Stage 2+ November 17, 2005
With a new downpipe, uppipe, and three factory catalytic converters replaced with a single high-flow cat, the Saabaru is officially at Stage 2. And then some. The car has taken on an entirely different personality. The overall exhaust note is louder, boost comes on quicker, 1st gear goes by in a heartbeat, and the turbo can be heard spooling up, wwwsssthththth! Every time I press down on the gas it’s hard to resist pushing further to hear that beautiful sound…
Murphy struck one more time with the double-adjustable short-shifter. I purchased it used, at a savings of around $50. When I received it the upper bolt and nut were stuck. I told the guys a TAV Racing not to put it in if they couldn’t pry the nut loose, but of course they installed it anyways. It took several doses of penetrating lubricant, a long wrench, pliers, a deep 19mm socket, and a drill with 150ft/lbs of torque to solve the problem. Several sections of thread are messed up and I’m not sure that it will be possible to fully remove the nut and bolt again, but I did finally get it adjusted to my liking — about as short as it will go with the factory shift knob.
I’d say the shifter is set for a Miata-like throw. Very short shifts, firm and precise. It doesn’t feel as great as the Miata shifter, or even a BMW’s, but it’s a heck of an improvement over an Impreza.
As for the front swaybar, I’m not ready to say much about that yet. Street driving is a poor way to judge handling upgrades. I need an autocross course.
For autocrossing this series of mods moves my car from D-Stock to Street Touring X. I’ll write a bit about what that means in my next posting.
- Posted in : Uncategorized
- Author :tby
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