The Fast and the Spurious

Mon Aug 25, 2014 7:03 pm

So picked up a new turd. Been waiting for a friend to leave for the UK for a while and did the deal a while back. Paid a grand for this magnificent beast, so can't really go wrong:

First job was to pull the fake roof scoop off (is it sad that I quite like it?):

Which has left some black sealant type stuff. Kos has recommended me a product to remove it so I will get some ordered. Also been trying to sort out the oxidation on the boot lid with Super Resin Polish, doing quite well by hand but I'll borrow a machine polisher.

Plans are to clean it well, give it a good service and return it to standard. It has a boost controller fitted and it seems to hit the boost cut high in the rev range as it starts to miss. So I have removed that and attached the hoses to the standard solenoid but it hasn't made a difference. Any ideas? Research seems to suggest there should be a restrictor in one of the lines so I'll get looking for that.

If I don't like it, I'll shift it on and if I do I'll get a few paint problems sorted and probably fit an OEM wing, this one is a bit spesh for my liking

Mon Aug 25, 2014 7:12 pm

Try petrol on the sealer before you buy anything, if its hard then use something made from rubber to buff it off, a rubber sanding block for example as it wont damage the paint

Mon Aug 25, 2014 7:14 pm

Will do. I might try a razor blade with electrical tape rapped round either side to slide on the paint to cut the bulk of it out as it is quite thick in places

Mon Aug 25, 2014 7:45 pm

You'll enjoy doing the spark plugs

I'm fairly sure there wouldn't be any cut off for the turbo on that.

Mon Aug 25, 2014 8:09 pm

Google seems to suggest there is a fuel cut. I'll rip out all the EBC bollocks and make sure everything is plumbed up as it should be with no air leaks and go from there.

Had a look at where the plugs are earlier...jesus that is a grim job. Plan on swapping them next weekend to see if that helps

Mon Aug 25, 2014 8:16 pm

Thought you mean on the turbo side, I've done a lot of work on Subarus but never really had any running issue faults (electronics wise) done a few engines and head gaskets, really grim jobs.

The plugs aren't too bad if you take your time, it's easier to take the washer bottle out too that helps.

Mon Aug 25, 2014 8:27 pm

Popped my head in to the Subaru dealer over here where a friend worked. They had one of those Cosworth 400 jobbies on the ramp with an entire engine in bits laid out on the bench. It had chucked a leg out of bed with less than 1000 miles on the clock

All the Cosworth bits and new block looked very nice though, but was surprised it came in bits and not a replacement lump.

Found out the fuel cut is 14.7 psi on the standard ECU, I'll get a decent boost gauge hooked up and see what is going on.

Mon Aug 25, 2014 8:35 pm

1000 miles isn't many

but not surprised to be fair.

I've seen a couple of legs out bed, one still run surprisingly. Luckily they're pretty easy to work on.

Tue Sep 02, 2014 2:14 pm

So diagnosed the misfire as dying coil packs. 4 new ones have been ordered.

Even with the miss it's still hugely quick. Loving it

Tue Sep 09, 2014 8:18 am

Loving mine too mate! Cant fault it yet but had no bills for repairs yet, when that happens i might start hating it lol, makes me smile every time i pull off!

Thu Sep 11, 2014 2:00 pm

Knew it had the problem when I bought it, hoping the new coil packs arrive before the weekend. Took it for a great blast last night. The misfire makes it sound like a group B rally car and we had flames

Spent last night ripping out the non functioning Clifford alarm. Why are all alarm fitterzz cowboys? Scotch lock heaven and some suspect soldering/wire splicing:

Also found out it has a piggy back ecu. Annoyingly it seems to be a bit antiquated and they will only provide tuning software to dealers so I might remove it as I have no idea what values are in it. I would be interested in borrowing an AFR gauge to see how it is though.

Wouldn't mind doing something about the brakes. They have been "upgraded" to the Subaru 4 pot but they are pretty crap. Currently have red stuffs in which might explain it so I'll probably try some DS2500's and see how they are.

I can see myself getting quite attached to this turd!

Fri Sep 12, 2014 7:25 pm

Also going to stick some new boots on it as it's rocking some Ovations on the back (which I have never heard of) and Nankangs on the front. Although have Nankangs improved or something? They are a nice asymmetrical design and grip really well, in the dry at least. Plus they are brand new so almost tempted to move them to the back.

Any tyre recommendations? Was going to go for Proxes as I have liked them in the past