just test drove my first wrx and it was really lungeing forward when i shifted fast. My buddy tried with a picture perfect shift and it did the lunge again. We havent experienced this in his 03' m3 and the dealer we had had no clue about the wrx let alone how to drive manual. We thought it might be the awd since it was the first time either of us had drivin an awd. But i had a friend suggest that it was the traction control since my buddies m3 does the exact same thing untill we turn it off. So does the 04 wrx have any way to turn the traction control off? Pardon my ignorance I am very new into the car scene. about to by my first new car.

Imprezas do not have traction control, period. AWD is not traction control. That lunge is just body roll.

"Body roll? Isn't body roll when you are going around corners? I am talking about when I am shifting FAST from first to second gear, and there is a split second lurch. It feels like the power is temporarily being cut off from the wheels. Anybody know about this?"

I believe it is called - pushing the clutch

Learn to drive manuals better. Seriously, shifiting "FAST" does not make you a smooth (or good) driver.

Paul

You are shifting too fast. The WRX's drivetrain will get upset if you shift too fast. Sometimes this feels like you are a "lunging forward" as you complete the shift.

Thanks slowpoke, Just alot different then my buds m3.

Lagwagon, I think that feeling is due to the WRX being and AWD car. It felt strange to me at first also, and it does take a little getting used to. But once you understand and have a better feel for the clutch/tranny you won't ever look back. The difference between a RWD M3 and the WRX are significant. And if you really want to experience AWD take the Impreza out in the rain or snow, it's amazing. :D

thanks T-WREXX, The awd was my original thought but the salesmen couldnt answer the question. Really enjoyed the handeling and breaking of the wrx, i was just suprised on the lack of space in the cab. but overall i was impressed.

I'm almost positive that is the case, AWD can have a really strange feeling at first, almost like you are damaging the tranny when it makes that "clunk" feeling shifting through the gears. It tends to feel a little heavier, but I'm so used to it now whenever I drive a RWD or FWD car I feel like the car is not getting enough traction to the ground. And yeah, it's not really big inside for a 4 door car, but it can fit 4 people much better than most sports cars. I hope you decide to get one, they are awesome cars.

from what I understand, you have 2 factors going into play here...

1. as everyone said, the rex does not like to be shifted "fast", quick and smooth is better because of the AWD

2. I have heard that it makes a world of diff to remove some of that "slack" in the driveline by replacing the stock engine/tranny mounts w/ solid STI mounts (around $200). This will likely be one of my next mods

Originally posted by twinbrd
from what I understand, you have 2 factors going into play here...

1. as everyone said, the rex does not like to be shifted "fast", quick and smooth is better because of the AWD

2. I have heard that it makes a world of diff to remove some of that "slack" in the driveline by replacing the stock engine/tranny mounts w/ solid STI mounts (around $200). This will likely be one of my next mods

to get rid of body roll and slop during accelerating, braking, turning and shifting:

sti engine mounts, sti pitch stop mount, sti tranny mount (all 3 can be had for $220 shipped from gruppe-s.com)
whiteline rear subframe bushing kit, whiteline steering rack bushings (about $25 each from subaruwrxparts.com)
whiteline anti-lift kit (get the "comfort" bushings- $130 at mastrowrx.com)
cusco front & rear aluminum strut tower braces (bought mine awhile ago from gruppe-s.com, i think they are about 150-180 each)

sti rear lateral link set & trailing arms, sti aluminum control arms, cusco 22mm 3-way rear sway bar & cusco v2 front lower arm bar. (this stuff is going to be my next batch of mods)

ps: be nice to your tranny. :cool:

Thx for the replys. Talked to my friend with a wrx, i just need to learn how to drive it, so much different then a rwd. Getting a 04 wrx this saturday cant wait, think i finaly worked out the financing.

Sweet, welcome to the club! :disco:

Originally posted by Lagwagon
thanks T-WREXX, The awd was my original thought but the salesmen couldnt answer the question. Really enjoyed the handeling and breaking of the wrx, i was just suprised on the lack of space in the cab. but overall i was impressed.


Welcome! Remember, you can brake your WRX, but please don't break your WRX.:D

If you need more space, get the WRX wagon.:)

So, the bucking one can experience by getting on and off the gas too quickly is primarily due to the various mounts? I'm pretty smooth most of the time, but the violent reaction the car can have when you're not is somewhat distressing.

i was just suprised on the lack of space in the cab Check this out:

Interior Dimensions ------ Subaru Impreza --- BMW 3 Series
Head Room (Fr/Rr) ------- 38.6/36.7 ------------ 38.4/37.5
Leg Room (Fr/Rr) --------- 42.9/33.0 ------------ 41.4/34.4
Shoulder Room (Fr/Rr) --- 52.7/52.9 ------------ 54.4/54.2

Not that different.

i think he is refering to the "slingshot" effect when you shift into a gear. this occurs if you slip the clutch while shifting fast and letting your foot off the clutch in a slower than "normal" fashion. alot of times this effect will catch you by complete surprise, so you are not braced for it.

I had a very hard time learning to drive my WRX because it is way different than an n/a car. I noticed that the rpms drop much slower and I was shifting too fast for it. With time, you'll perfect it.

Just wanted to say that i got my wrx, and im very very happy with it =) Very awsome car, just need to control myself untill the break in =)

yeah i feel for u... i remember after picking up my wrx from the dealer i drove like crap... i was so used to redlining/speedshifting in order to stay in vtec in my old integra type-r that i became a nightmare to drive the wrx. the salesperson was so smooth when he took me out on a test drive i kept thinking i broke something (later found out it was partially the fault of the damn defective clutch/flywheel)... i like to think i'm better at it now :)