Author Topic: Cheech00TS's WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon  (Read 6414 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Cheech00TS's WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« on: April 20, 2014, 05:04:49 pm »
Decided to go back to NA after enjoying a 2007 WRX for the past 4 years.

I won't be doing anything crazy on this car, but I'm certainly interested in making it a little more fun to drive back and forth to work. Here's a list of my mod ideas, probably not in order.

Whiteline RSB 20mm Kit
http://www.rallysportdirect.com/Whiteline-BSR51Z-Rear-Sway-Bar-20mm-Adjustable

Koni Sport Strut/HR Spring combo
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&model=Sport+Damper+Set+%26+Springs&group=Sport+Damper+Set+%26+Springs&partNum=1140-0461&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Impreza+5-Door&autoYear=2011&autoModClar=2.5i+Premium
if anyone knows any info about these, please let me know

16" Sparco Terra rims in white for winter
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=W29046605W&wheelMake=Sparco&wheelModel=Terra&wheelFinish=White+Painted&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Impreza+5-Door&autoYear=2011&autoModClar=2.5i+Premium

Kartboy Short Shifter
http://www.rallysportdirect.com/Kartboy-Short-Throw-Shifter-Subaru-Models-inc-2008-2011-WRX-2006-2009-Legacy-GT-2006-2008-Forester-XT

I'll post a few pics of the car once I take delivery. As always, I'm open to suggestions.
'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline Zac

  • Vendor
  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *
  • Posts: 1778
  • I liek stuff
  • Ride: 05 LGT Wagon, 08 Jeep WK CRD
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2014, 05:13:15 pm »
What made you want to go back NA?

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2014, 08:56:25 am »
Going back to NA was a tough decision, but I'm trying to save money where I can and using less fuel (and less expensive fuel) was a good place to start. I really enjoyed having all the power of the WRX but I don't NEED it. As you can tell from the mod list above, all I'm after is a nice solid ride that handles well and is moderately fun to drive.
'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline seat safety switch

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 6044
  • Snowmen with fezzes are ardent rally fans.
    • seat safety switch
  • Location: Calgary
  • Ride: Junk
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2014, 09:04:48 am »
Man, I dunno about you but I use more fuel with my NAs than I did with my WRX. :)

Offline 05LGT

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 4471
  • Trained Trunk Monkey
  • Location: Calgary Alberta
  • Ride: Toyota Echo RS
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2014, 09:12:32 am »
Going back to NA was a tough decision, but I'm trying to save money where I can and using less fuel (and less expensive fuel) was a good place to start. I really enjoyed having all the power of the WRX but I don't NEED it. As you can tell from the mod list above, all I'm after is a nice solid ride that handles well and is moderately fun to drive.

I went from a chipped 135i to my BRZ and I have to agree the fuel savings is really quite nice, but boy do I miss that torque.
I don't name things I know I'm going to sell eventually. Hence why I'd never name any kids I had.

If you can't go fast with 90HP, 900HP won't help you. - Bob Hall

Offline LilDrunkenSmurf

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 19319
  • This is why I can't own nice things..
  • Location: Calgary
  • Ride: hopefully doesn't trigger ekai
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2014, 09:17:57 am »
Man, I dunno about you but I use more fuel with my NAs than I did with my WRX. :)

That's easy when you never drive a car.
If the sea was vodka, and I was a duck.
I would swim to the bottom, and drink my way up.
But the sea isn't vodka, and I'm not a duck.
So give me the vodka, and stfu.
If you're having forum problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but your post ain't one.

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #6 on: April 21, 2014, 10:47:25 am »
Man, I dunno about you but I use more fuel with my NAs than I did with my WRX. :)

Wish you would have told me about that mod before I sold the WRX! Haha.
'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline LilDrunkenSmurf

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 19319
  • This is why I can't own nice things..
  • Location: Calgary
  • Ride: hopefully doesn't trigger ekai
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #7 on: April 21, 2014, 12:57:45 pm »
Wait. How much did this cost to buy? How much are you expecting to save on gas? The maths doesn't add up.
If the sea was vodka, and I was a duck.
I would swim to the bottom, and drink my way up.
But the sea isn't vodka, and I'm not a duck.
So give me the vodka, and stfu.
If you're having forum problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but your post ain't one.

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2014, 08:28:51 pm »
Wait. How much did this cost to buy? How much are you expecting to save on gas? The maths doesn't add up.

Really? My WRX had 167xxx Kms, the new Impreza has 41xxx. The savings aren't all on gas.

Maybe we can chat privately some time about my finances. Let's keep it about mod ideas and helpful suggestions.

'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline Dado_666

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
  • Stage 2 Clothing
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: BMW M3
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2014, 10:20:29 pm »
Let me know when you decide to order short shifter, I'm thinking about getting one too so we can split the shipping if you want.

also, i was reading the comments about short shifter and most of them recommends getting a combo.

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/Kartboy-Short-Shifter-and-Bushing-Combo-Subaru-Models-inc-2008-2011-WRX-2005-2009-Legacy-GT

Offline ultimatt

  • WSC Supporter
  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 2936
  • Thrusting in the direction of the problem.
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: Thundercougarfalconbird
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #10 on: April 22, 2014, 12:29:36 pm »
Really? My WRX had 167xxx Kms, the new Impreza has 41xxx. The savings aren't all on gas.

Maybe we can chat privately some time about my finances. Let's keep it about mod ideas and helpful suggestions.

If you just wanted a newer car that's fine, but your the one that mentioned fuel economy first.
Pretty much any other reason than fuel economy is a pretty good reason if you're just switching from Subaru to Subaru, since the economy is about the same.

AFAIK an HR spring is usually a style spring more than a performance one. It'll lower a bit and be slightly stiffer, but not really up to the levels of say a Swift spring.

I'd check the springs rates relative to stock for any 'performance' spring you look at. A lot of them just lower the car without a significant increase in rate which can make for worse handling as you have less strut travel available.

Edit: saw your other thread about suspension and that you're leaning towards Swift. Good choice!
<+  Hurrbie> becuase ultimasshole

Offline 05LGT

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 4471
  • Trained Trunk Monkey
  • Location: Calgary Alberta
  • Ride: Toyota Echo RS
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #11 on: April 22, 2014, 03:13:56 pm »
Does RCE make springs for the base Impreza?  I really like my yellows in my BRZ.
I don't name things I know I'm going to sell eventually. Hence why I'd never name any kids I had.

If you can't go fast with 90HP, 900HP won't help you. - Bob Hall

Offline LilDrunkenSmurf

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 19319
  • This is why I can't own nice things..
  • Location: Calgary
  • Ride: hopefully doesn't trigger ekai
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #12 on: April 22, 2014, 03:17:59 pm »
Does RCE make springs for the base Impreza?  I really like my yellows in my BRZ.

Unless something has changed, the WRX and the Impreza usually share suspension setups (at least until the Impreza split off into the 2.0L chassis)
If the sea was vodka, and I was a duck.
I would swim to the bottom, and drink my way up.
But the sea isn't vodka, and I'm not a duck.
So give me the vodka, and stfu.
If you're having forum problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but your post ain't one.

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Springs
« Reply #13 on: April 22, 2014, 07:07:42 pm »
Thanks to everyone for all the great advice! I'm definitely interested in any first hand experiences with NAs and aftermarket setups if anyone has the GR.

I was under the same impression about the WRX suspension fitting my car, but I need to confirm that before I order something designed for a WRX. I'm guessing that the GR WRX struts and springs would be different, so maybe a set of WRX take-offs would be enough of an improvement for a strictly street-use car? I've looked at Eibach as well, but it sounds like they drop the ride height quite a bit. I know some drop is likely unavoidable, but I'd like to minimize it.

back to the research machine...
'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #14 on: April 22, 2014, 07:10:49 pm »
Does RCE make springs for the base Impreza?  I really like my yellows in my BRZ.

Are the RCE yellows rough at all, or do they smooth out the ride without being too harsh? I've had a few people suggest RCE's now, and I know they make a Black too. I'll have to look into them a bit more to find out the differences. Thanks for the suggestion!
'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline Dado_666

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 258
  • Stage 2 Clothing
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: BMW M3
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #15 on: April 22, 2014, 07:13:52 pm »
I have coilovers from Richie_Rich's WRX and there was no problem with install. You should look into coilovers, for $700 you can get pretty good set. It will benefit you for winter driving.

Offline 05LGT

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 4471
  • Trained Trunk Monkey
  • Location: Calgary Alberta
  • Ride: Toyota Echo RS
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #16 on: April 23, 2014, 08:32:23 am »
Are the RCE yellows rough at all, or do they smooth out the ride without being too harsh? I've had a few people suggest RCE's now, and I know they make a Black too. I'll have to look into them a bit more to find out the differences. Thanks for the suggestion!

They are pretty stiff, but I know the blacks (at least for the BRZ application) are even stiffer spring rates.
I don't name things I know I'm going to sell eventually. Hence why I'd never name any kids I had.

If you can't go fast with 90HP, 900HP won't help you. - Bob Hall

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
First Pics
« Reply #17 on: May 01, 2014, 08:04:36 pm »
A few pics:

Stock Wheels with 205/50/17 (going up for sale...)


Speedy Lite 5 with 215/45/17

'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Interior trim painted
« Reply #18 on: May 01, 2014, 08:14:33 pm »
The dash had some spots from a cleaning product that was used before I bought it, so I pulled the trim pieces off and gave them a fresh coat of custom black.





The look probably isn't for everyone, but I love doing it and I think it makes the interior look a lot better. The door handle surrounds are next up.
'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #19 on: May 08, 2014, 08:07:46 pm »
Decided to take off the door cards today to find out a few things:
1. Why does my door rattle like crazy when I turn up the stereo?
2. How does the trim around the door handle come off?

My answer to Q1 was fairly obvious, and incredibly puzzling at the same time. In the photo below, you can see a white plastic box on the door card that is attached at 2 points with a plastic weld. This piece appears to be useless, but I still felt like it must be doing something so I should leave it in. However, it wasn't fixed tightly to the door card, so I used a piece of foam to tighten up the gap and eliminate the vibration. So far, so good. With the stereo up to 28, there is no noticeable rattle or vibration anymore.



Q2. The short answer is that there is no way to separate the painted door handle trim from the rest of the door card because it is plastic-welded together in several spots, as well as being screwed in a few places. From what I saw, there would be no way to just remove the screws, cut the welds, and reinstall the trim without having it rattle around. In order to paint these trim pieces I think I'll end up removing the door cards, taping off the trim pieces, and spraying them in place. I'm worried that it may not be a clean finish, but I think that as long as I carefully mask it off it should work out.

'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #20 on: May 21, 2014, 01:34:21 pm »
Man, I dunno about you but I use more fuel with my NAs than I did with my WRX. :)

My last tank of gas got me 7.8L/100 km with combined highway and city driving. That's on Shell 87 as well. My WRX could never get close to that, even when I babied it. So far, I'm really happy with the increase in fuel mileage, but if you're getting numbers like that with your WRX, then I'm a bit envious and I wish I could have made mine do the same.
'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline cheech00TS

  • Patchy Faced
  • ***
  • Posts: 361
  • Location: Edmonton
  • Ride: 2011 WRB Impreza Ltd wagon
Re: Cheech00TS's WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #21 on: May 21, 2014, 01:43:20 pm »
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2393518&highlight=2011+impreza+rear+sway

Posted this in modification ideas as well, but thought I would put it here too. I'm hopefully getting a stock STI RSB with end links, and I'll be using the parts list from the above post to get all of the brackets and bushings. I'll put a few pics of the install up once I'm done. Should be pretty straight forward, and while I know that the Whiteline kit above is probably way stiffer, I'm not sure that I have the money right now to go that far.

This will definitely be an improvement in handling, so I'm sure it will be worth the money and effort. I'll update once it's installed.
'06 2.5i Wagon: 60KM->sold
'01 Forester S: 217KM->sold
'10 2.5i Wagon: gone...
'07 WRX Wagon: 167,xxx really fun kms!
'11 2.5i Limited Wagon

Offline YvanF

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 2575
  • Credit to GrantC for profile pic
  • Location: Edmonton, Ab
  • Ride: 2004 WRX Wagon - ej207 v7 swap, 1993 Honda Civic Si
Re: WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #22 on: May 21, 2014, 01:56:19 pm »
My last tank of gas got me 7.8L/100 km with combined highway and city driving. That's on Shell 87 as well. My WRX could never get close to that, even when I babied it. So far, I'm really happy with the increase in fuel mileage, but if you're getting numbers like that with your WRX, then I'm a bit envious and I wish I could have made mine do the same.

With my WRX I get 10L/100 on highway, probly between 12 to 15 in the city. LOL. I don't think anyone gets close 7.8 (combined) in their 02-07 WRX.
The WRX is definetly not a fuel sipper... that being said, I never bought it for that. I have my other vehicule for that.

Offline Zac

  • Vendor
  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *
  • Posts: 1778
  • I liek stuff
  • Ride: 05 LGT Wagon, 08 Jeep WK CRD
Re: Cheech00TS's WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #23 on: May 21, 2014, 03:19:04 pm »
last highway trip I did was in the winter to revelstoke and I got 7.7l/100km with Cobb stage 1 map.

Offline 05LGT

  • Rivaling ZZ-TOP
  • *****
  • Posts: 4471
  • Trained Trunk Monkey
  • Location: Calgary Alberta
  • Ride: Toyota Echo RS
Re: Cheech00TS's WRB 2011 Impreza Limited Wagon
« Reply #24 on: May 21, 2014, 03:29:15 pm »
last highway trip I did was in the winter to revelstoke and I got 7.7l/100km with Cobb stage 1 map.

Grandpa pace?  I managed 6.6L/100km between Calgary and Revelstoke last Friday night.
I don't name things I know I'm going to sell eventually. Hence why I'd never name any kids I had.

If you can't go fast with 90HP, 900HP won't help you. - Bob Hall