Hi there. Hope to take delivery of my '95 WRX on Friday. Can't wait. However, just visited my local 'tuning shop' who used to look after my old Escort Cosworth and he started ranting on about the fact the Impreza's have week cranks and week valves.. He is talking a load of crap because he is jealous of a far superior car, and is there any truth in the matter.
I will have a 2 year warranty with the car, so if it goes wrong I should have no probs..I hope.
I look forward to telling you all about the car next week.
Cheers,

 

Hi Mark

Impreza's have legendary reliability and provided the car has been cared for, you should have no problems.

Have the car serviced regularly and always use 98 octane fuel.

Your local garage may have seen the results of some chipping. This can indeed cause valves (and pistons) to burn and rods to break. Some Cossie tuners have been brought up thinking that this is the best way to get out more power, but standard Impreza's are already in a higher state of tune than a standard Cosworth.

The Impreza's standard rear silencer is restrictive. Changing this will free up some safe power and torque... and the sound will have your Cossie man dribbling down his shirt. If you want even more pace, look at your suspension and brakes. Unlike Cossies, Impreza's have very stiff chassis' and respond very well to these mods. Not only will your car be even quicker, but it will also be safer and still insurable.

There are several cars that can out drag the Impreza down a dual carriageway, but lead them onto a good B road and watch them disappear in the rear view mirror !!!