CHRIS WISE

Can anyone tell me the differences between a 1995 STi 555 Special Edition and the STi RA?

Specifically additions/ 0-60 time/bhp etc.

Thanks,

Chris

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

I drove a v3 555 2 weeks back, has all the electrics over a standard RA and some nice seats, mainly the electrics, folding mirrors, a/c etc and a limited number of them.

Tony

Normski

The STi 555 has the normal STi spec with the addition of a roof vent, special 'sports blue' paint, optional full rally decals, couple of badges, embriodered seats. Mechanically the same as the 'normal' STi.

The STi Ra has close ratio gearing, DCCD, roof vent as std, 500rpm higher red line due to solid lifters, closed deck block etc. No ABS, no electric windows/mirrors, no side skirts/lower spoilers.

Both cars have the same book power and torque (275ps & 235lb.ft). The STi Ra will have stronger acceleration due to the shorter/closer gearing and lighter weight, but the flipside is that the top speed will be lower.

Handling is better on the STi Ra because of the DCCD transmission, giving a rear biased power delivery.

You can also get a special edition STi Ra version 2 called the V-Limited (that i've got)

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Like i said, drove an STi 3 type RA 555 2 weeks back, they may have changed the spec but this had DCCD, quick rack steering, all the electrics, 555 plaque, though they also made a wrx version 555 but produced 1000 if i remember correctly (must dig that book out )

Tony

CHRIS WISE

Cheers,
Im going to look at a sti 555 tomorrow but didn't know if it was worth waiting to find a nice RA. Problem is im going to use the car for single venue stage rallying, there fore the RA is the car for the job but a 1995 RA car in the condition im looking for is over my budget. This 555 is 1995 just had a cam belt change and 50,000 miles on the clock its got the same BHP as the RA so didn't know (if its any good) to go for it as it would be better to have a good condition 555 than a not very looked after RA?

Thanks for your advice and help.

CHRIS WISE

Forgot to add that the rallying will be tarmac only so not sure how vital DCCD is? Please let me know your thoughts as in a catch 22.

peachy wrx

i have a 555 mate,its basically the same light weight body shell,no abs,intercooler water spray and has a very close ratio gearbox everone says its a normal sti box but they do under 60 in second and 80 mph at 4k in 5th which is the same as an ra box.there were only 500 special 555's made and 100 stupidly rare wagons

there very fast mate,i had a 300 bhp wrx before the sti and this would pull away from it!

tony by the sounds of it you drove a v-limited not a 555 mate

CHRIS WISE

Thanks mate thats what i wanted to hear as long as the acceleration is not that far off the RA im not really to bothered about the DCCD.
Just have to look what condition this car is in but i think it would make a cracking clubman level rally car.

Thanks