About to buy a '09 STI
Dec 19, 2008 | 09:07 PM
#31
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
From: Oregon
I bet you could pickup a clean example with reasonable miles for right around $20,000. For another what, $1,000 you have software and a downpipe. Swap out the ridiculous wing for the wingless trunk lid. Get a set of scuffed up stock wheels and put dedicated winter tires on it. You now have a discrete, very fast, and versatile car.
Dec 19, 2008 | 09:39 PM
#32
FIGJAM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,463
What's wrong with the 04-05?
I bet you could pickup a clean example with reasonable miles for right around $20,000. For another what, $1,000 you have software and a downpipe. Swap out the ridiculous wing for the wingless trunk lid. Get a set of scuffed up stock wheels and put dedicated winter tires on it. You now have a discrete, very fast, and versatile car.
I bet you could pickup a clean example with reasonable miles for right around $20,000. For another what, $1,000 you have software and a downpipe. Swap out the ridiculous wing for the wingless trunk lid. Get a set of scuffed up stock wheels and put dedicated winter tires on it. You now have a discrete, very fast, and versatile car.
Dec 19, 2008 | 10:11 PM
#34
Thread Starter
| Teamspeed Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 419
I agree with the Cobb AP. Go to Stage 2.
But I would work on its greatest potential for improvement, namely the handling.
Get a more race inspired alignment, most importantly more negative camber up front. You can even add camber plates to increase negative camber depending on your level of track experience. I would also strongly consider new sway bars with a stiffer rear relative to the front. Both these things will help with making the car more neutral so that you can easily rotate the car.
Get rid of the steering numbness and increase communication to your hands for increased confidence and feel. Get solid (not rubbery) steering rack bushings like the Whiteline brand.
These mods will give you the "Go Kart" feel that you're looking for: a tossable, rotatable car with great feedback.
If money were no object, I would switch the tires to the Dunlop Direzza Star Specs or equivalent (maybe Bridgestone RE 01R also).
But I would work on its greatest potential for improvement, namely the handling.
Get a more race inspired alignment, most importantly more negative camber up front. You can even add camber plates to increase negative camber depending on your level of track experience. I would also strongly consider new sway bars with a stiffer rear relative to the front. Both these things will help with making the car more neutral so that you can easily rotate the car.
Get rid of the steering numbness and increase communication to your hands for increased confidence and feel. Get solid (not rubbery) steering rack bushings like the Whiteline brand.
These mods will give you the "Go Kart" feel that you're looking for: a tossable, rotatable car with great feedback.
If money were no object, I would switch the tires to the Dunlop Direzza Star Specs or equivalent (maybe Bridgestone RE 01R also).
and thanks for the great advices, I'll look into them.
Dec 19, 2008 | 10:11 PM
#35
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
From: Oregon
Yeah, good point, I prefer the front end of the 06-07 as well. Do you like the rear window diffuser though?
Dec 19, 2008 | 10:12 PM
#36
Thread Starter
| Teamspeed Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 419
I'll do coilovers eventually, but need to save money for Cosworth first 
The other stuff is relatively cheap near that.
The other stuff is relatively cheap near that.
Dec 19, 2008 | 11:26 PM
#37
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,244
From: San Francisco
I'm still undecided on the new ones, though I've never really been a fan of the hatches...but 18x10s all around look pretty aggressive hehe
Dec 19, 2008 | 11:32 PM
#38
Teamspeed Rookie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3
Oops
For some reason, in my American-centric mind, I just assumed you were in America...nevermind lots of what I suggested. I have no idea what the STIs in your country are like. The 2008 Japanese STI is pretty good stock, at least much better than the American dumbed down version. I know the Japanese version has at least got a quicker steering ratio which is nice.
Dec 21, 2008 | 12:40 PM
#39
FIGJAM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,463
with a mines type lip spoiler i don't mind it...but with that stock gigantic wing it looks silly.
Dec 21, 2008 | 05:27 PM
#40
Teamspeed Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 78
From: Dallas, TX
What's wrong with the 04-05?
I bet you could pickup a clean example with reasonable miles for right around $20,000. For another what, $1,000 you have software and a downpipe. Swap out the ridiculous wing for the wingless trunk lid. Get a set of scuffed up stock wheels and put dedicated winter tires on it. You now have a discrete, very fast, and versatile car.
I bet you could pickup a clean example with reasonable miles for right around $20,000. For another what, $1,000 you have software and a downpipe. Swap out the ridiculous wing for the wingless trunk lid. Get a set of scuffed up stock wheels and put dedicated winter tires on it. You now have a discrete, very fast, and versatile car.
The new STi's have grown on me quite a bit honestly. They look much better in person, and only in black lol.