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If you look under the dash to the right of the steering column there are two unconnected green connectors. If you plug these together and turn on the ignition (but don't try to start the engine) then the fan will cycle on and off and various lights will start flashing. The boost solenoid will also click open and shut. So, take the solenoid off the car and remove boost/vac hoses (mark which one goes where!) but leave the electronic connections in place. Connect the green connectors and turn on ignition. Hold solenoid in a rag so you don't get solvent on paint work and squirt lots of carb cleaner in both ports while it's clicking. Then it should be properly clean.
Let the solvent dry then reverse all of the above and you're done.
Finally got around to doing this yesterday. Thanks for the pointers, it definitely felt more sprightly today!
I've also bought the meister r coilovers from the group buy. Roughly 25mm drop all round. Set relatively firm (16 out of 32 all round). Alignment done by revivals 59 of thriplow, Royston.
They're great. The first coilovers I've ever bought so I can't compare to any others, but they're compliant enough, eliminated body roll and only a small increase in NVH on poor road surfaces (such as the A505). The car feels superb now, really solid and stable without any crashing.
Before.
After
I just stumbled across your blog and I got the same car pretty much. Black with Sti gold wheels, well the wheels will be changed shortly. I was trying to research about the Meister R coils and like yourself, this is my family car. How is the ride quality so far? Which model did you require for the wagon as I thought that it might be different? Any issues so far with the coilovers on bumpy roads? Thanks.
My car:
My wagon on stock shocks and Eibach Pro Kit springs.
The TRD style **** wasn't working. Even with the plastic inserts screwed up tight it still twisted and when trying to change gear quickly it was a problem.
So I've got another ****:
This has a 12mm thread cut in the solid aluminium, so it can be done up really tight. Plus it sits 3-4 cm higher so suits my driving position a bit better.
Last edited by Cambs_Stuart; 19 June 2017 at 07:10 PM.
That looks well. I have the Perrin short shift adaptor in my wrx wagon and it has just the stock leather gear ****. Throws are much shorter and clicks in better if that makes sense. How you finding the gear shifts?
Dunno what happened to the previous post but I was wondering about your experience so far with the Meister R coils as I have the same car as yours and with a small family wanted something that would not be too harsh with the option of firming it up for the back roads bash once in a while/track day.
This is my 2004 wrx wagon SL (still trying to figure out if it's a PPP)
Dunno what happened to the previous post but I was wondering about your experience so far with the Meister R coils as I have the same car as yours and with a small family wanted something that would not be too harsh with the option of firming it up for the back roads bash once in a while/track day.
This is my 2004 wrx wagon SL (still trying to figure out if it's a PPP)
Your wagon looks really good. If you're wondering if it's a PPP then the easiest check is the turbo to intercooler hose as it should be blue and branded prodrive. I think you can also contact subaru uk. All ppp cars had a certificate so there should be one in the history.
The perrin shift looks good; does it use the standard stick?
Now I've got used to the short shift it's really, really good. Shame it was such a pain to fit. I still feel dirty for using a sledgehammer on my car...
The MeisterRs are great. Don't get me wrong. The car is firm and noisy. But I wanted quiet and smooth I'd buy a jag. But these have done family trips all over the UK. 7-8 hours with two adults and two children plus luggage and the only complaints were about the lack of adjustment on the passenger's seat.
Thanks man. The intercooler hose is a Prodrive branded one. I tried to contact Prodrive but they don't have records anymore and did say to contact Subaru. I might do that next as the car had little paperwork with it and didn't have the certificate.
The Perrin short shift makes the shifting very direct. It's tight the gearbox and uses the standard stick so the height is not affected, only a reduction in the throw.
Seeing your cut knuckles, I think all the blood, sweat and tears are worth it! It sounds like it was a good mod.
By the sounds of it, the Meisters are a good fit. I, like yourself have a family with 2 children who need to be ferried around. Planning a trip from Dublin, Ireland to London via ferry next and I could pick up the coils then. My car has just over 108k miles on the clock and the shocks are well past their prime.
By the sounds of it, the Meisters are a good fit. I, like yourself have a family with 2 children who need to be ferried around. Planning a trip from Dublin, Ireland to London via ferry next and I could pick up the coils then. My car has just over 108k miles on the clock and the shocks are well past their prime.
The set up that I've never heard anyone ever say anything bad about are pca dynamics springs and standard shocks. The engineer behind pca dynamics is ex-prodrive so knows how to set up a subaru!
Perhaps next time I'll give them a go...
I only read about the pca dynamics springs on here 2 days ago. I currently have Eibach Pro Kit springs on standard shocks. It's reduced body roll and is very compliant. My 2 next options are either Kyb Sr shocks or Meister R coils all around. Gonna research pca dynamics shocks too for my own knowledge.
I only read about the pca dynamics springs on here 2 days ago. I currently have Eibach Pro Kit springs on standard shocks. It's reduced body roll and is very compliant. My 2 next options are either Kyb Sr shocks or Meister R coils all around. Gonna research pca dynamics shocks too for my own knowledge.
I narrowed down the choices to PCA Dynamics springs with KYB shocks, or MeisterR coilovers. Both came to about the same cost.
I have a blob PPP wagon and it's our family car for long journeys as well as something for me to have some fun in on track, so for me it came down to adjustability – with the coilovers I can change the damping in seconds to go from softer motorway setting to harder track mode. It's more of a pain to change the ride height but it can be set to whatever you like. The PCA Dynamics springs will give you a height drop from standard, but I'm not sure whether they are specific for the weight distribution of the wagon compared to the saloon. I'm sure Peter Cambridge would be happy to discuss, he was very friendly when I emailed him a while back (peter at pcadynamics.com).
Last edited by boggissimo; 20 June 2017 at 12:53 PM.
Good eye there man. Yeah, a little while back someone bashed against my front left wing and made a big massive dent in it and left. So I decided to upgrade to sti wings front. It's the only bit I have done so far and the bumper now needs looking into as it doesn't line up 100% but I can live with it at the moment.
Great to see/hear that there are other ppp wagons around as well. I am based in Ireland and my car was originally bought as a company car. That's why I think the ppp option was ticked!
I narrowed down the choices to PCA Dynamics springs with KYB shocks, or MeisterR coilovers. Both came to about the same cost.
I have a blob PPP wagon and it's our family car for long journeys as well as something for me to have some fun in on track, so for me it came down to adjustability – with the coilovers I can change the damping in seconds to go from softer motorway setting to harder track mode. It's more of a pain to change the ride height but it can be set to whatever you like. The PCA Dynamics springs will give you a height drop from standard, but I'm not sure whether they are specific for the weight distribution of the wagon compared to the saloon. I'm sure Peter Cambridge would be happy to discuss, he was very friendly when I emailed him a while back (peter at pcadynamics.com).
That's great to hear reviews like that as I am seriously contemplating getting the Meisters. My shocks are past their prime and getting a full set of KYB Sr with all the bits will come to nearly the same price. With the Meisters, the added flexibility/adjustability will be a great asset as like yourself, my car is a family car and a fun car at weekends. Planning to bring the power up as well at the end of the year and gathering parts along the way.
I narrowed down the choices to PCA Dynamics springs with KYB shocks, or MeisterR coilovers. Both came to about the same cost.
I have a blob PPP wagon and it's our family car for long journeys as well as something for me to have some fun in on track, so for me it came down to adjustability – with the coilovers I can change the damping in seconds to go from softer motorway setting to harder track mode. It's more of a pain to change the ride height but it can be set to whatever you like. The PCA Dynamics springs will give you a height drop from standard, but I'm not sure whether they are specific for the weight distribution of the wagon compared to the saloon. I'm sure Peter Cambridge would be happy to discuss, he was very friendly when I emailed him a while back (peter at pcadynamics.com).
Great to hear you being able to use the wagon as a daily with the coilovers. I am very tempted to get them myself as like you said, it offers such flexibility.
Apologies in advance for the lack of pictures on this post
So, another year and another MOT passed. Advisories for having an under tray fitted and there being a childseat in the back. So, basically an all clear.
Tim Farmer serviced it again, I also splashed out on a new cambelt plus kit (Tim supplied a RCM/Dayco kit). I was dithering on having it fitted as it was changed not long before I bought the car, albeit by a garage with virtually no online presence.
However, Tim would fit and supply the kit for £250 so I thought it would be worth piece of mind.
I am very glad I did. Whoever had fitted the previous timing kit had tightened the belt guide onto the belt. The guide had carved a deep groove in the belt where it had rubbed. This caused the guide to get so hot it had burnt off some of the plating, more seriously the belt was starting to crack in multiple places.
You could see spots where the belt had melted onto the guide, probably when stopping the car after a long run.
So, very glad I had that changed before it caused a catastrophic engine failure!
Sorry, another post with no pictures.
I think my time with the wagon is coming to an end.
Reasons being:
1. Children getting big and complaining about lack of leg room.
2. Children getting car sick.
3. My wife has very bad back, and lack of adjustment on passenger's side seat not helping.
4. A14 upgrade means I'm spending most of my time in slow traffic, and will be for the next 2 1/2 years (at least).
5. Opportunity has come up to buy a very interesting car I've always wanted to own, at a very good price.
The timing is crap as I've just put on a new clutch and timing belt kit, but at least it means I can sell it on in good conscience. Just seems a shame after spending so long (and so much cash) getting it sorted.
Sorry, another post with no pictures.
I think my time with the wagon is coming to an end.
Reasons being:
1. Children getting big and complaining about lack of leg room.
2. Children getting car sick.
3. My wife has very bad back, and lack of adjustment on passenger's side seat not helping.
4. A14 upgrade means I'm spending most of my time in slow traffic, and will be for the next 2 1/2 years (at least).
5. Opportunity has come up to buy a very interesting car I've always wanted to own, at a very good price.
The timing is crap as I've just put on a new clutch and timing belt kit, but at least it means I can sell it on in good conscience. Just seems a shame after spending so long (and so much cash) getting it sorted.
Not you too! Where am I going to get my maintenance and upgrade ideas from if you and modrich are both out of wagons?
Interested to see where you are going from here...
Sorry boggissimo. .
If I had the car for longer I would have looked into.
1. Replace steering UJ with sti.
2. Replace steel wishbones with alloy. Also add roll center correction kit plus poly bushes at the same time.
3. Godspeed big brake kit.
4. H brace.
Probably some more things I hadn't heard of yet. Still the wagon should be a good basis for someone to work on, or at least a reliable motor for a few years.
Sorry boggissimo. .
If I had the car for longer I would have looked into.
1. Replace steering UJ with sti.
2. Replace steel wishbones with alloy. Also add roll center correction kit plus poly bushes at the same time.
3. Godspeed big brake kit.
4. H brace.
Probably some more things I hadn't heard of yet. Still the wagon should be a good basis for someone to work on, or at least a reliable motor for a few years.
I never really found much information about the H brace, on here or elsewhere. Is it standard on STIs or an added extra?
I may well do the alloy wishbone thing eventually, but I gather I'd then need to replace a load of other stuff with saloon bits. Will probably go for more power next, with an STI bonnet/scoop/undertray/intercooler and turbo. Also want to get my other project on the road though so that might eat funds...
This s the H brace I was considering. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261076684553
They occasionally turn up second hand too. The plan was to hire a ramp and fit it and the steering knuckle at the same time.
However I have a sneaking feeling that the h brace may just further show up the flex in the steel arms. I was also worried about the impact on ground clearance.
Since I've had the car I've prevaricated over upping the power. Tim Farmer actually talked me out of it. Reason being it's spent the last 12 years and 90,000 miles at 30-40 bhp over a standard wrx. It's my daily drive so do I want to risk knackering it for another 20 or 30 hp? If it was a standard wrx I would probably go for another 30-40 horse power.
On the other side I know the engine is in very good condition, and who doesn't want more power? 300 bhp should be safe, shouldn't it...?
But then for the same money I could replace the wishbones, fit a roll center kit and possibly an anti lift kit too. Or replace the brakes. Which one would I enjoy more?
Last edited by Cambs_Stuart; 04 August 2017 at 10:58 AM.
I miss my 205 Turbo and my M3 but I don't regret selling them, as I needed to free up some cash for life's other adventures.
If you were simply selling it to try a different car, then you may regret it but it sounds like you'll regret it more if you keep it!
1. Children getting big and complaining about lack of leg room.
2. Children getting car sick.
3. My wife has very bad back, and lack of adjustment on passenger's side seat not helping.
4. A14 upgrade means I'm spending most of my time in slow traffic, and will be for the next 2 1/2 years (at least).
Oooh! Very nice. Might end up heading that way in a few years too, but will want something I can take on track to replace the Impreza, and that will take some serious negotiation...
It's like the wagons bigger, more mature brother.
It's also in bit of a neglected state, so I'll start another project thread to chart how this one's goes.
I'm about to head out with an armful of cleaning stuff to get to work on the interior.
First update. Get rid of this:
15 June 2017, 10:55 PM
