GT/Spec.B/TbSTi - what are the stock differences?

[Manaz]

Hi all,

Currently looking to purchase an MY07 or MY08 Liberty GT Spec.B, but want to be sure I'm looking at the right car - the ones I've driven have felt right, but I want to be sure I'm not shooting for higher than I need, or missing something I'll really want.

I know there were three "GT" variations in these series - the stock GT, the GT Spec.B, and the GT Spec.B Tuned by STi.

What I don't know is exactly what features are on the GT (base), and then what each of the additional packages adds (as stock, not options).

My understanding is that the GT had 17" wheels, Spec.B and TbSTi hve 18"s (TbSTI getting specific ones). Suspect suspension is different across them (Spec.B getting BIlstein) this can be addressed regardless). Were there any differences in the diffs (R180 rear diff I've read in places, but others deny it)? Any differences in the engine itself (tune or hardware)? Was there any difference between the 5AT transmissions across these models (I won't unfortunately, be getting a 6MT)?

Any interior equipment that varied between the models?

Cheers!

[bass_straitener]

Here's some info to get you started.

The transmissions are the same auto.

The STI springs on the TBSTI sit the car 16mm lower but the Bilstein shocks are the same.

The seats have the STI stitching and better side bolsters. The 08 TBSTI seats have alacantra inserts.

There are quite a few little differences between the SpecB and the TBSTI and given their price difference I'd go the TBSTI if the budget allowed.

[bass_straitener]

Here is the O8 TBSTI flyer. Both brochures are somewhere on the site but I couldn't find them quickly.

[Manaz]

Cheers guys!

[mynameisdaniel]

Hmmm the 07 STi flyer says "Black interior roof lining". Mine definitely has a light colour

[Robbks]

The STI springs on the TBSTI sit the car 16mm lower but the Bilstein shocks are the same.

can you confirm that with part #'s
you'd think they would have only removed the springs when tarting up the TB STi's
but instead they replaced the entire shock and spring.

I'd think that pitting stiffer springs on the same shocks would risk making the car bouncy

[WheelieBin]

Hmmm the 07 STi flyer says "Black interior roof lining". Mine definitely has a light colour

So now we find out you've been faking it all this time

[kennysti]

Hi all,

Currently looking to purchase an MY07 or MY08 Liberty GT Spec.B, but want to be sure I'm looking at the right car - the ones I've driven have felt right, but I want to be sure I'm not shooting for higher than I need, or missing something I'll really want.

I know there were three "GT" variations in these series - the stock GT, the GT Spec.B, and the GT Spec.B Tuned by STi.

What I don't know is exactly what features are on the GT (base), and then what each of the additional packages adds (as stock, not options).

My understanding is that the GT had 17" wheels, Spec.B and TbSTi hve 18"s (TbSTI getting specific ones). Suspect suspension is different across them (Spec.B getting BIlstein) this can be addressed regardless). Were there any differences in the diffs (R180 rear diff I've read in places, but others deny it)? Any differences in the engine itself (tune or hardware)? Was there any difference between the 5AT transmissions across these models (I won't unfortunately, be getting a 6MT)?

Any interior equipment that varied between the models?

Cheers!

STi Got Brembos, Enkei wheels, Pink springs, bilstein shocks, Strut brace, STi mufflers, STi Tuned ECU for a boost in power and the front lip. As well as the interior accents. So quite a bit more than the GT Spec B.

[champ]

STi Got Brembos, Enkei wheels, Pink springs, bilstein shocks, Strut brace, STi mufflers, STi Tuned ECU for a boost in power and the front lip. As well as the interior accents. So quite a bit more than the GT Spec B.

Does the GT-B get the STi (manual) shifter too?

[kennysti]

STi Got Brembos, Enkei wheels, Pink springs, bilstein shocks, Strut brace, STi mufflers, STi Tuned ECU for a boost in power and the front lip. As well as the interior accents. So quite a bit more than the GT Spec B.

Does the GT-B get the STi (manual) shifter too?

Not sure about that, my TBSTi is an 07 auto and the didnt get an STi auto shifter knob whereas the 08 did. Manual GT-B that I drove prior to buying my car didnt have any STi bits that I could see on it.

[mynameisdaniel]

07 tbSTi manual doesn't have an STi shift knob if that's what you mean. But I understand it has an STi short shift lever.

[Newbie GT]

The spec B liberty is the way to go if you can find a nice one!!!!!!!

[WheelieBin]

The spec B liberty is the way to go if you can find a nice one!!!!!!!

Do you actually own one yet...? The tbSTi is a much better package, if a) you can justify the $6k - $10k difference you'll see in prices over the Spec.B, and b) if the STi mods are going in the direction you want. I'm replicating some of the STi mods onto my Spec.B, because they were what I wanted and I can do it cheaper than actually paying for an STi.

[kennysti]

The spec B liberty is the way to go if you can find a nice one!!!!!!!

Do you actually own one yet...? The tbSTi is a much better package, if a) you can justify the $6k - $10k difference you'll see in prices over the Spec.B, and b) if the STi mods are going in the direction you want. I'm replicating some of the STi mods onto my Spec.B, because they were what I wanted and I can do it cheaper than actually paying for an STi.

Agreed. If you like the function of the GT Spec B then its not hard to get a tune up to the STi power range (or higher) but the additional stuff it comes with plus the higher resale was a winner for me. The ammount of effort and money to get the brembos, enkeis and all the rest and still be labelled as an "STi Faker" might deter many Though as wheeliebin says, if you can source the parts that you wanted from the STi and dont really care about the ###/300 and the badging then go the Spec B.

I drove a spec B and said nah I dont really want it. Then I drove my STi and fell in love! I know they arent that different but it was enough to spin my opinion around.

[bass_straitener]

The STI springs on the TBSTI sit the car 16mm lower but the Bilstein shocks are the same.

can you confirm that with part #'s
you'd think they would have only removed the springs when tarting up the TB STi's
but instead they replaced the entire shock and spring.

I'd think that pitting stiffer springs on the same shocks would risk making the car bouncy

Whilst I can't confirm that with part numbers Rob, I can confirm I spoke to Vin, when he developed the TBSTI project, who outlined how the cars suspension was changed and it was considered more cost effective to have the entire strut replaced and onsold instead of salvaging the shock. The STI spring and shock unit was delivered as a bolt on unit.

Also confirmed by a chat with Sharpie not so long ago who advised they were the same shock and hence Subaru saw a lot of TBSTI's need shock replacement much earlier in life whilst he was at STI. This was when I was looking at my options recently.

I didn't go as far as part numbers as i was advised the best thing to do is not buy a replacement shock but rebuild the existing Bilstein when the time came with different valving.