Hello gentleman,

I've been thinking about buying a bugeye WRX to track it. It would not be a daily driven car. I have actually bought a classic impreza couple of years ago for the same reason (from one of posters here) but was messed around and the sale didn't go through.

I have few questions with regards to bugeye. Did read for the last few weeks a lot of threads on here and nasioc but still something to ask.

1. Bugeye wrx is 5x100 pcd. Is it possible to swap 5x114 hubs while keeping the 5 speed box? My thinking is that sooner or later I will need to get a 6 speed in so it would be pointless to buy 2-3 sets of wheels and tyres with 5x100pcd only to have to get rid of them later.

2. I've been reading about 6 speed swap and I understand that there is a lot to swap (gearbox, hubs, driveshafts etc) but I've read in one of the threads that swapping a bugeye JDM STI gearbox will only need gearbox and diff? Is that true?

3. What would be a normal wheel and tyre size for a wrx, knowing that I don't want any stretch, rubbing issues and car will be lowered on coilovers. I don't mind rolling arches. I want as much tyre on the road possible so was thinking that a wide 17" would do.

4. Is there any dash-dodger roll cage for bugeye? Custom cages have a six point weld in but goes through dash. OMP, Sparco seem similar.

I apologize for the neewbie questions but for the last 14 years been driving mostly VAG cars.

 

Hi there

Nasioc is mainly US forum and US version of Subaru are in many cases different

Bugeye WRX/STI or any Impreza until 05 WRX/STI is 5X100(after 05 only STI have 5X114.3).If you want swap only hubs for later one just due gearbox,you don't need to swap hubs just due this.Early 6 speed gearbox will fit without the problem and as later ones will fit too on yours existing hubs(5x100),people running later one 6 speed(mainly from Hawkeye on their classic or new age) without the problem

About the widest wheels,we are running 9JX17 ET20 255/40 R17 on our wagon and wagon is lowered on coilovers,arch rolled etc.

But on saloon/sedan you should able to run 245/40 R17,but as above you will need arch rolling,coilovers etc.

Hope this help

Jura

 

If your planning on fitting a 6 speed why not just buy an sti to start with.

 

jura thanks for your answer.
Yes, I was thinking about hubs swap only because of gearbox but if it's possible to get 6 speed on 5x100 i don't see the point of it. Which makes my life a little bit easier.

Isn't ET20 a bit agresive offset on 9" wide wheel? Not sticking out to much?

Matty - I will be starting with WRX not STI because of few reasons.
1. If I ditch it somewhere on the track it will be half the price of sti
2. I will be slowly upgrading the car because I simply can't throw £5k at once.
3. I'm not sure about the 6 speed route yet but in future with higher power it will be a matter of time when 5 speed gives up on track. There is always an option of PPG upgrade but not exactly the cheapest thing ever.

 

Hi there

Yes 9JX17" ET20 is aggressive fitment,I would add you will need to run more aggressive camber setup(we are still running not very aggressive setup) and camber bolts

Here is few pics,how it looks







About the gearbox choices,we are running PPG and must admit PPG has have awesome noise,its lighter than 6speed and gear ratios on PPG is great like for track/drag or on the road

Jura

 

That looks nice

Are you running straight cut or helical gear set?
Would 17x9" fit with ET 30-40 or there would be a clearance issue on the suspension?

 

Thanks

We are running straight cut,helical is same as normal 5speed or 6speed
You will need in both case run coilovers with camber bolts(front and rear)

We are run too 9.5JX18" ET38 Rota Grid Drift and 245/40 on our wagon without the problem

Jura

 

OK. Cool.
Hopefully I will have scoob by the end of May and the modding will start.
Will keep your garage in mind as you're just 45mins away

 

Hi there

Neil@Slowboy racing he is our engine builder and mapper,I can only recommend Neil@Slowboy racing

Here are pics with Rota Grid Drift 9.5JX18" ET38







Jura