Wrx Or Ra ?

[scoobnoob]

Hi all, I’m in a bit of a dilemma, and thought you might be able to help me make my mind up

I’ve currently got a 95WRX import, which I bought a year ago from my mate, and

since then I’ve spent nearly 2k on getting the engine up to scratch. This includes changing the timing belt, ECU, Co2 sensor, a full system exhaust up pipe and down pipe included, up rated intercooler, fuel pressure regulator. So the things pulling really well now

I’m preparing it for track days at knockhill, so the next thing I’m looking at is AP callipers, up rated suspension, and a remap.

But I’ve hit a bit of a problem, in the form of an RA, which a friend of mine is thinking about selling. I cant decided whether to continue with the WRX project or sell it and get the RA?

It’s a 96 sti RA, with an Andy Forrest remap, adjustable suspension, apexi control unit, full system exhaust, brembo front callipers, 18” prodrive alloys (I think), carbon fibre bonnet. Basically track ready

My main concerns with the swap are:-

The gearing, as I stay in Kilmarnock, it might be a bit of a nightmare driving the RA all the way to Knockhill

Will the top speed of the RA be high enough for the long straight

Is it worth selling the WRX after spending all that dosh to get the engine mechanically sound

Any input will be greatly appreciated, as I’m really struggling to make my mind up?

Cheers

[st3ph3n]

I don't think you'll have any problems witht he gearing round Knockhill.

It will sit a bit high up the revs on the motorway, but it's a small price to pay for a great car I'd say.

[micra_wrc]

I have a RA, have taken it round Knockhill and say...

The gearing, as I stay in Kilmarnock, it might be a bit of a nightmare driving the RA all the way to Knockhill

not a problem, you get used to it.

Will the top speed of the RA be high enough for the long straight

Yes.

Is it worth selling the WRX after spending all that dosh to get the engine mechanically sound

Yes - you're moving on to a RA... a lighter, nimbler, torquer (sp?) car... its worth it.

sounds like the one that you're looking at has all the toys... go for it

[thewelsho]

RA: Ligher, shorter gear ratios has more "track ready" bits than your current car, especially the uprated suspension, the RA is also a year newer. You won't reach top speed on the straights at KH, so the gearing will be fine.

[paulc555]

RA is the way............................................

[strapper]

This car you are looking at sounds exactly like the one I've bought, infact it sounds 100% the same.

[sti pretender]

If you take the price of your WRX with money spent to date then add the cost of what you want to do, then compare the price of the RA and deduct a sensible figure you would sell your car for. More than likely you will be better of getting the RA. Add the fact the RA is a better car.

You know it makes sense.

[scoobnoob]

well looks like the jury is out on this one, I was kind of hoping that you would convice me that I'd be better keeping the WRX, so as to save me the bother of selling it!

but u's are right, it'll be worth it in the long run

cheers for the help guys

p.s anyone got an idea how much I should be looking for my WRX, I was kind of thinking £3500 there abouts?

Edited August 5, 2008 by scoobnoob

[strapper]

I test drove my new 96 sti ra last week and I love it!

[Linky]

RA ...answer is obvious ....But things to be considered....what condition is the RA in?. It's all very well saying its the better car and a year newer, but if its a dog then it may cost you more in the long run.

If the car is good and has been well looked after then it is a consideration for what you seem to want it for.

Cheers

Colin

[micra_wrc]

well looks like the jury is out on this one, I was kind of hoping that you would convice me that I'd be better keeping the WRX, ...

ha!

with this lot?!

nae chance

we work to the motto "if its broken then upgrade it"

[johnnyr6]

I may say keep the wrx.... If you use your car mainly as a road car (doing decent miles) and it's your only car then, the wrx will be easier to live with. You also know it's running sweet now.

But, if you want the best car for track use and are prepared to sacrifice the extra comfort the ra is what you want.

Why don't you take the ra for a spin and all will become clear my son....

Johnny

Imy... why wait till it's broken??

Edited August 5, 2008 by JohnnyR6

[Kit]

I've got an RA, it's a different driving experiance.

[RA Dunk]

ive already made the transition from a uk turbo to a RA and have never looked back,,,,,,,, DO IT!!

[~ ~ Cal ~~]

Folks,

I am getting baffled by all of the classics specs.......

Which classics have DCCD ? Some STi's ??? but not all ?? .......and every RA presumably has DCCD ( which the exception of some WRX RA's ( i.e non-STi)

Also, those of you with imports running them as second cars. What kinda insurance are you paying and is it on limited mileage ?

Thanks

Cal

Edited September 7, 2008 by ~ ~ Cal ~~

[paul555sti]

Cal i cant help with the dccd bit but my insurance on the 555 running 300/300 is down to 350 quid. The mileage is limited to 3000 miles.

[colin_ross]

Folks,

I am getting baffled by all of the classics specs.......

Which classics have DCCD ? Some STi's ??? but not all ?? .......and every RA presumably has DCCD ( which the exception of some WRX RA's ( i.e non-STi)

Also, those of you with imports running them as second cars. What kinda insurance are you paying and is it on limited mileage ?

Thanks

Cal

Cal,

dccd can be found in sti ra's and type r's only.

Insurance on my car is based on 5k miles a year and was just under £500 last year, an old fart like you should have no problems.

Ping me if you have any specific classic questions. I'll convert you to old skool kule in no time.

As for the OP's question.......

the ra is noticeably rawer and will feel really different at least for a few weeks. It will sit at higher revs on the mototrway and while you will get used to it it will encourage you to take the scenic route more often and use the car as it was intended. The gearing is ideal for a short twisty track like knockhill and dccd will provide you with as much oversteer out of the hairpin as your talent will allow.

Don't think of it as a better car than the wrx, just as one that's designed to do different things.

[arch]

Closer ratio's result in more gear changes which is not always ideal!

[sti pretender]

Running the Type R as a second car, Mirror Policy from KM not limited mileage and I'm 450 with mods declared.

[Kit]

Running the Type R as a second car, Mirror Policy from KM not limited mileage and I'm 450 with mods declared.

A Type R isnt the same car as a Type Ra, slightly different set up.

[gus the bus]

RA is the way............................................

SO much fun on the twisties and a totally different driving experience with the RA gearbox ratio.

I gave Mrs Bus a shot of my RA for the first time on Saturday when we did a wee run through the borders. Now she is hooked!!!!

Cal I'm running a limited mileage policy 6k pa but being an oldy my insurance is a mere £268 pa with ALL mods declared including some i've still to fit

Edited September 8, 2008 by Gus the Bus

[~ ~ Cal ~~]

Cheers folks - I guess having never had an STi before that any rapid classic will do................however, this time I want something with 320bhp+ and as a "raw as botulism". My budget is circa £3000 - £3500 so I am torn whether to import one myself or buy one that's already in the UK. Cannot belive the prices that the likes of Dicksons charge. An absolute joke if you ask me !

There are so many "dogs" out there it's untrue ! Guess I'll need help in sourcing one ( likely via Wuz)

Insurance wise I am looking to pay less than £300 otherwise it's a pretty expensive "toy" to run.

Quite fancy Pedals chariot though but cannot buy just yet ( we'll actually I can but there's this thing called a wife getting in the way !)

Superstar - got your PM : cheers. Can you ount me so more details ?

[DR Motosport]

Both your WRX and the STi ra aren't exactly what you'd call standard. Add into that AP brakes and coilover suspension, and your well away from comparing standard cars.

So it comes down to the mods that have been done, and how well they've been done.

The only common aspect that's left to compare is weight; an STi ra will be 40kg lighter than the WRX.

And gearing; and at Knockhill what suits best again depends on the power and delivery from the engine.

My WRX ra track car is fitted with an STi ra gearbox, but it's not perfect, the WRX ra gearbox is slightly shorter again, and I feel that would be better. I just need the time to change some seals in it and put it back together again.

You can read a full write up about this car here,

http://www.drmotorsport.co.uk/Our%20Cars%2...%20WRX%20ra.htm

And the best bit, it's all cost a lot less than £5k.

David

[RA Dunk]

dccd will provide you with as much oversteer out of the hairpin as your talent will allow.

wet track, and an open diff leads to much fun at hairpins

and the proof of the pudding

Edited September 8, 2008 by Ac!D

[~ ~ Cal ~~]

David / Arch - how do you find the RA without DCCD ?? - does it still float your boat or do you hanker for it at times................

Also, I had no idea that the WRX RA gearing was shorter than the STi RA gearing - you learn something new everyday

I am looking at this http://bbs.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-general...tml#post8162895 but wonder if I'd hanker for DCCD or the STi suspension etc

Incidentally I would never pay what he is asking for the car......£7k is a joke

CGS