Red top engine ? Isn't that speak from the Honda world


A Red inlet manifold doesn't necessarily mean an uprated engine. A lot of Rex owners have painted them !The STi engine had the red inlet manifold and is dictated by model variant should it be a standard car. The engine number tells you what engine is in it and can be then compared to the model code to ensure it is correct for the car

 

This is a good point made above, I'm thinking of red top as an expression from the corsa 'red top' engines haha.

But there was a type r I thought the later ones that had stronger pistons from factory and were rated to higher bhp. Not sure if you could find on the internet for type R's, but on typeRA.com they run a special database

Tom.

 

i see where your coming from, them few changes i listed would be as far as i would want to take the engine, i still want a very usable reliable car within reason and in saying that i usually spend a fair amount of time up the mountains and backroads putting the hammer into the ground rallying but at the same time i spent no limit of money of upkeep and maintenance, i never neglect my cars and turns out they look after me too lol haven't been stranded yet
haha but hey theres always tomorrow

on another note tom whats a reasonable amount to pay for a clean RA, not looking for showroom just a tidy one,
I'm seeing mad prices put on some cars and others really low its clouding my judgement
pierce

 

The Type R STi does have forged pistions

 

Well to be perfectly honest mate I haven't got either an ra or a type r, but after I get married next year I will be getting as sti type ra, one of the early ones.

I would say all depends on spec to be honest, for the type ra if it's an sti version with the DCCD gearbox and looks and drives a good example I would personally be happy to pay up to about 6k I suppose but definitely check for rust on seals and in particular the arches as apparently they have a real problem on the classics. As for the type r I don't really know to be honest, perhaps get over to typeRA.com for the type ra and talk to some owners, and also perhaps single out some type r owners on here to and see what they say.
Cheers tom.

 

www.type-ra.com is definitely a good place to start and learn all about the different models

 

There are a few versions of Type R's and RA's, easiest way to divide them is between WRX and STI versions WRX doesn't have DCCD is the easy way to spot them without going into detail.

The 1st STI Type R's were V3 from circa 1997/8 which is what I have and there's not many of them about, engine and box good for 330bhp with standard injectors and top mount, which is plenty with the short ratio box makes for a pretty quick car even by todays standards, very raw feel and will bite you if you don't pay attention and learn how it needs to be driven. Most come with central locking electric windows and air-con, also has I/C water spray. Only thing you want to make sure it's had fuel pump and remap via ESL daughter board as well as other obvious things like cambelt etc.

Early RA's are a bit trickier to spot and your best checking model codes, they come with black slanty I/C no dccd and sometimes even shorter ratio boxes than the Type R, as well as no creature comforts like electric windows, a/c, but not always true as some factory options were available as well as the possibility that some have been retro fitted. (personally I'd have at least C/L & E/W) but that's just me, although the theory behind them was to be as light as possible so not much in the way of sound deadening either, there are also STI versions but I'm not an expert so as above Type r/ra.com is the best place to get the most accurate info.

Which one is better is down to personal preference but technically the STI with stronger engine internals, dccd, R180 rear diff, bigger I/C with water spray, as well as differences to the heads, cam profiles inlet manifolds and a few other bits like different injectors, maf sensor ect.

Some later RA's come with the same spec as Type R's ie full fat E/W, CL, A/C but again depends on what was spec'ed from factory, Roof vents appear to be indiscriminantely thrown at various models over the years.

 

When I had my V4 Type R the ECU's couldnt be mapped. This might have changed now but its worth considering if youre after more power. I went down the bigger turbo/FMIC route and had to have a SIMTEK ECU fitted so that it could be mapped properly. Also they dont have ABS, not sure about the RA but for me now, with kids in the car, that would be a consideration.

 

Standard ECU can be mapped now via ESL Daughter board.

 

Roof vent was model specific ditch, there are two types of RA WRX and STI.

http://www.type-ra.com/subaru-imprez...sti-version-1/

http://www.type-ra.com/subaru-impreza-my95-wrx-type-ra/

 

Why on earth would you consider a car from these clowns??
Its not like you are unaware of their reputation.

 

ah clives performance.

as fatty says, dont even consider it

 

As for the aa check,what if the car comes back as being fine and 2 days into ownership it develops a genuine fault.
Do you honestly trust these clowns to correct it??
Read the numerous threads about their aftersales service.

 

well that problem could happen from a private sale too, buying a genuine car and a serious fault happens on drive home,
the only reason i was considering them was because the car I'm looking for is so very hard to find

 

Try this one chap, looks good and genuine too:

https://www.vcars.co.uk/used-cars/ca...rader&u=546198

 

To the op, I just spotted the type of car your looking for on Japperformanceparts website, looks good and at a good price! May be worth a look at

 

or this one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1999-Subar...ht_1403wt_1190

 

You mean this one Zuber, yeah looks sweet and at at reasonable price.

http://www.japperformanceparts.co.uk...ils.asp?ID=457

 

nicely spotted, much appreciated guys I'm going down to have a look at that one over the weekend

 

today I'm officially a type ra owner i put money down on that my00 jap import, I'm over the moon, few little blemishes on the paintwork but car seems spot on, no mods done to it (yet) but today is a good day, first subaru and its a type ra but any advise or tips for a new subaru owner is all very welcome
pierce

 

Move close to a petrol station and make sure your wallet is well stocked!
Apart from that, your really gonna enjoy yourself.

 

Haha I have a feeling your first two points are very valid,
I will have to take it as it comes ��

 

Good choice, I've just imported a v4 sti ra.

I even went to clives performance to look at one, which is still on piston heads now .... And that was 6 months ago.
(Ps if anyone's after an ra don't waste your time going to look at it its not pretty)
I've ended up with a better car than I could have ever found in the UK