I've got one - new Wagon content :)
Discussion
After looking around for a while, I finally found a buyer for my 182 and a few weeks ago bought my first Subaru.
s
tty pics as it was about to rain and I was blocking a private road after driving around trying to find a queit spot yesterday:
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon by Hallsy01, on Flickr
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon by Hallsy01, on Flickr
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon by Hallsy01, on Flickr
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon by Hallsy01, on Flickr
....and I bloody love it!!
Standard car other than RaceDynamix remap, WR Sport rear box, resonated de-cat midpipe, Green panel filter and Walbro. After the 182, it feels like it runs out of puff a bit high in the rev range, but that's probably down to the big rush of torque you get as it comes on boost. Certainly launches well anyway!! Feels like it has endless grip as well, always well planted. Not as crisp on turn in as the 182, but doesn't feel as 'on the edge' either.
Near future plans include -
Straighten the wonky horrible numberplate
De-tango & probably go for the black inners as well
Replace the flaky and too dark (for my taste) wheels - I've got a mint gunmetal set on the way
De-cat uppipe
Colour code the skirts
Give it a bloody good machine polish!!
In the long run I may switch to 18's and a slight drop, but it's nice having something that's fairly comfy but still holds the road well. STi winglets and splitter are on the horizon as well, although not sure if I'll keep the fogs or go for STi fog covers as well (minus the STi badges ).
Thinking along the lines of the slight drop, if anyone can suggest a setup that will lower the car a little, but still retain a non crashy ride? Some of the roads around here are pretty stty, but the standard WRX setup soaks them up well.
So all in all, I'm happy wth it
s
tty pics as it was about to rain and I was blocking a private road after driving around trying to find a queit spot yesterday:Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon by Hallsy01, on Flickr
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon by Hallsy01, on Flickr
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon by Hallsy01, on Flickr
Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon by Hallsy01, on Flickr
....and I bloody love it!!
Standard car other than RaceDynamix remap, WR Sport rear box, resonated de-cat midpipe, Green panel filter and Walbro. After the 182, it feels like it runs out of puff a bit high in the rev range, but that's probably down to the big rush of torque you get as it comes on boost. Certainly launches well anyway!! Feels like it has endless grip as well, always well planted. Not as crisp on turn in as the 182, but doesn't feel as 'on the edge' either.
Near future plans include -
Straighten the wonky horrible numberplate
De-tango & probably go for the black inners as well
Replace the flaky and too dark (for my taste) wheels - I've got a mint gunmetal set on the way
De-cat uppipe
Colour code the skirts
Give it a bloody good machine polish!!
In the long run I may switch to 18's and a slight drop, but it's nice having something that's fairly comfy but still holds the road well. STi winglets and splitter are on the horizon as well, although not sure if I'll keep the fogs or go for STi fog covers as well (minus the STi badges
).Thinking along the lines of the slight drop, if anyone can suggest a setup that will lower the car a little, but still retain a non crashy ride? Some of the roads around here are pretty s
tty, but the standard WRX setup soaks them up well.So all in all, I'm happy wth it
Car looks great! 
I'm a big fan of the wagons
I've had a few, shall we say!
Hope you enjoy it. You probably know this already but when you say it runs out of puff a bit high in the rev range it depends how high you're going .. off memory boost normally tapers off from 5,500rpm > but that may vary with the map.
I too am looking into the ride-height/spring set-up. I've had Prodrive Springs in the past, on my 1st scoob a '53 WRX wagon same as yours and it definately helped. They drop it 25mm at the back and 15mm at the front , and gave a firmer ride .. but that was years ago . Have a look at my post of my scoobs in the "Show off your Subaru" thread here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... .. it shows mine with the springs and another with front fog covers too .
The equivalent springs are being sold under the Pro-R label at dealers ( still made by Eibach I believe ) and as you say with the state of our roads I'm unsure I want to go down this road too .. probably will tho
I'm a big fan of the wagons
I've had a few, shall we say! Hope you enjoy it. You probably know this already but when you say it runs out of puff a bit high in the rev range it depends how high you're going .. off memory boost normally tapers off from 5,500rpm > but that may vary with the map.
I too am looking into the ride-height/spring set-up. I've had Prodrive Springs in the past, on my 1st scoob a '53 WRX wagon same as yours and it definately helped. They drop it 25mm at the back and 15mm at the front , and gave a firmer ride .. but that was years ago . Have a look at my post of my scoobs in the "Show off your Subaru" thread here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... .. it shows mine with the springs and another with front fog covers too .
The equivalent springs are being sold under the Pro-R label at dealers ( still made by Eibach I believe ) and as you say with the state of our roads I'm unsure I want to go down this road too .. probably will tho
Cheers
Running out of puff is probably relative, and mayeb because I've not had a turbo car for a little while. Probably feels worse due to the sudden surge, so as you approach 6k it feels like you are running out of puff (which you are), but it's probably not as bad as it feels. Just polar to the 182 which was just starting to get going at ~5.5k.
Prodrive springs were what I was considering, along with replacement shocks (OE STi ones maybe, if suitable for a wagon?). Didn't know you could still buy them new though? Usually I'd got for something like Eibach (which I realise Prodrive use for their springs), but have heard mixed opinions on the Eibach sppring kits for Imprezas.
Driving in drizzle tonight has reminded me how poor the wipers are, must order some Bosch aero wipers!!
Running out of puff is probably relative, and mayeb because I've not had a turbo car for a little while. Probably feels worse due to the sudden surge, so as you approach 6k it feels like you are running out of puff (which you are), but it's probably not as bad as it feels. Just polar to the 182 which was just starting to get going at ~5.5k.
Prodrive springs were what I was considering, along with replacement shocks (OE STi ones maybe, if suitable for a wagon?). Didn't know you could still buy them new though? Usually I'd got for something like Eibach (which I realise Prodrive use for their springs), but have heard mixed opinions on the Eibach sppring kits for Imprezas.
Driving in drizzle tonight has reminded me how poor the wipers are, must order some Bosch aero wipers!!
Eibach Prokit Springs are fine - I had them on my '54 impreza wagon. Eibach made the Prodrive "Pro-R" springs that Subaru offered through their dealer, but they're not the same spring rate or drop as the Prokit springs!
The Prokits have a specific wagon version wit ha progressive spring rate at the back to help with carrying loads.
I combined them with KYB Excel-G shocks all round and was very happy with ride and looks. Ride is more important to me than looks. KYB Ultra SR's are the inverted shock version (from 2005 on, but possibly not on a 2003 spec car) and are slightly firmer, but I felt they'd be too firm for me, they're an 80% increase in damping rate.
Be very grateful you have a 2003 spec car, 2004/2005 it becomes a real ball ache working out what suspension is compatible as they switched to the inverted design of shock. Camskill spent a very long time telling me the bits I'd ordered wouldn't fit, and I ended up buying a complete set of 2003 suspension too jsut to get the top mounts, bump stops and gaitors so I could put it all together properly.
But this is how my car sat:
I really think that colour coding the skirts will help too - giving the impression of a lower car by dropping the sill line a bit.
The Prokits have a specific wagon version wit ha progressive spring rate at the back to help with carrying loads.
I combined them with KYB Excel-G shocks all round and was very happy with ride and looks. Ride is more important to me than looks. KYB Ultra SR's are the inverted shock version (from 2005 on, but possibly not on a 2003 spec car) and are slightly firmer, but I felt they'd be too firm for me, they're an 80% increase in damping rate.
Be very grateful you have a 2003 spec car, 2004/2005 it becomes a real ball ache working out what suspension is compatible as they switched to the inverted design of shock. Camskill spent a very long time telling me the bits I'd ordered wouldn't fit, and I ended up buying a complete set of 2003 suspension too jsut to get the top mounts, bump stops and gaitors so I could put it all together properly.
But this is how my car sat:
I really think that colour coding the skirts will help too - giving the impression of a lower car by dropping the sill line a bit.
Good choice Andy. You won't regret it. I've had my 03 Wagon for nearly four years (now at 124,000 miles) and it's never let me down (touch wood).
I have to say it's well worth lowering it. I did it to mine and it hasn't affected the ride at all. In fact, it felt a little sharper, had slightly less body roll and a smidgen less understeer after I swapped the springs over. Most people who have been in it are surprised at how good the ride is and how 'uncrashy' it feels. I've also had the mid-pipe de-cat, remap, and currently have a K&N panel filter, and, a 4.5-inch rear silencer. I didn't think it would, but all the mechanical upgrades really made a huge performance difference. I'd also highly recommend Tesco 99 octane. I definitely notice a performance difference with lower grade fuel when I can't fill up at Tesco.
As for the cosmetics? I upgraded my headlight bulbs and fitted the fog light covers - get them from H&T Autos (£64.00 for the pair) and paint them yourself. They're a very decent replica, fit in snugly, and H&T Autos provide and quick, reliable service. I did have trouble getting the front bumper STi winglets, though. It seems most people including H&T don't have the moldings to re-produce. I finally found a pair on Amazon for £75.00 after looking for months. I have to say, the front end looks much better now. Just have the front lower bumper STi splitter to go on.
Also, upgrade to 18-inch wheels. Since the winglets went on mine, it has changed the side profile slightly and the already non standard 17" wheels I put on last year now look too small. I'm looking for the right wheels at the moment.
When I bought mine, I always thought it would stay standard. Trouble is, you see other Impreza's and the modding bug starts to set in. Four years on and mine is still a work-in-progress. I guess that's the appeal of them.
If you need any help or advice on modding or ownership, drop me an email.
I have to say it's well worth lowering it. I did it to mine and it hasn't affected the ride at all. In fact, it felt a little sharper, had slightly less body roll and a smidgen less understeer after I swapped the springs over. Most people who have been in it are surprised at how good the ride is and how 'uncrashy' it feels. I've also had the mid-pipe de-cat, remap, and currently have a K&N panel filter, and, a 4.5-inch rear silencer. I didn't think it would, but all the mechanical upgrades really made a huge performance difference. I'd also highly recommend Tesco 99 octane. I definitely notice a performance difference with lower grade fuel when I can't fill up at Tesco.
As for the cosmetics? I upgraded my headlight bulbs and fitted the fog light covers - get them from H&T Autos (£64.00 for the pair) and paint them yourself. They're a very decent replica, fit in snugly, and H&T Autos provide and quick, reliable service. I did have trouble getting the front bumper STi winglets, though. It seems most people including H&T don't have the moldings to re-produce. I finally found a pair on Amazon for £75.00 after looking for months. I have to say, the front end looks much better now. Just have the front lower bumper STi splitter to go on.
Also, upgrade to 18-inch wheels. Since the winglets went on mine, it has changed the side profile slightly and the already non standard 17" wheels I put on last year now look too small. I'm looking for the right wheels at the moment.
When I bought mine, I always thought it would stay standard. Trouble is, you see other Impreza's and the modding bug starts to set in. Four years on and mine is still a work-in-progress. I guess that's the appeal of them.
If you need any help or advice on modding or ownership, drop me an email.
Ved said:
Let me know what you get on a full tank. If you can hit 300 miles i'll get one. my old STI could get 350 to a tank quite easily
No problems. Mine was a Prodrive Performance Pack one, and got 350ish calculated range to a tank, though I used to fill it at about 280-300.26-28mpg in general use.
WeirdNeville said:
Eibach Prokit Springs are fine - I had them on my '54 impreza wagon. Eibach made the Prodrive "Pro-R" springs that Subaru offered through their dealer, but they're not the same spring rate or drop as the Prokit springs!
The Prokits have a specific wagon version wit ha progressive spring rate at the back to help with carrying loads.
I combined them with KYB Excel-G shocks all round and was very happy with ride and looks. Ride is more important to me than looks. KYB Ultra SR's are the inverted shock version (from 2005 on, but possibly not on a 2003 spec car) and are slightly firmer, but I felt they'd be too firm for me, they're an 80% increase in damping rate.
Be very grateful you have a 2003 spec car, 2004/2005 it becomes a real ball ache working out what suspension is compatible as they switched to the inverted design of shock. Camskill spent a very long time telling me the bits I'd ordered wouldn't fit, and I ended up buying a complete set of 2003 suspension too jsut to get the top mounts, bump stops and gaitors so I could put it all together properly.
But this is how my car sat:
I really think that colour coding the skirts will help too - giving the impression of a lower car by dropping the sill line a bit.
How can you tell whether the car has inverted shocks or not? Is it easy to take a look? Vin number?The Prokits have a specific wagon version wit ha progressive spring rate at the back to help with carrying loads.
I combined them with KYB Excel-G shocks all round and was very happy with ride and looks. Ride is more important to me than looks. KYB Ultra SR's are the inverted shock version (from 2005 on, but possibly not on a 2003 spec car) and are slightly firmer, but I felt they'd be too firm for me, they're an 80% increase in damping rate.
Be very grateful you have a 2003 spec car, 2004/2005 it becomes a real ball ache working out what suspension is compatible as they switched to the inverted design of shock. Camskill spent a very long time telling me the bits I'd ordered wouldn't fit, and I ended up buying a complete set of 2003 suspension too jsut to get the top mounts, bump stops and gaitors so I could put it all together properly.
But this is how my car sat:
I really think that colour coding the skirts will help too - giving the impression of a lower car by dropping the sill line a bit.
If it's a 5 in the 8th position in the VIN then it's an '05 build date car. They started building 05 cars in about Nov 04.
If you jack one corner of the car up, rear easiest, and push the dust boot up, if the shock strut is really fat, only an inch or so thinner than the strut leg, and there's no bump stop up there (it's internal) then it's inverted. If it's a skinnier strut rod, about 1.5" thick, and theres a rubber bump stop fitted to it tucked up inside the dust boot then it's a normal right way up shock.
You can also tell because inverted struts have a nut on the bottom face (circular bit of the strut leg facing the ground) of the strut leg ,the bottom face of the normal struts is blank.
If you jack one corner of the car up, rear easiest, and push the dust boot up, if the shock strut is really fat, only an inch or so thinner than the strut leg, and there's no bump stop up there (it's internal) then it's inverted. If it's a skinnier strut rod, about 1.5" thick, and theres a rubber bump stop fitted to it tucked up inside the dust boot then it's a normal right way up shock.
You can also tell because inverted struts have a nut on the bottom face (circular bit of the strut leg facing the ground) of the strut leg ,the bottom face of the normal struts is blank.
Nev - yours looks great mate. So you felt the ride from the Eibach Pro springs was OK? Colour coded skirts certainly look a lot better and is on my 'to-do' list.
Ved - my best so far is 285 miles from 42 litres. Not 100%, but pretty sure it's a 60 litre tank, so 300 miles would be easy. My last tank was not quite as good, and I've not logged it yet, but over 5 tanks previous I have averaged 29.4 mpg, which I am very happy with, although I have done a lot more motorway miles of late, than I normally would.
Edar - 18's I would prefer for looks, but do you think they affect the ride or handling by much? I'm at age now where a daily car needs to drive well first, and look better second. My Eunos looks great, but you grimmace down a rough road or over speed humps, but I don't mind as I don't use it every day, lol!!
Ved - my best so far is 285 miles from 42 litres. Not 100%, but pretty sure it's a 60 litre tank, so 300 miles would be easy. My last tank was not quite as good, and I've not logged it yet, but over 5 tanks previous I have averaged 29.4 mpg, which I am very happy with, although I have done a lot more motorway miles of late, than I normally would.
Edar - 18's I would prefer for looks, but do you think they affect the ride or handling by much? I'm at age now where a daily car needs to drive well first, and look better second. My Eunos looks great, but you grimmace down a rough road or over speed humps, but I don't mind as I don't use it every day, lol!!
It would seem the humble WRX Sportwagon is gaining in popularity. I've never seen so many people after wagons.
It has to be said, why go for a 4dr WRX when the Sportwagon is more or less the same dimensions but will carry a lot more, is every bit as quick, and handles better due to the stiffer body.
Wagons role!!
It has to be said, why go for a 4dr WRX when the Sportwagon is more or less the same dimensions but will carry a lot more, is every bit as quick, and handles better due to the stiffer body.
Wagons role!!
Just got me a wagon also from this very site (Thanks PH, just sell my Mx5!)
anyhoo, I got a WR blue 04 blob SL with PPP
320 miles on first tank almost full
2nd tank 280
3rd tank, must do better
my 2nd scoob a classic wagon MY00 got 260-270 to a tank
anyhoo, I got a WR blue 04 blob SL with PPP
320 miles on first tank almost full
2nd tank 280
3rd tank, must do better
my 2nd scoob a classic wagon MY00 got 260-270 to a tank
Edited by zombies on Tuesday 2nd October 01:10
Edited by zombies on Tuesday 2nd October 01:11
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