WTB: 2.5RS
 

Hey everyone. Just sold my car and have decide to not start with a roller and add an engine since I no longer have a car..

Anyways so I'm looking for a 1998-2001 2.5 RS. Ideally I want a sedan, but I'll go for a coupe probably if no sedans pop up.

I need the physical condition of it to be good...mechanical isn't QUITE as important as long as it runs. I plan to replace the engine in the next few months anyways.

Anyone have one?!

Thanks

Just a heads up, only the 2000/2001 model years came in sedan, but they have some other advantages over the '98/'99s so I'd focus on those model years anyway. They're also a little bit more common.

Hey Kevin thanks for the tip! didn't actually know that, but I'm not set on a sedan so if I get a 98 or 99 coupe for a decent price I'll be happy with that as well. What advantages do the 00-01 models have over the 98-99s?

'98s have the DOHC engines that blow head gaskets like clockwork around every 100k miles, and they're not as torquey as the later engines though they do have slightly better top end. The '99-'01 SOHC engines are almost the same, except the '99s use a hot wire MAF sensor that is extremely fragile, especially if used with an aftermarket intake. Also, the rear LSD is standard on '00-'01 and nearly all of them got the optional security system, stereo upgrade and cruise control. That, and a newer used car is usually in slightly better shape on average but with all of them crossing the decade mark, it's not that much anymore. Oh, and the '98 has the older style interior and front bumper. Some people like them better but personally I much prefer the newer interior and bumper.

Hmm very interesting thanks for that. I think I'll probably go with a 00-01 like you said in that case.

Hey guys, just was thinking....how do the 2002 and later imprezas compare to the 00-01 besides just the looks? Are they just as easy to work on as far as engine swaps go?

Thanks!

The newer cars will have the nicer newer interiors, lower mileage, and be in better general condition.

But really, if you're going to buy a bug-eye or newer Impreza, just buy a WRX or STi instead of swapping. Swaps make sense into the older RS's because they're so much better looking than the newer cars and the turbo versions never came to the US... but swapping into a newer RS when the WRX and STi's are around is just a waste of money IMO. But a used WRX or STi and spend a little money tuning it up. It's cheaper and 9 times out of 10 you'll have a nicer car than building the same thing yourself via a swap.

<- Someone that's swapped an STi drivetrain into a WRX.

Mechanically the Impreza is almost entirely compatible from 1993-2008. But like Scott said, it's a bad idea to buy one with the intent to swap it. Just get a WRX or STi in the first place, it will save you a ton of hassle and probably some money too.

If you're looking to do the swap just for the sake of having done one, I would buy the oldest, cheapest Impreza you can find without rust or body damage and then get a complete donor car for the swap. You can buy a wiring harness pre-merged for a decent price if soldering and tracing diagrams isn't your thing, and then swap the mechanicals over in a weekend.

Hmmm ya I really do like the older model bodies. The only reason I asked is I've found a 2002 Impreza that is in pretty darn good condition and its just as cheap as the couple 2000/2001 2.5RS's I've found on the east coast.

Aren't the 02's significantly heavier than the previous models as well? I though I remembered talking to someone about that...

They're heavier, but they're also significantly stiffer chassis-wise, especially over the coupes.

But again, with 2002 WRX's selling for around $8,000-$10,000 these days, I wouldn't bother with a 2002 RS for a swap. Just try to find an unmodified 2002/2003 WRX.