So I bought a 93 impreza L wagon AWD and it looks like this (stock picture).

 

I wanted to make it into a rally car - just for the hell of it. It would be something different and I thought I'd like to try RallyCross anyway.. so here we go.

I went looking for an idea for a paint scheme and found this. Pretty cool I thought.

 

I want to change the front bumper, grille, headlights and hood to a '99 RS version because I think they look bad ***. Plus side skirts. Kind of like this one except I want to use the rally headlights.. you know the ones I mean?

 

Then do the rally paint job... get it all spruced up and ready for the number and sponsor decals.. What do you all think so far?

A few different paint scheme ideas. Haven't decided yet but I think I like the middle one below. I'm open to suggestions.

 

I tried playing around with the wagon picture and the results were disgusting. Definately something gets lost in the translation.. I think I'm going to scratch the fancy paint idea and just go one solid color...

Looks good on the hatch but put it on the wagon and it doesn't work.

 

Hey. I have a wagon too. It just tends to look frumpy from certain angles. This is kindof a ricer comment but the outback "waist" spoiler might break the rear end up enough to make it work. It looks really good on that RS you photochopped, maybe try it with a photo of an outback or overseas WRX wagon (97-01) BTW my car is a 95 L with a 98 rs hood and morettes (as far as non-stock bodywork goes)

 

Yes I think frumpy is one way to put it. It's just too long and domesticated looking. The RS Coupe definately takes well to the rally paint and looks pretty cool.

Plus, I don't think a wagon would do as well off-road due to weight and longer wheel-base. I'm scratching the rally wagon project. I've decided I need to find an AWD coupe instead.

Sorry to have dashed everyone's hopes :-)

 

I was going to say that but I didn't want to be an *******. If I had it to do over again, despite the "originality" I'd pick the lighter coupe or 4 door. The wagon does technically have a better weight distribution... For a rally car, the wagon probably isn't ideal, but I can't say that from experience. What I can say from my (limited) experience is that the wagon handles great when set up nicely and is more of a compromise as a daily driver with it's larger cargo space and fold down seats.

Also, in 1995 the wheelbase is 99.2 inches coupe, wagon, and sedan.

 

All Imprezas have the same wheelbase, '93-'01.

 

How crazy do you plan on going? Is the coupe REALLY that much of an advantage of the wagon that you are going to sell a car that you already have to get a coupe. Since you have the car I would say keep it and get it rally ready. I was looking at a couple differnet cars to make a rally project and I think I'll be using a wagon just based on the availability of cheap parts.

 

Impretzle, I'm certainly open to all opinions including reasons why this would be a bad idea. I'm really on the fence about it now.

Thanks Ban, it's good to know they all have the same wheelbase so that's not an issue.

Jake, how crazy? Well, I planned on starting out in stock class -- and just get some good shocks and snow tires (since rally tires are not permitted in SCCA stock class) and maybe some appearance work. Then take it out and just beat the hell out of it.

Good cheap way to get started and have some fun - even thought it'll be pretty slow. But seeing as how I've never done this before.. that could be a good thing. heh.

 

For project cheapo rally car, you need to concentrate on getting yourself some lift.
Outback or Forester strut springs are a good place to start. They will give you more room between you and the pavement/gravel.

Keep your eyes open for WRXs guys who are selling their wheel/rims and you can usually pick em up for about 100-200 w/o tires. 200-300 w/tires.

Also alot of the WRX stuff bolts right on to the older bodies. Brakes, wheels, struts, etc.

Harbor freight usually has some good deals on offroad lights.

Re wagon vs coupe, coupe is a bit lighter but its not a huge difference. You also have a rear wiper on the wagon to clear the dust off of your rear window.

anyways just have fun w/what you got. If you go hardcore and really be competative then you might want to get a coupe and do a wrx swap and all that other stuff.

BW