V8 to Turbo 2.5?
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V8 to Turbo 2.5?
I feel like I'm one of the very few going from a V8 domestic muscle car to a turbo 2.5. I was wondering if anyone has made this type of change? Was it worth changing from brute power to turbo power?
Who else is dropping the american muscle to foreign spool?
Who else is dropping the american muscle to foreign spool?
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Go for it!
I've made the jump from the V8 ranks to the WRX. I used to have an LT1 Firebird Formula and have been around and related to Z28s for years. I still have an appreciation for these cars, and I am a performance car enthusiast in general. I've test driven just about everything sporty that's out there from Miatas to Corvettes.
I will make no mistake about admitting my brother's '96 Z28 will still take my car on the highway (both cars are stock)--though I'd likely take him off the line--but my WRX is a car I've enjoyed driving everday. Typically winters aren't as bad as this one, but I've been grateful to have AWD in conditions I would have otherwise been SOL.
The handling is probably the biggest thing I've enjoyed about the switch. I am less apprehensive about taking turns and bends at higher speeds. And even though quality of the interior is a lowpoint to some, I find it satisfactory and beyond what I had before. The biggest drawback has probably been that the WRX requires more gear-searching to keep the car from bogging down. It was no big deal to start from second gear at low speeds in the V8s. Perhaps the revised gearing the STi 6-spd will make this less of an issue.
Overall, am I happy with my decision. I don't feel like less of a man
though I'm not necessarily crazy about being associated with some of the audience this type of car attracts. It is a practical car that makes little compromises in the performance/fun-to-drive department. And of course the STi will take everything to a new level. 
I will make no mistake about admitting my brother's '96 Z28 will still take my car on the highway (both cars are stock)--though I'd likely take him off the line--but my WRX is a car I've enjoyed driving everday. Typically winters aren't as bad as this one, but I've been grateful to have AWD in conditions I would have otherwise been SOL.
The handling is probably the biggest thing I've enjoyed about the switch. I am less apprehensive about taking turns and bends at higher speeds. And even though quality of the interior is a lowpoint to some, I find it satisfactory and beyond what I had before. The biggest drawback has probably been that the WRX requires more gear-searching to keep the car from bogging down. It was no big deal to start from second gear at low speeds in the V8s. Perhaps the revised gearing the STi 6-spd will make this less of an issue.
Overall, am I happy with my decision. I don't feel like less of a man
though I'm not necessarily crazy about being associated with some of the audience this type of car attracts. It is a practical car that makes little compromises in the performance/fun-to-drive department. And of course the STi will take everything to a new level.
Last edited by jrp4uc; Mar 12, 2003 at 08:02 AM.
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I think the big difference will be turbo lag..........there's nothing quite like being caught in the wrong gear in a turbo for making you look rather foolish......the STi should have good low-end torque and it's a 6-speeder, but turbo lag will be evident nontheless........if you're happy shifting REGULARLY, then you're in for some real fun.
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Originally posted by MTMS4
I think the big difference will be turbo lag..........there's nothing quite like being caught in the wrong gear in a turbo for making you look rather foolish......the STi should have good low-end torque and it's a 6-speeder, but turbo lag will be evident nontheless........if you're happy shifting REGULARLY, then you're in for some real fun.
I think the big difference will be turbo lag..........there's nothing quite like being caught in the wrong gear in a turbo for making you look rather foolish......the STi should have good low-end torque and it's a 6-speeder, but turbo lag will be evident nontheless........if you're happy shifting REGULARLY, then you're in for some real fun.
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I'm in the same boat.
You've heard the saying, "there's no replacement for displacement." This is true but I'm getting rid of my Mustang GT V8 for an STI. I think in every department except top end speed the STi will be the way better choice. AWD, 6 speed, nimble handling, short shift throws... everything my mustang doesn't have
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I am also jumping from a big V8 to the WRX. However, I don't think that you can really compare the two. I mean nothing will ever replace the sound of a big V8, its just awesome. However, making a V8 handle requires a little bit of magic, more importantly expensive magic. Relocating front A-arms to improve geometry is a pain. And there is nothing like having power just off idle. I also think that the whole turbo boost kick and carving corners is also gonna be fun too. So it's kind of hard to compare. Like apples and oranges, both tasty in their own way.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7
From: Taunton, MA
Car Info: 2002 WRX Wagon Silver
V8 to Turbo 2.5
I went from a '99 C5 Coupe to a 2002 WRX wagon. There are definitely times (like all winter) when I'm glad for the AWD, and what's funny is that I actually like to off-road a bit with the car. It can handle deep snow better than some SUVs! :-)
But as summer approaches, my WRX wagon just feels as slow as a dog, and without a removable roof, I'm definitely going to be wishing I'd kept the Vette. Even with the wagon body-style, utility-wise the Vette wasn't far behind. I could put two mountain bikes in the back of the C5 *almost* as easily as in the back of the wagon, although at least the WRX has a roof rack.
Motorwise there is no comparison. Even with the AWD to help with the launch, my Vette would have destroyed my WRX (just manual boost controller). According to my G-tech, the WRX would run 13.6 in the quarter, which is on par with my old '96 Cobra, but it doesn't feel nearly as fast as either the Vette or the Cobra. The Cobra ran 13.70 @ 103.3, and the C5 13.00 @ 110, both stock except for K&N and cold air induction.
I road-raced the Cobra and the Vette at NHIS, but haven't raced the WRX yet. The WRX really holds the line nicely on choppy pavement (the Z51 C5 would bounce sideways a little bit on bumps and the Cobra was downright scary), but it feels like it leans WAY more than the Cobra, and the Vette handled like a go-kart with no lean at all.
All in all, I probably wish I'd kept the C5, especially considering the bath I took trading it in. But then again having 5 seats in the Subbie (I have 3 kids and another coming in 2-3 weeks) it didn't make much sense to have a 2-seater anymore.
Fortunately I got a sport bike (2k TL1000R) last August to help alleviate the pain caused by excess testosterone. :-) During the summer I only drive the WRX if it's raining out or I have to take the kids somewhere. Other than that I take the bike.
I realize that you were talking about the STi, which I'm sure is going to be a completely different animal. If it can run the same times as the C5 and handle like it too, then maybe it'll be a better option, but I wouldn't get a regular WRX if you already have an LS1. LS1's have ridiculous power, and decent milage to boot!
I used to get low 30s on the highway going 85mph in the Vette. I'm lucky if I get 22mpg on the highway going 75 in the WRX!
-B
But as summer approaches, my WRX wagon just feels as slow as a dog, and without a removable roof, I'm definitely going to be wishing I'd kept the Vette. Even with the wagon body-style, utility-wise the Vette wasn't far behind. I could put two mountain bikes in the back of the C5 *almost* as easily as in the back of the wagon, although at least the WRX has a roof rack.
Motorwise there is no comparison. Even with the AWD to help with the launch, my Vette would have destroyed my WRX (just manual boost controller). According to my G-tech, the WRX would run 13.6 in the quarter, which is on par with my old '96 Cobra, but it doesn't feel nearly as fast as either the Vette or the Cobra. The Cobra ran 13.70 @ 103.3, and the C5 13.00 @ 110, both stock except for K&N and cold air induction.
I road-raced the Cobra and the Vette at NHIS, but haven't raced the WRX yet. The WRX really holds the line nicely on choppy pavement (the Z51 C5 would bounce sideways a little bit on bumps and the Cobra was downright scary), but it feels like it leans WAY more than the Cobra, and the Vette handled like a go-kart with no lean at all.
All in all, I probably wish I'd kept the C5, especially considering the bath I took trading it in. But then again having 5 seats in the Subbie (I have 3 kids and another coming in 2-3 weeks) it didn't make much sense to have a 2-seater anymore.
Fortunately I got a sport bike (2k TL1000R) last August to help alleviate the pain caused by excess testosterone. :-) During the summer I only drive the WRX if it's raining out or I have to take the kids somewhere. Other than that I take the bike.
I realize that you were talking about the STi, which I'm sure is going to be a completely different animal. If it can run the same times as the C5 and handle like it too, then maybe it'll be a better option, but I wouldn't get a regular WRX if you already have an LS1. LS1's have ridiculous power, and decent milage to boot!
I used to get low 30s on the highway going 85mph in the Vette. I'm lucky if I get 22mpg on the highway going 75 in the WRX!
-B
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