Scoobyghost

You should be able to see or feel the gear linkage at the back of the gearbox. That should tell you if it's gear stick/linkage related or internal on the box. I'll grab a pic showing where it is.

If you're anything like me, you're gonna be noticing all sorts of smells and noises that "weren't there before" [emoji6]

I've had it happen before on a transit van. A bolt had come out the linkage below the gear stick. It was accessible under the van so I climbed under and done it back up finger tight. The linkage was in box type situation with a cover. Have you traced all the linkage while someone gives the stick a wiggle? Find which bit is loose then go from there. If you can select 3rd and 4th then it's only you left/right movement that's loose. Saying that I also lost the left right movement on a little punto. Tightened the 10mm bolt back up and carried on. I have a chequered past with an array of cheap run arounds.

Roadside test would be listen for a subtle hiss at idle and with a rev up.

Any oily smoke? Possibly seized open actuator/wastegate letting most the boost pass? My turbo whistles since having the decat on. Did you notice any blows?

Perfect for line of sight [emoji23]

I don't mean as standard sorry. There is an aftermarket set up you can buy. Dongles are cheap. One of the local hawk owners uses it.

Agree with the hundred gauges. Too many bright lights. I have a 4-1 60mm gauge. Analogue needle boost, oled oil pressure/temp and voltage. Mine dropped a bit of power recently. Checked the gauge next blast and noticed I was down to 0.9bar instead of 1.3bar. Suspect boost solenoid so I need to clean it and test but it hasn't done it since. With the hatch, is there not a Bluetooth dongle and app that shows live data on a phone/tablet? I have a classic so a bit dated in technology.

Do you have a boost gauge? Could be an air leak on vac lines. Possible exhaust blow dropping some pressure. Bov may still vent with small boost depending on spring strength.

A lot of the price variations are due to modifications, service history, mileage. As a guide, I paid £1300 for my classic turbo 2000. That was due to 158k miles when I bought it. It came with a massive folder of history and no modifications. A budget of 8k will net you a great selection of different models. The hawk eye(2006) model does have the 2.5 engine but has a big leap in yearly tax which needs to be considered. A local member just bought a 2004 blob eye sti with 84k miles for £6400. It's been modified to 330hp(ish from memory). Very nice car.

First off Tom, welcome to the club. What sort of budget are you looking at? That plays a big factor into what model to go for.

Did you ring it while searching?

Commitment [emoji119] I'll square ours up.

Good turnout [emoji2] [emoji2] [emoji4]

Have they released a layout like July japshow?

That ain't fair. I'll square my cost up with ya. [emoji5]

Still haven't had any confirmed tickets. Plenty of "I'm going"'s. If you can and have them spare I'll take 3 plus mine(4).

[emoji7] nice one gambit.

I'll speak with the missus. Meant to be getting married that day but I'll try to swap japshow for the wedding then I'm free for this [emoji12] [emoji23] I was the same sav. Spent all the time in that awful queue. Pushed the car most the way.

That was the engine swap for a replacement engine. Luckily I have a very friendly mechanic friend who did it as a favour. I stripped most the nuts and bolts myself. He had the engine lift and made sure we were all plugged in correctly. You are not alone in this situation. As you see I've been there and I know your pain right now. The frustration is overwhelming. I'm sorry I can't be of any more specific help.

Grinds my gears. Whenever I've sold a car privately I'm brutally honest. Sold an astra that had a sticky starter motor. I could've blagged that as it started first time I showed the bloke round. Just don't get bitter. I've been burnt before in a similar way to you now. Had no knowledge of imprezas. Bought an impreza and all looked good. Water was full. Drove the car didn't over heat and needle stayed at half. Got back and still looked well. Took the car home and checked all levels next morning on cold start. Found no water. Filled it up and then found leaks. No idea how it wasn't leaking when I first looked. Anyway. It cost me a replacment engine as the seller wasnt interested. I was sold the car as fully working and no issues at all. Once burnt twice shy for sure.

No problem [emoji106]

Just the decat down pipe is left now.

I'll get back to you in a bit. I've asked Reece if it's still available.

Welcome to the club! A friend of mine has a hawk eye and had the same issue. He found it was related to the dump valve. Because the brakes use some boost pressure when decelerating and the dump valve was faulty causing the engine cut out. Do you have a spare dump valve or standard recirc to try out?