Need advice on 2.5rs, Difference between years Options

[razor7]

Hey Guys,
So I've finally decided to sell my celica in order to buy a Subaru Impreza 2.5rs. My reasoning is that I need something that's Awd so I can get in and around on the snow. I don't plan to be doing this till over summer, so I can ride my bike while I'm car-less.

So for the thread, I want to know the difference between the different years of the 2.5rs. I believe it was 1998-2001. I'm basically curious about all of the small, subtle changes they made, much like the differences between pre-facelift, facelift, and 20th anni. I know that the '98 had DOHC, while, '99(+?) had SOHC, but what else was changed? Also, other than timing belt, water pump, tensioner rods, and standards like plugs and oil, what else could/will go bad and when?

Thanks,
-TC

This post has been edited by razor7: Jan 24, 2010 - 4:28 AM

[95CelicaST]

There weren't any body changes from 98-01. Those years are a body style. The 98-01 RS is like the 96-99 Celica. It is Post-facelift.


The N/A 2.5L motors have a couple issues you need to worry about - They are prone to headgasket failure, so make sure if they haven't been replaced that you do so. There was also a recall on that motor for an out-of-round #4 cylinder. I don't know if it spanned ALL of the motors or what, but give the VIN to Subaru and have them pull that info for you. Subaru transmissions are very fragile, so if buying a 5 speed make sure it doesn't grind, and if it does toss some synchromesh in. Lastly, steer clear of anything that has been modified. Its more directed at turbocharged Subarus, but the last thing you want is to replace a motor. Subaru motors are not cheap.

[razor7]

There weren't any body changes from 98-01. Those years are a body style. The 98-01 RS is like the 96-99 Celica. It is Post-facelift.


The N/A 2.5L motors have a couple issues you need to worry about - They are prone to headgasket failure, so make sure if they haven't been replaced that you do so. There was also a recall on that motor for an out-of-round #4 cylinder. I don't know if it spanned ALL of the motors or what, but give the VIN to Subaru and have them pull that info for you. Subaru transmissions are very fragile, so if buying a 5 speed make sure it doesn't grind, and if it does toss some synchromesh in. Lastly, steer clear of anything that has been modified. Its more directed at turbocharged Subarus, but the last thing you want is to replace a motor. Subaru motors are not cheap.

Yup,
Most people are saying to replace the head gasket at or around 90k. Apparently failure is more prevalent on the '98s. On top of that, in order to get to the cams on the '98, you have to drop the whole engine. So, from the little research I've done, I'll be looking at the '99-'01, but will probably go for an '00.

I also do plan to turbo it or drop in an '02 STI engine. Of course I'll be looking at non-modified ones, or at most, an intake and plugs. I think the AWD platform will be a better option to work on modifying over the FWD celica... This will come with time though, as I have other priorities to be looking at before turboing a flat 4.

Anything else I should know about these guys?

-TC

[95CelicaST]

'02 STI? Unless you're importing you won't find one. I would suggest picking up a EJ257. IIRC that is the 2.5L WRX motor (TD04 turbo, not the STI VF-39). It is much much smoother than the 2.0 from the earlier WRX.

[bccentaur3]

As much as I love riding my zixxer around all summer long, it gets to be a pain. Having to get to work at 6AM, riding in the rain, and having old people in luxury cars cut you off. Kind of takes the fun out of enjoying a super bike.

If you have the money into throwing into the RS I say not worth it man. Have you seen the driveshaft in them things? Get yourself an alltrac.

[Euphoria]

I don't know why people always says subaru's have weak transmissions, my friend had 2000 wrx with 400 000km on it, stock engine, turbo and transmission and he used to do launches every once in a while.

I also know of other people with subarus with over 200 000km and the diff/transmission is still great, aslong as they aren't abused the transmission should be fine, unless there were particular subarus that came out with weak transmissions?

[95CelicaST]

Because it's widely known that they're weak. SOA (Subaru Of America) even acknowledges that fact. Perhaps it is because the 02+ WRX has more power.

[SwissFerdi]

I don't know why people always says subaru's have weak transmissions, my friend had 2000 wrx with 400 000km on it, stock engine, turbo and transmission and he used to do launches every once in a while.

That's probably why. I'm inferring that most Subie owners who complain about the tranny have modified their ish.

[m0dd3d1]

Do some research on [email="www.nasioc.com"]NASIOC[/email].

Post at your own risk.

[pez222]

I have owned a 98 and a 99 2.5RS. In fact, I sold my '98 this past September to pick up the 6GC I got now.

The 98's are different from the '99-01. The headgasket issue on the '98 DOHC cars were not that big a deal if the owners took their cars in for the recall to fix the (machining) defect in the block. My transmission on the '98 was stock w/an ACT clutch and since the car won 2 STS championships and those trannies are not weak.

Here are some more differences (from Nasioc):
1998 RS
Body Style: Coupe Only
Colors: Arcadia Green Metallic, Rally Blue Pearl, Brilliant Red, Black Diamond Pearl

Interior, Black/Grey Woven Paterns.
No Grab Handles. (oh **** handles)
rubber 'accordian' shift boot
cruise control optional

Performance
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.4 sec
Road Holding Index: .8 g
DOHC 2.5L MAF Based (very strong mass airflow sensor)
Horsepower: 165 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 162 ft-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Compression Ratio 9.7:1

Exterior features unique to 98
Small Fog Lights
Came stock with 5 spoke Gold wheels
______________________________________________
1999
Body Style: Coupe Only

Colors
Rally Blue Pearl, Black Diamond Pearl, Silverthorn Metallic, Aspen White

Interior
Black w/checker pattern
change red stitched shift knob and steering wheel
change leather shift boot.
change grab handles
change cruise control optional
change white faced instrument cluster

Performance
change Acceleration 0-60mph 7.9 sec
change Road Holding Index: .87g
change SOHC 2.5L MAF Based (very weak mass airflow sensor prone to failures w/cold air intakes)
165hp @ 5600rpm
change166ft/lbs @ 4000rpm
Compretion Ratio 10.0:1
change rear caliper brackets changed (WRX)
Exterior Featurs
change v5 front bumper w/big fogs
change Silver 5 spoke wheels
__________________________________________________ ___
2000
Same as 99
w the following exceptions.

Coupe or Sedan available

Colors
Blue Ridge Pearl (new), Sedona Red Pearl (new), Aspen White, Silverthorn Metallic.

changes new to 2000 model year
LSD Rear Differntial Standard
Cruise Control Standard
V6 front bumper (same as v5 but has holes for v6 front lip)
Engine Switched to MAP based system, MAF Sensor eliminated.
Silver 6 spoke wheels
__________________________________________________ ____
2001
Same as 99 w/added 2000 features

W/the following exceptions

Colors
Blue Ridge Pearl, Sedona Red Pearl, Black Diamond Pearl (re-introduced) Silverthorn Metallic, Sedona Red Pearl

Added
CD player standard
Fake carbon fiber trim standard
___________________________________
All 98-01 RS wheels are 16x7 +53 offset and clear 4pots



--
I have owned 4 MR2s as well and my RS's are clearly the most reliable car's I've owned. That '98 had 200K miles when I sold it and now is getting prepped to participate in SCCA stage rally w/the motor in it. 2.5RS GCs look great and are torquey NAs. I see myself picking up one again soon.

This post has been edited by pez222: Jan 25, 2010 - 4:38 PM

[razor7]

Sweet,
thanks for all of the help guys!

I've actually done even more research, and I've decided on the '00/'01 (rear LSD) and plan on doing a JDM Version 7 STI swap (I believe the EJ207?). The whole build shouldn't set me back more than 20k (and that's very respectable numbers, more realistically 10-15k) and will be done over the next few years. I'm also planning on doing a P&P on the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold, along with ceramic coating on the exhaust. All of this together with the VF-29 (39?) should net me 300awhp, or about 370 at the crank. The biggest issue really will be getting the harness together and to find an ECU that is adjustable/flashable.

Oh, other than actually finding an 00-01 that isn't molested and was kept in at least decent condition.... Either way, I'll be selling my car on CL and these forums come summer time. Chassi and engine only have 115k on them, and it's been my pride and joy the past year. With any luck, it'll go to a good home, I'm going to make sure of it!

-TC

This post has been edited by razor7: Jan 25, 2010 - 5:07 PM