Jap or Uk? How do you know?
Welcome to a fellow sti owner.
From what you have said, it definately sounds like a MY98 STI 4. You really did buy, probably the best impreza ever made. (According to Mr Subaru
)
Just do three things and you'll be fine.
1) Give a fresh oil and filter change with something like Mobil 1 15w50 and a genuine filter. (Prev owner may have done it, but you need to make sure!)
2) Use only V-power or Tesco 99. 100ron fuel wasn't available in japan in 1998, it's a myth. Octane booster can help though, as the original mapping is not perfect!
3) Give atleast 5 miles to warm up before using a lot of boost and allow it to cool for a minute before switching off the engine, if you have having fun!
)Just do three things and you'll be fine.
1) Give a fresh oil and filter change with something like Mobil 1 15w50 and a genuine filter. (Prev owner may have done it, but you need to make sure!)
2) Use only V-power or Tesco 99. 100ron fuel wasn't available in japan in 1998, it's a myth. Octane booster can help though, as the original mapping is not perfect!
3) Give atleast 5 miles to warm up before using a lot of boost and allow it to cool for a minute before switching off the engine, if you have having fun!

I hope to have this car still going as strong in 5 years time as it is right now, and I've never taken short cuts with any of my cars, so proper tender loving care will be applied, trust me!
Is it just me/mine or is the braking system not that great on this motor? The pads etc seem in fair enough condition, but it just takes too long to stop in my opinion. You know, theres nothing 'sharp' about the braking?
Anyone else have the same? OR do you think I should be looking to change the discs and pads etc?
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 15,029
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From: Somewhere in Kent, sniffing some V-Power
The 4 pots (some imprezas had 2pots
) are not fantastic, but they do the job. However, it does depend a lot on disc/pad type. If they're ebc, take them off and throw them in the bin. Mine lasted just 6000miles on my old sti and thats discs aswell! The pads had worn out and the discs had warped. Never took it on track, just normal commuting/social/fun driving.
If they are ebc, replace them with standard pattern part discs and pagid pads. Will cost about £200 (200 less than what ebc cost me
) but will improve braking no end. Also, consider braided hoses, a fluid change and maybe even a master cylinder support bracket. 
£1600 is lot to spend on the brakes (ap racing) if you're not going on track.
) are not fantastic, but they do the job. However, it does depend a lot on disc/pad type. If they're ebc, take them off and throw them in the bin. Mine lasted just 6000miles on my old sti and thats discs aswell! The pads had worn out and the discs had warped. Never took it on track, just normal commuting/social/fun driving. If they are ebc, replace them with standard pattern part discs and pagid pads. Will cost about £200 (200 less than what ebc cost me
) but will improve braking no end. Also, consider braided hoses, a fluid change and maybe even a master cylinder support bracket. £1600 is lot to spend on the brakes (ap racing) if you're not going on track.
Cheers Chris, but from what you're saying about EBC there, is it possible that maybe you just had a dude set? I know its a far fetched question to make, seeing as you said both discs warped on you etc, its just that I've always thought EBC were a decent brand?
I'm looking into Black Diamond upgrades at the moment for discs, pads and hoses. Ooooh, on that note too...my Brake Fluid cap says 'Dot 3 only'? ? ?
Do you all reckon Dot 4 would be alright, or would I need to uprate the lines and cylinders accordingly first to allow for Dot 4??
I'm looking into Black Diamond upgrades at the moment for discs, pads and hoses. Ooooh, on that note too...my Brake Fluid cap says 'Dot 3 only'? ? ?
Do you all reckon Dot 4 would be alright, or would I need to uprate the lines and cylinders accordingly first to allow for Dot 4??
The car is straight as a dye and runs very well, but the body work needs a -bit- of attention (front bumper cracked, some very slight rusting on the roof and side skirts 'kerbed' a bit).
In all, unfortunately for my cousin, he didn't realise it was a Jap Import until I gave him the news just yesterday. He took it well I think. But yeah, all things considered, I think the car is work a couple of £k more than I paid.
Nice to get it right for a change and have luck on my side. Usually something falls out or burns out of any car I buy within a few days of purchase.
Fingers crossed the scooby is as solid and dependable as it has been so far (only had it a week and a day now)
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