johnmacdonald

Following various recommendations, I've used Millers CFS 10w-60 full synthetic competition oil for the past couple of years.

I bought mine on eBay from performance_creations five years ago and they are still going strong! They still supply at a very reasonable cost - worth a look. John

Hi there and welcome to the club. I assume you are running a Scooby. Details please?!! John

As Don said, no doubt it has the Prodrive Performance Pack and I guess you are talking about a 2.5 hawkeye, increasing bhp to 266 @ 5,700 rpm, and torque to a very useful 310 lbft @ 3,000 rpm. The kit includes a recalibrated ECU, high flow intercooler hose and stainless steel sports silencers. Prodrive figures suggest 0-60 in 5.3 secs and 0-100 in 14.0. They recommend running on super unleaded fuel and going for 18 wheels. A decent replacement panel filter and either a straight through rear centre section (with or without and integrated sports silencer) gives a few more bhp and a better sound. In my opinion, upgraded front discs/pads are a sound idea! John

For the past 5 years, I have stuck to P Zero Neros on my WRX PPP and soon to buy third full set from www.allnewtyres.co.uk. Great prices and very fast delivery. I just can't fault the P Zeros. Recently bought four new Falken 452s from them for my Accord 2.4 iVtec at fantastic price and had fitted locally for £40.00...

On previous STi Type UK and current WRX hawk, have had Prodrive spring kit fitted. Only lowers by 25mm but transformed handling of the WRX - no bounce and much sharper all round!

Welcome back to the addictive Scooby ownership!

Welcome back to Subaru ownership. Have owned 5 Imprezas since 1997 - can't imagine being without one! Must like them I suppose... John

Over the years and on different Imprezas, I have stuck with the standard air box. Have fitted K&N, Green cotton, but most pleased with Pipercross Vortex cleanable foam panel filter which has been on the WRX PPP for five years.

Current WRX owned for 5 years 5 months. Otherwise, continuous Imprezas for 14 years 9 months! Guess I like Imprezas!!

Agree with FMJ. But is is not odd that KYB, the manufacturers of OEM Impreza struts, will tell you that they are unable to supply other than to Subaru, whereas an idependent specialist can source them at less than half price! Sidelines Automotive supplied me with far superior pair of front KYB gas struts at a cost of £316.00 - Subaru had quoted me well over double that. Rear struts, replaced under warranty 3 years ago now in need of attention and the WRX has only done 33,000 miles. I will definitely go for KYB gas again... Just a thought, if the struts are simply knocking a bit, I am certain they will stand your proposed 500 mile trip without compromising safety.

You could try Richard at Sidelines Automotive - 01702 257225 - he sourced and supplied KYB gas struts for my hawkeye 2.5 WRX quickly and less than half the price of OEM Subaru kit. John Macdonald

Chris, There probably is a special tool, but I managed to remove it with a pair of pliers (on current WRX and previous STi). Re-using the clip is difficult and I resorted to using a jubilee clip to secure the bung to my Forge VTA dump valve. John

If nothing's on Motors TV, I try to listen to the radio as much as poss - Magic is my favourite. Problem is, Mrs Mac watches loads of c**p - particularly costume dramas. Fortunately she doesn't watch any of the rediculous soaps or so called reality shows - if she did, it would be a case of topping up the WRX with V-Power and returning to my homeland north of the border!!! John Macdonald

I'm certain that you will be pleased with your purchase. Good to have you as a club member - from a very happy owner of a 2006 Hawkeye PPP. John

My WRX PPP runs at near standard 266bhp, plus a very few more for decent Pipercross panel filter and probably only another couple for the afterburner rear section with its integrated silencer. But I only wanted a modest increase of the famous flat four sound and it's certainly achieved that without intrusive in car noise. John

Yes, I had a mini rear wing fitted to my previous 2005 WRX STi Type UK and also have one on current hawkeye WRX (see my avatar). Both were bought colour coded from Scoobyworld and fitted by my usual Subaru dealership as I didn't want to risk a bodge, or worse still, detaching itself on the move! Speak to Scoobyworld for fitting advice. The hawkeye one has been on for 5 years and still good as new, and looks good. John

I've read lots on the forums about Subaru dealers being rip-off merchants. WRX into Welch's today for some minor checks and attention. Must say that, in my opinion, they are the best of the best and the reason for continuing to rely on them since 1998!

Soon to buy third set of P Zero Nero's for the WRX 2.5 PPP. Just can't fault them - never lost grip wet or dry. Last month fitted four new Falken 452's to the Accord 2.4i vtec and so far very pleased. Quiet running and good grip (but it's only 200 bhp!). Had thought of trying them on the WRX, but decided to stick with a tyre that has never caused a panic...

You'll never regret owning a Subaru - it becomes addictive! (have owned five Imprezas since 1997). However, could need a healthy bank balance after warranty expires!!

There are some b*****ds out there. At least you didn't but that heap of ****

Having been in general insurance, underwriting and broking, all my working life, FMJ is spot on. Tell the insurers everything. Problem nowadays is that most of the people on normal helplines haven't got a clue about anything to do with cars. A couple of years ago, having accepted all the mods on my WRX, the existing insurer refused to continue cover when I substantailly improved the brakes!! However, you do do better with specialists and in any event, a strutbrace shouldn't have any affect. But tell 'em.

Very sorry to hear that. Must admit, apart from the Mrs, nobody has ever driven any of our Imprezas over the last 15 years. Not even my twice Caterham championship winning son-in-law! They are just to easy to drive very fast and when something nasty happens, it's often too late...

Thanks guys. No warning light. However, WRX going into main dealer for geometry adjustment (potholes) and to cure auto headlamp levelling system problem (which does have a warning light glowing). Will ask them to plug in diagnostics kit in an attempt to solve engine surge when warm on tickover.

Last few days, the WRX has, on coming to a halt, the engine has surged to about 1,500 rpm, setteled to normal and surged again. Any suggestions please? John