Comparison chart of compatibility WRX vs STI

[Frank818]

Well well well, after a long time "ghostly" reading this forum, if I came to the point of registering for real I know it's cuz I will do it at some point! I dream about it and always think of what I'll do on the car, after over 20 years in the world of customizing cars, I know myself on that. lolll

I have read many threads on the STI, what fits and what not. But I have not seen any one pager about the compatible parts, a one pager like the one of the WRX on the FFR website:

This is what you need from a 04-07 WRX (non-STI):

• Front spindles with full brakes and front lower control arms
• Rear spindles with brakes and e-brake handle/cables
• Steering rack, tie rod ends, and upper steering column assembly
• Pedal box and throttle pedal
• Master cylinder and brake booster, and clutch master cylinder
• Engine with turbo and intercooler (if WRX model)
• Exhaust manifolds, O2 sensors, and down tube
• Transmission
• Rear lower control arms, toe links, and CV joints
• Front seats, front seat belts, and gauge pod
• Fuel pump
• Radiator
• Wheels and tires
• Door hinges, front w/ latches,strikers, and inside door handles
• Side view mirrors, left and right
• Rear view mirror
• Rear seat belts

Taking that list above, if we make one from an STI, what'll be the outcome? I believe 2 lists are possible, as the 05+ STIs have 5x114 hubs and maybe other parts that don't or may not fit. Or simply writing the STI years besides each line is a possibility too.

The reason why I was looking for a one pager is to better understand whether it's stupid or not to take an STI as a donor. I mean would it cost donor price + say 5k in parts whereas a WRX would cost donor price and that's it. That's what I am trying to figure out.

The other reason is that I "believe" an STI engine would be better suited to achieve 350-400rwhp in a reliable form, at a lower cost than a WRX engine. Maybe I am wrong, if yes plz explain to me. I come from the VW world, though I own a NA 2.5RS since 2005 (not even 40k KM, less than 25k miles!!), but it's my practical wagon car so I haven't done anything on it. My understanding of the sub engines is not as great as VW's, though I have read many things now on the EJ207, 255, 257, EJ20T, JDM V8, V9, etc. I still got a lot to learn before I find the right choice.

So is it stupid to make such a list for STI parts?
I know this exists: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhG99PnZiZFHdHd4aUpCU2ZpVnUzWXpMemxJSXctN 2c#gid=2
But it's not a one pager and not very quick to read and get a big picture of what's compatible or not. Or maybe I just didn't picture how to read it properly. lolll

Let me know if you guys think it's worth making such a list, otherwise I'll move on another thread about trannies, JDM engines, choices to build 350-400rwhp, 818donors.com, 2.0 vs 2.5 debate and so on... lolll

Oh, one more thing, before I jump on an order, I need to sell my Corrado! loll To finance a bit the project, but mostly to clean up some space in my garage! I can fit 2 cars and 2 bikes, but nothing more! loll

tnx!

EDIT:

STI list of compatible parts:

• Full brakes and front lower control arms
• Rear spindles with brakes and e-brake handle/cables
• Steering rack, tie rod ends, and upper steering column assembly
• Front spindles (04- only)
• Pedal box and throttle pedal
• Master cylinder and brake booster, and clutch master cylinder
• Engine with turbo and intercooler (if WRX model)
• Exhaust manifolds, O2 sensors, and down tube
• Rear lower control arms, toe links, and CV joints
• Front seats, front seat belts, and gauge pod
• Fuel pump
• Radiator
• Wheels and tires
• Door hinges, front w/ latches,strikers, and inside door handles
• Side view mirrors, left and right
• Rear view mirror
• Rear seat belts

Missing parts:
• Front spindles coming from a 05+ STI (different bolt pattern)
• Transmission (all STIs) -- no 2WD adapter and maybe a shifter cable issue

So if you get an STI say a 04, you ditch the tranny, buy a 5sp and you're fine. You can use the STI engine and brakes at the cost of a 5sp tranny. Up to you to decide if it's worth it or not.
After looking quickly for online 04 STIs for sale around here, their cost is much higher than buying a WRX and upgrading its engine and brakes. That answers my question.

[bromikl]

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?10562-The-Basics-Read-this-if-you-re-new-to-the-818-%28AKA-FAQ%29

"6 Speed Transmission:
as of yet, the 6 Speed transmission does not have a widely used 2wd adapter/conversion kit. again, i'm sure here in the future it'll be made eventually.
that said, I don't see the benefit of a heavier transmission, when the 5 speed should be plenty strong, light, and have a good range of speed for the 818. Though everyone has their own opinions on that :) "

[Frank818]

Wohaaa.... darn. :( That thread, I would have never found it! I... well I... not too many people read the "read first if you're new" threads. :( Damn, shame on me on that one. :( :o

Tnx for pointing out, though!

So it's not a question of size. Physically speaking it will fit, if I read correctly. It's a matter of making it 2wd and shifting cable. Hummm... yeah well if one day it fits, then I can live with a 5sp which will be off the power band sometimes and wait later for a 6sp. I thought of gettnig a complete JDM V8 or 9 engine with a 6sp engine bolted to it, but it'll be AWD if I understand and won't work mechanically speaking with 2WD...

Ok, I'll continue thinking about the 6sp. I still want the 818, though!!! loll

[Frank818]

I think this http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?10562-The-Basics-Read-this-if-you-re-new-to-the-818-%28AKA-FAQ%29 explains quite good for the STI as a donor, though not as quick as a bullet list, but hey that's still enough for what I was looking for. :)

[Xusia]

Hi Frank. The spreadsheet you listed is intended to be a "1-pager." For instance if you down column C on the Partial_Donors_US tab, it details the known compatibility for each component. There is some missing information, either because its not yet known or because no one has given me the info to update it. If you have any updates to help complete the information, please let me know. Also, if you have any feedback on how to make it more usable, I'm definitely open to hearing it. :)

[Frank818]

It's true. Maybe cuz I read it on a small screen, cuz the sheet is large cuz it lists many models. Which is great in a sense too.

It's possible the reading format makes the difference, but that's just a matter of taste. :) The info IS there, so that's what counts after all. :)

What I say is everyone concerned about non-WRX/NA should take the "time" to read it. We all want quick stuff (and cars loll), but at some point when there's a lot of info, only the time spent reading makes it possible to see something. :)

[Frank818]

Xusia,

On your spreadsheet, maybe you could add the 08+ engines?
Nuul mentioned they would fit.
Or the point was just to stick from 02-07?

[SkiRideDrive]

So if I am reading this correctly, an 04 sti would be a complete donor minus the transmission? You would probably make money selling the 6 speed and buying a 5 speed.

[Xusia]

Xusia,

On your spreadsheet, maybe you could add the 08+ engines?
Nuul mentioned they would fit.
Or the point was just to stick from 02-07?

No pre-determined intention to stick to any year range. If it can work as a partial donor I'm happy to add it. Can anyone elaborate on the '08+ WRXs as far as other parts that will work?

[Frank818]

So if I am reading this correctly, an 04 sti would be a complete donor minus the transmission? You would probably make money selling the 6 speed and buying a 5 speed.

That's what I understood.
But is it really worth it money-wise?
Around here, 2004 STIs vary from 5k to 18k. The one at 5k has a blown engine.
One that would be under 10k and running may have a lot of mileage and in need of some parts change and maintenance. Then the car makes 300bhp, which is about 255rwhp, for those who'd want say 300-325whp, you still need to buy some parts probably totalling a few thousands, I don't know. So you end up with say a 15k donor. That's only based on cars HERE around my place and looked only 3 pages on the "craiglist" of where I live.

I guess it depends what type of deal you may get, but since the 2004 has got the 12.8" 4-pot brembos and you can make some money trading the 6-sp for a 5, it may good to consider that option. If you want 250whp, you can get a stock WRX and upgrading it or get a stock STI and take it as is. I say check on deals! :)

[SkiRideDrive]

That's what I understood.
But is it really worth it money-wise?
Around here, 2004 STIs vary from 5k to 18k. The one at 5k has a blown engine.
One that would be under 10k and running may have a lot of mileage and in need of some parts change and maintenance. Then the car makes 300bhp, which is about 255rwhp, for those who'd want say 300-325whp, you still need to buy some parts probably totalling a few thousands, I don't know. So you end up with say a 15k donor. That's only based on cars HERE around my place and looked only 3 pages on the "craiglist" of where I live.

I guess it depends what type of deal you may get, but since the 2004 has got the 12.8" 4-pot brembos and you can make some money trading the 6-sp for a 5, it may good to consider that option. If you want 250whp, you can get a stock WRX and upgrading it or get a stock STI and take it as is. I say check on deals! :)

Thanks. Yea I just want to know which models I should be watching when I check copart every few days.

[Frank818]

That's my problem. Any car could be the one. Depends of the price. If I find a 08 wrecked by a train for 1500 and the engine still works, I'll get it just for the engine. And find another donor for the remaining parts.

Possibilities are endless, that's the problem.

[Oppenheimer]

Its my understanding the 2.5 Turbo from Legacys or Foresters is very similar to the STi motor, the differences mostly being the Turbo itself and some Engine Management stuff. So why not just use the motor from one of those instead of trying to get a whole STi donor?

Get an NA Impreza donor, sell the engine and trans, use the engine & trans from a Turbo Legacy (or whatever). Add some engine mods (like most will do anyways regardless of which motor they are using).

[Frank818]

And there goes another possibility. :)
What year the NA Impreza got the alu control arms? Not 05-, I can tell that.