RichieC

Firstly can I apologise for not knowing this but Im just back from looking at some Type Rs. Apart from the cosmetic difference, what if any difference is there between the different model years.

Secondly, is the variable diff worth having or a bit of a gimmick?

Finally, are there any models to steer clear of (are the Type Rs affected by the Number3 cylinder probs).

Thanks to anyone for putting me out of my misery but Ive heard a lifetime of bull5h1t today from over keen dealers

Rgds

Rich

richiewong

V5 has the phase 2 boxer engine

APIDavid

iTrader: (4)

So do late v4's

RichieC

So what difference did the Phase2 engine make?

Thx

Rich

Hol

iTrader: (1)

Right,

I have a version 4 with original 5 front bumper, grill, lights and rear spoiler. Looking from the outside you couldnt tell which it was.

As standard, the 4 has the older bumper, splitter and grill and the mid level rear spoiler found on 99 on UK cars. The 5 does not have a front front splitter at all, but a 6 splitter fits and costs £108.00 new.

Both have the same brakes, seats and dash, but the 5 has a revised style Momo steering wheel airbag, as fitted to the 99 Uk cars.

Transmission wise the Phase two engine and injection system is fitted to the 5 which is 'supposed' to have a weaker engine. Personally I think the issue is more realed to the phase2 airflow sensors being more delicate. The phase one engine has a visually differeent inlet manifold (Both are red) and the dump valve in a remote position insted of on the side of the intercooler.

The bearing issue can also affect Uk cars, but gets more press on japs because it always seems to happen after a long term constant high rev (7000 for 2-3 mins) drive of the car. As uk cars have higher gearing, they would have to be going at about 160mph, as apposed to 140 and seem to escape.

I have heared one 'theory' that the no 3 bearing is used to feed the turbo with oil, and that is one reason why they fail.

The adjustable diff is really a gimmick and I dont really bother with mine unless im drving hard, or it is raining. However, I was the only guy in the street to make it up their drive to their garage when we had snow the other month. Curtesy of full diff lock. It also works in muddy fields.

Hol

iTrader: (1)

Extra things to check over non R cars:

Gearbox does not whine in 3,4 or 5th.
Clutch dont slip at 4000rpm uphill in 4th or 5th
Driveshafts clunk, at low speed turning when diff adjusted at low setting. and dont when off.
Rear brakes are 2 pot black with white subaru writing and disks are in good condition. Only R/RA's have these and they obvously cost more to replace.

RichieC

Thanks for some top info guys. It sounds as though theres not a lot in it.

If it came down it, Id probably opt for a cheaper V4 and get a new spoiler etc. I assume though the Phase 2 engines dont produce any more power?

Thanks again

Rich