Discussion
Thinking about getting some work done? He's got a nice low-mileage 20g on the shelf...
If we ever get that dyno day organised you're welcome to a run in my car. Brian's done an awesome job on it.
The 6-speed has certainly changed the character. The final drive feels a lot lower than it needs to be (hence the need for bigger tyres), the ratios are very close which, to be honest, the car doesn't really need. It pulls so hard you're never in a gear for very long. Rev limit dropped from 8200 on the 2.0 p1 Sti motor to 6750 on the 2.5 which doesn't help (but power has tailed off by there anyway). I'm just getting used to using a gear or two higher than I usually would. It pulls clean and hard from 3k to 6k in every gear - in 5th that's like 50-130 and it really doesn't take long to do that!
So far, I think I still prefer the ratios of the 5-spd but, being realistic, it wouldn't have cooed with the torque of the rcm450 for long. Got a couple of problems with the actual box but the supplier is swapping it out for me ASAP and FOC of course. I'm also going to get a quick shifter, the Sti linkage is a bit sloppy. I could have gone the helical PPG 5-speed route but it's expensive and still no guarantees of strength - they've been dropping the torque ratings recently...
Cheers
I quite like the functional look of the arch spats too, but not sure it's the option to go for. It's a fair bit of cash without the result you really want.
To me it's either Option 1 or 4.
Option 1 as it's the cheapest and simplest and keeps the car looking as it does, which is good. But the tyres then follow this as an out-turn, you need slightly wider tyres as you have the 18s on, but are they still "too narrow" for the capability of the car now?
Option 4 is the Whole Hog and does seem to be the sort of thing you'll always want to do or wonder about if you don't do it. Whether it's good "value" is another thing, but personally I don't think that sort of element can come into a decision like this. It's about function and purpose. £4k is a lot of cash no matter how you look at it though. It's the right call if you're forever going to wonder "what if?" and the extra width of the wide arch kit over the other options means you're into proper wide rubber at 265's. These should offer massive grip compared to the 215/225s, even with the power your engine's punting out now. Coupled with the big brakes, it does sound like the right option as the "balance" of the car's components will be redressed. Big Power, Big Brakes, Big Tyres. I can't help wondering if you'll still end up at Option 4 if you do any of the others at some point sooner or later.
Maybe I'm just speaking st...
Andy
To me it's either Option 1 or 4.
Option 1 as it's the cheapest and simplest and keeps the car looking as it does, which is good. But the tyres then follow this as an out-turn, you need slightly wider tyres as you have the 18s on, but are they still "too narrow" for the capability of the car now?
Option 4 is the Whole Hog and does seem to be the sort of thing you'll always want to do or wonder about if you don't do it. Whether it's good "value" is another thing, but personally I don't think that sort of element can come into a decision like this. It's about function and purpose. £4k is a lot of cash no matter how you look at it though. It's the right call if you're forever going to wonder "what if?" and the extra width of the wide arch kit over the other options means you're into proper wide rubber at 265's. These should offer massive grip compared to the 215/225s, even with the power your engine's punting out now. Coupled with the big brakes, it does sound like the right option as the "balance" of the car's components will be redressed. Big Power, Big Brakes, Big Tyres. I can't help wondering if you'll still end up at Option 4 if you do any of the others at some point sooner or later.
Maybe I'm just speaking st...
Andy
Edited by andyp79 on Sunday 2nd March 19:49
Edited by andyp79 on Sunday 2nd March 19:50
Some good points there and in think you may be right. I might just end up doing it anyway. I'd actually decided to order a wrc (as opposed to 22b) wide arch kit back in December but I chickened out
There are plenty of Imprezas around with much power than me and still running 225 tyres. Massive choice in 225x40, including the new AD08R
There are plenty of Imprezas around with much power than me and still running 225 tyres. Massive choice in 225x40, including the new AD08R
I can't honestly imagine needing more power (h6 anyone?) but if I did I'm pretty sure I'd want the wider section tyres for sure.
The b7 RS4 had 265x35R18 tyres as oem fitment with similar bhp I guess but a lot less torque and a lot more weight. I can't help but feel 225 is not much rubber for 450-500lbft!
The b7 RS4 had 265x35R18 tyres as oem fitment with similar bhp I guess but a lot less torque and a lot more weight. I can't help but feel 225 is not much rubber for 450-500lbft!
andyp79 said:
Are the tyres an issue if you do Option 1? If not then maybe there's no need for Option 4 and the cost that comes with it.
Obviously wider tyres should be better in terms of laying the power down and outright grip, but they could ruin the agility too no?
Maybe speaking st still.
Andy
As I said, there are plenty of big power Imprezas still on 225 rubber. It's not a heavy car so, at current power levels, I'm sure they would suffice.Obviously wider tyres should be better in terms of laying the power down and outright grip, but they could ruin the agility too no?
Maybe speaking st still.
Andy
Podie said:
Trim the arches - easy option and 225/40s offer a nice range of rubber. Keeps the P1 look too.
PS, you have FB mail
So do you!PS, you have FB mail
I think I agree with Andy, it has to be either option 1 or 4.
Here's a thing. I don't want a 22b replica. If I was going to do the wide arch kit I'd get wrc instead of 22b (same width but larger wheel cutouts on wrc). I'd be pretty much respraying the whole car so I might even do a colour change.
Just read this from the start - impressive stuff!
I see what you mean about not wanting a 22b replica and agree that if you were to go down that route a colour change would work IMO. That way, it is no longer a P1 but not a 22b either. Keep the Prodrive vibe to it though.
Hell, you could even go for a carbon roof at the same time. Roll cage maybe. I know you said you've got young kids to get in the back but you can get cages to be quite subtle when they're custom and welded in.
Paul.
I see what you mean about not wanting a 22b replica and agree that if you were to go down that route a colour change would work IMO. That way, it is no longer a P1 but not a 22b either. Keep the Prodrive vibe to it though.
Hell, you could even go for a carbon roof at the same time. Roll cage maybe. I know you said you've got young kids to get in the back but you can get cages to be quite subtle when they're custom and welded in.
Paul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb9lCBGSkSg
Spats blended into the body to create custom wide arches would look great on a P1 without all the other OTT extras as on this one. But you get the idea.
Spats blended into the body to create custom wide arches would look great on a P1 without all the other OTT extras as on this one. But you get the idea.
rb5er said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb9lCBGSkSg
Spats blended into the body to create custom wide arches would look great on a P1 without all the other OTT extras as on this one. But you get the idea.
Hmmm, not sure about those to be honest, I think I prefer them unblended!Spats blended into the body to create custom wide arches would look great on a P1 without all the other OTT extras as on this one. But you get the idea.
yeah 18s in silver that ideally need a refurb as the monkeys that fitted the tyres on them scratched them rather badly, otherwise straight wheels
Though you have me thinking now, lol.
I have a set of 18s in the same style, not sure on ET but guess its the 52s as I'm pretty sure I have spacers on my P1 at the moment.
I have a set of AP 6 pots going on soon but I only went for the 330mm discs so I could fit them under 17s which would give me more choice of rubber but will involve buying new wheels.
I had the Prodrive/ Alcon 4 pots and 330mm discs on my old V2 STI and even with serious track abuse they were more than adequate so quite surprised you changed from them. I only went for the APs on mine as it had the brembos off a new age on it when I bought it and they just dont cope with track work, even with braided lines and DS2500 pads.
Though you have me thinking now, lol.
I have a set of 18s in the same style, not sure on ET but guess its the 52s as I'm pretty sure I have spacers on my P1 at the moment.
I have a set of AP 6 pots going on soon but I only went for the 330mm discs so I could fit them under 17s which would give me more choice of rubber but will involve buying new wheels.
I had the Prodrive/ Alcon 4 pots and 330mm discs on my old V2 STI and even with serious track abuse they were more than adequate so quite surprised you changed from them. I only went for the APs on mine as it had the brembos off a new age on it when I bought it and they just dont cope with track work, even with braided lines and DS2500 pads.
Edited by RB Will on Tuesday 1st April 11:39
Few reasons I plumped on the AP's, to be honest I've found the Alcons pretty good but really want the extra security, this is by a long way the fastest car I've ever owned. Most of my driving is on really twisty, really nadgetty roads, personally I find that the safety net of "better" brakes makes me comfortable when out for a spirited drive.
Secondly, the alcon discs are a nightmare to get hold of and fking expensive. I've seen some pretty low quality pattern discs but I'm not going to compromise on brakes.
Third, these AP's came up at a very good price!
Cheers
Lefty
Secondly, the alcon discs are a nightmare to get hold of and fking expensive. I've seen some pretty low quality pattern discs but I'm not going to compromise on brakes.
Third, these AP's came up at a very good price!
Cheers
Lefty
Edited by Lefty on Friday 4th April 07:13
I'm going away with work for a few weeks, p1 is getting a few things done:
12k Service
Replace gearbox - 2nd attempt at a 6-speeder!
STi quickshift
front AP 355x32 discs / 6-pots
new HID Driving lights
Fix Aircon
Fix Horn
Fit spec-c quick-rack
suspension and steering bushes
adj rear control arms
Fit new cross members
New intercooler top pipe
Geometry setup
It's nearly complete! Maybe.
12k Service
Replace gearbox - 2nd attempt at a 6-speeder!
STi quickshift
front AP 355x32 discs / 6-pots
new HID Driving lights
Fix Aircon
Fix Horn
Fit spec-c quick-rack
suspension and steering bushes
adj rear control arms
Fit new cross members
New intercooler top pipe
Geometry setup
It's nearly complete! Maybe.
Edited by Lefty on Tuesday 17th June 16:13
In other news I can report excellent things about the Billy coilovers. I went for a lovely blast up over the Lecht and home via the cabrach (other ph teuchters will understand). Twisty, bumpy, undulating, very fast highland roads. The coilovers are on a preliminary 4/4 setting and the geo needs set up but the damping is superb. Spring rate is a little firmer than stock but still compliant enough for a daily driver. Very happy
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