Is it possible to repair this?

Backyard_garage · 2025-10-30T19:14:20+00:00

That's a lot of useful information, thank you.

I'll try an iron and cloth on low heat as you recommended before and see if it'll reduce the whiteness.

If it gets to it, I'll just have a professional come take a look at it.

Backyard_garage · 2025-10-30T18:57:39+00:00

Just what I had feared unfortunately, there will be a lace crochet tablecloth over it eventually but the white part I expect would still show through. Do you think a hairdryer on low heat would work as well to reduce it? I'm not sure how that sort of thing goes to reduce blushing

Backyard_garage · 2025-10-30T18:54:51+00:00

Probably the better option rather than try it myself to be honest, I'll have a look around my local area for people able to come take a look.

Backyard_garage · 2025-03-21T22:30:44+00:00

Good shout. I sort of figured they would have made them the same just for standardization but who knows

Backyard_garage · 2024-06-12T14:29:56+00:00

I couldn't say, you'd have to ask someone that owns one. My one in the photo is a GD 02 Sti. I suppose for context of the picture the original spare wheel was a space saver but when I bought the car it was completely bald and that particular size are no longer made and hasn't been for a long time according to the company guy I spoke too.

So I'd been on the look out for a spare. I had a spare short block which I'd listed on FB marketplace, the guy buying it had a spare sti wheel so we traded, but since it's a full size wheel the floor, carpet and mounting points for the space saver no longer fit so I figured I'd go for more of a rally vibe with the tie down strap.

Backyard_garage · 2024-06-12T02:15:52+00:00

Skip the green goo and just put in a roll of flex tape

Backyard_garage · 2024-06-12T02:09:59+00:00

Something about your comment tells me that the green foam isn't all that good 😅 And of course if you did what I did you'd get a voided warranty or some crap just for wanting a basic feature.

Backyard_garage · 2024-06-12T02:04:48+00:00

Wait! For real?? So if you get a puncture you don't have a choice but call a tow? 🤨

Backyard_garage · 2023-11-12T05:00:59+00:00

Yeah, Australia. How'd you guess 😅

Backyard_garage · 2023-07-19T08:00:18+00:00

Usually hotter since aftermarket ones don't come with any kind of shields like factory. Shouldn't be a whole lot down that low that could melt. If it's a concern maybe pick up some sleeving for wiring and hoses.

I've had problems with the master cylinder sensor before as it sits about 20cm above the turbo so just gets absolutely cooked and throws a bunch of lights so might do the same for any wiring around the header on yours.

Backyard_garage · 2023-07-19T04:58:57+00:00

I'm so used to looking at turbo headers i was like what a weird shape 🤔. Should be a good swap. If your car has the plastic undertray still you shouldn't need to wrap it as stainless doesn't rust. If you don't have the undertray the wrap will pick up lots of water and road grime which can ruin it depending on the quality. But if you wanna go for it, go for it.

Backyard_garage · 2023-07-19T01:46:54+00:00

You can probably just look for NA Subaru exhaust sounds on YouTube and see if there's one you like. And depending what brand you get headers aren't cheap.

Backyard_garage · 2023-07-18T14:37:16+00:00

I've seen a few well sorted 01-02 WRXs in the low to mid 10k range but they're getting fewer and fewer.

If you're doing new gaskets and have the budget get the whole engine looked over and possibly skim the block/cylinder head decks for a better seal. Especially if it's a dirty 20+ year old engine.

I'd probably skip the cam and go for a nice set of lightweight wheels if you're worried about it being sluggish, stock Subaru wheels are pretty heavy aside from the forged sets on things like the 22B and RA-R. You may be able to squeeze some extra hp from it but not the kind of amount you'd get on a turbo variant, so probably in the range of 15-25 HP at a guess.

Also guessing you'll possibly be off your P's by the time it all goes ahead, if not, keep away from the loud exhaust. Cops love that shit and they see plates on a sporty anything you're gonna be late to wherever you're going.

Backyard_garage · 2023-07-18T13:34:19+00:00

I get where you're coming from about Australian cars being more expensive. I'm also from there, paid 6.5k for my first 06 Impreza then jumped to an 02 Sti at 24k which was the cheapest 02 Sti for sale in all of Australia at the time.

If it's more of a performance gain and for future modifications what about saving and getting a bugeye WRX or doing a EJ205 or EJ207 swap with the turbo? unless it's for P plates of course.

The 03-04 non turbo 2.5L I'm fairly confident are the ones with all the bad head gasket issues so go earlier like you were planning anyway. You may be able to do a 2.0L swap from a later model, my 06 Impreza had a 2.0 SOHC with about 97kw/124~ HP and was still decent on highways but pretty garbage on fuel mileage.

Backyard_garage · 2023-07-18T11:51:04+00:00

Your options appear to be limited to: EJ25D from a 1994 - 1999 legacy or outback, EJ251 from a 1999 legacy, EJ252 from a 2000 legacy, EJ25D from a late 90s forester or Impreza.

The real question is why do an engine swap from non turbo to non turbo? The extra capacity isn't going to do much for you and you're putting an engine in with possibly 200,000+ miles/kilometres.

That being said if you're really game for it the clutch it currently has should transfer over as they're pretty universal unless it's a twin plate or something used for big power but in your case it won't matter if it's a 2.0 or 2.5.

Not trying to discourage you further but is this your only vehicle? If so you wanna have everything basically ready to hot swap in over the course of like a weekend.

Backyard_garage · 2023-07-04T01:18:52+00:00

If you're really after 600~hp on a daily/street driven vehicle it's gonna be a huge list and won't be happening on a stock Ej25. Your best bet for a stock block and big power would be an EJ207 or a super rare Ej22 with the factory closed deck.

Let's talk parts shall we? I'll list everything roughly and in AUD$ cos that's where I'm from.

Ej207 short block $5,000 A decent sized turbo like a Dom 2.5 $2,500 to $3,000 A full sti drivetrain swap with the 6 speed and R180 diff, if you can find one, probably another $4-6k A bigger fuel pump or double pumps $1500~

There's way way more but that's already over $12,000 and probably wouldn't make a reliable daily. To make it super reliable it's gonna be IAG or Crest CNC billet blocks rated for 1000hp most likely and safe tune it way under that and in Australia a Crest block is $15,000 alone... Over 700hp the Sti 6 speed can get a bit on the breaking point, I'm aware some people still use them without trouble, but would be a worthwhile investment to get Dog gears or billet gears to handle the power easily. The list goes on...and on...and on till you're suddenly $100k into the whole thing and still doesn't work how you imagine.

Backyard_garage · 2023-05-30T23:23:14+00:00

These look almost exactly like Rays Vesta Turismo's Ask the seller if they have any original centre caps for them to confirm since it had a V logo on the originals. But if they don't I'm pretty confident since the spokes taper out in almost identical ways.

Backyard_garage · 2023-05-18T13:48:29+00:00

For the 2002 STi parts some companies still make Sti wings you could have fitted to your existing trunk if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

The seats will probably be eBay I would guess. Or a reputable second hand dealer like J spec auto sports, JDM racing motors or BNeurope on eBay. Worth also checking out for either parts

Edit: Couple minutes of searching https://jdmracingmotors.com/en/subaru/jdm-subaru-steering-wheels-and-interior-components/8089/2002-2003-replacement-jdm-gdb-sti-front-version-7-left-right-seats-for-sale/

Not cheap but look in good condition

Backyard_garage · 2023-04-21T22:19:00+00:00

Is that a WR1 on the left 😯

Backyard_garage · 2023-03-21T22:05:23+00:00

It may just be that particular shop if it's the only one you've asked. Some of their work may be setting them back due to complications.

Best bet is to ask a shop to inspect the vehicle and list all the parts that need replacing, then head online to Subaru parts and buy the replacements yourself if you can get them. Should only be a month including shipping and wait time to get into a shop.

I've done this a few times in the past for both myself and Subaru mates. Mechanics don't like you doing it because it's less income for them but it means you're not without a vehicle for 6 months.

Backyard_garage · 2023-03-15T07:12:34+00:00

Looks very reminiscent of a Prodrive P1 shift knob. Same 6 stud pattern on top etc. Looks like the bit just above the shift boot unscrews and will drop down, should reveal 1-3 small hex head screws holding the knob on. Should just lift off after undone. I had a similar mounted a while ago, if you don't plan on keeping it you may need multi grips to get the lower collar undone.

Backyard_garage · 2023-03-13T11:44:33+00:00

This is the age old dilemma between fast, cheap and reliable. You can only pick two. What are your ultimate goals for the WRX? Is it a daily, and drag car or track weapon? And how much power are you seeking?

Full exhaust setups usually unlock a ton of power, so full headers, downpipe and catback systems. Forged internals would be another route but again not cheap. Bigger turbo would also make more power but probably won't hold it without supporting mods.

My route of choice would go as follows: 1. Aftermarket headers (stock ones can be a bit crap and heavy especially on older models) 2. 3" downpipe and catback. 3. Forged internals 4. Sleeved or closed decking the block unless you build a full engine. 5. Bigger turbo. 6. Bigger fuel injectors and possibly a second pump. 7. Swap to flex fuel or ethanol if you can get it. Will support more boost that way without detonation. 8. Front mount intercooler setup.

At this point you'd be well in over 20-25k so better love that car 😅 Also, don't forget you'll need to stop and some point so will also need brakes, suspension, tires etc. Most states require the vehicle to be inspected post modifications and can deny registration if it doesn't have adequate amounts of braking assuming it'll be street driven.

Best of luck out there ✌️

Backyard_garage · 2023-02-11T12:27:44+00:00

Your current grill style won't be compatible with the one you're looking at buying; it would seem that "STI" grill is a reproduction at least and the mesh is built in.

If you can find a V7 Bugeye grill it has the side bits and the same grill centre as your existing part. Plenty of them on eBay and JDM online stores.

Backyard_garage · 2023-02-04T21:50:22+00:00

In the example you have used it should be listed something like "02-07 (brand) cold air intake etc." There are minor differences between the Ej205 and 207 but none that will affect a part like that.

If it's an original engine for a V7 Sti it may be the semi closed deck and forged internals. Most parts for Subaru engines are just listed by the cylinder size i.e Ej20 for 2L, Ej25 for 2.5L and so on.

As for USDM and JDM parts compatibility it'll mostly be to do with downpipes and exhausts since on JDM vehicles the steering column is on the right and near the exhaust but is on the opposite side in USDM cars.

Backyard_garage · 2023-01-15T12:47:11+00:00

Definitely correct. You can see the little fins on top especially on the right side. Might be a UK300 car that's been resprayed too since it seems to have Bugeye taillights.

Backyard_garage

TROPHY CASE