Classic Impreza STI Type RA V2
Discussion
I don't think I've posted any pics of my winter project car. It's a genuine STI Type RA with the short ratio gear box, quick rack, DCCD, closed deck block, light panels, no electrics windows and roof flap.
I bought it as my other car was in storage over the winter and fancied another classic as I used to own a RB5 WR Sport so thought I'd try an original JDM RA.
It took me a while to find good example without rusted arches and sills as most are now needing a lot of work.
Unfortunately most have been modified and this one was the same. Although it was mechanically sound it had the wrong front end, lowered suspension and a induction kit.
This is how it looked when I bought it.
I've replaced the suspension with genuine RA struts and springs from a fresh low mileage import. I also managed to find a per face lift bumper (still needs bonnet and grille).
It's great fun to drive with short ratio box, a real B road warrior that just makes you smile.
Some pics of how it looks now.
I bought it as my other car was in storage over the winter and fancied another classic as I used to own a RB5 WR Sport so thought I'd try an original JDM RA.
It took me a while to find good example without rusted arches and sills as most are now needing a lot of work.
Unfortunately most have been modified and this one was the same. Although it was mechanically sound it had the wrong front end, lowered suspension and a induction kit.
This is how it looked when I bought it.
I've replaced the suspension with genuine RA struts and springs from a fresh low mileage import. I also managed to find a per face lift bumper (still needs bonnet and grille).
It's great fun to drive with short ratio box, a real B road warrior that just makes you smile.
Some pics of how it looks now.
Three STIs at the top of readers cars! That's what we like 
lovley car mate, saw this on scoobynet yesterday! Very clean. Was going to post if ya want to get rid of the blue badge on the back (not that I think you should) you can cut the top of the badge off using fishing line, and then just clean the sticky sponge stuff off! Remember reading you were worried about the paint coming off.
Looks nice on black wheels
lovley car mate, saw this on scoobynet yesterday! Very clean. Was going to post if ya want to get rid of the blue badge on the back (not that I think you should) you can cut the top of the badge off using fishing line, and then just clean the sticky sponge stuff off! Remember reading you were worried about the paint coming off.
Looks nice on black wheels
Beautiful. I considered an RA but opted for an STI instead...I was considering replacing the classic front end and going for the later spec front end, but in the end stayed with the classic classic look, there isn't many left in good condition any more and the rare ones are appreciating little by little.
Thought I'd share this ;-) I think you should leave your car how it looks ;-)
Thought I'd share this ;-) I think you should leave your car how it looks ;-)
EcosseBMW said:
Beautiful. I considered an RA but opted for an STI instead...I was considering replacing the classic front end and going for the later spec front end, but in the end stayed with the classic classic look, there isn't many left in good condition any more and the rare ones are appreciating little by little.
Thought I'd share this ;-) I think you should leave your car how it looks ;-)
I want that model! Needs white handles tho Thought I'd share this ;-) I think you should leave your car how it looks ;-)
Stunning car mate, very clean.
You shouldn't find it hard to get the bonnet as most folk want the facelift one. I ended up selling my old bonnet for £10 and it was perfect.
Another nice touch is the v3 steering wheel. looks just like yours but has the carbon sti badge in the centre, (also fitted to the 22b).
Wouldn't mind seeing some pics when you got it finished.
Cheers, johnny.
You shouldn't find it hard to get the bonnet as most folk want the facelift one. I ended up selling my old bonnet for £10 and it was perfect.
Another nice touch is the v3 steering wheel. looks just like yours but has the carbon sti badge in the centre, (also fitted to the 22b).
Wouldn't mind seeing some pics when you got it finished.
Cheers, johnny.
Thanks for the kind comments.
Yes the stripes are done with a vacuum, its my OCD taking over.
If I keep it I will keep an eye out for an original bonnet etc because as you say it should be a quick and cheap swap. Unfortunately I've not found a white aluminium one cheap enough.
I'd ideally want a set of group A alloys for it but I'm trying to avoid spending any more money on it at the moment as I want to get my Spec C Type RA out of storage and shift this one - problem is I don't really want to sell it so I keep turning down offers I should really accept.
Yes the stripes are done with a vacuum, its my OCD taking over.
If I keep it I will keep an eye out for an original bonnet etc because as you say it should be a quick and cheap swap. Unfortunately I've not found a white aluminium one cheap enough.
I'd ideally want a set of group A alloys for it but I'm trying to avoid spending any more money on it at the moment as I want to get my Spec C Type RA out of storage and shift this one - problem is I don't really want to sell it so I keep turning down offers I should really accept.
gsd2000 said:
rollcage?
It has a bolt in cage.When I was looking for an RA I had planned to sprint it after the winter so when I found this clean example that had a cage I thought it was no bad thing. I've thought about removing it, but to be honest I'm now used to it and for some reason I like the detail where it bolts into the B pillar.
jimblive said:
Thanks for the kind comments.
Yes the stripes are done with a vacuum, its my OCD taking over.
If I keep it I will keep an eye out for an original bonnet etc because as you say it should be a quick and cheap swap. Unfortunately I've not found a white aluminium one cheap enough.
I'd ideally want a set of group A alloys for it but I'm trying to avoid spending any more money on it at the moment as I want to get my Spec C Type RA out of storage and shift this one - problem is I don't really want to sell it so I keep turning down offers I should really accept.
I know of a white prefacelift alloy bonnet for sale, £15Yes the stripes are done with a vacuum, its my OCD taking over.
If I keep it I will keep an eye out for an original bonnet etc because as you say it should be a quick and cheap swap. Unfortunately I've not found a white aluminium one cheap enough.
I'd ideally want a set of group A alloys for it but I'm trying to avoid spending any more money on it at the moment as I want to get my Spec C Type RA out of storage and shift this one - problem is I don't really want to sell it so I keep turning down offers I should really accept.
it's in aberdeen though.
http://www.scottishscoobies.net/showthread.php?400...
Johnny
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