NZ New 2004 Subaru WRX STI

[Steveo]

Hey guys, I\'ve had a quick look around for some information but haven\'t had much luck. I\'d been looking for a V8/V9 WRX STI for quite some time. And ended up finding one locally with only 58,000km at a good price and in extremely good condition. Can someone please tell me what the differences are between the NZ model and the Jap Import version.

Are they down in power at all? I know this one has tuned length extractors so no Subaru rumble, this one also has 6 speed box and adjustable diff.

Also whats the best bang for buck mods to do, happy with how it is stock but like anything the bug will bite after a while.

Cheers

[Eight_dollar]

Depends mate are we talking about a v8 sti or a v9 sti there are a few differences between them that\'s all

[Steveo]

Sorry version 8 model, goes extremely well and very happy with it just wondering what the differences are. I know the Jap ones are normally tuned for the higher octane gas. So that part doesn\'t worry me as can only get 95 down here unfortunatly, would love to be running it on 98 but the closest place is a couple hours away.

[Pappu1]

different ecu reversion on jap vs nz new (different tune)

mechanically seem to be same

have not noticed major interior differences

[aim]

JDM and NZDM were pretty similar afaik? Only timing / tune to speak of?

Someone could correct me but I wouldn\'t worry too much. Usually the JDM imports have nicer paint work, usually a matter of city vs rural.

[Steveo]

Thats kinda what I was hoping the answers would be, if it\'s simply tuning for lower octane fuel and a few minor things thats what I was wanting to hear.

Kinda brought it as it was to good a deal to pass up, and really like the body style or that age WRX, Cheers guys.

[Pappu1]

u can always get it retuned to suit ur fuel

its cheap to retune

and i can only hope the nz new ones had closer to 98 vs jdm to 100octane gas

its amazing how badly the jdm ones knock on stock tune in the mid-top end especially mid

[Steveo]

Had the car for over a week now and extremely happy with it, and doesn\'t apear to knock on 95 which is a bonus. Will be looking at getting a tune done next time I\'m in CHCH as I don\'t really think theres anyone confident down here.

Any suggestions on whats the best mods to do engine wise, would there be much of a gain over the factory stuff running say a HKS exhaust system and better intake? Any suggestions on whats the best intake to run? Or are you better off running stock airbox and intake with say K&N panel filter.

Done a bit of research and it appears they are near the limit of the stock twin scroll turbo, and fuel system.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[boon]

The stock downpipe and it\'s cat are a major restriction, get rid of them ASAP even if you keep the rest standard.

Put a good panel filter in it, the factory airbox is good for like 230kw.

Maybe a fuel pump, although the standard one is alright up to similar power. Then a reflash.

[DacerX]

would still be using 98 if you can get it

[Steveo]

Cheers Boon,

Any suggestions, on where to get a aftermarket down-pipe cat from? Get a bit lost looking online as I know twin scroll models are different.

Dacerx - Yeah I would if I could get it, closest station with it is 2 hour drive away which is annoying for anyone in this area.

[boon]

Rage (ChCh/Auck company) do a twinscroll 3" downpipe, product number is BB3117, if it\'s anything like their single scroll downpipes it\'ll almost bolt up to the factory one although you might have to get an exhaust place to rotate the flange.

They do a complete exhaust but they tend to be rather on the loud side of things but their downpipes are good value when matched with a nice Japanese cat-back exhaust.

0800 288 623 is their number, you\'ll probably get a better price going direct than through one of their stockists.

[Steveo]

Cheers man, might give them a bell. Not to stressed about spending a bit of money the whole do it once do it right thing.

[lunchie]

HKS also do a full system that is very high quality through redline performance or STM in wellington. The HKS system is a full stainless and lasts decades

[lunchie]

also in terms of tuning, yeah the only people I would trust in the south island would be NZ EFI since I know they take advise on their subaru tuning from Andre at STM who is probably one of the guru\'s of subaru tuning in NZ. Also if you do replace the factory intake/filter remember subies are thought to prefer a dry filter element (not oiled) so K&N is a no no, basically you have to go for an HKS, cosworth or I think ZEROsports item. (The oiled ones can mess up the air flow sensors and make your car run rich/lean/blow up)

[Steveo]

Yeah I\'ve got my eyes on that HKS system at the moment, also is the process of getting Zenolli rotors and pads at the moment.

[lunchie]

are the stock brembo discs damaged/worn out?

[subypower]

 Steveo said:

Cheers Boon,

Any suggestions, on where to get a aftermarket down-pipe cat from? Get a bit lost looking online as I know twin scroll models are different.

Dacerx - Yeah I would if I could get it, closest station with it is 2 hour drive away which is annoying for anyone in this area.

Are you based in Invers as well Steveo?

[Steveo]

Yeah gone past there minimum thickness, done Zenolli rotors on work mates Evo 7 running Brembos and seemed a good upgrade over stock rotors and pads.

Nah based on good old Gore lol.