TomB Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Hi guys, just like to introduce myself as a new owner. In a couple of weeks I'll be picking up a 1996 Gravel Express. Something a bit different to the other Impreza's running around. I'm just wondering if anyone has any info about these? I know it's based on a wrx with the td04 turbo, but I've read somewhere that as it's a wagon it will be less powerful than a saloon? I'd like to give it a bit of a boost and as such the car is fitted with a K&N panel, intake resonator delete, stainless up-pipe, decat stainless downpipe and a Fujitsubo exhaust. Is there much more I can do to it? I'd imagine a remap is in order, and I know that I'd need to change the ecu, but would it be wise to upgrade the fuel pump and injectors first? I'd also appreciate any advice on where to have a good map etc. Thanks in advance, and I look forward to hopefully being able to help you all sometime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stants Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Hello &welcome,not sure on the power levels I think it's based on a v1/2 impreza so mechanically it will be pretty much identical to them, if it has a shanty intercooler under the bonnet then it's a v1. I presume it will be running at least 220bhp, could be anything up to 260 if your lucky, without getting it on a dyno it's all down to how fast it feels. As for the map you'll get more out of it better economy hp and torque so may be worth it in the long run, I'd suggest an esl board for the ecu as.its a lot newer than an apexi standalone Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savage bulldogs Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Quite like these [emoji41] there's one that drives about near me in Suffolk. Unfortunately I don't know if they run the same type of ecu's as the impreza of that year but if they do the cheapest option is probably a esl daughter board or apexi fc (stand alone ecu) . Both can be bought, fitted and mapped for a sub £600 price tag . If it does run a tdo4 and grey 380 cc injectors they'll be the limiting factor .As both max out at about 290hp with surporting mods . Which county are you in , as checking with your local mapper or esl themselves would probably be the best option to find out which ecu's will definitely work. If it's not broke .....upgrade it 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted May 20, 2016 Author Share Posted May 20, 2016 Cheers guys. Apparently it's a 1996 WRX with the slanty intercooler, but with higher ride height and the bars etc. 290hp would be sufficient, but If I wanted to be able to go higher, or to give a bit of breathing space, what would I be looking at? I'm in Pembrokeshire, South Wales and there aren't any mappers around that I know of, so if it's worth travelling, I don't mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savage bulldogs Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 It's a v2 with a phase 1 inlet / fuel rails . The v1 and v2 saloon wrx's came with a tdo5 16g turbo (capable of 350hp ) although I'm unsure if the wagons of the same year were fitted with the same . The v1 and v2 uk turbo 2000's were fitted with a tdo4 and so we're wrx's from late 96 v3 onwards. . Either way a fuel pump, sports cat and a full service would be a good starting point before you remap . We have got a few members from near you ,so someone else might know a trusted tuner in your area . Otherwise there's quite a few mobile mappers which will either come to you and map on the road or go to a dyno of your choice . If it's not broke .....upgrade it 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted May 20, 2016 Author Share Posted May 20, 2016 How do I tell which turbo it's got? The downpipe is decatted already and is recently been serviced, so should be good to go then. If I do upgrade the pump, would I need injectors too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savage bulldogs Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 If the injectors are grey there 380's good for 290hp. If the injectors are yellow there 440's good for 340hp . So it depends on your target hp but bear in mind that the slanty type of intercooler is the least efficient so you'll need to upgrade that after 290hp. turbo will have tdo4 ##### or tdo5 ### on the coldside [emoji6] If it's not broke .....upgrade it 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted May 20, 2016 Author Share Posted May 20, 2016 I've thought about doing the cooler to an STi with the nice y pipe. That should be sufficient I'd imagine? I don't want silly power, but I like to build in a little extra scope instead of maxing things out. Shopping again then! Thanks mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stants Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Have a Google v3 impreza cooler onto v1 engine, It's possible but you need to know someone who can weld ally and I think some bits need relocating Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted May 20, 2016 Author Share Posted May 20, 2016 Would a front cooler be easier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stants Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 I can't find the original page for the conversion, but I think you have to shave some off the throttle body too, Front mounts are a different kettle of fish altogether, have a look at savages build thread to see what's involved in fitting a fmic Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted May 20, 2016 Author Share Posted May 20, 2016 I've just read that build. Beautiful work. Nice to see something done the correct way. I think that I'll be looking for a v1 STi top mount after reading all that! In theory it should be a straight swap. I'd like a front one, but they all seem to be set up for newer versions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay762 Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 Wotcha and welcome - quite the exclusive car you are taking ownership of - the April 16 edition of Jap Performance magazine covers a tweaked Gravel Express, it describes the standard car as basically a fozzy chassis and running gear with a wagon Shell, plus the other bits, bars etc. Might give some suggestions / areas for change Either way keep us posted of progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted June 16, 2016 Author Share Posted June 16, 2016 Well guys, I've got it! Nice condition with a boot load of spares including doors, wings, rear lights, window glass, a clutch and more. It's got the TD05 turbo with 3 port solenoid, a Japspeed decat bellmouth downpipe attached to a Fujitsubo exhaust with the resonators removed. Braided hoses, 4 pot rear brakes with drilled and grooved discs and a few other bits. It came with the original Subaru service book and loads of documentation. I've got a stainless uppipe, an intake resonator box delete pipe and an ARC intake box to go on soon. I love it already! Here's a pic and a vid of the sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeoffLeggy Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 How much did you pay for it if you dont mind me asking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted June 16, 2016 Author Share Posted June 16, 2016 £2750. Not bad with all the bits and being rare. There's a little bubbling on one arch as it seems that they've been rolled and is split a little. Nothing that can be easily fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeoffLeggy Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 Excellent find!! Tap me up if you ever decide to part with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piggysniffer Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Welcome, likin that car a lot, never seen one before ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgarside Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 Never seen one of these before, but really liking it !!! [emoji39] nice Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quit Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 Think these have all the Sti handling " pink range " underneath as standard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted June 20, 2016 Share Posted June 20, 2016 Welcome to S.O.C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayzarh Posted June 20, 2016 Share Posted June 20, 2016 mint! and welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted June 20, 2016 Author Share Posted June 20, 2016 Cheers guys! It's nice to have an unusual motor, and nice that people know about it! I'm really liking it so far. Apart from the quality of the Stereo that is. Terrible sound quality typical of old Japanese cars. I'll be looking to fix that asap. Hopefully I'll be able to join you at shows over the summer, but as I'm down at the end of the universe in South Wales, we'll have to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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