Thought I'd go old school and keep track of my progress on the STI. This will be a reasonably slow burn, but ultimately I have big plans.

Having almost bought an Impreza many times over the last 10+ years, I finally itched that scratch a few weeks ago. Having came from a sorted Megane RS250 Cup, I knew this was going to be a completey different steer.

Anyway, after what felt like an eternity, I found this urban grey JDM hawkeye STI. Imported in 2018, and zero rot. Unfortunately it had stickers inside and out, along with some questionable red wheels. However, under the tat it appeared a decent, solid example.

The car is actually an A-Line model, but has since lost it's status with the addition of the wing etc.

The car was sold to me as having standard suspension, however I spot blue springs and it sits pretty low, so pretty sure there are aftermarket springs on there.

It has a few nice extras, like

Prosport Guages
Genome STI exhaust
Genuine STI splitter
Recaro SR3 drivers seat on Recaro rail/subframe (sits too high)
3 Port boost solenoid
Walbro fuel pump
Cosworth panel filter
Mapped for compliance with UK 99Ron
GFB adjustable BOV

Here was the first of may fuel ups, en route home...

 

So the wheels and stickers really were too much for me. I didn't even have it home and the stickers were mostly away!






Off off off!!



Next was to get the wheels refurbished. Off to Dust Powder and Paint it went...

 

So I opted for an anthracite (Mercedes paint colour) with a bit of flake in it. Turned out great and totally transformed the car. Very happy with how it sits currently, however I think the mud flaps will need to go too!

 

Gave the car it's first wash. Came across a few bits that need sorting, but on the whole the paint is nice and the car is straight. Again, pretty happy with the condition of it

 

Looking fab mate, I’m not keen on the red mudflaps but with the stickers removed and wheels sorted it definitely improves the looks 👍👍

 

Looks way better now, just need to change them flaps oh err mrs for another colour not so bright.

 

As stated in my original post, I felt like I was sitting on the car, rather than in it.




Took the seat out, and started to look at modifying it. I also had a spare subframe, but this was for a cobra seat and didn't line up with the Recaro. After taking it apart, it was apparent that there was some kind of spacers/blocks between the rail and the seat.



With these removed, I bolted it all back together with shorter bolts, and hey-presto. Gained a good bit more room in the cockpit. Saved myself buying a set of BuddyClub rails for now 🙂


As you can see, sit a good bit lower now.

 

Agreed, thanks! Flaps will go shortly (tomorrow likely lol)

 

Yeah, flaps will be replaced with black "STI" flaps likely. I do like flaps, just not these flaps.

Flaps.

 

Looks great. I just had my spec c hatch wheels refurbed, and they matched the originals to the same Mercedes anthracite

 

Wow he left the private plate on.

Someone will snap the flaps up

 

Yes he did. It will be for sale soon, so tell all your pals called Ross please

 

Lovely colour isn't it. Those wheels are stunning!

 

Very nice car and I like the changes you have made to it to make it more subtle.
I like the small mud flaps and black would suit it better as you've said. Do you know what make they are?
How do you find the Subaru coming from a Megane RS?
I remember test driving a new one back in 2010 when I had a Forester STi and I was gobsmacked by it! The Renault had razor sharp steering, much more crisp turn it and felt amazing, I'd love a Trophy one but they aren't cheap yet.

 

Thanks mate, much more OEM+ now. The red stuff just wasn't for me. Isn't hard to make these things look a bit tacky IMO.

I'm not sure, will take them off and look through the paperwork and see if I can work it out. The size is nice, just not the colour!

So, I've had 3 Megane 250's. Even in standard form they are silly capable, especially on track. For the price of them now, they are a proper performance bargain. My latest one was mildly modified running 313/350, some suspension/brake upgrades and it embarrassed some expensive metal on track. I'm still getting to know the Impreza, but loving the grip so far. Once I get a clear day to just drive it properly I'll be able to make a better comparison.

 

Some images of the baguette express for anyone interested...