Hi all
looking at a 51 plat sti v7 spec C, it is a fair way from where I live so need to do as much validation as possible, remotely.
How can I tell if it is a spec C, is there anything on the vin plate, I have heard some have wind up windows/lighter glass, etc, others dont????

What is the weight compared to a
UK classic
Newage WRX
Newage STI

any advice greatly accepted.

PS any negatives?????? eg 15mpg, import insurance nightmare, does it need a remap to UK fuel???

regards Matt

 

Among other things it should have a 12 litre water tank in the boot

 

And a vent in the roof

 

V7 Spec C is about 1320kg's
UK Classic is about 1280kg's
Newage WRX is about 1390kg's
Newage STi (MY03>) is about 1470kg's

There or there abouts I think.

RA models have no electric mirrors, windows, no rear wash-wipe (which all JDM STi's of the same age will have), no HIDS etc etc. All have lightweight glass, body panels and very little sound deadening.

As said they all have the roof vent.

 

thanks webby

 

Hey Mate

They are more raw than your regular STI as they have less sound deadening and thinner glass. Suspension is also harder but if you can live with this then they are a great driving experience. The fuel tank is smaller on them so it does seem like its going down quicker, just depends, as with any car, how much you start putting your right foot down. Just remember, they are a performance car and not a diesel rep-mobile so don't expect them to do 50mpg in the first place. The fact that it is an import should not have much bearing on the insurance cost. Have a look at some of the insurance companies on here. They will insist on a Cat 1 alarm and some want to see Trackers.
As far as re-mapping goes if it is still standard then i wouldn't bother. Any new engine mods should have a re-map to ensure they are running properly, so just ask if this has been done or not and get proof. If the car is standard just run it on Shell V-Power and it will be fine.
Bottom line is that if you are not sure about what you are buying, then get someone who knows Spec-C 's to come and look at the car with you.

Any questions, just ask
Regards Rich

 

Pretty much all been covered, 50ltr fuel tank, 12ltr water tank in boot, no passenger sun visor, roof vent, DCCD, VF34 rollerbearing low friction turbo on those models (VF36 on the twin scroll cars), no electric anything, ie windows, central locking, lack of sound proofing (just look in the boot ).
Personally I wouldnt run an MY01/02 JDM on just V power, my MY03 use to retard on V power AND octane booster, and that ecu was a damn sight better than the 01/02 cars for det retarding, you really need it remapped if you want to be on the safe side.
Fuel wise, as good as a normal STI if not slightly better (you may get 2-3mpg more out of it) but these cars are not one for a daily driver for most people, its a love/hate relationship and they can tire you out quite easily and require more concentration to drive because of this.

Tony

 

Nice posts gents, what insurance are we lookin at? how do I tell if it is 'detting' on optimax? no central locking?

cheers

Matt

 

Your insurance is going to be determined by your age, NCB(no claims bonus), convictions, where you live, what you use the car for, how many miles you do each year, whether the car is garaged, how many drivers are on the policy, what type of security it has... Get some quotes from insurance companies. Only they can tell you how much. If you are a young lad then expect to either pay through the nose or not get insurance at all.

The car will probably have had central locking installed along with the alarm.

Optimax doesnt exist in this country any more, its now V-Power. Rolling road is your best bet to detect detting or pinking.

 

One of the better ways to test for det is to fit a knocklink (with a bosch sensor) which "listens" to whats happening in the cylnders, its not 100% but its a visable warning, you dont really need it on a MY03 onwards (JDM) but you will for an 01/02 if its not remapped (and even then you can still have a bad tank of fuel )

Insurance will be similar (well mine was ) to a uk car, but it depends on age/location/claims/years ncd/mods etc.

Tony

 

Not strictly true Spec C WR Ltd have passenger sun visor,all electrics but the rest as as described.

Tonys list is the Spec C type RA there are a couple of variants in the Spec C range

 

The WR Ltd is the boys version whereas the RA is full-on all MAN version.

 

poor man version

 

It's common knowledge that the RA is the "softer" car so how can the hardcore Spec C be the boys version

TX.

 

Get in my RA and then tell me it's softcore as opposed to hardcore!

LOL @ Scooby-tc

 

Gents thanks for the info so far, what variations of the Spec C are there?

cheers
Matt

 

I will take you up on that

 

Useful thread below

https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-...ariations.html

TX.

 

Better to check the applied model number.

 

Thx gents
Will get the code off the Vin and post it up to see what comes back

Matt

 

Don't start with this...AGAIN. The RA is the more focused car, we've covered this ground before.

 

^^ You know that you got the RA cos the standard Spec C was too hardcore for you Type RA-R on the other hand ...
TX.

 

Only difference between an RA an RA-R is the blueprinted STI engine, VF42 turbo, 6 pot Brembos, rear ARB, spoiler, wheels and lower front strut brace. Other than that, all other components are the same ie suspension, springs, rear pillow ball suspension arms.

 

^^ Not much then

TX.

 

my ra r im getting next week has 345 hp standard with factory exhaust is it a vf 42 turbo? is that a bigger compressor than a normal spec c ? also i want too take the ra r too the ring is should be good on this track better than my old wr1 ?


gordon

 

Alright.

Where you getting that from then??

Rich

 

litchfield

 

You can't compare the WR1 to the Spec C, let alone the RA-R.

 

Gents
He wont give me the vehicle VIN type what should it be for this car??

Subaru : Spec C., STI

 

if he wont give you any details that you require then walk away.All you need is the applied model code not the chassis number