I just bought my WRX wagon (a '03) about two weeks ago after doing a LOT of research. Hope this helps you:

1 - Sway bar: By replacing the 17mm standard wagon swaybar with a 20mm sedan bar (or larger aftermarket bar), it will make the car handle in a more balanced fashion, with less understeer. I went the sedan swaybar route because they are easy to find and very inexpensive (I paid $40 for mine).

While I haven't installed the bar yet, I can say that putting a larger sway bar on my previous car (a honda civic) made a world of difference in the handling, and I expect the same to be true of the Subie.

2 - As far as wheels go, there are a couple important things to look into before spending your money, namely weight and offset. The recommended offset range for a WRX is between +48 and +53, and if you exceed these parameters you might run into fender rubbing issues...ESPECIALLY since the wagon doesn't have the flared fenders (and extra room) of the sedan. Weight is also a big factor with wheels...the lighter the wheels are, the less rotating mass/unsprung weight will be on the ends of your axles. A heavy wheel can make your car slower and handle worse. That's one reason why a lot of people might choose a 17" wheel over a 18". Another reason is that, with all other things being equal, an 18" wheel will ride harsher than a 17". As with many things, there are compromises, and it's up to you to figure out what's most important to you.

A lot of WRX owners run Rota wheels on their cars, since they are sized correctly, relatively light (in most styles) and don't cost an arm and a leg. You might want to check them out.


Be sure to check the other forums on this site for other technical questions...there is a WEALTH of information available. Good luck with your car!

 

<flame on>

you from like Canada or something? eh? ;P

Subaru of Santa Cruz is well within the Santa Cruz city limits, Soqeul is further south-east.



</flame off>

 

That's funny since I am a Canadian living in the Bay Area. I also thought Soquel was further south.. Confusion set in for a bit..

Thanks for the help! You guys/gals rock! These forums have a wealth of info!
WRXDad!

 

Now see, your just making me look like an ***. ;P Nothin wrong with canada, or the people. I usually find that most Canadians are more intelligent.

 

BWAHAHAHAHAHA...

BTW, congrats on the new purchase wagons are the ****

 

gruppe-s for tuning and parts, mpj performance for parts and reach arounds (soren rocks), suby dude for rims and parts (best blow in town). umm LIC is north but they kick as as well those north bay guys are a bit.. umm odd.. oh and watch out for zoeb he likes to touch peoples butts and blame it on his mother

 

Auto Headquarter

Kevin Wong
650 Broadway St. Unit 4A
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650)-368-3290

Any work you need done not under warranty go to this guy. For installing mods, you can either get a member to help you or go to one of the other performance shops others mentioned. I guess just any maintenance you have to pay out of your pocket for give Kevin a call. He's worked on my car before I'd trust this guy anytime + knows a good deal more than most since he's a certified mechanic at Carlsen Subaru.

 

Heh. When I visited him at Carlsen, he showed up dressed up in a head-to-toe blue Subaru mechanic's uniform. I could've almost mistaken him as a rally driver He does great work.

 

Hmm.. I wanted to get in good graces with Kevin and get to know my mechanic, but the number is "disconnected or no longer in service". Any chance he visits these forums? If so, Kevin please help me out. I guess the other way is to go to Calsen Dealer for the 15K maintainance.

Thanks for the help!
WRXDad!

 

I took my car to Alan Rice Automotive in Soquel(41st Ave. exit off of HWY-1) for the 15K service, and I believe the one and only GDO(Hi Charlie!) took his STi there for the 15K as well. Cost about $130 and all parts replaced with OEM Subaru stuff.