importing 2002 GDB STI

[chriszzz]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to these forums. I'm looking at importing a 2000-2002 STI, GDB chassis.

Are there any common issues these cars have?

Have been told several different things, mostly gearboxes and drivelines shitting out, is this true?

What are some basic mods I can do to increase power??

is a front mount i/c likely to increase performance (longer piping vs shorter piping of the top mount)

[Dv8er - FSTWRX]

Weak gearboxes and drivelines?? The 6speeds are a heck of alot stronger then the older 5speeds. Syncros maybe giving up over time but still a strong box.

[chriszzz]

ok cool thats good to hear. anyone know off the top of their head how much power they make standard, how much boost they run standard?

What is the handling etc liek compared to a v6 sti? ( i prefer the look of v6 just dont meet frontal impact and emissions standards)

[chriszzz]

Also, has anyone done the cambelt themself in one of these?

Mission?

last car was an audi a4 imagine it will be a lot less of a bitch than that to do.

[nt_a_foz]

Can i ask why your importing one and not jsut getting one thats already in the country???

V7 Sti are getting pretty cheap now im sure itd be cheaper to just buy in the coutnry?

[chriszzz]

Yup I thought of that, save me the time waiting for it to come etc.

Basically I can get an average-good condition one, done around 80,000kms, for inbetween 11 and 12k depending on color, tidiness.

Even if I only save a thousand or two, thats still money I can spend on other things (mods, gas )

[Koom]

Have you accounted for the freight, import duty, compliance checks etc that are required before it can be put on the road here? There's quite a few costs that pop up in the process.

[chriszzz]

Yup I have, basically you pay for : FOB price (car purchase price), auctioneer fees, shipping, sea freight insurance, grooming and any mechanic work needed once it arrives, tax (12.5% of FOB). compliance, wof/reg. Is quite a list but still works out more worth it than buying one from a dealer or trademe.

Just a bummer about the emission laws, when looking to import a car basically all that was worth looking at in my price range was AS200 Altezza,E46 325i bmw or 2000-2002 sti, and i'd prefer something a bit quicker.

[Koom]

Thinking about it a bit more, when I imported a V5 STI last year it worked out just a bit cheaper to import than to buy here. Originally it was going to much cheaper to import but I got killed by the exchange rate taking a dive and the car taking an extra month to get here. If I was looking at buying something just for personal use I would probably import again as I reckon the choice is better but you are taking a wee bit of a gamble. At least its a rated gamble though.

[chriszzz]

yeaa thats what i figured, I mean worst case scenario I'll end up paying the same as i would on trademe, and most likely will save a couple thousand. exchange rate isnt too bad at the moment etc

[Koom]

 webup said:

Whats the tax you mentioned??? I thought there was no import tax on cars here or are you talking GST?

I can't remember the specifics of it but from memory its an import duty (at 12.5%) just cause there's some legality about actually calling it GST, I think. I just had it all organised through the frieght company and paid them one bill for getting the car here and to the compliance shop.

[chriszzz]

 Koom']

[quote name='webup said:

Whats the tax you mentioned??? I thought there was no import tax on cars here or are you talking GST?

/quote]

I can't remember the specifics of it but from memory its an import duty (at 12.5%) just cause there's some legality about actually calling it GST, I think. I just had it all organised through the frieght company and paid them one bill for getting the car here and to the compliance shop.

Thats pretty sweet man, is it quite hard to get a decent return?

Yup import duty is the one, 12.5% of FOB i think it is

[chriszzz]

 webup said:

Whats the tax you mentioned??? I thought there was no import tax on cars here or are you talking GST?

Kiwi dollar is storming still.

Some of us dont work for a living in the conventional way and just day trade from home

sorry, quoted wrong one, is it quite hard to get a return trading?

[Simon C]

They run about 20psi of boost, tapers back to 14psi or so at high RPM. Mine made 180kw ATW with a 3" turbo back exhaust, else stock. Leave the top mount intercooler alone, it can support up to 400bhp, you'll just make your car laggy with a FMIC. Go for a 3" turbo back exhaust and remap, that should give you the most gains for your money.