johnmacdonald

I believe that a pop at Don is rather unjustified. From a personal point of view, his knowledge, experience and and advice has been most helpful over so many years...

Soon to book the STi into Cambridge Subaru to have the new Eibach springs fitted - will have minor suspension adjustments dealt with when new Dunlop Sport Maxxes go on soon afterwards. Will report back with an opinion as to whether the Eibachs are as successful as the Prodrives fitted to our previous PPPs. Final mod is to have the calipers repainted in Ferrari red with Brembo decals. Have never been keen on the STi's near black alloys and black calipers! Will post an image for opinions. And that is definitely it so far as mods are concerned... Watch this space.

Must admit, having history so many years ago to SIDC's Richard Grimes ( anyone remember him?), forums are certainly much depleted. Such a shame, but being of of certain age, I'm not into facebook, Twitter and all that. I fear that unless membership recovers and more interest, our club will disappear.

A good few years ago took the previous WRX PPP along one of our ungritted lanes - fine until going slower and slower. Found the the optional lower Subaru lower spoiler had attempted to act like a snow plough! Ok after employing snow shovel. Going back many years, commuted 20 miles in RWD classics - Ford Corsair 2000E, RS 2000, a couple of Scorpio Cosworths etc (sorry showing my age) and never managed to get stuck in snow. Certainly a few scary moments, but character building and excellent experience...

Morning after the first 3" inches of snow this festive season, perfectly clean STi was in the garage, so decided to drive the Merc C350 AMG down to the village to pick up my newspaper. What a mistake! Rear wheel drive, 306bhp and 265 tyres don't mix! Next similar snowfall, took to the STi - would not believe the incredible traction - makes me realise why I stick to Subaru awd!

Sadly not, no. 25 from Ford AVO would now be worth a fortune and possibly my Scorpio Cosworth and very heavily breathed on Prodrive RB5 (about 385bhp) could attract interest. Money we spend on our passion?

I will try! By next insurance renewal date I will have turned 70, so may be restricted by their premium hikes. No underwriting any longer - driving high performance cars continuously since my Janspeed modified mark 1 RS2000 without a single claim counts for nothing... Happy New Year to all.

Unlike previous 5 Imprezas, haven't modified our latest beast. Just a Pipercross panel filter and a Haward & Scott straight through centre section that gives a great sound quite unlike our other flat fours. Wonderful tickover though! As per an earlier post now awaiting fitting of Eibach Pro spring kit. Have promised Mrs Mac that is it. Have said that before...

Thanks Don. In view of cost of coilovers, have managed to source USA Eibach spring kit (not yet type approved for Europe) @ £233.00 from Eibach UK shop. I am told they are similar to Eibach kits supplied to Prodrive and should result in a more comfortable ride. Will have them fitted in the new year and will report back.

Many thanks - will investigate costs and consider after Xmas! Had Prodrive spring kits on last WRX PPP and previous widetrack STi PPP - result excellent. Why did Subaru part with Prodrive?

Really pleased with our sixth "Impreza", a current model WRX STi, but find the ride particularly harsh on rubbish non major A roads in east Hertfordshire. Are there any suspension packages that would give a more comfortable ride without compromising the amazing grip and roadholding?

Have been a member on and off since 1998! Now on our 6th "Impreza", a current model WRX STi. Had it for 15 months and very impressed with improved traction and handling. Driven properly mpg still poor, but worth it... Very rare car - are there any others out there in Herts/Essex. I am based SG11 2PQ

Welcome to the club - not so many miles away from you down the B1368.

Looks to be in great condition and like the upgraded alloys. As for oils, I have used Millers engine and transmission for years.

Agreed Don! Our 2006 WRX, which covers approx. 4,500 miles a year has its oil and filter changed once a year.

Happy and healthy New Year to all! John

Hi Steve, That's one good looking STi and similar will replace our WRX PPP at some future date! John

Great looking Impreza in the best colour and complemented by excellent PFF7s!

Hi Beckie, That's a good looking Classic and with lots of extras. Must say that my Classic 2000 Turbo with straight though centre pipe and Hayward and Scott standard back box produced a fantastic soundtrack - unequalled by our current WRX 2.5! John

Hello Beckie, Welcome to SIDC - hope you are enjoying your Impreza. Spent a glorious week in July at Barnham Broom and toured all around North Norfolk. Whereabouts in the county are you? John

In the best colour and with the equally best PFF7 alloys! John

Having owned five Imprezas since 1998, have never used additives, but all have been fed on Shell Optimax, now V-Power Nitro. No problems so far! I'm not so far south of Cambridge. Where are you?John

If it is him, self and wife will definitely pop in to see him! John

I wonder if that is Kevin who was Welch's service manager for many years prior to going to an Alfa dealership?

Yep, treat it to the best oils (I have used Millers full synthetic engine, 'box & diff oils for years), keep it within the rev limiter and it will last for years!