Bugeye --------> 2007?

[dothackRAVE]

Okay, some of you know I am in the market for a WRX. I have an issue though. The Bugeye is the cheapest of all the styles. Unfortunately, I find bugeyes to be the least favorable of all the three designs, with the 2007 as the prettiest (this is, of course, just my opinion).

Anyway, my main question is, is it possible to convert a bug-eye front end to a 2007 front end? I *think* everything else with the two generations is the same, in terms of mechanics and stuff, so I'm kinda cool with that (I hate it when conversions are done to cars that don't have the marbles to suit the looks).

If I do get a bugeye, I'll have a bunch of cash leftover for mods and for the conversions.

What kinda budget am I looking at for a conversion?

[rllyrckt]

well as far as i can tell from lookin at wrecked subies....the front frame is different, i.e. headlight frame and bumper mounts...but i may be wrong, you should find a GC chassis (pre-02) they are cheap enough and then mod it out, they are more fun anyways....

[dothackRAVE]

Yeah, I'm fully expecting to replace the hood, headlights (might as well go JDM! No ugly amber), front fender area panels, and the bumper itself. I wasn't quite expecting to just pop out the old headlights and stick the new ones in.

I don't know about a GC chassis. I read that they were less stiff compared to the newer ones?

[rllyrckt]

yeah they are less stiff, but they also weigh 500 lbs less
http://www.ridesafely.com/Spider/Image.aspx?Image=135.2@150.8@150.8@145.6@75.4@61.1 @61.1@136.5@141.7@126.1@133.9@131.3@149.5@59.8@128 .7@144.3@145.6@126.1@148.2@150.8@59.8@128.7@144.3@ 141.7@61.1@154.7@131.3@127.4@149.5@136.5@150.8@131 .3@61.1@130@126.1@150.8@126.1@61.1@145.6@136.5@156 @61.1@65@62.4@62.4@71.5@63.7@65@63.7@62.4@61.1@63. 7@71.5@62.4@63.7@71.5@68.9@70.2@71.5@123.5@72.8@11 4.4@59.8@96.2@104@92.3@81.9@63.7@74.1@75.4@62.4@67 .6@75.4@62.4@66.3@ (javascript:history.back())
02-03 front frame
http://www.ridesafely.com/Spider/Image.aspx?Image=135.2@150.8@150.8@145.6@75.4@61.1 @61.1@136.5@141.7@126.1@133.9@131.3@149.5@59.8@128 .7@144.3@145.6@126.1@148.2@150.8@59.8@128.7@144.3@ 141.7@61.1@154.7@131.3@127.4@149.5@136.5@150.8@131 .3@61.1@130@126.1@150.8@126.1@61.1@145.6@136.5@156 @61.1@65@62.4@62.4@72.8@62.4@65@65@63.7@61.1@62.4@ 71.5@67.6@67.6@70.2@74.1@74.1@72.8@123.5@72.8@114. 4@59.8@96.2@104@92.3@81.9@63.7@74.1@75.4@62.4@68.9 @75.4@62.4@66.3@ (javascript:history.back())
06-07 front frame,
im not sure if they are swappable or not, but i hope this helps in explaining what i mean

[dothackRAVE]

Hrm...

I might get a GC chassis if I can find one with good interior. Whatever I buy, it's going to be my DD, rally car, cruiser, etc. etc.

RX-8 has served all those purposes excellently so far. Especially as a long distance cruiser! I could drive to the next state over, realize I forgot my stuff, and happily drive back to get my stuff.

[rllyrckt]

yeah thats what my GC is, its my everything.... it is awesome and looks, in my opinion so much better than the GD chassis...hope to not offend anybody

[lorenkb]

Short answer: Yes.

It won't be entirely bolt-on unless you replace some of the sheetmetal in front of the strut tower. Otherwise some trimming is required. There's a bit of info in this (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=959575&highlight=02+06+conversion) thread.

Take this with a heavy grain of salt, but I believe the radiator core support is different as well. I've become confused after looking at so many threads :roll:

You can buy all the bits new from www.subarugenuineparts.com (http://www.subarugenuineparts.com) or you can see if you can find a front clip. Much patience will be needed if you go the front clip route... I'm 0-for-2 in trying to get people to carry through with it.

[strat]

i'm deeply offended....


j/k

both are good base for modification. keep in mind that with a gc, you'll have to do a swap to be boosted (well... you could feasibly turbo one of the n/a motors but imo you'd be better off swapping to the ej20 or ej257).

gc is lighter but also something to keep in mind is that most people still want quite a bit for a 2.5 rs. find yourself a brighton and swap it though and you'll have one fun car.

personally, i picked up a bugeye. of the wrx's, it's my favorite style.

[Blix666]

man...no love for the bugeye huh? ouch

[rllyrckt]

no i love the bugeye but i just love my GC for its rarity look.....but i still love a bugeye....

[strat]

^^ would that be the broken down subaru look that's so rare??


oooo... burn.

j/k

[UP2MTNS]

What kinda budget am I looking at for a conversion?

a lot.......plus, it'll be such a pain having an 06/07 front end and an 02/03 back end....what do you do when you want to upgrade your suspension??

I'd buy a used 04 WRX again in a heartbeat.....love the body style, and they're getting cheaper everyday. better tranny than the 02-03's too.


same questions go for an 06 tranny with an 03' rear diff.....etc....maybe they mix and match, maybe not....eitherway, too many unknowns.....and once you start, its not something you can decide to blow off halfway through it, or sell what you've got done 'work in progress'.....you're committed, cause no one else will buy it.

[lorenkb]

Oh yeah... and price. This is where it gets ugly. Either plan on dishing out stupid amounts of money or start surfing the NASIOC classifieds by the hour. Headlights are $275 a piece new. The bumper is $190, and that doesn't inlcude the three grilles, which come to another $300. These are discounted prices found from the online parts supply BTW, dealership will charge you even more.

man...no love for the bugeye huh? ouch

Don't worry Blix, I'm trying to go from 07 to 02. Plenty of bugeye love :mrgreen:

[lorenkb]

a lot.......plus, it'll be such a pain having an 06/07 front end and an 02/03 back end....what do you do when you want to upgrade your suspension??

Jon, the suspension would stay 02/03 both front and rear. It's essentially a cosmetic swap only.

[UP2MTNS]

Jon, the suspension would stay 02/03 both front and rear. It's essentially a cosmetic swap only.

oh.

well, my opinion stays the same....just like decaff coffee.....'why bother'?

[rllyrckt]

hey hey hey dont be burnin me, yea ok i deserve it, but yes it is that love for a broken subaru, but hopefully will be done fri or possibly sat

[dothackRAVE]

Well, TBH, my only issue with bugeyes is the headlamps. They look like ****ing Dodge Neons, and I've lost count of the number of times I've gotten so mad in my RX-8 when I find one dawdling at a stop sign.

Then it also reminds me of all those punk kid SRT-4 drivers who try to drag race me everywhere. Nu-uh..., don't want a punk kid look to my car. I currently drive a car that looks like it belongs to a responsible adult, and cops tend to look the other way as long as I keep it sane. Wanna keep it that way.

Strat's headlamps are sexy though. I might just get a bugeye and get those headlamps!

[I Like It Sideways]

I'd say just do that. Like Jon said, you will spend more than you might have in your budget to swap over. It's not worth the money. All you need are the projector headlights, and you're good to go. IMO I believe it would be well worth it to get the bugeye, for the cheaper price, then save the money you have left over to maintenance and do what else you want with it.
With higher mileage vehicles, it will not be nearly as easy with maintenance as it has been with the RX-8, esp with the abuse of rallycross. Thats why it would be good to have cash left over...even a few grand would be perfect.

[Draco-REX]

You should see if any new STI owners want a bugeye STI and swap 'em. ;)

[dothackRAVE]

Was just looking at the bug-eye's features and stuff. The interior's styling is not as "themed" as the RX-8's, which is a little "bleh", but at the same time, because it's not locked in terms of themes, I can change stuff about.

First thing to go will be the shift knob. Then the steering wheel.

Good thing is, they generally cost $6000 less than a 2004-2005. With $6000, I can buy a nice MOMO/Greddy shift knob, steering wheel, AND still have cash leftover. w00t!

[dothackRAVE]

Here's a nice WRX:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=22&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=ascending&sortfield=PRICE+ascending%2cPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7cE-%7cM-_45_%7cB-18000%7cH-%7cD-_408_%7cN-N%7cR-250%7cI-1%7cP-PRICE+ascending%2cPRICE+descending%7cQ-ascending%7cY-_2000-2001-2002-2003-2004-2005_%7cX-popular%7cZ-47906&aff=national&paId=258307202&recnum=30&leadExists=true

Might go check em out. I'll give the dealer a call tomorrow and see what's up with the car. It's at a Toyota dealer too, and the interior has boost gauges installed. Maybe I can lowball the dealer and ask for $13,000.

[04caliwrx]

it can be done, but it will cost you a lot on money....with parts and paint you can just buy a 06 wrx and have the better 2.5 engine.

[WRR]

They look like ****ing Dodge Neons

it also reminds me of all those punk kid SRT-4 drivers

**cough... did I hear someone say Neon headlites :mrgreen:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/nrsg/DCH%20SRT4/1729666838_53b168e8fa.jpg


back O/T :D - I know I have seen a few bug-eyes converted to 04/05 front ends (hdlights, grille, bumper, fenders) and I think that is a pretty easy swap (as swaps go) but the 06/07 swap requires a lot more work.

[dothackRAVE]

Ya know, every morning, when I wake up and head to class, I see my 8. I see it in all it's glory, parked under the car porch I paid for.

And every morning, I wonder to myself, "Do I REALLY want to sell it off?". There will never be another car like it, seeing that it is my first car. There will never be another car that I will own as close to it. The other cars widely rated to be similar to the 8 in terms of fun factor are Lotuses, Porsches and the Audi R8.

Most things in the 8 are setup to be focused on the driver..., and I love every aspect of it.

What to do? I think I'll be damned sad if I sell it off for an Impreza...

[Recce01]

If you do decide to get an 02 and do the swap, I can do it for you. I have done it several times now, from 02 to 07, and from 04 to 07, about to do another 04. not the cheapest... but ebay will help!

[dothackRAVE]

If I do go with a swap, I really don't want cheap urethane replicas...

Did you mean cheap urethane replicas?

[UP2MTNS]

If you do decide to get an 02 and do the swap, I can do it for you. I have done it several times now, from 02 to 07, and from 04 to 07, about to do another 04. not the cheapest... but ebay will help!

but what's the point really? not trying to flame or be a dick, but its not like these are classic cars and you can say, wow...there's a nice 1980 911sc with a 95 carrera front end conversion...

I just see very little return on the amount of time and money you're going to put into it.

and 04 to an 07? it would just look like an 07....no one would ever know unless you told them or they were an enthusiast and sat in it and said, "oh, this is an 04 interior."


sure, if you're in a front en accident and need to replace everything anyways and insurance is paying for it? go for it....but he's just looking at buying a car straight up...then replacing a perfectly good front end? meh.


sorry, I'm grump this morning.

[lorenkb]

If you do decide to get an 02 and do the swap, I can do it for you. I have done it several times now, from 02 to 07, and from 04 to 07, about to do another 04. not the cheapest... but ebay will help!

Hey Scott, could you share some info on this? I've searched quite a bit and all I can find are vague half-answers. A part of the apron has to be modified on the 02 to accept 07 parts, but how so? Is the core support (and hence latch and bumper attachment points) different enough to warrant replacing or is it a matter of drilling a few holes/ welding on some brackets?

I know in my case I'll be replacing the entire front end anyways, but it would still be nice to finally hear what's what.

[UP2MTNS]

I know in my case I'll be replacing the entire front end anyways, but it would still be nice to finally hear what's what.

I must have missed a thread or something....why are you replacing your front end? what did you do?????

[I Like It Sideways]

Ya know, every morning, when I wake up and head to class, I see my 8. I see it in all it's glory, parked under the car porch I paid for.

And every morning, I wonder to myself, "Do I REALLY want to sell it off?". There will never be another car like it, seeing that it is my first car. There will never be another car that I will own as close to it. The other cars widely rated to be similar to the 8 in terms of fun factor are Lotuses, Porsches and the Audi R8.

Most things in the 8 are setup to be focused on the driver..., and I love every aspect of it.

What to do? I think I'll be damned sad if I sell it off for an Impreza...

It is always hard to part with one's first car.

Subaru put emphasis more on the aspects that add to the fun/serious factor: driving. The interior may be drab and boring, but when you are racing the car, or just driving some backroads, do you really care about the interior? You're busy shifting, steering, and watching the road (and having a blast).
Personally, I love the interior. It is simple to learn and understand, everything is easy to reach. while the 8 does have a very sexy and contemporary interior, the Impreza will blow it's doors off in fun factor.

If you end up with a bugeye, you will learn to love it before too long, and you will more than likely have plenty of money left over to do quite a bit to it. Wheels/tires, suspension, exhaust and tune
I'd do it in that order too, so you can learn to drive the car better as you go.

[lorenkb]

I must have missed a thread or something....why are you replacing your front end? what did you do?????

I didn't do it. I'm innocent I tell ya!
Thread (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2544)

[Tommy Gun Rally]

I can think of plenty of reasons to do this, asthetics being one of them. The swap is not too difficult if you know what the right parts are, don't need fenderwell liners (another expense), and can source parts.

Also, if you're in some kind of racing/sponsorship situation, it would behoove you to have the most current body panels on. I know Scott has tons of experience and can probably do this quicker and most efficiently because of his day job.

For me, I would definitely invest in this swap because it will ultimately help the value of your car. Especially if you watch the boards like a hawk and pick up used parts here and there. My goal on the back burner is to switch over to an 04 nose - someday. But, I got a 04-05 STi hood scoop for $20 shipped - I'm on my way! Two fenders and a hood, then I'm done! All I would need after that is the radiator core support sheet metal which you can get from subaru (I think).

Eli

[Mindiana Jones]

I can think of plenty of reasons to do this, asthetics being one of them. The swap is not too difficult if you know what the right parts are, don't need fenderwell liners (another expense), and can source parts.

Also, if you're in some kind of racing/sponsorship situation, it would behoove you to have the most current body panels on. I know Scott has tons of experience and can probably do this quicker and most efficiently because of his day job.

For me, I would definitely invest in this swap because it will ultimately help the value of your car. Especially if you watch the boards like a hawk and pick up used parts here and there. My goal on the back burner is to switch over to an 04 nose - someday. But, I got a 04-05 STi hood scoop for $20 shipped - I'm on my way! Two fenders and a hood, then I'm done! All I would need after that is the radiator core support sheet metal which you can get from subaru (I think).

Eli

For you if you do that, you will also need some ice for your black eye! :punch: Don't be messing with my love for the BUGEYE!

[Tommy Gun Rally]

Everyone avert their eyes. There's about to be a lover's quarrel all up in here.

[FastWagon]

i'm deeply offended....


j/k

both are good base for modification. keep in mind that with a gc, you'll have to do a swap to be boosted (well... you could feasibly turbo one of the n/a motors but imo you'd be better off swapping to the ej20 or ej257).

gc is lighter but also something to keep in mind is that most people still want quite a bit for a 2.5 rs. find yourself a brighton and swap it though and you'll have one fun car.

personally, i picked up a bugeye. of the wrx's, it's my favorite style.

I am there with you! Not only do I LOVE Bugeyes I LOVE LOVE Wagons =]] Any wagon in my opinion is the best =]]

[Berzerklo]

Don't take this the wrong way, but most of the things you are talking seem more cosmetically oriented than performance oriented. The Impreza is not the cheapest car to maintain. Engine parts aren't cheap. Because of the AWD system, if your tires outer diameter is too different you can destroy your differentials. And you have 3 differentials. I love my car. V8 power out of a 2.0L in an insanely safe (great crash test ratings and a rear-biased AWD) car for $15-22k? Yes, please. But it has its quirks. And some don't think its very pretty. A body swap is not a small undertaking. What made you decide to sell your Wankel for a Suby? I only ask because you seem pretty attached to your RX8.

[dothackRAVE]

Don't take this the wrong way, but most of the things you are talking seem more cosmetically oriented than performance oriented. The Impreza is not the cheapest car to maintain. Engine parts aren't cheap. Because of the AWD system, if your tires outer diameter is too different you can destroy your differentials. And you have 3 differentials. I love my car. V8 power out of a 2.0L in an insanely safe (great crash test ratings and a rear-biased AWD) car for $15-22k? Yes, please. But it has its quirks. And some don't think its very pretty. A body swap is not a small undertaking. What made you decide to sell your Wankel for a Suby? I only ask because you seem pretty attached to your RX8.

Well, I decided to place most of my focus on RallyX. Currently, with the RX-8, I placed equal focus on other things, like track and AutoX. This made spending money on the RX-8 quite difficult...

At the last RallyX, I found out that I had the most fun in RallyX for some reason. I don't know why. This meant that I could focus my automotive expenses on one discipline of motorsport.

I did research for a few weeks..., and I found zero aftermarket for the RX-8 in terms of RallyX. Aftermarket for the RX-8 is quite simply, weak.

Well..., aside from having a blast, I wanna do well as well. A N/A Wankel torqueless wonder does not sound like a good car to pit in RallyX. Last RallyX, I was originally put in PR class. PR? So if an M3 showed up, it'd be in the same class too, and the M3 would destroy the RX-8 everywhere.

Motorsports aside, any car I buy will be my everything, from grocery getter to race car, so it needs to be practical. 4-doors is a big must, and must have sedan-like space. That, and the Boxer makes this low grunt that I absolutely adore. It just sounds epic. Like God himself gargling.

I think only the Impreza series and Evo fits my requirements. Evo's too expensive to buy and insure though...

The RX-8 is also my everything at the moment, but it just lacks choices in aftermarket. It's an epic car to drive, but my circumstances call for a change.

EDIT: Oh..., did I mention? My replacement car MUST HAVE TURBOOOOOOO~!

[lorenkb]

While I can't fault you for wanting a WRX, I think you are looking for one for the wrong reason. The RX8 will not cause you to loose to an M3 for the time being, the nut behind the wheel will be responsible for that.

You don't need a single aftermarket part for the RX8 to be competitive. I watched a guy in a Geo Metro absolutely spank everyone in his class. A friggin Metro. He was up against SRT4's, an MR2, and a "slightly" overpowered turbo civic. The RX8 isn't about to make you loose a race regardless of it's lackluster aftermarket.

I'd still go for the WRX though ;)

[kreitz3]

I am looking to sell my WRX. You know the car. I am the guy who is always trying to beat Elliott.

[dothackRAVE]

While I can't fault you for wanting a WRX, I think you are looking for one for the wrong reason. The RX8 will not cause you to loose to an M3 for the time being, the nut behind the wheel will be responsible for that.

You don't need a single aftermarket part for the RX8 to be competitive. I watched a guy in a Geo Metro absolutely spank everyone in his class. A friggin Metro. He was up against SRT4's, an MR2, and a "slightly" overpowered turbo civic. The RX8 isn't about to make you loose a race regardless of it's lackluster aftermarket.

I'd still go for the WRX though ;)

I don't know about a Metro, but the RX-8 is also pretty low down...

Plus the AC compressor and the oil coolers are completely exposed (and I mean completely. The big "mouth" of the RX-8 has a compressor mounted at a 45 degree angle right behind it) to dirt and rocks flying in. That's just disaster waiting to happen.

That's what I meant by a lack of aftermarket. There are screens on sale out there, but they are completely perforated, and not designed for rallying. :(

Right underneath, there are huge pockets where dirt builds up. Nothing can stop it from happening.

I am looking to sell my WRX. You know the car. I am the guy who is always trying to beat Elliott.

We'll talk if you're coming to this Saturday's OVR RallyX.

[I Like It Sideways]

Right underneath, there are huge pockets where dirt builds up. Nothing can stop it from happening.



Skid plate :)

[dothackRAVE]

The car already has skid plates. Comes OEM.

The front crossmember is the issue though. Skid plate does not cover it. :(

[I Like It Sideways]

Is the skid plate plastic or metal?

OEM subaru "skid plates" suck monkey balls. About 5" by 5" square.

But somehow their rear diff protector is awesome.

[kreitz3]

Is the skid plate plastic or metal?

OEM subaru "skid plates" suck monkey balls. About 5" by 5" square.

But somehow their rear diff protector is awesome.

Remind me to take that off my car when I sell it. :shock:

[dothackRAVE]

Is the skid plate plastic or metal?

OEM subaru "skid plates" suck monkey balls. About 5" by 5" square.

But somehow their rear diff protector is awesome.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=2301110

From the pics, it looks like metal.

[I Like It Sideways]

It may be... but just looks more like ABS plastic to me.

We will look tomorrow at the rallyx.

[dothackRAVE]

Change in priorities:

If I can get a profit from this, I'll do it. If I have to finance, I'll stay with the RX-8.

Spoke to my dad about it, and he said the basic function of a vehicle is to get from point A to point B faster than a horse. I shouldn't have to pay big bucks to get another car I'm gonna abuse in races.

[tuffsti]

or or! can i swap my 04s front end to a 03 bugeye thatd look too tuff i saw a bug eye wrx with a sti wing and im not gonna lie it looked tufff like someone how someon got a bug eye sti in the US idk i wanna do it can anyone tell me how and if possible!

[Tommy Gun Rally]

huh?

[tuffsti]

ok i have an 04 front end and lights i want to swap to the bug eye front end lights and bumper to do a older front bumper and lights swap

[Tommy Gun Rally]

That'd be tuff.

[WRR]

:lol2:


yes tuffsti - it is possible... try contacting:

Scott G.
www.placar.org (http://www.placar.org/) (coming soon)
SYMS Rally Team USA
GravelCrew for Life

or PM Recce01

[pookdizzlehtk]

I didnt get to finish reading the post but if you catch the issue of import tuner in this link it will tell you how much everything will cost for the swap, except labor. http://www.highendperformance.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1206