TWA

After 7000 miles in my99 i definitly lack the stiffnes of the my97 suspension. Does anyone know what they did or any other way to get it stiffer? Sometimes I suspect the differetial locking on the rear has left with the evolution as well but that might be an overall lack of the more gocartlike my97

Pete Croney

I have owned 96, 98 and now 99 year Impreza's.

The 99 standard suspension was by far the stiffest yet.

karl

I have had a MY98 and now just taken delivery of a MY99. The single biggest difference as far as I'm concerned, is the suspension. The MY99 is WAY stiffer than the MY98. The handling is much better therefore and corners can be taken at frightenening speeds. The brakes, already very good on the MY98 are now quite astounding. I don't like the new steering wheel, it is slightly bigger than the last one, and I can't seem to get into a comfortable driving position with the new height adjustable seat. Overall though, I like it better, and love driving it.

Pete Croney

Hi Bash

I have enjoyed all three cars for different reasons.

The steering on the 96 was brilliant (lots of feel from dead centre) and the top end power was great. I also loved my old Recaro's (Series McRae style, not the newer ones).

The 98 for its driveability and low rev pulling.

The 99 wasn't standard for long (about 48 hours), but the standard suspension is the best yet, the brakes are much better and the bright button is still there ;-)

The things I didn't like about each of them:

The 96 could catch you out if your revs fell too low and I also kept cooking the brakes.

The 98 (before mods) ditto brakes, too much body roll, dead steering feel and more understeer.

The 99... the steering feel is the same, but my geometry settings have helped. Other than that no complaints. It goes like a scolded cat and is, in my opinion, the best Impreza yet. Cross country ability would rival a WRX.

My 98 was very slightly quicker than a 97, but the 99 (me and a friend recently blasted in the interests of science) is 75m quicker from 3k in 3rd to 4k in 5th. I was 3 up, he was alone.

The 99 lights are better, but still lacking compared to the car's performance. I've obviously got Cibies on, but have got Super White H4 (effectively 80w/130w) bulbs coming in next week, so these should sort this out the dipped light problem.

The 99 clutch feels very good and my boost guage shows that the new ECU holds between 1.00 and 1.05kg/cm2 until about 6000rpm. The 98 used to start tailing off from 5000 rpm. On flooring the car, it peaks at 1.18kg/cm2 for about 2 seconds before fallling to about 1.07 for the rest of the revs. Tick over is now nailed at 750 (all previous cars have been 800rpm).

The 99 drivers seat is great and I have found a position that gives good lumbar support. The material seems like it will be harder wearing than the 97/98 covering and the padding makes them more comfortable than the harder STi seats.

I am running 17" wheels with 215/40 SO2 Pole Position tyres at the moment, but will be reverting to Subaru 16" wheels for the worst of the winter and saving these for the summer.

Can't wait to get it on the track :-)

MarkH

Pete,

Having just taken delivery of an MY99, I'm interested to know how you managed to get good lumbar support. Although the seats are very supportive, I just can't get seem to get comfortable (despite using both height adjusters).

Apart from that, I'm delighted with the car. Goes like stink, handles beautifully (especially when pushed hard), and looks fantastic in green. Just can't wait until the 1000 mile service...

Pete Croney

Hi Mark

I have the lower part of the seat set as low as it can go at the back and the front raised very slightly. It took me a few hundred miles of twidling to find that this suited me best, but then we are all different shapes and this may not be best for you.

Pete

MarkH

Thanks Pete,

My current set up is fine for short runs, but not great for longer runs - I'll try a bit more "twiddling" until I get it right.

Mark.