I've been lurking on the forums for some time now and have finally decided to take the plunge into Impreza ownership.

A trusted source has offered me a newly imported Impreza Type RA (not the STi version).

At the moment its pretty standard and the only known mods are a full HKS exhaust and some gauges. Its got some later seats and has a few of the niceties like air-con.

I'm due to have a test drive sometime in the next 7 days or so, but just wondered if anyone had any experience of this particular model.

It's a second car, and from what I've read on the model, the performance will be fairly sparkling to say the least.

What with the close ratio box and manic acceleration, I just wondered what they are like to live with on British Roads and if there is anything particular to watch out for on this particular model?

Also, would I be right in thinking that the RA tops out at about 125mph?

Any and all comments appreciated.

Cheers
Richard


[Edited by yikes - 2/2/2003 3:15:46 PM]

 

SIDC faq non uk model bit says 150mph @ 8000rpm
Si

 

also Impreza web owners club gives good info on type R, RA & STi RA
Si

 

Cheers for the replies Si - I'd seen that info, but thanks anyway.

Cheeky BTTT on my own behalf

Cheers
Richard

 

BTTT for a last try.

Cheers
Richard

 

yikes

try www.5ive-0.com and ask katana as i believe he has this exact model and is usually lurking on there

 

I now have an STi TYpe R/A.

Previously owned a 94 WRX type R/A and it was marvellous.
AS you say, manic acceleration and the short gearing can be a bit tiresome on the motorway. If you're planning on doing trackdays, the RA is an excellent tool.

Not sure about topping out at 125 though- i think 150 would be closer to the mark. Some of the later RAs reputedly pull about 160 in top. John Felstead and TKH @ scoobynorth probably better to comment on this though.

hope this helps,
simon

 

Johns RA came with the standard sti5 5th gear cog which he changed to the RA lower cog 19.7mph/1000 rpm same as my v6 RA. I have it on good authority it will hit the limiter in 5th at 8250rpm.

Do the maths

19.7*8250 = 162.5 mph .

 

Thanks for all the replies.

150mph would be adequate

Well, the car has been SVA’s ahead of schedule and I’m making the long trip from Essex to Derbyshire tomorrow afternoon to test drive and hopefully buy.

To say that I am jizzing myself in anticipation would be an understatement

I’ll report back.

I should also be getting my track toy back at the weekend – my Peugeot 205Mi16 which has just been transformed with Alpha-Weber 48m Throttle Bodies.

It’s being mapped over the next few days and should be putting out between 210/220 bph at the flywheel when its done (was dynode at 170bhb beforehand). The car weighs in at about 700kg and has the 1.6 gearbox so it should be good, although not quite as fearsome as the RA.

So, all in all, a good week coming up.

Thanks again,
Richard

 

Yeah & i'm sure John keeps changing his top gear ratio thing as the ocasion suits as i recall seeing
Si

[Edited by scooby_si - 2/3/2003 12:25:17 PM]