UK vs JDM
 

OK so this question has probably been asked many times and Ive done countless searches but only turned up a minimal amount of information. Scooby #2 has gone and in the next few months I'm looking to source #3.

Now Im really torn between going for an STI 8 UK or a JDM but not sure which way to go. My preference would probably be a UK model with PPP but having had a classic JDM STI you do get alot more for your money, certainly a JDM STI 8 as I understand it has more power as standard than a UK PPP STI. However on the downside servicing is a real pain with a JDM, I dont know if its improved since 2001, I used to go to power engineering which even though it was the closest was about a 160 mile round trip, Im in the Bedfordshire area so not sure if anyone closer would service a JDM.

I guess Im after opinions/experiences where you were torn between the two and then made a decision, what route you took and why!

cheers

Gary

Gary, a few bits and pieces for you to read through here mate.

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=337238

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=341721

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=353631

I'm in the process of ordering a new JDM '05 STI right now - check out the next issue of the SIDC magazine True Grip for an article I've done on the process so far.

For starters, try calling your nearest Subaru dealer, you might be pleasantly surprised. It is no longer the case that they'll all turn round and spout some rubbish about 'the car was never designed to be in this country at all, sir' like I heard a few years ago.

It might be worth compiling a list and a map showing where all the reputable independent specialists are; I agree they're somewhat fewer and further between than Subaru dealers - but they're generally cheaper too which goes some way towards making up for it. Those that spring to mind are: Power Engineering, Powerstation, TSL, Graham Goode, Roger Clark Motorsport, Park Lane, Scoobyclinic, Xtreme Scoobies, Custom Scoobies - but I'm sure there's plenty more.

thx guys, good links nathan thats what I was after, just another ? you mention equal length manifold headers do these make much difference and I remember reading that with them the scoob loses its trademark 'burble' is this true?

Gary

Yes they do make a difference, the car spools up much quicker with them.

The flat four burble is much more muted over the UK cars but the performance offset is more than worth it.

Most people I've taken out think it sounds great. I've got an HKS Super Drager II exhaust and it sounds like a jet fighter :D