So I moved from the US to Sweden back in March, leaving my 02 and 03 wrx's to be sold by my family. Been itching for a car ever since and today I picked up a 2000 Impreza GT. If you don't know the "GT" model was basically the wrx model, smaller intercooler than an 02 but just about the same hp, something like 218hp.
It's very strange seeing features in a GC8 that weren't available from the factory in a US car until several years later, momo wheel, nicer seats...I mean I knew they existed but having spent so much time seeing people trying to find these parts to install in their US cars, it's strange to finally see one where those parts came with the car.
The car is totally stock other than the wheels and Pioneer head unit so it's hard to wrap my brain around the fact that someone hasn't done a bunch of mods to make it this nice.
A couple small things I noticed...it's been a little while since I drove my wrx's but this car seems faster than a stock 02/03 wrx. It's much more brutal in acceleration and the suspension is way stiffer, not to mention lower. I'm going to have to do some digging around but I'm thinking the gear ratios are different as well. It was raining today so the lighting wasn't that great but I think it also has one of the more "rare" grey center console pieces rather than the solid black, correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm not crazy about the wheels but they are 17" with Dunlop SP 9000's on them and it also came with the factory 6 spoke 16" wheels with Nokian winter tires so I can't complain too much.
The center dash pocket lid hinges aren't working quite right, does anyone have any pics of what that area looks like so I can see it before I go tearing into it to fix them?
I'm going to get something new for summer wheels but I don't know what yet, I've done some searching for other BRP's but haven't found anything that I really like yet, suggestions are welcome.
Also, I'm looking for 2 of the "STi Rabbit Sticker/Badges" if anyone knows where to find them other than ebay.
Oh, if you're in Sweden lemme know. I've seen a few other GC8's and a couple bug eyes around but haven't had a chance to go searching for the local crew. I'm in the Göteborg area.
Thanks,
Jay
It's very strange seeing features in a GC8 that weren't available from the factory in a US car until several years later, momo wheel, nicer seats...I mean I knew they existed but having spent so much time seeing people trying to find these parts to install in their US cars, it's strange to finally see one where those parts came with the car.
The car is totally stock other than the wheels and Pioneer head unit so it's hard to wrap my brain around the fact that someone hasn't done a bunch of mods to make it this nice.
A couple small things I noticed...it's been a little while since I drove my wrx's but this car seems faster than a stock 02/03 wrx. It's much more brutal in acceleration and the suspension is way stiffer, not to mention lower. I'm going to have to do some digging around but I'm thinking the gear ratios are different as well. It was raining today so the lighting wasn't that great but I think it also has one of the more "rare" grey center console pieces rather than the solid black, correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm not crazy about the wheels but they are 17" with Dunlop SP 9000's on them and it also came with the factory 6 spoke 16" wheels with Nokian winter tires so I can't complain too much.
The center dash pocket lid hinges aren't working quite right, does anyone have any pics of what that area looks like so I can see it before I go tearing into it to fix them?
I'm going to get something new for summer wheels but I don't know what yet, I've done some searching for other BRP's but haven't found anything that I really like yet, suggestions are welcome.
Also, I'm looking for 2 of the "STi Rabbit Sticker/Badges" if anyone knows where to find them other than ebay.
Oh, if you're in Sweden lemme know. I've seen a few other GC8's and a couple bug eyes around but haven't had a chance to go searching for the local crew. I'm in the Göteborg area.
Thanks,
Jay