Subaru Impreza WRX

kngjake · May 2003

--EVO doesn't have cruise control--
As a daily driver, I would want cruise control over anything else the EVO would have to offer.

I personally wouldn't want the 2.5L in my WRX. I like the fuel economy numbers where they are at. As an option would be ideal though.

What benefits would the six speed vs. five speed have for the WRX?

krzyss · May 2003

WRX has narrower power band than STi.
I would prefer Variable valve timing on WRX engine than 6 speed or .5 liter displacement bump.

Krzys

beanboy · May 2003

Is only going to be in the WRX now, not Subaru's style to have just one engine in one model, especially since the STi we get is built on the 2.5L unlike every other market in the world. With the addition of the Forester and Baja 2.5L turbos, I think it is just a matter of time.

Good point about the fuel economy. Perhaps a NA 2.5L with variable cams will be standard across the model lines?

IF the 2.0 does stay, how about a variable cam version of it for the WRX and a lean-burn NA version (ala Honda's VX Civic line) coupled with an electric motor for hybrid versions of the Forester, Legacy and Impreza? Acceleration would be about the same, but fuel economy would be up, and it would fit right in with Subaru's environmental image.

Hmmm, a hybrid WRX? World's first hybrid performance car? Electric motor could take care of the lack of low-end grunt...

-B

hunter001 · May 2003

Well, I had an interesting encounter with an SR-T yesterday on the way home from work.

An excerpt from a different forum states:

Another very interesting fact found in the same magazine: They tested an SRT-4 on Jackson Racing's dyno. It made 222hp AT THE WHEELS!!!

222hp at the wheels, could mean....265+ at the crank ??

Later...AH

c_hunter · May 2003

Got my new C&D today. Can't say the comparo bothered me too much. I haven't driven either car, so who knows. But, I think they ran a pretty objective test, which was thorough enough to bring out some big differences between the cars. Personally, I'd go for the STi if I had $30K burning a hole in my pocket and wanted something closer to the bleeding edge than the WRX. Evo is just not appealing to me.

Craig

kevin111 · May 2003

15.9 vs. 14.5 gallon gas tanks. STi vs. Evo respectively

How the heck can you have a 14.5 gallon gas tank on a car that gets slightly below 20 mpg???!!!!! Talk about short commutes! This is a weekend car!

declansdad · May 2003

Jackson Racing's dyno must be really off! The specs that I have read on the SRT4 state brake hp is 215 with 245 ft.-lbs. of torque. Sounds like the one being tested at Jackson Racing may have been tuned.

Michael

rexaroo · May 2003

Yep, STi all the way. I'ts built better for driving in the real world.

The Evo may be a fun car on the race track or winding mountain road. But that kidney-busting ride would get pretty old after awhile.
And can you imagine taking a long trip straight through Kansas with that super-quick steering (2.1 turns lock-to-lock)? You'd be doing 90 mph and reaching over to get a sip of coffee, next thing you know you're flying off the road into a cow pasture! No thanks--I'll pass on that one.

kenoka · May 2003

You think that's bad? In the rest of the world, the Evo only comes with a 12 gallon tank!

hunter001 · May 2003

The point being that 215Hp/245lbs/ft are the official hp/torque figures given out by Dodge for the SRT-4. In reality, cars on the ground make much more than that, which accounts for the nasty surprises that other cars receive when they try to race one. Jackson's wheel-horsepower of 222hp indicate that the real horsepower figure should be close to 265hp. Actually, this number has been verified by quite a few sources other than Jackson racing.

For comparison, the AWD WRX's wheel horsepower figure should be well below 200hp....maybe around 160hp or so.

Would I buy the SRT-4 just because it makes a ton of HP while being priced really low ? Nope. Dodge does not interest me at all.

Later...AH

hypov · May 2003

is in the 180s I believe, according to those who had 'em dyno'd. With some minor twitches 222+whp isn't impossible.

-Dave

hypov · May 2003

then, I could be told wrong.

-Dave

beanboy · May 2003

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_- id=6665

"Similarly, Erich Heuschele's kart track runs plus a solid performance on the road circuit netted him the Mid-Price Sedan title. Even more impressive, the Dodge Neon SRT-4 wound up eighth in the overall standings ahead of an incredulous pack of Porsches, Corvettes, and other big-inch musclebound iron. "

WRX wagon was second in the category, and 12th overall. Tough being a Corvette owner behind them. Beaten by a 4-cylinder turbo Neon and a 4-cylinder turbo wagon! Tehe...

-B

rexaroo · May 2003

Sport Compact Car says its 167 after clearing the ECU, although computer learning can raise it as high as 177 if you drive it right. ;-)

Cobb tuning got 169.9 stock and their stage 1 reflash bumps it to 195.4. Stage 2 takes it to 224.4 whp.

sensei1 · May 2003

No wonder the car felt a little spongy on the curves when I took it up the hills a while back. I happen to check under the back end this weekend to find the lower link of my LR bent with what looks like it got hit real hard with road debris. Also apparent is the inner treadwear of the LR is a little more than normal.

All I could think of was running over what looked like a metal pipe a while back. I pulled over right away thinking about the front end, oil pan and radiator could have gotten tore up. Didn't see anything obvious so thought everything was fine.

First time I noticed that it didn't feel quite the same was on the hills then seemed like the LR tire squatted more than usual. I thought that was the Subaru "stance". But that one incident is all I can relate it to.

Anyway took it to the dealer for a "look and see". The advisor mentioned contacting my insurance coz chances are it won't be covered by the warranty.

The dealer was still insisting that I take it in for an alignment even though he already saw what could be the cause. I didn't think it could be corrected with an alignment without straightening out that bent lower link bar could it?

So am I SOL here? I might go to another dealer for a 2nd look. Sure thought those kind of parts would take more than just road debris. It's not like I've been rock climbing with it.

Any constructive input would sure be appreciated. Thanks.

mws1672002 · May 2003

Does anyone know if the 2004 WRX 5-speed w/premium package is available yet? I live in Pennsylvania and none of the Subaru dealers here have any on their lots.

paisan · May 2003

in NY and NJ cause I installed a Perrin Uppipe on one 2 weeks ago.

-mike

kngjake · May 2003

Has anyone from experience found the most productive way to shift with a short throw shifter that gave them the best performance out of their WRX? I'll be picking mine up shortly and am curious to what you all have found to work for you (RPM's, clutch styles, etc.).

Thanks

jpnm · May 2003

I just got mine last week. I am in Massachusetts, and to get the Red one that I wanted I had to have it brought down from New Hampshire. There was only one dealer in Massachusettswho had a 5 speed Premium Package on the lot that I could find, and that one was white.

Subura seems to have severely underestimated the demand for the premium package.

ateixeira · May 2003

sensei1: first off, bummer.

Insurance might cover it since there was a "collision" of sorts, but I would *not* make a claim. The amount is probably too small to be worth it.

We made a claim and our rates jumped up $300 for the next 3 years. So the "true cost" was $900 plus the $500 deductible, or $1400. I doubt there is that much damage.

Go to a parts wholesaler, buy it, install it yourself. Then definitely get an alignment, I'm sure it'll be off. Do it soon or you'll need to buy 4 new tires as well.

Try an e-mail to parts@libertysubaru.com for a quote on that replacement part.

Just my 2 cents. You can always get an estimate if you want.

-juice

sensei1 · May 2003

Thanks for the feedback Juice, I don't know if I'm confident enough to do it myself.

Yeah I'm pretty bummed out. So you don't think Subaru will cover it?

ateixeira · May 2003

IMO, no. It was damage from a (minor) collision, not an error in manufacture.

It would really be going the extra mile if they did. Maybe if you're a Subaru Gold customer and they *really* like you. ;-)

-juice

cuadan · May 2003

hey guys and girls,
im trying to lease a WRX. How much should I be paying for a 2003 with mimnimal options (per month). This is through a business so leasing is the best option.

Have you all found subaru do be flexible in its negociations or not as a general trend?

kevin111 · May 2003

In terms of figuring out your lease, there is probably a link here to do that.

Also, depends on length, price of car, residuals, and mileage allowance.

sonya4 · May 2003

My sympathies. I guess you never know what can happen on the road.

I agree with juice, Subaru probably won't cover it. As for insurance...depends on how much the damage estimate comes out to be. Would it be worth it to file a claim? Might just come out of your deductible anyway...

Good luck, guy!

--sonya

jmgregory5 · May 2003

Depending upon your insurance, the damage might be covered as a comprehensive loss - where your deductable won't apply. I just replaced my fog light from a stone hit and it was covered by my insurace as a comprehensive loss.

I then promptly added a set of mesh fog light covers to keep it from happening again.

Good luck

John

twrx · May 2003

I had a very similar experience last summer. I was driving my WRX wagon down a highway which is known for its high traffic of coal trucks. Losing a windshield is a common problem. My problem was that my AC stopped working mid way through the drive. When I took it in to the dealer, they told me the problem was that an object came through the grille and punctured the AC condenser. At first my insurance (St. Farm) considered it an accident and told me that deductible would apply. A second St. Farm rep told me that it would be comprehensive as long as long as Romain Subaru showed their rep that it was road damage. Rep inspected car, OK'd it and $600 repair was done for free.

sensei1 · May 2003

for the inputs. Gotta get it done either way. Now that I'm a little over the "bummed-out" part, I'm working on getting over the "separation" part when I take the car to the shop. ;-) Unless for some lucky bounce I get a WRX service car (in my dreams).

I'll blame this one on 3rd gear. I was just winding up in 3rd after merging on the freeway and there it was as I changed lanes, too late to completely avoid it, just waiting for me.

Talking about fog lt. covers, I just picked up a set of clear plastic snap-ons that fits perfectly for $32 from SPI Motorsports. Didn't cost a lot and doesn't take away the "big eyes" look which kinda grew on me.

sonya4 · May 2003

Insurance varies depending on the individual policy. I have a deductible on my comprehensive, which is why I said that it might not be worth it for sensei to file a claim.

However, it's good to know about twrx's experience.

--sonya

wrxcowboy · May 2003

Anyone hear a chirping noise coming from the exhaust? I started hearing it around 2,000 miles and the dealer couldn't locate it. Not sure if anyone else had this problem.

paisan · May 2003

Have them check out your muffler bearings. Very common problem to have them go. You should be able to get em replaced for around $3/each + $25 labor.

-mike

c_hunter · May 2003

From what I've read on NASIOC, it may go away, so drive the car a bit more before worrying about it. I believe it is either the exhaust hangers or the flexible joint making the noise, just some friction between parts. Nothing serious though.

I heard it once when my WRX was brand new, but haven't heard it since (about 2000 miles on the clock now).

Craig

sonya4 · May 2003

Is there a way to decline (politely) a non-verbal invitation to street-race?

Usually you know when someone pulls up beside you and wants to race, without exchanging more than a glance. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, depending on where we are and if I feel like it.

However, twice last week, a modded Honda Civic and then an older Chevy Caprice wanted to race me. The Civic was revving his engine at the stoplight, and I was thinking: he wants to race in a 30 mph zone in the middle of town?? Forget that... In the other incident, the Caprice kept on my tail for about a mile, changing lanes when I did, but again the speed limit was only 35 mph. Near the stoplight --because there were no other cars in front of us--he pulled up next to me, but I was turning anyway, so no race...which I didn't feel up to at the time.

Do you all race when another driver wants to, or only sometimes? And when you don't, do you just ignore them? Shake your head? Pull into the slow lane? Is there any kind of etiquette to this? The only other times I owned sporty cars (Honda CRX and Prelude) the "invitations" to race were few and far between.

--sonya

axp696 · May 2003

I laugh heartily when someone wants to race. Do not street race, it's illegal and very, very stupid.

himiler · May 2003

I let 'em wind it up and go, only to discover I'm not racing.

"Haw-haw!" -- Nelson Muntz

ateixeira · May 2003

Yeah, that T-bird commercial is pretty cool, where the guy doesn't race, and then picks up the girl that got out of the Lotus. :-)

Hmm, you could try spraying some lithium grease on the exhaust hangers. They're rubber and the metal hangers might be squeeking against them.

-juice

bluesubie · May 2003

Jake - This site has great info on shifting tips:
http://www.spdusa.com/shifting.htm
It was originally written for the 2.5RS, but applies to all Imprezas. I usually shift at 4-5k on average. Lower for fuel efficiency, higher for more fun. :-)

Sonya - I agree with the laughing advice. A little while back a Focus wanted to race me. I just started laughing uncontrollably and I think it really bothered the guy. :-)

-Dennis

paisan · May 2003

I usually wave em off, like "Haaa, I won't even bother with yah" if it's verbal, I tell em to check out my website and come to an auto-x that i'll be at. They never show up.

-mike

sonya4 · May 2003

Thanks for the responses.

Maybe street-racing is too strong a term for what I meant. Usually it's just seeing who takes off faster from the light. (And I am careful about doing that too.) I DON'T mean driving at warp speed for miles and taking corners too fast and weaving in traffic, etc. I'm too old for that stuff and too aware of what can happen. So don't worry, axp.

--sonya

andmoon · May 2003

I never race strangers but if my wife and I meet on our way home, we drag off of a stop light near home (all speeds below 50 in a 50 zone)...I am sorry to report that unless you abuse (which I refuse to) the wrx, the 6spd 02 maxima always wins!

axp696 · May 2003

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you would, it was more of a suggestion for the general audience. Too many idiots out there, for sure. ;-)

jpnm · May 2003

I've only had my WRX for 2 weeks, but so far I have had 2 guys who wanted to race. I didn't waste my time with either of them. 1 was in a old corolla, and the other was in a beat civic. It always seems like it is the guys with slow cars that want to race.

c_hunter · May 2003

I usually just ignore it or laugh it off as others have noted (my wife has perfected the "you have got to be kidding" look and I try to mimic that). I have more fun driving fast on my own schedule, when I know it's safe and the road is clear. I have left a couple of slammed Civics in the dust on the highway, but I wouldn't call that racing; I just couldn't stand the exhaust drone as they kept trying to pull next to me.

Craig

prayerfor · May 2003

andmoon --

Interesting! We just last week bought a 2003 6spd Maxima for my wife. Ever since we've been wondering whether it would beat my WRX wagon off the line...

sensei1 · May 2003

is where racing should take place as everybody else mentioned. Easier said than done though sometimes. Fearless teens, trick cars and stupid drivers are all constants. The variable is how do you feel at that moment? Testosterone levels, alignment of the planets, who knows?

Along with the T-bird commercial there was one a while back too. A Nissan Z sitting at the light when another car pulls up wanting to race. The light turns green and a caption pops up. Something like...."satisfaction is knowing that you can even if you don't."

Craig, plan on giving lessons on "the look?"

qbrozen · May 2003

That Z commercial is pretty much my reaction most of the time. If its a given, what is the point? Because that idiot trying to race doesn't want to face the fact that his Accord just ain't gonna win? I feel like its just not worth the gas if there is no contest involved.

paisan · May 2003

Interesting on the maxima. It does have more low-end torque so it doesn't suprise me, as well as only 1 wheel to drive v. 3 on the subie.

-mike

beanboy · May 2003

Maxima could have an LSD, so it could be 2-wheel drive.

And an Accord coupe V6 will a manual may surprise some WRX owners...

Ah, so nice that average midsized family cars and coupes are so powerful!

-B

paisan · May 2003

Anyone can go fast in a straight line....

Once you see some water, pebbles or turns, those midsized family cars become dangerous with their power.

-mike

andmoon · May 2003

I actually feel the wrx is more dangerous in rain...the sense of security has me going faster in the wrx than the maxima. The power in the wrx is peakier/more sensitive...have to be really paying attention when in boost and REALLY alert getting off the power in a turn and IMO the maxima's brakes (both off and especially on ABS) with its' distribution factor make the maxima easier to control at the (lower?) limit. Braking over one pothole I go over everyday, the maxima's abs doesn't kick in while the wrx's always does and on occasion stays on way too long...like losing 90% of it's braking for 1/2~1 1/2 seconds.

Having said that, the wrx is soooo much more fun!
Don

Subaru Impreza WRX

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