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just wondering what the general consensus is on the best hatch out of a JDM Sti or the Sti 330S?
My understanding is that the JDM being the 2.0l is a more reliable engine and with twin scroll performs differently (more torque?) but without the burble.
I assume the 330s will likely become more valuable over time due to the fact it’s the most powerful hatch out the factory but I know it has the 2.5l which I inderstand is considered a weaker engine.
I am unsure on other performance differences such as ARBs, suspension, brakes etc or indeed interior differences seats although am I correct in thinking the 330 has Recaros?
Whilst I’d like the car to retain as much value as possible I want to enjoy my choice whilst I have it so any feedback on what is fun, reliable along with some reasoning would be much appreciated.
Recaro interior
Keyless entry and start
Kenwood Sat nav headunit
All suspension/running gear is standard uk sti. Jdm car will likely be less corroded underneath but good uk cars do exist also.
All of the interior upgrades can be found on some jdm sti
I've had a 330s now for 7yrs and given its now nowhere near what a standard one is but still love it as much as the day I bought it.
P.s. jdm sti use the same piston material as the uk pistons and are just as susceptible to failure
And make sure whatever one you get has the recaros fitted - they are a cracking seat and make the car...you sit in them rather than on them like you do the std sti seats.
I wouldnt rule either out, just drive both and see what you prefer
Just to be clear, "it’s the most powerful hatch out of the factory" - not exactly true.
It left the factory in Gunma Japan with the same power as any other UK/European Hatch but with the other extra updates fitted (Seats; Wheels; Satnav; start/stop and keyless access systems fitted).
On it's arrival into the UK the Prodrive Performance Package was fitted (as above 330ps map, 2nd cat delete, prodrive back box) - the same as PPP for the std models
From Subaru UK's 330s brochure
MY08 330s fitted with option code "CJ"
Last edited by Don Clark; 12 September 2022 at 11:55 PM.
Having owned both a 2.5 STi (albeit Forester, not a 330S) and now a 20th anniversary hatchback STi (which is a 2.0 twinscroll), they have their differences.
The FSTi had a Prodrive downpipe, H&S centre section, Genome backbox and ISTI intercooler and was remapped to 320/330 bhp.
My 20th anniversary is totally standard, as it came out of the factory.
The FSTi had the typical Subaru burble and was much more noisy than the 20th anniversary. On the latter you can hear a subtle burble at low rpm with the windows open.
Performance wise, the FSTi had a more sudden increase in torque but ran out of steam above 5.5k rpm (I usually changed gears at 4.5k rpm). The 2.0 twinscroll has a more linear and constant pull from low down all the way up to 6.5k rpm (the redline is at 8k but there is no need to rev it above 6-6.5k rpm). It feels more like a supercharged motor or dare I say EV even, it just pulls and pulls and feels quicker than my old FSTi despite having "only" 304 bhp.
I've never had any "common" HG issue in the FSTi during the 50k miles I did with it before parting ways but then again I looked after it meticulously with religious oil changes every 3k miles, coolant changes every 3 years and on track when the coolant reached 96C I used to back off before pushing again.
In an ideal world I'd own both.
Btw, my 20th anniversary is up for sale: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...=Subaru&page=1
Having owned both a 2.5 STi (albeit Forester, not a 330S) and now a 20th anniversary hatchback STi (which is a 2.0 twinscroll), they have their differences.
The FSTi had a Prodrive downpipe, H&S centre section, Genome backbox and ISTI intercooler and was remapped to 320/330 bhp.
My 20th anniversary is totally standard, as it came out of the factory.
The FSTi had the typical Subaru burble and was much more noisy than the 20th anniversary. On the latter you can hear a subtle burble at low rpm with the windows open.
Performance wise, the FSTi had a more sudden increase in torque but ran out of steam above 5.5k rpm (I usually changed gears at 4.5k rpm). The 2.0 twinscroll has a more linear and constant pull from low down all the way up to 6.5k rpm (the redline is at 8k but there is no need to rev it above 6-6.5k rpm). It feels more like a supercharged motor or dare I say EV even, it just pulls and pulls and feels quicker than my old FSTi despite having "only" 304 bhp.
I've never had any "common" HG issue in the FSTi during the 50k miles I did with it before parting ways but then again I looked after it meticulously with religious oil changes every 3k miles, coolant changes every 3 years and on track when the coolant reached 96C I used to back off before pushing again.
In an ideal world I'd own both.
Btw, my 20th anniversary is up for sale: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...=Subaru&page=1
Looks a great example but out of my price range ☹️
“P.s. jdm sti use the same piston material as the uk pistons and are just as susceptible to failure”
ah ok, I thought the 2.0l was a stronger more reliable engine than the 2.5l even here in UK so assumed the JDMs were the same. Is that not true then or are pistons the same throughout but 2.5s have other issues?
Its not about pistons and yes oem jdm 2.0l is stronger than oem 2.5l and pulls better to 8k rpms
pretty sure it is about pistons. headgaskets where more a hawkeye 2.5 sti thing. excessive oil usage due to cracked ringlands are the main hatch 2.5sti issues. same issue will occur on JDM, run lean it will crack a ringland
Last edited by Gambit; 13 September 2022 at 03:05 PM.
I had a sti jdm wagon , it was remapped running around 340 bhp , my Fsti running less power would leave it standing , i know the sti jdm twin scroll has less lag , the only way i could decide , a 330 or jdm would be drive both , i’ve always preferred the Fsti v a number of other scoobies i’ve owned or driven , and i would still always put my money on the Fsti 👍😁
I had a sti jdm wagon , it was remapped running around 340 bhp , my Fsti running less power would leave it standing , i know the sti jdm twin scroll has less lag , the only way i could decide , a 330 or jdm would be drive both , i’ve always preferred the Fsti v a number of other scoobies i’ve owned or driven , and i would still always put my money on the Fsti 👍😁
The FSTi was the better all-round car for me as well, it was a daily driver, occasional trackday and road trip car that was perfect for my needs. The 20th is at another level though when it comes to its responsiveness, agility and level of grip but you don't often have the chance to put it through its paces as its limits are so high.
Last edited by fpan; 13 September 2022 at 08:17 PM.
Thanks all so far. So I think I’ll give the 330s a miss meaning my question is now slightly tweaked to 20th Anni vs a Spec C hatch.
can someone give me an easy to read list of differences (standard) as I know there will be many options. thanks again all a great help so far.
which is rarer? I know there are only 300 Nani’s but unsure on the Spec C.
The jdm "quick" rack is a major difference from UK models.
Someone on here who imported both 20th and Spec C models described them as " the Spec C seems rawer and more urgent".
The 20th has all the Sti chassis and handling options on it as standard, as well as the interior extras. Probably more pleasant an environment for longer journeys.
The spec C only has these as options, but the two things that it does have over the 20th, apart from being slightly lighter, are the better turbo and the mechanical rear lsd. Nor does the spec C have any sound insulation. Of course you can add any Sti options if you're feeling rich.
Have I said I wouldn't have a hatch without Recaros?
The jdm "quick" rack is a major difference from UK models.
Someone on here who imported both 20th and Spec C models described them as " the Spec C seems rawer and more urgent".
The 20th has all the Sti chassis and handling options on it as standard, as well as the interior extras. Probably more pleasant an environment for longer journeys.
The spec C only has these as options, but the two things that it does have over the 20th, apart from being slightly lighter, are the better turbo and the mechanical rear lsd. Nor does the spec C have any sound insulation. Of course you can add any Sti options if you're feeling rich.
Have I said I wouldn't have a hatch without Recaros?
you have poverty specd seats
Last edited by RAGGY DOO; 14 September 2022 at 06:50 PM.
The jdm "quick" rack is a major difference from UK models.
Someone on here who imported both 20th and Spec C models described them as " the Spec C seems rawer and more urgent".
The 20th has all the Sti chassis and handling options on it as standard, as well as the interior extras. Probably more pleasant an environment for longer journeys.
The spec C only has these as options, but the two things that it does have over the 20th, apart from being slightly lighter, are the better turbo and the mechanical rear lsd. Nor does the spec C have any sound insulation. Of course you can add any Sti options if you're feeling rich.
Have I said I wouldn't have a hatch without Recaros?
is the turbo and / or diff that much better on the C? Basically is it anything to worry about on the 20th?
According to this https://www.scoobynet.com/1045292-ha...l#post11940766 ICP list both as having mechanical LSDs but the differential assembly is different; it would be good to know what the difference is though.
If you are local, I'd gladly take you out in mine. My only worry would be that most of us (myself including) would be unable to tell what the actual difference between the 2 cars is, their limits are so high that you can hardly reach them on the road anyway.
It's interesting to hear the comments from Ben who has driven a car or two in his life, about my 20th anniversary. https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-...ph-fleet/46070
Last edited by fpan; 14 September 2022 at 07:51 PM.
is the turboand / or diff that much better on the C? Basically is it anything to worry about on the 20th?
Turbos
From the JDM Hatch thread..............
20th Century is same as STi - 14411AA690 (VF49)
Spec C - 14411AA820 (VF53)
R205 - ST14411ZR000 (VF56?)
S206, S207, S208, Type RA-R - ST14411ZR010 (VF58)
According to this https://www.scoobynet.com/1045292-ha...l#post11940766 ICP list both as having mechanical LSDs but the differential assembly is different; it would be good to know what the difference is though.
If you are local, I'd gladly take you out in mine. My only worry would be that most of us (myself including) would be unable to tell what the actual difference between the 2 cars is, their limits are so high that you can hardly reach them on the road anyway.
It's interesting to hear the comments from Ben who has driven a car or two in his life, about my 20th anniversary. https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-...ph-fleet/46070
Easily confirmed by looking in a 20th service book to see what oil is recommended for the rear diff.
12 September 2022, 08:49 PM
JDM hatch vs Sti 330S
