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WRX STi 330S vs. WRX STi Type UK


brw2013
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Hi,

 

First post on these forums, please be kind ;)

 

So, I'm currently looking at getting a WRX STi (hatchback shape), although I can't seem to make my mind up on the 330S or the UK Type....

 

I thought I had settled on the 330S, although after calling round a few garages, and looking into the service history of the cars properly, it is incredible how many have had engine problems.  It seems that there may be a common problem with the engines on the 330S's, with being driven to the limiter every time (instead of letting the turbo do its work), the injectors cut out and puts huge pressure of the pistons.

 

One garage told me that this was quite a common thing on the 330S's, and that Subaru actually modified their pistons, and provided an upgraded ECU to fix this - It just depended if the cars I'm looking at have had this or not...

 

Does anyone know about these faults?  Is it as common as I'm finding it, or have I just been incredibly unlucky looking at a handful of cars that all that had the same problem?

 

If it's the case that this is a common fault, are the UK Type WRX STi's the same?  Is it simply because of the ProDrive upgrade on the 330S's that this occurs, or is it the engine itself?

 

Cheers

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The engine is know to suffer from ringland failure. This was posted on my local forum by an owner and very knowledgeable guy.

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Subaru added the ECU re-flash/amended map to the 'service update' rather than doing a formal recall. The issue only occurred on some cars in some situations i.e. when you hit or got near the rev limiter, so a full recall was not considered necessary

Some updated cars (both standard UK STI & 330S) still suffered from ringland failure after the factory re-map, so a bespoke map from someone decent (like JGM) is still a must on the pre 2010 cars if you like to give it some and want peace of mind

My 08 hatch STI is making 370bhp and had been absolutely fine for 2 years/30K miles of spirited driving following JGM's fine work

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I own a Type Uk which has been PPP'd (Prodrive Performance Pack) which takes the car upto 330bhp. I believe this is the same mapping as the 330s. The main difference between a 330s and Type UK is that the 330s has Recaro seats, a starter button, Sat Nav and is badged 330s. These badge cars are all Factory cars. The type UK is the same car just without the extra options fitted.

The PPP is a dealer fitt option which is just a remap of the ECU. So not all Type UK will be 330bhp

When you do buy a car, take it to your local Subaru specialist and ask them to check the mapping on the car and if nessecary tweak it.

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As above plus statement from Subaru

 

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/legal--motoring-advice/2010-10/subaru-issues-statement-on-impreza-and-forester-25-litre-engines/

 

I intend to get the mapping on mine done as a just in case plus all of the good stuff like

 

launch control, flat foot shifting, down shift blip - fly by wire throttles are very exciting :P

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Thanks for the prompt reply Pete.

 

So, that solves the differences between the Type UK and the 330S. To be honest I do really like the 330S and the extras it comes with.  However, if the PPP hasn't been added to the UK Type, is it still as liable to the ringland failure?

 

As for the re-mapping, would all cars pre 2010 have had this 'service update', or would it only have been updated if a problem found?  Also, what about 2010+ registration cars, do these not suffer from ringland failure at all, or are some still liable to it?

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I guess it will depend on if they took it to a main dealer for servicing.

Tbh I'm not that knowledgable about it, I bought mine without any thought about it just did the regular checks when buying a car. Luckily I know the dealer that did all the servicing and rang them up to confirm. Also like Jay will get it on the rolling road and remapped just to be sure.

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Thanks for the prompt reply Pete.

 

So, that solves the differences between the Type UK and the 330S. To be honest I do really like the 330S and the extras it comes with.  However, if the PPP hasn't been added to the UK Type, is it still as liable to the ringland failure?

 

As for the re-mapping, would all cars pre 2010 have had this 'service update', or would it only have been updated if a problem found?  Also, what about 2010+ registration cars, do these not suffer from ringland failure at all, or are some still liable to it?

 

 

If the PPP hasn't been been added it isnt a Type UK as that is the difference between a standard WRX STI running circa 300BHP and the 330 of the Type UK.

 

The cars wouldnt have automatically had the update - I am not aware of any issues wrt post 2010 cars although if I owned one I would do the same to get the extras anyway and peace of mind but also unless it is a 330 or a Cosworth they will not be running that much BHP.

 

If you are looking at spirited driving as well as a remap you should seriously consider an uprated oil pump and sump baffle to keep the oil in the right place at the right pressure  

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