sti...off road....what do you guys think? [Archive]

grannyshifter

08-13-2005, 05:12 AM

ok, so i had my sti for almost 4 months now. so 2 months ago i decided to take my car off road just to see how well it performs, last week i decided to take it again, i told my friends who has an sti or knows something about sti that i went off roading. most of them thought i was stupid and couldn't believe that i would take such a nice car off road. so i told them why not, isn't the sti a rally car made to run off road and on any road conditions. i'm just confused, why the hell would you buy a rally car and not take it off road? atleast take it once in a while or just even take it once to see how it performs. seriously what do you guys feel about people buying cars and not make it do what it's suppose to do?

svek

08-13-2005, 05:16 AM

well the suspension is really stiff made for goodness on road. so it probably doesnt do too good for terrain where you need flex out of the suspension.

whtlegacy

08-13-2005, 05:22 AM

seriously what do you guys feel about people buying cars and not make it do what it's suppose to do?

Your STI is not a rally car as it comes equipped from the factory. The most obvious limiting factors are ground clearance, stiff suspension, and RE070 performance tires. This car would be far better off on a race track or autocross course than in any serious off road conditions, at least without modifications.

grannyshifter

08-13-2005, 05:36 AM

Your STI is not a rally car as it comes equipped from the factory. The most obvious limiting factors are ground clearance, stiff suspension, and RE070 performance tires. This car would be far better off on a race track or autocross course than in any serious off road conditions, at least without modifications.

i didn't take it to a hardcore off road. the road was still straight it just wasn't cemented yet.

norris639

08-13-2005, 05:41 AM

they will void your warranty :)

whtlegacy

08-13-2005, 05:41 AM

In that case, despite the fairly slick tires the STI should perform very well as a result of it's advanced differentials

grannyshifter

08-13-2005, 05:54 AM

yup it was so much fun, but i don't think that i'll do it that much because i'm just tired of cleaning it after i go off road, and i just don't want anything bad happen on my car.

grannyshifter

08-13-2005, 05:57 AM

they will void your warranty :)

they actually did not, i just got an oil change last week and they saw all the dirt under my car, the guy even asked me if i went off roading and i said yeah but they didn't do anything.

markadopolus

08-13-2005, 06:06 AM

"Subaru of America (SOA) is not affiliated with the SCCA, and SOA does not in any way participate in, evaluate, condone or assume any responsibility for the activities and events of the SCCA or any of its affiliates. All Subaru vehicles sold by SOA are designed and built for normal driving conditions. The Subaru Limited Warranty, as well as the Subaru Added Security program, excludes damage resulting from participation in competition or racing events. See the Subaru Warranty and Maintenace booklet for further details"

They would most likely would not consider "off roading" or "rallying" to be normal driving conditions. Now....if you broke something on your suspension while off roading......they would not cover it.

GravelRash

08-13-2005, 06:17 AM

"Off roading" and driving on non-paved roads used by normal cars/trucks are very different activities. There are state highways in WA and OR (and many other states) - regular numbered hwys - that are gravel/dirt for much or all of their length. Not to mention maintained county roads. You could easily live 30 miles or more from the nearest paved road.

Normal driving condition? Yep...

Btw, recent thread in this very forum about another STi taken for a great fun run down a gravel road; last week or so.

Howl

08-13-2005, 11:35 AM

Rally's are NOT run "off-road"! They are run on gravel or dirt backroads (in Europe on tramac as well). Some of the backroads may be in rough shape, with pot holes and washboard sections, or may be nothing more than a cart track, but a lot of work is put into fixing then up and making them as smooth as possible before the event (I know, I've done it). Any dangerous rocks, holes or rough sections are noted in the routebook so the drivers know where to be careful.

Subaru's are great on gravel roads, if you know the road. They are not ment to be driven off-road like Jeeps and 4runners, i.e. through fields, up ATV trails etc.

If you like taking you car down rougher backroads consider getting a skid plate.

express_wagon

08-13-2005, 12:17 PM

Subaru's are great on gravel roads, if you know the road. They are not ment to be driven off-road like Jeeps and 4runners, i.e. through fields, up ATV trails etc.

If you like taking you car down rougher backroads consider getting a skid plate.

wuss...stock suspension with hankook rs2, it was fun

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/611000-611999/611665_66_full.jpg

Rallycarperson

08-13-2005, 01:31 PM

An STi is solely a rally car. But, you cannot just go off road with a stock car and expect wonders.

You will need rally suspension with higher travel and ground clearance...and other equipment. Also, your brembo brakes will not fit under 15inch rally rims.

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

BlueF

08-13-2005, 01:45 PM

Everytime I see a dirt road/empty parking lot I have to resist the urge to shread what's left of my paint! :p

Unfortunately, as pointed out above, paint is certainly not the greatest worry/expense to consider for anything but tame off-roading.

Stanley

08-13-2005, 01:51 PM

It cracks me up how people think an unpaved road is "off-roading". :lol:

Almost any car should be fine on an unpaved road and a Subaru will excel. Doing this regularly will cause the vehicle to have rattles and creaks prematurely. Also, as stated above, your summer performance tires will limit your traction on gravel or dirt and the ground clearance of your car will necessitate the driver keeping a sharp eye out for large rocks and potholes in the road.

The house I grew up in was off of a dirt road. I can assure you that non-rally bred cars did just fine. ;)

Howl

08-13-2005, 02:22 PM

The main problems with really going off-road are ground clearance, mud and large obstacles. Jeeps and other off-road vehicles can go a lot further off-road because they have more ground clearance, locking diffs and bigger tires. A subie might be able to go a bit further than 2WD cars due to its AWD, but not nearly as far an an 4WD truck.

As Stanley just pointed any car can go on gravel roads without any problems. Subaru's can just go a lot faster. I'm going on a joint Subie/SRT4 drive this evening. Most of the roads on the route are paved, but there are a couple of great twisty, hilly gravel roads. I suspect the SRT's will fall off the pace quite a bit on those sections. :lol:

shaggy doo

08-13-2005, 06:40 PM

why not :rolleyes:

Extraze

08-13-2005, 06:46 PM

http://pages.infinit.net/wrx/images/snow3.jpg

offroad goodness ! ;)

WinglessSTi

08-13-2005, 06:50 PM

if you dont mind scratches and paint defects knock yourself out!

WinglessSTi

08-13-2005, 06:51 PM

STirocket

08-13-2005, 07:10 PM

Don't let anyone tell you that driving on a dirt road will void your warranty. Participating in a sanctioned racing event however, will. I even participated in a high performance driving school recently, and cleared it with my dealership first. Since it wasn't a sanctioned racing event it wasn't a problem. They said if I broke something while at the school I would have to pay for it myself, but it would not void my warranty.

If you're driving on a dirt road and go off, you will have to claim it on your insurance just like you would if you did that on a nicely paved road. Your dealership won't pay for you wrecking your car. Neglect and abuse are different things than spirited driving.

BTW while the RE070s aren't great for traction on gravel, they're still one HECK of a lot of fun!!! If you don't get stupid... :D

Rocket's two cents...

slowscooby

08-13-2005, 07:45 PM

I used to love taking my wrx "rallying/off-roading", it was a lot of fun. However the wrx is better suited to offroading than the STi....longer travel suspension, taller tires with beter tread,...etc, But i did have a few "offs" in it, resulting is some good scratches among other things. Its because of this i have decided to take it "easy" in the STi, at least off-road. Especially since i have a stiffer setup in the STi....plus the tires are trhe complete opposite of what you want for off-road grip.

The best car you could possibly have for rallying is a beat up old car you bought for cheap, preferably something with a little power, and if ya can awd. The greatness of a rally beater is...you dont care, so you beat the living hell out of it and have a lot more fun..Im sure the STi would be great...but the stiff suspension coupled with the fact that if i so much as scratch it i'll cry....detracts from the greatness.

Imagine if petter solberg and sebastien loeb were told to bring the rally cars back in one piece with no wear or damage........it would make for a very dull rally :lol:

FaastLegacy

08-13-2005, 11:06 PM

Well if you want to consider your STi a rally car, if anything it's more of a tarmac car than a gravel car. Tarmac tires(more or less), wheels, stiff ass suspension etc.

GravelRash

08-13-2005, 11:53 PM

Hmmm...DMS 50's aren't stiff? :huh: ;)

wrx580

08-14-2005, 12:25 AM

Just playing around on fairly flat terrain is perfectly fine. I do it in my WRX all the time. What's really fun is to find a large abandoned lot or field with rolling hills and just cut loose. That's why I love this car.

kcook

08-14-2005, 12:49 AM

they will void your warranty :)
:lol: so true

Rallycarperson

08-14-2005, 09:56 PM

the STi is not a rally car..but inspired from one
Uhhh...actually it is. Put in a roll cage, switch to 4pots, rally suspension, and you got a rally car.

BTW, I mentioned it is solely a rally car.

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

Howl

08-14-2005, 10:07 PM

As proof of that point there are tons of Subies (RS's, WRX's and STi) running rally's all across North Amercia every weekend. How many STi's are running in sanctioned road races? Only a handful.

jasper

08-14-2005, 10:12 PM

What do you mean by "off road". ARe you talking rally-x stuff or full fledged off roading with boulders, trucks with lifts and 30+ inch tires?

MUscooby

08-14-2005, 10:29 PM

FaastLegacy

08-15-2005, 12:28 AM

Uhhh...actually it is. Put in a roll cage, switch to 4pots, rally suspension, and you got a rally car.

BTW, I mentioned it is solely a rally car.

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

If that's ONLY what's required to make it a rally car, then you can consider pretty much any car out there a rally car. Ford Escort, Focus, Dodge Neon, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, etc.

Hell, Dodge took a couple of their SRT-4s out to the former SCCA Prorally with basically a suspension and a roll cage and cleaned up quite well. Do you consider an SRT-4 a rally car too?

I'm with the other guy, STi = rally inspired, not a rally car.

WRX-pilot

08-15-2005, 02:16 AM

I consider the WRX to be rally ready, but not the STi.

If you are worried about the STi will fair go to the closest rally-x and see how the STi guys do. There are always a few here locally. Some have put money into it and some have run showroom stock with RE070's and all (obviously upgrading down the line, but they do have the experience).

Soul Assasin

08-15-2005, 09:05 AM

soon2bblackongold

08-15-2005, 12:09 PM

black paint=ruined...gravel/rocks/wind/farts=paint gone

Protege Menace

08-15-2005, 12:29 PM

STirocket

08-15-2005, 12:43 PM

Check out ProDrive's website sometime. They put over $500,000.00 into an STi to make it a Rally car... But that doesn't mean I can't have fun in mine... :D

Protege Menace

08-15-2005, 01:44 PM

for 500,000, anythign with or without wheels can become a rally car :lol:

Rallycarperson

08-15-2005, 05:14 PM

If that's ONLY what's required to make it a rally car, then you can consider pretty much any car out there a rally car. Ford Escort, Focus, Dodge Neon, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, etc.

Hell, Dodge took a couple of their SRT-4s out to the former SCCA Prorally with basically a suspension and a roll cage and cleaned up quite well. Do you consider an SRT-4 a rally car too?

I'm with the other guy, STi = rally inspired, not a rally car.
I see your point, but I'll keep going for argument sake. :D :p

Do I consider t3h SRT-4 a rally car?? No. They did more than throw a roll cage in Doug Shepard's car...they installed a Mopar Stage II turbo kit, installed an upgraded front LSD, dogbox, etc.

I understand you can throw a roll cage in any car and make it a rally car...but deep inside the STi is a rally car. From the turbocharged 4 cylinder, to the adjustable center diff. Hell they could have made an STi a 3.0L V6 if they wanted too...but that wouldn't be right for rally homologation purposes. Deep inside a SRT-4 is...well....a Neon.

And whats so "rally inspired" about an STi?? The huge wing and the scoop??

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

Howl

08-15-2005, 08:20 PM

How about: the Impreza is the closest thing to a real rally car that you can buy through your local dealership.

I would bet that a stock Impreza would out perform any other factory stock vehicle on a twisty gravel road, save an except for some very expensive Audi's.

MUscooby

08-16-2005, 12:52 PM

I understand you can throw a roll cage in any car and make it a rally car...but deep inside the STi is a rally car. From the turbocharged 4 cylinder, to the adjustable center diff. Hell they could have made an STi a 3.0L V6 if they wanted too...but that wouldn't be right for rally homologation purposes.

And whats so "rally inspired" about an STi?? The huge wing and the scoop??

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

:huh: :huh: didnt you just answer your own question

WHTSTirex

08-16-2005, 01:59 PM

the STi is not a rally car..but inspired from one

looks like a rally car to me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/trbowhtsti/DRIFT03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/trbowhtsti/DRIFT02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/trbowhtsti/DRIFT01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/trbowhtsti/DIRTYSUBIE01.jpg

*StiCKS TonGUe OuT*

MUscooby

08-16-2005, 02:15 PM

^^niiiice^^

WinglessSTi

08-16-2005, 02:48 PM

looks like a rally car to me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/trbowhtsti/DRIFT03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/trbowhtsti/DRIFT02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/trbowhtsti/DRIFT01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/trbowhtsti/DIRTYSUBIE01.jpg

*StiCKS TonGUe OuT*

actually, just looks like a guy doing donuts on some land tearing up his paint job :lol:

Rallycarperson

08-16-2005, 02:48 PM

:huh: :huh: didnt you just answer your own question
What are you smart assing about? :huh:

The scoop and wing have little to do with the car being a rally car. If you read my post its everything else that the car has that counts.

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

WinglessSTi

08-16-2005, 02:55 PM

What are you smart assing about? :huh:

The scoop and wing have little to do with the car being a rally car. If you read my post its everything else that the car has that counts.

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

a full rally car is like 500k isnt it? dont you need all the onboard stuff..along with everything else? last i knew the STi was 32k..plus you would have to swap out the engine..i think its 2l limited...i dont know much about rally,but i saw it on tv..and my car is nowhere even close to that!

WHTSTirex

08-16-2005, 02:58 PM

actually, just looks like a guy doing donuts on some land tearing up his paint job :lol:

actually no. dry lake bed = no rocks/clay surface.
makeshift rallycross track setup = not just doing donuts

so lets see here

no rocks just sand + a makeshift rallycross setup = nothing wrong with the paint, and not just doing donuts.

to all the peoples saying the car isnt a rallycar. go to your local rallycross, since in america we have few real rally events, and go see how the wrx's/sti's do compared to alot of the other cars running. Rally prepped or not, they are faster. Hey the sti is a awesome street car also. but you cant deny itz rally roots, and what it is capable of on the dirt.

WinglessSTi

08-16-2005, 03:02 PM

actually no. dry lake bed = no rocks/clay surface.
makeshift rallycross track setup = not just doing donuts

so lets see here

no rocks just sand + a makeshift rallycross setup = nothing wrong with the paint, and not just doing donuts.

to all the peoples saying the car isnt a rallycar. go to your local rallycross, since in america we have few real rally events, and go see how the wrx's/sti's do compared to alot of the other cars running. Rally prepped or not, they are faster. Hey the sti is a awesome street car also. but you cant deny itz rally roots, and what it is capable of on the dirt.

sand will deff scratch paint!

your car is white=you dont notice it

you put tape on your lights and raced around on sand thinking you was ralling..ok, but still not a 500k+ car :rolleyes:

Beaverboy

08-16-2005, 03:02 PM

Do I consider t3h SRT-4 a rally car?? No. They did more than throw a roll cage in Doug Shepard's car...they installed a Mopar Stage II turbo kit, installed an upgraded front LSD, dogbox, etc.

I understand you can throw a roll cage in any car and make it a rally car...but deep inside the STi is a rally car. From the turbocharged 4 cylinder, to the adjustable center diff. Hell they could have made an STi a 3.0L V6 if they wanted too...but that wouldn't be right for rally homologation purposes. Deep inside a SRT-4 is...well....a Neon.
:rolleyes: For a 'Rallycarperson' you sure are short sighted. Do you think the WRX STi and the WRC car have the same gearboxes, diffs and turbos? You're just arguing yourself in circles.

Seriously, you didn't think the '05 STi's front helical diff was intended for dirt... did you? :huh:

shemoves

08-16-2005, 03:03 PM

When I had my WRX wagon, I took her into some gravel...beyond fun!!!

Stanley

08-16-2005, 03:07 PM

Hell they could have made an STi a 3.0L V6 if they wanted too...but that wouldn't be right for rally homologation purposes.

:confused:
I don't think the 2.5 fit's the homologation definition either?

Protege Menace

08-16-2005, 03:12 PM

to all the peoples saying the car isnt a rallycar. go to your local rallycross, since in america we have few real rally events, and go see how the wrx's/sti's do compared to alot of the other cars running. Rally prepped or not, they are faster. Hey the sti is a awesome street car also. but you cant deny itz rally roots, and what it is capable of on the dirt.

AWD does NOT = win!!!!

many times 2wd classes beat the 4wd at our rallycrosses depending on the track setup.

also, why would you tape up plastic (i asusme they are plastic) headlights if you are just messing around in some dirt??? :huh:

WHTSTirex

08-16-2005, 03:21 PM

sand will deff scratch paint!

your car is white=you dont notice it

you put tape on your lights and raced around on sand thinking you was ralling..ok, but still not a 500k+ car :rolleyes:

doesnt bother me. not gonna argue over someone telling me what they think is best. cuz its gonna differ everywhere. if you never want to take your car out to the dirt, thatz your decision. but you rmissing out, street or not, hanging the tail end out on a awd car (not doing donuts) has to be one of the most fun things that i have done so far.

WHTSTirex

08-16-2005, 03:22 PM

AWD does NOT = win!!!!

many times 2wd classes beat the 4wd at our rallycrosses depending on the track setup.

also, why would you tape up plastic (i asusme they are plastic) headlights if you are just messing around in some dirt??? :huh:

actually i didnt do the tape thing, something funny my cousin did. thatz all. the local rallycrosses ive been to out here, the 2wd classes dont seem to be running as fast. maybe just me. but whatever.

Protege Menace

08-16-2005, 03:24 PM

its mainly tight and twisty tracks where 2wd cars can be beating AWD by a lot of time, i think mudyd conditions was another one.

Rallycarperson

08-16-2005, 03:38 PM

:rolleyes: For a 'Rallycarperson' you sure are short sighted. Do you think the WRX STi and the WRC car have the same gearboxes, diffs and turbos? You're just arguing yourself in circles.

Seriously, you didn't think the '05 STi's front helical diff was intended for dirt... did you? :huh:
Do you think anyone can afford a WRC car?? I for sure cannot.
WRC is a totally different class than other rally classes. You do not need to spend 500K+ for a rally car. There is nothing similar in a WRC car compared to a regular STi....ok I understand that.

BUT, My Point: You put a regular STi in rally, install the maditory safety equipment and 15inch rally tires...it will beat any other car out there on the market today. That is why I think the STi is a rally car(or atleast the closest any car can get to).

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

Rallycarperson

08-16-2005, 03:41 PM

a full rally car is like 500k isnt it? dont you need all the onboard stuff..along with everything else? last i knew the STi was 32k..plus you would have to swap out the engine..i think its 2l limited...i dont know much about rally,but i saw it on tv..and my car is nowhere even close to that!
No you do not...all you need is the manditory saftey equipment. You can leave it on 17inch rims...if you want, but it is recommended.

People, you do not need to spend $500,000 to have a rally car!

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

Howl

08-16-2005, 04:10 PM

fluenceINc.

08-16-2005, 04:42 PM

i think taking it off road is badass, if you got the resorces beat the hell out of that car.

RallyImprezive

08-16-2005, 05:41 PM

Wow there is a lot of ignorance in this thread.

Where should I begin?

WinglessSTi: I took my BLUE WRX to the dry lake bed with WHTSTirex and I did not lose any paint to the extremely fine "sand." The only damage done to my car was from a cone I pegged. Since you dont take your car in the dirt at all, how can you argue that the car is not capable of handling it? Sure the car may get damaged, but your car can get damaged anywhere you drive.

The Impreza is a rally worthy car. Period. There isnt really any room to argue it. The car has a low center of gravity, is well weighted, has suspension geomtry that allows for significant wheel travel, and a good AWD system. Hundreds of imprezas, from all model years have been sucessfully raced in rally events. All levels of car prep are found, ranging from Prodrive 500k seam welded, acid dipped cars, to the minimum safety requirement daily drivers. And people have won races in both types. Period.

Sure the Impreza is not designed for WRC from the factory, but pick-up trucks arent built to win the Baja 1000 from the factory either. However, the impreza doesnt need much work to be a competent rally-x or light duty rally car. This isnt opinion, its fact.

Also, I say Impreza not STi, because the 2.5RS, WRX, and STi all start from the same shell.

And for those that are really ignorant, even the WRC car starts from the same shell as all the other cars..its a WRC rule.

Oh and regarding the FWD AWD battle: IM sorry but if Sebastien Loeb was in a FWD car, he wouldnt be winning the WRC. AWD Ownz. :devil:

http://members.cox.net/rallyimprezive/images/IMG_0101widesmall.jpg

Protege Menace

08-16-2005, 05:51 PM

Oh and regarding the FWD AWD battle: IM sorry but if Sebastien Loeb was in a FWD car, he wouldnt be winning the WRC. AWD Ownz. :devil:

I wouldnt say that so quick.

there have been instances of people in teeny underpowered cars beating out the pro drivers in fully prepped beasts. I forgot the name of who did it but he was "0" car and he got faster stage times than anyone else.

its driver along with car, not just car itself, or AWD + win no matter what....

RallyImprezive

08-16-2005, 06:02 PM

I wouldnt say that so quick.

there have been instances of people in teeny underpowered cars beating out the pro drivers in fully prepped beasts. I forgot the name of who did it but he was "0" car and he got faster stage times than anyone else.

its driver along with car, not just car itself, or AWD + win no matter what....

That is why I chose WRC as my example. In WRC, especially this year, the drivers are all very closely matched. Not having AWD would be a disadvantage.

The "AWD Ownz" was a joke. I realize that AWD doesnt make you a good driver.
But experienced drivers can benefit from distinct advantages, especially on low traction surfaces (gravel and snow) :D

oh_BS

08-16-2005, 06:07 PM

OBS = offroad Impreza
http://www.calebreynolds.ca/subaru/OBS_back.jpg

jimbosti

08-16-2005, 06:40 PM

For those people who aren't familiar with rallying in North America take a look at an entry list sometime. These cars range from fully prepared Open class monsters to $5,000 beaters.

Here are some examples:

Maine Forest Rally (http://www.rally-america.com/PHPScripts/entrantlist.php?y=2005&e=Maine_Forest)
Galway-Cavendish Rally (http://www3.sympatico.ca/pwatt/GCFR/Entry.htm)

Rally America 2005 events (http://www.rally-america.com/Archives/2005/2005_archive_index.html)

Yup. It only took me 10 secs to find a "rally" sti. Here's a pic:

http://www.rally-america.com/Archives/2005/Maine_Forest/day/data/gallery/mfr1/images/DSC_1452.jpg

and more:

http://www.rally-america.com/Archives/2005/Maine_Forest/day/data/gallery/mfr1/images/DSC_1530.jpg

Protege Menace

08-16-2005, 06:59 PM

http://www.ojibweforestrally.com/entrylist.php

5 WRX's, 6 STis.

so the sti isnt THAT prevalent in US rally.

Howl

08-16-2005, 09:04 PM

I wouldnt say that so quick.

there have been instances of people in teeny underpowered cars beating out the pro drivers in fully prepped beasts. I forgot the name of who did it but he was "0" car and he got faster stage times than anyone else.

its driver along with car, not just car itself, or AWD + win no matter what....

As as example of that here the results from last years Rally of the Tall Pines: http://www.rallyscoring.com/results/2004/TallPines/TallPines2004Press0.htm

One of the few rally's without a Subaru in the top three and Group 2 VW's placing second and third (and one of the few rally's Pat Richard didn't win). Note that the regional only teams don't drive the night stages, thus their lower overall times. Check out the DNF's. :eek: Sometimes slow steady and reliable wins the race.

MUscooby

08-17-2005, 12:00 AM

What are you smart assing about? :huh:

The scoop and wing have little to do with the car being a rally car. If you read my post its everything else that the car has that counts.

-Mark
MAPmotors.com

easy..... i wasn't smartassing i was just that amazed that you could say that the sti IS deep down a rally car then say its not rally inspired. and i did read your post, thats why i was so amazed. but i guess if you wanna get all pissed off you could.

Type1

08-26-2005, 04:26 AM

What the hell is the big deal about?

If you take your car "offroad" or in a "rally" type course, or even if you like pulling off the road and doing donuts in the dirt so be it.

Any car, 2 or 4wd can essentially be made into a rally car all it takes is money.

And yes if you look at it in terms of rules and regulations a wrx is better suited for rally cause it has the correct engine size although an STi has more suspension goodies.

And no just because our subys are awd doesnt make us better at any rally. Yes, we might have an advantage but like anything its on how the car is prepped and of course driver skill.

I heard of a guy thats in gravelcrew that takes rental cars (i.e focus, lancers, escort, etc... basically pos) and races them in the gc rallys down here in socal and he won most of the stages.

Do what you want with your car, who cares if it screws your paint job? If thats what your into so be it.

I blew both my rear struts and brought my car too the dealer with mud caked on my entire car including the chassis to see if they would fix it (for fun) and they just laughed at me...

AlbaScoob

08-26-2005, 03:32 PM

rallying is what you make it...
whether $5000 or $500,000
WRC or backroads (just dont crash into anyone...drive safely kids)...

on a personal note, my wife is still convinced the only reason I moved here was for all the gravel roads!
Well one thing is for sure, the comments about brake size and suspension were the only deciding factors on getting a WRX rather than an Sti for me!

http://photobucket.com/albums/v715/AlbaScoob/My%20motors/?action=view&current=GravelcarWRX007.jpg

that and the fact I dont care so much when I beat the crap out of it with gravel rash...

"off-road-on-road"?
what can only be regarded as primitive dirt tracks have bloody street names...everyone goes on about the roads in Europe (which are flanking amazing by the way!) but I've never had so much fun with daily driving as I've had over here...you guys dont know how lucky you are!!!
superb!

kboparai1

01-17-2006, 03:35 PM

i plan on driving my car on some nice terrain!! all i need to buy is some tires and some softer springs!!!! Have fun takin your car in some cool dirt road areas!!!! it must be a blast!!

cwiktorski

01-17-2006, 07:29 PM

I have to agree with pretty much everyone here. The WRX/STi and to a lesser extent (due to the lighter build) the Evo 8/9 have a definite advantage over a lot of other cars as far as the amount of money you need to put into them to be competitive in SCCA rally if that's what you are looking for. The WRX and Evo being a bit better fit due to displacement and such, but the STi has more gear from the start. Your mileage may vary with either car.

Hell, if you want a full fledged rally car, pick up an old Mazda 323 GTX. Those little buggers were quick out of the box and parts are cheap for when (yes, WHEN) you break something. If Mazda isn't your cup of tea, go with an 87-89 Celica All-Trac. If you have the money they are some of the best "cheap" rally beaters you can find. Toysport has a JDM 3S-GTE that's pushing 250HP stock for under $3,000. Want something a bit nicer? The 90-93 Celica All-Trac is a great choice as well.

The point is that there are cars out there that you can get for cheaper, but they aren't going to last you as long and are going to be a pain in the neck to wrench apart all the time to get them running proper. I know about the All-Tracs, because I have had both a Mk4 and Mk5. Prices for parts became astronomical with my Mk5. I would say that it was more expensive to keep that car running and performing well in comparison to keeping a WRX/STi/Evo in similar running condition.

Take it with a grain of salt, but for the most part, an AWD platform is a better jumping off place for someone with some driving experience. If you don't have any experience, then a FWD car or very short wheel base AWD platform can be great for LEARNING, in which time you can go to something a bit more powerful and really be able to perform well.