My 2004 JDM Impreza STI
Discussion
Starting off a thread on the new toy...
Introduction
It's a 2004 JDM Impreza WRX STI.
The JDM model brings ~280 PS, shorter gearing, faster steering, wide track / DCCD, HIDs and the twin scroll version of the higher revving 2.0 lump.
It's the infamous WR Blue Mica with the gold wheels. Yes its "distinctive" but the colour scheme works very well and looks very sharp when cleaned up.
It's a standard car (which was really what I wanted) and in excellent condition, aside from an HKS HiPower cat back and a new K&N panel filter.
A few photos from the day of arrival...
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First Jobs
While waiting on the UK registration to come through I had the time to start into a few jobs on the car.
The exterior was thoroughly detailed, machine polished, sealed and waxed.
Wheels were removed for a thorough clean and wax and the disc hubs were painted.
The lower u-frame was cleaned and painted with POR-15, as were the inner arch lips. That should keep any rust at bay.
The rear number plate bracket was removed and painted. Fastenings were replaced with stainless steel versions.
The interior was given a thorough once over too. Carpets and all upholstery was shampooed and hoovered. Interior plastics were cleaned and disinfected. Extra thick velour floor and boot mats were fitted along with a new pollen filter.
I'm not one for ICE or after-market radios, so a genuine Subaru radio was sourced, replacing the JDM radio (different frequency range).
The arch liners were removed, along with the side skirts and relevant underside trim. The underside of the car was thoroughly washed and scrubbed three times (bare in mind it was exceptionally clean before hand). The car was left to dry for a week, then out came the axle stands, ready to raise the car, wheels off, for under-sealing. The entire underside, box sections, under bonnet etc were treated. The car was left in the garage to dry for around a week.
The rear muffler was in need of a polish up, so that was done...
Time for a drive
The registration finally came through. Neil @ Rockvale Graphics got me organised with registration plates, more of an issue to the rear JDM number plate size.
The tank was filled with a fresh batch of super then a few favourite back roads were hit.
Initial impressions highlighted the awesome, supportive seats, the very short gearing, and very fast steering. The brakes are solid and sharp as is the throttle response.
The car was up to temperature, the brutal power delivery had me laughing... it really does hit hard and squirt down the road. Shift light lit, next gear, shift light lit, next gear... It just keeps pulling...
Pointing it down the twisties highlighted a very stable car, a nice pointy front end, highlighted by the fast steering. Punching down the road, standing on the brakes and squirting down the road really made realise it's what the car is made for.
The HKS exhaust adds a nice note to the car without being overly loud or droning.
The car interestingly is still quite refined to drive. It's not quite the Tesco value explosion on wheels some people may have you believe.
Getting used to the car, it's brimming with character. Cold start up in the mornings moving down the motorway has the car thrumming and whistling as the turbo starts up spool, lifting off has chatters and hisses filling the cabin.
Time for a service
The car was supposedly already serviced... But being me, I wanted to ensure it was all done and done right.
So a basic service consisted of, oil, oil filter, spark plugs, K&N panel filter, fuel filter, coolant, diif and gearbox oils, a new water pump, a new RCM 10mm oil pump, HKS timing belt, Gates aux belts, new pulleys, modine hoses, belt bracket, hose clips and timing cover bolts. I took the car down to Johnny at AI Autosport to do the work, along with a thorough inspection and compression test. I was glad to say the car received an extremely positive review and compression tests were all perfect.
Longer term review
I've been driving the car for a few weeks now and found it a very capable daily driver. The refinement mentioned above helps loads.
The car's quick response, minimal lag and torque is very useful in all driving aspects.
The chassis has a firmness to it, more noticeable on low speed bumps. However it's perfectly comfortable when cruising.
The brakes are brilliant, but quite dusty. Though that could well be down to me taking the car out for blasts every now and then...
The short shift gearbox is great. If quite notchy.
Additional jobs
Mud flaps have also been fitted. These are the shorter mini flaps, I'm not a big fan of the large mats that scrape the ground.
The power steering pipe had a little whine when cold. This was solved with a simple o-ring replacement.
A Subaru manual, wallet, keyfob etc was sourced.
The carpet mat hook was replaced (a common issue).
All three wiper arms were removed and repainted.
Both front grills were replaced with ZunSport items. Good quality items, but the lower grille wasn't a great fit, so I had to fit extra securing brackets to have it sitting right. Peace of mind, especially when the a/c condenser has no protection from debris... I did of course have to get another upper grille to do a good job (without destroying the original), along with a new STI badge.
Thanks
An initial big thanks to Martin @ Eastwood Subaru. He couldn't be more helpful with advise and sourcing parts, even with the car being imported.
Johnny @ AI Autosport. Very knowledgeable, honest, reliable mechanics are hard to find. He couldn't be of any more help prior to buying the car and completing the service / inspection.
Next jobs
The car doesn't really need anything...
However I will keep minting the car, painting a few more brackets, there is a scratch on one of the centre dash panels (look at replacing). Braided brake hoses.
I'm undecided about tuning the car, as it's a great fun thing to drive out of the box.
Fit a new front under-tray.
Time for more photos and less chatter
...
The big clean under way...
Introduction
It's a 2004 JDM Impreza WRX STI.
The JDM model brings ~280 PS, shorter gearing, faster steering, wide track / DCCD, HIDs and the twin scroll version of the higher revving 2.0 lump.
It's the infamous WR Blue Mica with the gold wheels. Yes its "distinctive" but the colour scheme works very well and looks very sharp when cleaned up.
It's a standard car (which was really what I wanted) and in excellent condition, aside from an HKS HiPower cat back and a new K&N panel filter.
A few photos from the day of arrival...
First Jobs
While waiting on the UK registration to come through I had the time to start into a few jobs on the car.
The exterior was thoroughly detailed, machine polished, sealed and waxed.
Wheels were removed for a thorough clean and wax and the disc hubs were painted.
The lower u-frame was cleaned and painted with POR-15, as were the inner arch lips. That should keep any rust at bay.
The rear number plate bracket was removed and painted. Fastenings were replaced with stainless steel versions.
The interior was given a thorough once over too. Carpets and all upholstery was shampooed and hoovered. Interior plastics were cleaned and disinfected. Extra thick velour floor and boot mats were fitted along with a new pollen filter.
I'm not one for ICE or after-market radios, so a genuine Subaru radio was sourced, replacing the JDM radio (different frequency range).
The arch liners were removed, along with the side skirts and relevant underside trim. The underside of the car was thoroughly washed and scrubbed three times (bare in mind it was exceptionally clean before hand). The car was left to dry for a week, then out came the axle stands, ready to raise the car, wheels off, for under-sealing. The entire underside, box sections, under bonnet etc were treated. The car was left in the garage to dry for around a week.
The rear muffler was in need of a polish up, so that was done...
Time for a drive
The registration finally came through. Neil @ Rockvale Graphics got me organised with registration plates, more of an issue to the rear JDM number plate size.
The tank was filled with a fresh batch of super then a few favourite back roads were hit.
Initial impressions highlighted the awesome, supportive seats, the very short gearing, and very fast steering. The brakes are solid and sharp as is the throttle response.
The car was up to temperature, the brutal power delivery had me laughing... it really does hit hard and squirt down the road. Shift light lit, next gear, shift light lit, next gear... It just keeps pulling...
Pointing it down the twisties highlighted a very stable car, a nice pointy front end, highlighted by the fast steering. Punching down the road, standing on the brakes and squirting down the road really made realise it's what the car is made for.
The HKS exhaust adds a nice note to the car without being overly loud or droning.
The car interestingly is still quite refined to drive. It's not quite the Tesco value explosion on wheels some people may have you believe.
Getting used to the car, it's brimming with character. Cold start up in the mornings moving down the motorway has the car thrumming and whistling as the turbo starts up spool, lifting off has chatters and hisses filling the cabin.
Time for a service
The car was supposedly already serviced... But being me, I wanted to ensure it was all done and done right.
So a basic service consisted of, oil, oil filter, spark plugs, K&N panel filter, fuel filter, coolant, diif and gearbox oils, a new water pump, a new RCM 10mm oil pump, HKS timing belt, Gates aux belts, new pulleys, modine hoses, belt bracket, hose clips and timing cover bolts. I took the car down to Johnny at AI Autosport to do the work, along with a thorough inspection and compression test. I was glad to say the car received an extremely positive review and compression tests were all perfect.
Longer term review
I've been driving the car for a few weeks now and found it a very capable daily driver. The refinement mentioned above helps loads.
The car's quick response, minimal lag and torque is very useful in all driving aspects.
The chassis has a firmness to it, more noticeable on low speed bumps. However it's perfectly comfortable when cruising.
The brakes are brilliant, but quite dusty. Though that could well be down to me taking the car out for blasts every now and then...
The short shift gearbox is great. If quite notchy.
Additional jobs
Mud flaps have also been fitted. These are the shorter mini flaps, I'm not a big fan of the large mats that scrape the ground.
The power steering pipe had a little whine when cold. This was solved with a simple o-ring replacement.
A Subaru manual, wallet, keyfob etc was sourced.
The carpet mat hook was replaced (a common issue).
All three wiper arms were removed and repainted.
Both front grills were replaced with ZunSport items. Good quality items, but the lower grille wasn't a great fit, so I had to fit extra securing brackets to have it sitting right. Peace of mind, especially when the a/c condenser has no protection from debris... I did of course have to get another upper grille to do a good job (without destroying the original), along with a new STI badge.
Thanks
An initial big thanks to Martin @ Eastwood Subaru. He couldn't be more helpful with advise and sourcing parts, even with the car being imported.
Johnny @ AI Autosport. Very knowledgeable, honest, reliable mechanics are hard to find. He couldn't be of any more help prior to buying the car and completing the service / inspection.
Next jobs
The car doesn't really need anything...
However I will keep minting the car, painting a few more brackets, there is a scratch on one of the centre dash panels (look at replacing). Braided brake hoses.
I'm undecided about tuning the car, as it's a great fun thing to drive out of the box.
Fit a new front under-tray.
Time for more photos and less chatter
...The big clean under way...
The standard rear section
A pretty cool additional resonator on the muffler. That would explain why it's quite subtle, noise wise.
Fluids have arrived... Engine oil, diff oil, gear box oil etc.
A few trim clips, oil filter, fuel filter, K&N panel filter, pollen filter, spark plugs and a new sump plug.
A new battery waiting to be installed.
Air box out for cleaning and installation of the K&N panel filter.
Air scoop and airbox out for clenaing.
Battery stay and rods out for painting.
New floor and boot mats.
Both aux belts and a few other trim clips in different sizes.
Mud flps (small ones)
Airbox back in place, along with bonnet struts.
New battery installed with the painted stay and rod.
A UK radio being installed...
The old pollen filter.
Glove box removed for access to the pollen filter.
The fun stuff starts now, disc hubs/stone guards being painted and side skirts removed...
Front u frame painted up with POR-15
A pretty cool additional resonator on the muffler. That would explain why it's quite subtle, noise wise.
Fluids have arrived... Engine oil, diff oil, gear box oil etc.
A few trim clips, oil filter, fuel filter, K&N panel filter, pollen filter, spark plugs and a new sump plug.
A new battery waiting to be installed.
Air box out for cleaning and installation of the K&N panel filter.
Air scoop and airbox out for clenaing.
Battery stay and rods out for painting.
New floor and boot mats.
Both aux belts and a few other trim clips in different sizes.
Mud flps (small ones)
Airbox back in place, along with bonnet struts.
New battery installed with the painted stay and rod.
A UK radio being installed...
The old pollen filter.
Glove box removed for access to the pollen filter.
The fun stuff starts now, disc hubs/stone guards being painted and side skirts removed...
Front u frame painted up with POR-15
HKS Timing Belt arrived.
As did the tensioner and pulleys.
As did new front Subaru and STI badges.
As did modine hoses, and new timing case bolts.
While the skirts were removed, the sill's were treated with POR-15.
A new upgraded fuel pump arrived (if required).
A new Subaru water pump arrived, with new gaskets and bolts.
Dynax underseal arrived, models UC and S50 are going to be used.
An RCM belt guide arrived and an upgraded 10MM RCM Oil Pump.
A new hazard swtich (keeping with the JDM theme), thermostat and exhaust spring bolts.
The car up on ramps for another underside cleaning session.
ACF-50 arrived, I'm going to try this out on some of the exposed / bare metal under the bonnet.
Wiper arms removed...
Primered.
And fitted, along with Bosch Aero blades.
As did the tensioner and pulleys.
As did new front Subaru and STI badges.
As did modine hoses, and new timing case bolts.
While the skirts were removed, the sill's were treated with POR-15.
A new upgraded fuel pump arrived (if required).
A new Subaru water pump arrived, with new gaskets and bolts.
Dynax underseal arrived, models UC and S50 are going to be used.
An RCM belt guide arrived and an upgraded 10MM RCM Oil Pump.
A new hazard swtich (keeping with the JDM theme), thermostat and exhaust spring bolts.
The car up on ramps for another underside cleaning session.
ACF-50 arrived, I'm going to try this out on some of the exposed / bare metal under the bonnet.
Wiper arms removed...
Primered.
And fitted, along with Bosch Aero blades.
I love this photo...
I was starting into undersealing the car.
The products I was using...
The manuals, wallet etc from Eastwood Subaru.
Rear spoiler removed, this was to reseal the spoiler, check for rust and prevent any rattles from starting.
And fitted again.
Testing diagnostics on the car, no faults visible.
A poor photo, but the rear flaps have been fitted.
Zunsport upper and lower grilles fitted.
I polished up the rear muffler.
I was starting into undersealing the car.
The products I was using...
The manuals, wallet etc from Eastwood Subaru.
Rear spoiler removed, this was to reseal the spoiler, check for rust and prevent any rattles from starting.
And fitted again.
Testing diagnostics on the car, no faults visible
.A poor photo, but the rear flaps have been fitted.
Zunsport upper and lower grilles fitted.
I polished up the rear muffler.
A cheeky half day off work allowed me to get the car down to Neil Kirkpatrick to check the alignment.
I'm glad to say the car needed no adjustment at all!
A few photos of the car up on ramps etc.
That's where things wen't a little down hill. Neil spotted the tyres were mounted inside out, so naturally they were swapped round. When one of the tyres were removed we noticed the bead was broken on one of the tyres and the missing part was left inside the tyre. Nice to think someone couldn't care less and just mounted the tyre anyway.
They are all brand new budget tyres, just fitted before I collected the car. Luckily a replacement was in stock, so that was fitted to get me back on the road.
Roll on a set of Michelins.
The damaged bead.
I've been advised to try this. So I'll mix it with coke and see how things to
.
I'm glad to say the car needed no adjustment at all!
A few photos of the car up on ramps etc.
That's where things wen't a little down hill. Neil spotted the tyres were mounted inside out, so naturally they were swapped round. When one of the tyres were removed we noticed the bead was broken on one of the tyres and the missing part was left inside the tyre. Nice to think someone couldn't care less and just mounted the tyre anyway.
They are all brand new budget tyres, just fitted before I collected the car. Luckily a replacement was in stock, so that was fitted to get me back on the road.
Roll on a set of Michelins
.The damaged bead.
I've been advised to try this. So I'll mix it with coke and see how things to
.Good write-up, and a good looking car. I also have a JDM blob, although I bought mine new as a Type-25 from Litchfield's. As for tyres, I have been very happy with the Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas. These don't have the tendency to tramline like the original tyres did, I can't understand why anyone would put budget tyres on a car like this.
Also, I would recommend having your map checked for UK fuel rather than running with an octane booster as it could offer a performance/economy advantage and ultimately prove cheaper.
Finally, how easy was it to remove the rear number plate holder? I want to dump mine altogether.
Also, I would recommend having your map checked for UK fuel rather than running with an octane booster as it could offer a performance/economy advantage and ultimately prove cheaper.
Finally, how easy was it to remove the rear number plate holder? I want to dump mine altogether.
XRS said:
Good write-up, and a good looking car. I also have a JDM blob, although I bought mine new as a Type-25 from Litchfield's. As for tyres, I have been very happy with the Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas. These don't have the tendency to tramline like the original tyres did, I can't understand why anyone would put budget tyres on a car like this.
Also, I would recommend having your map checked for UK fuel rather than running with an octane booster as it could offer a performance/economy advantage and ultimately prove cheaper.
Finally, how easy was it to remove the rear number plate holder? I want to dump mine altogether.
Cheers.Also, I would recommend having your map checked for UK fuel rather than running with an octane booster as it could offer a performance/economy advantage and ultimately prove cheaper.
Finally, how easy was it to remove the rear number plate holder? I want to dump mine altogether.
I agree on the tyre front. Roll on some quality items.
It will be mapped in due course. The Octane Booster will at least keep things safe in the mean time.
I haven't removed the rear number plate holder
. It's in a few pieces from memory. The main part is possibly spot welded to the rear chassis. I can have a look later tonight if need be?Neil_M said:
Cheers.
I agree on the tyre front. Roll on some quality items.
It will be mapped in due course. The Octane Booster will at least keep things safe in the mean time.
I haven't removed the rear number plate holder. It's in a few pieces from memory. The main part is possibly spot welded to the rear chassis. I can have a look later tonight if need be?
Don't worry thanks, I'm in no rush.I agree on the tyre front. Roll on some quality items.
It will be mapped in due course. The Octane Booster will at least keep things safe in the mean time.
I haven't removed the rear number plate holder
. It's in a few pieces from memory. The main part is possibly spot welded to the rear chassis. I can have a look later tonight if need be?Enjoy!
Neil_M said:
Ta very much! She's currently the daily commuter and a very good one at that!
I knows it easy spending another mans money, however, I would be looking to get some Michelins or similar premium rubber on before the poor weather comes along. Pilot Sport 4's are circa £ 95- 100 each fitted in 235 45 17 and are very good, my Son swapped the factory Dunlops on his 2015 STi which it 'ate' very quickly for them are they're superb, it's certainly more planted on fast corners than the dunlop ever were. Edited by Freds on Wednesday 31st August 16:55
Freds said:
I knows it easy spending another mans money, however, I would be looking to get some Michelins or similar premium rubber on before the poor weather comes along. Pilot Sport 4's are circa £ 95- 100 each fitted in 235 45 17 and are very good, my Son swapped the factory Dunlops on his 2015 STi which it 'ate' very quickly for them are they're superb, it's certainly more planted on fast corners than the dunlop ever were.
Not at all. Sure I said I'll be replacing them with Michelins anyway. So we are on the same wave length Edited by Freds on Wednesday 31st August 16:55
I met up with a fellow member of ReallyMeanSounds.com. He has an immaculate TME Evo, what a hero car!
A few quick snaps!
The rear tow hook has a little surface corrosion. That's hardly acceptable
, so off it came.
Cleaned up.
Paint drying.
Just before fitting.
It's on. The satin black colour pretty much makes it disappear under the car.
A few quick snaps!
The rear tow hook has a little surface corrosion. That's hardly acceptable
, so off it came.Cleaned up.
Paint drying.
Just before fitting.
It's on. The satin black colour pretty much makes it disappear under the car.
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