Reading through all the comments on our EJ25 Teardown video got us thinking - if the EJ boxer (despite all its motorsport and street cred) is so disliked by the performance enthusiasts - what then makes the WRX so popular? After all, these two go together like... Well, there was only one way to find out - so we invited a whole bunch of WRX owners to a track day and picked their brains on the subject. .. Big thanks to Benny from BCW and Marty from MCM for joining us at Luddenham:) .. What's so special about Subaru's EJ: th-cam.com/video/2IEiA6cbtCg/w-d-xo.html Marty's Levorg Build: th-cam.com/video/YDcDpUaiwY4/w-d-xo.html Dewey's EJ20 two-door STi: th-cam.com/video/Hdnfj0-gkWI/w-d-xo.html ..
My dislike for the Subaru is from preference of an underdog! the wrx has real pedigree in rally and even the gtp racing in the late 90s early 00s they were so dominant against the big Aussie cars and on the street they definitely held their own! I’ve always enjoyed working on Subaru my first encounter with a boxer I was impressed at the small touches like the main harness connections and even the clearance on the exhaust flanges for your sockets! That being said I’d probably still never own one though!
It's funny that the Japanese never really complained about the EJ motor, or even the WRX 5 speed tranny, only the people of the west side of the world.
It is despised because it is a gateway vehicle that rides on the coattails of the fame it earned 25 years ago when turbo 4wds were relatively unknown, and now the community has discovered far better things. And yet still folks trot out the WRX and STI badges as if they have an ounce of street credibility, while the actual vehicles have progressively become more bloated.
Especially STI's that came with the EJ207, twin scroll turbo and 8250rpm redline. Shame it wasn't used globally most American Subaru guys dont even know what theyre missing!
I drive a 2002 wrx sedan and a 2005 Saab 92x aero (wrx wagon) love the ej20 for its character, performance, reliability and fuel consumption. Oil changes and preventive maintenance are the key to a successful long ownership. Turning your own wrenches is critical and having just the correct combination of wrenches to change spark plugs under an hour ;-)
Unfortunately, Americans only know bigger must mean better. I've had nothing but problems out of 255s and 257s, but the family bugeye WRX with its original drivetrain as it rolled out from the factory in 2002 is rolling strong. My dad bought it brand new after owning a Forester before it. Absolutely 0 engine problems and still on the original gear set and transmission. Still rolling around and gets used on weekends by my parents.
I've been driving a 2005 sti for 7 years now. The engine has been great (touch wood). Running 1.65bar, 430hp for 7 years. Sure its cost me a lot of money on maintenance and particularly corrosion related issue (salty Scottish roads and living near the ocean). The car is just an absolute weapon though. It just wants to go fast, it feels tight and predictable in the corners, pulls to 100 effortlessly and I've had it to 160. It goes anywhere in the snow and I can fit all my stuff inside and I've got a bike rack mounted up top for the enduro rig. I fell in love with the boxer rumble when I was a teenager and even now I'm 30 I still drop the windows every time I'm near a tunnel, absolutely addictive.
The enthusiast story here in the states is a little different due to the 02 WRX being the first "performance" variant Subaru we got that got everyones attention. Mostly due to Gran Turismo though lol But the dislike for Subaru is a recent trend, mostly due to how popular they became, more from a contrarian view point than anything else. Subaru was very much the underdog story for the longes time, and everyone loves an underdog until they aren't anymore... Whats I find people really like is the utility of EJ subarus combined with Japanese reliability. They can do track duty, daily drive, go off roading, deal with any weather, and work for individuals or families... But engineering wise they can be built into full race cars or rally cars, lifted easily for actual off roading, even easily turned RWD or FWD if you want. The ease of working on the EJ cars also makes having one a good experience for an enthusiast, I've seen plenty of folks come back after trying to work on something else (*cough* MCM *cough*). The many many ways they can be used or enjoyed really is why, and all rounder is as applicable name for it as any.
th-cam.com/video/S1P4lgLp7Ms/w-d-xo.html This is an overview of what a few of us Enthusiasts from USA do and have as Subaru. I’m part of a NY USA based Subaru club with over 400 Facebook and active members called 845Subie. This is just the tip of what we have in store , next video will feature more Subaru with a focus on reliability. Let me know what you think.
Speaking to the different ways people in different countries relate to the car, I was pretty proud of my 2011 STI when I got it new (in the U.S.), I went many years being one of the few on the road in my area to now I see them pretty frequently. I remember I was on travel with the wife, we were on a safari trip in Botswana, met a couple from Sweden that we befriended while there, and during general conversation the guy asked me what I drove. I told him a Subaru STI. He asked me if I was a farmer, lol. Apparently, where they are from, Subarus were used by agrarian types due to their reliability, utility and low cost. I didn't know how to respond initially, I was like "...it's an STI though." He just kind of blank-stared at me. Good times, great learning experience for me :)
7:26 finally someone makes use of the hood scoop many time when people go front mount they just let the air flow everywhere but you can easily make it a intake, turbo cooler, oil cooler.
It's important to note that the hEaDgAsKeT memes were spawned almost entirely from the aspirated EJ25. Those have a garbage graphite coated head gasket, and over time the coating breaks down causing failures. The failure mode is also typically an external coolant leak, rather than an internal failure between cylinders or coolant galleries. Of course most people don't notice the leak until they've lost enough coolant to actually cook the motor. The permanent fix for the head gasket issues on the aspirated EJ25s is in fact to use the turbo EJ25 head gasket on them, which is MLS. To my knowledge the turbo engines are not known to suffer head gasket failure in stock form at significantly higher rates than other performance cars. But once you start winding more boost into an engine, all bets are off.
I am in Texas, My favorite Subie is the one I own, it Started life as a 1998 Subaru 2.5 RS, I had it 6 weeks and I put a T3/T4 turbo on it. At the moment its a "22 B tribute car". It makes 330 hp @ the wheels and it pushes the scales to just over 1950 pounds and with the 22B wide body kit the car is 6 inches wider (3 inches per side).
Currently on my 6th Subaru WRX, an early GC8 classic from 1992. It's my favourite of all of the different models that I have owned. Old but seriously quick and can leave a lot of newer heavier fatter cars off the line.
I had a 2012 STi Sedan. I sold it at 201k miles. Motor was original. Car never let me down but I never let it down. I took really good care of that car. Wish I never sold it. The EJ can be a good engine if you just take care of it. But when I say that I mean you got to be on it all the time. These are definitely Enthusiast cars. They are not for everybody. I check my oil in my 2019 STI every other fuel stop. I have always ran Motul 5w40 as well. I believe a lot of the stigma that goes with Subaru is based on people that buy these cars thinking that he can take care of it like they take care of their mom's Honda accord. Then when the motor pops they blame the car. It's a shame. I have had 11 Subarus they have all done me well.
@@remissiveslave what because I've had 11 of them that means that they're bad? I own an automotive business and I buy and sell these cars all the time. And I keep some of them for myself and then I trade and upgrade. I seen you one here before talking crap about other people's vehicles. You are only here to fight and cause a problem. You seem to not like Subarus so my question is is why do you keep going on everyone Subaru post and talk crap about them? You definitely seem to go out of your way to talk crap about a Subaru but you definitely seem to watch a lot of the videos on them.
@@remissiveslave Your quest? So you have never owned one? Never sat down and taken the time to take one apart? Understand how they work or how they are made? Experience it on your own??? But you come on here trash peoples vehicles they work so hard to have but have no self experience judging by your "quest" comment? What paranoia are you talking about? Wait....Basic maintenance is paranoia??? Just like all of your past arguments with other people you talk to, you still say some really stupid shit.
I’m glad to see your comment here, I bought one as a daily beside my gd and honestly I get hate for it but it’s the best wrx to daily imo, still feels like a wrx and sounds like one, some wheels and coils and it looks good but nobody tries to race you and cops don’t even look at you🫡it’s fantastic, driving my gd is almost annoying now because of cop attention/other enthusiasts wanting to race🤣
@@MatteScoob453 100% truth there, and I like that when you de-badge as I have most of the usual harassers(Camero, Mustangs, and SRTs) don't know what it is and let me be. I have thought about making mine even more sleeper by going to a front mount, smooth hood, and wingless trunk.
I own an MY99 Impreza WRX which I bought brand new in 1998. Just 160k on the clock, still puts a smile on my face every time I take her out for a spin.
Me in my 2018 USDM STI: Changes the oil every 2000 miles with Motul Other Wrx owners: “lol you only need to change it every 5000 miles guy. And i pick up whatever is on sale at walmart for oil” Also them: on their 3rd EJ
I'm the second owner (first being my dad) of an '04 Forester XT. There's just something about the combination of engine, engine note, handling, and utility that's difficult to impossible to find anywhere else. I went on a camping trip recently where the majority of the group had Subarus, aside from the one Toyota Tacoma because you can't beat a pickup truck for shuttling mountain bikes and Subaru doesn't make one.
Got a 98 gc WRX 4 door. They are so fun to drive. It's my daily. Has wireless car play and Android auto reverse camera. I just miss having cruise control. It's nice and small so it zips through traffic and it's light so it still quick for today's standards. Even though it's small I fit a 65" tv In it. It's blue but the paint is all faded. It's stock apart from exhaust that I installed a month ago, good air filter in the stock box and 2008 WRX 17" wheels. Ive had it now 11 years and I'm the second owner. Original engine, gearbox and 216,000 KMs. I've been in a few WRX prior to buying mine. I liked how much value for money they provide. Good power practically reliability awd suspension really feels good
I work on German vehicles for a living. I have driven a little bit of everything on the market. I still choose to drive Subarus after my 15 year old initial introduction to the turbo platform. 8 or 9 later, significantly modified, no catastrophic failures and I’m still loving every minute of it. There is a reason these cars have a cult following. Most of the criticism I hear are from those who have nothing intelligible to say about the vehicles. Awesome content! It’s in a sense vindicating for the enthusiast. Yes, I probably posted something similar in the original ej video but this content gets me all hyped up.
My wife has a 2018 STi and she loves it. I have a boosted Scion FR-S (That now has a BRZ front end), and even with it's AVO UEL turbo headers, that FA still doesn't rumble like my wife's EJ25. My friend's 07 is a bit louder and way more raw. He bought that car new and has had it ever since. I love that car.
I absolutely love mine, everything about it! It is just a WRX not an STI but it has been swapped to a 6 speed and an EJ257. I’m sure I’ll have this for the rest of my life constantly improving it!
We used to own a 2001 Bug eye STi and loved it it was such a fun car and you just cant beat that sound. My favorite Subaru is the 22B they are such an awesome looking version.
As someone who's miserably in love with the Mazda FD RX-7 I perfectly understand why those who've been bitten by the Subaru bug overlook "a few little minor details" to get the car that rocks their boat. And I've got to admit that the 1999 WRX STI looks absolutely fantastic. It truly does belong in the "90s heros club" along with the Toyota MK4 Supra, the Nissan R34 GTR Skyline, The Mitsubishi 3000GT and the Mazda FD RX-7. All five are expensive mistresses to keep happy, but all five are the epitome of car sex to their respective fans.
Talking about great all rounder, I daily drive a 2009 Subaru Exiga GT... this thing is literally a WRX MPV/wagon, with EJ205 turbo and WRX interior, with 3-row seat. Fun, quite fast, can pack 7 adults, capable for camping, and still returns relatively good fuel economy. I think I gonna keep her waay longer than my other cars.
Got to agree with Marty, that a WRX STi wagon is a fun thing. The Fozza lays down maybe 350 'My Little Ponies' where the rubber meets the road, and the rubber really does meet the road. And some stays there. Forester GT (Got Turbski) perfected.
Great video! I owned my ‘03 WRX for 14 years from new. Bought it bc I wanted an AWD performance car, and back then it was either the WRX or an Audi A4. Insultingly, my wife bought an ‘04 A4 Quattro 1.8T just 6 months after I bought my WRX. Her car was much nicer, but had no power once on the highway. Just fell on its face. Meanwhile, I put a downpipe and a tune on my car a year later, and the thing was legit quick for the day, and that rumble! Yeah, her car was all luxury and even cornered better, but my car was more fun. Also, her car would see the dealership every few months, for the full 4 years of owning it. Again, my WRX I kept for 14 years, not 4! I am now driving a 2010 STi hatch - kinda everything I wanted my WRX wagon to be, but factory. Such a rewarding driving experience.
I had a 2002 1.8t quattro avant with the 5speed, this car was the worst car i ever had. Got a Jdm Subaru B4 RSK with the EJ208 way better handling/chassis/reliable and more fun to drive.
@@skippylegrandgourou2069 - it’s a bit of apples to oranges for the two cars we had. The ‘04 A4 sedan was equipped with the sports handling pkg. besides the 17” tires, it had a better suspension. My ‘03 WRX was a wagon, which had a more narrow track as well as different sway bars than the WRX sedan got. The Subaru had more narrow and smaller rim 16” tires. So, I think the Audi had the benefit of being a sedan and the sports pkg, and lower profile and wider tires. But the Audi rode better and handled better - so it was quite decent to drive, and it had pep at lower speeds. The WRX just killed it on highway pulls, and felt lighter in the twisties. The Audi felt well planted though. Just frustrating how it was always in the shop!
From time to time I regret selling my 2003 Sonic Yellow WRX. At the time I was planning on building a stroker motor, built 5sp since it was just a daily. I had the opportunity to get into one of my dream cars and picked up my 14 Evo X. Never looked back after that.
I’ve owned 5 WRX and 2 STIs … all pushing 100hp over stock … so light builds just for fun … the failure I’ve had are due to oil and oil cooling on the track … I’ve yet to witness the “head gasket failure” single handed … 🤷🏻♂️
1. I definitely agree that the V5-V6 Type R STI is the best Impreza you can get (unless you have the budget for a 22B version). 2. As a Subaru nerd that's currently building his own GC8, I can relate to a lot of the things you were chatting about that make an Impreza what it is! 3. Thank you for the EJ\Subaru content (and all the content you provide in general)!
always been a nissan person until i fell in love with the early Foresters a few years back. now I have a '99 impreza outback wagon thats really slow, but tons of fun to drive. Currently in the process of swapping a JDM STI engine into it, so im very excited to have a quick, fun car to cruise around in. Also gotta love that it already has that '99 STI front end (: Subaru just makes really cool, enjoyable cars, even if the EJ's need a lot of care.
Was more of an evo fan growing up but since owning my wrx hatch I've fallen in love with subarus, and yes the GC8 subarus are the GOAT Subaru's, never thought I would say this.
I don't own one anymore but I used to own an 05 Impreza wagon and if I could afford to get a hold of one some day I'd love to find myself a clean ver1-2 gf8 sti wagon. My dad owned a ver2 STI wagon when I was young so that kick started my love for the brand and also meeting the late great Colin McRae at a local motor show. They really are more than just a car, it's the community and people you meet once you own one. I'll definitely have another some day 😁
Great video, good to see a cross section of variants too. My fave Impreza has to be the 2 door STi's. I'm slighty biased as I'm lucky enough to have a 1996 Ver3 STi Type R, big smiles all round :)
I own a (US) 1993 Impreza Wagon with a EJ18. Factory alternator went out this year at 174k miles. I just upgraded it to a hydraulic clutch, but it has a full exhaust and suspension minus the front control arm swap. It makes maybe 100hp but itll sit happily at 80 and take corners at 70
I chose my 1999 gc8 wrx in 2003 because it had a bit of everything, looks handling and power still have it today with 190k on it never had a single issue and its been running 200kwatw since around 2007
Great film guys. Loving that Levorg…..Having come from a showroom wrx in ‘99 then prodrive sti blob eye in 2003, I still look back to the performance of these cars for the time, the prodrive sti was absolutely sensational. Recently had CLA45 AMG stage 2 and was quick but boring. Today I have a BMW M2 comp stage 2 which is raw like the old sti. Bit more lively with only rwd but gives me the same essence and buzz.
My dad has a club spec evo 3 and has it since 1998! His been offered a lot for it but still has it to this day, I’ve asked why doesn’t he get rid of it and buy something nicer. It wasn’t till I got the chance to get behind the wheel and drive the gc8 club spec evo 3 and my god. It truely sparked my love for Subarus and such
My dad looks exactly like Dave... Is also called Dave and also has an STi! 2019 model with Invidia Q300 system, equal length headers and Tein coilovers. It just drives so well and the power and torque is all on demand. Great car to drive
My first Subaru was a new 1988 DL wagon - front wheel drive with optional 4WD dual range. I've had several subies since. For me, what makes them a standout is their low centre of gravity (because of the boxer engine), independent suspension and upright seating position.
Just passed 330k Mi on my 2000 impreza outback sport. Still runs great, never rebuilt, drives 100+ miles a day and barely burns oil. I do fear the center diff is starting to feel 22 years old though...
I hated Subarus until I bought one. I own a 2014 GR hatch. ProTuned by ECS in my area. They have tuned these engines for 18 years. Has been the best car Iv ever owned. Everything about it is great or good enough.
I own a 1999 outback with the ej251, insanely fun wagon to drive, handles really well and has that subaru lego system so I can chuck anything in it from other subies. Loving the ej series Tuning Fork!
The comment valour Subarus being Lego is very true. My car is a 2000 Impreza L(no L parts left though, haha). The engine is an ej20g from a 93' jdm wrx, the brakes are from the same car, the transmission is from a 2007 legacy spec b, the driveline is a mix of the same legacy and some 2002 wrx parts. I've got an sti hood, rs bumper, 2007 sti seats, and a few other bits and bobs frankensteined into one machine. Then there is crazy aftermarket support for these cars, of which I have many aftermarket parts, including a 1500 ECU (gotta support these guys). I daily my car and take it to rally cross events. It's an all round fantastic car for every situation. It's fast, it's sturdy, it hauls my friends, and looks damn cool doing it!
Subaru owner here (08 WRX, 19 WRX, and 18 STI) If there are ANY mods on the car you are looking at, take it to a tuner before buying and have them look at it. You will prevent most problems and/or avoid a bad purchase. My STI blew (head gasket). The previous owner had a bad tune. Luckily I knew there was a risk so I made the dealer guarantee warranty coverage despite the mods prior to purchase (It was a chevy dealer). The engine blew, I called the dealer, and they had it towed to Subaru. The Chevy dealer (who I purchased from) paid out of pocket for the repairs. I immediately went down to our local tuner and he got me all set up for about $200.
Great video! Love seeing owners of any cars talk about their passion. I has Subaru's for 20 years including current STI. Not the fastest or best car out there but certainly one of best smiles per litre. Certainly the case with Matrty's Levog STI
Great video! I had an 08 Liberty GT Spec B wagon with bolt ons, was a great car! Made over 200kw atws and sold it running strong with 225,000kms. Most reliable car I’ve had.
I have a 1999 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS coupe that's stock, save for a Kartboy short shifter. It turns a lot of heads, and I've had so many people come up to me to talk about it or to try to buy it. I do all the basic maintenance, though for more complicated jobs, I bring it in to the dealership. Parts availability for stuff like the driveline, brakes, and whatnot is great because of the fact that many of the same parts are used by the Legacy, Outback, Forrester, and other models. It is like Legos in that regard. However, as these things become older and rarer, the other bits and pieces, such as rubber seals, trim, and interior pieces, become harder to find. That's really my only gripe with it, and it's not specifically a Subaru thing. All older vehicles go through the same thing. What makes these cars special? I think for me, it was the Gran Turismo demo car on Sony Playstation. Then I watched Initial D and saw that Bunta drives the 1998-1999 Subaru Impreza STi Type R Ver. 5. I wanted it. Then my brother bought a 2002 WRX and let me drive it for a few months. That was what sealed the deal for me. When I was in college, I saw the '99 2.5 RS coupe for sale, and I immediately jumped on it. Still driving it after all those years. I'll eventually do a proper EJ207 swap on it, but I'm enjoying it stock and on 87 octane fuel for now.
If I had a standard WRX, I would probably focus on the chassis, suspension, brakes etc. The 5 speed and the standard engine are probably best left in stock condition. The STI engine and 6 speed is where it's at. With that said, to get one to push 400+kw to the wheels as I did with my 1JZvvti would probably take a fair whack more cash. Also, I'd love to know why there's this association with Subaru owners and vaping, haha.
I don't vape but I do have a 98 JDM GF8 WRX. My first mods (all STi) was carbon front strut brace, front and rear sway bars, Front 4 Pot Brakes and slotted rotors (off a Type R) with middle of the range Project Mu pads. With out adding a single drop of HP the transformation in performance was huge!
Yep. Ran lean on my 05 after an autocross and spun a main. Didn’t check the oil because I had changed it 1500 miles before. Check the oil first and always 😂. (Has a closed deck short block now)
I fully agree that eventually the new model grows on you. But I struggle with the VB. Great video ! Watching tuning fork the gentle calm giant talk cars is always a treat , even when he has to wear a car like the REX.
Awesome content, Tuning Fork and folks..Marty, that Levorg needs to tour the US! Amazing builds, you all have helped keep stay into Subarus and I'm on my 3rd Gg wagon 🤘🤝🤙. Love these cars, handling is crisp, lower cog,traction, sounds. All boxes ticked!!
22B has to be the GOAT but realistically speaking the chances of owning one are nil... A 2-door STi is actually obtainable so we kinda see why they all opted to vote for that one. And technically speaking the 22B is a homologation special of the 2 door STi.
@@haltech Agreed, and total understand why the WRX owners voted that way. If I found an untidy example of 2 door STi reckon I couldn't help myself but to put on 22B replica panels. But now I have another problem as I currently own a 2016 STI and now I'm eyeing of Levorg's thanks to Marty!
@@haltech Ha ha....and I reckon finding $12k STI wrecks will be unicorns now. Actually can't believe that they scooped that up for that money. The engine/ gearbox alone would be worth that, and then some...
@@haltech Theres quiet hero from US- an RS25. Years ago when I was looking for mine car, RS were poping up sometimes and wasn't more expensive that much! Now add UK to the mix. UK and IRL is widely know as european hub of JDMs, because od RHD. My friend from Kilkenny even told me about Subaru only scrapyards! These cars were widely disliked in england as Hooning car/ boy racer etc. Were crashed a lot and instantly replaced by another "fresh from container" jdm import. We had ultimate opportunity to build something like "european Type-R's". Cheap 25RS chassis, whole drivetrain from crashed european GT (218hp) or even from "wraped arround tree" STI or even TYPE-RA. Bumpers, spoilers, panels were damn cheap. Britts had them that much. It looked like they doesn't even care that they had some limited or race ready version. Most of them were riced up like NFSU. Like no one even expected that these limited ver. gonna skyrocket in price in the future. I bet almost all continental EU Type-RA's came here through UK Also not mentioning about 22B replica. No one sacrificed Type-R. It was always an 25RS. Kinda thanks to the US for RS. Too bad that we newer had coupe in EU... Oh- I own GF8 RX, that means it looks like WRX but has 125hp EJ20 NA. I can wave my hand to you through rear arches :P ! another thing that every "dream about subaru" guy should know before buy! Cheers!
Just to add on to Marty's comment about Subaru's market research. They also found lots of gay woman preferred Subaru's as well, which lead on to a very strange marketing campaign by Subaru is the early 90's.
My wrx hatch never burns oil and my engine has over 100k miles and i track the crap out of it, ive even done two track days on the same oil change and the oil was clean and full. It honestly surprises me and its modified and protuned
Own a 97 Gf8 with 336k. ORIGINAL Engine.😆.Sometimes you get lucky. A bit rugged now,still pulls nicely,even though it does need a rebuild........ it's not been my daily for a while now.. GT Liberty wagons my daily.
Power windows, aircon and ABS were standard on the GC8 WRX all along, cruise control was added around 2000 in the Ozzie cars. Along with Recaro or Recaro designed seats the from 97/98 onward. So they have had the 'fruit' that the european cars have for a very long time.
I got only a 2.0R is a family version. i know is not the beast that everyone wants but it has more than 315000 Km and still runs as the first day. in any kind of road I love SUBARU, an EJ engines
I love how much Marty loves his car. It's so cool. Don't even have to say anything about Benny. Everything he does is covered in awesome sauce. BTW 22B FOREVER!!! Can some please source and get me one? I'll pay you back. Promise...
Worm hole blown many galaxys away.that is all, My first car i ever owned and drove for my L'S plates was a 4speed subaru brumby AG-QUIP 4x4,. cream in color.so sad i sold it knowing now it can house a lot of modern subaru platforms, since then, holden all my life
Had my sg9 forester sti for a couple weeks now, it’s pretty much stock and I love it, plan to oil change every 5000km and do as much preventative maintenance as possible, it’s my pride and joy weekender and I have a base sf forester to get to work too.
Watch for the left hand head gasket dropping coolant, prick of a job but better than blowing the engine. (My SG9 is currently parked up waiting for me to get around to dropping the K-frame ;) )
They make a similar error with the black WRX, which is a GH. Only the STIs were GR (wide body) until facelift models. In all honesty, I would expect these errors from an American channel, but it is a bit disappointing in content from Australia.
I have a blue.bug eye 2002 ej20 turbo with 275k km on the klock.never been opened.. I love my car but my favourite one is a blob eye 2005 STI. One day i will be the owner of one
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
Reading through all the comments on our EJ25 Teardown video got us thinking - if the EJ boxer (despite all its motorsport and street cred) is so disliked by the performance enthusiasts - what then makes the WRX so popular? After all, these two go together like... Well, there was only one way to find out - so we invited a whole bunch of WRX owners to a track day and picked their brains on the subject.
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Big thanks to Benny from BCW and Marty from MCM for joining us at Luddenham:)
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What's so special about Subaru's EJ: th-cam.com/video/2IEiA6cbtCg/w-d-xo.html
Marty's Levorg Build: th-cam.com/video/YDcDpUaiwY4/w-d-xo.html
Dewey's EJ20 two-door STi: th-cam.com/video/Hdnfj0-gkWI/w-d-xo.html
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wrx is for car enthusiasts who arent car enthusiasts - its just a phase for them hahah
My dislike for the Subaru is from preference of an underdog! the wrx has real pedigree in rally and even the gtp racing in the late 90s early 00s they were so dominant against the big Aussie cars and on the street they definitely held their own! I’ve always enjoyed working on Subaru my first encounter with a boxer I was impressed at the small touches like the main harness connections and even the clearance on the exhaust flanges for your sockets! That being said I’d probably still never own one though!
The video is missing the 1990 Subaru Legacy with EJ20 turbo.
It's funny that the Japanese never really complained about the EJ motor, or even the WRX 5 speed tranny, only the people of the west side of the world.
It is despised because it is a gateway vehicle that rides on the coattails of the fame it earned 25 years ago when turbo 4wds were relatively unknown, and now the community has discovered far better things. And yet still folks trot out the WRX and STI badges as if they have an ounce of street credibility, while the actual vehicles have progressively become more bloated.
More excellent Australian car content! Great stuff guys.
Amazing build on the levorg i just finished watching the build series on it. Flabbergasted at how it turned out!
Where's the 2 door in this marty
Super cool look into Subaru, especially since my buddy got a 2018 wrx…I’m so keen to buy one now, it’s such a solid car
This is how I learned about their content.thru Supergramps and you gents 🤘
Haha..tuning fork makes any car look small
Especially STI's that came with the EJ207, twin scroll turbo and 8250rpm redline. Shame it wasn't used globally most American Subaru guys dont even know what theyre missing!
Twinscroll 207 is GOAT
I drive a 2002 wrx sedan and a 2005 Saab 92x aero (wrx wagon) love the ej20 for its character, performance, reliability and fuel consumption. Oil changes and preventive maintenance are the key to a successful long ownership. Turning your own wrenches is critical and having just the correct combination of wrenches to change spark plugs under an hour ;-)
My American ej257 revs to 8200rpm making 510whp on low boost. Don’t think I’m missing much.
Unfortunately, Americans only know bigger must mean better. I've had nothing but problems out of 255s and 257s, but the family bugeye WRX with its original drivetrain as it rolled out from the factory in 2002 is rolling strong. My dad bought it brand new after owning a Forester before it. Absolutely 0 engine problems and still on the original gear set and transmission. Still rolling around and gets used on weekends by my parents.
@@zokusharuuku1091 what's the specs?
I've been driving a 2005 sti for 7 years now. The engine has been great (touch wood). Running 1.65bar, 430hp for 7 years. Sure its cost me a lot of money on maintenance and particularly corrosion related issue (salty Scottish roads and living near the ocean). The car is just an absolute weapon though. It just wants to go fast, it feels tight and predictable in the corners, pulls to 100 effortlessly and I've had it to 160. It goes anywhere in the snow and I can fit all my stuff inside and I've got a bike rack mounted up top for the enduro rig.
I fell in love with the boxer rumble when I was a teenager and even now I'm 30 I still drop the windows every time I'm near a tunnel, absolutely addictive.
At the beginning of the video, I was like hey, a black levorg, then I saw the license plate. I love how amped Marty is about that thing 👌
It's one of our fav MCM builds!
@@haltech mine as well!
The enthusiast story here in the states is a little different due to the 02 WRX being the first "performance" variant Subaru we got that got everyones attention. Mostly due to Gran Turismo though lol
But the dislike for Subaru is a recent trend, mostly due to how popular they became, more from a contrarian view point than anything else. Subaru was very much the underdog story for the longes time, and everyone loves an underdog until they aren't anymore...
Whats I find people really like is the utility of EJ subarus combined with Japanese reliability. They can do track duty, daily drive, go off roading, deal with any weather, and work for individuals or families... But engineering wise they can be built into full race cars or rally cars, lifted easily for actual off roading, even easily turned RWD or FWD if you want. The ease of working on the EJ cars also makes having one a good experience for an enthusiast, I've seen plenty of folks come back after trying to work on something else (*cough* MCM *cough*).
The many many ways they can be used or enjoyed really is why, and all rounder is as applicable name for it as any.
Depends on the state because in the PNW they're everywhere. Imprezas, WRXs, and STIs of all gens everywhere.
th-cam.com/video/S1P4lgLp7Ms/w-d-xo.html This is an overview of what a few of us Enthusiasts from USA do and have as Subaru. I’m part of a NY USA based Subaru club with over 400 Facebook and active members called 845Subie. This is just the tip of what we have in store , next video will feature more Subaru with a focus on reliability. Let me know what you think.
We did get the EJ22T-powered Legacy Turbo in the early '90s, but it didn't catch on nearly the same way the WRX did.
Speaking to the different ways people in different countries relate to the car, I was pretty proud of my 2011 STI when I got it new (in the U.S.), I went many years being one of the few on the road in my area to now I see them pretty frequently. I remember I was on travel with the wife, we were on a safari trip in Botswana, met a couple from Sweden that we befriended while there, and during general conversation the guy asked me what I drove. I told him a Subaru STI. He asked me if I was a farmer, lol. Apparently, where they are from, Subarus were used by agrarian types due to their reliability, utility and low cost. I didn't know how to respond initially, I was like "...it's an STI though." He just kind of blank-stared at me. Good times, great learning experience for me :)
7:26 finally someone makes use of the hood scoop many time when people go front mount they just let the air flow everywhere but you can easily make it a intake, turbo cooler, oil cooler.
It's important to note that the hEaDgAsKeT memes were spawned almost entirely from the aspirated EJ25. Those have a garbage graphite coated head gasket, and over time the coating breaks down causing failures. The failure mode is also typically an external coolant leak, rather than an internal failure between cylinders or coolant galleries. Of course most people don't notice the leak until they've lost enough coolant to actually cook the motor.
The permanent fix for the head gasket issues on the aspirated EJ25s is in fact to use the turbo EJ25 head gasket on them, which is MLS. To my knowledge the turbo engines are not known to suffer head gasket failure in stock form at significantly higher rates than other performance cars. But once you start winding more boost into an engine, all bets are off.
So many people don’t understand this and continue to propagate the lies.
Really obnoxious.
Thank you! Adding a comment myself so maybe the algorithm will raise yours higher up the scroll 😆
I've got a FA20 in the US, but much love to subaru wrx world wide ✌🤙
All the body rub has me chuckling as you two are trying to explain how great it is.
Yeah no squeaks or rattles, just lots of wheel rub haha.
The fact that they weren’t driving hard, and how he bragged about a AUTO Subaru “STI”, I cringed very badly..😂
I am in Texas, My favorite Subie is the one I own, it Started life as a 1998 Subaru 2.5 RS, I had it 6 weeks and I put a T3/T4 turbo on it. At the moment its a "22 B tribute car". It makes 330 hp @ the wheels and it pushes the scales to just over 1950 pounds and with the 22B wide body kit the car is 6 inches wider (3 inches per side).
Currently on my 6th Subaru WRX, an early GC8 classic from 1992. It's my favourite of all of the different models that I have owned. Old but seriously quick and can leave a lot of newer heavier fatter cars off the line.
Wow the very first, i have a 98 GC8 and i am sure it's the best car i've ever owned, and i have a Land Cruiser lol.
I have a 96 WRX and it feels so light compoared to my 08 STI!
I had a 2012 STi Sedan. I sold it at 201k miles. Motor was original. Car never let me down but I never let it down. I took really good care of that car. Wish I never sold it. The EJ can be a good engine if you just take care of it. But when I say that I mean you got to be on it all the time. These are definitely Enthusiast cars. They are not for everybody. I check my oil in my 2019 STI every other fuel stop. I have always ran Motul 5w40 as well. I believe a lot of the stigma that goes with Subaru is based on people that buy these cars thinking that he can take care of it like they take care of their mom's Honda accord. Then when the motor pops they blame the car. It's a shame. I have had 11 Subarus they have all done me well.
why would you have 11 if they're so great? y not drive one or two until they're undrivable then either repair or get another one?
@@remissiveslave what because I've had 11 of them that means that they're bad? I own an automotive business and I buy and sell these cars all the time. And I keep some of them for myself and then I trade and upgrade. I seen you one here before talking crap about other people's vehicles. You are only here to fight and cause a problem. You seem to not like Subarus so my question is is why do you keep going on everyone Subaru post and talk crap about them? You definitely seem to go out of your way to talk crap about a Subaru but you definitely seem to watch a lot of the videos on them.
@@TheJines123 it's just my quest to understand the psychology of copium addicts.
@@TheJines123 never known a Brand of cars or models that illicit such Paranoia everytime you give it a little gas.
@@remissiveslave Your quest? So you have never owned one? Never sat down and taken the time to take one apart? Understand how they work or how they are made? Experience it on your own??? But you come on here trash peoples vehicles they work so hard to have but have no self experience judging by your "quest" comment? What paranoia are you talking about? Wait....Basic maintenance is paranoia??? Just like all of your past arguments with other people you talk to, you still say some really stupid shit.
That narrow body, dont see enough people giving them enough love. I love my narrow body, it flies under the radar.
I’m glad to see your comment here, I bought one as a daily beside my gd and honestly I get hate for it but it’s the best wrx to daily imo, still feels like a wrx and sounds like one, some wheels and coils and it looks good but nobody tries to race you and cops don’t even look at you🫡it’s fantastic, driving my gd is almost annoying now because of cop attention/other enthusiasts wanting to race🤣
@@MatteScoob453 100% truth there, and I like that when you de-badge as I have most of the usual harassers(Camero, Mustangs, and SRTs) don't know what it is and let me be. I have thought about making mine even more sleeper by going to a front mount, smooth hood, and wingless trunk.
I own an MY99 Impreza WRX which I bought brand new in 1998. Just 160k on the clock, still puts a smile on my face every time I take her out for a spin.
I've been driving a 2002 wrx (USA) since April of 2007. Been as reliable as the sun. Also still puts a smile on my face every time I push it a little
Haha, the guy who used to have Falcons and couldn't believe the handling difference... A Mazda 121 would feel like a handling upgrade from that.
Have you owned both?
Loving Tuning Fork's series!
Thanks:)
Favorite - Brat (Brumby here in OZ) with a Targa top and the jump seats in the back
Me in my 2018 USDM STI: Changes the oil every 2000 miles with Motul
Other Wrx owners: “lol you only need to change it every 5000 miles guy. And i pick up whatever is on sale at walmart for oil”
Also them: on their 3rd EJ
I'm the second owner (first being my dad) of an '04 Forester XT. There's just something about the combination of engine, engine note, handling, and utility that's difficult to impossible to find anywhere else. I went on a camping trip recently where the majority of the group had Subarus, aside from the one Toyota Tacoma because you can't beat a pickup truck for shuttling mountain bikes and Subaru doesn't make one.
Yes! I really enjoy launching my XT with family in it. ( 450Nm at 2800rpm :) )
Got a 98 gc WRX 4 door. They are so fun to drive. It's my daily. Has wireless car play and Android auto reverse camera. I just miss having cruise control. It's nice and small so it zips through traffic and it's light so it still quick for today's standards. Even though it's small I fit a 65" tv In it.
It's blue but the paint is all faded. It's stock apart from exhaust that I installed a month ago, good air filter in the stock box and 2008 WRX 17" wheels. Ive had it now 11 years and I'm the second owner.
Original engine, gearbox and 216,000 KMs.
I've been in a few WRX prior to buying mine. I liked how much value for money they provide. Good power practically reliability awd suspension really feels good
My 04 sti ej207 has 260k now, great car.
I work on German vehicles for a living. I have driven a little bit of everything on the market. I still choose to drive Subarus after my 15 year old initial introduction to the turbo platform. 8 or 9 later, significantly modified, no catastrophic failures and I’m still loving every minute of it. There is a reason these cars have a cult following. Most of the criticism I hear are from those who have nothing intelligible to say about the vehicles. Awesome content! It’s in a sense vindicating for the enthusiast. Yes, I probably posted something similar in the original ej video but this content gets me all hyped up.
My wife has a 2018 STi and she loves it. I have a boosted Scion FR-S (That now has a BRZ front end), and even with it's AVO UEL turbo headers, that FA still doesn't rumble like my wife's EJ25. My friend's 07 is a bit louder and way more raw. He bought that car new and has had it ever since. I love that car.
I absolutely love mine, everything about it! It is just a WRX not an STI but it has been swapped to a 6 speed and an EJ257. I’m sure I’ll have this for the rest of my life constantly improving it!
We used to own a 2001 Bug eye STi and loved it it was such a fun car and you just cant beat that sound. My favorite Subaru is the 22B they are such an awesome looking version.
As someone who's miserably in love with the Mazda FD RX-7 I perfectly understand why those who've been bitten by the Subaru bug overlook "a few little minor details" to get the car that rocks their boat. And I've got to admit that the 1999 WRX STI looks absolutely fantastic. It truly does belong in the "90s heros club" along with the Toyota MK4 Supra, the Nissan R34 GTR Skyline, The Mitsubishi 3000GT and the Mazda FD RX-7. All five are expensive mistresses to keep happy, but all five are the epitome of car sex to their respective fans.
Talking about great all rounder, I daily drive a 2009 Subaru Exiga GT... this thing is literally a WRX MPV/wagon, with EJ205 turbo and WRX interior, with 3-row seat. Fun, quite fast, can pack 7 adults, capable for camping, and still returns relatively good fuel economy. I think I gonna keep her waay longer than my other cars.
Favorite STi of all time?
S401 Legacy. Twin-turbo, 2.0l, refined to massive levels, and gorgeous to boot.
Got to agree with Marty, that a WRX STi wagon is a fun thing. The Fozza lays down maybe 350 'My Little Ponies' where the rubber meets the road, and the rubber really does meet the road. And some stays there. Forester GT (Got Turbski) perfected.
Great video! I owned my ‘03 WRX for 14 years from new. Bought it bc I wanted an AWD performance car, and back then it was either the WRX or an Audi A4. Insultingly, my wife bought an ‘04 A4 Quattro 1.8T just 6 months after I bought my WRX. Her car was much nicer, but had no power once on the highway. Just fell on its face. Meanwhile, I put a downpipe and a tune on my car a year later, and the thing was legit quick for the day, and that rumble! Yeah, her car was all luxury and even cornered better, but my car was more fun. Also, her car would see the dealership every few months, for the full 4 years of owning it. Again, my WRX I kept for 14 years, not 4!
I am now driving a 2010 STi hatch - kinda everything I wanted my WRX wagon to be, but factory. Such a rewarding driving experience.
I had a 2002 1.8t quattro avant with the 5speed, this car was the worst car i ever had. Got a Jdm Subaru B4 RSK with the EJ208 way better handling/chassis/reliable and more fun to drive.
@@skippylegrandgourou2069 - it’s a bit of apples to oranges for the two cars we had. The ‘04 A4 sedan was equipped with the sports handling pkg. besides the 17” tires, it had a better suspension. My ‘03 WRX was a wagon, which had a more narrow track as well as different sway bars than the WRX sedan got. The Subaru had more narrow and smaller rim 16” tires. So, I think the Audi had the benefit of being a sedan and the sports pkg, and lower profile and wider tires. But the Audi rode better and handled better - so it was quite decent to drive, and it had pep at lower speeds. The WRX just killed it on highway pulls, and felt lighter in the twisties. The Audi felt well planted though. Just frustrating how it was always in the shop!
It's the community as well. Finding friends on every drive and throwing up the✌makes commuting enjoyable
From time to time I regret selling my 2003 Sonic Yellow WRX. At the time I was planning on building a stroker motor, built 5sp since it was just a daily. I had the opportunity to get into one of my dream cars and picked up my 14 Evo X. Never looked back after that.
I’ve owned 5 WRX and 2 STIs … all pushing 100hp over stock … so light builds just for fun … the failure I’ve had are due to oil and oil cooling on the track … I’ve yet to witness the “head gasket failure” single handed … 🤷🏻♂️
I have a 2006 STi and its my favorite. Because I’ve always wanted one and now I have one 😊
so happy to see Marty made it in with his Levorg. that thing is such a success story and its awesome seeing how happy it made him.
1. I definitely agree that the V5-V6 Type R STI is the best Impreza you can get (unless you have the budget for a 22B version).
2. As a Subaru nerd that's currently building his own GC8, I can relate to a lot of the things you were chatting about that make an Impreza what it is!
3. Thank you for the EJ\Subaru content (and all the content you provide in general)!
@10:30 - The oil level tip cannot be overlooked. My mother killed her WRX because she just could not be bothered to learn how to check oil.
always been a nissan person until i fell in love with the early Foresters a few years back. now I have a '99 impreza outback wagon thats really slow, but tons of fun to drive. Currently in the process of swapping a JDM STI engine into it, so im very excited to have a quick, fun car to cruise around in. Also gotta love that it already has that '99 STI front end (: Subaru just makes really cool, enjoyable cars, even if the EJ's need a lot of care.
The GC8 is my dream car. It’s the car that got me into motoring.
Was more of an evo fan growing up but since owning my wrx hatch I've fallen in love with subarus, and yes the GC8 subarus are the GOAT Subaru's, never thought I would say this.
I don't own one anymore but I used to own an 05 Impreza wagon and if I could afford to get a hold of one some day I'd love to find myself a clean ver1-2 gf8 sti wagon. My dad owned a ver2 STI wagon when I was young so that kick started my love for the brand and also meeting the late great Colin McRae at a local motor show.
They really are more than just a car, it's the community and people you meet once you own one. I'll definitely have another some day 😁
Great video, good to see a cross section of variants too. My fave Impreza has to be the 2 door STi's. I'm slighty biased as I'm lucky enough to have a 1996 Ver3 STi Type R, big smiles all round :)
2016 STI with 400whp owner here . Love my Subbie rumble
I’m already having trouble not drooling over Subarus, then I find this video. Maaan these are awesome
So good!!! I'm loving these vids. Been binging all of them in my down time. Thanks Scotty and Haltech 🫰🏻
Scotty is one of the nicest guys in the Sydney/Australian car scene.
My favorite sti is the impreza Sti 22b. Such a beautiful and amazing car
I own a (US) 1993 Impreza Wagon with a EJ18. Factory alternator went out this year at 174k miles. I just upgraded it to a hydraulic clutch, but it has a full exhaust and suspension minus the front control arm swap. It makes maybe 100hp but itll sit happily at 80 and take corners at 70
I chose my 1999 gc8 wrx in 2003 because it had a bit of everything, looks handling and power still have it today with 190k on it never had a single issue and its been running 200kwatw since around 2007
Great film guys. Loving that Levorg…..Having come from a showroom wrx in ‘99 then prodrive sti blob eye in 2003, I still look back to the performance of these cars for the time, the prodrive sti was absolutely sensational. Recently had CLA45 AMG stage 2 and was quick but boring. Today I have a BMW M2 comp stage 2 which is raw like the old sti. Bit more lively with only rwd but gives me the same essence and buzz.
Just brought an Outback for a family car and although I used to hate working on some of the WRXs as a mechanic, it's growing on me.
Just ordered an elite 2500 for my 6466 build. Super excited to see what the car can do!
My dad has a club spec evo 3 and has it since 1998! His been offered a lot for it but still has it to this day, I’ve asked why doesn’t he get rid of it and buy something nicer. It wasn’t till I got the chance to get behind the wheel and drive the gc8 club spec evo 3 and my god. It truely sparked my love for Subarus and such
My dad looks exactly like Dave... Is also called Dave and also has an STi! 2019 model with Invidia Q300 system, equal length headers and Tein coilovers. It just drives so well and the power and torque is all on demand. Great car to drive
Haha poor bloke (but good car choice!)
My first Subaru was a new 1988 DL wagon - front wheel drive with optional 4WD dual range. I've had several subies since. For me, what makes them a standout is their low centre of gravity (because of the boxer engine), independent suspension and upright seating position.
ROFL, the look on Scotty's face as Benny took him around that bend in the REX :)
I'm missing a Forester STI :) The king of doing everything pretty well! Love mine...
Just passed 330k Mi on my 2000 impreza outback sport. Still runs great, never rebuilt, drives 100+ miles a day and barely burns oil. I do fear the center diff is starting to feel 22 years old though...
I hated Subarus until I bought one. I own a 2014 GR hatch. ProTuned by ECS in my area. They have tuned these engines for 18 years. Has been the best car Iv ever owned. Everything about it is great or good enough.
Hawkeye, specifically a WRX STi RA-R spec C, in yellow, with white wheels and no wing 😉
I own a 1999 outback with the ej251, insanely fun wagon to drive, handles really well and has that subaru lego system so I can chuck anything in it from other subies. Loving the ej series Tuning Fork!
I love how the guy with the most modified car is the oldest too, legend whomever's dad he is!
Glad i have found you. I own i 2006 JDM Subaru Forester STI Litchfield import 330hp its a great fast family SUV.
The comment valour Subarus being Lego is very true. My car is a 2000 Impreza L(no L parts left though, haha). The engine is an ej20g from a 93' jdm wrx, the brakes are from the same car, the transmission is from a 2007 legacy spec b, the driveline is a mix of the same legacy and some 2002 wrx parts. I've got an sti hood, rs bumper, 2007 sti seats, and a few other bits and bobs frankensteined into one machine. Then there is crazy aftermarket support for these cars, of which I have many aftermarket parts, including a 1500 ECU (gotta support these guys). I daily my car and take it to rally cross events. It's an all round fantastic car for every situation. It's fast, it's sturdy, it hauls my friends, and looks damn cool doing it!
LOVE the GC Wagon!!
Subaru owner here (08 WRX, 19 WRX, and 18 STI) If there are ANY mods on the car you are looking at, take it to a tuner before buying and have them look at it. You will prevent most problems and/or avoid a bad purchase. My STI blew (head gasket). The previous owner had a bad tune. Luckily I knew there was a risk so I made the dealer guarantee warranty coverage despite the mods prior to purchase (It was a chevy dealer). The engine blew, I called the dealer, and they had it towed to Subaru. The Chevy dealer (who I purchased from) paid out of pocket for the repairs. I immediately went down to our local tuner and he got me all set up for about $200.
Fav sti of all time?
My 2018 😂 it’s only 350whp but it’s mine!
Marty’s 2 door gc8
Every gc8/gf8 sti
Great video!
Love seeing owners of any cars talk about their passion.
I has Subaru's for 20 years including current STI. Not the fastest or best car out there but certainly one of best smiles per litre. Certainly the case with Matrty's Levog STI
Great video! I had an 08 Liberty GT Spec B wagon with bolt ons, was a great car! Made over 200kw atws and sold it running strong with 225,000kms. Most reliable car I’ve had.
I have a 1999 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS coupe that's stock, save for a Kartboy short shifter. It turns a lot of heads, and I've had so many people come up to me to talk about it or to try to buy it. I do all the basic maintenance, though for more complicated jobs, I bring it in to the dealership. Parts availability for stuff like the driveline, brakes, and whatnot is great because of the fact that many of the same parts are used by the Legacy, Outback, Forrester, and other models. It is like Legos in that regard. However, as these things become older and rarer, the other bits and pieces, such as rubber seals, trim, and interior pieces, become harder to find. That's really my only gripe with it, and it's not specifically a Subaru thing. All older vehicles go through the same thing.
What makes these cars special? I think for me, it was the Gran Turismo demo car on Sony Playstation. Then I watched Initial D and saw that Bunta drives the 1998-1999 Subaru Impreza STi Type R Ver. 5. I wanted it. Then my brother bought a 2002 WRX and let me drive it for a few months. That was what sealed the deal for me. When I was in college, I saw the '99 2.5 RS coupe for sale, and I immediately jumped on it. Still driving it after all those years. I'll eventually do a proper EJ207 swap on it, but I'm enjoying it stock and on 87 octane fuel for now.
Had a 2014 WRB STI I bought new for 7 years, I still dream about that car.
If I had a standard WRX, I would probably focus on the chassis, suspension, brakes etc. The 5 speed and the standard engine are probably best left in stock condition.
The STI engine and 6 speed is where it's at. With that said, to get one to push 400+kw to the wheels as I did with my 1JZvvti would probably take a fair whack more cash.
Also, I'd love to know why there's this association with Subaru owners and vaping, haha.
I don't vape but I do have a 98 JDM GF8 WRX. My first mods (all STi) was carbon front strut brace, front and rear sway bars, Front 4 Pot Brakes and slotted rotors (off a Type R) with middle of the range Project Mu pads. With out adding a single drop of HP the transformation in performance was huge!
Yep. Ran lean on my 05 after an autocross and spun a main. Didn’t check the oil because I had changed it 1500 miles before. Check the oil first and always 😂. (Has a closed deck short block now)
I'm a Subaru owner till I die!!! I love my 06 WRX hawkeye!! And enjoy my 2012 impreza wagon!!! Would love to grab a new BRZ!!!
I fully agree that eventually the new model grows on you. But I struggle with the VB. Great video ! Watching tuning fork the gentle calm giant talk cars is always a treat , even when he has to wear a car like the REX.
That Marty guy is s real natural on camera. He should think about doing TH-cam.
LOL yeah, maybe even get a sidekick too...
I really have to say this put such a big smile to my face you guys did a great job makes me a proud owner of a 2020 WRX app is 2020 WRX STI
Awesome content, Tuning Fork and folks..Marty, that Levorg needs to tour the US! Amazing builds, you all have helped keep stay into Subarus and I'm on my 3rd Gg wagon 🤘🤝🤙. Love these cars, handling is crisp, lower cog,traction, sounds. All boxes ticked!!
Great episode…easy one 22B…second favourite? Marty’s STI Grovel. 🔥🔥
22B has to be the GOAT but realistically speaking the chances of owning one are nil... A 2-door STi is actually obtainable so we kinda see why they all opted to vote for that one. And technically speaking the 22B is a homologation special of the 2 door STi.
@@haltech Agreed, and total understand why the WRX owners voted that way. If I found an untidy example of 2 door STi reckon I couldn't help myself but to put on 22B replica panels. But now I have another problem as I currently own a 2016 STI and now I'm eyeing of Levorg's thanks to Marty!
Haha.... Marty will single-handedly boost the sales of both Levorgs and EJ25s!!
@@haltech Ha ha....and I reckon finding $12k STI wrecks will be unicorns now. Actually can't believe that they scooped that up for that money. The engine/ gearbox alone would be worth that, and then some...
@@haltech Theres quiet hero from US- an RS25. Years ago when I was looking for mine car, RS were poping up sometimes and wasn't more expensive that much! Now add UK to the mix. UK and IRL is widely know as european hub of JDMs, because od RHD. My friend from Kilkenny even told me about Subaru only scrapyards! These cars were widely disliked in england as Hooning car/ boy racer etc. Were crashed a lot and instantly replaced by another "fresh from container" jdm import.
We had ultimate opportunity to build something like "european Type-R's". Cheap 25RS chassis, whole drivetrain from crashed european GT (218hp) or even from "wraped arround tree" STI or even TYPE-RA. Bumpers, spoilers, panels were damn cheap. Britts had them that much. It looked like they doesn't even care that they had some limited or race ready version. Most of them were riced up like NFSU. Like no one even expected that these limited ver. gonna skyrocket in price in the future. I bet almost all continental EU Type-RA's came here through UK
Also not mentioning about 22B replica. No one sacrificed Type-R. It was always an 25RS. Kinda thanks to the US for RS. Too bad that we newer had coupe in EU...
Oh- I own GF8 RX, that means it looks like WRX but has 125hp EJ20 NA. I can wave my hand to you through rear arches :P ! another thing that every "dream about subaru" guy should know before buy!
Cheers!
I have my ‘12 Wrx hatch for sale but after watching this, I might not sell it now haha. Great video!
😂😂😂😂
13:25
Guy says “the gearbox is still original”
Tuning Fork: subtly looks down to see if it’s the 5 speed and wonders how it’s still alive
Just to add on to Marty's comment about Subaru's market research. They also found lots of gay woman preferred Subaru's as well, which lead on to a very strange marketing campaign by Subaru is the early 90's.
We're google searching that right now...
They all have a special LETTERBOX cut into their Bonnet. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Wti handling is outstanding fun and confident when i drive. I feel like a driver
My wrx hatch never burns oil and my engine has over 100k miles and i track the crap out of it, ive even done two track days on the same oil change and the oil was clean and full. It honestly surprises me and its modified and protuned
Yeah, gotta agree with Aaron there, it's kinda bizarre just how much crap you can fit in an Imprezza
Own a 97 Gf8 with 336k. ORIGINAL Engine.😆.Sometimes you get lucky. A bit rugged now,still pulls nicely,even though it does need a rebuild........ it's not been my daily for a while now.. GT Liberty wagons my daily.
Power windows, aircon and ABS were standard on the GC8 WRX all along, cruise control was added around 2000 in the Ozzie cars. Along with Recaro or Recaro designed seats the from 97/98 onward. So they have had the 'fruit' that the european cars have for a very long time.
I got only a 2.0R is a family version. i know is not the beast that everyone wants but it has more than 315000 Km and still runs as the first day. in any kind of road
I love SUBARU, an EJ engines
Awesome vid! Scott, your presenting/interviewing skills are on point. Loved this.
I love how much Marty loves his car. It's so cool.
Don't even have to say anything about Benny. Everything he does is covered in awesome sauce.
BTW 22B FOREVER!!! Can some please source and get me one? I'll pay you back. Promise...
This is a great video, well done to everyone involved.
The boys got it right tho the 99 2door is the best looking and I would say overall best Subaru they have ever made
Okay, what in your opinion is the GOAT Subaru? 👇
Spec B Liberty
Worm hole blown many galaxys away.that is all,
My first car i ever owned and drove for my L'S plates was a 4speed subaru brumby AG-QUIP 4x4,. cream in color.so sad i sold it knowing now it can house a lot of modern subaru platforms, since then, holden all my life
GC8 WRX 22B STi no doubt. The GC8 Type R STi 2 door and some of the rarer RA versions are all my favourites. Basically GC8 is where it's at for me.
1978, vin a26l414168. Bought it from new, 4k USD. Rolled it 1 year later. Had a high performance Weber 32/36 DGEV carbie swapped on it ;)
Going to have to endorse the Liberty/Legacy Spec.B GT with an updated engine/gearbox/brakes.
Had my sg9 forester sti for a couple weeks now, it’s pretty much stock and I love it, plan to oil change every 5000km and do as much preventative maintenance as possible, it’s my pride and joy weekender and I have a base sf forester to get to work too.
Watch for the left hand head gasket dropping coolant, prick of a job but better than blowing the engine. (My SG9 is currently parked up waiting for me to get around to dropping the K-frame ;) )
GC is actually the model for the 1st gen sedan, the wagon you guys have is the GF. and the GM is the coupe model
They make a similar error with the black WRX, which is a GH. Only the STIs were GR (wide body) until facelift models. In all honesty, I would expect these errors from an American channel, but it is a bit disappointing in content from Australia.
I have a blue.bug eye 2002 ej20 turbo with 275k km on the klock.never been opened.. I love my car but my favourite one is a blob eye 2005 STI. One day i will be the owner of one
Great video and good to see Benny!! Throttle down from Chicago ✌️