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Introduction
THE BASE CAR
MY03 Spec C
Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Import
2ltr Engine
AWD with DCCD-A (Driver Controlled Centre Diff – Automatic/Manual)
State of modifications prior to testing (to be explained and compared against during article):
UK Fuel Re-map using ECUTEK
AP 6 Pot brakes with 355 rotors
18” Prodrive PFF Wheels
Eibach Uprated & Lowered Springs
Whiteline handling kit, comprising of rear anti-roll bar and anti-lift kit
Miltek first generation 2 ½” sports cat exhaust system
PSI3 Monitor
Sti Genome Defi 3 gauge system
Since MY05>, the Spec C has been the base car that Prodrive use for Group N rallying. So in essence it is one of the very few remaining homologation editions that are still available to the public as a new car.
Although this car was not standard when I bought it, the difference in handling and power compared to the previous UK PPP STi was plentiful. Many people have had the opinion (whether through hearsay or not) that a Spec C was uncompromising. I was expecting this during the test drive, but was very surprised to find this was not the case. Sure the car was a little harder than my STi, but only by a very small amount and considering the Spec C shod 18” wheels it was only to be expected to a degree. This personal comparison was with my previous UK STi having the complete Prodrive Handling kit fitted, so how it would compare to a standard UK STi I cannot comment. The handling was so much sharper and quicker than my UK STi (which also had the Whiteline handling kit) it was a completely different experience. Unfortunately I was unable to compare this against a standard Spec C, since mine had already been modified with the Whiteline Handling Kit, but more information will be given on this under the appropriate section further on. I would imagine the lighter weight, coupled with the quicker steering certainly helps to achieve this increased driving feel and responsiveness.
The power delivery between this Spec C and my previous PPP’d STi was also a totally different experience. While the PPP made the UK STi much more driveable, the difference in power delivery compared to the Spec C was hugely noticeable. The turbo spool up was the biggest difference…. it felt so responsive and pulled much stronger in higher revs. Even in it’s current state of tune the Spec C was expected to be more powerful than a PPP’d UK STi, but in my goal to find a replacement for the UK STi I had also driven a couple of standard JDM newage STI’s as well and the spool up difference was the same. These Twin Scroll turbo’d engines really do respond so much better than the UK turbo’d cars.
Sound….. well first off because of the decreased sound deadening it is slightly noisier in the cabin, but again nothing obtrusive and unacceptable. Secondly the exhaust note….. forget the Scoob burble, as somebody in the development team at Subaru decided we don’t need it anymore and that the equal length headers give use better response and better torque….. who am I to argue. Funnily enough, you get used to not having the burble and find the alternative exhaust note just as satisfying. Some say it sounds like a jet engine…. I wouldn’t go that far, but it certainly is distinctive.
I would like to personally thank Iain, owner of Litchfield Imports who without his help and expertise I would not be in ownership of this cracking Spec C. Iain’s attitude and professionalism is second to none as I am sure many of you are already aware of, but for those of you looking for something concerning the Subaru marque you would do yourself a miss justice by not speaking to Iain about your requirements. I appreciate this may not be anything new regarding his reputation, but I appreciate good service and would like to pass my personal gratitude on.
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