Subaru Impreza WRX

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Comments

  • rexaroorexaroo Member Posts: 174
    Looks like I get to do post #6000.

    Installed a Momo Race Airleather shift knob in our Rex the other day, and am absolutely delighted with the result. It really livens up the interior and complements the Momo steering wheel very well. Had always thought the knob was stunning to look at but seemed like a sphere wouldn't feel as good as the more anatomical-shaped OEM knob. Boy, was I wrong! The sphere feels terrific in the hand and makes every shift a pleasure. Definitely worth the 75 bucks, IMO, although if you do the upgrade, you will have to tie a 1" long rubber-hose split length-wise around the gear lever to hold up the shift boot, as Momo doesn't make provision for this. Not as bad as it sounds and installation is fairly easy and only takes a few minutes.

    OK . . .back to the wheels and tires. :)
  • rexaroorexaroo Member Posts: 174
    Here is a link that shows a picture of this Momo knob

    http://www.ltbmotorsport.com/raceairleather.html
  • artgeckoartgecko Member Posts: 78
    Doesn't that knob feel great!


    I did my install slightly different, in that I forced the boot up over the threads where the MOMO aluminum collar normally would have been. I've had it that way since March, and it hasn't loosened up or fallen down, plus I like the looks.


    Here it is with the STi shifter trim:


    image


    Steve

  • ponmponm Member Posts: 139
    Thanks warpdrive for the correct spelling, I'm glad nschulman found it.

    -scott
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    nschulman3

    I spent quite a lot of time looking into this too when I decided to get 17in wheels. From looking through posts at iclub and clubwrx.net, it seems for the price the Kumhos aren't bad in terms of handling but wear very quickly.Noise seems to be a big issue after they have worn a little too. The Sumitomos may be a bit better and are simlarly priced. Compared to S03s and the other pricey tires like Michelin Pilot Sports, it seems you certainly get what you pay for compared to the Kumhos/Sumitomos. The Michelins are more expensive and in the Tirerack reviews there are people who had Pilot Sports who then got S03s who thought the Bridgestones were better and I didn't come across any reviews of the Pilot Sports dissing S03s. The Dunlops didn't seem to get as good reviews as the S03, Pilot Sport .Tireracks own tests also had the S03s doing better than the opposition.
    In the end it really comes down to how much you want to spend. I started this telling my better half I would spend maybe 1 grand on wheels and tires (Take or leave a hundred or two) and I was thinking along the lines of Sport Edition Fox wheels with Sumitomos from Tirerack. By the time I was finished it was more like 2 grand! (Legacy turbo wheels with S03s!)("So why do you need to spend that sort of money on tires, doesn't that car come with tires??")
    Now I have to worry about what winter tires to get! Though I have that narrowed down to Bridgestone LM22s or Dunlop Winter Sports. Actually I'd prefer a non directional tire as Subarus seem to toe out a little and I'm worried the WRX will be the same, my Arctic Alpins on my Legacy are worn to almost nothing on the inside tread and still have 6/32in on the outside! Since they can only be rotated front to back I 'll need new ones this winter. Will get the Blizzak MZ02 this time for the Legacy, the Michelins ice grip is definitely inferior to the Blizzaks but they do handle better than the Blizaks.
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Toyo Proxes T1-S for 17" tire. They do very well in the rain, better wear factor than the S03s, one the quieter 17" performance tires on the market, and are a light weight 17"tire. I'm running these in a 225/45x17 size. For winter tires, I'm running w/Dunlop Wintersports in the stock size, on the stock WRX rims. I've had great luck w/them too.

    Stephen
  • epp1epp1 Member Posts: 48
    Wondering if owners that purchased the upgraded speakers and subwoofers found it worth it. What brand(s) are the "upgrades" and do they make a discernable difference to sound quality.

    I haven't checked yet, but I'm guessing that the Rex speaker locations/size could provide challenges in the aftermarket.

    Looking to get clear, powerful sound, not just thump.

    Thanks in advance,

    Sean - MN
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Michael and I went to a place in Davie called Tower Shops...it's a shopping center where every Friday night, there is a cruise night...tons of muscle cars, older cars, Military vehicles, newer cars, etc. Some of the Florida i-club people congregate there also (yes Virgina, there is a Florida Subaru!). Finally met Nick, one of the founders of the i-club...he had just sold his 2.5 RS-T (320 hp) and bought a WRX from Mastro Subaru, a mod friendly dealer in Tampa. His new car went out the door with MRT rotors and brakes, a new exhaust system, and Rota Tarmacs (the P1 replicas). There were a few other WRXs, one a vendor car. BUT, the highlight of the evening.....a company that imports cars brought a..................96 Skyline GT-R33, and a Lancer Evo VI...incredible cars, especially the Skyline...350 HP and it sounded it!. Unfortunately, no camera, but is was pretty interesting to see these cars here. The Skyline was running some pretty wide 17" tires and wheels, but was going to be traded out with 18" in front and 19" in the rear. It was available for $40-45K. Both cars were surrounded by tons of people.
    - Your Faithful South Florida Correspondent, Serge -
  • rexaroorexaroo Member Posts: 174
    Well, I'll be danged. That STi trim makes it look even sharper. Looks like I'll be gettin' out the drill for another upgrade. :)
  • rileyyhrileyyh Member Posts: 49
    Hey guys. Well, although I was debating in the past whether I should get a WRX or a Vehicross or a Jetta, I've finally purchased my vehicle and it turns out to be a 2003 Civic Hybrid! In VA, I notice that the traffic is not that fast and that the cops here give you a ticket for anything close to aggressive driving. I've test driven the Jetta 1.8T, new Altima, Civic Hybrid, new Xterra, WRX, Protege5, and my parents drove the Vehicross. In the end, I liked the Civic Hybrid the best. I was planning on test driving cars and if no other car appealed to me that great, I was just going to get a WRX, but I liked the hybrid. The new altima looks nice on the outside but when you are in the inside, it looks not well made (cheap material, large gaps in between plastics). The protoge5 had a NOISY cabin. The Xterra was probably one of the best vehicles all around since it was well made and has utility, but I didn't want to drive that large thing around when I commute to work everyday. Also, I didn't like the leaning I felt on the on and off ramps. Thank you guys for all your help and advice. I like to think I'm fighting to save the world every time I drive.

    riley
    2003 Civic Hybrid in the Skybluish Silver

    p.s. - The dash looks really really cool!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wow, what a variety of products!

    Congrats, I hope it serves you well for years.

    -juice
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    I've heard those reactions to Altima, Protege5, Xterra (my sister was considering one, but has decided against it).

    I've read lots of good about the Civic; biggest question-mark is resale value and the post-warranty repair costs.

    Safe driving

    DjB
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The batteries are warrantied for a few years, right? That would be my only concern.

    -juice
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    The Civic hybrid is a feel-good-about-the-environment car. But in terms of cost effectiveness, you would never break even taking into account the initial cost of the car. It's still cool though!
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    true, based on fuel costs it's tough to break-even on a hybrid (unless you're changing out of a super-guzzler). The time-value of money may help; you will save a lot of time, in bits and bobs, not having to visit the station every week or so.

    I think the warranty is extended to 80K miles on the powertrain; not sure about the time duration.

    DjB
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    But if I were commuting I'd get the cheapest highest milage car out there. Not sure what it is these days but something like a civic non-hybrid or something that gets in the 40mpg range would be cool for commuting.

    -mike
  • sensei1sensei1 Member Posts: 196
    I have the audio upgrade in mine. The sub woofer is placed under the passenger seat. Come to think of it I never checked the brand name. Sounds are a matter of personal choice. Let your ears be the judge. I'm happy with mine. I bought my rex with all the options coz I didn't want to chance aftermarket people messing with the car or going through all the research. I waited a year monitoring the rex and I'm happy with what I have. That's what counts right?
  • ponmponm Member Posts: 139
    How much do the toyo tires go for in price in the 225/45/17.
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    I think I paid about $160 ea through Discount Tire or about $10 less ea than S03s.

    Stephen
  • nschulman3nschulman3 Member Posts: 125
    Thanks for all the help with the tires and wheels. I think i'll go for the bridgestones or toyos, depending on price. I really like the rota tarmac wheels. My other question is this. I did not get the upgraded speakers, but got excellent rockford fossgate speakers after i bought the car. However, the speakers are useless with the current system. I really don't want to change the stereo. Will the addition of the subwoofer under the seat help? Is it worth it?
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Neil-
    you could install an equalizer, if they still make them, and tune it to the cockpit environment. But if it is just more bass that you're looking to hear, then a subwoofer would help.

    -Dave
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Is it not possible to keep the stock 6-disc changer head unit and install aftermarket amp, equalizer, speakers, and sub? Does the stock head unit have pre-amp output ports?

    I am also planning to look into aftermarket stereo for whenever I get my WRX, but if I'll have to replace the entire system I'll think twice; a new 6disc in-dash unit will not be cheap!

    DjB
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Doug-
    2 units, say a unit with MP3 (10 CDs worth of music) and an equalizer, will fit into the space occupied by the stock unit. Preamp could go under the seat and sub under the other.
    If you go that route, I'll buy the stock unit off you :D
    I'm slowly adding some lux into the '99 OBS that Mom drives the 'chop suey' way.

    -Dave
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    saw a blue WRX with 18 in Sports Revolution Fox 2 tires in the car park! They look nicer than the Rotas, SSRs, OZs or Prodrives I have seen. Now I wish I had gotten those! Tirerack use them for their winter tire packages.IIRC 17 in ones are only about $130!
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    So far from talking to people, the widest track length is 225. Does anyone know if a wider track can be used without playing around too much with the camber?

    Just bought the car 2 days ago and love it. Great ride, feels very solid, very agile.
  • poondoggerpoondogger Member Posts: 14
    Brut-

    If you want to keep your stock stereo you can. You need something called an SNI-35 which is available at your local good guys. There are tons of companies that make them and you could probably find them at radio shack too, but if you wish just to add an amp and subs to your stock system that is easily accomplished by tapping into your wiring harness and providing one or two sets of rca preamps. The problem with doing this is that you get something comparable to < 1V of preout, which makes is a weak signal and vunerable to engine noise...but most of the time it is just fine, but if you are doing this, you are not going competition or sound quality.

    -My 2 cents.
    Poon
  • dop50dop50 Member Posts: 162
    I'm planning a trip with my WRX since it is more comfortable for me to drive than our Legacy wagon, let alone the fact it should be a hoot to drive through the mountains. :) We intend to take a drive out west through Arizona, Utah, Colorado, etc. We expect to drive somewhere between 3xxx-4xxx miles, and since I have never owned a Subaru before, I was wondering if there is anything special that we should do before taking the trip. (I know I should change the oil and filter before and after the trip)

    Thanks in advance!

    Ken
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Ken-
    Tint those windows if you haven't.
    Left the car (rental) for less than 5 mins. to savour the view on the Old Appache Trail (is it?), forget about any residual A/C'd air that was there when I left.
    Oui... HOT HOT HOT

    -Dave
  • sensei1sensei1 Member Posts: 196
    Let us know about your drive when you get back. It should be a good workout for your WRX. I haven't taken mine on any long stretches yet either...first time subie owner also. Have a safe trip.
  • rileyyhrileyyh Member Posts: 49
    Hey guys! Well, here are just some interesting things I found about my car:

    -The Government is going to give me $2000 deduction in taxes because it is a hybrid.
    -I'm not sure about VA yet but some states give a tax deduction for having a hybrid (i heard NY is up to $5000).
    -The reviews compare the cost of car vs. fuel economy to other civics, but other than the hybrid, I wouldn't have gotten a civic, so I will save money on gas (specially compared to the avg. of 16 mpg of the Vehicross).
    -I'm wondering, since you guys know about performance, I know civics can be modified but let's say I just want to modify the handling in a non-expensive way, how could I do that? I'm thinking a strut bar is the best way. I think I have to keep my wheels and tires because they are special lightweight alloy wheels and low roll resistant tires. I'm guessing it's either the strut bar or getting stiffer springs (proly more expensive). That's about it. Bye.

    riley
  • rileyyhrileyyh Member Posts: 49
    Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I can ride on HOV lanes all by myself. Hehehehe.
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Except for size and 4 doors, a Honda Hybrid has very little in common with a WRX. Sorry. On the other hand, the AWD does make a huge difference in handling. I was used to the lean and drag handling of front wheel drive cars. This car just drives around tight curves like it is no big deal!!
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Riley goes back a ways when he was thinking about getting a WRX
  • bull3964bull3964 Member Posts: 65
    True, but now that he's made his decision and bought his car, sad to say it's time to move on.

    I mean, not to sound harsh or anything, but this isn't exactly the board to ask about Honda modifications in. He's better off to ask those questions in a board with other owners to get good info.
  • rexaroorexaroo Member Posts: 174
    On a more philosophical note, it's noble of Riley to think about the ecology of the planet, but unfortunately, his good intentions may not pan out. Here's why:

    According to The Mayan Prophecies by Adrian Gilbert, the Mayans were very advanced astonomers who were able to predict sunspot activity with uncanny accuracy. They believed the sunspot cycles have caused the earth's polarity to flip over at least 4 times previously in history, causing widespread destruction and the end of existing civilizations. According to their calculations, the next time this will happen . . . in the year 2012 . . .10 years from now. Just sounds like foolish superstition? Maybe, but from what we know of the Mayan civilization and their advanced culture, I wouldn't bet against them.

    Moral of the story: Enjoy yourself and buy that WRX-- it's later than you think!
  • nschulman3nschulman3 Member Posts: 125
    I can only afford one . Should I get the vishnu stage 0 kit (good for about 48 hp) which is $999 plus installation or get the 17" rims and tires. Eventually i will do both. Maybe i should wait and have both at the same time. I would like more power and have heard good things about vishnu, but am worried about fiddling with the engine. Has anyone else on this board actually purchased the vishnu stage o and if so, how do you rate it?
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Neil-
    Get the 17" rims and tires first. The Vishnu Stage 0 can wait - should give you enough time to do the "getting to know you, getting to know all about you" with your WRX. :)

    -Dave
  • kevin111kevin111 Member Posts: 991
    Any fiddling you do with the engine voids the warrenty!
  • ponmponm Member Posts: 139
    The 17 inch tire upgrade is probably the best upgrade you can do with the wrx. In addition, the vishnu stage o is 900 plus dollars without installation. I would say the wheel and tire upgrade, although 280 hp is awfully tempting.

    -scott
  • WarpDriveWarpDrive Member Posts: 506
    Simple: the WRX has a good engine but it doesn't come with good tires. The car is only as good as its weakest link.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I've said it before and I'll say it again...

    Get tires and sway bars. Then take the engine mod money and GET PERFORMANCE DRIVING SCHOOL LESSONS, they will increase your performance and there are 2 advantages to it:
    1) doesn't void warranty
    2) can be transferred to any other car

    :)

    -mike
  • cinosweivecinosweive Member Posts: 166
    Is that a $2000 deduction or a $2000 tax credit?
  • cinosweivecinosweive Member Posts: 166
    Don't get me going on HOV lanes. They are the biggest hoax on the road. I suppose in the days when everyone in your subdivision worked at the same GE plant they would have made sense. But these days it is rare to find someone living close by who heads in the same direction as you, much less to the same office. Car pooling, at least in most cities, is just not viable.

    Sure, I see folks in HOV lanes: mom's w/ their kids, contractors, vacationers passing through town - don't see many folk looking like they are on their way to work though. What a waste of dough.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well maybe you should live closer to your work or you should try to commute via rail/bus or car pool. Heck I'm all for more tolls to stop people from driving into cities, people are ridiculous I enjoy driving (drive 40K miles a year) as the next guy but there is no reason to NOT car pool.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Riley: a $2000 deduction is nice, but a tax credit is what they need to offer! :-)

    Cool about the HOV thing. I used to car pool with a co-worker but I've moved since then. I was hoping they'd make Beach Drive (in DC) an HOV road instead of closing it entirely (currently proposed).

    You can address the handling with tires and larger sway bars, but tires may hurt mileage a tad.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Upgrades? I say driver first, then chassis bracing (sways, end links, strut brace), then maybe brakes, then wheels/tires, and finally engine.

    -juice
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    The Town Hall is about to take on a new look in an effort to make content more easily searchable and accessible.

    Have you seen the Letter from the Town Hall Manager on the Town Hall Welcome page? If not, you might want to follow that link to have a look.

    And hang on to your seats. Change is never easy - for any of us - but resolving the Search problems we've had will be worth the pain.

    Pat
    Sedans Host
  • winlet28winlet28 Member Posts: 19
    I saw an ad for one at this price is that good?
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    Yes!!!
    If you do have an ad that really states that, take them up on it.

    -Dave
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Appearing here all week! :-D

    Winlet - We would need more info. Ads are usually only for one particular car. You should be able to get any 02 for a few hundred over dealer invoice. Check Edmunds new cars for invoice prices.

    -Dennis
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