So i am new to this group as well as subaru(never will i own a car again that does not have a subaru logo on the front). I am looking for advice and maybe even in priority order for my 09' Subaru Impreza 2.5i Hatch Pearl white. I figure since I am too poor to afford a turbo I am going to rock the N/A. Im thinking autocross...Already have cat back exhaust. Was told by someone no CAI because subaru is smart, just a high flow filter.......thanks alot in advance!!!
yea if you wanted turbo you should have gotten a wrx. since it sounds like the funds weren't right for that, enjoy what you have - start with suspension, tires, brakes. what kind of budget are you working with?
Wouldnt really say budget...but im going to be able to throw 3-400 a month into it, so if needed i can save up, but i would agree I am looking at some H&R Springs, Perrin front strut brace,and Perrin front and rear way bars. I am thinking of holding off on brakes and tires, since I only have 3400 miles on everything, i havent been able to justify that yet lol. But agree it would be an improvement.
I'm not an autocross expert, but if that's what you want to do with the car figure out what class you want to run in and build the car to fit. Sometimes a fairly simple mod can put you in a high class.
I started to mod (with Suby parts) my car at 2000 miles. First Grill, then exhaust, then sway bars. It'll never stop. Might as well get started now.
You should do some research on suspention and springs before you buy it. If you could wait and save some money get BC racing coilovers instead of springs.
I think I started at mile 180 on the FXT. I wouldn't worry about the rear start tower bar, since you really don't have strut towers. And honestly, the FIRST thing I would do is tires. If needed (or wanted), throw some rims in there. Better tires will be the single biggest improvement to handling AND safety you can make. From there it is seat time and knowing what the car will and will not do. From there, I would get into the front and rear anti-roll bars, end links, and mounts/braces (for the rear). Russ
Word^^^^^^ Don't go too crazy with mods if you plan to autox. You could easily mod yourself into a class you really don't want to run with.:eek4: (I'm also not an expert.) Sway bars, pads and fresh brake fluid/bleed are a great place to start.
Wait, $3-400 a month? :raise: Do you want to throw parts at it to make it faster in corners? Do you just wanna wrench on it bc you enjoy the process? Both? Definitely get tires first if you're going to get anything. I'll be the first to strongly disagree with the "mod your car within the autox rule set." The rules are frivolous for a dual duty or occasional autox car. If you're modding it to mod it, then enjoy your car and enjoy the modding process. Don't get caught up in keeping it class legal for 6 minutes of seat time a month. Drive it in SI if you're really that concerned about being underprepped for a class. Aside from tires, stay on top of your maintenance (I change engine oil every 1000-2000 miles or every other event, change brake fluid often, and transmission fluid annually) and get plenty of seat time at sanctioned events. MAC offers a novice school that is a great value. MNSOC plans to host another instructional driving event in the near future as well. Try autox, try rallyx, try track days, just get comfortable with piloting your car in a safe and controlled environment first. Your "mod list" will change with your driving environment and driving style.
A front sway bar will make the biggest initial difference in handling, short of decent struts and fairly stiff springs. Since you already have a cat-back, you are in the ST class. A CAI is legal, but not worth the money. Springs, sway bars, good street tires (ST is a street tire class), shifter bushings, Group N engine and tranny mounts, lighter (and wider) wheels are all legal in ST and can help quite a bit. There is also a lot of good competition in that class locally that can help you become a better driver. Come on out to MOWOG #3 and join us. I'll be driving #545 ('96 Impreza, XP class)
If you can afford $300-400/month for mods, have you reconsidered your decision to purchase an N/A vehicle? The differential between N/A and turbo surely isn't $300/month, is it?
lol no your right, 300-400 is what I can Probably do, i didnt want to commit to buying a 23000 wrx when i payed less than half of that for my 2.5i. I LOVE MORRIE's!!
As I recall from novice school the best mods for autox to invest in are: you you tires alignment you The you investment is seat time. I will say the best bang for buck investment I made was the sway err.. antiroll bars.
