Hi all! i've got an sti on an 03 plate with the PPP remap, 50k on the clock. Two tales of woes to talk about!! Firstly general performance!!

Recently rolling road tested and kicking out little over 250bhp. It handles like a sack of spuds. The pickup from the turbo is temperamental and drops too much on a gear change and generally feels weak through the rev range. I've been using at least 97 RON. BP Ultimate, Total and of late V-power. I've been told the ignition is retarded and its knocking, but I can't belive i'm down by so much!

Now for the handling. The rear keeps wanting come across and say hello and there is far to much roll for my liking. I sometimes feel like i'm drivingsome clumpy American sedan. No knocking that i'm aware of. Sometimes it feels like om on a skid pan.

Bottom line being, I've owned an sti4 and that was the dogs. Point it and it goes. Power all through the rev range This is a different story and i'm so disappointed and thinking of going German again (

Any ideas? i'm in Herts, near Hemel. Any recommendations for a good garage/mechanic? I did a search and Dave West in Princess Risborough was mentioned. Good or bad? still trading?

HELP!!

thanks in advance!! any idea appreciated!!

 

what was the intake temp? didn't these knock the power off if it went over a certain temp

 

Dave west was very very good - I can vouch for him.
Wether he still going - I dont know. He hasnt been mentioned for a fair old while on here
Subaru4you in Newbury (Len) - are probably your best bet if you cant get hold of Dave

Steve

 

Lack of power could be down to the fuel pump on its way out, the std unit is prone to going bad and not performing correctly even if it hasnt died it could be down on power
thats what I was told when I asked the mapping company

 

your choiceof fuelsis less than exotic.
BP ultimate has a rep for being **** and can throw the ecu into confusion.
Total? wtf
just stick to V Power for pete's (and your car's) sake.

 

hmmmm, getting mixed messages regarding the fuel type. Some people are putting in Tesco 99...other people are steering clear of v-power completely. It seems to me that Scoobies have become so tightly strung in how they perform.

Can poor petrol really account for such a loss in horsepower?

No idea about the intake temp. When I had it on the rolling road the guy said boost was coming on no problem, just a case of knocking galore. Still not sure what to think as the drop seems too extreme.

 

When was the car last serviced and how has it been looked after?
Shocks will be past their best at 50k for starters.

 

It's seemingly BP Ultimate that is the fuel to avoid. V power - good, Tesco 99 - good. Use those two if possible. Some people on here have certainly reported knocking when running on BP Ultimate.

 

I would say that the issues with power are not based on the fuel at all. It will be something like a boost leak or iffy solenoid. I very much doubt that you will reach a satisfactory answer no matter how many replies you get and a decent mapper or tuning co is your best bet. Either way, stick to either V power or Tesco 99 for best performance.

As for the handling it could be a number of things but if it is that bad it could be down to simple things like, incorrect tyre pressures, too little tread, alignment excessively out, worn suspension parts.
Again, I would say a decent tuners is your answer.hth

Are you anywhere near Powerstation?

 

it might be worth replacing your knock sensor and maf, as these would cause the prblems you mention. It may also be a good time to have it serviced. You keep to 99 ron fuel as it offers the best performance and lowers the risk of det.
Is their a specialist nearby who can carry out a diagnostic on your car??

 

Agreed you need a good car tuner. Don't just start replacing parts ***** nilly.

50K on the clock? When did you get the cambelt replaced? If not done then get it done and the timing checked at the same time. Also get diagnostic check on the sensors. You could also have split pipe.

Shocks could be faulty, ARB weak, geometry/camber incorrect.

Go with Steve W suggestions

 

Well, yes he would do. He's a Great Dane after all, who's always scarpering from ghosts

 

i would say its a boost leak from somewhere! have you got a dumpvalve? if so check the connection! you will need soapy water!