2005_gx

Hi,
I just bought a 2005 Subaru Impreza Gx. (Don't wanna upgrade right now so please don't suggest it, I'm only 16 and won't be able to afford insurance). How can I make it look nicer, sound better and go faster. I have a job so I can pay for minor mods but don't wanna do too much. Please if you can suggest certain parts and brands as I don't know much about subie's at the moment.

I will upload photos of the car tomorrow

Cheers

ray54

If i could do it all again at 16

For what its worth i would keep it super clean & tidy, set of nice alloys, with best tyres you can afford, (you are going to need them), rear tints, upgrade all your bulbs, decent stereo, after market top/bottom front grille, and maybe some handling mods,( someone better than me we give advise for these).

Forget the going faster stuff until you have driven on the roads for a year or two.
Get a corker of a girlfriend for the passenger seat, think of her if you start driving like ****.

Or you can do what i did at your age in my cortina , make it look like a tarts handbag, rag it all over the shop, after putting holes in the exhaust of coarse to make it sound better , blow the bottom end out and end up getting the bus again

Enjoy

Cambs_Stuart

iTrader: (3)

For some handling mods look for a thicker rear arb, uprated drop links and bushes.
Some poly bushes on the steering rack (plus the steering knuckle from an sti) will help with the feel. A group n pitch stop will also help the engine feel a bit more directly connected to the road.
If you fit them yourself (and get the arb, drop links, steering knuckle, and pitch mount second hand) then you should be able to do it all for about £175.
Decent tyres and a good geo set up are also a must.

Paben

iTrader: (5)

Driving at 16? Has the law changed?

Steve001

iTrader: (7)

Thought that myself, until I noticed Auckland on his profile, New Zealand maybe? Different laws over there?

Paben

iTrader: (5)

Ah, that would be it then. The mobile version doesn't show that info.

2005_gx

Yea the laws in NZ are 16 for learners where you have to drive supervised for, that lasts six months, then can drive by yourself for 1 year, with no passengers, then you can get your full license

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Not much can be done to make the GX go faster, and according to my Kiwi mate, you don't want to if you want to hold onto your license for very long

Handling is another matter...
Stiffer REAR arb, leave the front alone, solid droplinks all round are a good start.

Decent tyres a must!

rickybobby

1st rules of modding something N/A

Make it handle
Make it stop
Make it lighter

Plenty of bolt on upgrade bits from wrx/sti models that will give it a better look, just dont go investing silly money into trying to get more from the engine.

Steve001

iTrader: (7)

Insurance must be pretty lax over there in NZ? Modified car aged 16

2005_gx

If I don't do too much insurance won't be too much more then it is now

ade_sti

iTrader: (2)

After many years of wasting money on cars, this is what I have learned. Don’t waste any money on making it faster. Leave that until you are much older and have driving experience. Save your money on a car that is faster from standard as you will waste so much money for very little gain. Get yourself a decent head unit and some new speakers as original ones are shocking. Get some nice genuine or subtle aftermarket alloys and good tyres. Make sure the breaks are in good order but I would not do anything apart from a set of decent pads. Keep it nice and clean.

dark_angel

The best advice given so far - better brakes are a must - Subaru branded 4 pots for the front and 2 pots for the he back - I've got the aftermarket WRX PRO calipers on my MY06 R Sport wagon (as I wanted new not second hand) with Mintex 1155 pads on the front and Mintex 1144 pads on the standard single pot calipers - all with HEL stainless steel braided brake lines. You will need 17 inch wheels for the rear brake caliper upgrade as I think the 2 pots won't fit under the standard 16 inch wheels - the 4 pots make it, just, with 3mm to spare !
Andrew