teemsta

Hi all,

So I have finally done it! I have just picked up a 1997 (Import) WRX Impreza. Its a beast, not many mods apart from a straight through exhaust, HKS Induction kit and Blitz dump valve. Also has a chargespeed kit fitted and a push button start.

Passed its MOT today after fixing a few niggles, front number plate, headlight alignment etc. It did pass the emissions which was a nice surprise. Thing is it does need a GOOD going over and service, its done 50k (claimed but no SH) and runs well enough. In terms of power and acceleration its bob on but some bits are not right. Car does crunch pretty often when going in reverse, bite is right at the top and its juddery moving off, so thinking maybe new clutch. Belts have never been done to my knowledge and I understand this is a must? Also a hot smell coming from car after a run (no idea). Was thinking of taking it to Prosport in Stockport.

So, comments please! What what would you change/ add? My list so far includes an alarm ASAP, removal of added rev counter from dash (and replacement with 3 pod combo), fitting of proper number plate at front (cant decide on 2 line plate or standard) and wheels. Could do with new brakes also to be honest.

Look forward to contributing to the forums and calling on your vast knowledge when the fettling begins!

Cheers Tom

The Dogs B******s

Welcome

powerwrx

iTrader: (11)

welcome mate, ide remove the stripes and the charge speed kit personally, i dont like the front bumper or spoiler tbh. ide replace the wheels too. just my opinion though

teemsta

Yeah I have just been on ebay looking at standard bumpers and spoiler as it happens, its not really to my taste either. Car was a bargain though so I am willing to put up with it for now, once I have the all clear from the service then I'll start making the changes.

clark822

Full service with both belts pads and discs if they need it and get an alignment done all for wheels then you just gotta enjoy it - did this with mine and the best mod i have done so far was the alignment hth

scooby546

iTrader: (1)

Welcome I've got a 97 import too, they are great cars! Def get the belts done and brakes, clutch sounds like it needs changing too if the bite is really high - apart from that as said above get the alignment sorted and you've got a winner there. Mine's done almost twice the mileage (about 90K at a guess now) and still going strong - enjoy!

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Tom, Have a chat with Tim Doyle for your car alarm (if your in that area)
Car audio and alarm installation - Trilogy

Tony

lovinmescoob

Welcome fella.

Before you start doing anything with number plates,stripes, spoilers etc, get it looked at by a reputable garage and get it serviced, belts done, clutch, brakes, etc.

Then look at the easier stuff when hopefully it will be sorted mechanically wise and then not go "bang"

Good luck and enjoy

teemsta

Agreed. Booked it in with ProSport next Wednesday but am still shell shocked to be honest. I said I wanted the top level service, so they said best they do is a 90k, which includes pretty much everything (including a valve of some description). I have been quoted £675! In addition to this they will look at the clutch for me, but that will be extra on top. Does this seem right? If not, any other decent specialists in Manchester area?

I just googled '90k Impreza service' and came up with this website Subaru4you - Subaru Service Schedule. We can service your Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Forester, Justy...... who quote £543 all in.

teemsta

Ok so the Subaru is now finally on the road! It's cost me a bit to get there but it is now fully legal and running like a charm .

To get there I had to do the following:

Full top end service (inc belts) = £450 Adgespeed Irlam
New Clutch = £435 fitted Adgespeed Irlam
18" Oz Chronos gold wheels & Tyres = £220 Ebay (A bloody bargain if you ask me!)
2 new tyres = £150 fitted

So all in all this car now stands me at £3255. Doesn't seem that bad to me, but I could be wrong......

I've also removed the stripes, dash mounted rev counter and took the opportunity to properly paint the calipers. I also remounted the boost guage on the A-Pillar and added a proper front number plate.

I personally think it looks loads better now, especially with the new wheels fitted. I'm just enjoying it at the mo, but plans moving forward are standard bumpers and a low(er) level spoiler. Engine wise I'll just keep it pretty standard, although I a remap may be something I'd consider further down the line.

Heres the pics:

trails

iTrader: (41)

not normally a fan of kits, but other than the very poor mesh attempt it looks pretty good...welcome to the land of empty wallets, devastating petrol price increases and "what's that noise??" paranoia

teemsta

That is pretty shocking on the front grill eh, what you can't see is the glue gunned 'carbon fibre' strip that runs along the top....classy! Forgot to mention that I am on the lookout for a replacement standard grill if anyone has one.

trails

iTrader: (41)

can't believe I'm going to say this but Rispeed sell a reasonable sized piece pof black stainless mesh that you could maybe replace it with...£20 iirc

teemsta

Hmmm, black mesh sounds like a potential way forward while I wait for the money tree to blossom again! Will nip over to halfrauds later for a look.

PS - The old Trial Zelda Triforce alloys are on ebay if anyone wants them. 17" with 4 good tyres:

TRIAL Zelda Triforce 17" Alloy Wheels/ Tyres - 5x100 on eBay (end time 01-Sep-09 12:21:16 BST)

trails

iTrader: (41)

good luck and post some pics once you've changed it

IainMilford

iTrader: (15)

+1 for black mesh

scooby546

iTrader: (1)

That looks a lot better already - and I agree with you about the overall cost... sounds like it was a real bargain originally! The low level spoiler is probably a good choice, i've got the STI6 high level spoiler on mine and although i think it looks nice, i do have a bit of trouble seeing behind sometimes - there is a blind spot where certain stripey cars with blue flashing lights like to hide...

Anyway enjoy

trails

iTrader: (41)

if it's a real Chargespeed spoiler I'd imagine you would make a bit of dosh swapping\selling in favour of a mow level or just no spoiler

lloydee

iTrader: (2)

Looks so much better without the stripes and those three spoke rims were criminal!!

I quite like the kit, but as said, replace the tacky looking silver mesh with some black.

teemsta

Unfortunately it isn't. You see in the pics how its split? Well basically, its a standard spoiler with the centre cut out and homemade carbon mounting plates holding it on. The workmanship is actually pretty good on this bit but still not entirely to my taste. I tried getting it off, theres only 2 screws (that I can see) holding it on, but an absolute mile of double sided foam. I don't want to wreck the boot lid, so am keeping my eyes open for a complete replacement off ebay.

trails

iTrader: (41)

^^shame...but good plan, stick it on ebay once its off I'm sure someone will buy it

teemsta

Well, it looks like the black meshing might have to wait

I am a tool. I say this because I recently reversed my pride and joy into a lampost.....what a kn*b! In my defense, the weather was terrible and the blacked out window & massive spoiler seriously affected visibility, I HONESTLY didn't see it before I started to roll back!

Damage wise, I have cracked the rear bumper, slightly dinted the bootlid and taken a chunk out of the spoiler. Nowt major but could still do without it!

uk300scoob

iTrader: (24)

good reason now for to change the terrible bumper and spoiler, along with the front bumper and side skirts

teemsta

Agreed. I managed to find a front/ rear bumper and grill for £110 from Adge at Adgspeed but they would all need painting. Unfortunately I can't afford it at present so I will be driving round ashamedly warts and all for a few weeks

uk300scoob

iTrader: (24)

why dont you prime the bumpers with white primer and install them and drive about with your new bumpers on and in white primer until you can afford them to be painted instead of driving about with a crap looking front bumper and a cracked crap back bumper and spoiler, spoiler isnt too bad im sure it can be repaired and painted aswell along with bootlid