Im collecting a Type R Version 5 on momnday newly imported and pretty clean by all accounts. Ive read all sorts of stories in the archives re "weak heads" etc, should I brace myself for big bucks or is this confined to only a few? Whats your experience, any body have anything good to say?
I plan on getting the car mapped by Andy F in January to ensure everything is where it needs to be. It is not running with any major mods.

Lastly what checks should I perform when I collect her or things to look for?

 

From what I understand, the v.5 STi Type Rs and RAs have the most aggressive maps on the OEM ECU, so are more 'on the edge' re timing/fueling than other Imprezas (especially coupled with their very low gearing for mad acceleration). Definitely use V-Power on the OEM ECU!

But, seeing as you're getting it properly mapped by a brilliant mapper in Jan is a very sensible thing... Certainly, from a safety pov these cars benefit from a remap the most IMHO.

Whilst you're only a few weeks away from the mapping session, if I were you, then I'd try to refrain from using boost until it's mapped i.e. not leaving anything to chance/extreme bad luck...

P.S. Congrats on your choice of steed - WRX Type R STi Version V is the best looking Impreza IMHO (leaving aside 22B and P1 ). Is it in Feather White?!

 

Have a type r v5 mapped by Andy f and in has never missed a beat, have had a drive in few impreza's and IMO they are the bet drive you will soon find out for yourself best of luck they are a great car

 

Maf sensors are a weak point (i will get mine changed at its next service), maps have a weak (lean spot) in there, you need to run them on 99+ ron fuel minimum and octane booster is advised also.
These cars can be mapped for uk fuel, the engines are still very strong, its the map and mafs that let them down most.

I would also recommed a full service with all fluids, plugs, belts etc as you dont know the history of the car.

Tony (MY99 type R owner as from today )
Oh and my car has been in the uk since new no signs of a knackered engine!

 

Agree

Hey BoneyTurns (lol), please post some pics up of your newly acquired beaut will yer? I love the look of em

 

I will when i have my camera with me (phone one isnt exactly brilliant )

Tony

 

Danke.

 

my maf's gone twice since august, but its still a lovely car like everyone else has said, give it a nice service, dont bully it on boost, see Andy F, and you'll be very happy

 

You must have been very unlucky for the maf to have gone twice since august

Tony

 

well, long story short etc...went for the test drive in august...dealer chucked a tenners worth of 95ron at the time, thought nothing of it, drove the car all is well...get it home, drive it a few days after...engine revs cut mentally, engine stopped = me on the phone angry...I knew what he'd done after reading on here an other forums, just goes to show you need to treat these cars a little different from your average runner...in my little experience anyway.

so since running vpower + booster, ive had no issues with her at all. rant over

but so true, the standard MAF's/MAPs's seem to be delicately fragile/annoying/stubborn...whatever you want to call it

Ross