conor_66 Posted August 6 Share Posted August 6 Hi All, Little backstory... Bought my dream car (2005 Impreza WRX blob) a few years ago soon after uni when i got a big payrise as i wouldnt miss the money if i spent it before it came in! But its now been off the road for almost 2 years while i did some traveling. I want to give it some love it deserves and have planned/saved for a full rear end 'restoration' as ill soon be living with my mate that has a garage so i finally have space for a long term project and no more journeys home to my parents driveway. However im at a crossroads. I plan on removing pretty much all the rear end so i can take back to bare metal chassis and re-paint/seal. Generally i am looking to replace: -Rear subframe -Control arms (pillow bush) -Lateral link arms -Sway bar (probably whiteline) -Drop links -Full bolt replacements for all these things -Brake lines (inc braids) -Fuel filler neck and maybe tank/straps -New knuckles, Hubs, ABS rings, Back splashes and Bearings -Coilovers -BBK (front and hopefully rear) (I'm actually going to Japan this winter for a ski season and hoping to buy almost all of this out there and post it back to myself saving some $$$) Basically everything bar the diff and driveshafts. However this is where my dilemma starts, I want to eventually put a 6 speed STI transmission in, which obviously requires replacing the diff, drive shafts and most importantly... Hubs?? So i really need some advice on how best to proceed, are the knuckles the same so i would just need to press fit new hubs? Or would i need new knuckles? is it a waste of money and false economy to replace my knuckles when i need STI ones? and finally if so, can i put STI R180 diff, drive shafts, knuckles etc and bolt up to my 5 speed drive shaft? essentially running just and STI rear end and weird 2 types of stud patterns. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, ive been doing lots of forum searching but i think im just confused at this point. cheers all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy Posted August 6 Share Posted August 6 In all truth you would be betgter selling it and just buying an STI, easier and cheaper in the long run plus you will never get the money back on the wrx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conor_66 Posted August 8 Author Share Posted August 8 I mean you are not wrong, but simply wont ever be an option for me budget wise. Plus ill be replacing almost everything with aftermarket so made no sense to me to molest an sti, id just want to keep it stock. The only non aftermarket part will be the 6 speed and running gear (which id like to straight cut 1st to 4th anyway eventually). So any help on the rear STI axles and fitting to 5x100 wrx hubs etc would be greatly apreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy Posted August 9 Share Posted August 9 Have to confess its not a conversion i've done on a new age (My type R was 6 speed converted but that was a classic). As far as costs, you do realise a 6 speed and straight cut conversion is the best part of 10k? I'm not try to put you off, just make sure your aware before you go spending alot of money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conor_66 Posted August 9 Author Share Posted August 9 Nah i totallty understand what you are trying to say mate and appreciate it, sounds stupid on paper im sure. When i say my budget for an sti is out the question its dropping 10k right now. I plan on doing the above (top of post) for around 4k, all with aftermarket parts. This does assume around a 30% discount buying from Japan but so far online ive seen up to 50% on some parts like the coilovers i was looking at. Then i can completely remove the running gear from transfer case back to clean and repaint the underside. You could in my infinite stupidity call this 'stage one' of my dream plan... Next is trans/running gear and finally engine overhaul. Straight cut would be my last endvour and more of a 'wish' to have. Its my forever project and while i will have others on the side (currently looking at ek hondas lol) i want to know every part inside and out. Ive already ran out of brakes and cooked them once and was fortunate to have run off and would like tighter gearing so am prioritizing over just straight hp mods. but im also an idiot so take the above with a pinch of salt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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