Jamina

http://scoobyworld.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=209&products_id=5138

Definitely change the rad, not worth the risk, the plastic top radiators are prone to failure over time anyway so might be a good excuse to change. You really don't want to be somewhere remote, radiator fails after a temporary fix and then you have an overheating Impreza on your hands. You will run the risk of frying the gaskets which will be a much heavier bill than a new radiator.

Never done this but looks simple enough so long as you don't get unlucky when removing bolts... https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2315792

Tried out a set of 17” OEM wheels and didn’t make any difference on ride over 18” So I think I will stick to 18”. Have just under £800 set aside for a set of wheels now Any advice welcome on what would be a good option to fit over Brembos, no arch modification or spacers but fills the arches as much as possible. Must be 5x100, happy with most colours, don’t need to be super light or anything as I’m not a track goer, used/new/oem/aftermarket I’m not bothered but not ideally looking for anything needing a refurb, tyres would be a bonus but not essential. Any advice welcome cheers.

As above although it doesn't have fins, this is how it should look and is an OEM part. I have seen people delete these but personally I just re-coated mine in temp proof paint so it doesn't stand out behind the grille. I think people delete to make room for hella horns so that they are central rather than both being on the n/s

When this lockdown is over I think I will have to just go and try them and see. The seller did offer but it is a long way to go home empty handed. I had looked at the OZ Superleggra but they just aren't quite symmetrical enough for me!

Cheers @Jay762 funny enough this is the other set that I am considering due to the scarcity of the BBS but I am specifically looking for 17” I found this set a few weeks back: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F193174467310 can’t find a clear answer on whether these fit over Brembos, have been advised that the do and don’t fit due to the offset/spike pattern. also quite pricey but are very lightweight as you say and also look amazing. Was looking to spend about £800-£900 depending on condition etc. lot of choice out there for that price range but 17” is proving to be an issue! reason for 17” is to get more depth out of the tyre wall for comfort, don’t want to move to coilovers as these would cost the same as a new set of wheels and would prefer wheels to coilovers.

Cheers @Jay762 have included a picture on here. Has to be 5x100 PCD which is why I think I am struggling so much! i don’t use Facebook so would be great to have an eye on there! hard to gauge an average asking price when you don’t see them anywhere! If I can’t find a set I will find a set of OEM STI wheels instead.

Still looking for a set of these - does anyone know a rough guideline on value? It’s hard to tell what sort of a price is fair and what would be considered pricey as these don’t come up often.

Cheers, I also use blackcircles some really decent prices on there when discounts are on!

Am considering the attached. Is anyone able to advise on wheels specs I have selected as to whether they would be correct fitment for Brembos and the best width to fill the arches without arch mods. thank you!

Turinis high on my list and look great on the big!

After actively searching for about 6 months I think it’s clear I’m not likely to find a set of STI BBS Wheels - in all that time a single set have come up in 5x100 as far as I know which were in dire condition and the seller thought they were made or solid gold. so...can anyone “show me theirs” the catch is that they have to be 5x100, 17”, under 1K if possible and still fit over STI Brembos. I have considered stock STI wheels and passed up several sets now which would have been a steal. I’m just personally not very keen on them!

As fitted to some spec c models - not very common in the UK apparently.

oh I see what your asking now - no don’t think blob has a light in the dash for that either. As said the back light just comes on

Yours will differ from mine as I have pre facelift centre console. gives you an idea though.

Should come on when lights are switched to sidelight or dipped or mains. attached it the brightness of mine after replacing the bulbs, I have literally just had to do this as 2 out of the 4 bulbs went at the same time.

"When the headlights are on , Fuel is low etc nothing lights up on the dashboard but when you start the cars all the lights in the dash appear ok." Is that the light behind the speedo etc? Or centre console? "When cold it have a strong smell of fuel for a few minutes." Doesn't sound abnormal - they run at higher RPM for a few mins until warmed so smell a little stronger "The boot in the passenger side is wet through" A) Check the rubber seal that lines the boot, might have perished over time B) Check under where the spoiler is mounted, the spoiler has thin strips of foam material between the spoiler and bootlid that can perish over time and let water in. This will then make its way through the bolt holes C) Are you parking on a slope at all? Try parking the other way Any help on the above points would be appreciated Further to the boot leak issue, check right down where the scissor jack is stored to make sure the water has not pooled up there too.

I will have a bit of a look into that then - would rather the little ones had some protection. abs I’m not so bothered about.

Thanks @savage bulldogs I will be taking a look into it, raw I am happy with, so long as there are airbags im all good!

Thanks @savage bulldogs I am specifically looking for GC8A/B/C so anything pre 1996ish with the intention of keeping, it would be a car to appreciate and take to car shows. I wouldn't be looking to track it, modify it extensively or bolt on a load of wide body kit parts. If it came in stock form I would probably look to give the brakes an upgrade, stiffen up the body and sort out any rust issues. I have never owned a classic impreza, so thoughts were to get the earliest example I could find, with as little technology as possible. These is all future thinking and not something I would rush to do, I would like to wait until I have garage space ideally anyway so lots of time to figure it all out. @david1972 if you don't mind me asking, how have you found importing? Where do you start in terms of who to contact? How long does the process take (generally)?

As title really...where do I start. Have looked into this a bit and it seems like the UK market price the early imprezas well above the Japanese do. I get it - but pushes me to look at importing. Anyone have any experience? So far I have been advised that after all the expenses it will round out pretty samey to purchasing a UK spec but with the advantage of little to no rust plus lower mileage as the Japanese market cash in with much lower mileage. (KM in their case) any advice appreciated - not rushing to do anything just want to get some info.

Never ended up needing anything but spoken to Matty a few times and he is always very helpful...

@Jay762 that’s exactly what I was advised. If you’re willing to spend the money then coilovers are the better option. If not then stock is the way to go, seeing as I have never and probably never will see a track it made sense to me to go down the KYB Ultra route. Been solid for a few years now and I have no complaints. I suspect the ride quality has a lot more to do with the wheels/low profile tyres than anything else.

No idea on that one - someone else might be able to answer. I have always been told the UK Spec is just a slightly watered down JDM spec. Others will probably have a list of brochure differences but suspension setup wise it’s not going to like it was out the factory anymore now. I have had mine on the original setup and changed to KYB Ultras when that gave up. On my 18” wheels I wouldn’t say it’s the smoothest ride in the world. Not awful by any means but have been looking to take the edge away with smaller wheels for sometime now. If you’re on 17s maybe it’s very different - never had mine on 17s so cant comment. Someone suggested coilovers instead set up for road use and set up right for use I think it would be superior to stock. If I end up changing will let you know.