GE90 - follow this link for a great iwsti thread on fitting an aftermarket head unit. The OP used the Japanparts OE facia panel Rob84 has mentioned - with pics so you can see how it looks.

My '08 Stereo install (factory DIN panel, steering wheel controls, Sirius antenna) - IWSTI.com: Subaru WRX STI Forums

I also moved an older single DIN Alpine unit to my 09 so I could hook up my ipod, but I went with my local installers advice on facia panel (£15 rather than £70 for the neat one, but speed was also an issue - god I hated the stock radio). I got the SWI-jack steering adapter from him, £15 iirc? All parts were next day delivery so your local installer should be able to get them easily. Sorry I haven't got the links

Yes mate don't worry, I have one and they sound like that. The intake noise increases and sounds like a big jet powered hoover and you get pssssst noises when you let off the throttle quickly (almost like you have a vent to atmosphere dump valve)...I like it

I have a Kenwood double din unit mate, you need a facia plate adapter, a Subaru connector loom thingy and a specific Subaru steering wheel control convertor (the kenwood remote if you have one will not work once you plug in the steering wheel control).

I had some spacers for the speakers made out of MDF (quite cheap) and fitted larger speakers for more bottom end

My ICE man sorted it all out for me, recommend you give them a call they are very helpful

SCR car audio and window tinting centre homepage

Ordering some new wheels in October.

I seem to remember reading somewhere once that Impreza's handle/ride better on 18" wheels & tyres than on 19" wheels & tyres, because the 19s have to have rock hard sidewalls due to the lower profile...

Is this just pub talk or will the 19s be the same as 18s?

Is this only on previous Impreza's given that Prodrive/Subaru do a 19" wheel option for the hatch STI?

Anyone running on 19s, what are they like?

And lastly, do you think 19s will look a bit over the top/wrong on the car?

Cheers in advance for any advice, really scratching my head over this one!

Thanks Dave. Do you have a part number or anything for the Subaru steering wheel control convertor?

Cheers!

Ok following on from my earlier 18 or 19 questions here is my shortlist...

What do you like the most?

1. Rota G-Force




2. Rota DPT



3. Advan RZ / RS





4. Tanabe/SSR Type F




5. 5Zigen ZR



6. Volk TE37 (or Rota copy)




7. Wed Sport SA-90




8. Enkei GTC01



For ref. this is what 19s look like on the hatch STI



Just a few to choose between then

the last ones look awesome

Advans!! All day long. My favourite wheel, couldnt justify a set with the Mrs driving the car all week!! SSShhh dont tell her!

Lee

Dave P- jap performance mag have got 19' on their STi. there is a write up each month and sure they give opinions of them. seen the Prodrive springs didnt get a great review his month tho, too harsh apparently.

Lee

thats it I have decided lol, Once these tyres are worn out iam changing to advan rs wheels and tires

Do it Rob, do it!! Will u squeeze 19 on yours with the coilovers?

Lee

Avan RS
BBS CH
Volks CE28

In that order.

Lee

will probably have to raise the ride height on the coilovers and do another geometry setup but it will be worth it

no steps!

Advan RS
Rota DPT
Tanabe (definitely in gold)

Took the car out of the garage this morning and noticed for the first time that the electric window lock switch was not illuminated like all the other door switch gear, can someone please confiem if it should glow red like the others.

If it should does anyone know if its a bulb that can be replaced or an inline soldered LED that would not be so easy to fix?

DaveP, Advan RS's all day long, however not should I could spend £1500+ on rims alone!!

Thanks
Arron

Im wanting to change my springs soon, did they have a preference over the Prodrive kit ?

Dave P - whatever you chose, make sure the tyres do not come too near the edge of the arches as you may well increase the stone chipping - even with flaps. At 11K miles I cannot believe the amount and size of stone chips to the rear door/arches and even front doors. Now fitted flaps and starting to work on de-swirling the paintwork
Front bumper is also in a poor state - may need respraying next year
Stone chipping is the only disappointment with the car, apart from the open deck block not liking more than about 380 ft-lbs before head gaskets blow
so I've kept mine suitably under that

Stan

Not as far as i know mate. They said it wasnt worth doing because the harshness of the ride outways the handling advantages. Revolution have the Eibachs on theirs, dont know if they make the Prodrives tho. Theres Whiteline, Tein, HKS and Tanabe i can think of, not seen any reviews tho. Wanted to do the springs also but dont want to sacrifice the ride. Have to let us know how u get on.

Lee

Hey guys, is it safe to put a green panel filter on the car when it has ppp? and what benefit will i get?

Thanks for the reply mate. Ill have a look in at revolution next week , i suppose its gonna come down to personal taste on the how hard is hard . I miss the the handling from my 04, but like you ive grown to like a more subtle ride, must be getting old. Ill keep the thread updated

Think u might be right mate.

Lee

yeah you will be fine with that

Is that really true, Reason I question this is that mines at 403 ft/lbs and has done 11k since it was mapped and its fine ??

Hi Rob,
Talk to Iain Litchfield (Litchfield Imports) who has been testing these for a while. He found that beyond about 380 its just a question of time. He (and most people) would prefer a reliable lump so he is producing a closed deck block which should take a lot more, safely.
I believe a lot of 2.5's are producing 400+ but apparently the headgaskets blow due to upper cylinder movement. Thats how I understand it, from what I've been told. Can't see him producing these blocks if std blocks are fine.
Stan

Note the Prodrive springs are made by Eibach...

Chris from Jap Performance hates the Prodrive spings becuase the loss in ride quality was not worth the small improvement in handling in his opinion, but remember he is running on 19" wheels with very low 35 profile tyres. He is going to do a track day on them to see if they are better on the track than the std springs...

I had the Tein lowering springs on mine (with 18" wheels) and they were ok for daily driving. Chris drove my car with them on for the article in the mag and also thought they were fine!

I have recently gone over to a set AST coilovers and have a the Tein lowering springs in the garage if you want them mate...

cheers for the that advice mate, know the feeling, the nail varnish paint on mine is chipped everywhere, down to bare metal on the bonnet!!!

Really suprised to hear negatives on the Prodrive springs

I would certainly not describe the ride as uncomfortable and they definitely firm things up around the twisties.

More than happy with mine

What do reckon fellas-


Keep exhaust trim as is, or spray them matt black like RB256's, or another colour?

Cheers

Lee

Certainly feels like it in the mornings