Looking for an STi, question!

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Hey guys, so I am looking at bringing a 2004ish STi up from the states. Whats the main differences between the 2004, 2005 and 2006 model years if any, and should I hold out for a 2005 or 2006 or is a 2004 fine? What are some known problems they have and things to watch out for?

If anyone has brought one up and can give me some more details of the process that would be great as well.

TIA

[googe]

05 has a very slightly nicer interior. Difference is very minor between 04 and 05.

USA STIs got HIDs, but no rear seat pass-through.

I don't remember what changed between 05 and 06, if anything.

nasioc.com is a good resource.

A few of the first 04s had a knocking issue. There was an ECU fix though. Probably not a concern.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Do the rear seats fold at all in the STi?

[Phenix]

They will only have a pass through for ski's.

And in 06 they did a cosmetic change with the headlights and added a little rear wing above the rear window

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Damn guess ill be needing a roof rack for my bikes and skis.

[Phenix]

Also I would say if you ever carry more than two pairs of ski's you're gonna need a roof rack

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah I guess im used to just folding the seat in my Nissan to throw two pairs of skis in there or else taking our Jeep.

[600rr]

I am pretty sure they do not fold in the sti. If i were you, i would fork out the extra 1500-2000 (on average) for the 05+ simply because of the bolt pattern change, a couple drive train changes (gear ratio change), etc... Only the canadian models have the ski pass through in the back seats, however, i think it would be quite easy to make some sort of pass through or swap to wrx rears or canadian sti rear seats...
If i were you, i would seriously consider finding one locally, they are getting relatively well priced. My buddy just brought in an 04 obp with 4000 miles from omaha. Bringing it up and getting all the paper work and taxes sorted out tallies up real fast whether you go through a broker or do the work yourself. Pm me if you want some more info, also i would not be on this site if your specifically looking for an sti. WSC is good....

Goodluck on your search and hope to see you in the community soon!

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I simply cant find an STi in Western Canada for around $22000-23000 which is more than I have. I have found some 2004-2005s in the Western USA for 15-18k with clean titles.

I'm also interested in Legacy GTs though but im not sure of the tuneability of those.

[600rr]

Lgt's are sweet and have similar tuning options as the sti. I have seen plenty of sti's in alberta and bc that are 23000 and lower. A 15000 dollar sti is going to cost about 20000 by the time your home. My buddies sti was 22000, the bill of sale price was 16000 so taxes would be less, but after food, gas, taxes, etc... the car was around 25-26000 by the time he drove it home.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Well currently I haven't seen much under $22000 in Western Canada.

I can get a local LGT for 14-16k which is great because I would not be right on the limit of my budget.

[600rr]

Yeah, lgt's are sweet. wrx's are also a possibility, they are cheap (9 grand or so) and with the extra money you have left over, you could modify it the way you want and it would have more hp then a stage 2 sti if you put the money in the right places. the 2l motors sound a tonne better too :)
Wagons are a bunch of fun and very practical as well, that is what i wound up with.

[euro_racer]

Another thing to note is that the 04 suspension is based on the WRX model, where the 05+ is strictly STI (and better). another thing is the rear fender flair on the 05+. The 04 model is the less desirable of the two and the 05 Seems to hold it's value much better then any other year.

A buddy of mine will be selling his minty 05 black sti come spring (he is in Europe now and will put it up for sale when he returns). I think he will be looking at getting something like $22000 for it. If i were you, i would just hold up and keep my eyes open because they always do come up around here.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Im just worried about the transaxles in the WRXs. I hear they are extremely weak, and Id be hoping to achieve 275-300WHP.

[600rr]

I know of several bugeyes and other wrx's that handle that power. The tranny would struggle with much more power though.
That is when you swap to brembo's the r180, and the 6 speed with all the other suspension parts for about 2500-3000 depending on what deal you find.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah how are the transaxles and drivelines on the LGT? Im also really digging the nicer interiors of the LGTs.

[600rr]

I think it depends on what year you would be looking at? like 2004's or 2006's?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

There's two LGT that I have found for sale in Calgary, both 2005. I prefer the Wagon over the Sedan.

[Transp0rt3r]

Also note that bolt pattern on early 2004 STI's is 5x100 same as on all WRX's. 2005+ STI's have different hubs and 5x114 bolt pattern. Just a note.

Transaxles on WRX's are pretty tough, though I heard of weak transmissions on 2005. Not sure about that so somebody correct me if I am wrong. 6speed STi tranny is pretty solid in all years.

[600rr]

I have heard only good things about the 05 lgt's and the wagons look very nice. I would look into it if i were you. But i would also look at lgt forums and search common problems. I know of a beastly red lgt wagon with around 360 whp daily driving around calgary.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah there's a red LGT at a dealer here in Calgary for $13995 that I am interested in.

[PD77]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
Yeah there's a red LGT at a dealer here in Calgary for $13995 that I am interested in.

If you have any questions about Leggy's feel free to PM me, when I sold mine it dyno'ed at 299whp and 312wtq (stock STi was 220whp and 220 wtq on the same dyno). They are a great platform to start with and they share parts with the 08+ WRX's so they are plentiful now.

I loved it but thought I wanted something more aggressive...looking back I shouldn't have sold it as I just bought an S4 to get into something more luxurious again haha.

[ArjayAquino]

good luck on your search dude.

Here's an 2005 STi that is 22,000. I'm not too sure if it's still for sale, you'd have to msg him. http://www.westernsubaruclub.com/smf/index.php?topic=17692.0

As for 04 differences, I think the important things have already been mentioned by the previous posts. One more thing to note though, the cup holder in the 04 STi is on TOP of the stereo LOL. So careful not to spill your coffee or else it'd get all over your deck.

[PD77]

Here's a pic to try and sway you to the Legacy side :D

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g236/frododapug/Car%20Stuff/097.jpg

[That.Guy.S30]

LGT all the way. more grown up. you can swap over the front brembos from the STi and even the gearbox if you want.

STi is very boy racer.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yep going to check out a LGT this week. Cheaper insurance than my 1992 Nissan!

[psycoticclown]

Originally posted by 600rr
I have heard only good things about the 05 lgt's and the wagons look very nice. I would look into it if i were you. But i would also look at lgt forums and search common problems. I know of a beastly red lgt wagon with around 360 whp daily driving around calgary.

I think that's my buddy Jacob's. He had it in Driven also.

The LGT is a pretty good car, same motor as the STI, but smaller turbo. You can swap to the STI turbo for under $2k also. If you don't want to swap turbos, just getting a downpipe and stage 2 tune will put you at STI power too. If you're looking for an LGT though, I would go with the Spec B if you can find one. Get the 6 speed from the STI plus better suspension and navi. The only other real difference other then turbo is brakes and you don't get the STI diffs (which people have also swapped in also).

Plus, they're a good sleeper and the interior is pretty nice if you want a slightly more luxurious car. And you get a ski pass through too although only the wagons get the fold down seat.

[Sorath]

evo > sti

my only regret buying an sti was i shouldnt have cheaped out and got an sti instead of an evo

nothing against legacy's though, i think they`re :bigpimp:

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah I think im going to pass on the STi and investigate LGTs instead.

[Accord_tunerx]

i was looking at an sti as well, but i changed my mind evo all the way never thought about teh LGT spec b those are sexy.


http://www.mcnproductions.com/lgt/exterior/lgt83.jpg
http://www2.ezbbs.net/33/k2gear/img/1118246810_2.jpg

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Bought a 2005 Legacy GT Limited tonight for $12400 from a dealer!

[ArjayAquino]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
Bought a 2005 Legacy GT Limited tonight for $12400 from a dealer!

that was fast lol. congrats man! tis' an awesome car.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah I hopped on it as it seemed like a good deal and was in great shape! Apparently its the second shortest they have had a car on the lot for haha.

[psycoticclown]

^^Grats!!! Pics??

[n1zm0]

was it the red one from canadatrader? congrats!

i've been looking/researching into a 4 door awd sedan for the longest time as my S14 is going to be the last 'rice' i'll have for a long time i think, need something bigger.

the 4th gen BL chassis offers the best of everything imo, the looks and decent forced induction numbers ( but i bet its a gas pig) and as ppl say - the sti/wrx is the new boy ricer so i'd like to move away from that (althought id kill to have an STi

damnit i want one lol

[600rr]

Congrats on the purchse twin cam! Come join WSC if you havent done so already.

[SilverRex]

welcome to the family bro,

[600rr]

Oh and there are lgt tein flex coilovers on kijiji for cheap right now lol. Take a look if you want.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Thanks guys.

Pic: http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg116/ski1jump/Legacy.jpg

[600rr]

Beauty!
Is it 5spd or auto?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

5spd. Its got 176250km and i'm unsure whether the timing belt has ever been changed so I am going to go ahead and replace that asap.

[Cos]

That thing cost 12 grand?!?! Impressive.... they dont exactly hold their value do they

[PD77]

Originally posted by Cos
That thing cost 12 grand?!?! Impressive.... they dont exactly hold their value do they

No they don't, couple that with the mileage and voila, one helluva deal coming up!

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

So my goal with this car is 300AWHP by the end of May. I know I need to do the timing belt/waterpump/pulleys, and I'm also going to put a stronger clutch in as well.

What do you guys recommend for other mods? I was thinking intake, full exhaust, not sure what to do for turbo or engine management yet, and injectors.

Will probably also do a 1" drop with new struts and new wheels with Dunlop Direzza D1 Star Specs for summer driving.

[sr20s14zenki]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
So my goal with this car is 300AWHP by the end of May. I know I need to do the timing belt/waterpump/pulleys, and I'm also going to put a stronger clutch in as well.

What do you guys recommend for other mods? I was thinking intake, full exhaust, not sure what to do for turbo or engine management yet, and injectors.

Will probably also do a 1" drop with new struts and new wheels with Dunlop Direzza D1 Star Specs for summer driving.

Cobb tuner, upgrade turbo and injectors and possibly fuel pump? I hear the downpipes and crossover pipes are fairly restrictive.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yes I don't want to forget the fuel pump.

[sr20s14zenki]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
Yes I don't want to forget the fuel pump.

Wellll it depends, research what they are capable of. Some cars come with seriously awesome factory fuel pumps, while others such as s13s do not haha. An r32 gtr fuel pump will make 450 horsepower, thats pretty damn good for out of the box (=

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Yeah true. Not looking forward to doing the timing belt and clutch and stuff but its gotta be done. I just wish I had a hoist in our garage.

[PD77]

Turbo: VF52 will get you almost there, an TD06-18g will do it for sure.

Injectors: Nismo 740cc give you lots of room on your IDC's

Top Mount Intercooler: Lots of options, AVO makes a nice one.

TBE: Have a listen, there are tons out there and all are going to pretty much get you the same power (catless will add a few extra ponies)

Fuel Pump: Buy a pre-made one like I mentioned earlier, Leggy fuel pumps SUCK to modify.

Tune: We have one of the best Subaru tuners out there in Calgary, why not take advantage of it? Airboy is better than any Cobb tune hands down.

Extras: Equal length headers will yield decent gains, and if you want to get fancy Aquamist meth kits are a big help too.

[clem24]

If you need an intake I am selling my K&N Typhoon. It sounds really nice at high RPM! Probably only about 10k on it.

[psycoticclown]

If you're trying to make 300 awhp, you should be able to do with a slightly bigger turbo like a VF39 or VF52, exhaust, FMIC and tune. And maybe intake. But the stock intake box is really good anyways. I think there are some people on the LGT forums that are making around 300 with just those mods. And for fuel pump, just get a Walboro 255.

If your looking for a subtle 1" drop, I got a set of Bilsteins struts for sale. Only been used for around 5k kms, maybe less. Great struts. Other then that, you can get Koni struts too.

[euro_racer]

congrats on the car man! if you are anything like me, you will develop this love for subaru that will always keep you interested in them as they are very fun :D


as mentioned, the most effective mods you can do to any subaru:

-turbo upgrade (sti vf39) ~$350-$400 .... you can also find a 16g or 20g turbo on the forums for a bit more power as well ~$600

-intercooler upgrade (to keep things safe) ~$300

-injector upgrade (you can mod your factory ones i think, i know on the wrx you can) free or ~$400 brand name one

-fuel pump (walboro found on ebay for cheap) ~$120

-full exhaust (found on forums used for cheap) depends ~$400-$700

-tune (i think this falls under a stage 3 tune. go air boy, the man knows his stuff) ~$200-$300

...all that, and if you are changing the clutch that makes everything much more complete :)

WSC and NASIOC would be your best source for info and sourcing out parts. do not be afraid to go with used parts :)

[dino_martini]

Whats the longevity like on these turbo 2.5? I see a couple Legacy's on autotrader in the mid teens, all have over 100,000 km's on them. Should I be concerned about it?

[PD77]

Originally posted by dino_martini
Whats the longevity like on these turbo 2.5? I see a couple Legacy's on autotrader in the mid teens, all have over 100,000 km's on them. Should I be concerned about it?

As long as the banjo bolt filter doesn't clog the oil feed line to the turbo everything holds up pretty well. Another common issue are the plastic endtanks letting go on the stock TMIC at higher boost levels.