Living with a JDM
12 August 2009, 02:50 PM
#1
Living with a JDM
I am considering a JDM Sti Impreza blob eye.
Aare there any issues associated with the JDM's?
I'm really thinking of when things go wrong. Are they any more specialised than any other Impreza import? Diagnostic software etc?
Cheers
Aare there any issues associated with the JDM's?
I'm really thinking of when things go wrong. Are they any more specialised than any other Impreza import? Diagnostic software etc?
Cheers
12 August 2009, 03:14 PM
#2
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Down West.
Posts: 3,843
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have had 2 imports mate, one a classic WRX '95 and the current one which is an 02, also had a UK sti in the middle of these and found no issue with the JDM's other than SUBARU dealers usually don't want to know but there are plenty of Scoob specialistes around, who won't turn you away
Don't be worried of an import Mate
run it on V-power or similar and enjoy
Insurance may be slightly higher but being 44 now
that's no prob either Just under £400 year with YES 
Don't be worried of an import Mate run it on V-power or similar and enjoyInsurance may be slightly higher but being 44 now
that's no prob either Just under £400 year with YES
12 August 2009, 05:49 PM
#3
It wasn't so much a worry over buying an import - I have owned 3 in the past and have just taken them to a mechanic I know and there has not been a problem. In fact the present V3 Sti import dropped a crank 3 weeks after purchase and that was repaired fine.
It's specifically the JDM and if this is different or out of the ordinary in any way. Is it just like an imported Sti but with extra toys onboard? I know it sounds like it needs re-mapping, but if buying private UK this should have been done.
It's specifically the JDM and if this is different or out of the ordinary in any way. Is it just like an imported Sti but with extra toys onboard? I know it sounds like it needs re-mapping, but if buying private UK this should have been done.
Trending Topics
12 August 2009, 09:48 PM
#8
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello ma te, owned an 04 sti for nearly 2 and a half years now, all I can say is, it's no harder to live with than my old classic I owned for 6 years. Actually I tell a lie there, apart from filling her up, being an import ( although bought new from David Hendry Cars ) it is mapped to run on high octane fuel, as a result I only ever use V Power or Tesco's 99 both of which the car seems to enjoy & every other tank I add a bottle of octane booster, been told this is no longer necessary, but I like to do it out of habit more than anything.
My car is completely standard mechanically speaking & produced a very respectable 321bhp & as a result I have left it this way, even the exhaust is standard which is very very quiet & a bit dissapointingly un scoob like. Although long journeys are a breeze & the wife doesn't nag half as much.
I'm currently trying my best to hang on to it, wife having twins in October & running costs may become an issue
. Anyway what I'm saying is , they're great and all garages I've been to, mocom, extreme, Subaru main dealers, they all accept her with open arms, long gone are the dark days of them turning away imported cars.
My car is completely standard mechanically speaking & produced a very respectable 321bhp & as a result I have left it this way, even the exhaust is standard which is very very quiet & a bit dissapointingly un scoob like. Although long journeys are a breeze & the wife doesn't nag half as much.
I'm currently trying my best to hang on to it, wife having twins in October & running costs may become an issue
. Anyway what I'm saying is , they're great and all garages I've been to, mocom, extreme, Subaru main dealers, they all accept her with open arms, long gone are the dark days of them turning away imported cars.
12 August 2009, 11:01 PM
#9
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The road tax is loads cheaper than UK cars. I just renewed mine and was pleasantly surprised :-)
I dont find the gearign in 6th any issue. Im not sure its as high as 4k but its up there.
I dont find the gearign in 6th any issue. Im not sure its as high as 4k but its up there.
12 August 2009, 11:46 PM
#10
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 3,828
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Had my JDM STi 2003 for over six years now!
It's been a superb car. Trouble is when I get rid the only way is down as in terms of reliability, performance and overall cost I am never gonna be able to top it with whatever car I get.
Buy one. Just seen in the ads Bob Rawles old car is up for a reasonable price and has some tasty mods.
It's been a superb car. Trouble is when I get rid the only way is down as in terms of reliability, performance and overall cost I am never gonna be able to top it with whatever car I get.
Buy one. Just seen in the ads Bob Rawles old car is up for a reasonable price and has some tasty mods.
13 August 2009, 12:20 AM
#11
Owner of SNet
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 11,513
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Owned a 54 plate Spec C for 2yrs & seemed fine to me as an ownership prospect.
Service once a year (£200-£500 varied according to what needs doing) & oil change every 6 months. Fuel cost a bit as did 23mpg at best Insurance no different to UK car IMHO. Mine had a remap for my peace of mind albeit some say there is no need. People say high running costs all the time ... I only noticed a high fuel bill, nowt else went wrong 
I love em & wouldn't buy a UK car as a result.
TX.
Service once a year (£200-£500 varied according to what needs doing) & oil change every 6 months. Fuel cost a bit as did 23mpg at best
Insurance no different to UK car IMHO. Mine had a remap for my peace of mind albeit some say there is no need. People say high running costs all the time ... I only noticed a high fuel bill, nowt else went wrong I love em & wouldn't buy a UK car as a result.
TX.
Last edited by Terminator X; 13 August 2009 at 12:21 AM.
13 August 2009, 10:34 AM
#12
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I didnt really notice any difference in the resopnse from the JDM to my old WRX with the VF30
13 August 2009, 10:37 AM
#13
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
13 August 2009, 11:15 PM
#14
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The only thing I miss is the scooby burble with the JDM (hawkeye).
The JDM also has a better standard spec i.e forged alloys, strut brace, auto water spray etc
Insurance was similar to my STI Blob and had no probs with parts and services
JDM def gets my vote over uk cars
The JDM also has a better standard spec i.e forged alloys, strut brace, auto water spray etc
Insurance was similar to my STI Blob and had no probs with parts and services
JDM def gets my vote over uk cars
13 August 2009, 11:51 PM
#15
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 3,828
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cost a fortune to run. When they go wrong it's mega bucks! Scoob can blow it's engine and you can fit another and end up with more power for little outlay compared to an M5. Also they are much heavier so eat through tyres, brakes and suspension parts compared to a scoob.
14 August 2009, 12:47 AM
#16
Ive had my hawkeye jdm since feb, yes it may sit at high revs on motorway driving but it aint too bad, motorways journeys are fine on the fuel and the noise isnt ear drum bursting. Lacking the rumble but really loving the equal header impreza noise im getting about 220 miles outta the 50 litre tank vpower always.
Subeyman is correct in saying the engine can withstand more due to the upgraded spec
Think you'd really not regret it!!
Subeyman is correct in saying the engine can withstand more due to the upgraded spec
Think you'd really not regret it!!
23 August 2009, 08:09 PM
#17
Amazed
Well, I went for this JDM and although I have not done too many miles in it yet, and the geo is all over the place so I can't throw it around too much, I have got to say already, the car is as close as I can imagine to a WRC!
This is my 6th Impreza (Classic Turbo2000, Blob V8 Sti PPP, V4 Type R, V4 Sti V-LTD, V3 Sti Wagon) and I have to say it is like no other.
The sound it makes on full throttle with fuel splattering out of the roaring Howard & Scott 3" and the induction kit sucking madly is just fantastic. I thought I would miss the un-equal burble, but the combined sound when full on is well, just laughable, especially with all the windows open
The performance is simply staggering. It has been remapped to ~360 bhp and the combination of 6 gears, twin-scroll, coil-overs etc makes for an incredible driving experience. Throttle response is super quick with 200bhp at just 2.5K rpm and a fully spooled turbo.
Extreme? Of course. GF says it's the best looking of all the Scoob's I've had. I tend to agree. The air intake scoop (my favorite part of the car) is massive - even bigger than the normal blob's as it has two jobs to do. It has manners too. Around town it can easilly be drived in 5th or even 6th at 30mph
So, living with a JDM? Time will have to tell, but so far, I'm lovin' it
I'll post up some pics soon
This is my 6th Impreza (Classic Turbo2000, Blob V8 Sti PPP, V4 Type R, V4 Sti V-LTD, V3 Sti Wagon) and I have to say it is like no other.
The sound it makes on full throttle with fuel splattering out of the roaring Howard & Scott 3" and the induction kit sucking madly is just fantastic. I thought I would miss the un-equal burble, but the combined sound when full on is well, just laughable, especially with all the windows open
The performance is simply staggering. It has been remapped to ~360 bhp and the combination of 6 gears, twin-scroll, coil-overs etc makes for an incredible driving experience. Throttle response is super quick with 200bhp at just 2.5K rpm and a fully spooled turbo.
Extreme? Of course. GF says it's the best looking of all the Scoob's I've had. I tend to agree. The air intake scoop (my favorite part of the car) is massive - even bigger than the normal blob's as it has two jobs to do. It has manners too. Around town it can easilly be drived in 5th or even 6th at 30mph
So, living with a JDM? Time will have to tell, but so far, I'm lovin' it
I'll post up some pics soon
23 August 2009, 08:27 PM
#18
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: 1600cc's of twin scroll fun :)
Posts: 25,565
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Ok, put a few things to rest, fuel tanks, spec c 50ltr, normal sti 60ltr, gearing, 1-4 the same as a uk,5 and 6 shorter (about 16mph top end but jdm's are higher revving )
Throttle response is amazing, I was one of the first to own a twin scroll car, they pull from as low as 1500rpm, you can drive around town at 25mph in 5th gear with no issues, their power is very linear, some people don't like that but it beats waiting till 3.5k for anything to happen
and they produce stupid ammounts of torque.
So basically you should buy one if you have not already just look out for crashed examples some really bad importers out there (some good ones too ) but avoid anything that originated in yorkshire (keighley inparticular).
Service intervals are similar to classic sti's so take note!
Tony
)Throttle response is amazing, I was one of the first to own a twin scroll car, they pull from as low as 1500rpm, you can drive around town at 25mph in 5th gear with no issues, their power is very linear, some people don't like that but it beats waiting till 3.5k for anything to happen
and they produce stupid ammounts of torque.So basically you should buy one if you have not already
just look out for crashed examples some really bad importers out there (some good ones too ) but avoid anything that originated in yorkshire (keighley inparticular).Service intervals are similar to classic sti's so take note!
Tony
23 August 2009, 08:49 PM
#22
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: 1600cc's of twin scroll fun :)
Posts: 25,565
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
No its based on the standard sti, givaway for a lightweight version is no rear wiper she will be running a vf37 turbo as per the standard sti's but with a few more goodies best thing is, there are only about 4 of those in the uk
Tony
she will be running a vf37 turbo as per the standard sti's but with a few more goodies best thing is, there are only about 4 of those in the uk Tony
25 August 2009, 05:23 PM
#23
Save a bit extra and get a 2003 Spec C
i recently bought a 2003 JDM Spec C limited. A spec C with a small air con unit and electric windows and mirrors -so a few luxuries but still a lot lighter -70kg's than a normal STI. infact mine weighed in at 1340kg at a local weigh bridge due to exhaust changes and an empty I/C tank which is 100kg lighter than a UK STI.
I had a UK classic previously and i will never ever go back to a UK scooby. We are short changed in this country. The JDM cars are much better. If you want a proper impreza that feels like a performance car and acts like a performance and edgy car go japanese! you see people all over this site spending thousands of pounds on Uk cars just to try and get them like the Jap cars. Does not make sense to me.
Spec C 'Limited'standard Specs: over JDM STI
Lightweight body panels
Lightweight smaller battery
Lightweight smaller fuel tank
Lightweight glass
Lightweight larger radiator & revised cooling system
Lightweight smaller Air-Con compressor
Adjustable Redline Rev Limiter
Spec C Revs increased to Redline @ 8,000rpm
Auto/manual adjustable Centre Differential
Larger intercooler
Intercooler 12Ltr boot recessed water tank
Auto/manual intercooler water spray
Uprated pumps, fuel system & interjectors
Equal length manifold
Twin scroll ball bearing Turbo (IHI VF36)
Spec C Forged pistons & engine internals (2.0ltr EJ20 variant)
Air cooled front mounted oil cooler
Gearbox oil cooler
Spec C lightweight & strengthened suspension & geometry: Anti-roll bars, Links, Brace struts, Wishbones etc
5th n 6th gear shorter gear ratio (quick rack)
Spec C front splitter
Spec C roof vent opener
Spec C all Black Recaro Alcantara trim & carpets
Lightweight carpets
Xenon Spec C de-chromed satin effect headlights
Spec C de-chromed rear lights
Power fold mirrors
No side skirts
No internal boot release (key operated only on Spec C's)
No boot carpet
No underseal
No soundproofing
70 – 90kg’s lighter than standard STI
I think that about covers it
i recently bought a 2003 JDM Spec C limited. A spec C with a small air con unit and electric windows and mirrors -so a few luxuries but still a lot lighter -70kg's than a normal STI. infact mine weighed in at 1340kg at a local weigh bridge due to exhaust changes and an empty I/C tank which is 100kg lighter than a UK STI.
I had a UK classic previously and i will never ever go back to a UK scooby. We are short changed in this country. The JDM cars are much better. If you want a proper impreza that feels like a performance car and acts like a performance and edgy car go japanese! you see people all over this site spending thousands of pounds on Uk cars just to try and get them like the Jap cars. Does not make sense to me.
Spec C 'Limited'standard Specs: over JDM STI
Lightweight body panels
Lightweight smaller battery
Lightweight smaller fuel tank
Lightweight glass
Lightweight larger radiator & revised cooling system
Lightweight smaller Air-Con compressor
Adjustable Redline Rev Limiter
Spec C Revs increased to Redline @ 8,000rpm
Auto/manual adjustable Centre Differential
Larger intercooler
Intercooler 12Ltr boot recessed water tank
Auto/manual intercooler water spray
Uprated pumps, fuel system & interjectors
Equal length manifold
Twin scroll ball bearing Turbo (IHI VF36)
Spec C Forged pistons & engine internals (2.0ltr EJ20 variant)
Air cooled front mounted oil cooler
Gearbox oil cooler
Spec C lightweight & strengthened suspension & geometry: Anti-roll bars, Links, Brace struts, Wishbones etc
5th n 6th gear shorter gear ratio (quick rack)
Spec C front splitter
Spec C roof vent opener
Spec C all Black Recaro Alcantara trim & carpets
Lightweight carpets
Xenon Spec C de-chromed satin effect headlights
Spec C de-chromed rear lights
Power fold mirrors
No side skirts
No internal boot release (key operated only on Spec C's)
No boot carpet
No underseal
No soundproofing
70 – 90kg’s lighter than standard STI
I think that about covers it
Last edited by apac; 25 August 2009 at 05:27 PM.
25 August 2009, 09:38 PM
#24
Lightweight carpets!
Me likey my JDM more & more
Increased the height a little and had the geo done today, and then went for my first proper blast, as the rear wheels were pointing to try and spin the car on the spot
Big props to Simon at Chemix of Stourbridge. Not only has he got access to a dedicated alignment bay with state of the art alignment gear, with lasers darting all around, sunken lifting ramps and computer access to all Impreza geo specs, he methodically tweaks all 4 corners to either your preferred specs, or those in his database. Local Subaru dealer Showells send their cars to him.
Just come back from a loop starting at Stourbridge, onto Martley, to Hereford then Leominster to Tenbury (via Leysters - nice road) and home...
Oh my
Me likey my JDM more & more
Increased the height a little and had the geo done today, and then went for my first proper blast, as the rear wheels were pointing to try and spin the car on the spot
Big props to Simon at Chemix of Stourbridge. Not only has he got access to a dedicated alignment bay with state of the art alignment gear, with lasers darting all around, sunken lifting ramps and computer access to all Impreza geo specs, he methodically tweaks all 4 corners to either your preferred specs, or those in his database. Local Subaru dealer Showells send their cars to him.
Just come back from a loop starting at Stourbridge, onto Martley, to Hereford then Leominster to Tenbury (via Leysters - nice road) and home...
Oh my
25 August 2009, 10:42 PM
#26
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: 1600cc's of twin scroll fun :)
Posts: 25,565
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Save a bit extra and get a 2003 Spec C
Spec C 'Limited'standard Specs: over JDM STI
Lightweight body panels Nope
Lightweight smaller battery yes
Lightweight smaller fuel tank 50ltr
Lightweight glass yes
Lightweight larger radiator & revised cooling system yes
Lightweight smaller Air-Con compressor yes
Adjustable Redline Rev Limiter unsure but it wasnt standard on the spec c range
Spec C Revs increased to Redline @ 8,000rpm standard on JDM STI's
Auto/manual adjustable Centre Differential yes
Larger intercooler debateable but saw no difference in size between my spec c one and a standard one
Intercooler 12Ltr boot recessed water tank yes
Auto/manual intercooler water spray yes
Uprated pumps, fuel system & interjectors no, fuel pump is the same but it has an anti surge kit on there, injectors are standard across the JDM range
Equal length manifold yes
Twin scroll ball bearing Turbo (IHI VF36) yes
Spec C Forged pistons & engine internals (2.0ltr EJ20 variant) no, internals are not forged they are hyperheuetic pistons but are very strong if not a little brittle
Air cooled front mounted oil cooler yes
Gearbox oil cooler, no, its a "transmission" oil cooler
Spec C lightweight & strengthened suspension & geometry: Anti-roll bars, Links, Brace struts, Wishbones etc no, struts only has the different springs (eibach 10mm lower) anti roll bars are thicker along with other parts of the suspension, and all JDM STI suspension parts are lightweight ally
5th n 6th gear shorter gear ratio (quick rack) nope, quick rack refers to the steering which is a 2.25 turn (13:1 rather than the 15:1 you see on uk cars) 5th and 6th are shorter though
Spec C front splitter
Spec C roof vent opener
Spec C all Black Recaro Alcantara trim & carpets
Lightweight carpets
Xenon Spec C de-chromed satin effect headlights Not xenon's unfortunately but still bright
Spec C de-chromed rear lights
Power fold mirrors
No side skirts
No internal boot release (key operated only on Spec C's)
No boot carpet
No underseal
No soundproofing
70 – 90kg’s lighter than standard STI this depends on the model, the 16 inch version weighed in at 1320kg, 17 inch at 1350kg, 1370kg for the limited and you missed the redesigned front subframe on the spec c
I think that about covers it
Spec C 'Limited'standard Specs: over JDM STI
Lightweight body panels Nope
Lightweight smaller battery yes
Lightweight smaller fuel tank 50ltr
Lightweight glass yes
Lightweight larger radiator & revised cooling system yes
Lightweight smaller Air-Con compressor yes
Adjustable Redline Rev Limiter unsure but it wasnt standard on the spec c range
Spec C Revs increased to Redline @ 8,000rpm standard on JDM STI's
Auto/manual adjustable Centre Differential yes
Larger intercooler debateable but saw no difference in size between my spec c one and a standard one
Intercooler 12Ltr boot recessed water tank yes
Auto/manual intercooler water spray yes
Uprated pumps, fuel system & interjectors no, fuel pump is the same but it has an anti surge kit on there, injectors are standard across the JDM range
Equal length manifold yes
Twin scroll ball bearing Turbo (IHI VF36) yes
Spec C Forged pistons & engine internals (2.0ltr EJ20 variant) no, internals are not forged they are hyperheuetic pistons but are very strong if not a little brittle
Air cooled front mounted oil cooler yes
Gearbox oil cooler, no, its a "transmission" oil cooler
Spec C lightweight & strengthened suspension & geometry: Anti-roll bars, Links, Brace struts, Wishbones etc no, struts only has the different springs (eibach 10mm lower) anti roll bars are thicker along with other parts of the suspension, and all JDM STI suspension parts are lightweight ally
5th n 6th gear shorter gear ratio (quick rack) nope, quick rack refers to the steering which is a 2.25 turn (13:1 rather than the 15:1 you see on uk cars) 5th and 6th are shorter though
Spec C front splitter
Spec C roof vent opener
Spec C all Black Recaro Alcantara trim & carpets
Lightweight carpets
Xenon Spec C de-chromed satin effect headlights Not xenon's unfortunately
but still bright Spec C de-chromed rear lights
Power fold mirrors
No side skirts
No internal boot release (key operated only on Spec C's)
No boot carpet
No underseal
No soundproofing
70 – 90kg’s lighter than standard STI this depends on the model, the 16 inch version weighed in at 1320kg, 17 inch at 1350kg, 1370kg for the limited and you missed the redesigned front subframe on the spec c
I think that about covers it
26 August 2009, 09:56 AM
#27
nice one Tony, i think i got a few JDM vs UK differences in there. there are probably a few 'myths' in the list , but best to keep 'em guessing eh! and yes the Spec C with the steel wheels was about 120kg's lighter than the STI out of the factory. I believe it did not even have buccket seats. the wheels i suppose were just for rolling it off the production line, and the seats a token gesture before you ripped them out.
Last edited by apac; 26 August 2009 at 10:18 AM.
26 August 2009, 11:29 AM
#28
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: 1600cc's of twin scroll fun :)
Posts: 25,565
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Yes steel wheels and subaru 4 pot brakes, crap 1.5 interior (actually i dont think its even that good ) but most of it is "throw away" as the 16 inch is the motorsport version, but I think it also loses a few other bits you dont find on the 17 inch car (rear spoiler is an option!)
Tony
) but most of it is "throw away" as the 16 inch is the motorsport version, but I think it also loses a few other bits you dont find on the 17 inch car (rear spoiler is an option!)Tony
26 August 2009, 12:14 PM
#29
I know what is not on the list ...... thinner paint layers! another myth?
as for panels, does the UK Sti come with a light Bonnet like the Speccie?
I know the 05' Spec C came with a lightend boot lid.
Link: http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/e/GRN/bulletins/040902.html
Andrew
as for panels, does the UK Sti come with a light Bonnet like the Speccie?
I know the 05' Spec C came with a lightend boot lid.
Link: http://www.subaru-sti.co.jp/e/GRN/bulletins/040902.html
Andrew
Last edited by apac; 26 August 2009 at 12:20 PM.
26 August 2009, 12:58 PM
#30
I know what is not on the list ...... thinner paint layers! another myth?
as for panels, does the UK Sti come with a light Bonnet like the Speccie?
I know the 05' Spec C came with a lightend boot lid.
Link: SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL | News
Andrew
as for panels, does the UK Sti come with a light Bonnet like the Speccie?
I know the 05' Spec C came with a lightend boot lid.
Link: SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL | News
Andrew