have already found owners."
Richard Meaden
Edited by Smifffy on Tuesday 8th July 16:45
Is that normal?!
The bulk of the cost has come because when I destroyed the engine I insisted that the replacement engine and block were the original Ej22 spec items. (Not the North American open deck version, but the Jap spec closed deck block). There is only 1 of these left in the world that I know about, the other being at Roger Clark where I purchased it from. The internals have been specced to support around 600bhp.
I have also spent quite a bit upgrading the brakes, fuelling, ignition etc to support a mild increase in power but nothing like the full beans that the internals will now handle.
Running a 22b is no more costly than any other scoob, unless you muller the block or body panels. If you can keep those intact it's just an STi v4 under the skin (But with a wider track).
I suppose it's just the geek factor (not derogatory just a phrase) of having aluminium body, lower weight, diff control, rarity, the "ultimate" one plus the better looks of it that make it desirable. I've spent a couple of track/airfield days passengering in one (Jap import) and it's impressive in a firm and brutal way rather than a delicate and flowing way... I would say I was impressed slightly more than I actually enjoyed it, if that makes any sense.
Oh we did manage to spin off the track going in an arrow straight line during a rain shower, this was in a 100% standard example too. Might be worth bearing in mind during road usage!
Oh we did manage to spin off the track going in an arrow straight line during a rain shower, this was in a 100% standard example too. Might be worth bearing in mind during road usage!
My opinion is that whatever front differential they put in as standard is not worth tuppence. I've replaced mine with a Quaife unit which transforms the front end bite and makes the whole car more predictable. Prior to that it was stable in a straight line, but going into a corner you didn't know what it was going to do - understeer or oversteer... place your bets 
Smifffy said:
theboymoon said:
Smifffy said:
markCSC said:
Looks and rarity. There are better Scoobys to drive but none look like a 22B.
What he said. "You want it so badly for its looks, image and blistering performance but at the same time you know it's not as polished or complete a driving machine as the 'lesser' STi Version V. What is certain, though, is that the Type UK is the best incarnation of the 22B, and one of the most desirable cars you can buy. Shame, then, that all 16 of the UK cars have already found owners."
Richard Meaden
Edited by Smifffy on Tuesday 8th July 16:45
Is that normal?!
The bulk of the cost has come because when I destroyed the engine I insisted that the replacement engine and block were the original Ej22 spec items. (Not the North American open deck version, but the Jap spec closed deck block). There is only 1 of these left in the world that I know about, the other being at Roger Clark where I purchased it from. The internals have been specced to support around 600bhp.
I have also spent quite a bit upgrading the brakes, fuelling, ignition etc to support a mild increase in power but nothing like the full beans that the internals will now handle.
Running a 22b is no more costly than any other scoob, unless you muller the block or body panels. If you can keep those intact it's just an STi v4 under the skin (But with a wider track).
Pentoman said:
Isn't the 2.2 litre unique? And the roller bearing turbo thing?
The 22b 2.2 is unique in the Impreza line (AFAIK), it's the EJ22 engine. My knowledge here is limited but I understand there are 2 variants of the EJ22 engine, the EJ22 (Jap spec closed deck block) and the EJ22T (North American open deck block). The 22b used the former and as I said above it's now as rare as rocking horse poo. It can be distinguished through either the engine number or the cross hatching on the casing. Lots of the time attack spec scoobies use the EJ22 block for its strength. Like mine, many also use a longer stroke crankshaft (79mm) that gives 2.33 litre capacity. Again, I'm not an expert but I believe this is the case.The turbo on the 22b is the VF23 (standard fit on the STi of the time). In its stock form I don't believe the 22b was putting out any more horses than the standard STi apart from perhaps more torque due to the extra displacement. I've replaced my turbo with a VF34 which runs out of puff at about 350bhp, but of course changing the turbo is just one of a number of changes required for the engine to run the extra power safely.
http://www.22b.com/ has more info, and I'd welcome input from any 22b experts. Just 'cos I've got one doesn't make me an expert!
Such fantastic looking machines, even if (as has been alluded to) the performance isn't greatly removed from that of their 'lesser' STi brethern. I considered buying one three years back, when there were two for sale locally (Auckland) at around the $40,000 NZD mark (what's that in pounds, around $15,000?). Ended up buying a very tidy Ver IV STi Type RA for $20,000 NZD. Looking at it now I could have bought the 22B, run it for 3 years, sold it and made enough profit to buy the Type RA at its current valuation (around $14,000). Here are two that are currently for sale in NZ. Pine. 
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Suba...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Suba...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Suba...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Suba...
Murdock said:
Smifffy said:
I can imagine that a 22b in NZ would be fantastic - lots of fun to be had.
Yea, roads are pretty deserted (and I mean DESERTED) when you venture outside the main centres, particularly in the South Island. The scenery's a bit of a bonus.
I've run two of the 16 UK 22Bs. Great cars but the P1 was quicker down the twisty, bumpy stuff (and in the wet the 22b could be a REAL handful)
Agreed - I had a P1 before the 22b and it was a more compliant car that gave you more confidence to push harder as in standard form the P1 is set up to understeer initially whereas the 22b is pretty snappy. If you leave the DCCD in its natural position the 22b behaves very much like a RWD car.
Replacing the front diff helps enormously - It's much more predictable now but still far more of a handful than the P1 ever was (But that's part of the appeal too!).
Replacing the front diff helps enormously - It's much more predictable now but still far more of a handful than the P1 ever was (But that's part of the appeal too!).
Smifffy said:
Agreed - I had a P1 before the 22b and it was a more compliant car that gave you more confidence to push harder as in standard form the P1 is set up to understeer initially whereas the 22b is pretty snappy. If you leave the DCCD in its natural position the 22b behaves very much like a RWD car.
Replacing the front diff helps enormously - It's much more predictable now but still far more of a handful than the P1 ever was (But that's part of the appeal too!).
Too true, the first day I had the UK B I drove it in the wet, I chucked it into a corner expecting a four wheel drive "understeery" drift, shock horror when it oversteered more like a Sierra Cosworth ! There is an alternative mind, you need to try the active front AND centre diff model . . . . . Replacing the front diff helps enormously - It's much more predictable now but still far more of a handful than the P1 ever was (But that's part of the appeal too!).
Not as practical granted, but quite stupendous on the roads (not that I've ever driven it on the road officer 'cos that would be illegal wouldn't it?) 
Clicky on twice for full size version
Edited by Slippydiff on Thursday 7th August 16:51
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