HoodedLime

Always work in progress... :)

Just spotted nice low tax bracket hawkeye within your budget ;)

I think your best bet would be to have a look on fb for some local clubs. Or pop in to first major show this year, Japshow on Silverstone, lots of Scoobies there

I think it is possible. Even on your registration certificate you have a spot to change that details and apply for a different tax bracket. I'm sure the car would have to be tested somehow or maybe it would be enough to provide paperwork supporting all the details but it is worth doing some research on that subject

Basically: 1. Sti - stronger engine + running gear, more power, higher tune possibilities. WRX - still fast and fun but much cheaper to buy 2. 2.5 engines - quite high failure rates (google "impreza ringlands"), same power as 2.0 but higher torque. Also majority are higher tax bracket although you can ocassionally find an early 05 Hawk registered still within old tax bracket, very rare though. If you buy 2.5 it would be best if you put money aside for engine rebuild / forging (unless you buy already forged but unlikely under 8k). 2.0 - really good engines, with panel filter and decat exhaust after remap you'll get extra 50-60bhp. I think that's basically sums it up unless someone adds something else. My advice: if you are not bothered about big power and mods go for clean WRX and see how you like it. That money will easily get you late, clean, low mileage Blobeye and you still should have some spare change for a few small mods and a remap. Hope that helps :)

Wouldn't think high temp paint to be necessary. If the temp was that high it would melt all the plastics in the headlights. I used plasti dip in my headlights but others I know used just regular paint without any issues.

I'll try to join if I manage to put car back together

Coilovers :)

Well, its supposed to be so multimedial and stuff but in over a year since I bought it they have added just FOUR apps for it. Pathetic. And the DAB reception is absolute rubbish on mine, and I've tried 2 different aerials. My gf's is ok though.

Thats what my gf has in her bug. I have AVH-5700DAB. Same thing just bigger screen. And I really don't like it...☹

I have Eibach springs with STI shocks on my wagon. Really liked the setup. But it could be a touch lower. I will be selling the springs in very near future as I've just bought a set of coilovers. My gf has HSD DualTech coilovers on her bugeye and I'm pretty sure on softest settings it is softer than my blob...

Yes, if you keep driving in to curbs or flying over pot holes ;) Wheel on the pic took straight hit from another car that bent my wishbone. Not bent, not cracked, just some normal damage.

Good place to check your new setup is here: http://www.willtheyfit.com/ I have XXR527s 18x8.75 ET20 on my wagon with 15mm spacers, my friend has 18x9.75 ET20 also on a wagon, we both have flares. I don't think its possible to fit them without. Maybe 8.75 ET35 on a saloon with rolled arches and a bit of camber.

It's standard Mini H1 projectors, there's 100s of them on ebay

I don't think so. If you have nothing to do, feel free to pop in to Squires this Saturday for a Subaru club meet 😎

My tyres are 225/40, not sure how much wider is it, I bought it already like that but I'd say probably an inch maybe inch and a half per side.

I have a blob wrx wagon but I wouldn't think fitment was different. On mine I have 18x7.5 ET35. As I have saloon front end they sit inside the arches on the front and almost flush on the back but I'm sure I'd be able to fit an inch wider set with the same offset.

Yes its 5 speed. Noise you can control. Mine is fully decatted with 3 inch system but I do have resonator in mid pipe. To me is just right. There is a lot of choice if it comes to exhaust, you can get it just as you like. 2.5 inch systems are quieter or you can always get a custom made.

I think £5-6k may get you an STI but rather average condition, or pretty decent WRX and just do a few standard mods - decat, injectors, intercooler, turbo and remap should get you to 320-350hp. I just got back from Wales yesterday, did almost 30mpg on the trip which I'm really proud of lol, on daily commuting to work (5 miles each way) I do about 22mpg average, thats on the car with quite a few mods and not driving like a grandpa :D You will definitely notice the difference going from 2009 Octavia if it comes to interior comfort lol, but it depends what do you like. I'm a fan of spartan interior and stiff suspension so I love my Scoob.

I've bought a few bits from that shop, Its local so I picked them up. Not had any issues. Got LED lights for my old beemer and splitter for the scoob. Very good fit.

Drilled some holes in my boot Pretty happy with the result

I used VHT Wrinkle Red off ebay. And yes, I had to take it off completely. It was my first time doing it. Took me 5 hours to remove it, prepare and paint. Left it overnight and next day put it back in about 4 hours. Now I could probably halve the removal/refitting time as I know what to expect. But it wasn't a fun job 😁

Painted my intake manifold and coolant reservoir, engine bay looks much fresher now. Also fitted new front seats on Thursday. Only cheap ones but hold way better than standard blob seats, and look good too :)

Check them, apparently good quality: https://www.heavyset.co.uk/shop/silicone-hose-kits/subaru-impreza-wrxsti-11-piece-hose-kit-gdagdbggaggb-2001-2007-blobbugbug-eyehawk-eye/

Thanks. Well it seems that the second ECU reset helped and now all is OK :) Happy days :D