More power desires may be doomed

[Pete156]

Another 57 year old owner here.
Went FI early, love my setup. I only upped the power by 75%. My 18 year old daughter can drive it like a little old lady. I grew up driving muscle cars, and couldn't live with such meek power in this sports car. Many people are able to. More power to them.........

[FastWhite]

Despite the rant, I do agree with you as I do miss the power from my STI. but I was most surprised by the ECU learning. I had good enough torque to be able to spin tires on corner exit or actually spin out with too much throttle input.
It very much feels like the S2000 I drove, minus the loose rear end.
What heat issue, if any, do you have with the turbo?


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[Braces]

The issue is that Toyobaru built such a capable chassis that it invites "more HP" criticism. When the 1st Audi R8 came out in 2007 ... it had a 420HP V8. Car was perfectly balanced and everybody loved how it handled (sound similar to the 86?). But then ... all the auto reviews were .... nice car, but seems a little underpowered (for its weight). Audi then dropped a Lambo V10 (520HP) into the car and everybody is happy now.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by FastWhite

Lot of good arguments on both sides. As always, very entertaining reading here.
I am 57, traded my fully modded STU STI for the BRZ. With the STI I was always looking for better handling. Yes,more power is nice.
The BRZ, put some sticky rubber on it and it out handles the STI. My opinion.

But I also had a love/ hate relationship with Fiat X1/9's. Those cars lived at 7000rpm all day long. Again need more power.
Subaru had a lot of waranty issue with the STI, UEL header issues, where cylinder 2&4 would always run hot. Throw in a ring land manufacturing defect equals blown engine. Now we demos the car,


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Another former STI owner here as well.

I sometimes think the search for more power is to somehow make up for lack of handling in that car. It handles quite well, though, but it just doesn't FEEL as well-handling as the 86, which handles as good as it feels.

We'll have to see if Subaru put any of its lessons learned from the BRZ's handling into the new STI. Despite still having the same motor, I'm told the 2015 STI is supposed to have ALOT of suspension and handling improvements, so maybe it'll turn into an absolute dream to drive (it's still $35k minimum, so no thanks).

I'm perfectly happy with my BRZ and love the handling so much more than I loved the power in my stock STI.

[a2cpc]

Originally Posted by a2cpc

This works well as long as the grocery getter driver isn't looking in his rearview mirror. If he/she is and sees you initiating your maneuver he can simply accelerate and drive away.

Originally Posted by SirBrass

Not really

Yea, really. I am not saying that there wouldn't be a downshift involved, but if the car has more power and you are trying to pass safely in a straight part of the road if they see you and don't want you to pass, you won't.


Your trick/technique works great if they aren't paying attention. I been using it since 1968 in the 1963 Bug I had at the time.

[SirBrass]

Most folks on the freeway aren't paying a lick of attention.

[Pete156]

Originally Posted by FastWhite

What heat issue, if any, do you have with the turbo?

None whatsoever. Stock cooling system.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by a2cpc

Yea, really. I am not saying that there wouldn't be a downshift involved, but if the car has more power and you are trying to pass safely in a straight part of the road if they see you and don't want you to pass, you won't.


Your trick/technique works great if they aren't paying attention. I been using it since 1968 in the 1963 Bug I had at the time.

What kind of jackass floors it whenever they notice someone trying to pass them? I have no trouble passing people all the time in my outback, despite 25hp less power than a BRZ and probably around 400-600lb more weight.

[a2cpc]

Originally Posted by chrisl

What kind of jackass floors it whenever they notice someone trying to pass them? I have no trouble passing people all the time in my outback, despite 25hp less power than a BRZ and probably around 400-600lb more weight.

There are lots of them. I was responding to SirBrass' technique which I have also employed in several underpowered cars pointing out the flaw I have found when trying to pass said "jackass".

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by a2cpc

There are lots of them. I was responding to SirBrass' technique which I have also employed in several underpowered cars pointing out the flaw I have found when trying to pass said "jackass".

Oh, I wasn't doubting that they exist (though they aren't terribly common around here, thankfully), I just still find it amazing how rude and inconsiderate some people become as soon as they take a seat behind the wheel of a car.

[a2cpc]

If you were old enough I would ask you if you ever saw the Walt Disney Cartoon about how people change when they get behind the wheel. I have a signature on some of the other sites that was a quote from my father...


"Son, once you get behind the wheel, everyone else is an asshole!"

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by a2cpc

There are lots of them. I was responding to SirBrass' technique which I have also employed in several underpowered cars pointing out the flaw I have found when trying to pass said "jackass".

In which case, it's probably best to just let him speed on ahead.

On phone I am. Therefore, if mistakes I make, Frank Oz blame you should.

[BRZfan]

"Rubber burning days"?
The people you mention will get a major letdown if they think that a BRZ/FR-S would actually 'burn rubber' without significant mods (which can be done with ANY car.)

Originally Posted by AeroWRX

Who actually buys this car??? Ppl with a full time job and dads who want to relive their rubber burning days