a turbo can be added to a 2.5 ltr. engine...it's just how much money you have that will dictate "when?"

Given that the engines are different, I would not suspect that certain parts can be transferred, except things like the turbo, and possibly the intercooler. But I assume that piping would have to be new, and exhaust parts would have to be added, such as downpipe, uppipe, etc.

Again, it's a matter of money...anything is possible.

later,
i.

 

If you just want a more powerful Subaru, it would be cheaper and MUCH simpler and more reliable to just trade in your car for a WRX. However, search around here for threads with "RS" and "turbo" and you will come across a wealth of information detailing the pros and cons and specific hows and whys of an RS-T conversion. However, don't look for WRX parts that have anything to do with the engine to be applicable to your RS. Some will fit, but none are designed for your motor and wouldn't be optimal. Suspension and body stuff will work fine for both though. So far there are very few parts for a new style car that didn't carry over from the old style cars. Springs and struts have slightly different rates because of the weight difference, but engine parts for the EJ25 are identical, except that one of the exhaust hangars moved on the new cars. It was just reversed, however, so you could still buy a '98-'01 RS exhaust and then spend $20 at a welding shop to convert it.

As far as which car to buy new, I would say it is 100% dependent on your budget. It's about $5,000 dollars difference, but it takes more than that to make an RS catch up to a WRX performance wise, especially considering how much power can quickly be gained for $1,000-$1,500 on a WRX. If you can swing it, just get the WRX. But, if you just want to be different, grab an RS and spend away! I know I am glad that I bought my '01 RS in October 2000 instead of waiting til April for a WRX. It just has a much higher uniqueness factor, which I love.

 

Close. No need for the Rotas, there are plenty of great tires in 205/50R16. $3000 for a turbo kit won't get you more than maybe 50-60 hp (matching stock WRX), and no intercooler. Not good for reliability. "Decent suspension" means different things to different people, but the least you could spend is ~$600 for Eibachs and KYBs, ~$100 for RSB, ~$5-600 for rubber. Then, you could probably hang with a pure stock WRX, if it still had RE92s. Spend $1200 for Prodrive P1 and you would probably have a car superior to a stock WRX with equal tires. But, adding $1500 to said stock WRX gets you a stage Zero and better rubber, and anybody you'd be going up against on a track would probably have that as a minimum. Now, by all means, I personally prefer and recommend going the RS route, especially if you already have a GM or GC car. But it's not as cost effective.

 

www.subaruwrxparts.com has RS trunk lights for $34 +shipping. Easy DItY install. They took them out of the RS in '99 I think, I have no idea why.

Yes, it displaces 2.5l, but it's much more closely related to the EJ20T than the the EJ25. So far we don't know the specifics of the engine other than displacement and estimated power output.

I think that ultimate ceiling for performance is quite similar between the two cars. To get X performance out of either one, you'll spend about the same amount of money, maybe slightly less on the WRX when you get to higher output levels, but it's more a matter of patience and perspective as far as which to choose. Either way, you're way ahead of the Honda/Mitsu/Toyota crowd.

 

"www.subaruwrxparts.com has RS trunk lights for $34 +shipping. Easy DItY install. They took them out of the RS in '99 I think, I have no idea why."


can u point it out? I dont see it (the trunk light)...


EDIT: trunk light for the 02-03 impreza rs

 

Should be the same part number. But I would email them just to be safe.

 

Should be the same part number. But I would email them just to be safe.

""


its not unfortunately subaruparts.com sent me the wrong part (their fault) i email them they dont respond, wtf!

 

Jejunum, was that Tacoma Subaru or Exeter Subaru? I have had decent experience with both but either way, they aren't responsible for people who order incorrect parts (even when they don't make a note of differences). Sucks that they are ignoring you though. They should at least just say so.

 

I think it was Tacoma ill have to check my invoice...oh well they dont get their money - their mistake after sending several emails and holding for far to long I've made a good faith attempt for crack I dont want

I however DIDNT order the wrong part; I ordered the parts that they said were for the 02 RS - but they clearly dont fit and its sad that you would assume I made the mistake; on their website it clearly says 02 rs...too bad they sent me a striker (or whatever you call it) that definately does not fit the GDA RS

 

oh yah

I've had a good experience with subaruparts.com up until this (in my previous order (sample size of 1) from them) but I never had to contact them before, and they never sent me a wrong part before.

 

Sorry to make the assumption. Been biased by a couple of fools around here lately. Anyways, the 02 light kit link is http://www.subaruparts.com/catalog/?section=148 for Tacoma Subaru. It's a different part number, so if that's what your e-mail invoice says but you got the other part, yeah, they owe you one.