STI and non WRX Parts Compatibility

[bnr32jason]

I've amassed enough parts together here in Japan to where I won't need to buy a full donor car when I get back to the US.

There are plenty of non-WRX 02+ Imprezas in junkyards here but I've currently got access to a crashed but near complete 2005 STI Spec-C that I can get pretty much whatever I need off of it.

I'm not really concerned with core engine and transmission parts, just all the extra stuff that is listed on the website. Factory Five has said a STI won't work to be a single donor, but some parts must be compatible since it's the same chassis. The website specifically says this:


**STI’s drivetrain parts differ too much from a standard Imprezza or WRX for use as a single donor for the 818 platform.

Can someone please comment if any of these parts are 02-07 Impreza WRX specific or if I can get them from a STI?

-Front Lower Control Arms
-E-brake handle cable
-Pedal Box with throttle pedal
-Steering Rack
-Tie Rod Ends
-Upper Steering Column Assembly
-Master Cylinder and Brake Booster
-Clutch Master Cylinder
-Rear lower control arms, toe links, and CV joints
-Fuel Pump
-Radiator


I'm not expecting anyone to be able to answer all of these, but if you can even verify that one thing will or won't work, I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks!

[PhyrraM]

Can someone please comment if any of these parts are 02-07 Impreza WRX specific or if I can get them from a STI?

-Front Lower Control Arms Either works
-E-brake handle cable MAY be different on STI Brembos
-Pedal Box with throttle pedal Either works
-Steering Rack Either works, as long as LHD
-Tie Rod Ends Either works
-Upper Steering Column Assembly Either works
-Master Cylinder and Brake Booster Either works
-Clutch Master Cylinder Either works
-Rear lower control arms Either works, toe links Either works, and CV joints STI may not work
-Fuel Pump Either works
-Radiator Either works



'05-'07 STI front hubs/knuckles will not work with the kit as delivered.
'05-'07 STI rear hub knuckles have the same larger lug bolt pattern as the above hubs that don't work - So those are out also unless you deal with the pattern.

[longislandwrx]

knuckles can be machined but may not be worth it unless you are willing to spend to get the better hubs.

I would do it as you are probably getting everything for a song.

[bnr32jason]

So if I got the front hubs and knuckles I would be able to get them machined and use the 5x114 setup? That would be great!

[bnr32jason]

From what I've read, the RHD steering rack won't swap into a LHD Subaru WRX. But I wonder if it could be made to work with the 818?

Again I know only time will tell, but if I can get it cheap enough, I'll buy it just in case.

[longislandwrx]

Yeah see my other post... would probably cost you a couple hundred in machine work but those hubs are so much nicer, in terms of strength, maintenance, and wheel availability. If you don't mind me asking what is a set of 4 brembos/knuckles/hubs going for over there?

The connection to the rack is on the wrong side, you'll need a new steering rack but the column should be fine. Luckily a rack from a 2.5 shouldn't cost you more than $50 there always some on ebay.

[bnr32jason]

Well from what I've been told the STI Spec-C rack is a much quicker ratio, but if it's not going to fit, I won't bother getting it.

As far as price goes, typically just a little less than they go for in the US, so it's not that big of a difference. If you consider what I paid for the all the parts I bought together compared to what they normally sell for in the US, I pretty much got them for free, and then some.

[PhyrraM]

I edited my above list, as I missed that you were talking about a RHD version.

[bnr32jason]

Apologies, I forgot to mention RHD from the beginning. Thanks for the clarification, I knew the steering rack would probably be problematic, but I'm going to try to get it for either cheap or free anyways, maybe something will be able to be worked out.

[Slatt]

JDM STi Spec-C LCAs are (??) the ones that are longer so they move the hub forward. Subaru did that to increase caster. That might mess with the 818 suspension geometry. I'd bring them back anyway since they'll prolly sell well.

[bnr32jason]

Yeah, we'll see for sure when the time comes to build. If I have to get some stock US WRX LCA's it should be really cheap from someone who upgraded. Like you said I could probably sell them for more than I buy the standard ones for anyways.

[PhyrraM]

As stated many times in other threads...The FFR provided upper control arms are fully adjustable. So, any advantage gained on a stock Impreza from control arm geometry is not relevant to the 818. Other factors, such as the minor weight difference and looks/bling factor, are still in play. In fact, the narrower wagon control arms would allow a slightly 'deeper dish' wheel - if that's your thing.