you overpowered soccer-mom mobiles get the fancy engine, if you get the 6 speed before us I'm really going have a tantrum. But seriously, the more I drive and think about it, I believe the 6 speed would be a better improvement for many Rex drivers. It would for me, and there does seem to be a certain common feel to the sensibilities of those of us who bought Rex's. I find in the 5 speed that 1st is a little tall for general day to day driving situations. For example, making turns on residential streets or driving through the parking lot at work, I'd be running along gently in 2nd in the Beetle, Pathfinder or my old Civic, but the WRX really complains and shudders if I don't drop it into first. Plus the lack of low torque and turbo lag should be much improved with a lower ratio first wouldn't it? Or am I just missing something obvious and exposing my ignorance? I'll have to go check how the gear ratios compare for the various models and trannies. In fact, if I had the choice now of the 2.5 vs 2.0 in the WRX, I'd stay with the 2.0. I wouldn't even think twice if I could have a closer ratio 6 speed as an option. The extra chug-a-lug of the bigger engine was a consideration for me. 90% of my driving is city streets, so the highway mileage was irrelevant. Heck even the lower fuel economy of the 2.0 T over the regular 2.5 did make me stop and think. I can afford the extra cost, but it's my environmental guilt especially given the gas-guzzling Yukon XL that serves as family car already. I wanted to at least convince myself I was being a little considerate when choosing my commuter. That karmic guilt thing is always a balancing act.
It took a lot of adjusting for me to learn the 2.5T in low speed city driving. I kept redlining it on my first test drive after getting used to winding up the revs on the 2.0. I believe it's the lower gearing (along with ECU, WRX turbo, more displacement, AVCS) that helps spool up the turbo sooner in the 2.5.
I believe they want to put their top tranny's in the highest end cars. The only Subaru's that have the 6 speed now are STi's. Who knows, maybe FHI/Subaru will surprise us.
X-posted to XT board. Any sage advice out there for a tire with more aggressive tread for a WRX? I really don't need an optimum road performance tire, as I don't/won't be pushing any handling limits on pavement. I will be doing a good deal of dirt road driving come the thaw, and I'd rather gain improved handling in those conditions. Most of my driving is still going to be the daily commute, so nothing that's going to drive me too insane with its buzzing on pavement. I don't care about it's snow performance. We drive on ice for most of our winter, so I'll be running ice radials in winter.
A few are the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, Dunlop SP5000, Toyo Proxes 4, Kumho Ecsta ASX, Pirelli PZero Nero, BFG KDWS, Continental ContiExtreme Contacts.
Check out tirerack.com and 1010tires.com. I don't have any personal experience with any the above tires yet though.
I had the SP5000s on since last December, and I haven't a complain except it is not offered in 215/45-17s. I'm leaning towards the Pirelli PZero Nero next month for the 17s, and the SP5000s will be moved to the OBS.
really stink on gravel. Many have relatively narrow lug spacing to help rain and light snow and in fact that makes them poor for dirt road performance. Many actually have worse spacing than the OEM's in that respect. I checked with a couple of the local tire stores and a big recomendation came down for the Nokian Hakkapelita all seasons. The one shop said they wouldn't even recommend anything else for significant dirt road driving, and said that their winter performance is so good they don't even recommend switching them off for snows (around here that's a pretty strong endorsement). One shop that doesn't even carry them offered a cheaper alternative (the Hakkas are $$$) but said that the Hakkas have a great rep and he couldn't offer anything that would outperform them. Still, almost no one is running them on performance cars. Anyone out there with pavement or performance car experience for these puppies? Help appreciated before I strip off brand new tires and spend C$800 (600 U$D) to replace them. Still looking around too, so I'll update as needed.
where someone used the Firehawk SZ50EP in a RallyCross. It's a great summer UHP with a good treadwear rating.
These cars are so diverse, it's hard to find the perfect tire. Thanks for the info on the Haka's. I think you could find some reviews on "nabisco", if you know what that is.
I have Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on my OBS in the stock size (205/55ZR16) and it is a fabulous tire. A lot more firmer than the stockers and you can really feel the road but it grips almost like a max-performance summer tire in the wet and the dry. In this size, it is "Y" rated (a special category of the "Z" rating, which is good for 186+ mph, while the regular "Z" is just rated at 150+ mph). It has also got a treadwear rating of 400. This tire is pretty pricey however, when compared to some alternatives like the Dunlop SP5000 etc., which I understand also rides softer than the Michelin Pilot Sport.
I've done a little research on the Nokian WR A/S tires. While it might be the top all-season in the snow (carries severe service emblem) and gravel, it's weakness will be in the dry.
I just took my Blizzaks off and put on my new Rota SDR's with Firestone Firehawk SZ50EPs. The difference is amazing. When I switched from the worn out RE92s to the Blizzaks, I actually didn't notice a big difference in the handling, except in snow of course. Now with the Firestones, it feels like a totally different car. Before, I always felt like I was kind of floating above the road. Now I really feel connected to it.
Yep, I did know that they were not a great summer performance tire. Middling to above average at best, but then again the 92's aren't exactly stellar, and my biggest question is how they'd compare to the stocker. I won't really by pushing any dry pavement limits, but instead want a tire that will improve my dirt/gravel road driving. Two of the things you want for that are stronger casing and stiffer/more wear resistant tread. Unfortunatley, those factors hurt the speed rating and dry pavement tackiness. Gravel driving will eat performance tires like you're driving on sandpaper. Local guys actually recommend taking the H over the V given my intended use. What I'm looking for is basically a high-performance SUV/LT tire. I am a bit of a freak, and my needs will be nowhere near those of the average Rexer. I was hoping that maybe there was someone around with a little dirt/rally experience who might have insight. Just hoping I would have the chance to play with my new baby in unpaved conditions, but may have to accept that I'm better off sticking with the truck for those purposes.
Those Rotas look great! My plans to add 17" wheels to my wagon were officially scuttled this morning with the purchase of another house. Looks like I should have done all my mods to the car BEFORE house hunting, as I can't see an "extra" thou$and or so popping up anytime soon.
Thanks for the compliments guys. I picked the Firestone's based on the recomendations you gave me and the glowing Tirerack reviews. I'm normally a Bridgestone guy, but these tires say made in Japan on them, so I'm sure they came out of a Bridgestone factory somewhere. So far I'm very impressed with the feel, grip, and noise level. I also like that they were cheaper than the Pole Positions and have the same traction rating with a higher wear rating.
I was a little leery of going with the gold rims. I had originally planned on silver. I saw a WRX with gold on the street one day and it looked so good, it won me over. I'm also a big WRC fan, so getting gold wheels like the rally car was appealing.
I think I'm done with the cosmetic changes for now. The other things I've considered are matching rocker panels, STI type headlights, and maybe a Subaru sticker for the top of the windshield. I'm thinking the tinted windows and wheels give it a classy/sporty look without being too bling bling, so I think I'll stick with what I have for a while.
I've got the upgrade bug now though. I think a Cobb Access ECU tool may be in my future. I'll keep you posted.
With all the discussion over on the XT board, what is the diff. between the stock and STi sway bars for a WRX wagon? Has anyone done this mod if there is a difference?
You guys offer skid-plates I think you said. Do these present any issues with service accessing? Post or maybe PM me with some details. Biggest problem for me will likely be distance and border shipping $$ given it's not some little, light item.
Nick- I have it on my wagon and had no problems with it. It's a l'il under 10 lbs. and not at all bulky to handle. As far as accessing for service, like routine oil change, the plate will have to be removed. But that only adds about 5 mins. to the routine... 5 bolts and it's off.
On the subject of sway bar. Stock is 17mm, and the STi for the WRX wagon I do believe is 20mm. I have the STi/SPT 20mm sway bar installed on my wagon and the difference is noticeable - less understeer... or as most will say, the car feels more neutral.
Essentially what Hypov said is right. It's no more to take off than the stock plastic shielding under there. As for the shipping we'd have to see how much, shoot me an e-mail (see profile) and we can check things out.
I have a 2003 White WRX wagon that I have just decided to sell. It is a great car, but after almost a year with it, I have decided I need something with more room. I like to haul multiple bikes and camping gear and it gets a little tight sometimes.
My Rex has 17,500 miles. It was purchased new last May. It has had all scheduled service and I am using Mobile 1 Synthetic oil in it. I don't have any pictures at the moment, but if you're on this board, you know what it looks like. There is no body damage, just a couple of small scuff marks. Tires are in good shape.
I have a Kartboy short-throw shifter which I recently purchased, but have not installed yet. I will include this. Also, the car is wired for Sirius satellite radio. I'll leave this in if you want it.
The KBB private party sale value is $19,400. I am asking $19K even. The car is located in Spartanburg, SC. Plese call me at 864-583-8588 or email me at mbmmcse@bellsouth.net if interested.
I think all the hype 'bout the OEM links being inferior is just that, hype... I think I wasted $80 on EndLinks as the OEMs aren't as inferior as most make it out to be.
Had aftermarket links on and don't notice any difference from with the OEMs. Add a rear strut bar and the handling/response is very noticeable.
It means Subaru has to produce different components which is inevitably more complicated and expensive. There must be some technical reason to make them do it. Is it just that the sedan has always been considered the real enthusiast design, and the wagon is for we wannabes with family requirements? Or is the sedan inherently stiffer so it can handle the wider stance better?
Just got a recall notice on my 2002 wagon. There's a cable for the cruise control that can slip off it's track and become stuck. Would cause the throttle to become jammed in it's current position. The fix is a clip that's installed on the cable guide.
I've been getting a lot of clutch shudder in the mornings lately. Wonder if I should mention that while I'm there. I usually just deal with it and once the car warms up it goes away.
I recently got the recall notice, too, and will have it repaired in a couple weeks. After 16k miles on my 04, it will be the first trip I've had to make to the dealer since I bought it last July!
On a strange note, I've had a weird infestation of snails in the engine compartment these past several months. I don't know how they're getting in there, or how they are multiplying, but there are literally hundreds of slugs roasting on my alternator (starter? I don't know...).
Since I telecommute to my office from home, my car will sit for days at a time before I start it up, giving the snails several days to reproduce or whatever they do in there. Several times, I've noticed snail tracks/slime on the hood near the scoop, but I don't know if they are entering or exiting from there.
I've washed out the engine bay several times, getting rid of all the shells and cooked snail babies, but they inevitably return. I don't guess that snails can harm anything, but it's really disgusting to open the hood and see the mess they make in there.
Anyone else ever have snails in the engine? Maybe they see the turbo as their giant mother and are coming home...
C'mon, April fools day has long since passed. Is it the Oriental April fools day, or some other occasion that I'm unaware of? If not, it's truly bizarre. You might be on to something with the giant Turbo/mother snail thing. How about a salt bath? Owen
I haven't used any snail killer (like what I use in the garden) because I'm not sure I want all that stuff sitting/burning on the engine. Also, the a salt bath worries me because it can be really corrosive -- especially on bare engine metal.
My partner didn't believe me at first, thinking that maybe a squirrel or something was bringing them into the engine bay, but having witnessed the sheer numbers of them multiply a week after completely flushing the engine area out, I think he's convinced that they are indeed living in there.
As the weather dries up in the next few months and the temps double, I imagine this problem will correct itself. Poor little guys...
That's the weirdest car related story I've heard in a very long time. Sounds like the beginning of an X-files episode. What I think you should do is paint a big letter S on the side of the car, then as you tear past people they can say, "Look a that S-car-go!"
thanks for the tip...I'll try that out (using crappy beer...can't waste the good stuff)! Maybe a beer-bath would get the ones already hiding in the engine.
Comments
But seriously, the more I drive and think about it, I believe the 6 speed would be a better improvement for many Rex drivers. It would for me, and there does seem to be a certain common feel to the sensibilities of those of us who bought Rex's. I find in the 5 speed that 1st is a little tall for general day to day driving situations. For example, making turns on residential streets or driving through the parking lot at work, I'd be running along gently in 2nd in the Beetle, Pathfinder or my old Civic, but the WRX really complains and shudders if I don't drop it into first. Plus the lack of low torque and turbo lag should be much improved with a lower ratio first wouldn't it? Or am I just missing something obvious and exposing my ignorance? I'll have to go check how the gear ratios compare for the various models and trannies.
In fact, if I had the choice now of the 2.5 vs 2.0 in the WRX, I'd stay with the 2.0. I wouldn't even think twice if I could have a closer ratio 6 speed as an option. The extra chug-a-lug of the bigger engine was a consideration for me. 90% of my driving is city streets, so the highway mileage was irrelevant. Heck even the lower fuel economy of the 2.0 T over the regular 2.5 did make me stop and think. I can afford the extra cost, but it's my environmental guilt especially given the gas-guzzling Yukon XL that serves as family car already. I wanted to at least convince myself I was being a little considerate when choosing my commuter. That karmic guilt thing is always a balancing act.
Here's your overpowered soccer-mom mobile with a 6 speed: ;-)
http://www.litimports.co.uk/emailer/06.02.04/
It took a lot of adjusting for me to learn the 2.5T in low speed city driving. I kept redlining it on my first test drive after getting used to winding up the revs on the 2.0. I believe it's the lower gearing (along with ECU, WRX turbo, more displacement, AVCS) that helps spool up the turbo sooner in the 2.5.
-Dennis
I honestly don't think the big gun will ever go into the WRX either, but why not the 6 speed?
-Dennis
Any sage advice out there for a tire with more aggressive tread for a WRX?
I really don't need an optimum road performance tire, as I don't/won't be pushing any handling limits on pavement. I will be doing a good deal of dirt road driving come the thaw, and I'd rather gain improved handling in those conditions.
Most of my driving is still going to be the daily commute, so nothing that's going to drive me too insane with its buzzing on pavement. I don't care about it's snow performance. We drive on ice for most of our winter, so I'll be running ice radials in winter.
Check out tirerack.com and 1010tires.com. I don't have any personal experience with any the above tires yet though.
-Dennis
I'm leaning towards the Pirelli PZero Nero next month for the 17s, and the SP5000s will be moved to the OBS.
-Dave
Anyone out there with pavement or performance car experience for these puppies? Help appreciated before I strip off brand new tires and spend C$800 (600 U$D) to replace them.
Still looking around too, so I'll update as needed.
Nicholas
These cars are so diverse, it's hard to find the perfect tire. Thanks for the info on the Haka's. I think you could find some reviews on "nabisco", if you know what that is.
-Dennis
Later...AH
http://www.nokiantires.com/newsite/tiresub.cfm?cid=1&sid=3
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/hl/nokian.htm
It probably couldn't compete with the top UHP A/S tires in the dry. It also carries an "H" speed rating.
-Dennis
It's nice to have my corner-carver back!
Here's a pic of my car with the new wheels:
-juice
I am a bit of a freak, and my needs will be nowhere near those of the average Rexer. I was hoping that maybe there was someone around with a little dirt/rally experience who might have insight. Just hoping I would have the chance to play with my new baby in unpaved conditions, but may have to accept that I'm better off sticking with the truck for those purposes.
I wish you guys would stop posting pics of that sweet rally blue. Makes me second guess my choice of silver.
Nicholas
lookin' sharp.
~c
Brian
I was a little leery of going with the gold rims. I had originally planned on silver. I saw a WRX with gold on the street one day and it looked so good, it won me over. I'm also a big WRC fan, so getting gold wheels like the rally car was appealing.
I think I'm done with the cosmetic changes for now. The other things I've considered are matching rocker panels, STI type headlights, and maybe a Subaru sticker for the top of the windshield. I'm thinking the tinted windows and wheels give it a classy/sporty look without being too bling bling, so I think I'll stick with what I have for a while.
I've got the upgrade bug now though. I think a Cobb Access ECU tool may be in my future. I'll keep you posted.
I'm all for hotrodding, but it needs to be disposable income put into a secondary vehicle.
~c
-Dennis
don't do it.
~c
-mike
And those guys live for autocross...
-juice
Post or maybe PM me with some details. Biggest problem for me will likely be distance and border shipping $$ given it's not some little, light item.
Nicholas
I have it on my wagon and had no problems with it. It's a l'il under 10 lbs. and not at all bulky to handle.
As far as accessing for service, like routine oil change, the plate will have to be removed. But that only adds about 5 mins. to the routine... 5 bolts and it's off.
On the subject of sway bar. Stock is 17mm, and the STi for the WRX wagon I do believe is 20mm. I have the STi/SPT 20mm sway bar installed on my wagon and the difference is noticeable - less understeer... or as most will say, the car feels more neutral.
-Dave
-mike
Nicholas
The only thing I find I need to be careful of is that the back end comes around more easily in the snow.
I have a 2003 White WRX wagon that I have just decided to sell. It is a great car, but after almost a year with it, I have decided I need something with more room. I like to haul multiple bikes and camping gear and it gets a little tight sometimes.
My Rex has 17,500 miles. It was purchased new last May. It has had all scheduled service and I am using Mobile 1 Synthetic oil in it. I don't have any pictures at the moment, but if you're on this board, you know what it looks like. There is no body damage, just a couple of small scuff marks. Tires are in good shape.
I have a Kartboy short-throw shifter which I recently purchased, but have not installed yet. I will include this. Also, the car is wired for Sirius satellite radio. I'll leave this in if you want it.
The KBB private party sale value is $19,400. I am asking $19K even. The car is located in Spartanburg, SC. Plese call me at 864-583-8588 or email me at mbmmcse@bellsouth.net if interested.
Thank You,
Mike Miller
Interesting because the base WRX sedan - Front 20", Rear 20" for '02 and some of '03.
Supposedly the late '03s and '04s were given the 17" rears that the wagons have.
Also, the wagons have 20" fronts.
http://www.oakos.com/wrx/specs.htm
Thought this torsion stiffness table for Swaybars was interesting as well:
http://www.oakos.com/wrx/swaybarchart.htm
Finally, according to the website, replacing the endlinks might be better than just upgrading the sway bar.
http://www.oakos.com/wrx/installs/KBEndLinks/
Had aftermarket links on and don't notice any difference from with the OEMs. Add a rear strut bar and the handling/response is very noticeable.
-Dave
Nicholas
Bob
Then again...a WRX "company car" - gotta get my accountant on that one!
Nicholas
I've been getting a lot of clutch shudder in the mornings lately. Wonder if I should mention that while I'm there. I usually just deal with it and once the car warms up it goes away.
On a strange note, I've had a weird infestation of snails in the engine compartment these past several months. I don't know how they're getting in there, or how they are multiplying, but there are literally hundreds of slugs roasting on my alternator (starter? I don't know...).
Since I telecommute to my office from home, my car will sit for days at a time before I start it up, giving the snails several days to reproduce or whatever they do in there. Several times, I've noticed snail tracks/slime on the hood near the scoop, but I don't know if they are entering or exiting from there.
I've washed out the engine bay several times, getting rid of all the shells and cooked snail babies, but they inevitably return. I don't guess that snails can harm anything, but it's really disgusting to open the hood and see the mess they make in there.
Anyone else ever have snails in the engine? Maybe they see the turbo as their giant mother and are coming home...
Brian
I'm pretty confident that's the most bizarre thing I'll read all day.
Owen
My partner didn't believe me at first, thinking that maybe a squirrel or something was bringing them into the engine bay, but having witnessed the sheer numbers of them multiply a week after completely flushing the engine area out, I think he's convinced that they are indeed living in there.
As the weather dries up in the next few months and the temps double, I imagine this problem will correct itself. Poor little guys...
B
What I think you should do is paint a big letter S on the side of the car, then as you tear past people they can say, "Look a that S-car-go!"
-Frank P.
P.S. Drowning in beer, what a way to go!
-Frank P.