In general would you guys say that a UK spec classic would be more reliable than a JDM? I know it has alot to do with service history and tlc but how reliable would one be against a well looked after like for like sti. I have found that whilst searching for my perfect scoob I have come across UKDM doing well over 100k while there seems to be no end of JDM with engine rebuilds after 60-70k. Begining to think that its going to be worth sacrificing the extra power for that reliability.
Cheers guys

 

If you're talking about the classics then yes - all things being equal - IMHO the UK models are more reliable.

 

.......probably due to the fuel that JDM's are mapped for. If the same fuel was available from uk pumps then i would think that there would be far fewer rebuilds

 

What about if they r run on V power with an octane boost from import?

 

Put simply the JDMs push the engines harder than the UK spec. They have uprated items but the tollerance is less IMO. A UK classic with 215bhp is just less hard on the engine than a 300bhp JDM (STi anyway)

 

jdm cars run a bit more agresive stock ecu which needs min 98 ron fuel. too many people run 95 ron fuel in these cars which results in det and a rebuild.
plus of course a more agresive map puts a bit more strain on the engine.

 

So its mainly a case of people not using the correct fuel ie. not knowing what the car they're driving, rather than a reliability issue.

 

An STI mapped for UK fuel is no more or no less reliable than a UK classic.
The only differences mechanically in the engine are pistons and valve train. Everything else is just about identical and they are all assembled in the same factory.

 

is this the same for the newage?

 

And is this remap is easily done by a tuning company??

 

To be honest its as said above really people putting 95 ron fuel in imports, but if you get a decent early classic imported from Japan then its never run on our fuel and are generally in top condition (due to their MOT laws), then Ive found them very reliable. Ive had 3 imports, all early classics and in 5 years total driving of them, bearing in mind the average age of them about 10or 11 years, Ive only replaced 1 MAF sensor and 1 wheel bearing. Considering they are very high performance cars I think thats very gvood going, but when you buy do it with your eyes wide open and check everything twice.
Though Ive also had 2 uk classic turbos and had to replace a clutch on one, ok wear and tear, and a gearbox on another after 65000 miles under warrenty though. Its like all cars check everything, and if anything is wrong walk away there are plenty more out there.