lunchie

Yeah 98 is getting tough to find in anything outside of major south island cities. If I get a hiperformance car again I will make sure my ECU gets remapped with duel 95/98 maps, I believe this can be done for most stock late model ecu\'s (subies, mitsi\'s nissans etc)

Haha, yeah I know but still, my hate of the 2.5 is based on facts. Anyway, I hope the author of the thread gets sorted out well one way or another, he should have an overabundance of info now whichever way he goes

haha yeah, just what the motoring mag said about the 1.4, never driven one myself. Yeah problem is the mazda MPS spins up crazy even with an LSD and only 270hp lol. Anyway, I hope the author finds something cool to buy

Because it is a NZ new it means it has the 2.5ltr. These engines are KNOWN to crap out with little abuse, there are many many reports with documented evidence on the UK subaru sites showing the 2.5ltr sti engines going pop when pushed even a bit and lots of failures when the cars are on the dyno during remaps etc with minimal or no earlier mods. I know some of you will disagree with this but the evidence does not lie. If i were you I would take the chance to get out of the car completely and pick up something like this instead. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=657974236 It is the same model but has the much stronger engine (2ltr)

Look how silly fast this thing is with just catback and an ecu remap

Modern cars seem to wear kms much better than old ones, even subarus. A friend of mine in Dunedin who runs a car yard regularly buys 300kms + cars that have a good service history esspecially the 2003-2009 shape legacys and has next to no issues with them, so NO I wouldn\'t consider 150kms on any car post 2003-2005 to be high enough to put me off, only thing to consider is that as soon as you hit 180kms most people start to get wary (imo without good reason) and as such the value of most cars will tank past 180kms. Because of this I would consider how long you plan on owning the car and if getting $ back when you sell it is important, if so then maybe go for something with lower kms but if not then I wouldn\'t think twice about those kms for my own car As far as the mechatronics unit goes that was from the mouth of a mate that works servicing them, dunno if he mistyped or just didn\'t know but as I said it is a potential issue but certainly not something to put you off, also tbh those DSG boxes are actually VERY reliable and I think the few failures HAVE been blown out of proportion as you said. My mums one is a 2ltr GT, I have heard some terrible things about the 1.4 engines, one aussie journo compared it to the original twin turbo legacy torque hole issues. (the power drop between the 1st and 2nd turbo) She just threw some really nice new continental tires on it and it is just mental through the corners. I followed a friend up along a twisty 1 way bit of road and he couldn\'t shake me in his 02 wrx (not sti) so I was impressed. The fuel econ those golfs get is stupid good too lol As soon as I pay off my short term debt I plan on picking up either a Mk V gti (edition 30 for the nicer s3 engine and turbo) or a V9 wrx hatch back. Those Edition 30\'s are only a remap and catback away from 320hp, IN A GOLF LOL!!!!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/ford/focus/auction-657046480.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/ford/focus/auction-634736212.htm The above post is not wrong though, the GTI is a GREAT car, only issue with them is the mecatronics unit can go wrong which costs $1500, then again a warranty will take care of that. They are rated at 200hp and with just a reflash will hit 250hp or 275 with a cat back exhaust. A lot of car for the money, mum has one of the GT models, even with only 150hp it still is SO SO much fun to drive on the twisties. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/volkswagen/golf/auction-653306333.htm Mazda mps is a very good car too but they don\'t look as good imho and their interior looks so dated compared to the VW and the ford. Then again, maybe you don\'t care about that.

I hate to say this as its a v10 and they are such nice cars, but I seriously doubt a dealer will agree to pay out 8k on ANY rebuild, so then you really have three options, take it back and get a full refund (and take some pics of said car so all clubsubbers know to stay the F away from it lol) get the dealer to fix it and risk a bad job, get the dealer to agree to kick in a few K towards you getting it done yourself but I would surprised if you got more than 4,000. Also just out of curiosity, was it an NZ new or Jap import V10?

+1 for the focus ST225 or XR5, with just a remap they up from 225 to 270hp and they handle, look, and feel so well balanced, also you don\'t have the "boyracer" thing going on with them like you would with any subaru wrx etc

Some cool racing vids from the waimatei 2013 weekend Hill climb, street sprints, rally.

who cars, its a nice looking legacy with full leather and the cool wheels. Would buy even if not full blitzen as it is not like they had a better engine or gearbox etc

yeah that\'s what I think. COULD be very cool but could also suck

Hey Paimei is which turbo is this graph showing? I am guessing a TD04? Also where are you based for the remapping?

any idea of price

lol good call

Thought this style looked good too with the STI logo http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0908_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti_spec_c_review/29492997/subaru-impreza-WRX-STI-spec-c-seats.jpg

Hey does anyone have an idea on what it might cost to get normal wrx fabric seats retrimmed in leather?, a mate was thinking of going for something like the style on this newer wrx with leather on the sides and alcantara in the center bits. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/wrx/auction-649047253.htm Anyone had their seats done in leather and have any experiences either positive or negative. I told him to go for these cool orange ones lol http://strumors.automobilemag.com/files/2012/07/2012-Subaru-WRX-STI-spec-C-tan-leather-interior-1024x640.jpg

A remapped ecu will get you more power than doing just the exhaust, if you do both together you should gain a good 20-30kw atw and have a smoother acceleration and better fuel econ

It is true that the jdm\'s from I think v4 onwards were making 280hp even in the wrx though I believe. I remember a friends completely stock v5wrx laying down 168kw atw so 280hp at the fly sounds about right. Then again they were all running the larger TD05 or VF series turbos even in the normal wrx\'s by then I think

The track models got a good LSD I believe, also with an exhaust and ecu remap they gain a good 25-30kw putting them at or over 200kw atw. Easy good for a flat 13 or high 12 with some good rubber.

" If you can afford a Spec C, then don’t even bother with an STI (V8, V9 or V10), you will be disappointed. V7 RA Spec C is by far THE best Impreza Subaru made (in terms of power and handling), it’s also the rarest at just 300 made, even rarer than a 22B. With a 315hp (235kW) hand built motor, using special one off Spec c pistons etc, factory flowed heads, upgraded VVT, exclusive ECU, VF34 pushing 1.5 bar (last of the truly wild tunes before the company started limiting things) extremely light and stiff body, no other STD Impreza can touch it. The std V8 and V9 Spec C’s don’t even come close due to their extra weight and de-tuning (don’t know where you heard someone comparing a std V8 or V9 STI with a spec c, not even in the same ballpark)! V7 RA Spec C is the only Spec C to be built and used by Subaru for WRC. That’s why it was built so light and powerful. The Plain V7 Spec C (which looks similar, doesn’t have DCCD, has the Brembo’s and may be a little heavier, also not too sure if it has the same power). V8 onwards carried over the V7 Spec c suspension (so that tells you how good it was), but increased in weight considerably: V7 RA Spec C – 1290kg - V7 RA – 1360kg (approx) – V7 STI – 1470kg (approx) – V8 Spec C RA – 1360kg (approx) – V8 STI – 1480kg (approx) – V9 Spec C – 1390-1400kg (approx) – The suspension that carried over (and most Subaru fans don’t know what they are talking about here) was the inverted strut style AND the Spec C’s increased castor (5 degree, instead of 3.5 degree in the V7 STI’s). This increase in castor lengthened the wheel base by 15mm and eliminated the under/over steer issues that Plain V7 (and some early V8 STI’s) has. I’ve never driven anything with such perfect and accurate steering as my Spec C! You will be hard pressed to find a good RA Spec C in NZ as, as far as I know, mine was one of only 2 or 3 here (the only other one I am sure about is in CHCH on a lot, and it looks like a dirty pig). However, next best machine would be the one for sale in Devonport: It is a V7 Spec C (has an RA Spec C badge on boot though). It has only done 38k (assuming the dealer isn’t dodgy) and looks very tidy. I think they are looking for 24k or there abouts. You WILL NOT find a better car than this for the money (except the one I just sold), and any V8 or V9 (V10 isn’t even worth thinking about unless you can get a Spec C RA-R) is going to be inferior to this (even a Spec c). I know others will tell you different, and they all have their opinions, but, I don’t base any of this on an opinion, I researched a hell of a lot (and of course owned and drove one for almost 3 years) and the V7 RA Spec C is simply the best of the lot (in terms of going quickly and handling). I know some people (whose dedication to performance I would question) don’t like the Spec C because it doesn’t have central locking, or electric windows, or a body kit etc… Gotta wonder what they are buying an Impreza for, really…if you want creature comforts or body kits, I say buy a Legacy, you wanna go fast, buy a V7 Spec C, or if you must buy a V8, buy a V8 Spec C RA. " For bonus points try and guess who sent me that info lol (was a good few years ago now)

For what its worth. Golf GTI My mum owns a series 5 golf and I have spent long hours driving it and another Gti golf series 5. They are extremely good fun to drive and the only issue with them is the mechatronics control chip on the DSG gearbox can sometimes go but this is covered by most warranties, anyway the 6 speed manual is the one to go for anyway. The 2004-2008 model makes 200hp and hits 100kph in mid 6\'s while still getting around 10kms per ltr around town and 12-14kms per ltr on the open road. Think 600-800km\'s from a 60ltr tank. Also bare in mind the engines are VERY tunable and a simple reflash nets you 240hp with high 5 seconds to 100 and insane 80-120kph passing times due to the massive torque these engines make. They are also a full 5 star NCAP safety rated car and look good as well, easy enough room for 4 adults or 2 adults +3 kids. Being a VW they are also the cheapest of the Euro brands to service (compared to audi, bmw and merc), mums annual service through the VW dealer is $150 which includes new oil and several filters (oil and something else) and a full check over of the car. 3ltr legacy As a 2nd option my brother owned a 3ltr 2004 legacy for several years. It went very well, was nice and smooth and effortless to drive due to the torque. Used a decent amount of fuel around town 9kms per ltr but on the open road it still got better than 10kms per ltr. Performance wise it was torque and effortless rather that fast (in the sense of a wrx that is) but it still hit 100 in the low 7\'s. The factory Mcintosh sound system is awesome too as is the leather interior if you can get it. Super reliable chain driven engine too which is very thrash resistant and good for towing. 2ltr turbo legacy The 2ltr turbo legacy of the same era (2003-2009) as also great cars but seem to have a few more niggles than the 3ltr NA cousins. They are however noticible quicker and with a simply catback exhaust and a reflash they can punch out 165-180kw atw (much more than a stock GD chassis WRX and not far off a stock sti). They also have the nice GTB option too with the tasty bilstein suspension and bigger 18inch wheels which look the business too. Added awesome points if you can find one with the stock STI front lip which makes them look so much more aggressive and staunch. Focus ST (2006-2010) The Focus ST\'s are a great option too but as most have said 18k is the very very low end of that market and you may end up with a car with highish kms for that amount. That said they are a great car with arguably the best sounding engine this side of an ej20 with anti-lag going through a pine tree rally stage lol They are known to be a tough robust engine with better than average low down torque and the factory hp claim of 225 can be made to nudge 300 with just a reflash and a new exhaust. Quaife also makes a great front LSD for their gearboxes which can be bought and installed for just over $1,000 giving you an extremely potent 300hp superhatch that can easily mix it with the evo\'s and sti\'s on track or on road using the diff to help put down that power off the line and pull it out of wet corners without just spinning away the inside tire. 5 star NCAP too and will probably hold its value the best of them all. Hope some of that is helpful, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions

14psi with a full exhaust and intercool with a proper reflash should see 260-280hp and a really super responsive set up

The 2006-2010 shape audi RS4\'s have some serious issues with carbon buildup in the manifolds leading to huge losses of power over time. Costs about $1500 to clean it but there is no "fix" and must be done every 10,000-20,000 kms and to make things worse despite it happening to almost all RS4\'s Audi refuses to admit there is a fault. Am told the S4 engines are fine though, go figure. Then again if I could afford an RS4 for 60k I wouldn\'t care about a $1500 bill every year or so to keep it running well. My brother just traded in his 3.2v6 A3 and I ALMOST got him to buy an S4 but in the end he went for a VW R36, still 300hp v6 screamer but an s4 would be so much cooler. I just LOVE euro v8\'s, they sound so much cooler than most aussie/US stuff

are you guys comparing referring to the difference between power at the flywheel and power at the wheels?