Getting a WRX STI V3 MY97

[aceparts_com]

Hi all,

A friend and I have just bought an Impreza STI V3 (jap import) for track days and need to know:

1) Recommended tyre pressures for track abuse

2) Power output. 300BHP?

3) Does it have LSD?

4) Is it safe to use optimax or do we need octane boost too?

Thanks in advance

Alan

[chuck_ster]

Track day use I'd definitely recommend Octane booster, NF Race is very highly regarded, I use Millers Octane plus in my 22B for day to day driving.
Would also recommend getting a knocklink fitted...pretty cheap device which gives you a visual warning should your car be experiencing det (ie should the car be about to self destruct LOL)
Power on Optimax should be around 265ish bhp (cars make 276 on 100 ron fuel)
Track pressures....well higher pressures will prolong tyre life...running 38 front 36 back is good for that, but for outright grip running lower 32/30 is better. Watch them as they get hot though.
I can't remember if they had LSD's then...a question directed at bbs.22b.com will see that answered. or bbs.scoobynet.co.uk for hundreds of answers and lots of chatter.
Rgds
Chuck

[aceparts_com]

Thank you for the tips. Your advice is very much appreciated.

Alan

[smifffy]

Agree with everything that Chuck_ster has said -

I run high tyre pressures on days as it makes it easier to drift. If you run low pressures keep an eye on the outer edges of the tyres, they tend to shread especially when screaming hot.

As it's an import I'd run a booster for dedicated track abuse, although you may find that the ECU has been re-mapped already for 97/98 RON?

As I recall though, the early ECUs on scoobies should see pre detonation and retard the timing to cater for this. It then stays at this setting and doesn't try to advance it ever again, whereas modern scoobies will wait 60 miles or so and will then try to move the timing forward.

If this is the case then you'll need to unplug the battery (for around 20 mins) to reset the ECU.

Not sure if that helps, but just an observation from when I had my old red scoob.

[tuttle]

Also agree with all the above.
I use Millers its good stuff.Tho recently I've swapped for Millers Turbo OR millers CVL which gives you an extra RON point when used with optimax(100-101ron)also contains a valve stem lube which(in my R33)lowers knock/det noticeably.All the best.

www.dpmotorsport.com/parts/milleroils/home.htm

[aceparts_com]

Thanks for all your tips guys!

I did a track day on saturday (in my dick, not the scoob) and noticed a STI v3 leave the track after blowing the engine.
Is there anything we need to do before subjecting it to a good hiding?
Are there any weak points? I've heard about upgrading the oil pump as this is apparently a weak point? Should we fit an oil cooler or just keep everything crossed?

[chuck_ster]

I'd get an uprated fuel pump and FPR, make sure engine oil is fresh (and good quality), make sure you don't run it more than 2/3rds empty on petrol (of you'll get fuel surge where the petrol just doesn't get picked up from the tank and the power just stops mid corner as if you've lifted off, bad for balance, and engine will not appreciate lack of fueling)
Warm and and down .
Oil cooler isn't nescesary, nor is uprated pump however...unless you are going to tune it up. Run it for 20 minute sessions then coll it down is my advice.
Cman

[aceparts_com]

Thank you!