Member Profile - Ben
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 3:38 pm
Almost clean
new rotors/pads
Front lip/grill/very dirty car
I bought this car 2nd hand off a guy who'd had it since new last November. It had done 46k and mostly highway K's. After taking ownership I got it serviced by Serge and after a reflash it was quite a bit faster and runs a lot harder than before. He obviously didn't drive quick enough.
Stage One Mods:
First mod was to get rid of the badges on the boot and balance it up a little, so out came the dental floss and after some trial and error and a little cut and polish, it's looking nice and shiny. A few minor scratches, but live and learn.
Second mod was the HKS panel filter and this made a big difference to the car. Not just the induction sound but also the car is a touch more responsive. Well worth the $80 or so dollars. Second best mod so far.
Third mod was the front lip, the old owner smashed his off and never replaced it, so I was driving a psudeo GT around and the ultrex lip sets the cars lines off nicely. Quite happy with it.
Fourth Mod was the front grill from Ultrex, it's not the right grill and I only just put it on really and it's not sitting flush at all as you might be able to see. I'll have to email Rob and see what we can do about this when I get a moment.
Fifth Mod was type M dixcel brake pads on the front.
Sixth Mod was DBA slotted rotors on the front. Car handles nicely in the mountains now and is a marked improvement on the old warped rotors but the feel isn't quite as good and I'm experiencing a few issues with the front left to be fixed next service (soon).
Seventh Mod was lower control arm bushes. This was the best mod so far as the old one's were bushed (haha) and Subaru really need to put better one's in the first place. The car is now nice and tight handling and it's honestly transformed the entire car. Bumps are now a lot louder and I've had passengers notice the difference, but the way it corners now is so worth any downside, it's precise and markedly better. Best mod so far.
*8th mod was the front bump stop removal, tracks nicely over bumps now, smoother ride
*9th mod was rear brake pads, stops so nicely now combined with front pads, really grippy pads now they have worn in I only need to give it a touch of pedal and they pull up really well. Really good when approaching a corner a tad too hot, tiny poke and it really slows up quick. Good mod!
*10th mod was the front and rear sway bars and heavy duty mounts, changed the car, brilliant mod for all the reasons you read about. You can now throw the car in with predictable accuracy and nice effect on the understeer. Definitely less warning before it lets go (snap), but so much more grip due to lack of body roll. NVH increased and you do feel all the bumps, but it's not too bad. Excellent mod!
Verdict:
I've been really impressed with this car, especially coming from a shitty old cars. I've been made to learn how to drive the hard way, bombs first
I don't want a WRX, I don't want a BMW and this car is a nice middle ground. The performance for an auto has been surprising. If the road allows you to give it a nice wind out it goes well. I hear people saying the auto overrevs, but when you get onto the gas, perfect changes, it really goes really well. I just want a nice fast everyday cruiser with the option of going silly when the time is right. I like driving a lot so this car suits well!
I really like the 2.0L it really pulls nicely above 3.5k revs and you can certainly scream along if you get the changes right. I drive it in semi-auto all the time and best auto I've owned. Sorry manual guys, I'm lazy and I'm sure I'll be wanting a manual after I start tracking it. This car is a cruiser more than a racer (for now)!
I've already racked up about 12k in her and have loved every second. Shame we don't have more areas to open her out. Also Qld roads *rolls eyes* NOTHING like NSW
Time for track at some stage and slowly keep upgrading things as need be. I want to keep it stock on the outside and just modify the driving. I like driving more than looks
, i did snap a few of the old plugs that hold it on cause there were to tight but i soon got some replacements and they work much better.. plus they are screw type ones also.
I've wanted a kermit green car since I was a kid, speaks volumes about maturity I suppose! My project car will be green then no doubt, just for you Tony. Oh and maybe you shouldn't mention Serge in the forum if you want your car worked on, I was sure to tell him you sent me, haha. I do thank you too for that! ;D
