johnmacdonald

Would be very unlucky to get a flat on the way back! If you buy it, ebay often has lots of those horrible spacesavers for sale at silly prices. I bought a spare 18" 8J Prodrive for our WRX, as the standard spare won't clear the 335mm discs and big Brembos. Only problem is that it doesn't fit into the boot well! No problem for me, but the Mrs complains no room for the shopping...

The 2.5 WRX is a fantastically smooth and torquey motor and in PPP form is almost as quick as an STi. Our 2.5 has done only 32,000 miles but has needed the front and rear struts, secondary air pump and one of the air system valves replacing, plus cambelt tensioner. Definitely most costly of the five Imprezas we have owned, but we love it! I understand that it's not a good idea to mod the 2.5 north of 400 BHP... Oh, and I run it on Millers CFS 10W-60 competition oil and treat it to the occasional drink of Millers octane booster. Also, never hammer it until fully warmed - no engine/tarnsmission problems so far.

Hope you are able to return to Impreza ownership at some future time...

Great stuff! Many thanks.

Copy of my post from 10.03 this morning. Is anybody receiving me?!!! Most enjoyable day at the Brands Hatch Stage Rally yesterday, only slightly marred by the strong winds. Sadly only two Imprezas competing, but lots in the car parks! However, Mk 1 & 2 Escorts provided the noise and the fun. Looks like the event will be repeated next year and in view of this year's support, hopefully will see more entrants, particularly those at the top of the game. Highly recommended - anybody who attended agree? John MacDonald

Most enjoyable day at the Brands Hatch Stage Rally yesterday, only slightly marred by the strong winds. Sadly only two Imprezas competing, but lots in the car parks! However, Mk 1 & 2 Escorts provided the noise and the fun. Looks like the event will be repeated next year and in view of this year's support, hopefully will see more entrants, particularly those at the top of the game. Highly recommended - anybody who attended agree? John MacDonald

I pay £308 with Aviva for our lightly modded WRX, but both drivers are over 60 with over 20 years claim free!! There are advantages to being considered as past it... However, still able to scare Novas, Saxos and the like.

Thought the Hayward & Scott back box and de-cat centre section on our previous STi was near the limit, but that's outrageous (but nice!!)

Thought it only happened to us. As an example, we often use the Cambridge park and ride at Trumpington and always park just as we enter the massive car park. Very few cars there, as it's the longest walk to the bus. Almost always, on our return, somebody has parked right next to the WRX and often it's a tatty 4x4 of some description! Masses of empty bays all around.

During our 16 years of owning Imprezas, I did own two fab BMWs - a 530i V8 and a 535i V8 Sport. Wonderful rear drivers, but vowed never to buy another BMW due to the aggresive and inconsiderate way in which so many BMW owners drive (usually 3 series?). Our other car is now an inconspicuous Accord 2.4i vtec. Quick, comfy, economical and nothing to prove, as they say!

Have had Forge FMDVSUB01 VTA BOVs on previous STi Type UK PPP and current WRX 2.5 PPP. They work straight from the box and unless you are running a highly modded machine, don't see the need to adjust. Extremely easy to fit and only problem over some 30,000 combined miles was a broken back spring, which Forge identified and supplied a replacement free of charge. Can't get better than that.

Suggest you email via www.forgemotorsport,co.uk. They are incredibly helpful - may be able to supply direct. When you say adjustable, I know that Forge supply tuning kits that contain different rate springs and spacers...

Agree with previous comments. Forge VTAs easy to fit - no need to spend on expensive dealer charges!! I could fit for free, but I'm in Hertfordshire...

Thanks so much for the information. The WRX idles and drives fine and the Forge dump valve is not adjustable, other than by choosing differently rated springs. I will ask Forge for advice and then make a decision. Happy Christmas! John

Not aware of any problems, apart from replacing spring last year, but currently it seems to be "blowing off" at lower boost than expected and now probably needs a complete maintenance kit. Our WRX runs at about 270 BHP. How do I know if the valve is fully closed on idle? I'm a bit panicy at present, having just spent £1,000 on replacing burnt out secondary air pump, its relay and also air valve. Could an inefficient or faulty Forge valve have any effect on the air system? Car has only covered 32,000 miles and has always been serviced properly. Thanks for uour other opinions on this subject. John MacDonald

Thanks for that. I think I will now replace my Forge Motorsport VTA with the original.