AWD lowering question.. non-bmw content

[Ryan...]

Damn, this is getting harder lol

I found an 02 WRX for $5500, new clutch/wheel bearings with receipts. Timing belt 40k miles ago. However, it has 170k miles, and I guess I'm concerned with how these turbo motors hold up over time? I have 0 experience messing with turbos :(

[Bimmerman325i]

Honestly, I don't know on the turbo motor longevity. PM Kellie on bimmerforums though, tell her I suggested you ask.

[Ryan...]

Ok thanks, I really appreciate this guys! Its nice not going into this completely blind :)

[Joe G]

k03 turbos shit the bed often.

[Ryan...]

K03 from the Audi? i've seen a lot of info regarding swapping in k04 turbos for a little bump in power..

[DrJosh]

I have been down that road. It's expensive.



You will have no problem lowering a B5. The 1.8t is a pretty good motor but has many, many little platic bits that belong to the PVC system. They brake often after being on the road this long. The Ko3 is a shit turbo in an A4. The Ko4 isn't much better. The franken turbo is the best without going gt28 and up (which never spool anyway). The timing belt needs to be changed every 70k. 60k to be on the safe side. Both the 2.8 and the 1.8 are a dog. I had a 1.8t in the car you see and a 3.0 in my other. Both of those are a dog but still have more power then the B5.

As far as your modding goals... I'd hold off. 90% of B5's need some tlc by now and 99% under 4k are going to need some serious maintanece done. Plan or a grand for lowering, 300 for injectors, 500 for tune, 200 for test pipe and 700 for exhaust. Then a couple thousand for things like brakes, timing belt, tires and the like. That's not including the rest of the things you will want to do. This will yeild you maybe 140whp in a car that weighs 3500 pounds. It's not as sporty as you think it will be, trust me. My 325is is faster the my stage 2+ 1.8t.

It is a great car though. They are comfortable, pretty reliable and great in the snow. I never once had a problem (avid snowboarder). They are rock soild. Heavy and a purely mechanical awd makes it very easy to drive when things get slick. I never once got stuck even when lowered (23.5" gtf) and plowing everywhere.

I have no problem buying into the 8e chassis again and plan to purchase a B6 S4 (V8).

I'd advise to stay away from a B5 S4, far away. They are fun but need alot of money. It's pretty much a rule of thumb if the car costs less then 11k, it needs new turbos. That's just the start. Unless you have money to blow stick to an A4.

[Ryan...]

^^^ Thanks again for the info. I'm now starting to hear more horror stories about the Audi's.. I understand that they're typically the exception rather than the rule, but that Subaru is starting to look like a better choice..

Bimmerman, how much are those coilovers you have? I'm guessing they're crazy expensive as I know that brand typically pumps out some extraordinary products!

[DrJosh]

If you are looking for a cheap beater Audi is not the way to go.

[Bimmerman325i]

^^^ Thanks again for the info. I'm now starting to hear more horror stories about the Audi's.. I understand that they're typically the exception rather than the rule, but that Subaru is starting to look like a better choice..

Bimmerman, how much are those coilovers you have? I'm guessing they're crazy expensive as I know that brand typically pumps out some extraordinary products!

They're not cheap, but I'm selling for a decent bit less than list price (camber plates/springs/tender springs are all included). PM me if you're interested.

[Oz10]

I've never had any issues related to lowering on any of my Subarus. I wouldn't worry about it.

[alB5]

Cars are cars, I've found plenty of B5 1.8t's with maintenance done and a decent amount done to them for ~6k-7k. Also everyone gives the B5 S4 shit. The 2.7t is pretty bulletproof besides the turbo's (k03's blow hard) and transmission (01E 1-2 shifter collar). These can be fixed in one shot when removing the motor. As long as you find one that's been taken care of from a concerned owner/enthusiast there will be very little to worry about. No matter if it's a VW mk1 or an Audi RS4. If you go the B5 S4 route, pick one that has a stage 3 setup. The only person I'd buy an Audi from is a long respected member on this site: http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/showcat.php?cat=67

[Ryan...]

If anyone cares, picked up my car 2 days ago :D

Its a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX. Timing belt, clutch, all 4 wheel bearings replaced, and fluids flushed at 140k miles. Body is imperfect to say the least, little dents/dings/scratches, but 0 rust :thumbup:

I'm the 3rd owner. 1st owner was a lady that drove it between Madison and Milwaukee everyday for work (straight hwy for an hour), amassing 140k miles in 4 years :yikes:. 2nd owner was the owner of a performance shop based in Illinois, he installed the wideband/boost gauges to show customers what they looked like/how they worked. Car is completely stock other than those gauges.










THANK YOU EVERYBODY FOR THE HELP!!!!!!

[Deltron Dirty30]

^^Nice my friend just got rid of his '02 WRX for a '98 cobra -___-

sti turbo, sti injectors, bc coilovers, loltas(rotas) and few other things

[Hey_You]

Careful with that tranny in the Scoob. That's only reason why I would NEVER pick up a 02-03 rex. Sure hope you don't get one of the duds. Good looking car though, sure looks clean.

[CabrioPunk]

B5s can be trouble. You'll see more problems in the early ones. 98/99s. Specifically the AEB engine code of the 1.8Ts. I loved my B5. After the turbo blew and just dropped a lot of money into repair it lasted another 30k before more problems. You need to be very careful. It was a great.car but the only reason I don't curse the car is that I enjoyed and intended to spend time and money on it from the get go. VW crowd is good, too. Friendly, helpful folks.

And a chance to picture whore my old B5. Great vehicle. Learned a lot about cars. Just wouldn't be a recommended choice unless you intend to spend weekends learning how to wrench on them...