Hi, just found this board. I live in Japan and just got a '95 wrx-ra sti. Has lots of Prova parts and body kit. Any quirks to this year or model that you know about? Is there anyone here that has experience with this year/model. It sounds like most of the posts here are from a US based audience but some of you must have some good info on this subject even though I think that year and model isn't imported there. I just got the car and have only driven it once, handles great and has lots of power. All the mods are listed in Japanese and it is taking a while to figure out what is what. So far I know the suspension, wheels, brakes, turbo and exhaust are all upgrades as well as some gauges and miscellanious items.

Thanks.

 

You are lucky because your tranny is a tad stronger than most WRXs and its a tad faster than Ver 2s and such.
The RA is a lightened version of the WRX with maybe 15ps difference between the two.
I would suggest having it compression checked. You should come up with 9s in each cylinder if you have it checked by suby maybe a tad less if the head gaskets are thicker than the stockers. Also check the head gaskets and main oil seal for leaks. Have the oil changed and if you got a little extra cash go ahead and have the tranny and diff fluid changed out to. Flush the radiator as well just for good measure.
I would also suggest getting used to the car before really getting on it in the curves.
If you have any other questions about the car send me the info you have and I can hook you up.
Also go to a Japanese book store and get the GC8 owners bible it will explain alot even tho its in Japanese you still should be able to understand it. It covers all the areas of the car that need attention and some areas that need extra attention.
Now if you need a face to face get in contact with a guy named Dewel on Kadena he drives a red WRX with a black hood. He is pretty knowledgeable about rexs and he can help you out. Tell him you talked to Hendrix from Misawa!!

P.S. Don't race him unless your sure you can take him he has a dog mission stand alone ECU and a TD06-20G on his car. Trust me its fast!!!

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll try to get some pics but camera is out of order at the moment. I think a general inspection and fliud change is probably a good idea. At least I will know where some of the problems are. After a few weeks of driving it should sort out most of them. One specific question: the switch by the e-brake controls the power distribution to the front and rear right? Where should it be set normaly, all the way forward or midway? I am talking about normal daily driving here. I don't want to screw up the diff for no reason. The car came with a brand new diff in the box on the back seat, do these go out often?

 

LOL

 

lost set it to mid range for now the diffs do not go out often and are not a big problem child. If you have a new one thats just a lucky you. If your not having problems just hold onto the one you have until you need it!!!

 

The converted price from yen to dollars is about $4000. Still waiting on titles and misc paperwork to clear but should be driving by early next week. I will post a picture next week if I can. Just have to find a new home for my rx-7. Anyone on Okinawa looking for an '89 rx convertible?

Thanks to all that offered advise or input on this car. I know each type has its own good and bad points and people break their cars out of ignorance sometimes and I don't want to be that guy.

 

I posted two pics on the member gallery. Had a hard time finding them but they made it if anyone wants to check them out they were posted Sat Mar 13, 2004. Listed as 1995 WRX-RA STi. I will get better ones soon but those are all I have for now. Aero kit and wing are Prova, the previous owner seemed to favor that company. Exhaust and manifold are also Prova I think. I am new to the Subaru crowd so if anyone has feedback on Prova let me know. All I can read on the net seems to say they are big in Japan for rally cars and performance Subaru parts. Anyone out there have anything good or bad to say about them? I have not talked to the previous owner because this came from an auction.