The Forgotten JDM Nürburgring Hero: 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA - Review

CarVertical: The History Checking Service
Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount!
www.carvertica...
Today I am driving a hidden gem from the world of JDM cars - a Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA. Built explicitly to attack the Nürburgring - is it a good road car?
#Subaru #JDM #WRXSTI
Want to see your car on the channel? Email me on [e-mail]
Not had enough? Check out JAYEMM & FRIENDS! My new channel
/ jayemmandfriends
**********OUR CHANNEL PARTNERS**********
Dodo Juice - Award Winning Detailing Products
Get 10% off Dodo Juice's British Made Detailing Products with code: JAYEMM10
Shop at www.dodojuice.net
RoadStr is the platform for connecting car enthusiasts where you can discover and post car events, join a car group, find and drive the best roads with built in route planner and navigation. Your Automotive lifestyle, all in one place
www.roadstr.io/
Charles & Dean - The Funding Specialists
www.charlesand...
FIRE SAFETY STICK
The World's Lightest and Most Compact Fire Extinguisher
firesafetystic...
***********************************************************************************
Equipment Used:
Panasonic S1H Camera
amzn.to/3WXREcV
Panasonic S5
amzn.to/3R9C2BJ
Sennheiser AVX-ME2 Audio Kit
amzn.to/3kMUVOJ
Insta360 Action Cameras - GET A FREE ACCESSORY
www.insta360.c...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount! www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm

[@Yorkshirepetrolhead]

Jay I have a 1999 uk 2000 turbo 315bhp your welcome to review.. superb example for a uk car with some very tasteful modifications. Never failed a mot in 24 years. Well maintained. If your interested let me know…

[@ArianoMarini]

Grande macchina ma alettone posteriore da schifo... Che gusti del c....o

[@deviousmudd]

Subaru was really tapped into something special during these years. Also blob eye = best eye!

[@roy254ify]

It was called minimalism and good sense in design

[@deviousmudd]

@@roy254ify That along with actually competing in WRC as an OEM, less stringent US safety regulations, and less emission requirements forced by the Green Mafia.

[@hassyg4083]

tapped into alot of walls and curbs

[@iansimpson8309]

I'm on my third Subaru now and my second JDM one. I keeping coming back to them for a reason. I've had a lot of cars in my time, but there's something about them that gets under my skin. Brilliant cars and if maintained and not tuned aggressively, much more reliable than made out. Another great review James. I've no idea how much time you to spend researching each model you review, not to mention taking the time to get the great shots. There is no disputing your work ethic and at nearly 300k subscribers, it is certainly paying off!

[@alexaelx6298]

i am going to buy one soon 2004 exactly whats in the video its a bit customized do you recommend me going for it specifically i cant buy any jdm or good car in that price range but im scared of how many times i am going to take it to the mechanic or air condition doesnt work.. so please help me if you have an instagram whatever account so i can contact you and ask you some questions whenever you’re free , help a friend please.

[@buss1205]

theres literally nothing else that compares to how subarus drive, theyre just so predictable and easy

[@GRfourfun]

Owned 7 Imprezas over 15 years. GC8 to Hawkeyes. The best one was a 98 WRX RA, 1100kg fitted with a 2001 Spec C RA engine and mapped to 302 bhp by the late great Simon Roe. S202 Titanium backbox, Sparco Prodrive seats, newage brembos and the quick rack made it such a fun drivers car. Much better sound with unequal length headers.

[@v4skunk739]

Anything with the 2.0 engine is good.

[@alphatrion100]

Why 7? That's alot. Don't they last?

[@GRfourfun]

@@alphatrion100 I wanted to experience as many as possible.

[@alphatrion100]

@@GRfourfun I understand. Personally when I fall in love with a specific example of a car I don't want to get rid of it. Been driving my 2009 fn2 type R FOREVER 😅

[@GRfourfun]

@@alphatrion100 Great car and I get it, I’ve found my forever car now. GR Yaris Circuit pack.

[@boostandflow4603]

Loved the bloby eye! Had several STi UK and one JDM (twinscroll & equal length headers). The Spec C was always the unicorn of this shape!

[@jamesgaskin7757]

"i'm saving the rare stock suspension" Best excuse for modifying ever

[@DarrenJMHughes]

I have a real soft spot for the Impreza having owned one and my dad has owned three great drivers car and an addictive sound track.

[@IvermectinFTW]

Had one of these in the Hawkeye shape (2005). Absolutely brutal B-road blaster, capable of dispatching dozens of wet miles and your licence in no time at all.

[@v4skunk739]

Probably the best Subaru you can get.

[@JackosJingles]

@@v4skunk739 I have one. 2007 Impreza WRX STI Type UK.

[@rallycrosscraig]

@@JackosJingles that’s a very differerent car to drive to a spec C ( still great)

[@hassyg4083]

@@rallycrosscraig those engines fall apart

[@DavidPike_Potato]

@@hassyg4083 driver error

[@walshmaine]

had me a v9 STI for a few years, great driving experience, you feel so connected to the road. Handled like a dream. Fast forward to know, driving an ISF, massive step up in raw power

[@MichaelSeeds]

Pretty similar car to mine, 2003 spec c, world rally blue. mods. Alloy front subframe, forged gold wrc enkies, wrc replica wing, h&s exhaust. stock map 4.2 seconds to 60 had it 7 years

[@GM-fh5jp]

Nice ride.

[@tristanfletcher]

I really hope there's so many more viewers out there with rare and iconic cars like this. You are unsung heroes. Amazing quality and quantity video once again.

[@anastassiosperakis2869]

Maybe if Subaru did not TRY so hARD making its cars as FUGLY as they can, they would sell many more, and at much higher profits.

[@CIeCYofficial]

So far this is the best Car i have ever Driven and its always a Joy to Pull it out of the Garage.

[@BushidoPhoto]

Very interesting video and commentary! I have a 2019 STI at 450 HP and it's so much fun to drive. The only thing I need to change is to change the motor mounts back to group N mounts. The stiffer mounts currently installed are to unforgiving and make driving annoying. That will be a revision in the near future.

[@TheRebuilt1]

As car guys we need to take care of our bodies and self with the same vigor and passion we do our vehicles. Cheers and Regards sire.

[@PrimeKeroHS]

This was 100% my childhood dream car

[@remie4494]

A friend of mine had a Suburu STi WRX version with the whale tail brand new in blue. Really liked that car.

[@samihookings8241]

Funny you mention the flies, 1 day this summer I found bucketloads of flies on my Impreza, was really confused. Hasn’t happened since either. Thought I’d be the only one

[@mobucks555]

UK gets stuff like this for decades and the US gets the WRX STi Type Grandma.

[@simonnorcliffe5877]

Ive been lucky to own 3 subaru,s impreza. Absolutely fantastic cars 😊

[@jamesm90]

Subaru cars really hook you in. I love my legacy.

[@xXturbo86Xx]

This is one of the best used cars you can buy. Severely underrated car. And yes that includes the "regular" versions. Sleek 90s design with large frameless windows, 4WD and wonderful engines. There was a 1.6 turbocharged version sold exclusively in Greece. I wish Subaru had taken the concept more seriously because it would have helped Subaru to establish it's place in the European market. I'm sure a LOT of Europeans would LOVE to buy a 1.6 turbo Impreza with 180hp. Not as beastly and costly as an STi but not as slow as a naturally aspirated one.

[@lordraiden5398]

I have a USDM 2002 WRX. I blew the motor at 170,XXX miles back in 2012. Been sitting in the garage all these years. In 2019 I bought a 2009 Forester X to daily while I got my WRX back on the road. I would say out of all the mods I did to my WRX the STi 6speed made the biggest difference. Closer gear ratios and much much stronger.

[@jasonpmcqueen]

Got to be Scotland for that amount of flies at this time of year 😁

[@Jw20000]

Thankyou for all the JDM goodness as of recent. Always appreciate it ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@resnonverba137]

Not tried this variant, but between the 'standard' WRX STI and the Evo 1X, I much preferred the Evo.

[@LawrenceTimme]

Because the Evo is better, apart from the rust.

[@dudeskie2000]

Having driven the best subaru out there and the best evo out there. The evo is a much better driver car and I felt much more engaged to it. Also much nicer looking

[@Handle_gravel]

the audio in the beginning is amazing.

[@itsnotagsr]

Would love to see you review an Evo 1-2-3. I own three and this era Evo or STi is so much better a car than the comparable euro option at the time

[@junit7590]

They so are, 1-6 in both varieties were such epic road cars

[@justsayin644]

This guy is the Tv presenter that never was. I like the way he delivers, he is well-informed and comes across so

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks very much!

[@owainjohns2815]

2002 20k turbo wagon, its so smooth...

[@mtnman1984]

Bust out the vapes boys.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

🤣

[@hsj687]

Great car. Flies are a plague this summer, from a keen walker😂

[@kristofevo]

I live up in the Highlands and it amused me to see that this Subaru seems to attract the same amount of flies as my Evo’s do! I was beginning to think that there was something in my cleaning products that was attracting them!

[@seanweirdbeard]

Def le model year I'd have...Great Vid!

[@redoz9768]

It's already a classic, has been since the day they released it. It will only increase in value though. Great review, thanks.

[@TwoSnail]

Thumbs up, great video 😊 I've been wondering when someone would feature this car. I have the exact same model in NZ - peak Subaru (imo)! Btw, the gauges were a factory option, and the factory front lip is poly, not cf (so the one on the car in the video is correct). The "S" cars had the cf lip, perhaps the RaR as well. Cheers

[@MrCreamlover]

Great cars i have the Impreza S202 in my opinion the best Impreza ever.

[@tracktimevideos5164]

Defo a future classic, the RA and RA-R eveb more so. Surprised they are about half the price you'd expect considering other JDM icons.

[@nedkelly4999]

Very nice, looks like my wrx but there worlds apart.

[@mossy7961]

RA was built as a lightweight Group N starter car for rally builds hence it didnt have the "luxuries"

[@35deedub]

never heard og this variant before....love it.....

[@Lou_Kyr]

Great video and amazing car. More videos like this please. I have a uk spec sti and i love it.

[@freshjive818]

The best subaru in my eyes and the only one I'd consider over an EVO 👌 type RA'R hawkeye is stunning and the king of scoobys in my opinion but its a rare find and expensive

[@BrainDamageComedy]

typical UK weather - july hailstorm

[@maxguy9623]

Love this car…and so do the flies 😂

[@badgersalesman5595]

Awesome film James thank you. But I’m pretty sure I can smell the head gasket going from here 😂😂

[@dangerousfox8538]

Jay have you ever driven done a video on The Honda Integra type R DC2 or DC5? Would love to see one

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yes - both!

[@pacpacpacpacpac]

As a an ex-owner of an R32 GTR and an Subaru STI and now an Evo 9...I can say that the Evo is a better car in many things...drove a lot of older japanese Cars but nothing compares to an evo...handling, corner speeds, reliability, responsiveness...

[@Sandy-oy2lr]

I noticed the time on the dash showing 5:15pm. Unless that's incorrect, that'd be dead in the middle of peak rush hour here. Not a good time to go out driving. I usually stay in unless I HAVE to go somewhere. I'm surprised at the nearly total lack of traffic during the review! Wish for that around my area!!!

[@retrocarsyndicate8867]

Tremendous 👌

[@VW25]

Perfect name

[@changwillneverdie9378]

Midgies, Welcome to Scotland!

[@djblc2201]

13:46 Awesome car great vid so far. But is the oil pressure gauge working or are we at acc off ?

[@kotarojujo2737]

i think impreza P1 is pretty much WRX STi, just without the actual STI badge.

[@prodrive7105]

P1 is a dumbed down STi Type R, eoth the good stuff removed. No DCCD, small R160 rear diff, small rear brakes just to have ABS brakes like a normal UK car...

[@kotarojujo2737]

@@prodrive7105 so just like early US spec evo. They dont even have acd for first model year. And still dont have ayc like JDM version until evo x

[@sylviesarabwe3913]

ITS A GEM

[@gmain1977]

As a muscle car man , I also like JDM cars , I find them more intersting than German cars which I find status symbolfied. This weather shows how good these cars are. Amd lap times simular to 360 is very impresive.

[@MrManBuzz]

With the way prices of everything are going, pretty much anything interesting is a status symbol nowadays. I was at a show yesterday and there was 4 MK4 Supras lined up beside each other. Easily over €250k worth in just those 4 cars alone. Nevermind everything else that was there.

[@LazyData]

SIR, im am wanting to buy one of these in the next year or so in the UK can we please not drive the price up yet

[@MohamedAli965]

Well this is special

[@MrSCOTTtheSCOT]

Given the subarus that pass my house daily , the reason your hearing squeaks in the car is you haven't go the stereo turned up high enough. Obviously that would be disadvantageous to your narration. The flies in scotland when you stop are attracted by the heat , they think they are going to be if horse flies or midges getting a good feed on a large sweaty mammal, if they are Blue/green bottles field flies etc they are hoping you a big highland coo about to take a big shh....oh look is that the sun in Scotland..

[@SiY11]

This would have been funny if it was the stinkeye version with all the flies.

[@seinsmeld13]

I almost bought one of these however the interior was extremely cheap so I ended up buying an RS3 instead. Good move on my part. Cheerio chap.

[@kUNCHRIS]

You actually compared a 20 year old STI to an RS3 lol

[@dudeskie2000]

just a shame the spec c would leave the rs3 for dust on a b road

[@Apollo2011-o2b]

someone jumping on the current Drive Tribe band wagon? lol

[@Ksilva2]

Cheers from Srilanka

[@Beta_soy_chad]

Big JDM fan. Not sure why poms pronouns them ‘im-pretz-zas’. 😜 Great video as usual.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Because Imprezzers just sounds weird to us

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Generally I'm a big JDM car fan - but for some reason the WRX has just never done it for me in any iteration. Had a boss back in the early 2000's who had a bugeye STI I drove from time to time and it (again to me) just felt like what it was, a very basic budget car underpinnings with a lot of bolt on parts to make it fast - and just not very pleasant at least on the road. Also probably doesn't help that for a very long time here in NZ loads of them were imported and driven by what you guys in the UK would call "chavs" - who would then in short order stack them into the nearest school bus/family minivan/house/whatever they could hit and ruin someone else's day whilst trying to outrun the police. Still a very interesting video, and the history of this special edition and Subaru's "attack the Nürburgring" was fascinating - so definitely thumbs up from me.

[@SurgeX798]

I prefer the Japanese cars

[@oktanskioktan9372]

It was always classic cause u cant ride it daily - engine is failed every 80k miles 😂

[@D.E.G.G.]

Are you sure that car isn't made out of rotting fish? There's flies all over it 😅

[@bricktop2090]

Did you park it in a field full of Cow $hit?😳 5:50 the amount of fly's around it is odd

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Future engine swap every 60,000 lol

[@semicolon101]

Maybe a future classic, but currently a pos

[@leviddesign4537]

As for the flies.... You need to wash your bum :-)

[@TYAC_TPE_SF-Bay]

With all that modifications, the name is irrelevant.

[@undergroundlegend198]

Stop making lengthy videos they are boring to view😅

[@stu4181]

Surprises me that these jap reviews aren’t some of the most popular viewing figures wise, as look at the used prices on this era of jap machinery they are clearly very popular! Did the obligatory Autotrader search to see prices mid watch, only found one of the above for 32k !

[@jonnywalker3208]

Jap cars rule!!!!!

[@katzicael]

Nothing better than a WRX STi for blasting around the roads of New Zealand. Majority of Japans used WRXs ended up in New Zealand as grey imports, you couldn't go down a street without seeing at least 1 turbo subaru, either a Legacy, Forester or Impreza.

[@subieclips]

I've got an 09 turbo Legacy. I love it! Hoping to get a GC8 in the next 1-2 years.

[@vjbond3945]

Got a 97 wrx ra weighs 1186kg running 18 psi reloomed with a my20b loom engine ect. 3.5 ratio gbox. 18" rims and 40 profile tyres should do 310kph at redline and 07 si drive limited too, both are fun but nothing beats the RA

[@hassyg4083]

@@vjbond3945 shame these cars were never standard ended up scrapped

[@nzmarco]

Yip. just did a trip in one from North to South. The car (STI V7) was in its element.

[@David-xc4us]

That’s perfect weather for a Scooby

[@jamesstanley7263]

Tell that to the sills…

[@hondamanvtec2894]

Tell that to all the Rust 😂

[@battfinkz]

If you know, you know....

[@Mac-Motors]

100% stick to the road like shit to a blanket 🤣

[@markbellinger]

I think you’ve always been able to get an STI in the UK if you don’t take precautions 😂

[@898orion]

7:59 lap record was from a standing start. not a flying lap, even more impressive.

[@jimmymifsud8353]

I had a spec c back in 2008 . Absolutely loved it . Made 360 bhp just with an exhaust and remap .

[@AlistairLearmonth]

Nice to see the RA in Blue, have not seen one in the flesh so to speak or the rarer Red. I have one in White with same spec and power, I can confirm the parts needed to keep standard are really hard to obtain. The suspension part as per shocks, lightened glass, rear spoiler, wheels the list goes on.

[@alanwright3172]

I went on a "Drive an Aston round the track Day" , the warm up was a young lady instructing me round the track in one of these, second best fun I've had with my trousers on🤣

[@KotomiP]

Subaru WRX hass one of the most confusing and gimmicky model lines of all Japanese cars: - 1992 to 2001 'GC8', started in 1992 as WRX, came with 'STi version' in 1994 with 'improvements' along with durability and power increase. These still had stiffness of 'watermelon' and usually considered 'not so reliable', both still shared the chassis code 'GC8' - It continued to be available as 'WRX' and 'WRX STi Version', and went from 'Version I' to 'Version VI' - 22B was 'Version IV', with production number of 400 - S201 was available in 'Version VI', was rated at '300 ps' regardless of whatever gentlemen agreement, was limited to 300 units, had really ugly aftermarket-like body kit - There were 'V Limited' trims available for both WRX and 'WRX Version STi' that were limited to 1000 cars each, highlighting their rally success - 'Type RA' became available for both WRX and 'WRX Version ___' which is weight reduced version like Lancer Evolution's 'RS' model, maybe from Ver I or Ver II - 'Type R' became available from Version III all the way to Version VI, which is a 2 door 'coupe', heavier than 'Type RA' but lighter than standard, and a little stiffer than the 4 door variant - Between 2000 and 2002 there was a brief period where the model was no longer an 'Impreza' but an 'Impreza WRX' but converted back to 'Impreza' in 2002 - From 2002 to 2007 they had 'GDA' for 'WRX' and 'GDB' for 'WRX STi' - Spec C became 'Type RA' (of GC8) for GDB - Special models for 'GD' were S202 (bug-eye), S203 (blob eye), S204 (hawk eye), basically STi with luxury retained but with most of 'STi' performance parts, I believe production numbers were between 300 to 600 for these each - Spec C Type RA for 'blob eye' and Spec C type RA-R for 'hawk eye' were the 'specialiestest' models with luxury removed from S203/S204 like A/C and with fixed bucket seats, had 'vent scoops', both with production number of 300 units each, 'hawk eyed' Spec C type RA-R was rated as '320ps' and had 6pot front 4pot rear brakes, while 'blob eyed' Spec C type RA was rated as '280ps' - From 2008 'STi' became 'STI' and model chassis code became 'GRB' and was available as hatch only - Later split into 'GRB' for standard 'STI' and 'GRF' for 'Type S' which is more comfortable model then became 'GRV', became available as hatch and sedan, then later sedan only - From here and on, I have no idea what I am talking about, some S2__ model became R2__ etc etc and changed back, and 'Type C' is just mild weight reduction and more of a heritage badge etc etc more gimmick like 'cherry blossom color highlight' and so on

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Great review! You really dug into the subtle differences between variants. I think the RA stood for “record attempt”. Improvements were made in every model year. You’ve worked hard and earned every sub. Happy birthday!

[@jessechen998]

It already is a classic, it's going a crazy amount of money

[@olik136]

already at about 40k€ here

[@rv9990]

​@@olik136damn. 40k. Rather go for a RS3 or A45 then.

[@dudeskie2000]

​@rv9990 audis are terrible. The Quattro system is a myth. It's absolutely horrible to drive.

[@battfinkz]

I have a UK300 and its so well set up for B roads its ridiculous, ive done 4 wheel lifts all sorts in it and man it takes it all, its unreal fun on the twisties I will say though that the 5 speeds get so much undeserved abuse, they're not made of glass, they're abused by numpties pushing 400 plus bhp through them, launching them at every set of lights when in reality they're half decent, mines on 140k and doing just fine

[@chrisbaxter5041]

It's still one of the finest most distinctive sound ever has a classic imported wrx and absolutely glad I did

[@crg92]

Been subbed for years, massive JDM fan! We are out here 👋

[@Mattia.1973]

I love this car, in terms of my personal raking she comes only second to the Integrale.

[@JustinGales-v3w]

I had an early classic and it had a tweed interior and 15" wheels. It was fair to say it was an understated masterpiece. I loved it.

[@xxNismo-]

Hands down the best car review channel. You explain the driving experience perfectly

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

i have a great turbo sf5 with a ej207 sti ra jdm short motor .

[@carllynch8798]

I was so close in buying the RB320 ! But ended up sticking with my old B5 RS4 ! Also really liked the Type 25 Impreza

[@ZehGreek]

I sold my 2007 WRX Hawkeye about 1,5 years ago, and I still do miss it often. It was incredible on B roads, for a Saturday/Sunday bit of fun. Insanely fun and reliable in the wet and on snowy surfaces. Man, I've had so many good times with that car. One of the highlights being driving it to Northern Italy from The Netherlands, and climbing up the Stelvio pass.

[@smileypaper5589]

Curious, why’d you see it?

[@ZehGreek]

@@smileypaper5589 It was nearing 200.000km’s, fuel prices going up like crazy here in Europe, and wanting something more comfortable.

[@Flatmat]

This RA is not race altered, I am told this RA stands for record attempt (at the Ring). Who knew? 😂

[@jamiemr2255]

Brilliant video as a blobeye sti owner there heaven and hell maintenance is a huge part of ownership. but on the perfect day and perfect road 🤩

[@CoopersSpecC]

I have a spare Enkei Spec C Type RA alloy gathering dust in my garage that I had on my MY05 Spec C WR-Ltd. If the owner reads this and is interested, let me know, Central Scotland pick up.

[@jayw3288]

Hiya, i might be interested in it it for mine as a spare if you fancy selling it.

[@bobphillips2188]

Like most blood-sucking insects, midges included - Scotland - they detect heat and/or CO2, and mostly not dung or other such organic matter. A car, especially with a warm engine, will exude both, hence flies/midges.

[@keithrichards-io5db]

I’ve had many Scuby,s since around 2000 or so- last 2 have been WRX & WRX STI. As one commenter noted- they are bombproof of left stock. Now that the STI isn’t available, they’re becoming collectors cars no matter which year you own. I also own a GT3 (991.2, manual) - the two most driver focused cars you can drive. And complement each others driving experiences- love them both for different reasons. I plan on retaining the STI for the rest of my life. Just cannot see a car that offers the same functionality.

[@ozzysgarage]

My STI Hatch is aging like fine wine! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥