djsparra

iTrader: (5)

Hi Fellas,
Ive had my '97 classic wagon for a couple of years now and have come to the point where, after buying a house and all that goes with it, i've got a few quid to spend on my beloved Scoob.

My motor is totally standard apart from HKS ssqv, Do-luck panel filter and a cheap Scorpion back box I managed to get off someone.

I've decided I'm gonna spend about 2K, so just wanted some of your thoughts on what to spend it on. I'll be getting a garage to do the work as it would take me forever to do the work myself.
Concentrating on engine and drivetrain any ideas/advice would be apprieciated as my head starts to spin when I start reading threads about turbos, front, side, back entry, 2, 3 port solenoids etc etc

At the end of the day I just want more power but to be strong and reliable as well.

Thanks guys

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Go with good second hand parts, much cheaper.

Are you sure you want more power, you could concentrate on handling and stopping power. It's all very well having a faster car but personally, the way it goes round corners provides a much more enjoyable drive.

jura11

iTrader: (7)

Hi there depends how much you want form your car,if you want reliable 320-350bhp car you will need turbo(VF34,VF35 or TD05 16G),Decated exhaust will be perfect,3 port solenoid,possibly FMIC(or STI 7 or 8 TMIC),and from this depend if its your car have mappable ECU,if not you will need at least ESL Daughter board,Apexi power FC or Simtek,Syvecs..


Jura

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

350 ?????

On a Standard 97 wagon clutch and box = problems..

Personally,

Nice de-cat exhaust
Decent panel filter
Second hand Bigger front brakes
Second hand suspension set-up
Standard size rear grooved/drilled discs with better pads
Notch the boost up a touch
Walbro pump (not nessasarily needed but safer)
Have it mapped

This should be achievable on 2K if you search hard enough. Would be a much better car to drive with 310 ish BHP and far better handling.

If you start going new turbo route you'll be looking at clutch etc.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Isn't 97 the unmappable ECU year? If so, it'll be close to a grand for an aftermarket ECU.

2 grand is a lot to throw at a car, especially as you'd never get it back.
Have a look at how cheap scoob's are now, and possibly look into a selling yours and with the extra 2k you can get a lot of scoobs with that power already.

djsparra

iTrader: (5)

I was gonna get some second hand 4 pots and 2's for the back. I did have fully adjustable shocks on but the rear top mounts corroded to buggery and failed the MOT so I put standards on with 35mm springs. I've still got the coliovers but don't know if i can get new topmounts.

MattyB- What do you mean by up the boost? Is this done with boost controller, bleed valve or done on the re-map? Also is my Do-luck filter not that good then?

Lots of Q's to think about there LOL.

djsparra

iTrader: (5)

Acctually you've got a point there bud. But the way things are now, don't think i'd be able to sell it. No-one's buying at the mo.

jura11

iTrader: (7)

You will need at least mappable ECU,Apexi Power FC are good,great budget mappable ECU for good money too,you will find this ecu for £400-£450.


Jura

The Zohan

How many miles has your wagon/engine/drive train got on it???

Before looking to upgrade remember the extra stain you could be putting on you engine and drive train by going for more power.

Perhaps look towards selling it and putting the 2k plus the sale money into a newer car?

Or
How about upgrading the brakes and suspension, getting the geometry properly set up. upgrading these will give you a faster better handling and stopping car - quicker in the real world.

Its not al about power - do not forget control!

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

up the boost by either a Apexi AVCR (£200) or one of those cheap and cheerful manual boost controls.
If your car does have the unmappable ECU then power fc is your best option. But as stated above, what condition is the car in and what sort of miles has the old girl covered.

stevie1982

iTrader: (16)

i would sell your wagon and then put the money saved or a little more if you can hold on and buy a classic sti with some work already done, say from a member on here. save the cash as you wont see a return.

for example there is a sti 6 88k on the clock needs a little tlc but is up at 3.6k. just an idea

djsparra

iTrader: (5)

She had 91k km when imported and converted to miles now clock shows 103k miles/km.

If I was to sell i'd want another wagon but like you say an STI.

What about putting a STI lump in mine?

stevie1982

iTrader: (16)

two things that it wont be imo on a 15 year old uk car. it has given you no trouble as its relatively standard, on low boost etc. the minute you start pushing it up to 350bhp imo the gearbox and engine have a high possibility on giving up. hence my point above sell up and get a newer sti even if it means holding out for a little longer

djsparra

iTrader: (5)

Sorry forgot to mention, mines a WRX

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

Sounds like a lot of hassle to me and you'll need the turbo and ECU to go with it.

I would trade up for an Sti wagon, as by the time you've done the above, you'll have spent the best part of £1500-2000 anyway.

At least by getting the STI, the car will be worth what you pay out. Change the engine on your WRX and it'll be worth nothing more, and may actually be woth less!

Glynmitch

What he said

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Sell the car for £2k and buy an already modified one for the £4k you will have to spend.

lordharding

iTrader: (1)

Keep the money in the bank

It's 15 years old and worth less then 2k

Modify the engine and it will go pop then the car will be worth £500 tops for parts
And the dreaded rust will catch a hold in the next few years

If you must spend a bit of cash

Dot5 and braided fuel lines ,updated pads and eibach springs ,drop links and geometry done will be under £600 which will totally transform the car and still £1600 in the bank

Keep you car and as it is reasonably standard and it will increase a bit in value in the next few years and it should last a bit longer

wrx9181

iTrader: (2)

Bloody ek depressing guys
I've gone to slit my wrists

wrx287

iTrader: (8)

As far as ECU's go, there are 2nd hand Simtecs about for about £600-£700 plus a bit for mapping means a top ECU for 1k. Use the other 1k for other mods such as brakes and exhaust and fuel pump