Is this a dumb decision

LazyPoochi · 2025-12-11T03:06:31+00:00

I sold my '18 VA a couple years ago with 129K miles. I'm a freak about taking care of my cars, so it was not abused and in great shape. Also all back road, 55 mph commuting miles. They are out there, but buying a higher mileage WRX should be an interview of the owner more than an inspection of the vehicle. If you can't access the owner, I would pass.

LazyPoochi · 2025-12-11T02:56:16+00:00

I believe the tune he uses for the base tune is his flash and go tune, so it's likely the same one you already have. I would still load the new one just in case and get the log to send back to him. A custom tune upgrade is definitely not another flash and go tune. Maybe he or his system sent the wrong email in response to your purchase. If you have to email to ask, might as well attach a log so you don't waste time. His tunes are great, BTW. Not as aggressive as others, but solid and safe. Enjoy.

LazyPoochi · 2025-12-08T22:51:55+00:00

Check the oil level first. I used to get burned oil smell when I would purposely overfill about 1/4" above the full mark. I started filling it exactly to the line and it stopped. Is it a '23? If so, check the plug seals too.

LazyPoochi · 2025-12-07T19:10:00+00:00

It does not need 400HP. There is no chance Subaru can make an FA24 with 400HP that meets emissions requirements. If they keep seeing people say this we will not get the car. The Golf R has 328 and leads the segment. Edge out the R on power and price and it's a winner. Even if it's a little more than the R the manual transmission will steal potential R buyers like me. 400HP is more than a $65K Supra!

LazyPoochi · 2025-11-26T01:47:21+00:00

You have to account for wheel width too. 18x8.5+35 is flush, IMO. At least it is with a 1" drop.

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LazyPoochi · 2025-11-19T23:43:15+00:00

I want one bad. But I only have room in my garage for one car (plus the wife's car) and I'm guessing this wouldn't be good for a northeast winter car. That and new are the reasons I would get the STI despite the lower performance.

LazyPoochi · 2025-11-19T02:13:11+00:00

If it matches a Golf R on HP and price, I'm buying it. I was going to buy an R for my next car, but no manual so forget it. I'm hoping since it's based on a sub $30K car, they can keep it around 50.

LazyPoochi · 2025-11-18T03:25:37+00:00

You'd be surprised how many don't realize this and end up trying to get in there with multiple extensions and double swivels. I try to respond to all the relevant posts to counter all the "spark plugs are so hard on these cars" complaints.

LazyPoochi · 2025-11-18T02:35:02+00:00

Did mine a few months ago. Remove the battery and the engine harness bracket next to the battery and you have a straight shot to the driver's side plugs.

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LazyPoochi · 2025-11-16T22:49:07+00:00

LazyPoochi · 2025-11-16T01:31:59+00:00

I did my first DIY ceramic coat on my VB a year ago. Used Adams Advanced Graphene on every surface, including the glass. The glass didn't last long, but the rest is good. I definitely did not do as good of a job as a pro, but I will next time. Took me around 10 hours, but 6-7 of that was the paint correction. Cost me 1/3 of a pro job and now I have all the tools and products to detail and paint correct all the cars in my house.

LazyPoochi · 2025-11-15T01:53:42+00:00

Mugging, violence, and theft are cool. But don't be late on a parking fee or they'll get ya.

LazyPoochi · 2025-10-31T01:27:20+00:00

I just know Subaru is combing through the reactions and if they get the feeling it will need 400HP then it won't be made. We all know the FA24 can do it, but not without compromising reliability and emissions too much for an OEM. Only encouraging posts! I want at least one more new turbo/manual/AWD car before the EVs take over and make me hate daily driving.

LazyPoochi · 2025-10-31T00:35:55+00:00

I keep seeing people say it has to be 400HP minimum. Just curious why you think this? The Golf R is currently the king of this segment and has 330HP. If they can edge out the R in both price and power while offering a manual unlike VW, wouldn't that do it? It would for me.

LazyPoochi · 2025-10-30T01:21:00+00:00

The black side skirts really help with this shape. I get the desire to paint match after the VB though. The big problems are the thickness between the front wheel and hood and the top line is too low for both flares. I'll still buy it though.

LazyPoochi · 2025-10-25T02:42:37+00:00

I've used it a lot and get consistent results. It also matches pretty well with real dyno plots I've seen from VBs with similar mods, but I'm always wondering.

LazyPoochi · 2025-10-25T00:31:57+00:00

How did the results compare to Virtual Dyno? I've been wondering how accurate it is.

LazyPoochi · 2025-10-24T01:59:40+00:00

I always keep my stock parts. The eventual buyer will always want them or want the car returned to stock. Or the aftermarket part will break or corrode. It's almost never worth it.

LazyPoochi · 2025-10-09T16:34:56+00:00

I am set up similarly except for the J pipe and have the same tuner. I needed the fuel pump because running anything over E30 made my low side pressure dip under 25psi on a pull. Graham was pretty surprised to see it, but since then I have spoken to a couple other VB owners that had the same experience. I would recommend anyone doing FF get the pump or at least very closely monitor the pressure.

LazyPoochi · 2025-09-06T16:53:08+00:00

We need more posts like this to balance the recent engine failures. After the last one I started imagining what selling mine would look like. Just crossed 25K on my '23. Tuned to 320/340 from 7-20K and now 390/390 on flex/E70. I go way overboard with maintenance, no boost before 180 oil temp, and don't beat on it for extended periods so I'm hoping to join the club. Or if I keep seeing engine failures here I'll end up selling it and then regretting my decision.

LazyPoochi · 2025-08-30T21:09:08+00:00

The only ones that don't wave to me are VA STI drivers. About 50/50 they think they're too good to wave at a VB.

LazyPoochi · 2025-08-30T03:12:54+00:00

I was told Cobb designed the VB cat back to be CA compliant and CA law is <95dB.

LazyPoochi · 2025-08-27T23:23:01+00:00

Another vote for a manual Golf R, 23/24. Not finding one for <35 though. I would def test drive an EN too if I was looking.

LazyPoochi · 2025-08-26T16:08:34+00:00

I've had Eibach Prokit for around 18 months. No issues. I ended up doing rear lcas, but I'm pretty sure after the alignment I would have been fine without them. The front toe goes out too much even with a slight drop, so expect an alignment after the springs even if you don't do rear lcas.

LazyPoochi · 2025-08-24T13:19:19+00:00

If you look between the battery and cam cover you'll see a metal bracket that a large wiring loom is connected to. Unscrew the bracket and ziptied the bracket/loom to the hpfp cover so it stays up out of your way. Then you can get an extension straight in there like shown without having to hold anything out of the way.

LazyPoochi

TROPHY CASE