What problems could I get or expect from a M plate wrx jap import?

Thanks

Dean

 

The same problems you can get on any other car!! it depends on how the car has been treated throughout its life... I've got the same car pretty much.. i've had a tensioner snap... an engine meltdown... you can get all kinds of problems.. there pretty renowned for running lean under high boost and melting engines.. so uprated fuel pumps a good idea for a start...
If its been modified then the gearbox could be worth checking as i've gone through one of them aswell..
To be honest they are reliable cars but if its been abused in the past then its the same as any other car and reliability can become a problem. One thing to make sure of is that the car has been regularly serviced as in regular oil changes etc. While you own it make sure that you carry out regular oil changes as this will prolong the life of it!!

 

Poor fuel economy, speeding tickets and a big grin.

 

 

Well it is from japan and as far as I know its in top shape, the guy said to change the oil every 3,000 miles and the oil filter every 6,000 is that about right?
He also said NEVER red line them as they do not like it. Thats what ***** the engines, is this correct, hes an importer, he knew his sh*t!!

Alos I have to run it on Optimax as thats all they have over in japan so the engine will not like normal unleaded or super. More money, gutted haha!

 

Clutch and brakes take a beating when you use them hard. Fragile plastic nipples for vacuum hoses become brittle with age. That's the only problems I've had with mine, and I tend not to be that sympathetic.....

The "big grin" and "poor fuel economy" are standard fitment on the WRX, just as AC-scoobie says!!
Hope it's a good one mate, you'll love it!!!

 

Cheers mate, how much is a new clutch then?

 

Depends where you get it from. The plate, cover and bearing can be bought seperately, if you know your way around the layout you could do it yourself quite cheaply.
If you get any slip in the higher gears (4th and 5th under boost), then it'll need looking at within a very short period of time, mine went from no slip to no drive in about 40 miles.
With regards to your previous post, there is no real benefit to redlining the engine. The useful torque is between 3.5-6500rpm - you won't really get any benefit from that last 500rpm. Oil changes are about right, a bit conservative by my standards, but it's better to be on the safe side!!!

 

Well what price you think i'd be looking at for the job lot fitted if it lost drive?? (Just wondering incase the worst ever happens)

 

ALWAYS change the oil finter when you change the oil!!

Japan has 100 octane fuel, Jap car are mapped for it. We get 97 octane inour super unleaded, 98.6 octane in Optimax, but could do with octane booster to bring the fuel back to 100 octane. The ECU will try and run on lower fuel by reducing ignition timing, but only so far, and will mean reduction in power. Best bet is a remap for UK fuel, e.g. ScoobyECu or Scoobyclinics etc. similar mod.

 

As long as it's not an STI typre ra/R etc you should be fine running a car of that year on just Optimax.

The maps on the WRX are less aggressive than the aformentioned models.

Their was no 100ron fuel in Japan 10 years ago so your car won't be mapped
for it.

Also check the seatbelt labels for the exact year as the DVLA tend to put later plates on older models !!

Mines a 94 but the log book shows it as 96.

Rob

 

Okay thanks guys. Will check all the above

 

Sorry to be vaigue, I really don't know how much a garage would charge. Here's a link to a clutch kit supplier, I hope that give you an idea for the cost of the parts at least.

 

Nothing wrong with red lining a car, but you wont benefit as stated as the power normally drops off 500 rpm before this.
What kills older scoobs is sustained high speed driving and dodgy oil pumps, plus the factor about fuel (Jap cars are mapped for 100 ron fuel).

Tony