Well then, Greetings to you all. I'm a newbie here and have noticed that while I'm doing my research about Subarus, the web often points this site to be the most resourceful.

I have a few questions and did use the search box to find my answers but with no luck. Nevertheless, I want to buy an impreza wrx sti soon and have no idea which one to go for. Budget is no more than 8.5k and I'd love a reliable 350-400bhp after fiddling. My original aim was 06-07 but I've heard that the 2.5L engine is more prone to faults. At the moment, even though I'm not that keen on their front ends, the late 2.0L sti seems to be the best match for my needs.

Afer all, performance figures and day to day livabilty are the priorities. Englighten me with your knowledge please

Many thanks
J

 

Hi mate and welcome to SN that budget would get you an exceedingly good blob STI with PPP. The rest of the lads will help you out with what you should be looking for on the newage, Steve.

 

Personally i'd buy this https://www.scoobynet.com/subaru-444...m-blobeye.html

 

Unfortunately I am a picky buyer Blue or Black is a must. Unmodified only. I've had Integras and Silvias before and learnt my lesson. By the way, I have noticed a tendency... Do defi style speedo clocks come only with a 2.5L STis?

 

Correct on the Defis, but if you get a widetrack Blobeye they're a straight swap. I've done the upgrade to my 2005 sti

8.5k is widetrack money, so narrow your search for a 2005sti. You don't quite have JDM money so a 2.0 hawk is unlikely.

If you're really against the blob front end, the hawk lights, wings, bonnet and bumper swap is pretty common too

 

widetrack lmao scoobynet buzzword bingo strikes again hahahahaha

 

Right, we're getting somewhere. So, tuning wise, how does an 05 Blob compare to an 06 Hawk eye? If I'm not wrong we are talking different displacement of course and vf35 vs vf39? Also is widetrack just a name for models with DCCD?

 

I believe the main difference between the 2.5 and 2.0 is torque at mild tuning levels. The 2.0 however will do 400bhp or more on stock internals vs the 2.5 which are quite well documented as failing with even mild tunes. If I was to buy an impreza tomorrow I'd probably budget for forging a 2.5 or go JDM (2.0) Hawk which is probably similar money either way.

Late UK blobs (widetrack) come in at around 7500-8500 and are probably the best bet without spending JDM moneys due to the nicer interior (same as hawkeye minus the clocks) and DCCD if you like playing with *****

 

the 2.0 is fine at 450 plus bhp the 2.5 however is a turd of an engine that fails at standard bhp.

 

Oh the widetrack also has same alloy wheel fitment as the Hawk STI so if you're a wheel tart it may be a factor.

 

That is a hell of an important information. I'd much rather spend a little less on a decent '05 STi and just buy the silly defi speedo for £300. That way I'll have a nice and reliable package. I have never fiddled with boxer engines, are they pricey when it comes to labour and parts comparing to e.g. sr20dets or b18c?

What are the weakest points on 2.0L '05s? I have blown 2 sr20dets before and this time I want to reassure myself. I'm aching for reliability.

Fonzey, it's all about the ***** mate!

 

Hi there

As above if you are want to have nice and reliable car I would go down the route of the late blobeye or better with JDM STi

About the engine reliability,I've seen 2.0L failed at less than 400bhp,but I've seen UK STI 2.0L making still on same internals 500bhp and car is used daily

First thing if you thinking get unmodified car,its sometimes hard to say if has been unmodified during the his life(almost every owner putting on his car exhaust,I've seen only few of people which don't have aftermarket exhaust etc)

Sometimes buying modified car is better than standard,when car has been modified at well known garages and mainly when car has been maintained at well known garages

Jura

 

You make a valid point. I agree that if a car is supplied with full service history and proof of maintenance as well as tasteful and sensible mods, all indicates that it's a looked after model. I'd love to read about more people's experiences with their 05's or 06's STis. Statistics don't lie.

Thanks guys, lovely community.

 

widetrack refers to exactly that lsightly wider wheel track, for 99.9% of people makes sod all difference.

 

Right. Going back to the speedo clocks, does it have to be an 05 widetrack for the defi style ones to fit? That doesn't seem to be relevant. If anyone has knowledge about this let me know please.