I am looking to buy my second Impreza, my gut feeling is the car is good, and I am just over-thinking. It is a 2003 (03 reg) 2.0 WRX 4dr ... UK model, not import.

The car had a brand new 2.1 stroker kit fully forged engine build with an STI semi-closed block in 2017. According to the owner, the work was carried out professionally at TDracing in Warwick (Subaru specialist).

The rest of the description ... The turbo is a SC42 which helps the car produce 395bhp 410ft lb an has been mapped to run on super unleaded. It has a lightweight flywheel and AP racing clutch kit. 11mm head stud conversion Baffled sump plate & performance gasket set all from Roger Clark Motorsport. 800cc decapped injectors from Lateral Performance. Group N engine mounts. Track attack oil catch can w/sump return. 11mm modified oil pump. All new when the engine went in. Large k&n cone air filter. mapped on a Carberry ROM system with high/low boost map. Anti-lag switch.

I also asked about the timing belt, which was done when the engine went in, and it has only covered around 10-15k miles since rebuild, which is not much.
I am not familiar with the 2.1 and engine rebuilds in general, but it gives me confidence that the work was professionally done, and the car looks and sounds spot on. Those who have more knowledge and experience, is there anything I should be wary of when buying a car like this (non-standard)

Thoughts and opinions, please.

 

If it's a WRX at that power it wants to have a 6 speed fitted along with upgraded brakes

 

i'd be very scared for the gearbox if its still the standard 5 speed.

Making a 2.1 from a 2.0 is easy, change the crank for one from a 2.5 and fit stroker pistons. I'd be asking which rods and pistons were used for the build. 395hp is a bit low from an SC42 depending on how much boost its running.

 

Thanks, guys, seems gearbox is standard 5 speed. Breaks have been upgraded and discs.

I just can't stop wanting another one, constantly looking, funds in the bank, torn between another classic, or something newer.

 

Depends what your budget is mate

 

The box will be fine as long as you treat it nicely. Just start putting some money away for a 6 speed upgrade in the future. 2.1 with that turbo can easily make alot more power than that so it must be quite a "safe" map

 

As above , sounds all good apart from gearbox issue it being a 5 speed , budget for a rebuild if they do an uprated 5 speed ? or a 6 speed conversion , the power is probably best where it is so the box does not die , nothing to say box will go but there is a chance of it due to known issues around power

 

If driven sensibly the 5 speed should be fine,but who buys a Impreza to drive them gently?...My advice if you purchase said car,would be to make your first priority an upgrade to a 6 speed gearbox as the 5 speed in my opinion would be on borrowed time at that power level...
.SJ.

 

I have two budgets, the bottom end is 4-6k ... or can push to 8-9k

But as I continue to work, the budget is growing, not looking for a show car, just one that has been looked after and is mechanically sound. Might buy another classic, or something newer, will avoid the 2.5 unless it is forged.

Thanks for all the input, it has been helpful.

 

Why not just buy an early newage STI with forged engine from factory? Yes heavier than a classic but still not as lardy as the 2.5. All the benefits, 6 speed, better chassis etc. Would be a far better starting point. I may of misunderstood but chuck your 2.1 into that with AVCS and an SC42 is going to do very well. You would save money given the money you are looking at spending on modding a WRX.