hi, I'm new and my name is chris as you may have guessed from my screen name. I'm looking for a 2.5RS coupe right now, and I would appreciate any input as to what year I should look for, what to look out for as far as stuff that goes wrong, and any advise. I am mechanically knowledgeable, but I don't know a lot about these cars other than they're all wheel drive with a boxer 4 making 160 hp or so. So if you guys (and girls) could point me in the right direction that would rock! cheers
-chris
ps- sorry for the noob thread

 

geez, 36 people have looked at this post and no one has any input?! c'mon guys please help me out here and point me in the right direction! cheers

 

I dont know man not getting any responses here..
But i got 97 L awd with ej22 in it stock its got 140 or less hp
but still is fairly peppy. at 62k i have few minor malfuntions in suspension and/or steering nothing major just bushings etc.
its good car it runs strong and for a 4cyl it sounds like v6. its just an L 2.2 but dam best handleing car i ever had i enjoy it alot. the 2.5 has 20 more or so hp stock but i know you can get more out of it
im gonna go for 40 hp out mine hopefully get 180 ill be happy.
id save my money if i were you and get sti youll want after 2 day driving the car 300 whp omfg........

 

what is the difference between the L model and the RS model? l know obviously the engine is one difference, but are there suspension differences too?

 

the difference between the two? older model Ls are FWD the newer ones are powered by 2.2L - AWD. The RS however is a 2.5L 98s have DOCH type, some of 99s and up are SOHC 2.5L. What to buy? If your lucky enough to find a 00-01 RS get it quickly because this models are somewhat hard to find. This year also has the limited-slip rear differential- and the newer type of 5 spd trans (not the WRX type). Gearing ratio also is revised.
none MAF equipped -so its easier for aftermarket CAI system.
suspension difference- of course the RS has the stiffer rate springs- they said that the shocks are different, but I cant tell the difference. RS has all disc around while the older LS has rear drums. If No RS avail to buy- Get an LS instead- the potential on this chasis are awesome!

 

i had my gc8 (2001 RS) for almost 5 years now. I liked the car in terms of looks and the attention I get from people. but speed wise, I think it MUST be turbo charged because its soo slow. It say 165 HP but it feels like 110 HP to me. I dont know if the all wheel drive creates a loss in power or the car is a fat brick. or maybe its just my car... well, I get good torque though, and better if I keep the rev at 3K RPM (weak on lower RPM). I'm saving up for a swap or turbo kit though. other mechanical issues I had... well, just the right rear wheel bearing went bad (around 36,000 miles) and needed to be replaced. luckily the dealer placed it under waranty. I had CEL on, due to miss fires (more likely because of my mods). other than that... I love my car.