You don't need a 6 speed at this point in your mod path.

 

What's better other than the 6 speed (anything related to it) and the brakes (price difference could yield better though)

 

If you do the math you paid 17,500 and you spent ~4k on rebuilding it so we are looking at 21,500 and let's say you sell your car which you would probably get ~13,000 for it. So the question is are you willing to take the loss of 8,500? A good STi will cost you ~20-25,000 and I say with the money you have lost/invested in your car already you should stick with it and just swap in the 6 speed and interior if you want it. It will be more cost effective and better from an insurance stand point.

 

Steering angle sensor added to mechanical DCCD system
Aerodynamic ground effects, body colored
Rear vane spoiler (back of roof),
Rear underbody diffuser (under rear ),
STi leather wrapped steering wheel/shift ****
Daytime running lights
2.5L 4cylinder with 300hp
17 x 8" BBS alloys
6spd manual transmission
Short Throw Shifter
Quick ratio steering
Driver Controlled Center Differential DCCD
Limited Slip front differential
Super Sport ABS
Heavy Duty Brembo brakes
HID headlights (low beam)
Rev indicator/alarm
Large trunk spoiler
Underbody cover
Sport suspension with inverted struts
Plastic head key
sweet sti badges and stickers
ic spray, and other little shizz.

not major but they are nice to have over not having it.

 

I've been hit with that question more than once. I decided to keep my WRX instead of buying an STi and do a full JDM build with GT30r. I loved my car. It stopped in shorter distance (Stoptechs instead of the usual STi Brembos), It went faster in a different way (EJ207 rather than the EJ257), it had more personality and individual characteristics to it than your typical STi.

What i'm trying to say is the WRX comes out of the box with less, you can see it as a downer and drool over STi's or see it as a blank slate of opportunity to be better than them.


Plus WRX's are cheaper to own. More room for mods

 

not going to lie i sold my 02 wagon for my current 04 sti lol

 

Sold my near 500whp WRX for a 333hp crank M3

 

haha seems like thats a lot of ppl's paths these days.. those e46 are going from 13-26k depending on year, miles etc etc..

e46's are like the civic's of the bay. you see them in every corner.

 

so basically nothing important besides the before mentioned tranny and brakes.

 

it should be mentioned that having bigger calipers and rotors or pads doesnt decrease your stopping distance, a very common misconception. The only time they do is when brake fade becomes an issue and that would only be applicable to canyon carving or track/autox days.

 

Keep it..you already have the supporting mods for an STi turbo. That's like 3-400 plus retune and injectors.

 

question is which did you like better lol

 

I see 325i's or even 330ci's everyday. Other E46 M3's are pretty scarce though

 

Decide what matters most to you.

I'm having a similar debate with myself and in my particular situation I need to decide which one to keep (my WRX or my STI) as I'm looking to buy a house.
I love both of these cars for different reasons, as they drive and act very differently.

Lay out your goals so that they are clear, and if your current car doesn't allow you to achieve them then...
The only hurdle to get over at that point is how much it will cost to reach your goals and...
Are you willing to spend that much.

If not, you need to adjust your goals to match what you are willing to spend.
It's ultimately up to you and what you want.
If you're not sure, go ride in a car that is similar to what you would have if you went one route or the other.
Numbers don't mean anything, it's what the car feels like that matters.

 

I had a lot of work put into my Wrx with rare parts, suspension, custom body work so I liked my Wrx better but my STI in all aspects other then mpg is better. Faster, brakes better, handled better(I had the coils off my Wrx on my STI). Depends what the ultimate goal is. I'm now putting work into my STI to make it like how my wagon was exterior wise but performance STI hands down.