Okay, I'm just wondering what it would take for say a 1996 Impreza L to be at the level that a 2.5RS or WRX is at in terms of speed, handeling and comfort?


Were the L's given any less insulation or cheaper struts or anything of that nature to make the car's ride seem rougher and louder?


What kind of costs am I looking at here to bring the L up to the level of the 2.5RS or WRX mechanically and performance speaking. (I realize that the L doesnt look so hot and it would take quite a bit to make it look like the WRX and 2.5RS but that doesnt really matter to me) Would I need bigger rotors and calipers, better struts, sway bars, etc., just to equal the stock performance of a 2.5RS/WRX?

I pose these questions because I'm having a hard time finding a 2.5RS, let alone in my price range in my area. I see in the paper I can get a '95L with high mileage for probably around 1300-1500. If I get a WRX swap that costs $2500 and then pay another $1000-1500 in labor I'm still ahead of the game and have a more powerful, lighter car than box the 2.5RS and the WRX for cheaper. I also realize that I have to think about stopping power and what not and this is where my questions are more directed towards.

I much prefer the looks of the 2.5rs with the hood scoop and spoiler, moonroof, etc., etc but if I could get the car and do the swap for around $5500 all together, I'd be happy picking up a set of 2.5rs/wrx rims and calling it a day as far as appearance? Although now that I think about it, I havent sat in a L and dont know how the interior looks or feels for this year and how the seats feel.

 

well...from what i understand, not much, the older imprezas are a bit lighter, so power wise they wouldnt need so much...there should be plenty of cheap bolt on turbo kits for the 2.2 litre out there that will bring you up to the 200 horse level, and for handling the major thing is wheels and tires, slightly wider wheels and a good set of sport tires will make a BIG difference, and some half decent shocks and a sway bar with those tires will make an even BIGGER difference, its pretty easy to make an L out handle and out accelerate a stock RS but money is where it hurts...the cheapest possible way would be to buy the grippiest tires you can find and a nitrous kit....but if you want to do it right do the suspension, wheels and tires...and a bolt on turbo kit, no need to really go nuts and rebuild the engine and stick a massive turbo on there and buy all new suspension parts cause with that you could afford a new subie

 

im sorry, not to sound like a dick or anything(and to make it worse this is my first post lol) but how the hell can u tell someone to get nitrous to compete with a WRX when ur talking about handling????? nitrous is the worst suggestion u could give someone who wants there car to perfrom like a wrx???? nowif he said he wanted a 10 sec drag car, by all means, use nitrous, but im sorry, i just felt it was way out of context here

 

Well, honestly you've mostly answered your own questions if you htink about it. Want WRX power? Swap in an EJ20. Suspension and brakes are easy to take care of too. Basically, once you do the swap, you will do WRX engine mods, and RS suspension/brake/chassis/body kits. If you're on a budget, here's what I'd do- you can do these one piece at a time, and I'd do them more or less in this order:

Wheels/tires: Don't get WRX wheels, they don't fit any worthwhile brake kits. Go with RS wheels at a minimum, or better yet get some 17s like Rotas or maybe some PRodrives, whatever you like. I personally have 17" Rota Attacks with Falken Azenis as my summer/autocross tires, and '98 gold RS wheels that are getting snow tires for winter. I recommend having two sets of wheels if you live somewhere that you'll get snow. If you'll never be in snow, then a summer tire with good wet performance will be fine. Check the Tire and Wheel forum for more info to help you make your choice.

Brakes: On a budget, you can't beat the Subaru 4 pots. The complete front kit is about $700, and includes calipers, pads, rotors, and hardware. I'd also highly recommend some stainless steel lines to go with your brakes. If you have drum brakes in the rear, you'll want to upgrade to discs. The parts required can vary, but you should be able to get everything you need at a recycler. You'll want to get either Legacy turbo vented rotors and calipers, or just the "H6" upgrade, which is bigger solid rotors and claiper brackets.

Suspension: The best low-budget option is a set of RS-specific springs on KYB AGX. Last I checked, there was an eBay vendor selling the struts for about $400, and springs will run you another $2-300. You'll also want to do a thicker rear sway bar, either a 20mm WRX stocker or an adjustable one like Whiteline or Cusco. Endlinks to go with it are a must have. If you plan to run more than a 22mm bar, you'll also want to upgrade your sway bar mounts. Other bits you'l eventually want include strut tops/camber plates, camber bolts, strut braces, ALK, etc. If you autocross, you won't want to run the ALK however, even though you'll be in Street Mod with the engine swap.

Engine: Basically, get a complete stock motor with harness and exhaust, and have someone put it in. You'll need a turbo front crossmember to make it fit, but that's about it. I'd recommend getting a complete engine and chassis harness and WRX ecu, all put in at once. Also plan on upgrading your transmission, so try to get the gearbox that goes with the motor you end up getting. You'll get it a bit cheaper, and save a bit on installation by having it done at the same time. Even a bone stock EJ20 will be such a big jump in power for the car that I wouldn't worry about power mods until everything else is ready.

Interior: The L seats are poop, so grab some WRX or even RS seats if you can. Given a choice, I'd have STi v3-6 seats.

Good luck with your car, keep us updated in the Projects forum.