Everything Subaru WRX

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX review

2009-01-02T12:09:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Anyone thinking about purchasing a new Impreza?

If you were previously in the market for an STI (the more expensive version) but have financial concerns like most of us at this time, I have some really good news for you. I would say "lower your expectations" and go with the new 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, but that wouldn't exactly be an accurate statement because the new WRX is quicker than the STI and costs $10,000 less. You read it right. Your eyes do not deceive you. No typos here. The new WRX is the best bang for your buck in 2009 if you are shopping Subarus. The improvements made to the 2009 WRX have nearly made the STI pointless, a thing of the past, if you will.

Let's talk "pros" first:

The new WRX costs only a few hundred dollars more than the 2008 WRX;

The new WRX has a new exhaust and bigger turbo;

The new WRX has increased horsepower to 265 (that is 41 more horsepower from 2008);

The new WRX's torque has increased by 18 pound-feet;

The new WRX will get you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (that is 1.1 seconds faster than previous models);

The new WRX is faster than the fastest STI tested (2009 WRX coming in at three-tenths faster than the STI);

The new WRX wins in the power category - no roughness, no bumps (which cannot be said of the STI) and exhibits ample acceleration from 3000 rpm;

The new WRX - when tested by Car and Driver - was found to have enough engine strength that the test drivers were able to leave the 5 speed in gear 3 for much of the testing in the category of handling;

The new WRX's suspension has been upgraded to make it more sporty. This has been done by installing larger diameter anti-roll bars, and the springs are stiffer. Front and rear springs are at 43 and 42 percent, respectively;

The new WRX has the smoothest and softest ride; and, last but not least,

The new WRX rode like it was a luxury car and handled well over highway bumps.

Now, for some "cons":

The new WRX's smooth ride was a bit too smooth and soft in corners, and steering can be vague (body roll while in corners leaves something to be desired);

The new WRX's brakes and steering, for that matter, a bit sluggish; and

The new WRX's shift handle felt rubbery.

But it's your call. Go drive the new WRX and the STI to decide if the STI really is worth the extra $10,000. It would seem that the 2009 WRX improvements were made to the most important aspect of this machine - the engine - but that is just my opinion.

Saving Money at the Pump

2008-07-28T09:54:00.009-04:00

There isn't anyone who isn't concerned about the cost of fuel these days. Here are some tips to improve fuel consumption in your vehicle. These tips will work for Subarus and any other vehicles out there. Here they are:

CONTROL YOURSELF AT THE WHEEL

No more rushed driving, and lose the road rage. Avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and any combination thereof.

Immediate excessive acceleration from a complete stop also wastes fuel. You are just not getting the best value for your money if you are driving erratically.

Strive to maintain a steady and consistent speed if you wish to get the most for your money.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Your air filter needs to be clean to use fuel efficiently. You can clean your air filter on a regular basis. Cleaning the air filter on a monthly basis saves a good amount of money over time.

Clean it yourself. Remove your air filter. Tap it on the concrete to remove all debris from it. Do not wash it! You will never be able to use it again.

Want to take things a step further? Clean the filter housing with a cloth that has been moistened with a bit of gasoline or just a very small amount of hand cleaner specially formulated for mechanics.

If you follow these air filter cleaning tips, your vehicle will operate more efficiently because your vehicle will run cleaner.

HANDS INSIDE DURING THE RIDE

For optimal fuel usage, your windows need to be closed.

Wind drag - caused by open windows - slows your vehicle down. Open windows adversely affect the dynamics of vehicle operation, and your car has to work harder to move at the speed that you are demanding of it. It is that simple.

So, keep your windows up and keep more money in your wallet - where it belongs!

KEEP YOUR TIRES INFLATED

Flatter tires increase fuel consumption because more fuel is needed to move your vehicle when more of the tire's surface is exposed to the pavement.

If you keep a tire pressure gauge in your car, and regularly check your tire pressure, you will instantly improve the fuel usage of your vehicle. Remember to check your tire pressure often when you are already at the gas pump. Make it a part of your routine.

Maintaining proper tire pressure could result in savings of up to $10 more per month. So, get out the Owner's Manual and make note of the manufacturer's recommendation for tire pressure, and keep those tires inflated.

Not only will you conserve gasoline, but you will also save on tire replacement cost since low pressure tires result in uneven wear and tear.

LIGHTEN THE LOAD

Roof racks / Bike racks

They really cost you over the long haul. Think dynamics of operation. You increase drag everytime you add a rack.

Trunk / Backseat Checks

Conduct an inventory of all that you are hauling around with you each day. You need to get rid of all excess "storage" in your trunk or backseat.

By doing so, you will improve the operation of your vehicle which, in turn, will improve fuel usage.

DON'T SIT IDLY BY

Don't sit and wait for your vehicle to "warm up". Any car that has electronic ignition does not require a "warm up" period, as we are all previously accustomed to. Older vehicles did require this, but newer ones do not.

Once inside the vehicle, check to see that you have your lunch, your wallet, and anything else that you need for the day. Make sure Sally has her lunch and homework, and get the kids settled down. Adjust your mirrors, buckle up, and anything else that you routinely do prior to turning the key in the ignition.

Bottomline: Do not turn on the car until you are ready to drive away. This will save on your fuel costs.

Even in cold weather.

CLEAR THE AIR

One of the most significant drags on fuel consumption is air conditioning. This is due to the extra work that your engine has to perform while the A/C is running.

If you are going to be too warm without air circulating, then turn your vent on high, and turn the temperature to cold. However, it is imperative that you make sure your air conditioning is not turned "on".

You won't even miss your air conditioning on the highway. The higher speed cools down the air coming in through the vents.

HOLD ON AT THE PUMP

There is a temptation to "top off" the tank at the gas pump. You may want to reconsider this method as most of the extra gas that you pump is subject to evaporation and/or will ultimately end up somewhere out on the road. This is due in large part to the fact that most of our vehicles today have a gas overflow tube. When that overflow tube is full, excess gas will evaporate and/or drain when the vehicle is in operation.

CHANGE IS GOOD

Most of our daily commutes take us to other areas of town, if not other towns. Keep your eyes open for gas prices along the way. Your neighborhood gas station or regular stop may not be offering the most economical price for fuel.

Consider a break in your routine to pump elsewhere along the way.

Also consider purchasing gas from an independent gas station, if they are offering a better deal. Due to federal government regulations, it makes no difference who the seller or brand name is. The fuel quality has met the same standards as other area gas stations.

MINUTE BY MINUTE - TIME AND GAS IS TICKING AWAY

If you idle for just over one minute, you are wasting fuel. If you have been waiting with your car running for more than one minute, you need to turn off the ignition. Restarting your car will use less fuel and cost you less money at the pump.

A word on safety: Please do not implement this money-saving tip while driving and waiting at traffic lights. It may save you money but could cost you your life or the life of another.

Subaru WRX Exhausts

2008-02-23T20:36:00.003-05:00

Welcome back Subaru WRX fans!

Today I thought I would discuss some easy Subaru WRX Exhaust upgrades that can net you some real usable power.

As I'm sure you already know, improving the breathablilty of any WRX flat four engine you will get more power. The WRX engine needs to be able to get rid of the spent exhaust as quickly and as efficeintly as posssible and by upgrading the stock WRX exhaust system with an aftermarket WRX exhaust kit, you can be confident that you have accomplished this goal.

The stock WRX exhaust system is comprised of the downpipe, the front-mid pipe, the rear-mid pipe and the muffler to outlet section. You have the option of upgrading each piece individualy or swapping out the entire WRX exhaust system with an aftermarket bolt-on kit.

WRX Muffler

Probably the first item most people will want to swap out is the stock WRX muffler itself. Since the Subaru WRX is a turbo, flat-four engined car, the vehicle has a great unique sound to begin with. By swapping in an aftermarket WRX muffler, you will get two great benefits with one simple upagrade, a better exhaust note and a few more ponies. Not bad, but we can do better.

Cat-Back WRX Exhaust Systems

Many companies offer aftermarket WRX performance "Cat-Back" WRX exhaust systems. "Cat-back," meaning from the catalytic converter back to the WRX exhaust outlet. Since the Subaru WRX technically has three catalytic converters - one before
the turbo and two after - the cat-back system would replace the WRX exhaust system from the rear/last catalytic converter to the outlet including the muffler. These systems include all installation hardware and require no welding or cutting. Simply unbolt the stock WRX exhaust pieces and install the new aftermarket pieces.

Just imagine, in one afternoon, your WRX exhaust system could be transformed from a stock wheezer to a fire breathing banshee! Now your talking.

Complete WRX Exhaust System Replacement

The ultimate upgrade you can make to your WRX's exhaust system would be to repalce the entire system from the engine all the way back to the outlet. This type of WRX exhaust upgrade would be much more involved and may require the expertise of a WRX performace shop. However, I can't imagine you not being happy with the results.

As you can see, there are several options as far as upgrading the Subaru WRX exhaust system. Next time I will discuss the intake side of the Subaru WRX turbo flat-four engine. Happy driving!

Surbaru WRX Performance Tips

2008-02-17T18:37:00.005-05:00

Here are some easy tips that can be done to generate a few extra ponies for your Subaru WRX next time it's feeling a little sluggish. Enjoy.

Change Your Oil
This is obvious, yet somehow, easily fogotten or overlooked. The Subaru WRX manual suggests changing the oil every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions. Come on. Who really drives a WRX normally? The manual also suggests an oil change every 3,750 if you drive hard. Well, I guess we know which recommendation to follow.

Properly Gapped Spark Plugs
Proper spacing for an '02-'03 Subaru WRX is 0.028"-0.031" (0.7-0.8 mm). Check your manual if you have a different year WRX. This tip may seem a little anal, but any extra power that can be had for free is worth the time.

Clean Your Air Filter
The stock Subaru WRX air filter leaves something to be desired, but if you don't have the money right now to purchase and aftermarket one, please make sure your stock one is clean. The more air that gets to the engine, the more power you have. Simple right?

Use Premium Gasoline
I know gas is expensive, but you are driving a Subaru WRX. Spring for the good stuff.

The next couple tips are a little more involved but again, we are dealing with the Subaru WRX. Any extra power is worth it.

Try Insulating Your Fuel Lines
When you insulate your fuel lines, the temperature of your fuel stays cooler which can allow more fuel to enter the combustion chamber along with more air. The more fuel and air in the chamber, the more power.

The easiest way to do this is with air conditioning/refrigerator insulation which you can get from any hardware store.

Your Subaru WRX Needs to Lose Some Weight
This is basic physics. Less weight + more power = better performance. The less weight your WRX needs to pull around, the better it will porform in every category.

Well that's all I can think of for now. Stay tuned for more tips to improve your Subaru WRX.

Everything Subaru WRX

2008-02-17T16:20:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Everything Subaru WRX. Here you will find information about the Subaru Impreza WRX, one of the best performance buys currently on the US market. There are few cars currently available that offer all-wheel drive, a turbo flat four engine, and real, world rally racing roots.

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line at info@EverythingWRX.com