In z3rides@yahoogroups.com, "Dr Biggly" wrote:
Re: [z3rides] Z3 Friends to the ReZcue
Quite glad to help. Here is some more information
about the vehicle you were driving:
Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Not to be confused with the Subaru Impreza WRX,
this follows the typical Japanese naming convention
of 'add more letters and it goes faster.' The same
holds true here, with the addition of those three letters
a minimum of things happens over the standard WRX:
-Better engine and bigger turbo (with less lag!)
-Bulletproof 6 speed instead of the glass-jaw'd 5-speed
-Adjustable center differential
-Full limited slip differentials F and R
-300hp instead of 235hp
-Upgraded struts/springs (more on this later)
-Nice heavy-duty Brembo brakes package
-Upgraded steering rack (quicker ratio)
-No-slip seats and blue interior
-Very sticky tires (but a bit rough and a little loud)
Here are some notes on figuring out which model is which:
**Subaru Impreza 2.5RS or 2.5i**
This model has a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine. Short gear ratio, fun to
drive. Great car. But maye in the 180hp range. Note that with all Subarus
being AWD, there is a lot of power loss in motivating the larger drivetrain so
it takes quite a bit more power to feel quick vs. RWD. This engine is shared in
other vehicles such as the Legacy, Forester, and Baja.
**Subaru Impreza WRX**
This vehicle has a turbo, which kicks the output up quite a bit. Originally
sold in other countries around the world for years, we did not get them until
2001 (as a 2002 model year). As a World Rally homologation car, these came with
the 2.0L turbo engine. (2006 and up WRXs got bumped to the 2.5L engine that
started with the 2004 Forester XT, BajaXT, and 2005 and up LegacyGT. Less lag,
and a mild upgrade on the brakes, just not the STi-level Brembos. Also started
getting 17s instead of the 16s.)
**Subaru Impreza WRX STi**
This is currently the fastest model in the US. After years of waiting (and of
course this model too being sold to the rest of the world) it appeared in May of
2003 as a 2004 model year. It also has a 2.5L engine, like it's smaller
siblings throughout the Subaru lineup, however the internals are a bit
different, it has variable valve timing, and a larger turbo. The 6-speed
gearbox is top-notch and can easily be considered 'heavy-duty.' However, the
real magic with this car is with its differentials. Each model year change has
added an upgraded center differential controller with the programming simply
getting better through different torque splits and in 2006 an additional yaw
sensor. Add this to stickier tires and the out-of-the-showroom combination is
fantastic.
As part of the rally pedigree, the STi is easily capable of heading offroad for
dirt or gravel fun (though obviously not a rockcrawler, milder trails are
advised.) However, to be able to accomplish this in stock form the engineers
keep the car fitted with smaller swaybars, softer springs, and very overdamped
struts. Great for going high-speed on gravel backroads, not so great for daily
driving. Herein lies the biggest 'problem' with the STi in stock form: The
ride quality is bouncy. Too much spring or too much strut really feels like the
same thing though for opposite reasons. Lots of bouncing and jiggling.
Downgrading the struts is not necessary as it comes with quite good ones to
start with. Best solution? Upgrade the springs to stiffer springs and the ride
quality will improve since the strut is actually damping the spring instead of
being so strong that it fights the spring. Add a pair of swaybar upgrades
(doing only one or the other is never quite as good or makes the car nervous)
completes an ultimate handling package. Expect to do this for a variety of
costs, but maybe $500.
Niggling handling bits aside, the power and it's delivery in the car is
wonderfully entertaining. The bonus to this vehicle is the ability to easily
add more power. A simple turbo-back exhaust system (~$1000 depending) will net
about 40hp. Intake? 6-8hp. The car takes to simple bolt-ons like a duck to
water. The best part is knowing that the car is incredibly safe with Subaru's
3-ring design and nearly indestructible B-pillars. (Reference fireman.com
magazine article detailing the lack of proper extrication tools for newer Subaru
B-pillars.)***Other Subaru models of note***
2005 and up Legacy GT:
-Shares the 2006 and up WRX drivetrain. 2.5L turbo engine and 5-speed gearbox,
but with a longer wheelbase, more room, and a lot more luxury.
2004 and up ForesterXT:
-Got the first of the 'detuned' 2.5L turbo engines (which first appeared only in
the STi). Sleeper wagon with a boatload of space.
2004 and up BajaXT:
-Also shares the 2.5L turbo drivetrain. Funky car/truck/thing and dang quick.
Rather unfortunate body molding though.
WRX Wagons:
-Share almost everything in identical with the WRX sedan. No STi wagons at this
time.
Saab 9-2X Aero:
-This came about due to GM's 25% holding in Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy
Industries. Better sheet metal and exterior looks, a little better sound
deadening, but mechanically identical. Only a couple of years; I think
2004-2006 at the most though I believe it to be limited to only 2 model
years..would have to look it up.
-Biggly
P.S. If there are any errors above, blame me as I did this off the top
of my
head.
Biggly writes:
someone snapped one of me in my car (wow do I look bored...though I was waiting on folks to part for the main pic) at my Dragon meet this past weekend
pic from on top of the dam looking down onto the group below
I did my best to honor your car Biggly!
Esmerelda's Home Page~ Z3ers.com