Worth noting: recall on certain 2002-2007 Imprezas

[thebeerbaron]

Subaru of America apparently found out that I own a 2002 WRX and sent me a friendly little note saying that my car might be under a recall.

Subaru Recall Campaign WVX-34
NHTSA Recall No. 11V-464

The gist of it is that the front lower control arm could rust in the "hanger bracket area" in certain salt-heavy states.

Not sure what they mean by "hanger bracket area" (sway bar bracket?), but if you buy a driveable donor, it might be worth it to take it to the local Subaru dealer if the PO didn't already. The "fix" is for them to apply anti-rust glop to the area if the condition is acceptable, or replace the LCA if it is not. IIRC the 818 will use the donor LCA, so a fresh new part might be worth the effort.

Haven't been around here much since the model unveiling. Hope y'all can continue to survive without me, I'll probably be back once the builds begin.

Cheers!

[Draco-REX]

I believe the 06/07 WRX had Aluminum control arms like the STI.

Either way, the Al control arms are a worthwhile upgrade. SubaruGenuineParts.com sells the pair for $355. https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_68&products_id=653

[PhyrraM]

Only the '06 WRX had the aluminum.

The '05+ STI had revised geometry.

The aluminum is not appreciably lighter, but much stronger. On a steel control arm car the control arm bends in an accident, usually leaving the mounting point ready to accept a new control arm. The aluminum arms tend to rip out the subframe mounting point requiring more work.

For the 818, I think I'd prefer to save the money unless FFR requires the updated geometry from the STI. The "appreciable upgrade" is for the geometry and stiffness, not the weight. The aluminum arms were originally a homologation item for group N rally cars, where strength was more important and the subframes were reinforced to take advantage. For the weight of the 818 and the steel tube frame basis, I would think the stiffness gain is much lessened.

The aluminum sure does look purdy though.