Project RB5 #40
Discussion
I’ve always wanted an RB5 for as long as I can remember, from reading about it back in one of the first publications of evo magazine and seeing their photos of T47 JOP. It’s a car that’s always been on my radar but there was always another car that seemed to pick it to the post when it got to the final two.
With them seemingly becoming a car that there’s only ever a very small sample to purchase from, for some unknown reason I thought now’s the time to buy one.
I knew what I wanted and I knew what I didn’t want.
I wanted a car that had had been looked after, used and the main areas of concern (rust) had been dealt with.
I didn’t want a car that was either a garage queen, or been modified as my plan is to restore, replace and refresh the car while still using it when the weather is good.
This particular car was for sale fairly local, the chap had bought it with a plan to restore it with his son. However it sat for just other 18months in one of his garages (sandwiched between an e-type and a lovely MB R107) until I bought it.
What do I know? Well it’s RB5 #40 it’s covered 138k and apart from some clear indicators and side repeaters and an aftermarket gear knob and stereo it appears standard. Orange indicators on their way and gear knob already replaced with an OEM one too. It’s the standard (not WR sport) version that has had a genuine prodrive spoiler fitted and it’s had a previous owner who was a member of the RB5OC as it had some window stickers and a tax disc holder from them.
I’ll try and keep this updated as my plan is to overhaul everything over a period of time. First job is to get it on a ramp and see what areas need attention before others. Enough rambling for now here are some pictures.
With them seemingly becoming a car that there’s only ever a very small sample to purchase from, for some unknown reason I thought now’s the time to buy one.
I knew what I wanted and I knew what I didn’t want.
I wanted a car that had had been looked after, used and the main areas of concern (rust) had been dealt with.
I didn’t want a car that was either a garage queen, or been modified as my plan is to restore, replace and refresh the car while still using it when the weather is good.
This particular car was for sale fairly local, the chap had bought it with a plan to restore it with his son. However it sat for just other 18months in one of his garages (sandwiched between an e-type and a lovely MB R107) until I bought it.
What do I know? Well it’s RB5 #40 it’s covered 138k and apart from some clear indicators and side repeaters and an aftermarket gear knob and stereo it appears standard. Orange indicators on their way and gear knob already replaced with an OEM one too. It’s the standard (not WR sport) version that has had a genuine prodrive spoiler fitted and it’s had a previous owner who was a member of the RB5OC as it had some window stickers and a tax disc holder from them.
I’ll try and keep this updated as my plan is to overhaul everything over a period of time. First job is to get it on a ramp and see what areas need attention before others. Enough rambling for now here are some pictures.
A little progress made. The scuttle panel was obviously showing signs of many years out in the sun. A quick clean, panel wipe and a coat of Gtechniq’s C4 brought it back to a nice deep finish. Poor attempt at a 50:50 below.
The windscreen wiper arms were also showing their age. I did think about refurbishing them but elected to buy a new set as well as newer rubber caps too.
Old
New
I’ve now noticed the washers don’t work, so I’ve ordered a new bottle (old one is horrible) and a new pump. Hopefully that should sort it.
It’s booked into a local Indy on Tuesday, this will be when I get the proper low down on what I’ve purchased and how much work I have ahead of me. To say I’m already feeling a little nervous is an understatement.
The windscreen wiper arms were also showing their age. I did think about refurbishing them but elected to buy a new set as well as newer rubber caps too.
Old
New
I’ve now noticed the washers don’t work, so I’ve ordered a new bottle (old one is horrible) and a new pump. Hopefully that should sort it.
It’s booked into a local Indy on Tuesday, this will be when I get the proper low down on what I’ve purchased and how much work I have ahead of me. To say I’m already feeling a little nervous is an understatement.
Yes, original purchasers had the option of adding the WR Sport Package. Prodrive Spoiler, Different Suspension, a revised ECU and a different exhaust.
Mine is a standard one, although someones added a Prodrive spoiler.
The aim is to get the engine rebuilt if everything goes well..... I'll look to get to ~270bhp I think.
Mine is a standard one, although someones added a Prodrive spoiler.
The aim is to get the engine rebuilt if everything goes well..... I'll look to get to ~270bhp I think.
anyideas said:
Yes, original purchasers had the option of adding the WR Sport Package. Prodrive Spoiler, Different Suspension, a revised ECU and a different exhaust.
Mine is a standard one, although someones added a Prodrive spoiler.
The aim is to get the engine rebuilt if everything goes well..... I'll look to get to ~270bhp I think.
Different suspension is a bit of an injustice!Mine is a standard one, although someones added a Prodrive spoiler.
The aim is to get the engine rebuilt if everything goes well..... I'll look to get to ~270bhp I think.
It's the very sought after Bilstein/Prodrive set up that also went on the 22B (possibly slightly different Springs). I was lucky enough to get a set many years ago that is fitted to my 93 WRX.
Your Engine bay looks very good for a UK car in terms of lack of rust.
anyideas said:
Yes, original purchasers had the option of adding the WR Sport Package. Prodrive Spoiler, Different Suspension, a revised ECU and a different exhaust.
Mine is a standard one, although someones added a Prodrive spoiler.
The aim is to get the engine rebuilt if everything goes well..... I'll look to get to ~270bhp I think.
As far as I am aware, the WR Sport pack included; the high level rear spoiler, uprated engine managament system, upgraded intercooler piping and centre and rear stainless steel performance exhaust silencers.Mine is a standard one, although someones added a Prodrive spoiler.
The aim is to get the engine rebuilt if everything goes well..... I'll look to get to ~270bhp I think.
The Prodrive / Eibach uprated suspension kit with Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs was a seperate item that could be ordered but not included as standard.
I will be following the refresh with interest.
Edited by Hodge4ever on Wednesday 28th February 23:14
Just a little update. I sourced some orange front indicators from the US and the small body vents under them from Japan as the ones on the car are black. The indicators arrived today so I got them fitted along with the vents. Turns out the vents were just painted black with a textured paint.
Before (almost)
After
Much better.
Had an e-mail from Royal Steering wheels today saying mine should be dispatched Monday, so that will pretty much sort the interior out. I just need to see what options I have for a head unit.
Before (almost)
After
Much better.
Had an e-mail from Royal Steering wheels today saying mine should be dispatched Monday, so that will pretty much sort the interior out. I just need to see what options I have for a head unit.
Hodge4ever said:
The Prodrive / Eibach uprated suspension kit with Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs was a seperate item that could be ordered but not included as standard.
Thanks, I need to spend some time looking into options as close to this as I can I think. Edited by Hodge4ever on Wednesday 28th February 23:14
So today was the day it was booked into the garage to see what had been purchased and make a plan. I’ve been quite anxious about it, wondering if I’ve bought a pup.
The Good.
The Garage said these are the prodrive springs, that have been fitted at some point.
Sadly the shocks themselves have been replaced with budget ones so I need to track a set of prodrive ones down now.
The Bad.
No pictures but the bottom radiator panel isn’t in great shape and it has a small oil leak from the rocker cover. It also needs a new fuel filler neck.
The Ugly.
Well it wouldn’t be an Impreza if it didn’t have rust.
The garage thought both of these are quite simple
fixes. As both of these areas are the rear (N/S). I’ve decided to drop the rear subframe and replace this and all the rear arms at the same time. Everything will be cleaned, painted and sealed too.
The Good.
The Garage said these are the prodrive springs, that have been fitted at some point.
Sadly the shocks themselves have been replaced with budget ones so I need to track a set of prodrive ones down now.
The Bad.
No pictures but the bottom radiator panel isn’t in great shape and it has a small oil leak from the rocker cover. It also needs a new fuel filler neck.
The Ugly.
Well it wouldn’t be an Impreza if it didn’t have rust.
The garage thought both of these are quite simple
fixes. As both of these areas are the rear (N/S). I’ve decided to drop the rear subframe and replace this and all the rear arms at the same time. Everything will be cleaned, painted and sealed too.
Very fond memories of these as one of my friends had one back in the day, I think Subaru got it spot on with the look of these, from the colour combo to the wheels and the decals. In original condition they just look great.
Did the garage not pass any comment about the rear suspension turrets? My experience from the classics I ended up owning myself is that if the sills are going like yours have the rear turrets are usually not too far behind. If your changing the shocks then that is a perfect time to really inspect and treat this area. Its a pain to repair because of the access. I've seen it tackled before when rear arches are cut out for repair at the same time which makes sense.
I also remember getting the rear trims out in the boot and treating along the seams where the arch housings meet the inner wings just to keep on top of that area.
My first classic was a standard UK car but with the Prodrive ECU and exhaust fitted, so I guess about 240bhp, and the Bilstein/Eibach suspension. I had an RA with a few more mods/power later on but as a daily my UK car was just great. I think I'd still be super happy with that same spec today. If that happened to be an RB5 as well then ideal!
Did the garage not pass any comment about the rear suspension turrets? My experience from the classics I ended up owning myself is that if the sills are going like yours have the rear turrets are usually not too far behind. If your changing the shocks then that is a perfect time to really inspect and treat this area. Its a pain to repair because of the access. I've seen it tackled before when rear arches are cut out for repair at the same time which makes sense.
I also remember getting the rear trims out in the boot and treating along the seams where the arch housings meet the inner wings just to keep on top of that area.
My first classic was a standard UK car but with the Prodrive ECU and exhaust fitted, so I guess about 240bhp, and the Bilstein/Eibach suspension. I had an RA with a few more mods/power later on but as a daily my UK car was just great. I think I'd still be super happy with that same spec today. If that happened to be an RB5 as well then ideal!
…. maybe not
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