Couple of WRX questions...

[keesor]

Can anyone tell me what is the difference between the WRX TR Sedan and the STI as far as motors go. I know the STI is more hp/tq, but where does the extra hp/tq come from.

Also, are there any major differences between 2006 and 2007 models?

I'm thinking of replacing my explorer and I'm looking at 2006 or 2007 WRX's. This would be my daily driver but I figured why not have some fun with a daily driver. I'm actually looking at the regular WRX because I really can't justify another 10k+ for the STI. If I want to curb my need for speed, I've still got the mustang. I just want something that is all wheel drive for the winter but something that is fun to drive also.

Thanks guys!!!

[daveb91]

2.0 flat four vs 2.5 flat four I do believe different steering ratio bigger scoop mang and much more there are OTHER experts on this that can tell you lots more.

[keesor]

Thanks Dave, but on Subaru's website it shows that both have the 2.5 engine. I'm just assuming that the STi has more boost?

[Kurt_W]

In the 2004-2005 models there were are lot of differences.

WRX = 2l
STi = 2.5l

STi had better brakes, 6 speed transmission, different guages, different ground effects, bigger wheels, different interior, etc...

On the 2006-2007 models I am not so sure of the differences...

They both have the 2.5l engine but i believe the STi has a bigger turbo and probably runs higher boost.

I do know that the 06+ WRXs have better brakes, 17" wheels, misc other stuff.

I have never been able to determine what the differences between the STi 2.5l and all the other 2.5l turbo engines are; perhaps this could be determined on NASIOC or something like that.

Personally I'm waiting to see what the '08 WRX looks like since the '07 is based one a 6 year old platform.

[keesor]

Thanks!

[Davis Silver Sti]

Yes, today's WRX and Sti share the same displacement.
Sti has different turbo, internals, drivetrain, suspension etc...

The "TR" stands for Tuner Ready. Basically it is a stripped down WRX made for those that are going to mod it in the future.

FYI, The 08 WRX annd STi are going to be hatches. Yep, hatches. I'll post up some WRX spy pics later on today.

WRX's are great bang for the buck, BUT it does depend on what you want to do.
If you want a true daily driver all year around that is fun with good quality and rides great, the WRX is a great choice in stock form.


If you want a good entry Solo or track car while keep drive-ability, different tires, brake pads, and a front thick swaybar is must do. (Kurt's WRX is a great example of a car that is very drivable and modded "correctly")

[keesor]

Thanks for the info Davis! And thanks for clearing up the TR thing, I really wasn't sure what that was. As far as the different internals and drivetrain go. Do you have any idea what the stock internals and drive train on the TR are capable of? I say this is a daily driver but I know how I am. It's everything I can do to keep from putting a turbo on my riding mower!!! I'm not wanting a race car but I do thing more power will most likely happen, and I really wouldn't mind trying some type of solo event at some point.

Also, can you recommend some forums that have good info on WRX's? Somewhere I can do a little more research? One forum I was on had a sticky thread about transmission problems. Something about 1st to 2nd grinding after very few miles. Do you know if this is a problem? And if so, has it been fixed in newer models?

Thanks for all of the info, I feel much more informed now and almost ready to start looking. That's one more thing, it seems to be kind of hard to find Subaru dealers. I found two in Columbus that have a few in stock but that's about it.

Thanks again!!!!!!

[Davis Silver Sti]

Thanks for the info Davis! And thanks for clearing up the TR thing, I really wasn't sure what that was. As far as the different internals and drivetrain go. Do you have any idea what the stock internals and drive train on the TR are capable of? I say this is a daily driver but I know how I am. It's everything I can do to keep from putting a turbo on my riding mower!!! I'm not wanting a race car but I do thing more power will most likely happen, and I really wouldn't mind trying some type of solo event at some point.

Also, can you recommend some forums that have good info on WRX's? Somewhere I can do a little more research? One forum I was on had a sticky thread about transmission problems. Something about 1st to 2nd grinding after very few miles. Do you know if this is a problem? And if so, has it been fixed in newer models?

Thanks for all of the info, I feel much more informed now and almost ready to start looking. That's one more thing, it seems to be kind of hard to find Subaru dealers. I found two in Columbus that have a few in stock but that's about it.

Thanks again!!!!!!

Stock internals can probably get you around 250-300whp (conservatively) or so with a upgraded turbo, exhaust and some engine management. Don't forget that's going to all the wheels...lots of drivetrain loss.
Sti's can go 400whp with stock internals no prob.
I went with a Cobb Stage 2 on my STi. Here is a graph of a WRX with JUST EM and exhaust:
http://cobbtuning.com/images_products/2656.jpg

As far as transmissions, I firmly believe that the WRX 1-2 tranny isusses were directly related to the "new" owners who treated their WRX's like drag cars. You do not want to clutch dump a WRX or Sti. Burnouts belong to the rwd crowd..somehow, not everyone got the memo:) I just turned 60,000 miles on same tranny AND clutch and that's with a bizillion Solos, lots of track miles and daily driver miles. With that said, lots of people do drag race their WRX/STi with good results.

http://www.nasioc.com- if you can weed thru the garbage, there's lots of good stuff there. Use search

http://cobbtuning.com/categories/?id=2201 Engine management is their main strong point BUT they are making lots of GREAT quality go-fast stuff too.
Here's their little in house toy: http://www.cobbtuning.com/images_products/TAmoneyshot.jpg

Good luck and let's us all know if anything comes up!

[keesor]

Great info Davis. Thanks man, I'll let you know if I buy one.

[Kurt_W]

FYI, The 08 WRX and STi are going to be hatches. Yep, hatches. I'll post up some WRX spy pics later on today.


HEY! That statement is useless without pictures!

I looked around for the spy shots and I like the hatch look, but the STi wing on a hatch looks ridiculous.

[Davis Silver Sti]

but the STi wing on a hatch looks ridiculous.
Kurt's got wing envy. I need the downforce :wink:

[Jay]

Sti's are pimp, even for a 4dr lol

If you have never driven one I suggest doing so, it'll wow you. The first evo I drove was Robbies an lemme tell you those are ultra impressive as well.