[Rufus3383]

1. Is the large "Prodrive" type spoiler actually effective at normal road speeds, or is it popular just because it looks cool?
How much downforce can you count on at 60mph through a sharp curve?

2. Why are 4 door sedans suddenly the basis of performance derivatives from Japan, like the EVO and the STI? Wouldn't it make more sense to at least have a coup, which would be smaller, lighter and possibly even stiffer?

3. I was checking the SCCA websites and even though the WRX comes with an SCCA membership they don't seem to be doing all that well in the solo 2 (autocross) racing results I've seen to date. Is the WRX really suited to autocross, or more to the full up track? Or not to either?

Thanks
Rufus

 

[TiTaNiuM sAMuRai]

I've a few more questions:
What exactly does JDM stand for?
Is there any possibility of modifying or replacing the STi sedan's rear seats to fold down like the 40/60 in the wagon? I found a folding seat in my friend's MX6 to be wonderful, and would be the only reason I'd want a wagon.
Why aren't the Japanese HID's brought here as is?
What does Bullet mean by an 'octane boost'? You can't simply walk down to your local Kwik-E Mart, pick up a 2L bottle of octane, and dump it in the drum, can you? ;]
Is there a way to drain the ic spray water line for the winter months?
I don't suppose Prodrive will front-mount the ic, would they? It'd be more effective, but would it create any problems? If they're redesigning the engine, why not?
Can anyone speculate as to why the foglight sockets weren't used for intake?

 

[alfredob1]

Japanese Domestic Market, I believe.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: alfredob1 on 2002-02-09 14:39 ]</font>

 

[Bullet]

Well here goes.
The large rear wings are pretty much for show with regard to the speeds that we travel at. At 60mph there is NO benefit.(In fact it really impacts negativley as you could do better without the weight.)It looks COOL though.
JDM is for the Japanese Domestic market.(The guys who get all the good stuff :sad

Octane boost can be bought in bottles that treat one tank of fuel.It raises octane rating about 2 points.This is useless unless combined with ecu and other nmods. Putting octane boost in a standard WRX will NOT give better performance.

 

[alfredob1]

So the STi would benefit from the octane boost?

 

[MKIVSupra]

I have heard that octane boost is not good to use cause it leaves a sludge or something in the engine.

 

[Bullet]

The U.S. model STi will probably have a similar setup to the UK STi and mine(Austarlian Spec.)They are set up for 95 Octane fuel. Yours will be setup for your own fuel ratings.
So to answer your question, No , Octane boost will make no difference to the STi unless the ECU settings are also done to adjust for the different octane rating.

If I understand it correctly if you mod your boost level you would have to also have to take note of ratings and an increase with octane boost will help to increase saftey margin of fuel so as not to cause damage to your engine. I think JJ could explain this better than me.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Bullet on 2002-02-09 19:12 ]</font>

 

[Fast4door]

What about the intercooler water spray disconnect for winter?

 

[Novus]

Lancers and Imprezas aren't suddently the basis for performance cars. The EVOs and WRXs have been around for a decade or more in Japan. Also realize that the Skyline GT-Rs are part of a 4door sedan family of cars(although they are 2door cars). I don't know why exactly, but they're both winning WRC races despite Pugeot, Ford, Citroen, and Hyundai all running much smaller cars.

The Prodrive STi's are similar to Saleen Mustangs. Prodrive is an aftermarket company with large ties to Subaru. There are Prodrive STi models but I doubt you'll see them in the US anytime soon. They aren't redesigning the engine really.

As to a FMIC... I don't know why they didn't use one except that it's expensive. APS and Blitz already make FMIC for the US WRX. So if you want one I'm sure you can get one for the STi too.

I don't know why the foglights weren't used for intakes, but they aren't on the WRC car so... There probably wasn't enough gain to justify such a large and low inlet considering they have to go through fairly deep water at times.

The intercooler water spray will either have a way to drain it or you'll be able to put some kind of anit-freeze in it. At least I would hope so.

Bullet is pretty much right about the octane. Tuning is key when you increase the octane. If you're using a MBC or an EBC you could see gains by increasing the boost and using a higher octane (or at least you won't see much knock or detonation with the higher boost and octane (i.e. it'll be "safer")). I wouldn't recomend using octane boosters, but there should be places around where you live that sell "race" gas.

 

[MKIVSupra]

I should clarify my previous post... I heard that ADDING an octane booster to your gas is bad cause it leaves a sludge in the engine, not higher octane gas. In my Supra I usually use race gas that can be bought at some local Clark or Citgo gas stations. They have a rating anywhere from 100 to 104 octane.