I had an STi MY02 and swapped it for my current 83SC.

Biggest drawback of the STi was the suspension - like driving a goKart. Great for short trips but very tiring on longer ones.

Also, the torque down low on the STi was the pits - many time you were dangerously left in an intersection waiting for the boost to cut in. Alternative was to slip the clutch a bit to keep the revs up - but that just burns the clutch.

Don't get me wrong - at times it was the best fun car to own - but I was using it everyday to drive 50 miles to work in peak hour - and the SC is so much more suited to that.

Tim

How hard is it to get power out of the standard WRX? I am swaying between a WRX wagon and STi now. Descisions are hard!

A bandmate has an 04 wrx wagon, and it's relative invisibility to cops is another plus in addition to the utility. He has the access port tuning, up-pipe, cat back exhaust, and maybe one other mod. His wagon makes roughly 275 or so hp, and is a very close to stock STI's. His car also has STI springs and koni shocks plus a rear strut tower bar that is easily removed.

It's just a great car. I love the WRX/STI/EVO et al but am not a fan of the boy racer look the large rear wing gives these cars to accentuate their boy racer appeal.

Having said that, a de-winged STI would be great. I notice that the STI version seems considerably dronier and louder, possibly irritating for commuting or long trips.

Shawn,

I just took my Hancook 17" snows off the STI. You would not believe what an animal this car is in the snow when you dial the torque split 50/50 with the rally knob. Not that this has any practical usage, but you can do donuts in the snow at 35MPH until you need to stop or pass out ;)

http://www.cobbtuning.com/main.html

Shawn, here is a compnay that I really like and have purchased a couple of things from. They have staged power packages. You can get pretty good power from a WRX and still maintain the driveability.

While the STI's kick a$$, I just couldn't see myself driving it the long distance everyday that I use my car for. I have been completely satisfied with my non STI WRX.

Bill

Evo>STI

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9...ture2854ef.jpg

Holy crap, with all those stickers that EVO must have atleast 1,000,000,000 horespower. That is hella cool.

EVO = bankrupt crap company

Not hard. Unless you have a pro butt-dyno and wideband O2 to monitor A/F, you will need an all-wheel dyno when you get in the 300s. Simple over-the-counter pre-mapped piggybacks and boltons can get you in a similar range, but when you start getting into higher horsepower it is ideal to throw it on a dyno.

I had a stage-4+ 2002 WRX with race coilovers, sway bars, strut bars, etc, etc, etc.

I know of what I speak. I did all installation myself...I was seeing about 380 at the wheels.

Evo>STI

Chevy sucks too...but that ZO6 will kick your ass.

Oh I agree with you Chevy analogy. I just don't like the Lancer the EVO is built of off, and think that long term durability the Subaru is the better bet. Just because something is faster, it doesn't neccesarily mean its better.

I've been a Subaru owner since 1995. My '95 Legacy has given me about 12 years of solid reliability, and trouble free miles. with almost 180,000 on the clock, the car is still surprisingly solid. I simply don't think Mitsu has the same reputation and reliability that Subaru does. At least, not in my book. Then again, I had a Plymouth Turismo TC-3, which had a Mitsu powerplant that gave me all types of trouble...but I digress...

I am considering upgrading to a new WRX, or possibly a Benz C280 with 4MATIC. (I work for Benz, and thus get a decent employee discount). Sadly, with theft rates the way they are, I suspect the WRX may cost about the same, if not more, to insure as the Benz does. (Initial cost of the two vehicles is about the same for me) (BTW: thrown hammer: they no longer are making the C-class wagon, so that wouldn't suit your needs, if you were considering something other than a subbie)

Then again, the Legacy GT spec.B sounds intriguing as well...

Not to hijack this thead, but for me, the toss up currently is between a WRX sedan, and a MB C280 4MATIC. Any thoughts?

-Z-man.

C30 concept--due out in fall...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1147713663.jpg

If you do get the WRX, make sure you get some greenie stickers, a W crossed out sticker, a rainbow license plate frame and an ACLU or UN logo, for the back windows...Maybe a darwin fish sticker too.

Comeon Mull, you know those are only standard Equipment on the Outback Wagons and the Foresters!

Z, the two cars are so different, thats a tough call.

Subaru is a great company. I am just no longer impressed by the WRX and STI (I love ugly, but they have gone too far), as a current owner of the Mistu Evo MR...No question that the Evo is superior. Superior block, intercooler where it should be, the 4G63 engine is time tested and very capable, superior steering rack, tougher looking and can they whoop some ass in the canyons and track...:eek:

I love the Legacy GT and the Forester. They take extremely well to mods and are awesome if you like the sleeper effect.

Either way, thrownhammer, let me know and I will walk you through the upgrade path.

:)

I started hanging out in OT rooms at NASIOC. Just left a bad taste in my mouth for the Subaru culture en toto.

Oh man, the OT here at Pelican is enough for me, I don't even go near the OT boards at NABISCO or any of the WRX forums.

I agree about the new face on the WRX/STI, but I think Shawn was looking for a used STI, which would have him looking at the better looking ones.

Bill

http://www.gtc-motorsports.com/chat/...mb_140_105.gif
Hehe - that's funny. I spoke with a couple of NAISOC folks at an AX recently, and my version of that club was, "So, you're part of N--A-E-I-O-U--SOC?" Somehow, NABISCO sounds better - may I use that?!?

BSiple: yeah, I know the MB C-class and WRX are in completely different categories, and yes, it is a tough call... what to do...what to do...

-Z.

Well, you'd be your own best source on MB. I've heard their reliability has been less than stellar of late. As to the WRX/STi, they both seem very solid. I have a friend who races his EVO, and all he's waiting for before getting an S2000 is for the EVO's engine to blow. He's been waiting a long time...

Of course, there might be an alternative to MB, and all others of that ilk...

http://www.thecarconnection.com/imag...8015_image.jpg

http://www.thecarconnection.com/imag...8016_image.jpg

...you'll just have to wait 'til 2007 or 2008...;)