2004 Subaru WRX STI
Purchased from Beardmore Subaru in Bellevue, Nebraska July 31 2003, our 2004 Subaru WRX STI (what a mouthful) has been an excellent vehicle thus far.
We quickly accrued 1000 miles to complete its breakin, never exceeding 4000 rpm (goal was to not exceed 3000 rpm) and staying out of 'boost' as a general rule. No oil use was detected nor any other defect during this time. Exactly 1000 miles on the odometer the car was whipped and hit redline at 7000 rpm passing vehicles on our way back from a family visit! What a rush!
We have since traveled ~58,000 miles with only catches: 1. OEM fitted RE070 tires are very harsh riding, loud, and dont' stick in the snow whatsoever. We levered on a set of Pirelli PZero Nero M+S tires in similar sizes. Chose these as we can place them on any wheel location. 2. The compass mirror lost calibration and needed to be replaced under warrantee. 3. Rear struts make much low speed clunking...apparently this is a common problem with no fix available except new struts! This was accomplished under warranty so we will wait and see if it returns...and it did so we stepped up to a $2000 set of Ohlins Adjustable Struts. Tremendous difference, but still a rougher than hoped ride.
We have taken it to the dragstrip where it ran an uncorrected 13.57 at 100 mph with two people aboard and no prep. Threaded the cones on an autocross course where it claimed 5th overall its first time out. It its govenor topspeed of 153 mph and finally played with the big boys on the roadcourse at Mid America Motorplex. All the while, returning 19 mpg around town and a solid 25 mpg on the highway.
The car will remain completely stock other than the WRXTRA guage package installed inplace of the factory clock-provides boost, oil pressure, and oil temperature and a K+N Filter Intake system.
And most impressively, can perform four wheel powerslides on wet, snowy, or even dry concrete-now that will put a smile on anyones face!
The car has since been shipped to United Kingdom for daily use. The car seems perfect for the area-narrow, lumpy roads with more curves than straights!
Below are some shots of the 'New' Subaru as we received. Some very nice hardware!
We quickly accrued 1000 miles to complete its breakin, never exceeding 4000 rpm (goal was to not exceed 3000 rpm) and staying out of 'boost' as a general rule. No oil use was detected nor any other defect during this time. Exactly 1000 miles on the odometer the car was whipped and hit redline at 7000 rpm passing vehicles on our way back from a family visit! What a rush!
We have since traveled ~58,000 miles with only catches: 1. OEM fitted RE070 tires are very harsh riding, loud, and dont' stick in the snow whatsoever. We levered on a set of Pirelli PZero Nero M+S tires in similar sizes. Chose these as we can place them on any wheel location. 2. The compass mirror lost calibration and needed to be replaced under warrantee. 3. Rear struts make much low speed clunking...apparently this is a common problem with no fix available except new struts! This was accomplished under warranty so we will wait and see if it returns...and it did so we stepped up to a $2000 set of Ohlins Adjustable Struts. Tremendous difference, but still a rougher than hoped ride.
We have taken it to the dragstrip where it ran an uncorrected 13.57 at 100 mph with two people aboard and no prep. Threaded the cones on an autocross course where it claimed 5th overall its first time out. It its govenor topspeed of 153 mph and finally played with the big boys on the roadcourse at Mid America Motorplex. All the while, returning 19 mpg around town and a solid 25 mpg on the highway.
The car will remain completely stock other than the WRXTRA guage package installed inplace of the factory clock-provides boost, oil pressure, and oil temperature and a K+N Filter Intake system.
And most impressively, can perform four wheel powerslides on wet, snowy, or even dry concrete-now that will put a smile on anyones face!
The car has since been shipped to United Kingdom for daily use. The car seems perfect for the area-narrow, lumpy roads with more curves than straights!
Below are some shots of the 'New' Subaru as we received. Some very nice hardware!
Its first autocross entrance! Rain half way thru added some excitement as the car did a spin at 40 MPH! Rather embarrassing, but unscathed. Still accomplished a number 5 our of 100 cars for overall...not bad on all season radials.
Below is its home for the next 3 years-United Kingdom. As you might notice side marker lamps, cleared front parking lights, 'reaimed' headlights, and a rear fog lamp were required and installed. You might also notice the dents that were added by the transportation folks...thanks.
An update is a K+N Air Filter Intake System was added. I needed an aircleaner so why not? Supposedly 12 WHP increase-can't prove, but it sure is loud-intake honk, turbo whine, and blowoff valves noises are present-kind of neat!
First Ring Hot Lap with Helmet!
Requisite Nurburgring Decal!
WRC Technologies Dyno Dynamics AWD Test
Still Healthy at ~50,000 miles!
Snetterton Circuit, United Kingdom!
Bedford Autodrome, United Kingdom!
OEM Suspension was Trash at ~50,000 miles-New Ohlins Adjustable Struts!
Cadwell Park Circuit, United Kingdom!
Comments: tmcarthurs@hotmail.com