DR Motosport

Didn't realise at the time, but I was lucky enough to see these monsters in the mid 80's when we used to follow the RAC all over the country. Group B was banned due to the above accident in Portugal when 3 spectators were killed and 13 injured. Also on the following rally one of the best drivers and his co-driver were killed in a fireball accident. At this point both Audi and Ford withdrew from rallying and Group B was banned from the end of the '86 season. I've got loads of videos and DVD's from that era, and I'm sure it was Malcolm Wilson in the Metro 6R4 that came into service, the mechanics opened up the engine compartment (tailgate) and some fingers fell out, from an overenthusiastic spectator trying to touch the cars as they went past. In another one the 550bhp Audi S1 could accelerate from 50mph to 75mph in just over 1 second. It also shows the same car pulling wheelies accelerating out of corners. Modern WRC cars are indeed faster over a given stage due to far better tyres and electronics. I've been lucky enough to have driven a 2001 WRC Subaru S7 a few years back, but a shot of an S1 would be even better. Anybody got one? David

First time it actually failed the MOT as it wasn't warm enough, so it was taken for a hard drive to heat it up, then it scrapped through. Probably better to speak to AndyF about the advanages of an STi 8 intercooler, but if you've got the budget to do it, I'd say yes. Standard intercoolers are supposed to be good for about 330bhp, and the STi 8 ones for about 380bhp. It's all about cooler temps and safety margins I suppose. David

A friend of mine has a 2002 WRX, it's got a Mongoose exhaust system, H&S cat downpipe and up-pipe. STI 8 Intercooler and K&N panel filter. He got an Ecutek remap from Andy F, and got 285bhp and similar torque. His next step on Andy's advice is a modded TD04 and mapped again. 320bhp was quoted. Probably what your looking for. David Meant to add he took it for it's MOT last week, and it just scrapped through the emissions.

Last year I was given a 1.8 GL Impreza FOC, still 4wd but with 240,000 miles on it. Hence the FOC. Used it last winter as it was taxed and Mot'd til March. So on the snowy and icy days, it was still great fun, but with that don't give a damn attitude if it gets bashed. We even had a Sunday morning in a carpark in March with some friends having a best donuts competition - or first to blow the engine competition. It didn't blow. So have a look in Autotrader, some of those old GL's and Sports only go for a few hundred pounds now. David

Gav, I didn't think JohnS organised SIDC Track days back in 1996, I'm sure John started when he has his Terzo and that was '98. Was that maybe a hot hatch day - when they were still sensible with decent cars and not banger racing as it is now. First went to Crail with Grant in '97, he bought his Catalunya the same time as I got my new UK Turbo. Your right Dougie, only done 2 track days this year. That's because the JDM STi has been retired after 4years of track days to a more sedate life - maybe. Can't complain though it's done bloody good, never missed a beat and I can't think of a single Subaru in all that time that's been quicker. But I won't be retiring, got a Type Ra now purely for track days. A totally stripped out diet, AP 6 pots, GAB/HKS Coilovers, and a fair bit more power. David

Since the start almost, got the mags from the 1st issue. And been doing the track days with John S since 1998 I think. John, Myself and Tut are the originals from Knockhill. Seen plenty of faces come and go since then. David

Make that 3 Dipsy - the first one in Scotland. Can't believe I've had it for 4 years now, but still haven't seen anything I'd change it for. MY02 JDM STi also MY94 WRX Ra That keeps the list balanced, 1 off each. David

The top section of the grill would need to be cut away to get that to fit. Got any pictures with the bonnet open. I'll need to try that tomorrow. David

The top section of the grill would need to be cut away to get that to fit. Got any pictures with the bonnet open. David

No, it won't fit, the newer grills will only fit 1997-2000 models. It's the bonnet line that causes the problem. David

Those lights are by by an Italian company called Orciari. They are not Morette's There was 2 types of wiring loom available for them (WRX or STi) as the 2 looms are different. www.orciari.it David

Had my tints done by Magma nearly 4 years ago when it was new. And they're still perfect, no marks, scuffs or scratches. Having a JDM STi,only needed the front sides done, and went for a slightly lighter tint than the darker rears. David

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I've heard both sides of this story from both concerned and it's a very old story from a long time ago, and like any disagreement both versions are very different to each others. Best left long forgotten, bringing it up again won't change their opinions. David

Been to Cyprus a couple of times for the rally, and for spectating it's great. Easy to get to 3-4 stages per day, as the roads are quiet and spectator number pretty low and that's before you mention the great weather. Try that in Wales. Shame it's been dropped now. David

Colin destroyed the diff on the Mk11 Escort testing it before the rally. So used a Mk1 instead, the engine blew on the first stage. David

Colin, Thought I saw you on the first stage just down from us, and from your 2nd picture of Barry Johnstone I was right. Don't know if you know Jamie Miller (working the TV camera in the background of the same picture). He's a fellow Subaru owner, and was telling me that the BBC have done a deal to show the Scottish Rally Championship, starting in October. He's going to mail me the times/dates when he knows more, and I'll post them on this site. David

Is the above spoiler the one with the brake light in the top wing rather than the bottom as per the STi ones. David

evil.soup, Those holes are there for access to the bolts that join the top and bottom sections of the spoiler. However on our STi 8 rear spoiler we now supply flush fitting grommets to cover the holes. We Don't use the same spoiler supplier, and our spoilers have 4 off 1" holes, so we use 1" grommets. If the holes on yours are also 1" send me a PM and I'll post some to you. David

The last 3 letters of Colins 22B were YOX, so near enough. David

If it's a fibreglass based spoiler, 3-4 days should be normal, that's from rubbing it down for prep'ing to it's in the box for shipping. You can't oven bake fibreglass so natural drying is required during the priming, base coating and lacquering. Then it has to be dry obviously for polishing. There are a few tricks of the trade to quicken things up slightly, but that depends on how you schedule the paint shop. A plastic part, like a bumper can be done in a morning, because it can be baked. David

Been running Toyo T1-R for the last 4 months and been really disappointed in them. Good in the wet, but felt too soft in the dry - maybe something to do with the hot summer recently, but maybe not. Previous F1's I had were better in both wet and dry conditions, and given the prices are similar I wouldn't use Toyo's again. I've recently driven a STi with Michelin Pilot Sport 2's and without a doubt these are very good, better than the F1's, but they are a good bit more expensive too, I'll still be trying them next though. David

Leaving about 1pm on the Friday, think there's about 10 of us in 3 Scoobs meeting up. We're staying in Berwick for the weekend. My mate Gavin's sister is the manager of the big caravan park in Berwick, so she gives us a couple of statics for the weekend. It's only about 10 miles from Duns, so pretty good. Also the evening entertainment at the park is good for a laugh, beer is cheap and it's a short stagger back to the caravan. Only problem is they all look the bloody same. David

Everyone should get down to Duns to see the Irish guys with the latest WRC machines. We went to Ireland last weekend for the Donegal Rally, about 30 WRC cars took part, and an entry list to embarass the full World Championship................Andrew Nesbit. WRC Mitsibushi. Outstanding. The BRC has went soft with just Group N stuff, but worth watching the top ones too. Don't bother with marshalling. I've done my share of that years ago, and it ties you up too much. But do get the supporters pack, or if your really clever get a media pass. Media Accredation from Pirelli is best ;-) David

There's a Gavin Thomson from Wishaw who owns my old Impreza, and he usually goes to Knockhill with us. He's done a few of the track days too. David