Little to none.

 

The hood flexs a lot more due to the BIG hoodscoop. The trunk is solid.

 

The Ecsaine inserts are similar to a soft suede material and it's used because of its tacky nature. It grips your clothing much better than cloth and 100 times better than leather. I believe it's similar to the fabric Sparco uses and I think I've seen it in adds for a few other aftermarket seats.

I'm not 100% sure about the wing but it feels like fiberglass (isn't that what most OEM wings are made of?). When driving (with a pretty stiff stock suspension) the center of the upper level does seem to flex in the rv mirror.

I've only driven a WRX a couple times but my STI's hoodscoop does seem to twitch a bit more. It may be due to its larger size but I also think it's a result of the aluminum hood. The hood does feel softer and it has more flex than your average hood. *Make sure you drop your hood from 10-12" rather than pushing it closed. You CAN get pressure dents....I've seen it happen on other cars!!*

 

How easily do the fog light covers pop off? I was originally worried about my badges getting stolen but now am more worried about people stealing the fog light covers.

 

Have you had a chance to drive or get a ride in a Mini Cooper S with Sport package? How does the ride compare to the STi's? Reviews have said the Mini Cooper S with sport package is "harsh" and choppy but I find it acceptable. Just looking to see how the STi's suspension compares for daily use to other cars on the markey now.

Thanks,
Bill

 

Actually Cooper S with sport has 225/45/17's just like the STi. Yes the wheel base is shorter but I'm looking for just a comparison to how it handles bumps.

- Bill

 

Can anyone confirm the speaker openings?
6.5" w/1" tweeter up front and 5.25" for the rear deck?

What about mounting depth...same as WRX?

 

Haven't tried to take the fog covers off but I doubt it's very hard. You need to take them off to use the tow hook and the manual says you only need a screw driver.

I believe the speaker sizes are 5.25 front and 4 in the rear doors (I wish they were on the rear deck). I should have more info after I do my stereo...which hopefully will be soon

 

I think you are right on the front and rear. I don't know what I was thinking when I said rear deck. Anyhow, from the research I did, it seems that you can fit 6.5" speakers up front with the use of a spacer so the magnet can clear the glass. And it is possible to fit a 5.25 in the rear door openings.(not sure 100% on that one though).

The reason I ask, the STi might be different, but not likely. I just want to have everything ready for my install ASAP.

 

I just installed my system myself last week. I used Kenwood 6.5" speakers in the front with a 3/4" spacer, probably coulda been less but the guy at the shop found some spacers out of an old Civic that worked perfectly, just had to cut out the back sheilding. I was able to fit Kenwood 5.25" speakers in the back, but I only could put 3 of the screws in. I used thick double-sided foam tape around the inner lip(between the speaker and the door) to raise it a little bit and keep things from rattleing.

I don't remember off the top of my head, but if you want the model number of the speakers, I can find out.

 

Mauijammer.....

Did you have to enlarge the openings in the rear doors? I haven't checked them out yet but I know the stock rear speaker size is 4". I'm planning to put Boston 5.25s in the rear doors but I'm trying to get an idea on how much work will be involved.