View Full Version : Keep the WRX or upgrade?
dingo
03-24-2007, 05:03 AM
Decision time....
I love my WRX to death but I'm starting the reach the limits of what the engine can handle without touching internals, and thats costly. Same story goes with the 5-sp gearbox.......
So I've seriously started looking at changing into a 2005 STi or 2004 Evo 8 MR....the Evo is the front-runner, I want something different.
This isn't the basic Evo 8, this is the imported Jap spec version - 6-speed, more power/torque, lighter (aluminium roof etc) and so on.
Its advantage over the STi is it comes stock with a larger turbo and a FMIC, so its cheaper to get going quickly.
A mate of mine has one with just ECU, cams, exhaust and intake and is running high 11's at the drags, and being an Evo still goes around corners like not much else! The plan would be to mod it as soon as I buy, couldn't handle the stock one for too long.
So, what would you do in my situation:
1. Keep the WRX and start touching the engine internals....
2. Buy a 2005 STi
3. Buy a 2004 Evo 8 MR
Ghostbat
03-24-2007, 05:15 AM
I think this is a matter of how much money you want to spend dingo. If it was up to me and I had the cash I'd go for the Evo.
I just now I wouldn't start fiddling with the engines internals.
Stoopie
03-24-2007, 07:26 AM
Difficult choice between the car you've got now and the 2004 Evo 8 MR.. But I think you should stick with the car you own now, that car is better looking IMO, and you've made it soo good looking :drool:
pagani
03-24-2007, 09:36 AM
Difficult choice between the car you've got now and the 2004 Evo 8 MR.. But I think you should stick with the car you own now, that car is better looking IMO, and you've made it soo good looking :drool:
Keep the wrx and swap the engine for a 2,5 litre cosworth engine.
http://www.cosworth.com/news_detail.php?id=89
:D 8)
dingo
03-24-2007, 07:33 PM
Thanks for the opinions so far, keep 'em coming.
BTW, can you post a link to a photo of your WRX, I would love to take a look at it?
I've added Project Mu brakes since these shots, otherwise this is it:
http://www.ozcarsightings.com/preview/preview7.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5530/wrxsunsetev9.jpg
blinkmeat
03-24-2007, 07:36 PM
I'd buy a 911
coloradosilver
03-24-2007, 08:17 PM
Thats a really nice looking wrx you've got there. I'd keep it and start the serious mods. Looks brilliant as a daily driver and there's still a lot of potential in that engine.
T-Bird
03-24-2007, 09:50 PM
Personally I would mod the piss out of your car.
But if you really wanted to get a new car get the MR. My buddy just got one and it is brilliant. I saw in a tuner mag they swapped the Turbo and did some head work and were at 480 AWHP
T-Bird
03-24-2007, 10:46 PM
They both have their issues if they are beaten on too much and too early. The Evo's were blowing head gaskets and the Scubi's were blowing diffs.
dingo
03-24-2007, 11:12 PM
T-Bird - thats exactly what is making me want one, relatively easy to get awesome numbers out of them.
If I were you, I'd go for something like an Elise, or a second-hand 993... and may be a daily-drive as well if you need something roomy and practical for an every-day use. The Evo sounds tempting, but I've heard some have had reliability issues... so I think the STi would be a smarter choice, especially if you're thinking on tunning it :bah:
993 is too slow (if a Carrera) and the Elise isn't exactly what I'm after at this stage. Both will be alot more expensive to look after and modify than a Jap car like the Evo MR.
Can't see an Elise being an 11sec 1/4 mile beast either... :lol:
frozzu
03-25-2007, 09:58 AM
I'd get the EVO, I wouldn't feel comfortable moving from wrx to STI. For me it would feel like the same car. Feels like if you buy a new car it should feel like a new car. Evo would be something different and a good platform for tuning. And the MR looks great too.
TopGearNL
03-25-2007, 09:59 AM
Very tough decision Dingo, reminds me of the problem I had myself, I had a shifter bike and really loved it, I modded it with nice things, nice paintjob etc. But I wanted something else so I bought a scooter and I did the same again, I gotta say I didn't regret it, live is too short to keep messing with the same over and over again.
If you were to go for the Evo that would be very nice indeed, but modding that Im not so sure, like Dani said they the engine doesn't seem to be as reliable as the Subaru..
Maybe its better for now to keep your scooby, save up some more and then go for a younger and faster Evo? I wouldn't be surprised if you were to keep it, I love your car!
dingo
03-25-2007, 10:31 AM
Not sure where the the lack of reliability of the Evo engine "rumours" started, from what I've read and heard (couple of mates have them) there haven't been many issues.
I'm more likely the damage the WRX engine if I keep pushing it then the Evo one, remember I don't need to do as many mods to the Evo to get it as fast as the WRX. On stock turbo and FMIC I can still get it into the 11's.... Also I get a stronger 6-speed in the MR...
I've started advertising my car for sale, just testing the waters - if I get offered the right price then we'll see what happens. :D
TopGearNL
03-25-2007, 10:40 AM
^^ Your right maybe they just are rumours, and maybe they were just problems that amateurs or wanna be ricers had..? And with you mates having Evo's and no problems at all I would go for the Evo! But hey thats just my opinion..
Hope you get a good price for your scooby! :wink:
nthfinity
03-25-2007, 11:15 AM
here I am starting my research for something mid engined... Things are on track for a summer end italian car maybe...
Honestly, I like the style of the wrx way more, but if it's performance, and mods you are after, then obviously the MR... remember the JW user who had that super boosted STi and went through 2 or so motors? :P
T-Bird
03-25-2007, 11:49 AM
This is all you need to know about DSM's especially the Evo's
http://www.amsperformance.com/main.php
right here in my back yard
gucom
03-25-2007, 12:32 PM
agree with nth, looks-wise i say keep ur current car, performance-wise im not that knowledgable but the evo has a good reputation in that area
sameerrao
03-25-2007, 12:42 PM
Not sure where the the lack of reliability of the Evo engine "rumours" started, from what I've read and heard (couple of mates have them) there haven't been many issues.
I'm more likely the damage the WRX engine if I keep pushing it then the Evo one, remember I don't need to do as many mods to the Evo to get it as fast as the WRX. On stock turbo and FMIC I can still get it into the 11's.... Also I get a stronger 6-speed in the MR...
I've started advertising my car for sale, just testing the waters - if I get offered the right price then we'll see what happens. :D
Your car is doing 11s qtr mile. Very impressive. And you still want a faster car :lol: 8)
sameerrao
03-25-2007, 12:45 PM
here I am starting my research for something mid engined... Things are on track for a summer end italian car maybe...
Go figure - I thought you would be definitely buying a Z06 for sure as you such a huge fan of it. Hey - It is also mid engined ;)
Best of luck with your search. What kind of Italian are you interested in?
nthfinity
03-25-2007, 01:11 PM
here I am starting my research for something mid engined... Things are on track for a summer end italian car maybe...
Go figure - I thought you would be definitely buying a Z06 for sure as you such a huge fan of it. Hey - It is also mid engined ;)
Best of luck with your search. What kind of Italian are you interested in?
Why wouldn't I? If things are on track as I suspect they may be, I don't see how I couldn't do both ;) I'd most definately get a c5 Z before the italian car.
As to which Eye Tye I'm aiming at? I'd aim for 355, but... we'll see. 6 months is a lot of time for "things" to happen.
dingo
03-26-2007, 07:29 PM
Your car is doing 11s qtr mile. Very impressive. And you still want a faster car :lol: 8)
Nah 12s....but I want 11's and thats easier with an Evo.
but if you feel like getting a new car...get one...just go with yer gut instinct, don't analyse too much ;)
yeah thats what I've started thinking! A friend of a friend died of cancer this week (only 21yo) and it really pushed me to do this - life is too short to think about everything, do what you think you'll enjoy most (there are limitations obviously).
Pokiou
03-26-2007, 08:34 PM
I would sell everything and invest in a lotus !
But if you only had a choice of them 2..
i'd go the EVO!
Pok
Not sure where the the lack of reliability of the Evo engine "rumours" started, from what I've read and heard (couple of mates have them) there haven't been many issues.
Quite a few broken stock EVO's on this side of the world.
I'm more likely the damage the WRX engine if I keep pushing it then the Evo one, remember I don't need to do as many mods to the Evo to get it as fast as the WRX. On stock turbo and FMIC I can still get it into the 11's.... Also I get a stronger 6-speed in the MR...
Does the car currently run 11s 1/4 miles?
dingo
03-26-2007, 08:43 PM
...Does the car currently run 11s 1/4 miles?
No, car is stock currently (which I prefer). ECU + exhaust + intake + cams will get me very close though for not a whole lot of money.
BTW, I don't mean a flat 11s pass....mid-high 11's will do me. :)
ViperASR
03-26-2007, 08:48 PM
Personally I would keep ur car now for a daily driver, and get a project car. I love ur WRX, and I love the noise that those flat-4s make, and it would be hard for me to give that up. Ur car would be an awesome daily driver and track day/autocross beast, but if you are looking for something faster, why not buy a project car?
...Does the car currently run 11s 1/4 miles?
No, car is stock currently (which I prefer). ECU + exhaust + intake + cams will get me very close though for not a whole lot of money.
BTW, I don't mean a flat 11s pass....mid-high 11's will do me. :)
The impression I get around these parts, is that the fast, violent, brutal cars are the modded WRX's and the EVO's are kinda like the F360's... all show and no go ;)
If the Scooby still "turns youon" keep it - but if youare getting bored from it, get something different.
Sounds like you need something with a pushrod V8 ;)
tuffguy
03-26-2007, 08:54 PM
HAHAHAHA
Tell that to the GT500 that I raced a few weekends ago.
Pokiou
03-26-2007, 08:54 PM
lol GET A LOTUS!!! and do track days !!
Pok
HAHAHAHA
Tell that to the GT500 that I raced a few weekends ago.
And both you and the GT500 were stock? ;) (and thats not a pushrod V8 - so of course its slow)
ViperASR
03-26-2007, 08:58 PM
Pushrod V8=fast? You must watch alot of NASCAR
:lol: :wink:
[just messin with ya RC]
^^ I often slow down to let the multi-cams and imports catch up ;)
Pokiou
03-26-2007, 09:29 PM
lol RC i had to slow down for you to catch upto me on GTR2 :P lol
nah import cars are good.. there MONSTER of a car there just.. like carl lewis... fast slim and timid.
lol RC i had to slow down for you to catch upto me on GTR2 :P lol
Yeah - its cause we were driving some silly Eye Tie mulit-cam whatnot... ;)
nah import cars are good.. there MONSTER of a car there just.. like carl lewis... fast slim and timid.
and need to be modded to within an inch of their lives to make good showing ;) hehe
sameerrao
03-26-2007, 11:21 PM
here I am starting my research for something mid engined... Things are on track for a summer end italian car maybe...
Go figure - I thought you would be definitely buying a Z06 for sure as you such a huge fan of it. Hey - It is also mid engined ;)
Best of luck with your search. What kind of Italian are you interested in?
Why wouldn't I? If things are on track as I suspect they may be, I don't see how I couldn't do both ;) I'd most definately get a c5 Z before the italian car.
As to which Eye Tye I'm aiming at? I'd aim for 355, but... we'll see. 6 months is a lot of time for "things" to happen.
As I said before best of luck - hope you get both your dream cars!
dingo
03-27-2007, 02:52 AM
The impression I get around these parts, is that the fast, violent, brutal cars are the modded WRX's and the EVO's are kinda like the F360's... all show and no go ;)
If the Scooby still "turns youon" keep it - but if youare getting bored from it, get something different.
Sounds like you need something with a pushrod V8 ;)
Similar here I suppose, alot more WRXs around since they are officially sold here unlike the Evo's....so its understandable. The MR I want is an import and is definately not (or wont be) about show more than go. :)
Pushrod V8? Nah don't think so. Any American car sold here is overpriced and the local V8's are just not my thing. I have alot of contacts in the import car scene (mates owning workshops etc) so its handy to have something they can work on too.
I'm trying to come up with the cash (might go halves with bro for now) to buy the Evo 8 MR now without having to wait till my car sells - the car won't hang around for long and there is not many around. Fingers crossed.
ae86_16v
03-27-2007, 06:17 AM
3. Evo 8 MR
:D
Popping in a bit late after 3 pages, and pretty sure my voice will fall into the void, but I'll try anyway even if I think you're not "that kind of guy".
Anyway, IMO, for the same money you'd spend in buying a new car (definitely more interesting than going on with the rex) and tuning it, you could buy an oldie, let's say from 1990 backwards and have SO MUCH MORE fun! I won't say 944 or 911 right away although both are on my mind for pretty good reasons, but definitely a modern WRC replica can't even come close to what less modern sport cars can give you. Of course same goes with an early gen Elise as mentioned already.
Just think about how cool it is to look around for the right car, find a mint one, buy it and feel different from all those guys that just go for the obvious choices ;)
BTW, lately I am thinking I should try to find a well kept BMW Isetta :) which won't do the quarter mile in less than 60 seconds but would make me smile 24/7 :)
TopGearNL
03-27-2007, 02:14 PM
^^ Isetta, are you serious? :shock: :D
silentm
03-27-2007, 05:04 PM
now that would be something special :D
tuffguy
03-27-2007, 05:07 PM
Word of advice. If you get an Evo, get an IX. So many VIII owners have traded them in for IXs.
IXs respond much, much better to mods.
^^ Isetta, are you serious? :shock: :D
Not wanting to hijack this topic obviously, but hell yes, I am 100% sure that driving an Isetta must be a hell of a funny experience and it would be impossible not to smile while opening the garage :) as a second car of course ;)
Anyway it was just to underline old cars do not need to be superfast or high-tech to entertain us. Today there are very few basic yet damn funny cars (Clio Sport, Elise, Panda 100HP) but when you widen your target to 1990 and earlier cars, the choice is immense!
TopGearNL
03-27-2007, 05:22 PM
^^ I absolutely agree to that, a car doesn't have to be fast to put a smile on your face.
Well anyway Ill see what you will get I guess, one things for sure: You got great taste! :good:
dingo
03-27-2007, 07:29 PM
Popping in a bit late after 3 pages, and pretty sure my voice will fall into the void, but I'll try anyway even if I think you're not "that kind of guy".
Anyway, IMO, for the same money you'd spend in buying a new car (definitely more interesting than going on with the rex) and tuning it, you could buy an oldie, let's say from 1990 backwards and have SO MUCH MORE fun! I won't say 944 or 911 right away although both are on my mind for pretty good reasons, but definitely a modern WRC replica can't even come close to what less modern sport cars can give you. Of course same goes with an early gen Elise as mentioned already.
Just think about how cool it is to look around for the right car, find a mint one, buy it and feel different from all those guys that just go for the obvious choices ;)
BTW, lately I am thinking I should try to find a well kept BMW Isetta :) which won't do the quarter mile in less than 60 seconds but would make me smile 24/7 :)
Valid points, but you're right - not my kind of thing. Everyone looks for something different in a car and I'm not 100% why but older cars just don't do it for me. The fact a used Porsche is still crazily overpriced here might have something to do with it....
I do a fair bit of track work now too on weekends and an Evo or WRX is hard to top when you want to be competitive out there, and I really do enjoy driving them! :D
Also the Evo 8 MR is not as common as some might think here, from my "research" I could probably count on 2 hands the number of them in Perth.
Word of advice. If you get an Evo, get an IX. So many VIII owners have traded them in for IXs.
IXs respond much, much better to mods.
I'm talking VIII MR (Jap version) though, which in alot of ways is what the basic IX available here is. So from what I've seen it responds in a similar way to mods, like the example I mentioned in my first post.
T-Bird
03-27-2007, 07:56 PM
Actually the IX's have Mivec and the MR's don't. And is there a difference between the MR you are talking about and the normal MR's we get in the states?
tuffguy
03-27-2007, 08:22 PM
I'm talking VIII MR (Jap version) though, which in alot of ways is what the basic IX available here is. So from what I've seen it responds in a similar way to mods, like the example I mentioned in my first post.
I saw your first post. I don't think that it has MIVEC, which is why IXs respond so much better to mods.
Also, the 6-speed is not as strong as the 5 speed. If you're gonna be going to the track a lot, the 6spd is better. Otherwise, the 5spd is stronger.
T-Bird
03-27-2007, 08:32 PM
They say the stock 6-speed is good for about 500awhp.
tuffguy
03-27-2007, 09:02 PM
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?t=259641
dingo
03-28-2007, 07:11 PM
The IX comes with a 6-speed here, no choice of a 5-speed - same the VIII MR. So the choice is easy.
IX is still about $10K more expensive than the MR (very well priced) I'm looking at.
...And is there a difference between the MR you are talking about and the normal MR's we get in the states?'
No idea what you guys get over there. :|
Pokiou
03-28-2007, 07:31 PM
Hey Dingo is yours the 2.5ltr wrx ??
wow im late to this topic,but still.obviosuly there are many cars you could upgrade to.but goin off what you have said with the WRX,STI and evo.personally id go with the evo for one reason,yes an STI is the one above the wrx,but.....would you really be gettin MUCH more over what your WRX is already? id go for the evo simply for the change from the impreza,if you arent gonna get the evo,id stick with your WRX....unless you wanna get a 22B? LOL :P
dingo
03-28-2007, 08:19 PM
Pokiou - mine is a 2L, only the 06-onwards got 2.5L here.
22B - ah no, WAY overpriced! Don't care how rare it is there is no way I'd pay close to $100K for a Subaru.
I'm going for a ride/drive in my mates (not a close mate hence why I haven't been in it before) 8 MR this arvo after work to see what its like. Its an 11sec car (~500hp) but thats good as I can see what to expect after some mods.
dingo
03-30-2007, 05:12 AM
Signed, sealed and delivered.
I now own an Evo VIII MR.....and WRX hehe.
So I can make a choice in the morning until I sell the WRX.
Pics when I get it next week. :D
dingo
03-30-2007, 05:47 AM
Haha, already thought about that...will try and get a friend to drive one of them and do it.
The MR is stock so not THAT exciting to look at (needs lowering etc), but might still do it.
saadie
03-30-2007, 05:56 AM
congrats ... thats a nice hop! 8)
MartijnGizmo
03-30-2007, 06:43 AM
Signed, sealed and delivered.
I now own an Evo VIII MR.....
Wow, very nice! Congratulations!
TopGearNL
03-30-2007, 07:55 AM
Signed, sealed and delivered.
I now own an Evo VIII MR.....and WRX hehe.
So I can make a choice in the morning until I sell the WRX.
Pics when I get it next week. :D
Congrats Dingo! :D
silentm
03-30-2007, 02:10 PM
cangratulations :)
dutchmasterflex
03-30-2007, 02:54 PM
You should keep the WRX and put a LSx V8 into it ;)
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=380239&page=10&pp=20
sameerrao
03-30-2007, 06:37 PM
Congrats ... what color is it?
TopGearNL
03-30-2007, 06:51 PM
Im just waiting for the first person to say pics or STFU :mrgreen:
tuffguy
03-30-2007, 08:24 PM
Congrats man. Welcome to the dark side. :mrgreen:
pics or STFU :mrgreen: :lol: :lol:
dingo
03-30-2007, 09:46 PM
I can post pics of it from the online advert but I'd rather wait until I can take some proper pics since his were shit!
Colour? Red of course! (very rare on the MR's) :D
Congrats Dingo! :D
... although I have the feeling that you took the decision to get the Evo MR way before opening this topic :wink:
Yeah I think so too, probably just wanted a reason NOT to get one rather than need convincing to buy one. :)
sentra_dude
03-30-2007, 11:12 PM
Congrats on the new car! I can't wait to see some pics (and vids hopefully :P) of it! 8)
get a factory five cobra. It's not AWD but they're easy to modify as you go and it'll take your current car down in any given event. The price depends on what you opt for (and i don't know what shipping to australia would cost) and how much you obtain/install yourself. Of course a 2 seat roadster isn't as practical for daily driving but it's just a thought.
Find something light and wedge a V8 in it. End of story
dingo
04-02-2007, 05:21 AM
If you read the previous posts then a) that isn't even an option and b) I've already bought the Evo 8 MR.
I don't know much about Cobras but I find it difficult to believe that one could keep up with a well sorted 8 MR around a track.
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