Toy Story: Litchfield Imports,Powerstation and a Spec C Type 20
15 February 2006, 11:07 PM
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Toy Story: Litchfield Imports,Powerstation and a Spec C Type 20
Years ago when I was a little kid, I always wanted to go to Hamleys Toy Store in London’s Regent Street; seven floors of toy heaven. I never managed to go for the best part of twenty years, but like the big kids we are today, I still enjoyed going even if it was a bit late.
Over three decades later and I visited the automotive equivalent of Hamleys. Litchfield Imports based in Tewkesbury Gloucestershire is a Subaru Mecca. Sure, you can walk into your local main dealer, but you’ll probably only find one or two models on display that warrant your attention. This is not the case when you walk through the doors of Litchfield’s bright and airy showroom. Impreza nirvana is a phrase that springs to mind. There’s so much to look at you won’t know where to start. When I went they had various second-hand Type 25s in numerous colours, a very rare white MY05 Spec C WR Limited, 3 MY06 Spec Cs and a MY06 Spec C Type RA Ltd, to name a few.
I first went there for their launch of the MY06 last year. It’s true to say that I liked the new model the first minute I saw it. So many of the detractors on here probably haven’t seen one yet, but for justice to be done you have to see one in the flesh to fully appreciate. I managed to ask several questions regarding the MY06 JDM STi and came away ultimately knowing that when the time came to change, that I wanted to convert to a JDM version. Furthermore, when that time did arrive I knew where I’d be buying it from. It’s the little details that count. I remember one was the temporary fitting of a fog light to pass the SVA test and the subsequent rewiring to the rear light unit. This may not sound much, but it meant no more unsightly holes being cut into the rear bumper to enable a rather ugly fog light to be fitted.
Just before Xmas I visited Litchfield’s again. I talked over with Tim about the “standard” JDM STi and the Spec C version. At first I was unsure whether the Spec C was a bit too hardcore for my needs. One of my main reasons for wishing to go down the JDM route was because of all the extras over the UK version including:
· Rear wash wipe
· Tinted rear glass,
· Electric folding mirrors,
· Automatic intercooler spray,
· Quicker steering rack and a
· Twin scroll turbo
The Spec C lost out on some of the creature comforts, but all the negative issues were outweighed by the positive ones.
In the end for the sake of an extra £1000 I decided on the Spec C. Litchfield’s mentioned that I could always add some of the things that were removed from the Spec C at a later date. This would obviously cost a few quid, but nothing compared to how much it would cost for a standard STi to even include some of the list above.
With the model decided on, it led me to my next issue; selling my then current car. This was an immaculate MY04 STi PPP that I had listed on here. After speaking to Iain Litchfield, he offered to sell the car on my behalf. For a modest fee my car would be placed on their website and an advert placed under their block display in Top Marques magazine. This was extremely useful as it meant that the car could be viewed in their showroom and any test drive sorted out without worrying about the tyre kickers and test pilots of this world.
Iain kindly opened up on January 2nd for me to drop my car off. I said my goodbyes and hoped for a quick sale, as the Spec C was in stock.
Within two weeks my car had been sold. During this time I’d decided that ultimately the car would also be made into one of their Type 20 models. However, because of funds I could only afford half of the conversion (a sort of Type 10 if you like ). Typically I wanted the extra performance first.
For those of you that don’t know, the Type 20 uses some of the things utilised on the Type 25, a car held in very high regard by the motoring press. The upgrade is carried out by their technical partners at Powerstation, who are located next door.The Type 20 specification car is also near identical to that used in the 2005 Tuner GP which was the fastest Subaru and Japanese model. I attended the Tuner GP and saw this car in action and it was also the actual car that I had a test drive in.
The conversion includes:
After Iain explained the alarm system and the DCCD system (which I still don’t fully understand) and filled out the warranty and RAC Trackstar paperwork, off I went.
Even though I had to keep within a 4000rpm limit for the first 1000miles, the differences from my UK supplied MY04 STi PPP were immediately apparent. The twin scroll turbo is amazing as there’s no noticeable lag to speak of. It picked up low down with no hesitation or hiccups. The ride was firm without fear of loosening your filings. Cabin noise was up due to the lack of sound proofing and different gear ratios (22mph per 1000rpm in 6th gear by my calculation), but I never expected a Bentley environment.
Just under two weeks and 1000 careful miles later it was time for my first service and the beginning of the Type 20 conversion. I couldn’t wait for this to happen. Driving the car for the past two weeks was something akin to a caged tiger waiting to escape; very powerful but unable to get into its full stride.
Powerstation is next door to Litchfield Imports. When you first arrive there you’re taken aback by the actual size of the place. It’s an imposing Victorian building that looks like it could withstand a nuclear blast.
I’d been here before to have a Prodrive spring kit fitted to my last car, as they charged half the price of what a Subaru main dealer quoted to do the job.
Once the oil and filter had been changed, it was on with the upgrade.
One exhaust, K & N filter and 3 port boost solenoid later it was time for the fun to start; the remapping. I went along to several rolling road days last year, but Powerstation’s set up struck me as the most sorted that I’d seen. They have a dedicated room where the environment can be totally controlled.
Over three decades later and I visited the automotive equivalent of Hamleys. Litchfield Imports based in Tewkesbury Gloucestershire is a Subaru Mecca. Sure, you can walk into your local main dealer, but you’ll probably only find one or two models on display that warrant your attention. This is not the case when you walk through the doors of Litchfield’s bright and airy showroom. Impreza nirvana is a phrase that springs to mind. There’s so much to look at you won’t know where to start. When I went they had various second-hand Type 25s in numerous colours, a very rare white MY05 Spec C WR Limited, 3 MY06 Spec Cs and a MY06 Spec C Type RA Ltd, to name a few.
I first went there for their launch of the MY06 last year. It’s true to say that I liked the new model the first minute I saw it. So many of the detractors on here probably haven’t seen one yet, but for justice to be done you have to see one in the flesh to fully appreciate. I managed to ask several questions regarding the MY06 JDM STi and came away ultimately knowing that when the time came to change, that I wanted to convert to a JDM version. Furthermore, when that time did arrive I knew where I’d be buying it from. It’s the little details that count. I remember one was the temporary fitting of a fog light to pass the SVA test and the subsequent rewiring to the rear light unit. This may not sound much, but it meant no more unsightly holes being cut into the rear bumper to enable a rather ugly fog light to be fitted.
Just before Xmas I visited Litchfield’s again. I talked over with Tim about the “standard” JDM STi and the Spec C version. At first I was unsure whether the Spec C was a bit too hardcore for my needs. One of my main reasons for wishing to go down the JDM route was because of all the extras over the UK version including:
· Rear wash wipe
· Tinted rear glass,
· Electric folding mirrors,
· Automatic intercooler spray,
· Quicker steering rack and a
· Twin scroll turbo
The Spec C lost out on some of the creature comforts, but all the negative issues were outweighed by the positive ones.
- Thinner lightweight glass
- Lightweight roof
- Aluminum boot lid
- 12 litre intercooler water spray bottle mounted behind the rear seats for better weight distribution
- Different radiator, water pump and additional engine & transmission oil coolers
- A roller bearing version of the twin scroll turbo
- Rear strut brace
- Performance revolving chamber fuel pump
- Black seats, door panels and carpet
- Stiffer chassis with revised welding
- Larger intake pipe
In the end for the sake of an extra £1000 I decided on the Spec C. Litchfield’s mentioned that I could always add some of the things that were removed from the Spec C at a later date. This would obviously cost a few quid, but nothing compared to how much it would cost for a standard STi to even include some of the list above.
With the model decided on, it led me to my next issue; selling my then current car. This was an immaculate MY04 STi PPP that I had listed on here. After speaking to Iain Litchfield, he offered to sell the car on my behalf. For a modest fee my car would be placed on their website and an advert placed under their block display in Top Marques magazine. This was extremely useful as it meant that the car could be viewed in their showroom and any test drive sorted out without worrying about the tyre kickers and test pilots of this world.
Iain kindly opened up on January 2nd for me to drop my car off. I said my goodbyes and hoped for a quick sale, as the Spec C was in stock. Within two weeks my car had been sold.
During this time I’d decided that ultimately the car would also be made into one of their Type 20 models. However, because of funds I could only afford half of the conversion (a sort of Type 10 if you like ). Typically I wanted the extra performance first. For those of you that don’t know, the Type 20 uses some of the things utilised on the Type 25, a car held in very high regard by the motoring press. The upgrade is carried out by their technical partners at Powerstation, who are located next door.The Type 20 specification car is also near identical to that used in the 2005 Tuner GP which was the fastest Subaru and Japanese model. I attended the Tuner GP and saw this car in action and it was also the actual car that I had a test drive in.
The conversion includes:
- 3" Milltek exhaust with sports cat
- 3 port boost control solenoid
- K & N panel air filter
- Type 20/25 AST 12-way adjustable suspension
- Type 20/25 Handling packs
- Uprated brake lines
- STI Front lip spoiler with optional lower rubber skirt
- Type 20 floor mats
- Type 20 badge
After Iain explained the alarm system and the DCCD system (which I still don’t fully understand) and filled out the warranty and RAC Trackstar paperwork, off I went.
Even though I had to keep within a 4000rpm limit for the first 1000miles, the differences from my UK supplied MY04 STi PPP were immediately apparent. The twin scroll turbo is amazing as there’s no noticeable lag to speak of. It picked up low down with no hesitation or hiccups. The ride was firm without fear of loosening your filings. Cabin noise was up due to the lack of sound proofing and different gear ratios (22mph per 1000rpm in 6th gear by my calculation), but I never expected a Bentley environment.
Just under two weeks and 1000 careful miles later it was time for my first service and the beginning of the Type 20 conversion. I couldn’t wait for this to happen. Driving the car for the past two weeks was something akin to a caged tiger waiting to escape; very powerful but unable to get into its full stride.
Powerstation is next door to Litchfield Imports. When you first arrive there you’re taken aback by the actual size of the place. It’s an imposing Victorian building that looks like it could withstand a nuclear blast.
I’d been here before to have a Prodrive spring kit fitted to my last car, as they charged half the price of what a Subaru main dealer quoted to do the job.
Once the oil and filter had been changed, it was on with the upgrade.
One exhaust, K & N filter and 3 port boost solenoid later it was time for the fun to start; the remapping. I went along to several rolling road days last year, but Powerstation’s set up struck me as the most sorted that I’d seen. They have a dedicated room where the environment can be totally controlled.
Last edited by Robocop; 16 February 2006 at 08:50 AM.
15 February 2006, 11:07 PM
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As most people who’ve been along to a rolling road day know, the Impreza is particularly sensitive to ambient temperature. Their top mounted intercoolers don’t help too much and in a lot of instances the ECU backs off boost when the temperature gets too high. Powerstation’s approach to this is a giant cooling tube connected to a huge blower.
Prior to buying the car, a base map is flashed into the ECU. Basically this gets the car up and running on UK fuel but with boost and ignition parameters set very conservatively. Once on the rollers a multitude of sensors are connected to monitor various levels of information. Andy (Fuzz) and Rich then set about a bespoke map for the car.I should point out that all JDM twin scroll cars sold by Litchfield’s are treated to the same attention to detail and remapped by Powerstation to each individual car.
After a couple of hours the remap is finished.
Peak bhp on the day is now 355 and corrected this is 349 bhp. Torque when converted from Nm is 344 ft lb.
The drive home was a revelation. The exhaust note has taken on a new tone. It’s hard to describe on here, but I no longer miss the burble that I lost due to the equal length headers. I turn off the boring A417 onto some B roads. Unfortunately there isn’t a long enough straight to exploit the full performance of the car. Acceleration is simply explosive. If Saddam Hussein had worked out how to attach a warhead to one of these cars, the outcome of the war may have been different.
In short, I’m extremely impressed with this car. It would be true to say that’s it beyond my capabilities at present, but I’m sure going to have fun learning. In the meantime I need to keep a spare pair of these with me.
I’d like to thank Iain and Tim at Litchfield Imports and to all at Powerstation, in particular Andy and Richard, and would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.
Both companies epitomize the meaning of helpfulness, value and good service, along with excellent product knowledge.
www.litchfieldimports.co.uk
http://www.powerstation.org.uk/
Thanks guys. See you all soon for the completion of my Type 20.
Kevin
Prior to buying the car, a base map is flashed into the ECU. Basically this gets the car up and running on UK fuel but with boost and ignition parameters set very conservatively. Once on the rollers a multitude of sensors are connected to monitor various levels of information. Andy (Fuzz) and Rich then set about a bespoke map for the car.I should point out that all JDM twin scroll cars sold by Litchfield’s are treated to the same attention to detail and remapped by Powerstation to each individual car.
After a couple of hours the remap is finished.
Peak bhp on the day is now 355 and corrected this is 349 bhp. Torque when converted from Nm is 344 ft lb.
The drive home was a revelation. The exhaust note has taken on a new tone. It’s hard to describe on here, but I no longer miss the burble that I lost due to the equal length headers.
I turn off the boring A417 onto some B roads. Unfortunately there isn’t a long enough straight to exploit the full performance of the car. Acceleration is simply explosive. If Saddam Hussein had worked out how to attach a warhead to one of these cars, the outcome of the war may have been different. In short, I’m extremely impressed with this car. It would be true to say that’s it beyond my capabilities at present, but I’m sure going to have fun learning. In the meantime I need to keep a spare pair of these with me.
I’d like to thank Iain and Tim at Litchfield Imports and to all at Powerstation, in particular Andy and Richard, and would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.
Both companies epitomize the meaning of helpfulness, value and good service, along with excellent product knowledge.
www.litchfieldimports.co.uk
http://www.powerstation.org.uk/
Thanks guys. See you all soon for the completion of my Type 20.
Kevin
Last edited by Robocop; 16 February 2006 at 09:40 AM.
and IMO it makes the blobeye look very dated 
16 February 2006, 07:20 AM
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Great write up there Kev
Awesome machine you got there and must admit Litchfields is one heck of a place
P.s. Could do with bringing your underwear into the 21st century m8
Awesome machine you got there and must admit Litchfields is one heck of a place
P.s. Could do with bringing your underwear into the 21st century m8
16 February 2006, 07:45 AM
#7
Scooby Senior
Good write up - I know how you feel having done exactly the same thing last year though I ended not going for the Spec C in the end.
Should I look out for you next time I'm in Bath?
though I ended not going for the Spec C in the end. Should I look out for you next time I'm in Bath?
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16 February 2006, 10:16 AM
#14
Originally Posted by Robocop
Powerstation do a package for the 2.5
will give them a call - gonna get some more miles on the car first and take it to a RR day on 25th March for a baseline figure before modding - then i should be able to tell what diff it has made.
cheers
16 February 2006, 10:19 AM
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nice car, but a couple of questions...
Which Seat, designer did they nick, or which Seat car did they drive before putting the nose design to bed?? thats a Seat if ever i saw one!!
re the intercooler spray..
never understood, how they claimed the benefits work, I can see that from putting in the rear, you get cold water, but surley by the time its in the engine bay, and subject to heat soak, it wiould be warm (er) by the time it hit the IC so what benefits would be gained??
now surley some of the smart bods, would have guessed that many scoobys have a ready made chiller unit built into the engine bay?? yup air conditioning, why not use that to feed cold refgrigerant, over/ through the IC now surley that would be more beneficial than 12 litres of water, associated piping, and a huge tank in the boot.
Mart
Which Seat, designer did they nick, or which Seat car did they drive before putting the nose design to bed?? thats a Seat if ever i saw one!!
re the intercooler spray..
never understood, how they claimed the benefits work, I can see that from putting in the rear, you get cold water, but surley by the time its in the engine bay, and subject to heat soak, it wiould be warm (er) by the time it hit the IC so what benefits would be gained??
now surley some of the smart bods, would have guessed that many scoobys have a ready made chiller unit built into the engine bay?? yup air conditioning, why not use that to feed cold refgrigerant, over/ through the IC now surley that would be more beneficial than 12 litres of water, associated piping, and a huge tank in the boot.
Mart
16 February 2006, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by mart360
nice car, but a couple of questions...
Which Seat, designer did they nick, or which Seat car did they drive before putting the nose design to bed?? thats a Seat if ever i saw one!!
re the intercooler spray..
never understood, how they claimed the benefits work, I can see that from putting in the rear, you get cold water, but surley by the time its in the engine bay, and subject to heat soak, it wiould be warm (er) by the time it hit the IC so what benefits would be gained??
now surley some of the smart bods, would have guessed that many scoobys have a ready made chiller unit built into the engine bay?? yup air conditioning, why not use that to feed cold refgrigerant, over/ through the IC now surley that would be more beneficial than 12 litres of water, associated piping, and a huge tank in the boot.
Mart
Which Seat, designer did they nick, or which Seat car did they drive before putting the nose design to bed?? thats a Seat if ever i saw one!!
re the intercooler spray..
never understood, how they claimed the benefits work, I can see that from putting in the rear, you get cold water, but surley by the time its in the engine bay, and subject to heat soak, it wiould be warm (er) by the time it hit the IC so what benefits would be gained??
now surley some of the smart bods, would have guessed that many scoobys have a ready made chiller unit built into the engine bay?? yup air conditioning, why not use that to feed cold refgrigerant, over/ through the IC now surley that would be more beneficial than 12 litres of water, associated piping, and a huge tank in the boot.
Mart
Apparrently if you really motoring, the standard I/C water bottle will empty very fast. I was talking to a guy at a meet at Prodrive last year and he told me he used up 12 litres of water in his Spec C in a run round "The Ring".
Last edited by Robocop; 16 February 2006 at 11:43 AM.
16 February 2006, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by scunnered
I think your write up was worthy of any professional motoring journalist. Well done!!!
Has your new car been undersealed yet?
Has your new car been undersealed yet?
No, but thinking of Waxoyl.
Last edited by Robocop; 16 February 2006 at 10:41 AM.
16 February 2006, 10:59 AM
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Excellent post robocop, and not dissimilar to mine, except I've got video footage 
Highly recommend the guys at ps, and had a very nice chat with Ian @ lichfields Great time I had there that day, and hope to return soon for the completion of my mods (ast's)
chris.
my story at post #42
Highly recommend the guys at ps, and had a very nice chat with Ian @ lichfields Great time I had there that day, and hope to return soon for the completion of my mods (ast's)chris.
my story at post #42
16 February 2006, 11:02 AM
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Chris
I never saw your post till now. I hope you don't think it's plagiarism on my part.
I've got a little AVI file of it on the rolling road, but I don't have anyway of hosting it.
I never saw your post till now. I hope you don't think it's plagiarism on my part.
I've got a little AVI file of it on the rolling road, but I don't have anyway of hosting it.
Last edited by Robocop; 16 February 2006 at 11:05 AM.
16 February 2006, 11:19 AM
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Excellent write up, very nice car 
.
As already mentioned the only thing I would be looking to get done was the underseal, especially with our well gritted roads (well gritted, but not necessarily at the right time or place ).
I would say enjoy it but it's apparent that you already are.
I'm a bit of a fan of powerstation and the guy's up there as well, an excellent setup that has to be seen to be believed. With that and their knowledge you can't go wrong really.
Enjoy as I am sure you will
.
GB
.As already mentioned the only thing I would be looking to get done was the underseal, especially with our well gritted roads (well gritted, but not necessarily at the right time or place
).I would say enjoy it but it's apparent that you already are.
I'm a bit of a fan of powerstation and the guy's up there as well, an excellent setup that has to be seen to be believed. With that and their knowledge you can't go wrong really.
Enjoy as I am sure you will
.GB
Last edited by gingerboy; 16 February 2006 at 11:22 AM.
16 February 2006, 11:35 AM
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Great write up Kevin, glad you like it They seem to get quicker from 4-7,000 miles too
Iain
P.S. Our Spec C's have an extra level of wax/weatherproofing (horrible stuff) on the underside but its not obvious like the usual stone guard/grey underseal
They seem to get quicker from 4-7,000 miles too Iain
P.S. Our Spec C's have an extra level of wax/weatherproofing (horrible stuff) on the underside but its not obvious like the usual stone guard/grey underseal
16 February 2006, 11:55 AM
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Excellent write up on an excellent car..!
Do you mind me asking where you get your underpants from..? Been after some like that for ages. (new ones of course..!)
PS just noticed my fingers are turning green........
Do you mind me asking where you get your underpants from..? Been after some like that for ages. (new ones of course..!
)PS just noticed my fingers are turning green........