Power is relative, and (mostly) over emphasized

[GTB/ZR-1]

Originally Posted by AdamVR4

to only run 12's... then 11's... then 10's... um, it's addictive.

Tell me abt it... lol

Matt's a long-time ZR-1 guy as well. I also race w/ his brother down here.

[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

Not to jump on you but you could've got the premium and save some change if you felt that way. The premium also has HIDS.

Yeah I know, but I didn't pre-order this car. Instead someone canceled their order for a Limited the day it showed up at the dealership and I was given first dibs. I would have had to wait at least 6-7 months for a Premium model to come in if I had ordered one. Supply for these is tight in NC.

[meadowz06]

If my Corvette sells, I am getting a FR-S. Going to drive it stock for a little while then go with a turbo setup. That's the plan for now. And we have a
FR-S in stock with the Borla exhaust. Is it worth 699.00?
Thanks

[Bristecom]

Just to reiterate, if they go the 2.5L route, having the same horsepower (200+) and around 185 lb-ft of torque is a very realistic target. Check out the latest Impala engine:

http://www.autoguide.com/manufacture...view-2667.html

It does 196 hp, 186 lb-ft torque, and 25 mpg average. Surely Toyota/Subaru can compete with that? But again, most importantly to me is how the power band comes in. If there is a smooth, constant push of power from low to high RPM's, then I would be satisfied.

[ThisIsChrisKim]

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

IMO that's not the best comparison, and this is why I say that. Yes a base WRX is $25,995 but the "base" STI is equipped more like a Premium WRX, which costs $28,495. Subtracting the difference from the WRX STI ($34,495) is $6,000. So to say that a BRZ Premium could be given a "proper" STI treatment (50+ hp boost, revised suspension, different wing, enlarged brakes) for $31,495 ($25,495 + $6,000) seems reasonable to me.

Quick thought. The standard WRX has the benefit of already being turbo'd from the factory. The turbo plumbing is probably going to the biggest cost increase from a NA twin to a turbo twin. Standard Impreza (non-turbo) is about $18k and then add in the standard WRX and it's about $25k. Then again, if you look at the Mazdaspeed 3 or the Focus ST, there's around a $4k premium on those guys and they're non-turbo'd in standard form, too... so who knows. But I guess anywhere in the $4-7k premium range is probably a reasonable expectation.

[maj75]

My 2 cents:

I had a C6 6 speed Vette and an ISF prior to the FRS. I really like the FRS, compared to the other two. I wouldn't be able to drive either one of those cars hard on the street, safely. They have more power than is necessary. I live in an urban area and the traffic just won't allow fast, safe driving. On an open highway, they are both fun (and the Vette would average over 30mpg). However, I can actually floor the FRS without endangering myself or others.

I really love the FRS on track. You can really pound the car into corners and it just wants more. On the straights, you have time to relax, check mirrors (and tune the radio ) It doesn't have the brutal acceleration or blistering top speed of the other two, that keep you white knuckled and fearing for you life if something goes wrong. I think it's the same reason that Spec Miata is so popular. They are fun to drive, relatively inexpensive and don't scare the pants off a non-professional driver.

I have a tune on my car that eliminated the torque dip, so I would offer that as a partial solution. Would I turn down another 20-30 hp, no. But I'm not going to spend any money on power, other than the tune and air intake. When I can consistently turn fast laps, I will worry about more power.

[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by ThisIsChrisKim

Quick thought. The standard WRX has the benefit of already being turbo'd from the factory. The turbo plumbing is probably going to the biggest cost increase from a NA twin to a turbo twin. Standard Impreza (non-turbo) is about $18k and then add in the standard WRX and it's about $25k. Then again, if you look at the Mazdaspeed 3 or the Focus ST, there's around a $4k premium on those guys and they're non-turbo'd in standard form, too... so who knows. But I guess anywhere in the $4-7k premium range is probably a reasonable expectation.

Interesting thought, but I doubt a bunch of thin tubing is the greatest expense increase going from an Impreza to a WRX. Additionally (chime in Scooby buffs) doesn't the STI have an entirely different engine than the WRX? I already know it has an entirely different transmission.

[MightyMeeple]

Originally Posted by maj75

I have a tune on my car that eliminated the torque dip, so I would offer that as a partial solution. Would I turn down another 20-30 hp, no. But I'm not going to spend any money on power, other than the tune and air intake. When I can consistently turn fast laps, I will worry about more power.

Do you mind sharing which tune you are running and how satisfied you are with it?

[maj75]

I have a custom Ecuteck tune from FA20club. Picked up hp and tq everywhere but the dip is 90% gone and the car pulls harder everywhere. I recently sold that car to my son and got a new FRS. I can really feel the difference in power and drivability. My new one feels weak in comparison. I will be getting back to Toni for a tune for the new one soon!

Originally Posted by MightyMeeple

Do you mind sharing which tune you are running and how satisfied you are with it?