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Old 15 April 2009, 06:29 PM
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alex_00s
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Exclamation JDM running a year without mapping, engine damage?

I'm literally about to buy a JDM thats been running on UK fuel for the last year since being in this country and its never been mapped.

The current mileage is around 60k and I'm worried that damage has already been done... even if I got it and mapped it straight away.

I know the biggest problem with P1's for example is that the bottom end goes around 60k coz they come over and are not mapped for UK fuel.

Can anyone advise please?

Thanks
Old 15 April 2009, 06:30 PM
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If it helps, the exact car is a 98 Type-R RA
Old 15 April 2009, 06:36 PM
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ericsti
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What version or Model year is the car, Is it wrx or STi? What milage has it covered in the year it's been in the UK.

The New age can adjust better then the classics and can run fine on 97/98 octain fuel.

The classic up to version 5 where more prone to failure to I think so there may not be any damage done If she's version 5 or 6. She will need a timing belt tensioner and pullies done soon though. But if I'm wrong with any of this the lads will correct me soon enough.
Old 15 April 2009, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ericsti
What version or Model year is the car, Is it wrx or STi? What milage has it covered in the year it's been in the UK.

The New age can adjust better then the classics and can run fine on 97/98 octain fuel.

The classic up to version 5 where more prone to failure to I think so there may not be any damage done If she's version 5 or 6. She will need a timing belt tensioner and pullies done soon though. But if I'm wrong with any of this the lads will correct me soon enough.
Its a WRX R-reg, not sure if thats ver 4 or 5? And the guy gas told me its been run on 99ron v-power the whole time... not sure what mileage its done in the last yr.
Its had the timming belt done so assuming the tensioners were also done (will double check).
Just worried that the guy heard a slight knocking, hence reason for sale...

I'd obviously need a map done as soon as and lookin at the group buy they are going for £920 + vat.

Last edited by alex_00s; 15 April 2009 at 06:45 PM.
Old 15 April 2009, 06:45 PM
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ericsti
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I see you put the model up. She's a version 5 so. If possable I'd say try and buy a fresh Import or one that has been mapped but I had a version 6 STi typeRA and never got it mapped and ran it on Irsh 95 oct fuel with half a bottle of Lucas and it ran fine and is still running spot on for the new owner. Thats in the country for almost two years now.

So as he has ran it on 99 oct V-Power you should be OK.

Get a machanic that knows Subarus to look over it though. It'll be well worth the money for a good opinion.

Last edited by ericsti; 15 April 2009 at 06:47 PM.
Old 15 April 2009, 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by ericsti
What version or Model year is the car, Is it wrx or STi? What milage has it covered in the year it's been in the UK.

The New age can adjust better then the classics and can run fine on 97/98 octain fuel.

The classic up to version 5 where more prone to failure to I think so there may not be any damage done If she's version 5 or 6. She will need a timing belt tensioner and pullies done soon though. But if I'm wrong with any of this the lads will correct me soon enough.


V5/6 do suffer as much damage, it,s the Maf on the cars that can cause alot of problems.

Alex,

Has the car been run on any octane booster do you know??
Old 15 April 2009, 06:53 PM
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I've had a long chat with the guy and no mention of octane booster.

He did mention that the revs fluctuate on idle... apparently when the car came in to the country the BOV was removed and the hole blocked. it has an HKS on it now and he said that when he takes it off and covers the hole the engine idles smoothly... is that a load of cods wallop?

but i digress... i really like this car and my only concern is that it was never mapped and has been running a year...

should i get it checked over and if no knocks, buy it then map it straight away... or should i walk away now?

Last edited by alex_00s; 15 April 2009 at 07:06 PM.
Old 15 April 2009, 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Pete
V5/6 do suffer as much damage, it,s the Maf on the cars that can cause alot of problems.

Alex,

Has the car been run on any octane booster do you know??


is the MAF sensor on the air intake?
once mapped would that still cause problems? would it need to be changed?
Old 15 April 2009, 07:14 PM
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ive had my version 5 type R a year, am yet to have to remapped, and its been run on V power since ive owned it, my MAF has failed once, and it does fluctuate ever so slightly on idle apart from that its fine
Old 15 April 2009, 07:15 PM
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mate think about what you are asking

you know the car hasn't been treated like it should, its not running right yet the owner continues to use the vta (this can cause bad idling)

there are plent of good cars for sale, its a buyers market so just wait and get a good one!
Old 15 April 2009, 07:19 PM
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^^^^ Agree 100% Rich...


Alex, DON,T buy the first you see, or even just because it looks nice etc, view a few first AND take someone that knows these cars if possible.
Old 15 April 2009, 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by WRX_Rich
mate think about what you are asking

you know the car hasn't been treated like it should, its not running right yet the owner continues to use the vta (this can cause bad idling)

there are plent of good cars for sale, its a buyers market so just wait and get a good one!

It is a buyers market you're right... I have fallen in love with this car, but I am thinking of making one last offer for him to meet me half way towards a remap and have a long hard think...

by the way, what do you mean "vta"... causes bad idling?
Old 15 April 2009, 07:28 PM
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vta - vent to atmosphere
Old 15 April 2009, 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by scoobyste1987
vta - vent to atmosphere
ah rite thank you
Old 15 April 2009, 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Pete
^^^^ Agree 100% Rich...


Alex, DON,T buy the first you see, or even just because it looks nice etc, view a few first AND take someone that knows these cars if possible.

I'll be taking my dad with me to go see it... he's been a mechanic since b4 i was born and knows a fair bit about cars... altho he's no scooby expert... but he's familiar with engine noises and can pick out bad ones
Old 15 April 2009, 08:35 PM
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What do you mean - heard a slight knocking so that is why he's selling?

If thats the case then you got to fear the worst. Also, I could be wrong but WRX Type Rs or whatever they are flippin called were version 4 only. They got the facelift dash but V4 engine.

The ones with no DCCD and a wrx engine? Its got a roof vent yes?

There was a minty mint one in the welsh forum and the guy struggled to sell at 4.5K and that was before the financial implosion. If its engine is sangered then look at peanuts to buy it or walk away - i.e. 2K.

A vent to atmos DV means that less air will be going into the inlet side of the engine (dumped air goes back into the inlet side) although this is no longer there the ECU doesn't know this so still puts the same amount of fuel in. This is what causes poor running - its not bad but you can feel it - particularly at low speed, when you get back on the gas it will jump a bit - driveline shunt - this is due to the DV.

Personally if you can't get it for bugger all then don't bother. A good late UK car is nothing these days and a couple of £K in the right place will make it a lovely a to b drive.

Last edited by EddScott; 15 April 2009 at 08:40 PM.
Old 15 April 2009, 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by EddScott
What do you mean - heard a slight knocking so that is why he's selling?

If thats the case then you got to fear the worst. Also, I could be wrong but WRX Type Rs or whatever they are flippin called were version 4 only. They got the facelift dash but V4 engine.

The ones with no DCCD and a wrx engine? Its got a roof vent yes?

There was a minty mint one in the welsh forum and the guy struggled to sell at 4.5K and that was before the financial implosion. If its engine is sangered then look at peanuts to buy it or walk away - i.e. 2K.

A vent to atmos DV means that less air will be going into the inlet side of the engine (dumped air goes back into the inlet side) although this is no longer there the ECU doesn't know this so still puts the same amount of fuel in. This is what causes poor running - its not bad but you can feel it - particularly at low speed, when you get back on the gas it will jump a bit - driveline shunt - this is due to the DV.

Personally if you can't get it for bugger all then don't bother. A good late UK car is nothing these days and a couple of £K in the right place will make it a lovely a to b drive.

No I thought that might be the reason he's selling... maybe he heard a knocking and therefore thought to himself get rid? ...I'm just making assumptions...

Its a WRX 5 speed DCCD with roof vent... seen a pic of the engine and isnt a red top.
The price is £6k, top wack I know.

I'm just concerned about it not being mapped... and thats another grand ontop of the purchase price!
Old 15 April 2009, 09:29 PM
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22B Bulletin Board: 1997 v 3 type r v limited more pics as requested

this one looks nice... not mapped either but looked after!
Old 15 April 2009, 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Jolly Green Monster
22B Bulletin Board: 1997 v 3 type r v limited more pics as requested

this one looks nice... not mapped either but looked after!
That certainly is a beauty!
What sort of map would be needed on that car and also on the one I'm talking about here?
Old 15 April 2009, 09:39 PM
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If its got DCCD its a STI Type R - the paint has probably flaked off as it should be red.

If its got a roof vent but no dccd then its a WRX Type R or some do say Type R RA not sure what is the right term.

I got to be honest. 2 door tax just isn't worth it IMO. £6K for a 2 door or £4.5K for a 4 door I just don't think its worth the money.

Get some pics up because at the moment it sounds iffy for £6K. I paid that for my MY00 Type RA WRC Editon - expensive but is one owner from new and only 57K.

Be careful dude and good luck.
Old 15 April 2009, 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Jolly Green Monster
22B Bulletin Board: 1997 v 3 type r v limited more pics as requested

this one looks nice... not mapped either but looked after!

WOW! No contest IMO if you got £6K and I'm sure JGM will make it spot on for UK fuel if you cross his palm with silver

Oh and if you buy it with the works emotions I'll have them off you

Last edited by EddScott; 15 April 2009 at 09:44 PM.
Old 15 April 2009, 09:42 PM
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SUBARU IMPREZA WRX TYPE R RA V-LIMITED NO84/1000 1998R on eBay, also, Subaru, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 15-Apr-09 14:19:48 BST)
Old 15 April 2009, 10:14 PM
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The car in the ebay link is a V4 WRX Type R.

Its not an STI and doesn't have DCCD. The gearbox ratios are quite low - I think the same ratios as mine which are quite low.

Its in Bradford which means 99% chance its from one of the local importers which are not blessed with a good reputation.

Its got a roll cage which is dangerous without a helmet and harness. Insurance companies will shaft you if you declare (which you should).

It looks like its got suspension thats far too hard for UK roads. And an iffy bodykit which could hide damage.

Personally the white STI Type R posted by JGM looks too good to give up if its in your budget although the HKS coilovers are probably just as unsuitable. The one in the ebay link just screams trouble.

Last edited by EddScott; 15 April 2009 at 10:17 PM.
Old 15 April 2009, 10:15 PM
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no red top as it is a WRX type R not an STi Type R.. too pricy imho.
Old 15 April 2009, 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by alex_00s
That certainly is a beauty!
What sort of map would be needed on that car and also on the one I'm talking about here?
SimTek or Apexi.

Simon
Old 15 April 2009, 10:22 PM
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Thanks for all your input...

I think I'm gonna have to let it go and have a crack at that white one.

Trouble is, I've only gone and given the guy £200 as a deposit. Did it thru paypal, but not as an eBay link. Chances of getting that back??
Old 15 April 2009, 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Jolly Green Monster
SimTek or Apexi.

Simon

price? ...£900?
Old 15 April 2009, 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by alex_00s
price? ...£900?
www.jollygreenmonster.co.uk
Old 15 April 2009, 10:34 PM
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I'm gonna say to that guy that I was under the impression the car had been mapped and due to it being another £1000 for mapping, unless he can pay at least 2 3rds 2wards that I'm pulling out and I want my deposit back.

If he doesnt then theres always the dispute bit thru paypal...

I will call that guy with the white one 2moro for a chat!
Plus the blue one is a 4hr drive away, the white one is a 1hr drive away
Old 15 April 2009, 10:43 PM
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Can I just say I do really appreciate all your advise and help on this... thank you, Eric, Pete, Sparky, Rich, ScoobySte, Edd and Jolly!

Shame I didnt ask sooner and saved the hastle of trying to claw back 200 notes


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