Subaru Impreza WRX

artgecko

Yea, we tend to get off topic here sometimes, but rarely enough to get moderated. Especially since the Cafe was added. However, many of us have either been here since the beginning of the list, or nearly so. So by 7000+ posts here, and many more in the rest of the Sube Crew threads, we kinda know each other pretty well, and discuss stuff interesting to us as Subaru enthusiasts. It generally stays on topic though, or at least slowly wanders back in that general direction.

Glad you joined us. Hope you like it here.

BTW, my wife had two Hondas. My daughter is thinking of a Honda for her first car. I don't have a Honda, but my brother, brother in law, and sister in law work for Honda building Hondas or testing Hondas. Surprisingly, none of them have Hondas, although my two brothers both have Honda motorcycles...

See ya,
Steve

lilbluewgn02

good to see you back on the boards...how is your WRX holding up?

strider98

are you sure they were STi's or WRX's that have been "rebadged"? I mean, it's really easy to get STi gear for your Rex even here in the states, ask Stephen (baresa62). He's got all kinds of STi stuff on his wagon. I would assume that they were probably rebadged Rexes. Although it is possible that they could be testing STi's over here, they usually do that in more rugged climes like New Mexico than SoCal...

Seth

dop50

My WRX has started a slight shudder also, it seems to do it mostly in reverse. It also only lasts for a short time. Once it warms up, it goes away. I tend to agree that the cause could be glazing on the clutch plate, from hard material, along with maybe a slight bit of condensation from the cooler weather. I'm not concerned about it at this point.

An interesting note... I attended a funeral today, and the funeral attendant who tried to affix the little magnetic flag to the hood seemed to have problems. Hehehe! Then I told him the hood was aluminum. He just smiled, shrugged his shoulders and walked away. (A little bit of humor to an otherwise gloomy situation. Just goes to show the WRX can put a smile on your face, even in non exciting circumstances.

Happy driving!

Ken

nschulman3

I have also experienced the "shudder" with the clutch and it does seem to happen when I start the car on cold, damp days or hot and humid days. Then it goes away, although the wrx is not always easy to shift smoothly, especially in the city.

paisan

Just an FYI, I'm a quite active member of the I-club here in the Tri-state area. So I get out plenty see http://isuzu-suvs.com/events for pics and links to all kinds of subaru events that i've organized. Also living in NYC I see all kinds of cars that aren't sold here, like seth said there is a good chance those were re-badge versions of the STi. I was also at the 22b meet years and years ago down in MD back when no one even knew what an STi or 2.5RS even was.

-mike

ateixeira

Steve: I guess if you work for Honda you've learned all their dirty little secrets.

Clutch shudder isn't uncommon, but usually is limited to cold/damp days just before warm up. It doesn't seem to effect clutch longevity, thankfully.

-juice

dop50

Just thought I'd pass this experience along, just in case anyone has had a problem like this.

I owned a '90 Ford Probe (Mazda drive train) which developed a shudder which got progressively worse. Swore the clutch was going out, and only had the car a couple of years. It got so bad I was concerned that I wasn't driving it properly, and eventually had the clutch replaced at a tune of over $400. It seemed a little better after that, but continued irratically and then got to be difficult to drive again. Turned out to be the rubber boot behind the mass air flow sensor had a rip about half way around. Apparently whenever the engine was producing torque, it would rotate enough to open the wound. Replaced it for about $50 and the car drove like a new one.

It just indicates that things aren't always what they seem. I even had professional mechanics drive it, and they also said it was the clutch.

I do not think this is the problem with the WRX. I still think it's the weather since it only does it when it's cold and damp.

Have a great one!

Ken

bluesubie

Light clutch shudder is pretty much considered normal by most dealers. It's good that you mentioned it though. Tell them you would like to put the concern into your records.

If it gets severe, some dealers will replace the clutch assembly. Check the FAQ at www.sidc.co.uk. It pretty much says the same thing your dealer said.

If anyone has seen an STi in the U.S., it was either:
- Owned by someone that races
or
- Here for testing or for the media

My guess is that was probably just an STi badge with perhaps some mods, especially since you have seen 6. ;-) Pics please?

-Dennis

ateixeira

I've been to a couple of local i-Club meets, and there are always 2 or 3 guys that make their regular models look like those. The STi suspension is a pretty common aftermarket purchase, so at least their is some truth to their labels.

-juice

jimmyp1

didn't somebody here, or maybe it was i-club, say that they've seen a Subaru STi commercial with California backdrops? That would explain it. I think the commercial may have run at the Paris auto show? Anyone?

Jim

zsurfer

I have a WRB wagon with 17K miles and have always had slight shudder with cold engines. I had taken it to one dealership and they pretty much blew me off. They did not even make a note on the work order about my concern.

Few months ago local Mitsu dealer started selling Subarus and I took mine there. This time they were able to duplicate the shudder and they called to Subaru personnel, who admitted to this problem and said they were working on a fix. They did ask that the clutch not be changed at this time as the OEM replacement will likely do the same. They have made a note on my record and said will let me know once the fix is available. All I care is that it is in my record so down the road if it gets worse I will have some recourse.

Hope this helps.

bamawrx

Thickers,

I guess could have been more descriptive. The problem happens from the dead start only. And only when the car is cold. After the first few stops the problem goes away. But when the problem is showing itself it can be very annoying. You engage the clutch for a start and it just vibrates the whole car. Sometimes it is worse than others and it only happens some of the time. I feel better about the problem now that the dealer told me it happens to all Imprezas and it causes no damage.

I have noticed greater frequency on cold mornings.

thickers

STi versions are sold today in many other countries, right? So anyone in the US who really wants it can just go buy one and ship it home, no?

I guess it's highly likely that not all of those I've 'seen' are real. But my point is that just because you can't buy a car here, that doesn't mean you can't have one, here. You just have to go get it.

That clutch shudder sounds pretty scary bamawrx. I think I may have had one myself, I'm not sure. Now I'm prepared to recognize it, so thanks.

artgecko

"#7251 of 7262  Steve by lilbluewgn02  Oct 31, 2002 (07:57 pm)

good to see you back on the boards...how is your WRX holding up? "

Why, I'm doin' fine, thanks for asking. I've been here. Just haven't posted much lately. Just stop in to catch up.

For some reaon, I've been hanging out at clubWRX a lot lately. There are three of us older guys there, and a lot of young guys (and a few girls.) Funny sometimes. Stupid a LOT! Rarely on any topic. But a nice friendly community without the other club attitude. Sorta like a younger version of this Crew. <G> But their off topic can get really bizzare! One of th efew places I find myself sitting here laughing out loud, so it is fun for a diversion.

You guys are fun, too. Just not as dynamic as a bunch of 20+ year olds...(with the occasional 14-16 thrown in to really bring down the reality level.) But I like it here better. (And I've seen a few of you there, too...)

But they have worn off on me a little. I've got this:

(Hey, it was free...)

And this:

Man does that sound nice! And seems to rev more freely, too.

bamawrx

My dealer asked me the other day if I was ready to start modifications. He has a WRX that they race at club events with their dealership logo and such. Anyway, he is cool about warranty issues and has good knowlege of modifications. I was wondering if anyone on this site has first hand experience with modifications.

The dealer is recommending all kinds of things. I am leaning toward the uppipe, mechanical blow off valve, and plugs for now. I would like to change the exhaust later, but I dont want the car to sound like it a teenracer.

jwilson1

Yeah. It's been happening to me, too, especially when the engine's cold. Every morning for about the last 10 years, when I get out of bed.

Joe W.

ponm

Don't touch the blow off valve. The stock one works fine and if you do switch over, it could cause your car to run lean.

coolsly2

Hi there, I'm new to the WRX forum. I am planning to buy a WRX in the next few weeks. What are the first mods you would do or the best mods that you would do for roughly 2500-3000$. The issue is mainly a performance issue and not a cosmetic issue. I currently owned a 2002 Z06 and I don't expect finding out the same amount of torque/HP/handling but would like to have another car that has 4 doors and awd but with better performance than the stock WRX.

I found out that the WRX was the best choice (well, the only choice with AWD and a decent amount of power) but I would like to ask you guys who owned a WRX or know about it what could be the best thing to do on the car to have better low-end torque and a better 0-90mph in straight line.

Please, no flames or bad comments on the Z06, they are apples-oranges cars comparaison, I just want to point out that for the top-speed I will still use my Z06 but I want the WRX to go faster quicker. It's really not for top-speed or cornering so I will leave the original braking system and suspension.

Thank you all in advance for your answers,

Sylvain

twrx

I had a lot of clutchshudder problems with my '98 Forester. Same was starting to happen with the '98 RS my wife had before she traded it in last month. However I am pleased to report that there has been no problem with the clutch in my '02 WRX wagon. I now have 20k miles on the car and the only problem I have had was with some shaking on hard braking that the dealer took care of on warranty at 15k miles.

Extremely reliable car so far.
TWRX

PS, mileage gets better and better. If you have one expect mileage improvement all the way up through 20k miles.

sonya4

I have had slight clutch shudder too, only happened when the car was cold (in both warm and cold weather). Shudder seems to have improved lately though...and I didn't do anything to fix it.

twrx--Good to hear about better mileage. I have just over 10K so far on my WRX sedan and on long trips, have gotten 27 mpg. Usually I get about 22 mpg around town.

--sonya4

kevin111

You might want to wait till Stephen gets on the board, since he upgraded his WRX. I think the Stage 0 is about $1000, with about $500+ for installation. It will increase low-end torque, and boost power to +50 hps. He has done it to satisfying results. I do not know all that much about Stage 1, but it is supposed to be able to boost the car to around 300 hp with approximately $2000 worth of parts and work. Again, this is just from my fuzzy memory from reading posts on this board.

nschulman3

I would surely recommend the vishnu stage 0. I am about to get it for my car and have heard good things about it. It adds about 45-50 real world hp with little to no tradeoff. In fact, all the posts claim an increase in driveability and mpg. The cost is $1095 for the stage 0 kit. Vishnu and installers recommend also getting the wiring harness ($109) and hose kit ($139). My vishnu approved installer charges $450. So, the total cost is about $1800. I know that stage 1 brings you some more hp, but i think that for most drivers, the stage 0 gives them enough extra oomph without other major changes (brakes, trans, etc.).If you do upgrade your tires, I highly recommend the dunlop 5000 asymetrical in the original size for an all-season tire. If you want to upgrade to 17" wheels and tires without spending an arm and a leg, go for the Toyo Proxes t1-s with perhaps a rota wheel. Rotas look great, there is a wide selection of colors and styles and they are cheap. I have rota attacks in steel grey on my red sedan. I went with bridgestone pole position s0-3 tires. They handle and stick great, but seem to find every imperfection in the road.

thickers

Thanks for the welcome Steve. I didn't mean to moderate.

And Thanks! to everyone here. I'm learning a lot from this board. My first Subaru. What an awesome car.

Mike

coolsly2

Thank you for the quick answer. 40-50 HP for ~1500$ is very well worth it. Rear HP or crank? I'll take a look to the vishnu web site to get some more infos. I am going to the dealer tomorrow to have the car for a day or two to make sure I won't be disappointed in a near futur.

Thank's again, I hope i'll have some more comments

Sylvain

krzyss

I suggest different approach.
Instead of Vishnu stage one I reccomend:
Better tires - rims can stay.
Maybe bigger brakes (stoptech did very well in C&D test) which require bigger wheels.

Krzys

kevin111

The Hawk Pads were as good as any of the break kits talked about in the C&D test, it is just that they started to show fade after constant breaking. For normal driving, the Hawk Pads would probably be fine, and at $130, much cheaper than the $1600 Stoptech.

paisan

Wow try raceshopper.com they are probably a lot less than $130.

-mike

kevin111

That was just the price quoted from C&D on Tire Rack.

jwilson1

coolsly asked about hp and low-end torque.

Take care.
JWilson

stoner420

Anyone ever experience their manual popping out of 1st into neutral under heavy engine breaking (eg in 1st while going down a steep hill)? It has done this to me twice in the last few weeks, though I do not seem to have any problems during even heavy acceleration (5700mi total). Is this a sign of wearing dog teeth? If it gets worse, anyone know how much it would cost to replace 1st gear (unless I could actually get it done under warranty, I have not raced or modded, but remains to be seen Subaru's attitude about tranny problems...). Thanks!

(ps, I think many/most MT cars have some degree of shudder when everything is cold, my honda used to be similarly jerky until it would get warmed up)

barresa62

Yes, I have the Vishnu Stage 0 and am quite happy with it. I'm not sure that the uppipe install went all that well though as I have a small leak somewhere that tends to go away (sound-wise) shortly after the car warms up. Like I said, this is an install issue rather than a product defect. Recently, I've been thinking about going with the Prodrive muffler (it's all axle back) rather than springing for the Vishnu Stage 1 (at this point...at least). I've heard nothing but good things about the Prodrive unit. It's not too noisy or obtrusive (read: droning). I know that it doesn't really offer any power gains but I'm kind of settling in w/the 280hp I have now and am fine w/it.

In a few more weeks I will be switching to my stock 16"wheels w/my Dunlop Wintersports. At that time I will have my Hawk front pads and Goodridge SS lines put on.

Stephen

thecat

at this post. Been kinda busy and I keep getting interrupted. Anyway, about 2 mos. ago I took my car to the dealer about the shutter issue. The service rep. there is really a great guy to work with and I actually trust him. That's saying alot, to trust a car dealer. He got in touch with a SOA rep and offered 2 options. 1- replace the clutch now with the same part number or 2 - "A replacement part, that cures the problem, is being developed and should be available in about 2-3 mos. As soon as it is available, you'll be 1st on the list in MD for a swap out".

I've lived with the problem (minor inconvenience) for about a year .. heck I can wait another 2-3 months - I'll take door # 2 Monty ! Why replace the clutch with the same faulty part, if the cure is around the corner? What I've been told is .. the metal used in the pressure plate is subject to minor surface rust (hence the damp weather/high humidity association) and it takes a couple of applications of the clutch to wear the surface rust off. Then, everything is fine. The "new improved part" is not subject to surface rust and is expected to cure the problem.
- Hutch

sonya4

stoner420--I have not experienced popping out of 1st, but then I have the short-throw shifter (if that makes a difference)...and I have gone down somewhat steep slopes, and usually switched to 2nd gear after 1st....

thecat--My clutch shudder wasn't bad and as I said, it's improved...maybe you need to wait a while...?

Gotta go, or my meatballs are gonna burn and there will be no dinner!

--sonya4

bkaiser1

I posted this on an outback forum earlier, but here's a recap...someone else on the Legacy board was told that a fix was in the works by mid-november to alleviate the horrid clutch shudder (this is not a mild, subtle problem). I've been trying to get my clutch fixed in my 01 outback for nearly 2 years and 40K miles -- it's shuddered since right after I took delivery of the car and is only getting worse with age.

I called Subaru's 800 number (where I've been documenting the trouble) to get more info on this possible fix that is in the works and they claim to know nothing of the sort. They checked with everyone who would know about a possible fix for these clutches and there was nothing on their radar screens.

There's nothing that would make me happier than to have my car finally fixed, but it looks like it's not going to happen anytime soon. For what it's worth, they have been telling me that "a fix is in the works" since I first reported this problem in early 2001, and still nothing.

Hutch, at least your dealer is offering to replace your clutch for you -- mine absolutely will not replace it because they contend that it's a normal condition for Subarus. It's crap, but that's what they've been saying. I wish I'd know this was "normal"...I would have never bought the otherwise fine car. Good luck, but if it were me, I'd take the new clutch and run.

Brian

thecat

Sonya4 - Mine is one of the 1st 02 WRX's around. Took delivery in April of 01. It has 21k on it so there is no purpose to be served by waiting. In fact the problem has gotten more pronounced as time has gone on.

Brian - if a new clutch is of the same design, it's reasonable to assume that in time it will present the same characteristics. I can live with the issue short term but I want it fixed.
- Hutch

artgecko

I just got the Prodrive axle-back, and it sure sounds great. The ol' butt-meter tells me it revs a little more freely, but I'm not sure. Did I mention it sounds great!

BTW, I don't know if you saw my post last week. Remember when I steered you and Austin to the guy with the clear side markers? Well, last Saturday I went out, and both of the lenses were gone from mine. Not a sign of vandals, but weird that they both came unglued at the same time. Just the bases left. I got a new pair in the mail today, but they are a little different. we'll see how these work...

Steve

barresa62

Wierd..yeah, I remember. Thanks for the tip about where to get the lenses. Of course, now I'll be watching for mine a lot closer. :-)

yummmmmm....the Prodrive axle-back is sounding better and better (all puns intended). I'm also not keen on spending around $1400 for the Vishnu Stage 1 at this time. What did you pay for yours and where did you get it if you don't mind. I saw where Irvine Subaru is selling for a bit under $400.

Stephen

djasonw

I am definitely interested in modding my Subie but I am not too technically inclined. Does anyone know of a shop in the NY Metro area that can do any of the upgrades discussed in this forum? Thanks!

strider98

except in Houston ;+)

kevin111

Just curious for the future. Irvine is not too far from where I live.

paisan

I know the guys at AZP can help, a lot of the tri-state I-clubbers have had installs done there check them out at http://iace.com/azp

-mike

ateixeira

That's cool Hutch. I think you have a solid, honest dealer that is truly working with you.

How many people think this dealer will earn his loyalty when he's ready to buy his next car?

Interesting about the rust.

-juice

ateixeira

PS Emma mentioned the same thing, that a clutch kit would be offered some time in November. Hope it's true.

artgecko

From what I could find, SPI Motorsports (Irvine) is the *only* dealer selling Prodrive axle-backs. Ryan charges $380, and shipping to me in OH was $18.50. Shipping *does not* show up on your online order receipt, but it gets added. We had a little discussion about that one...

Ryan has another 100 pieces coming in, so be sure to get your order in early. They are chomping at the bit ove ron I-club to get them.

Ryan says he's sold about 100 so far I think, so they are pretty rare right now. Luke at Tire Rack doesn't carry them anymore, nor the place in Florida that used to. I saw one go on I-club six months old for what the guy paid for it. So if you get one, and it is not loud enough for you, advertise over there. You won't lose much.

Steve

nschulman3

If you are interested in vishnu, they have a list for installers on their website. I live in northern nj and am about to get the vishnu stage 0. I am having it installed in Verona New Jersey by Eric, who is recommended by vishnu.

bamawrx

looks like I wasn't alone after all with the clutch problems. It is good to read they are working on a fix.

I have trouble getting the car to go into reverse. It seems that every time I have to put it in 4th gear first to move the gears over a little. Minor problem but very annoying.

I have also had the car slip out of first and reverse a couple times. I am thinking it was operator error. Again, it is difficult to get it to go into gear.

Side note:I have the short throw shifter.

jmgregory5

Just got my December issue of car and driver and it has a picture of the Paris car show wrx touting the new front end. IMHO, it looks like they used some clues from Hyundai for the lights.

I prefer the current look - it stands out from everything else. I even had a guy driving a new camaro ask me about my wrx wagon the other day. He wondered why it had a hood scoop. I giggled thinking that my wagon could take on his pony car - not to mention that come winter I will have confidence driving my car here in Wisconsin.

John

bluesubie

I just stopped at a newstand and check out AutoExpress UK. I believe that was the first mag. to run the pics.
IMHO, the lights would be perfect if they didn't have that little dip in the inside corner.

-Dennis

hunter001

Are they employing projector beams with the new lights ? If so, then it would be a significant change. I think the STi's already come with projector beams as opposed to the reflectors employed by regular WRXs.