Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

After wanting to own an Impreza since the day I passed my test the time has finally come. I've been somewhat an avid French car fan for many years and only last year I decided to jump into the Japanese way of life with a Nissan 350Z. That did however only last 12 months until I decided to jump ship, it's a lovely car and the noise from the v6 was perfect but as a package it wasn't for me.



I started getting itchy feet about 3 months ago and the search for an Impreza began. I've always wanted a wagon so any other option was ruled out straight away. Finding the perfect wagon was however a difficult process. I came across many examples from dealer in "A1 condition" which were very poor, it reminded me why I hate buying used cars!

Anyhow I came across a great spec car with a few mods in Lincolnshire and after some initial discussion I'd agreed to view that weekend. Unfortunately the car sold mid-week to a buyer who'd been given first refusal, typical! Aprox 5 days later the seller contacts me to say the sale fell through so I raided the piggy bank and went to view/buy immediately!

The car is currently running 280bhp with some subtle mod's including a VF34 turbo so it packs a punch! I'm also one of the lucky few it seems to have an 06 reg car with the facelift dash. I've already been busy spending money on new shocks, PCA Prodrive springs, Hayward & Scott centre pipe and a double din stereo.

Next in the pipeline is a map to push it up to 340bhp and some bigger brakes as the 4 pots are terrible! Also numerous uprated bushes, anti lift kit, bigger ARB's, STI scoop, front splitter any many more!



As it stands today......but not for long!

http://vid108.photobucket.com/albums...psejklk1he.mp4 - The drive back from Lincoln (apologies as I can't embed the video!)

ScottyPPP

Where are all these Blob Wagons coming from .

Nice looking car, will look better with the springs on.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Yep, still waiting for one shock to be delivered then the lot can be fitted.

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

Really nice wagon and great mods! I look forward to seeing what else you do to it.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

So today my car went into the garage to have 4 new shocks, PCA Prodrive springs and a Hayward & Scott centre pipe fitted.

For those interested these are the KYB specific part numbers for Excel G's that fit the wagon:

Front Right - 334462
Front Left - 334463
Febi Bump Stop - 27848

Rear Right - 334356
Rear Left - 334357
Rear Covers & Bump Stops - 910046 (the OEM parts will not fit!)

Only driven home from the garage this evening and its vastly improved the handling. Slightly firmer than standard but still not crashy. Seems more progressive in cornering but will update further over the next couple of weeks. PCA also supplied full geo settings that I'll get booked in for in a weeks time (once springs settle.

Oh and the centre pipe freed up some more noise!!

modrich

iTrader: (2)

Looking good Matt, looks so much better now it's sitting lower at the front. I like the centre resonator delete, makes a nice difference to the warble, but still nice and quiet on the motorway.

What's next?

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

It's feels great now, really impressed with the PCA springs so far.

Next on the list is anti lift kit, pink injectors, front splitter and possibly a genome backbox. No idea what order they'll come in but looking to remap up to 340 in the New Year.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Slow progress running up to Christmas but these arrived today to freshen up the front end.

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

I'm hoping father Christmas will bring me a set of those too! I'll be interested to hear how you get on fitting them!

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

Ps. Did you change the top mounts when you did the suspension?

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Fitment looks so easy, literally just push fit!

Regarding the top mounts I've stuck with the originals and they seem fine, was worried they'd need changing but the cars only done 60k.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Zunsport grills got fitted today, took me about 30 mins as I was cleaning as I went. The fitment on the top is really good, not 100% pleased with the lower but it's ok for now.

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

It looks good!
I've read a few posts that have said the lowers take a bit of creativity to fit. I still want a set for my black blobeye wagon.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

I've got my old ones that the previous owner made if anybody wants them...

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

Out of interest how did you get the lower zunsport to fit flush? Mine has got a bulge in the middle I'm not entirely happy with.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

I had the same problem with mine, not great considering the price! I played about with the fitment until I was happy enough, it sits a little better than the photo above but still not perfect.

Edit: My front bumper paint isn't great so I was probably a little more heavy handed moving the grill into a good position.

Essexdon

Looks great does that.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Thanks, slow progress at the moment due to other commitments though.

This is how it now sits after the shocks and springs have bedded in nicely. Fitted them back in November and driven mainly on A and B roads. Vast improvement in overall stability of the car without sacrificing on comfort.

modrich

iTrader: (2)

Looks spoton mate, sits perfect!

boggissimo

Can you check those part numbers again for me? I've seen the rear KYBs listed as 334358 and 334359, but you have them as 334356 and 334357 (assuming 334457 was a typo).

Had some coilovers on my wagon for 6 months or so but they are too uncomfortable on most of the roads I drive on...

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Good spot! Yes it was a typo, the part numbers above 100% fit a wagon. I got my shocks from eBay but they came from France.

scoobypaul_temp

iTrader: (2)

I have just bought the same for my Blob wagon - from the seller in France, currently for sale at a good discount

Cheers
Paul

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Glad people are finding the part numbers useful, I felt it's worth listing again to make people aware.

Limited progress on the car due to be unable drive from a recent injury. I am however collecting parts in the meantime for when I'm back in action next week.



The above obviously means one thing......MORE POWER!! I spoke with TDR this week and expect to achieve 335/340bhp which I'll be happy with. Dark blue injectors are from a hawk STI and rated a little higher than pinks.

Also have a 22mm rear ARB to be fitted in the near future when I can crawl under the car again :-).

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

Sorry to hear about the injury, but I'll be really interested to hear what difference the 22mm arb makes, that's a mod I've also been thinking about.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Fairly major update today.....the engines died! Went for a full service cambelt, oils etc and 200 miles later the dreaded knocking started. Oil pickup is the current diagnosis for the failure which obviously led onto worse things.

Currently awaiting a rebuild quote but not expecting much change from £3k. Very very frustrating as its only a 66k engine and was running spot on before the service. Mixed feelings on whether to pursue some compensation from the garage, maybe I was just unlucky?

Looking at a potential 400+ build if I can bring myself round to keeping it for a few more years. Watch this space to see how much money it can swallow.....

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

Oh no. Every owner's worst nightmare. The same happened to my last car so I know how gutted you feel.
Have you thought a out contacting Matty at MB developments and seeing if he's got a decent second hand engine? If I'd trust anyone for a decent unit it'd be him.

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Looking at a new block first and weighing up the cost, would be nice to have a 0 miler! On the other hand if it saves me £1000+ I think my arm would be twisted.

I've got two track days paid for this summer so whatever happens I need a working car. Mother in laws MINI isn't quite what I had in mind haha

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

This looks like it's got a decent spec...

https://www.scoobynet.com/full-cars-...a2-eibach.html

You've already got a decent turbo to go with it...
But then there are no guarantees with old engines.
When I was facing this decision last year what was going through my mind was this: by from a breaker and save £1000+ or have piece of mind with an engine built to my spec? Or sell the car for spares and start again?

Matt_182

iTrader: (2)

Ok so got the quote in and it's over £4K for the rebuild, that's definitely not happening! Any idea what it would be worth for spares? Tempted to cut my losses, such a sh*t situation having decide what's best.

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

To be honest I really don't know. Give jagga35 or Matty at MB a call and see what'd they'd offer. But you could also price up the major components yourself. £400(?) For shocks and spring, £400 ish for wheels and tyres depending on condition/make. £300 for the turbo, £100 ish for the 22mm roll bar, the interior, gearbox, injectors, diff etc all make decent money if you've got the time and will to take it to bits. It's a fraction of what it'd be worth but it's better than nothing.