Want more HP for my 01 2.5, but don't know what else to do.
03-08-2006, 10:02 AM
#31
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Monticello MN
Posts: 271
Car Info: 1996 impreza 60 trim, 8psi 201 whp, 213 tq 200k mi
Originally Posted by herb
Well, it's been entertaining watching everyone get mad over which Impreza is the best, but how about some help for the RS owner with a need for speed.
I have an '01 RS and have searched down the same path looking for more power. I have come to the conclusion that I can only afford one high horsepower car, so I will focus on achieving big numbers in my '68 Camaro.
This is not to say that the RS can't be faster than a stock WRX, it will just cost a lot. Back in '01, 280hp models of the Impreza were sold in Japan. There is a company out of Canada called Four Star Motorsports that sells complete conversion kits (used parts) for Subies. It even includes the differentials, which have a different gear ratio. The last time I checked, the package cost about $12,000 (more than I paid for my RS).
The stock (USA) RS also has limited strength in the transmission, so if you plan to use all that power, be sure to upgrade there as well (there are some great gear builders out of Austrailia).
The cheapest alternative is to swap in a later WRX motor, as someone already suggested. Again, upgrade the tranny when you do the swap.
In all, I am happy with my relatively stock RS. It is quick, fun, and handles like a $100,000 Porsche. I beat Hondas, Toyotas, and Mitsubishis all the time. It is especially fun when they have huge wings and coffee can tailpipes. As far as the electronic diff debate goes, I could say someone is a "tool" or "d-bag" for adjusting their fuel with a computer when they should be getting their hands dirty tuning carbs. I think Subies are great cars old or new, just pick what you like. By the way, did any see that lifted '88 GL Wagon in the latest issue of SubieSport Magazine? Awsome!
I have an '01 RS and have searched down the same path looking for more power. I have come to the conclusion that I can only afford one high horsepower car, so I will focus on achieving big numbers in my '68 Camaro.
This is not to say that the RS can't be faster than a stock WRX, it will just cost a lot. Back in '01, 280hp models of the Impreza were sold in Japan. There is a company out of Canada called Four Star Motorsports that sells complete conversion kits (used parts) for Subies. It even includes the differentials, which have a different gear ratio. The last time I checked, the package cost about $12,000 (more than I paid for my RS).
The stock (USA) RS also has limited strength in the transmission, so if you plan to use all that power, be sure to upgrade there as well (there are some great gear builders out of Austrailia).
The cheapest alternative is to swap in a later WRX motor, as someone already suggested. Again, upgrade the tranny when you do the swap.
In all, I am happy with my relatively stock RS. It is quick, fun, and handles like a $100,000 Porsche. I beat Hondas, Toyotas, and Mitsubishis all the time. It is especially fun when they have huge wings and coffee can tailpipes. As far as the electronic diff debate goes, I could say someone is a "tool" or "d-bag" for adjusting their fuel with a computer when they should be getting their hands dirty tuning carbs. I think Subies are great cars old or new, just pick what you like. By the way, did any see that lifted '88 GL Wagon in the latest issue of SubieSport Magazine? Awsome!
03-08-2006, 12:45 PM
#32
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sonora, CA
Posts: 19
Car Info: 2001 Impreza RS
From the newbie
Yeah, that was my point. I was attempting to defend the use of technology in motorsports, even though I am fan of old school stuff myself. I just wanted to imply that it may be a case of the pot calling the kettle black when someone with a modern, fuel injected sports car harshly criticises electronic diffs. But all that is old news, I failed to notice the second page of the thread until after I posted my comments. Just shows what a newbie I really am.
As far as that lifted '88 GL, that car looks like fun. A friend of mine used to have one that we just couldn't kill. We were taking turns jumping it in his back yard like 6-feet in the air! Anyway, I don't want to lead the thread off topic.
The WRX motor swap for any year RS sounds like the best spent $. The WRX is so popular now that there should be plenty of used motors available out there for less than a new RS motor. If I ever have major problems with mine, I will definately go that route. Happy motoring.
As far as that lifted '88 GL, that car looks like fun. A friend of mine used to have one that we just couldn't kill. We were taking turns jumping it in his back yard like 6-feet in the air! Anyway, I don't want to lead the thread off topic.
The WRX motor swap for any year RS sounds like the best spent $. The WRX is so popular now that there should be plenty of used motors available out there for less than a new RS motor. If I ever have major problems with mine, I will definately go that route. Happy motoring.
04-03-2006, 01:50 PM
#34
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Virginia Beach,VA
Posts: 45
Car Info: 1993 Impreza L Storm Titanium EJ18T
Originally Posted by JamesGRrallye
Wrong answer....GC/GF RS only weighs about 400lbs lighter than any post GC Subaru (2800 vs 3200lbs). Just that makes a 15-20% better Power/Weight ratio(20 if your car's stripped out like mine!!!)Now drop in a WRX motor for the same price as that weak *** Turbo kit and start tuning away!!! Plus who wants that ugly 4 door when you can have the sexy curves of a real Champion (early Gen impreza WRC won 3 years in a row). The new generation with all it's fancy electronic Diffs can't even beat a Citroen??? Why are Evos outhandling STI's on the track and getting better reviews in the mags??? I have more respect for the one's driving GCs than you teeny boppers who are buying up STI's like they're Pokemon cards. But then again the more you guys crash the more spare motors are left for us...Keep buying.
PS: If you can't heel-toe or left-foot-brake, or get nervous when you pull a handbrake then you shouldn't even reply to this. You shouldnt even be driving a Scooby!!!
PS: If you can't heel-toe or left-foot-brake, or get nervous when you pull a handbrake then you shouldn't even reply to this. You shouldnt even be driving a Scooby!!!
+1
04-06-2006, 07:08 PM
#35
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: milwaukee
Posts: 59
Car Info: '97 imp L
Originally Posted by JamesGRrallye
PS: If you can't heel-toe or left-foot-brake, or get nervous when you pull a handbrake then you shouldn't even reply to this. You shouldnt even be driving a Scooby!!!
someone above posted about supercharging. i looked at that on my 97 L about 6 years ago when (can't remember the company) was doing their sidewinder sc's. i think they were going for about $3.5kat the time? it seemed an ideal solution for me ( i auto-x, rall-x, and ice trials, the ice trials would be the only down side of the sc). but the problem was i didn't have ~$3k available at the time. thats the main issue w/ building up a GC, cash.
unfortunately, i'm joining the darkside and picking up my 05 gd tomorrow...
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