Been doing some lockdown tinkering, finally managed to get the coach bolts undone for the rear subframe inserts




Then it was time to move on to cleaning the rear tailgate lights before fitting a new number plate.

 

Good work. Don't suppose you've driven it to see the different in the whiteline spacer kit have you? I have them on mine and can't notice much but at least it stops the rear subframe moving side to side and knocking the camber etc out on the rear now. You could see the rear end had shifted position every time I had it checked, now it's not moved a bit since.

 

Hey Andy hope your staying well, I have driven her as i needed to go to the sorting office, whilst it wasnt a spirited drive I definitely noticed a difference but then my bushes are a lot older than yours

 

I cleaned my lights too today; they are such a frustrating design with that concealed lip.

 

Your tailgate is a different design to mine behind the lights! Is yours a facelift hatch?

 

No mate, registered in 2010 but not a facelift.

 

Hoping to get this little lot fitted this weekend more group N goodness. In conjunction with the poly shifter bush, STI Gear Shift Lever Cushion Rubber and engine pitch mount, should firm up gear changes nicely.

 

Let us know how the linkage bits go. Aren't you going to do the transmission crossmember bushes at the same time? Cost me £23 from Japan, or ICP do them. Or Superpro

 

Yes got those to go in as well Hedge, makes sense to do all at the same time.

 

The group N parts successfully went on over the weekend, the difference in stiffness of the rubber is crazy and whilst I have not gone for a proper blast yet the quick drive to make sure everything was ok did feel firmer and more connected on the gear changes without any real increase in noise or vibration.








Most of the under-sealing is now complete also, ready for winter.

 

Productive weekend, good work.

 

Thanks, I now cant decide to keep going down the STI route refreshing everything with firmer but more compliant parts like Don has or to head down the more poly bush (cusco, beatrush, hardrace) firmer route?

Not sure which way the hatch is going to be more receptive to, potentially the STI route

 

Decisions decisions

 

@Don Clark you have had some very successful results from the STI refresh you have done with your car and my assumption is there isnt a huge amount of difference in the chassis between both models, body shape would say to me that my hatch probably could do with being a bit stiffer due to the large aperture in the rear when compared with the saloon.

I am wondering if there is a good hybrid in there somewhere, as I like the principles behind the improved steering and chassis response of the STI parts but think potentially going one step harder on the rear could also have benefits?

 

Everything that applies to the saloon (4 door) applies to the hatch (5 door) as well

https://www.sti.jp/parts/impreza5door_gr/

 

I currently have the Flexible lower arm bar fitted so I am assuming that because you cant have this fitted with the Flexible draw stiffener that the stiffener and other bits your meant to fit with it are an upgrade again?

Its also interesting to note that STI dont believe the rear of the car requires anymore rigidity, when so many other Japanese tuning companies do rear strut braces and chassis bracing.

 

The flexible lower arm bar and front subrame support were an early upgrade for revision A and B models and come fitted from factory on the 20th anni version.
The flexi draw stiffeners came along a bit later and are now listed as an option for the early cars.(you just increase the tension on them as per fitting instructions) Standard on the R205/S206

As far as the rear goes the pillowball jointed subframe supports go against what most people think is necessary but work extremely well.
"A pillow ball bush mounted to the central part of the support plate which connects the sub-frame and body ensures that the necessary amount of power is transmitted to the rear wheels without delay, and at the same time blocks any unnecessary force input. This design improves the responsiveness and grip of the rear wheels, and increases roll rigidity, resulting in a more stable control and comfortable ride."

All depends on what you want.

Most other specials come with an uprated rear ARB and bushes - 19mm compared with early STi's 18mm
The pillow balled rear lateral links also add to the driving experience.

 

I thought that the point of all the Sti flexi upgrades and stiffeners was that it didn't make the car a harder ride. Choosing 22mm arbs made my hatch too stiff, and lost some compliance in the ride, but none of the Sti chassis upgrades made it harsher, just more responsive and sharper.

 

Damn just ordered a 22mm rear arb, oh well be good to give it a go.

 

Horses for courses. Bonesetter feels that a 22mm arb is perfect. Mine are adjustable, on softest. The previous arbs were Cusco, I think 20mm.

 

fair point, well I have only ordered a rear which will be fitted with Superpro links once it arrives and see how it goes.

 

22mm Hardrace bar fitted with new bushes and SuperPro drop links. the bolts were quite corroded so I refreshed them with new subaru parts.







Few comparison shots as i'm a geek

 

Looks the part. Just need nice new shiney shocks n springs to match lol

 

Youre not Wrong Gambit, they are pretty scabby, I am slowly doing a whole handling refresh now that the majority of the transmission bushes have been replaced / upgraded.

I have Pedders new top mounts for the front and bushes for the wishbones still to fit.

 

It will be interesting to see how the front top mounts go. Lots of hard work over the summer.

 

Thanks Hedge, just had all the wheels refurbed ready for the winter as there were some marks and water etc was getting underneath so finishing the under-sealing of the front wheel arches today and that is then done.

 

Were they powder coated or wet painted? I've held off for 3 years because I used to use an excellent wet paint guy, Solent Wheels, nr Southampton, and now I'm miles from anywhere, I'm not keen to heat cycle my alloys for coating. Tell me I'm worrying over nothing!

 

They were powder coated, I have had 3 sets done during in lockdown 15 inch 17 and now the 18s for the scoob, so far I have not had any issues apart from the 15s they put the wheel weights on whilst they were still warm. I put them in the garage overnight, went to fit the following morning and all the weights had fallen off

Glad I have a good friend with a garage who put new ones on for me for free!

Other than that not seen any buckling or metal fatigue, but I do understand why your being cautious.

 

I had the same worry when I had my forged Prodrives refurbished that's why I dropped them to Lepsons as it's the only place that filled me with confidence. They recognised the wheel even from a distance.
They refurbish a few hundred wheels per week for dealers etc.

 

Lepsons do indeed have a good reputation.