Modifying 06 STI for rally use

[LowGripMaxFun]

I'm looking into getting an 06 STI and using it to compete in rallyx's and just having fun on dirt in general. I'm really interested in being able to mount 15 in rally wheels and I know I'll have to downgrade the brakes. Which brakes and pad combo are the most popular to use for this?

I'm sure some undercarriage protection and mud flaps would be useful as well as the diff protector. Is the stock suspension up to the task of off roading or would it be slightly wiser to use stock wrx suspension. Of course I'd like to get a DMS or Ohlins type rally suspension but they are bookoo bucks.

Does anyone have experience with a steering rack or steering quickener that makes the steering quicker than stock? I'd be very interested in this since I love rediculously quick steering.

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm very interested in setting up my STI alot differently from my 04 wrx which was set up for autox and track duty. Thanks for your help.

-Ryan

[strat]

if i'm not mistaken, the sti already has a quicker rack than what your current wrx does. i'm pretty sure L and E fabrications offers a quicker rack though.

i know some of the guys on here are more knowledgeable than i when it comes to setting up a car for dirt. i'm kinda new here myself.

[UP2MTNS]

L&E makes one for the 2006 STI.

http://column.landefabrication.com/#Applications

IMHO, its one of the best mods you can do for the money. with your STI rack, I"m sure the steering will be VERY quick.

I have a thread for Underbody protection (besides the standard skid plate and rear diff protector). Its in the DIY Mods forum. :)

other than that, your stock suspension is actually pretty good for rallyX. don't lower the car.

Also, I'd wait on the brakes until you REALLY need 15" rally rims. You can always go with some burly snow tires on 17" rims. Otherwise, your options are the red Suby 4 pot brakes, pads and rotors. I'm pretty sure those are a bolt on 'downgrade'.

[JacksonRally]

Yes L&E has the 1.5:1 column which I highly recommend!! I also have a similar setup that is a little more elaborate with a 2:1 on my car but I've heard many good things about the L&E so I am not offering mine. (unless your looking to do something "one off") But the L&E is a direct bolt in. But I do offer a brake kit to clear 15'' wheels. I'm not to savy with computers so I don't know how to make a "clicky link" but if you look in the members journals under Jackson Rally 2005 STI build (my brothers car) you will see pics of the brake kit on the front. It uses 06-07 wrx front calipers and a custom brake rotor and hat. It retains the STI bolt pattern....take a look!!

[rollo]

Keith's STI journal covers the brakes:
http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1110

Protection and mudflaps... a lot of people just enter without doing any of that stuff, but mudflaps at least are worth getting, and you'll want the other underbody protection as you go along I expect. There are several threads on here about doing that.

Quicker rack:
http://www.q-rack.com/

Pricy though! I love the super quick rack in the Evo but the STI isn't all that far behind is it?

IMO rallycross is a lot less about the car and a lot more about the driver. You don't need a lot of (or any) mods to be competitive.

[Blix666]

IMO rallycross is a lot less about the car and a lot more about the driver. You don't need a lot of (or any) mods to be competitive.

very true. but for the sake of protecting the car...you should do the skids/flaps

[JacksonRally]

^^^^^Thanks Phil:headbang:U Rock

[rollo]

No probs Kyle, I didn't even see your or Jon's post before I posted so it was pure coincidence :D

btw Erik's quick steering setup is a lot less expensive than the Q-Rack.. nice. And there's one for the Mk 2 Golf... I wonder how different that is from the Corrado, cos I'd pretty much given up on getting a quick rack/column for that...

Oh. And yeah definitely get the flaps. I dunno about the skidplates, I've run a bunch of events without any underbody protection at all - I intend to change that, but I wouldn't let it stop me from competing.

[I Like It Sideways]

Has anyone seen this? (http://www.dandcracing.com/zstreeingquickenerheavyduty.htm)
I borrowed in from a honduh forum... a Group 2 national champion (Matt Johnston, aka bling, if anyone remembers him from 2005) recommended it over on honda-tech.

http://www.mattjohnstonrally.com/matt/cagepaint/IMGP2429.jpg

http://is.rely.net/1-6061-83774-l-KczkFDWakDDOvVomsTdTTw.jpg

http://is.rely.net/1-6061-83772-l-Rg8qEYi0mMx25vNdMNFrQ.jpg


Like others have said, the stock suspension is actually amazing for rallycross.
But really... just go for the DMS 60mm... and send me a set while you're at it! :D :D

Mudflaps are a must if you plan on playing around on any backroads. A lot of us have RallyArmor (http://www.rallyarmor.com/store/rally-mud-flaps-impreza-wrx-sti-c-60_66.html?osCsid=6fd71a1939282483b1f725e0363c3bd6 ) mudflaps, and absolutely love them. They work wicked awesome. And they look good too :D

[LowGripMaxFun]

Wow guys, thanks alot! Alot of good information here. Oh and having started racing since 16 I do understand the idea behind the driver making the times and not the car (especially at the amateur level). I almost certainly will keep the car basically stock on some sort of tires like blizzaks, since taking the leap to rally tires is nothing to laugh at.

I do have a question about power. I know the STI has plenty stock, but I'm sure its nice to get EM and exhaust just to help decrease the turbo lag and help with throttle response. Would you all agree with this? Or could the money be spent better elsewhere?

-Ryan

[I Like It Sideways]

My experience with an STi (competed once in rallyx with a 2004, and got FTD with it!) is that I dropped it in 2nd and was able to leave it there most of the time. Really, I already had to feather the throttle to put the power down, but reduced lag is always a good thing. I did have to drop to first a few times to compensate for the lag I would have had in 2nd. Opening up with a TBE would have helped alleviate that.

Others that actually own an STi will be able to chime in and give their input haha

My opinion though, would be that money would be equally, if not better invested in a good set tires (blizzaks as you mentioned) and possibly adjustable struts (STi spring rates are near perfect for rallyx (227 front and 199 rear, +/- a few)

[Drew84]

I wouldn't recomend quicking up the the rack. Its pretty fast as it is. I would do Skid plates and flaps first and of course snow tires.

[L and E Fab.com]

I do have a steering column for the STI, that fits with the fly by wire.

It makes it very fast steering but still drivable.

http://column.landefabrication.com

[UP2MTNS]

I do have a steering column for the STI, that fits with the fly by wire.

It makes it very fast steering but still drivable.

http://column.landefabrication.com

+

I'd be very interested in this since I love rediculously quick steering.

=

'nuff said.

[BlackParis]

Here is subyspawns' journal on his brake swap... http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1110

When you are ready for 15s!

[LowGripMaxFun]

I do have a steering column for the STI, that fits with the fly by wire.

It makes it very fast steering but still drivable.

http://column.landefabrication.com

This will be at the top of my wish list, once I get the STI! Much cheaper than the quick steering rack!