What have I got...PPP?

[fake7]

having read lots on here and other places, I took the plunge and bought my first Subaru Impreza. I had test driven a few in the last few months and none of them seemed just right. The one I bought has a much smoother acceleration and seems quicker overall. The garage said they didn't know of any mods but I don't think they really knew much about it.

Anyway, get it home and read the history and I find a prodrive performance cert. So I guess that explains the good driving experience!

What have I bought? I can't find a definative answer on what PPP is. It's a Subaru Impreza 2004 Sportwagon (I've posted a pic on the show your Subaru thread)

[texaxile]

PPP
Prodrive Performance Package

Essentially (as I understand it) a dealer approved, Subaru recongised and not-to-stuff-up-your-warranty performance enhancement fitted by Subaru.

I *might* be wrong, but as far as I know it consists of an Exhaust, Panel filter, Fuel Pump improvement (Walbro) and a remap from Subaru. Vehicles fitted need to be run on 98 RON unleaded (V power or Tesco Momentum) giving 280bhp/355 LB torque.(ish) for approx £1700

The general concensus is that for the same (or less) money you can get a bespoke remap (Jolly green monster) from a well respected tuner, exhaust of better quality and the filter/ fuel pump for mucnh less (£1200) sacrificing any warranty you might have.

I might well be wrong, but that's the info I've gleaned from reading the net.

Welcome to Scooby ownership. The land of deep pockets (but not as deep as owning an EVO).

[Goldmember1]

Hello.. Having had 4 wagons with PPP this is my calling!

Simply, the standard 03-05 2.0 litre WRX has 222bhp . The PPP ups it to 262 bhp.

It consists of exhaust changes , a different Blue Prodrive Intercooler pipe ( look under the bonnet, you'll see it), and a Prodrive ECU. That's it.

The standard exhaust is a down-pipe with Cat, a smaller pipe with a Cat, a centre section with a silencer built in and the "twin pea-shooter" back box. With the PPP kit, it swaps the 2nd pipe for 1 with no Cat ( known as 2nd decat pipe) , and the back box for a single 4" Prodrive box . This is a better flowing system. There are no other changes. Believe it or not this cost £1500, and was a safe and warranty-friendly upgrade.
The PPP for the STi included the fitting on an up-rated Fuel Pump.. the WRX doesn't have it or need it.

Anyway, as you said it , you can tell the difference to a standard car and does up the fun-factor, and give more push-back-in-your-seat
Hope that helps.

Oh and as said above DO run it on Tesco Momentum 99 or Shell's V-power as thats what Prodrive recommend .. Running it on ordinary 95 Ron will do nothing for it ( it won't damage it tho', as it'll adjust itself) but it won't feel good.

Edited by Goldmember1 on Tuesday 30th April 21:58

[texaxile]

^^^^^^^

This

Thanks Goldmember, I thought I was kind of in the ball park but that's a great clarification mate!.

BTW, is perhaps £1500 better spent on an aftermarket upgrade casting aside warranty issues?.

Cheers
Pete

[fake7]

Thanks for the answers.

To me the best bit is the smoothing out of the turbo response. It makes it more drivable, and I'm hoping to clock up a few miles in it.

Any idea what mpg I should expect? It seems a bit thirsty at the moment, but this could be a beginner learning to "enjoy" it.

[Goldmember1]

texaxile said:

BTW, is perhaps £1500 better spent on an aftermarket upgrade casting aside warranty issues?.

Cheers
Pete

Puting warranty aside absolutely. I'm not so clued up on modding costs now but a decent exhaust system, panel filter, and remap would cost less than £1000 never mind £1500.

As for mpg , they say the mpg improved 'cos of better torque so pushing it less. I never found that as it made you hear the exhaust more and use it more Average 26-28mpg. The Prodrive map does run a bit rich ( again to be safe rather than run risk of running lean) , but it does smell great!

Fake7.. Are you using V-Power or Tesco 99 Momentum? If not you'll find the car will get better and learn after a few tanks, and possibly improve your mpg.

[Goldmember1]

Another thing to do with you learning ..

I happen to have had the honour of a 1 to 1 with Mike Wood of Prodrive . He used his laptop of magic on my 1st '03 WRX Wagon with PPP, and while sorting the map on mine and doing a few tests , he explained that flooring it foot to the floor and then waiting wasn't the best way .. he tried to explain to try and "squeeze" the accelerator ie more gradual pressure on the accelerator (don't know if I've explained it right but try it..it does work!)

[fake7]

Only filled up twice so far. First time with Sainsbury's 98, then with Tesco 99. Not sure I'm good enough to tell the difference, but won't be using 95 if I can help it.

Thanks for the tip on the acceleration. I guess he was trying to say keep things smooth and progressive, rather than all out aggression!

[Goldmember1]

Maybe I read up too much on stuff but do not use Sainsburys petrol , even their S-Unleaded which altho is Super is only 97Ron.
Nothing against Sainsburys but the main problem is Sainsbury's petrol comes from BP ... and for your car's sake PLEASE DO NOT USE BP fuels .. I have read quite a few horror stories regarding Scoobs and BP fuel Running rough , knocking , throwing the ignition timing out etc .. They just dont like it . Google it .
Anyway, dont want to be a scaremonger, just like to advise a fellow wagon owner on what I have experienced over the last 10 years with 11 Subarus

Edited to say I've been told BP do not supply Sainsburys .. apologies ..

Edited by Goldmember1 on Wednesday 1st May 12:58

[fake7]

Thanks for the advice again, only used Sainsbury's because it was the first station I found.

I used to have a 7 type kit car with a modified Ford Pinto engine and twin Webers. This always prefered Tesco's 99 and was a bit rough on BP, so maybe there is something in the rumour.

Edited by fake7 on Wednesday 1st May 07:22