Prodrive Quickshift & suspension upgrades
Discussion
Still casting my eyes over the classifieds whilst waiting for my 182 to sell, and noticed this one:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4039631.htm
It mentions having the original PPP from factory, but also PD quickshift & suspension. I've asked the seller if he has any paperwork for these, as, as far as I was aware, the original PPP covered remap, intercooler pipe and exhaust.
Failing that, is there an easy way to tell? I read the PD suspension was bilstein & eibach, any clues like blue springs? The quickshift I suppose would be noticed on a test drive, it does have a PD gearknob, but that wouldn't mean a lot.
Advert is a bit sparse on info, and photo's not great, but sparked my interest anyway. Not overly keen on the gold wheels with red mudflaps, but not the end of the world!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4039631.htm
It mentions having the original PPP from factory, but also PD quickshift & suspension. I've asked the seller if he has any paperwork for these, as, as far as I was aware, the original PPP covered remap, intercooler pipe and exhaust.
Failing that, is there an easy way to tell? I read the PD suspension was bilstein & eibach, any clues like blue springs? The quickshift I suppose would be noticed on a test drive, it does have a PD gearknob, but that wouldn't mean a lot.
Advert is a bit sparse on info, and photo's not great, but sparked my interest anyway. Not overly keen on the gold wheels with red mudflaps, but not the end of the world!!
Main thing is he's got the PPP cert and the car/advert looks genuine enough. The ECU may have some markings or a sticker on it to say it's been PPP'd. The main cat will say Prodrive, muffler will say Prodrive.
The shocks will have Bilstein stamped on, the springs should show have Eibach stamped on them. Looks for the names.
The shocks will have Bilstein stamped on, the springs should show have Eibach stamped on them. Looks for the names.
Yeah, I'm not doubting the seller as such, I just know that the Prodrive add ons can be confusing so wanted to be sure.
I've since read that they did used to sell a 'handling' pack which included the quickshift and bilstein/eibach suspension.
That particular car is a little awkward anyway, as it has no tax, and I wouldn't buy one without being able to fully test drive it.
I've since read that they did used to sell a 'handling' pack which included the quickshift and bilstein/eibach suspension.
That particular car is a little awkward anyway, as it has no tax, and I wouldn't buy one without being able to fully test drive it.
Around that era, Subaru were offering the PPP kit for free and the backbox is certainly the correct one for that. As mentioned above, there should be a certificate to prove the PPP was fitted. Also, there should be a blue silicone hose under the intercooler that will have "Prodrive" stamped on it which will give another visual hint.
I'm less convinced about the suspension. The wagon has a narrower track than the saloon and IIRC, the Prodrive suspension kit was only for the saloon and according to the brochure photos of the time had red struts like the STI, I believe. On the dealer approved list of goodies, you could (can) also get Prodrive springs. These are blue and lower the car about 20mm but from the looks of the photos, I'd say that it does not have the Prodrive springs fitted (ride height is too high). I can't remember off the top of my head whether the full Prodrive suspension lowered the car at all, but I think it probably did.
Re the quickshift, this was also a dealer approved accessory and will be immediately obvious if you compare it with another non-quickshift fitted car. However, the dealer fit option was over £250 so I'm not sure they sold in great numbers. The gear knob in the car in question is certainly a dealer approved option and my suspicion is that it's probably just the knob that's been changed.
A lot of Subarus are sold without much knowledge so there's quite a bit of embellishment that goes on (not all of it deliberate mind you).
I'm less convinced about the suspension. The wagon has a narrower track than the saloon and IIRC, the Prodrive suspension kit was only for the saloon and according to the brochure photos of the time had red struts like the STI, I believe. On the dealer approved list of goodies, you could (can) also get Prodrive springs. These are blue and lower the car about 20mm but from the looks of the photos, I'd say that it does not have the Prodrive springs fitted (ride height is too high). I can't remember off the top of my head whether the full Prodrive suspension lowered the car at all, but I think it probably did.
Re the quickshift, this was also a dealer approved accessory and will be immediately obvious if you compare it with another non-quickshift fitted car. However, the dealer fit option was over £250 so I'm not sure they sold in great numbers. The gear knob in the car in question is certainly a dealer approved option and my suspicion is that it's probably just the knob that's been changed.
A lot of Subarus are sold without much knowledge so there's quite a bit of embellishment that goes on (not all of it deliberate mind you).
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