Thinking about buying a WRX, but have some questions.

RedTurboTeg · 08-31-2008, 12:13 PM

Hi guys, nice forum. Subaru newbie here. I'm looking to buy a 2006 WRX sometime in the near future hopefully. I have some questions about the differances between the WRX and the STI. Are the motors basicly the same? I know the wrx has a higher compression ratio than the STI, but other than that are they the same? I've also heard horror storys about the transmission, but also heard that they beefed the tranny up for the 06 and up models, do they hold up better in you guys experiance?

What I'm looking for is a quick DD for now, as I have an Integra that I abuse, but way later down the road after it's paid off I want to be able to mod it heavily. Due to some bad judement, bad timing, and even worst advice, I bought a used 350z last year instead of a used STI, which is a decision that I've been kicking myself in the ass about for the last year. Now, I don't really have the cash to be able to afford a used STI as I'm upside down with the Z, so basicly I can really only afford the WRX right now. I don't mind buying a lesser platform to start with as long as I can pretty much make it like it's big brother as far as modding potential goes. Can WRXs make the same power as STIs without internal work (safely)? I'm not to worried about the tranny and suspension parts because I can swap them out later, but I really don't want to go through another engine build.

If it's to far of a stretch between the two, I will just save more money and spring for the STI later down the road, but if it's possible to get the WRX to the same point as an equally modded STI, then it's really not that big of a deal as I don't really need all the suspension mods and such that the STI has, at least not now. Anything else you guys can tell me that will be helpful? Thanks, RTT.

Bob908 · 08-31-2008, 04:38 PM

This may not help much at all but there is a rebadged WRX known as the Saab 92-X which comes in a wagon only...if you cant find your 06 WRX anywhere. I am in a similar situation just different year 08 sti or wait for an 09 WRX...

nj kiter · 08-31-2008, 07:17 PM

the wrx can make the same power as an sti with a tune or turbo but what did you think of the 350z

RedTurboTeg · 08-31-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nj kiter

the wrx can make the same power as an sti with a tune or turbo but what did you think of the 350z

The Z is a cool car decently quick and looks badass, but it's really not what I need. I go to outdoor shooting ranges where you have to drive through dirt and stuff, which on top of not bieng able to fit all the guns and ammo in my trunk, the Z doesn't like the dirt. I also want AWD for the Snow. Anyone wanna trade! LOL.

RedTurboTeg · 08-31-2008, 08:09 PM

Are the points of engine failure between the WRX and STI the same as far as what amount of WHP they can take?

nj kiter · 08-31-2008, 08:44 PM

i am not sure what you are asking but if you do your research and look around the internet you will see that wrx motors can handle an sti power levels. personally i would think its limit is 350 but it should be fine. along with transmissions and clutches. an sti might be the better choice. because with the wrx i think of all these problems that the wrx has with raising the hp. and than think of how an sti does not have any of those at the same power levels

RedTurboTeg · 08-31-2008, 10:44 PM

Thanks, but I know the block can handle STI power levels, but I'd like to know is when does the WRX block max out as far as what it can handle as opposed to the STI. I know that the tranny and such is weeker, but That's something that can be upgraded later.

Chase · 09-01-2008, 02:10 AM

I think that at the point where you are pushing the WRX block to it's limits, most people spend the money and swap in the STI block anyway for the extra half liter of displacement.

RedTurboTeg · 09-01-2008, 10:44 AM

I was gonna go with an 06 WRX which already has the 2.5 ltr. motor.

zmanoside · 09-01-2008, 10:57 AM

Its not the motor really you are gonna be worrying about, its the tranny.

RedTurboTeg · 09-01-2008, 11:15 AM

So the motor will take the same amount of power as an STI then? Good, because I can either swap out for an STI tranny or dog box later on.

mosc · 09-01-2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedTurboTeg

So the motor will take the same amount of power as an STI then? Good, because I can either swap out for an STI tranny or dog box later on.

Those swaps cost big money. The 6-speed swap is not simple. It entails a lot more than just the gearbox. $7k with labor is not unheard of.

turmic · 09-01-2008, 11:08 PM

Yeah really....scroll down this sticky in the tranny forum. It it explains the way you can do the STI conversion / 5MT to a 6MT. It is not that cheap or easy. Transmission FAQ: Read if you are thinking of upgrading!

tuner ready · 09-02-2008, 01:40 AM

Sorry to threadjack but whats the difference between the STi motor and the WRX motor? EJ255 and EJ257 right?

turmic · 09-02-2008, 12:02 PM

From my understanding...slightly different cams and probably internals. The EJ205 and EJ207 are about the same. 207 has forged internals and a higher redline...the 207 is also JDM.