Is there anything beyond the routine maintenance described in the owners manual that I should do for my WRX?

I plan on driving it around town ( about 10,00 miles /year) and also autocrossing it in D/S about seven times per year.

Anything special I should be doing from a preventative maintenace perspective or from a routine inspection point of view?

I'm already planning on routine oil/filter changes every 3000 miles.

Thanks.

Subbieg

 

you could get some different brake fluid, racing oil, different brake pads, different wheels, the list goes on...

i'd run it basically stock for the first year. then start doing the mods

have fun w/ it.

 

Anybody driving on stock wheels with UHP tires and doing well? Can't really afford to upgrade to 17's right now, but I could swing a used set of OEM's and some good tires. Will it make any difference or should I just save my money?

 

If you intend to do well Nationally, UHP tires won't cut it. You'll need some full-blown R-comps like Hoosiers. You may be able to do well locally if there isn't any stiff competition in your area with well-setup cars.

 

Trying to stay in STX, which puts the kybosh on r-compounds. I suppose what I really need to know is if anyone likes the!

 

smaller diameter wheels with good tires, or if the upgrade to 17's is required.

 

It is not necessary to move up to a 17" wheel. My 17" Rotas are actually a bit lighter than stock, but I got them more for looks than anything. I kept the outside diameter nearly equal to stock, so I didn't mess around with my final drive ratios at all.

I noticed you're in SM. I would suggest OEM wheels (which are pretty light to beging with) with a set of race tires. Since you're just starting out, I would suggest the Kumho V700, as they are much more forgiving than the Hoosiers and ALOT cheaper.

 

Yup, the ecu upgrade kicked me out of STX, but luckily there are several other guys in SM down here for the same reason. I'm probably staying with the stock rim size due to cost, and going with a set of Falken Azenis until I learn more about how my car handles (see post "lifting inside wheels in slalom") Thanks for the advice.