I'm about join the WRX crowd and was wondering what a good price would be for a sedan with these options:

No Spoiler
Security System Upgrade
Guage Pack
Armrest Extension

I'm getting conflicting quotes and trying to figure out who is on the up-and-up...

Thanks,
-Chuck

What year?

I'll just assume you are talking about an '04 Sedan....

You should be able to get a stock WRX for invoice easy, under if you shop around. For the extras, go to the Subaru website, find their cost as options, and cut them in half at least and tack that on to invoice and you should have a decent price.

There is also $500 factory to dealer incentive running right now along with the $750 buyer cash or 1.9% financing if i remember correctly. So you could easily get what you have listed for invoice or below.

Some people are reporting getting new '04s with options for 20k, invoice is around 22k.

check this forum at i-club.com

What's a guage? (Sorry. Pet peeve.)

In addition to what Loren said..

I suggest getting your options through http://www.subaruparts.com/. You will save big time.on the security system and arm rest extention. Personally, I'd not get the arm rest extension if you plan on ever getting a short-shifter or like to do aggressive shifting because it might get in the way... sit in both and see what you like.

In the Subaru community, it's generally agreed upon that the OEM gauge pack is junk. I'd save your money and get an aftermarket one. You really don't need those guages until you start modifying your car anyway, and what better time to get some that you can actually read?

Finally, I'd recommend going to www.nasioc.com and seeing the "Regional Forums" and meet people from your area. They are generally very nice. You'll meet people that will work on your car with you and who have a lot of experience. I gotten thousands of dollars in labor done to my car for free from local club members. They've also recommended local dealerships, vendors and shops. Most clubs have weekly meets too so you can see all those cool mods in person.

Oh yeah, welcome to the club.

I'm getting conflicting quotes and trying to figure out who is on the up-and-up...

Are you effectively paying cash? No trade-in and paying with cash or a check from an outside lender?

Ditto to what Brad said on all accounts. Nasioc.com and i-club.com are noisy with repeat questions, but are chock full of info, not to mention scoobymods.com which is a great collection of install how tos and faqs.

I'm going to have to agree with what Brad said about the gauge option. I spent the $600 on them when I got my car, and instantly wished I hadn't. You can get much better aftermarket ones from a variety of sources for much less money. I also agree about leaving off the armrest extension, it just gets in the way. The one option that I am very happy with is the auto-dim mirror.

Doh! I so deserve that because I know better.

Just a note of thanks to Loren, Brad, Matt and the others for the replies. Thanks for all the info! I spent a lot a time reading it over last night and this morning. To top it all off, I received an email today from a saleman who's in touch with reality, so I'll be picking up my new WRX tomorrow evening.

Congrats! You'll love it. What exactly did you end up getting?

I'm going to be taking the new wheel and tire plunge in a couple of weeks for my wagon. If you're into modding at all it's a money pit... watch out! =]

Congrats!! Depending on the weather where you live, you are going to REALLY dig the AWD. I live in Minnesota, and in the snow and on icy roads, AWD is night and day.

I picked up my A4 a few weeks ago. Before I made my decision, I was debating between a new WRX and a used A4. I wanted a 4-door AWD sedan that. I ended up going with the (slower but still fun) Audi because I liked the interior (the little VW niceties help) and the extra options the A4 I found had (heated seats, leather interior, xenon, premium audio).

Let us know how you like the WRX!


PS. If you see me on the street, don't try to race me... until I get an ECU chip installed

I opted for a 2004 Silver WRX Sedan M/T.

I'm about to order 17x7.5 wheels for it now, I'm just trying to decide on tires.

And then I have to do the stereo... I don't even know what speakers will fit in the doors... Any hints?

I have a 1999 S10 that I put a Corvette LT1-V8 into, parked in the garage, so I'm not into modding at all.

-Chuck

I live in Texas, so I don't really think I'll have a problem with snow and icy roads.

And then I have to do the stereo... I don't even know what speakers will fit in the doors... Any hints?

No idea. Best bet is to get a manual for it (Bentley?) or find a Subie message board and ask around. Hmm I guess you could ask the dealer as well...

I have a 1999 S10 that I put a Corvette LT1-V8 into, parked in the garage, so I'm not into modding at all.

Haha, sweet

Enjoy!

What wheels are you getting? Tires... i'm currently deciding between this set: Bridgstone Potenza S-03, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S or PS2. Tough choice.

As for speakers, you can fit 6.5"s up front but the depth is incredibly shallow. You'll probably need spacers. I got mine from this guy.

Get the Bridgestones if you like a solid feel and more control over the breakaway.

Speaking of breakaway, when dropping the clutch in a WRX, do all four tires engage immediately? I understand Subie uses Viscous Coupling AWD and that it can take a few revolutions before all four tires have torque.

Also, when dropping the clutch will the tires bark? All four?

Yeah, everyone seems to LOVE those tires, they're at the top of my list. The big concern with me is noise and ride comfort... my car spends 80% of it's time commuting on the highway. I haven't spent time reading reviews yet.

Don't drop the clutch unless you want to kill your transmission/clutch real quick. There's so many stories of blown clutches and gears on the forums from people dumping at 5k it's scary. From what i've read it's pretty hard to chirp the tires... i've never tried and i wouldn't want to. The transmission isn't known for being the strongest.

Here's a little info on my empeg install... Jim Hogan was a big help on cutting the bezel.

If you had an option to add 30hp to your WRX and get better fuel economy, a "valet" mode to make your car safe for valet parking, an anti-theft kill switch and OBDII code reader for $555, would you get it? Oh yeah, it requires no tools or hardware changes to your car. If so, check this. Mine's on order. It is simply the coolest thing ever for a stock WRX. And if you do change things like exhaust or turbo, you simply tell this handheld device what you've done and "bam" your car is tuned for it. (It's not the same as a custom dyno tune, but that will be an option in a month and you only pay the differance). 100% safe.

Argh... i'm still stuck deciding between Vishnu and an AccessPort. Vishnu is local and their hardware is bombproof, which is why i'm leaning their way despite the cost. I figure by the time i can do it near the end of the summer, they'll have some sort of answer for the accessport... at least a price drop.

I respect Vishnu, and they get points for being local to you (my factor for choosing Godspeed). But Cobb gets points for being "Subaru Only" as well.. FWIW, Vishnu didn't code their reflash, they've licensed it and that's why it's expensive... Both are way far from Detroit, so I went Cobb.

Cobb used to be in Texas I think...

Loren-

have you looked at the Kumho Ecsta MX for tires? I got them last spring and I love them. Great buy for the money. Although I would have liked the S-03's, but for almost $175 per I couldn't justify the expense. The MX's track a bit but the grip is unreal. I can't wait to put my summer wheels back on!

Yeah, i ran Ecstas on my Civic for a while. They were just too loud for me... and i've been hearing the same from other scooby owners. $175 is a farkton of money per tire... more than i've ever spent for sure. But tires are probably one of the most important things to spend the cash on, especially once i really start pushing the car. haha... not that i'm trying to talk myself into them or anything...

They were just too loud for me...

That's what the empeg is for silly.

My new car -- not a Subaru, sorry -- came with Pirelli P-Zeros and the thing that bothers me the most about them is the tracking. Drives me nuts. Every weekday I drive across this piece of road where old lane dividers were gouged out and it pulls my car. Incredibly annoying. Moreso than the noise (which honestly isn't too bad despite the bad reviews over at TireRack), but I'd almost like to trade that tracking and pay with it with more noise.

Add my ditto on the S-03 Pole Positions. They're the only tires I like as well on the street as I do on my local, 1.7-mile road course. YMMV.

'03 WRX

I drive across this piece of road where old lane dividers were gouged out and it pulls my car

Funny you should say that. I was just thinking about that on the way home. They've done that nearly the entire way from the N. side of the Golden Gate through Marin... it drives me nuts on my stockers. I can't wait to get some tires that will really grip and drive me more nuts. You'd think they'd have a better system than cutting a huge groove in the highway.

I went with the BBS RGR, the clean and classic good looks just kept calling my name. I'm still un-decided on the tires...

Thanks for the link to IA, that's dead on what I was looking for!

-Chuck

Oh, great, more money to spend.

I had the windows tinted on the way home from the dealer... I've had this car for about 6 hours and so far I've spent money on window tint, a new set of wheels, and now I've ordered an AccessPort. I need to get new tires and the stuff to install the Empeg. It's not gonna be a money pit, nope, uh-huh, no way.

-Chuck

Hahah... you ordered an Accessport already?! I'm still getting used to the power of the car and i've had it close to 10 months... i'm still not ready to flash it! heheh. I'm going to order some 17" Prodrive P1's in Anthracite color probably with the S03's in a couple of weeks... THEN i'm gonna start thinking about the reflash. I just found another tunder, i-speed, that is really close to my work. I've gotta go drop in and see how they run the shop. Best part is, the owner is an obvious Star Wars nut... his nick is Skywalker and he named his car X-Wing... so maybe he'll wanna check the Ranch out as a trade for a flash. hehehe.

I'm running Yokohama AVS ES 100's. The Ecstas where the tire of choice 2 years ago (price vs performance) in the WRX community, and the Yoko's were last year... who knows what the fashion will be this year. The Yokos are cheap and I love them EXCEPT for the tracking.. I think it just comes with the territory... "traction = tracking".

You already got the AccessPort? ? Wow! I researched it for months, but whatever! hehe, you won't regret it!

Loren, I've heard good things about i-speed. With Cobb being 1/2 the price of everyone else (because of no licensing fees) and having a solid reputation and being a Subaru "only" tuner with years of experience it's hard to beat...

P1's... DROOL! I love the Prodrive PFF7's too...

especially once i really start pushing the car.

Are these tires really low rolling resistance or something, making the car easier to push? How does that work -- your girl friend steers while you push, or do you make her get out of the car and do all the work?

There are probably easier ways to get better mileage.

tanstaafl.

Live on top of a hill.

Ordering the AccessPORT is a no-brainer for me, when I can tune my own maps it will pay for itself.

Those Prodrive wheels are puuurty.

I made the decison to go ahead with the PS2 tires tonight, thanks for pointing me in that direction, they will be perfect for me.

And I would just like to say that you're cheating - pulling the Star Wars card for a tune is wrong... It's exactly what I would do!

I showed me mums the car tonight and she said the new front end design is 'sooooo sexy' ... her words exactly ... I guess that's a good thing ...

It's all your fault that I went for it.

Seriously though, with all the cars & trucks I've owned over the last 15 years, I've learned to use & tune HALTECH / DFI / FELPRO / SPEEDPRO / FAST and a few others along the way - on naturally aspirated / supercharged / and turbo charged setups - I can just feel that this is a nice set up...

BUT, I must voice my first complaint: The shifter linkage is crappage... The T5 in my 84 Mustang was tighter than this thang...

Oh, you'd better order up a Kartboy shortshifter w. bushings while you're at it. Real good price on them and really stiffens things up. My buddy has the STi short shifter and said my Kartboy feels the same (and is a 20 min install).

I love the 04+ WRX's (almost as much as the 01 RS's) in style... I have to admit my 02/03 model years are kinda the red-headed step childs of the Impreza line, I just wish the 04+ line had HUGE fog lights like the rest of us. To me, that was always part of the Impreza heritage..

. I have to admit my 02/03 model years are kinda the red-headed step childs of the Impreza line,

I am pretty sure it is not the effect of cognitive dissonance when I say that I really like the 02/03 much better than the 04. The front end of the new model looks like....a Legacy! I have actually thought about getting a second WRX wagon and if I do it will be a 02/03.

No comment on the whole redhead thing!

Hehe, mine's grown on me, but I wonder if it's just because of the fun to drive factor? Big fog lights would help the 04's a lot though...

Did I really use "childs" ? ? Must have been late.

That "red headed step children" line kinda bugs me too cuz there is probably a person or two that is offended by it and I wouldn't blame them. But "black sheep" doesn't really fit either... hmph.

Although I have test driven various turbo and WRX models, none feel as good to me as the last of the pre- bug-eye ones for zippiness and cornering. The Impreza III is pretty good, but soooo much heavier then the '00 model so although there is more power it still feels more sluggish when cornering hard or zipping through chicanes.

And of course it's not a proper Scooby without the big foglights!

Save the money.. buy a 1992 eclipse gsx... with a john sheppart tranny... turbo/fuel upgrade... dsmlink... suspension upgrades.. new rims/tires... rebuild the engine with stronger compenents... you'll be way under 20k and have a really fun car.

Thats my opinion anyways ... only because i've fallen inlove with my dsm.

-Greg

you'd better order up a Kartboy shortshifter w. bushings

DEFINITELY get these. I put the short shifter on a week after i got the car... amazing improvement. I JUST put the bushings on about 3 weeks ago and i'm pissed i waited so long. It's a 10 minute job and a 100% improvement in shifter feel. It just clicks SO much better now. The pair is the best $130 you'll spend.

I ordered them last weekend on Brad's advice and can't wait to to install them! I'm doing the Empeg install tomorrow. I don't know how anyone lives with the 6-disc changer in the dash, I SOOOO miss the Empeg.

Also, I want to thank you for pointing me towards the PS2's. They are nice (AKA bad arse) and don't track like the stockers.

I cant't wait for the AccessPort! My PDE up-pipe will be here this week... Then I think I will be going with the Cobb TBE, but I can't stand the 'ricer' sound, so I'm still looking at maybe Billy Boat Exhaust...

FYI: If you want a leather interior, check out James/ATD at ClubWRX.net...

-Chuck

Maybe you can get yourself one o' them Bubb Rubb whistles.

WOO WOO!!

I have the Prodrive axel back, which many people say is the best sounding exhaust there is.. it's not 3", but I love the way it sounds. I'm sure if you goto a meet, someone will have one you can check out. We're lucky, because of our boxer engines, we're not the typical "ricer" sound.

btw, congrats on all the new toys!

You already got the AccessPort?

I went for an oil change first thing this AM -- figured I could sneak it in before work. Rats. I show up at 7:30, but they're short 1 quart of Mobil 1. So, I'll need to wait until 8:00 for the auto parts place across the parking lot to open.

So I'm bored. I say "So what else you got?" And the guy says "Well, we got one AccessPort left."

Expensive oil change.

Very cool! What are your thoughts on it? I forgot vendors got their hands on these..

Gees man... slowdown! heheh. You're going to be up to Stage4 by the end of the year!

What are your thoughts on it? I forgot vendors got their hands on these..

Yep, the great indie Subaru shop I go to (Smart Service) is a Cobb dealer/installer and got two. Or so they told me when I dropped by to schedule my oil change. A week later they had just the one left....I thought about the back-order situation...I pulled out my Visa card! (Hey, I need the FF miles!)

Thoughts so far? Very good. Driveability? No downside. Gas mileage? No data yet. Torque? Modest increase at lower RPM -- a good thing -- lugs somehat less at low RPM and 3rd gear more useful and might be able to resist downshifts in some twisties (I feel like I have spent 90 percent of some TSD rallies in 2nd gear -- worry about wearing 2nd out! -- so maybe a small change there). Power definitely seems to open up at higher RPM. I think I can detect the front end lifting more when I goose it and the rev limiter, well, it seems to have disappeared ( or at least Stage 1 put it somewhere I don't want to go!) Anyhow, overall it seems like a pleasant, substantial upgrade achived at no expense other than $$$!

You're going to be up to Stage4 by the end of the year!

Ha! It is a paradox that a thin wallet exerts more drag. Maybe I'll be at Stage Two in a year when the OE muffler gets rusty!

I will admit that I *do* have some notion of indulging myself on the automotive front...find another WRX wagon used and make one "street" and then put a roll cage and all the other bits in #2. One of our compatriots has such a pair of BMW 325 iX and it is giving me ideas!

And the guy says "Well, we got one AccessPort left."


I am reluctant to expose my ignorance here, I was hoping I would read followup posts and figure it out for myself, but no such luck.

Not being a Subaru enthusiast, I have no idea what an AccessPort is. Would someone care to elaborate?

tanstaafl.

Would someone care to elaborate?

WRX-specific, easy-to-use, well-thought-out, DIY ECU remapper/reprogrammer. Plugs into OBD. Additional maps can be downloaded and then loaded on to the AccessPort from a PC.

Link here

I'm upset - there seems to be no equivalent for the '00 UK spec Impreza turbo...not that I have any mods yet, but it would have been nice to dream.

On a happier note - got links to my install pics in my new Scooby over in the installs forum, along with some other pics too. Still a teeny amount of alternator whine, but it's getting there.

And the taxi driver I had last night on my way home from a business dinner offered me a decent 10" subwoofer at a sensible price, so I'm going along to have a look this weekend. He seems like a top bloke - has a modded 3 litre Subra and well into track days up at Knockhill. It's all coming together - although I might need to replace the stock speakers and I gather I will need to choose carefully to ensure a proper fit.

Anyhow I won't do much for a bit - got the London Marathon on the 18th so preparing for that now. Keep an eye out for me - number 33869! Wish me luck, or better yet, click on the link below and sponsor me - Yay!

I suggest you email Cobb... they are spinning off AccessPort as its own company to support many types of cars, but Cobb is Subaru only... I bet they'd be able to give you some kind words, they are very responsive to email.

I just got email notification from Cobb today! After months of waiting, mine is shipping!

Saweeet. Just got my Prodrive P1's put on with some half used Pilot Sports that should last me the summer. My black stealth wagon is looking better all the time. Gotta get a pic later. Love it!

My black stealth wagon is looking better all the time

And just how would one be stealthy with Prodrive wheels and Pilot Sports?

I think you've blown your cover sir.

Stealthy as in BLACK! hehehe. The P1's are anthracite color. Definitely not sleeper.

Did you de-badge for full stealth effect?

Actually, i think i'm going to just black the lettering out... or tint it. I dunno. Not sure i wanna debadge for resale reasons. Putting them back on straignt ain't easy.

Did you de-badge for full stealth effect?

Full stealth effect:

- sandblast all chrome trim
- sandblast wheels
- apply flat-black primer to body, trim and wheels
- install rear license plate light cut-out switch
- don black Levis and black T-shirt
- roll Luckies up in sleeve of T-shirt
- don black leather jacket and pointy black rat boots
- drop by buddy's garage and drop in rat motor
- slick back hair
- pull bulb from dome light
- jack up rear end
- put on sunglasses at sundown
- tilt back driver's seat

Full stealth mode complete.

I think you forgot "throw cigarette lighter out window".

...when you press the black button, a black light lights up black to tell you you've done it...

Okay, where are these quotes from ??

Mine's from "The Blues Brothers", Tony's is from "The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy" (now I know why people type "H2G2"), specifically from the Disaster Area rock band segment.

I finally got a chance to install the Kartboy stuff this weekend. It made a world of difference. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction on that one!

-Chuck

Yeah, gotta love that new shifter feeling. I wish i could sit in a stock WRX once every couple of weeks and pull the shifter to remind myself how bad it was.

Got my new rims on.... now i just have to wait for the new Prodrive Springs to be released to kill that wheel gap.:

Dude, that photo is so cool because the blurred background makes it look like it's the focal depth of a little plastic model. Was that a deliberate hand-blurring of the background, or was that just a strange aperture setting on the camera?

I love the short depth of field. Looks really cool, like it's from another world.

Looking more closely, you can tell it's hand-blurring rather than an extreme depth-of-field thing. Still, at first glance, I keep expecting to see Loren's giant hand at the top of the frame reaching down to push the car while he makes vroom-vroom noises.

Haha, everyone says that about the toy look. I just quickly masked it off and did a gauss blur with a gradient layer mask. It's a hack job. =] You can tell if you look under the roof rack cross bars... i didn't even cut those out in the mask.

Schweeet! Congrats on the wheels, though not real stealthy...

I'm not going for sleeper... i mean stealth as in black as a stealth jet! =]
... and thanks!

Just ordered my AccessPort... now to wait. I think the queue is up to 10 weeks. Blah.

Way to go man! You'll love it!

I installed my VF30 just a few weeks ago and had no down time because a new map was a few button clicks away.

As Brad said, you'll love it. I helped you get one spot closer when I cancelled my AccessPort order about a month ago. I sold my WRX, so I no longer needed it...

But I picked up a STI before I sold the WRX.

And my AccessPort for it should be here tomorrow.

Yay!!

But I picked up a STI before I sold the WRX.
And my AccessPort for it should be here tomorrow.

Bastard!

Damn, how'd you get the STi AccessPort so quick... i thought they weren't even shipping them yet. I just got the email saying they'd take a 50% deposit... funny how they don't mention anything of that on the site... in fact it says in bold face type when you order that they don't charge until they ship.

Damn, how'd you get the STi AccessPort so quick... i thought they weren't even shipping them yet.

Cobb shipped the first batch to dealers Monday morning and I was lucky enough to be on the pre-order list. Now I have to wait on the downipe for my stealth STI...

From the Cobb website:

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, WE WILL CONTINUE TO CHARGE A 50% DEPOSIT WHEN PLACING YOUR ORDER FOR THE FULL LICENSE VERSION AND CHARGING THE FULL AMOUNT FOR UPGRADE USERS.

I swear that wasn't there when i ordered.... hrm. what page is that on.

I swear that wasn't there when i ordered.... hrm. what page is that on.

It's here: http://cobbtuning.com/wrx/accessport.html, at the bottom of the page.

Mine was waiting on me when I got home today. It's a nicely made piece and flashed the ECU without a hitch. It's worth the wait.

It's going to hard time waiting for the Tuner version... And the downpipe... And and and...

Props to Brad for bringing it to my attention a few months back.

Yay!!

Thank you sir. It's a blast to drive.

I installed my VF30 just a few weeks ago and had no down time because a new map was a few button clicks away.

I'm just curious, what made you go with the VF30 over the VF34? How does the daily driveablity feel with the VF30 on the 2 liter? I'm doing the research now for turbo upgrades and not sure which direction I want to head.

The VF30 and the VF34 are the same turbo in most respects except the 34 has better bearings in it, so it kicks in a few hundrew RPM sooner. The peak hp is the same however. I've heard rumors that the 34s had some reliability issues, but I don't know if there is any truth to this. I went with the 30 because it was cheaper and I was able to pick one up used with some STi injectors for a great price.

Many tuners including TurboXS say the VF30/34 is the best "street turbo" because it gives a good horse power gain without causing too much turbo lag. There are bigger turbos that will work better numbers on the dyno, but you'll rarely get to use all that power. I think the VF34 was the turbo used on the 2.0L STis (the 2 litre STi never was sold in the US) as well, so even Subaru thought it was a good match for the size of the engine.

Cobb, Vishnu, TurboXS. They all offer VF30 upgrade paths, so their is a lot of info out there. I love mine. I don't feel I'm stressing my engine and it was very easy to get used to the new power curve. It pulls like a freight train now!

Sweeet. I'll have an Accessport sooner than expected. Found a guy selling one on the NASIOC boards so i should have it in under a week! No more waiting! I was dreading the 10 week backlog... phew.

Now ... should i cancel that order with Cobb and sell it when i get it.... or ebay this unit and make a quick buck.... heheh.

Welp, just flashed with the AccessPort and i'm pretty impressed. The car drives WAY smoother... even my 1st to 2nd shifts feel better... and the responsiveness to the throttle is pretty impressive. Don't know if it feels like it has much more power overall, but it definitely delivers on the smoothness and increase in torque.

I see you couldn't wait and snagged one somewhere else.

Yeap. Saw a guy selling it for less than it would cost from Cobb with a 10+ week wait, so i did it. Now i just hope Cobb will cancel my order. Heheh.

Must... resist... turboback....

you should let me borrow it first.

Must... resist... turboback....

Must...pay off....Visa.....

I worked this year's No Alibi rally over the weekend. The first long trip I have taken since buying the AccessPort. It confirmed that it is probably the best $600 I have ever spent. Third gear now a lot more useful...able to power through more gravel sweepers without downshifting...and a more free-breathing "Let's pass the semi" experience. A great product.

In a side note I will say that working a rally can be more fun than competing. As I drove across a plateau on East Oliphant road in Asotin county, I looked down at the route book and said "Whoa, those poor bastards (competitors!) have to drive 42 MPH here?". I have to say it is a great thing to live in such a big corner of this country. Huge views, empty roads.

Loren, you should drive north and get your car dirty

Oh, and I have concluded that the new Conti Extreme Contacts are 6.35% better than the OE RE-92s on gravel. I gotta put some real gravel tires on my Visa card!

Oh, and some Winter Alcan reportage in the July Road and Track and Automobile. Look real hard on page 78 in Automobile and you'll see our silver wagon parked next to Pete Soper's black wagon (the one with the big chunks missing out of the front spoiler).

Mine drove twice as good after a week of learning. Mine had a "few" mods to learn around though... either way, the best is yet to come for your AccessPort experience!

Jim... damn. I really wanna get into rally driving. I can't imagine how amazing sliding around dirt and gravel must be. I wish i new some locals who were into it. Budget and hobby free time are constraints right now too... hopefully over the next year or so i'll slip out of one thing and into dirt driving. As it is my weekends are booked til the end of the year. Damn that's depressing! heh.

Brad... yeah, I'll probably do the Vishnu Reset over lunch and see if that accelerates the learning any. I'm bone stock as far as engine mods go so there's not much to learn around at this point. So far the overall smoothing out of the overall driving experience is way more impressive than the power. I really didn't expect it to make shifting that much smoother.

New maps are out. There are also California specific ones for the gas you get.

Quote:
New maps are out. There are also California specific ones for the gas you get.

Oh, cool.

/jim going off to look for 94 octane map for that Chevron station in Cache Creek, BC!

Sweet! Thanks for the heads up! Downloadin' now...

Installed the new Stg1 map today at a gas station on the way to work. Wow man. It's amazing how much little tweaks can really make a difference in the overall feel of the car. It feels like it pulls even more now, with a little sacrifice in the smoothness when letting off throttle. Good stuff. I'm not sure if i'm going to run the CA gas map... been reading weird stuff about it on the message boards. I haven't been getting any pinging with the Stg1 maps in the past so i don't think i need it. Apparently they just added a little more headroom for safety in the CA maps. Anyhow, thanks for the heads up! They need a mailing list for new map releases.

Really makes you think twice about picking the right tuner for a custom tune doesn't it? Sure, anyone can hit certain targets, but to do it properly and have the engine run smooth takes experience.

Sorry for the bump, but this doesn't deserve its own thread...

I'm looking for a USDM WRX 5spd manual tranny from a 2002-2003 car. If any of you 'rex guys know someone that has that lying around for some reason, let them know. I also made a post in the WTB section of NASIOC.

Thanks.

You should run a search on the for sale forums on NASIOC and Iclub every day and i bet you'll find one pretty quick.