Should You STI Swap Your Subaru WRX Or Buy a Subaru STI?

Wanted to Give a Thank you to today's Video sponsor Nordpass. Remember to use our Discount Code "Smeedia" to save on a 2-Year + 1 Month Plan! Https://nordpass.com/smeedia
"Should I STI Swap my Subaru WRX"?". This Question comes up so frequently that I thought it deserved its own video. I did want to wait to make this one until We finally did a Subaru WRX STI Swap of our own so I could give actual real-life experience on the topic. In the end, you do what you want to do with your car but knowing what you'll be using your car for will help you determine what you should do and what you should buy.
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[@Smeedia]

Once again, Huge Shout out to todays Video Sponsor Nordpass. Use Code Smeedia or go to nordpass.com/smeedia to save on your 2 Year + 1 Month Plan!

[@corbin2942]

You forgot to mention the most important factor in that the STi comes with an unbelievable amount of “STI” badging. I swear my GR has those letters hidden in places that I’m still discovering 😂

[@Smeedia]

Lmao this is too true 😅😅😅

[@SupremeWarriorGaming]

To anyone considering buying a WRX or an STI… Pick the Sti it is a ton of car for a great price and every WRX owner that I’ve ever met. Regrets not buying one.

[@Smeedia]

Big facts. If you plan on modifying the car. Just get the STI

[@xil3ntkha0s]

This lol I was planning on Subaru delivering an updated STi but we all know how that went down

[@Konformation07]

I own a WRX and I don't regret not buying an STI

[@grantgarver7520]

But then there’s sti swapped bugeyes 😊

[@halroofner4069]

Great to see you are getting sponsors.✌️

[@goodwoodjohnson1692]

Thank you, sir! Been pondering this for a while now. Keep up the great work!

[@Smeedia]

Got you 🥳🫡

[@thegreenfrisbee]

Just bought a 2011 wrx hatch with iag stage 2 tuff block and 6 speed swap yesterday! So excited

[@RushroyaleAddicts]

Hell yeah, grats on the sponsored video. Look at you growing!

[@250boys7]

Was just talking about which to do not even 1 minute before this came out, smeedia always knows

[@Smeedia]

Reading your minds 😈

[@Wire83aa]

Wanted to get a GD STI but ended up getting a 96 Impreza L. Swapped everything off an 02 wrx donor w/ sti bolt ons and runs on corn. I’m at 360 wheel and can keep up with my homies and their Sti’s. I still need an sti 6 speed but as a college student, it’s a great budget build and cost me half the amount of an sti if not even less because we did all the work in our garage. Can’t wait for you to start your gc journey!

[@Smeedia]

Honestly that impreza L seems more fun imo 😅

[@banni4291]

I opted with the wrx route because Australia's price difference for wrx vs sti is pretty crazy plus most 2008-14 sti's have been absolutely manhandled

[@acid847]

I picked up a 2015 STI with 96k and it was modded for 16k.... However, I am getting it tuned and has been running great. Your channel has been a huge resource for me thank you!!!

[@Smeedia]

Glad the videos have helped 🎉🙏

[@patrickgarvin2570]

After having both, I can totally agree with many points. After losing my 02 wrx in a crash, I knew I wouldn't be happy with another one. So I bought an 05 sti. No regrets either time.

[@Smeedia]

Sorry to hear about the accident 😭 but solid pick up on the 05 🔥

[@omialmanza1900]

Yeah, the STI at the time was out of reach, due to expenses. Tho I don't regret getting the wrx. The community is great the power gains are alright to my liking. Most people want power, Im happy with the driving experience and great people I've met over the past 4 yrs. Including the learning experience these cars give us

[@Smeedia]

That is all that matters 🫡 that's how I feel about the 04 sti. Don't care too much for a ton of power. Just want a fun driving car 🔥

[@johnathanvickrey6217]

Could’ve gone STI but always wanted the hatchback, which a 11-14 STI hatch in decent condition could be as much as like 26k in my area. So went WRX and love the car, so your videos are a huge help as the 6 speed is becoming super tempting everyday😅 love the vids help a ton

[@Smeedia]

Totally understandable 🔥 the hatches hold their value stupid well 😅

[@royaloffset.9713]

pick up an 8-10 hatch! I picked up my black 08 hatch sti. 85K miles one owner, very good condition, and I only payed 18k for it. Plus the front bumper in my opinion for the 08-10 is better looking!

[@drewsorensen8398]

Same reason I settled for a WRX... Plasma Blue Hatches that are STI's are not cheap or absolutely clapped.

[@johnathanvickrey6217]

@@royaloffset.9713 went back and forth between that for a long time, but found a good wrx with a newer engine from a really good shop so went with it

[@ryanthibault5144]

Happy Friday boys we made it to another week🤘 thanks for the Friday vid tanner

[@Smeedia]

Happy Friday buddy 🎉

[@bubbabrannan5915]

Thorough explanation, Tanner... Thank you!!!! ✅️✅️✅️✅️

[@Smeedia]

🫡🫡🫡

[@kevind_53]

Nothing to add, I agree on every aspect! My girlfriend was looking at VA wrx at fist. Told her to put the extra for an STI. She never looked back on wrx since she drove an STI.

[@RyanByrne]

Owned a 12 STI that I had to get rid of during my divorce and bought an 11 WRX hatch a couple of years later. I ended up doing the swap just like you due to a bad 5 speed. My only regret is that I didn't just buy an STI instead of the WRX...so much more spent swapping because it just snowballs! I love watching your videos because you go down the same rabbit holes I would 😂

[@AdrianBilladeau]

It's amusing how much this question floats about. I mostly lead with "if you are asking about it then you probably want the STI and are looking for justification." That is followed with it is cheaper to just get the STI. Great looking WRX by the way! Hopefully, after this flip I am working on I can finally do the 6MT swap on my ol forester.

[@nikolayangelov7763]

As an owner of a 2014 GV STI, I approve this message. Growing up I always wanted any subaru with a hoodscoop, but ended up with a 2009 Impreza (My favourite car so far) - And I saved until I could afford the real deal. WRX would be a fantastic whip for a dad who's trying to have some fun. '09 Impreza as a daily and '14 STI for weekends has been a dream come true :D Also the impreza has higher compression pound for pound, feels whippy with it's NA 178 horsepower EJ25 :'D

[@MrDuceOwen]

I've got an 11 wagon same generation. Absolutely love how the na feels above 3k lots of response

[@Smeedia]

Solid line up right there 🔥🔥🔥

[@twentyonenix8386]

id love to see you throw on some aftermarket headlights for the wrx! looks stock in the front with it, but thats all up to you. love the videos tanner ❤❤

[@Smeedia]

I live the oem lights, I will eventually swap them to HID though 🫡

[@svv_brunorcs1557]

that was pretty straightfoward to me, in my country we only started to get sti's from 2008 onwards and i wanted a GD, so no other option than a wrx

[@FunTimeWithSouls]

I went from a full bolt on 2019 WRX (non flex) to a 2020 STI because of an accident and good lord the difference between the two is insane to me. The STI is 100% a better driving experience. I’m just starting to mod the STI and can’t wait to get it to the point I did with the WRX.

[@Smeedia]

Accidents are never a good time, but I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your upgrade 🎉

[@Craiggg12345]

My girlfriend had a 16 WRX and I have a 20g STI and she always driving my car

[@nynameisnyan20]

@@Smeedia as a 20 WRX owner i have too much sentimental value in it already cause i have owned it for 3 years now so the plan is to inevitably do bolt ons for it then if i ever do get another subie i may just save up and get an sti probably the 09 to 14 era cause if anything the 02 to 07 era ones are rarer and rarer

[@acidfrogs10]

@@nynameisnyan20 Im absolutely with you on that Ill never get rid of my 20 wrx. So Ill just buy an 05-07 STI with the money im saving on gas and ins ;)

[@tdkbones8733]

I build my engines from the ground up so I didn’t matter for me but I loved your points

[@845_RALLYRU]

I have a 18 wrx. I ended up doing the sti driveline. I think it's 100% worth it since the trans is so much stronger. The only thing that doesn't work is the SI buttons (since it'd need the sti ecu for it to work) In all i spent about 10k. Now i just need an FA24 swap

[@davo5400]

Yessss you answered my question from my graveyard comment! Smeedia ftw!

[@Smeedia]

🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@dylankrone5198]

Thanks for the info on the swaps! I knew I needed the STi drivetrain, I just needed someone to tell me I did. 😂 The 6-Speed, STi LCAs, and '15+ Steering Rack are definitely on my list! I bought my '08 w/ 120k miles as a mechanics special (cheaper than dirt, thanks to a burnt valve, and being a narrow-body) but I feel the EJ255 makes enough power with a few basic mods for the tight and windy mountain roads here, I just need the turbo to spool quicker for better control. P.S. Someone sell me a Spark Silver rear wing from an '08-'14 STi or '11-'14 WRX! 😁

[@adamb.4750]

When I bought my 2014 WRX hatch there was a $10K spread between the WRX and STi, so it was worth it at the time. Now, just start with the STI. The 6 speed tranny, better clutch, and forged internal block alone are worth the price of admission. I’ve got the 6 speed, R180 w/ Cusco diff, and 6 pot calipers, but I’m still limited by my stock WRX long block. Maxed at 360 hp (dynojet) at 19 psi. Looking to do a motor build soon.

[@Smeedia]

Just to clarify, they do not come with forged internals 🙏 Send that thing more! 🔥 😈 we did 460whp on a mustang on the stock 255 😅 (disclaimer I don't advise you do that if you want it to last😅)

[@adamb.4750]

@@Smeedia My mistake, are the EJ 257 rod and pistons just a stronger design than the EJ 255 made from the same material?

[@Bunkley99SSM]

I was trying to order a STi hatch with a sunroof but Subaru would not let allow it under any circumstances. Knowing that was the only thing I could not change down the road I bought the hatch with a sunroof. I knew in the long run I would be swapping up to a 6 speed (which I went through all the codes looking for a specific 6 speed gear set and front differential). Currently doing the black interior swap, microfiber the headliner the JDM mirrors. It has been a fun car to upgrade but also has been a love hate relationship as well. Thanks for making this car this build. It has motivated me again to work on my car.

[@michaelgomez5392]

Really stuck between rebuilding my 02 wagon into a sti wagon or buying a blob eye sti. Always loved the blob eye sti but I’ve fallen in love with the look of the bugeye wagon

[@deez_sti]

Same!! Lol getting an 05 sti 6 speed swap and then doing the 2.5 hybrid RA block build after my current 2.0 block goes! Still planning on picking up a wrb blobeye wagon though 😅🤙😁

[@joshanderson1122]

As always good info Tanner. I just wish we could have got an STI version of the GG wagon 😔. Right Matt!?

[@Smeedia]

We don't get the good stuff 💔

[@Zekeskate5000Channel]

I bought my 14 WRX Hatch with 113k for $8k... This car has not given me problems until I decided to go full power... STI 6 speed swap with brembos and fully built engine going for 500+WHP. I hope it lasts for a long time. I think I made my death wish for this car when I declined someone offering $20k for it when I first bought it lol.

[@Smeedia]

8K?! 😮 that is a STEAL!!!

[@greenblattsamuel]

The 5 speed with the OEM short shifter is really good for what it is.

[@Smeedia]

I'd say it's okay, mone was mediocre at best. Reverse was absolutely garbage in mine. BUT it did hold up to back after back launch

[@shiloh5199]

If possible these days I'd go for the cleanest STI hatch I could find. Copping an STI off the rip saves me a bucket load of small tedious headaches that I will inevitably run 🏃‍♀️ into🧱🧱🧱. The time I'll save will pay fir the extra cost of purchasing an STI model. Unfortunately we can no longer purchase a new WRX STI model...so the prices on used STI models are sky high.

[@BT-mg1uu]

So fun fact, my 2011 wrx (Australian model) came with a r180 rear diff, and has the indicator side mirrors. I was really surprised regarding the diff though. Only found out when I did the 6 speed swap with a 05 non dccd spec b transmission. Iv spent more then what it would have cost to buy an Sti, but the 100+ hours I put into building my sound system alone, meant I wasn't just going to sell the car on for an Sti. Way to much time and effort gone into it for that.

[@amigoarc1844]

Thank u for this vid sir

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

i am 100% the target audience for this video. We're shopping around for a sti driveline as we speak. Also im jealous your garage chair is better than my garage chair 🤣

[@Smeedia]

This chair sucks butt 😅 the wheels always fall off it 😂

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

@@Smeedia the one I use is from my daughter's Ikea table. Now that we replaced it I have a spare. I'll send it to ya. 🫡

[@godspeedtenga]

I felt watching an episode of MythBusters. Thank you Sir for answering a two-decades worth of thinking about this question every gaddamm day.

[@andrewpickett844]

New Smeedia??? LEETSSS FUCKINNG GOOOOOOOOOO!!!! 🥳

[@Smeedia]

🎉🥳🎉🥳

[@bradgreen987]

My previous '06 wrx had a swapped STI trans( tuner recommended). Was way stronger, but drove it into a concrete barrier. Way tougher than WRX 6speed

[@Smeedia]

💔💔 The 6 speed is WELL worth the $$

[@MightandMagic88]

@@Smeedia Can you only swap the trans though? I thought in a previous video you said you had to swap the rear diff if you were swapping the trans due to differences in the gear ratios

[@mcsqueegee81]

dang.. did you get the 6speed from it after the wreck?

[@Tru_Op]

I got a 06 wrx with the mindset of drive train swapping it because every STI for the 06 I could find was 20k+, where as I found my WRX for 7k and I plan on dropping a built IAG short block in it regardless of if I get the WRX or the STI. So I found it more cost efficient in that scenario to buy the WRX and do the drivetrain swap. I also think its cool to say "I built my STI"

[@LothianValet]

Its one thing i had done was just bought the sti but didn't have the funds at the time so wrx was next best thing 😂.

[@FaMeFire]

5k is wild. That’s what I was expecting and now I’m 10k into my 6-speed swap. And that’s still with 5x100’s and no brembos

[@pinktacotuesday4573]

Just bought an 11 WRX hatch for 7k in CA. Needed headgaskets but should be back together this weekend.😊

[@Smeedia]

Phhhh that's a steal!

[@pinktacotuesday4573]

@Smeedia yes sir! 150k on the clock super clean dark grey metallic. Came with nice summer tires on stock wheels and another set of stock wheels with nice snow tires too. Acess Port and a big sf intake 😊.

[@smokechris2299]

You should make a video on your thoughts on the new Wrx. I own one of the new models and I wanna start working on it but not sure where to start. Plus I’m still trynna learn more about it.

[@Smeedia]

I may make one, I'll add it to my idea board 🫡

[@frederick1969]

i have to STI swap since i got a bugeye and the sti didnt come until 04. I love bugeyes. Maybe one day ill import one

[@user-nf3oq2ge3g]

Swap for sure your insurance will thank you. My 1985 rx turbo sedan is swapped with an 06 sti everything and insurance is 40 bucks a month. And it’s 2,000 lbs. 400hp it’s a blast.

[@thatoneguy9842]

I do regret not buying an STI but I have no regrets for getting a WRX because it's my first WRX and I'm not gonna just go right to the big boy car to start.

[@Smeedia]

Absolutely nothing wrong with that 🔥🫡

[@cjbeuro2145]

Can you make a video discussing the different generations of sti/wrx and which gen is “best” or “most efficient.” Not taking the looks into consideration because we all have our favorite but I’m curious on the differences when looking at purchasing one. Downsides, upsides etc etc.

[@StarryBoar]

I think where the STi swap is the most beneficial is for the models that we never got an STi for. IE the Fozzy, Legacy, and Outback. If you want an STi, just buy one that came that way. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Smeedia]

Yessss, that's the only way for these models. 🫡🔥

[@StarryBoar]

@@Smeedia Ya, buddy. Might know a thing or two. 🤣🤣 Have an 05 STi and an 04 Fozzy. Both in the "project" phase. 🤣🤣

[@5thAve_Ricky]

There’s an STI of the STI , it started in the 1st gen Forester. With the availability of the wire harness and things like that. It would be cheaper to build one than buy one. Then they will be identical

[@Wowthatscrazybro]

i’ve had both. the drivetrain is significantly better in the sti, and is the weakpoint in wrx. i’m glad i upgraded to the STI.

[@Smeedia]

The drive train alone makes it so worth it 🔥

[@chilibanditto9317]

Im doing an STI swap Impreza Outback Sport, I LOVE MY LIFE

[@Smeedia]

😮😮😮

[@CHLLChubs]

I'm thinking about the same thing, how did the process go?

[@MrMetal1394]

A donor car is not a bad option if you have room for it. Selling parts I don't want off mine has gotten me breaking even on purchase price and I still have more to sell. I'm gonna get a free 6 speed and full EJ257 and make money off it. Plus a fun learning experience and meeting a bunch of cool people in my local subaru scene!

[@Smeedia]

100%, biggest thing is finding one for a good price and having the space for it 🔥

[@MrMetal1394]

@@Smeedia I got mine for 5800 and it was pretty badly wrecked. Copart is a great source for wrecked cars like that

[@erdinczor1]

where im at now with my 11 wrx hatch. the damn rabbit hole of wanting to start modding but i thought "let me get her driving properly before i start dumping into mods and tunes" well now im dumping all my money into parts just for basically maintenance.new clutch/flywheel put in, new plugs in, Cobb CAI and AP with OTS stg 1+ 93, power steering just went out while driving home, strange idle and throttle response, soon suspension need to swap, TMIC leak. Also pretty sure the drive train has an issue causing a nasty sound during deceleration. havent even thought about the block or tranny yet. now i face palm daily thinking about the work i need to do just to get her in good shape. not even thinking mods anymore.

[@giftedcracker]

I watched this hoping for some input on sti drivetrain swapping a vb wrx (2022+). I think thats a case that makes a lot more sense than earlier models. Maybe you can talk about (or do) this in the future

[@Smeedia]

It's on my list to do for my VB 🫡

[@Mathuzela]

If this car ends up going away you should do it again with either a Forester or a GD chassis :D

[@Smeedia]

Let's be honest here. We all know the 04 sti will end up like this 😅

[@Rynowhite14]

I'm just about finished with my bugeye. Full RA block/STI heads, STI transmission with DCCD, turbo, intercooler, steering rack, full sti interior, UK gauges, sti wing, jdm headlights, steering wheel, etc. I'm doing the 4 pot/2 pots to complete it, since I plan to rallycross. Since I wanted the bugeye STI, after I bought my car, I was thinking I probably should have just got an 04 and swapped the front end? I learned a lot about the car though, so that's cool. Insurance is cheaper, and I'll feel less bad about taking it to go rally. People get annoyed about putting the STI badge on a wrx, but I think you get to a point where it becomes more STI than WRX.

[@Smeedia]

100% true, at a point the wrx will become more than an STI is if you continue to send it. Your build sounds like a fun one though!

[@Rynowhite14]

@@Smeedia Yeah...I keep telling myself it's fun...I like misfires...power steering leaks...forgetting to put gasket sealer on the cam caps and having to pull the whole motor apart....haha . :)

[@hunterbean7953]

i didnt plan on sti swapping my hawkeye, but my car planned on it

[@elikolins2849]

I have a wrx at the moment. I’ll most likely buy an sti and use my wrx as a donor.

[@user-nf3oq2ge3g]

Wiring harness merge is a must unless you have an era correct swap then you can do the entire wiring harness swap dash swap and interior swap. I did the merge and a wire tuck at the same time. Swap will be way cheaper in the long run. Then the cops won’t bug you either cuz well it’s not an sti officer. It’s an Impreza pzev hybrid. See it runs on e85 ethanol cuz it’s a hybrid. Just leave out the turbo with 400hp to the wheels part.

[@giovannihernandez5486]

The last part where he said my wrx is faster than ur STI is what it’s all about 👌 plus Bugeye and GD wagon people can’t buy STI’s 😪

[@Smeedia]

True 😭 for bug eyes swaps are the only way 💔

[@Torque.Export]

Thanks for videos...good content!! What did you do with cam gears ? Did you swap or turn counter cloak one teeth?

[@sabre2112]

I have a 2009 wrx and did a built engine and a 6 speed B spec swap and it’s at 500 Dyno jet all together 15 K it was better than a new car note.

[@Smeedia]

How are you liking the spec B trans? 👀

[@sabre2112]

@@Smeedia I like it it’s nice to have that 6 gear to grab on the hwy pulls the rev’s down below 3K @70

[@StarwindIV]

My EJ207 V7 swapped '03 bugeye is "just" a wrx for insurance haha

[@loganburnett677]

When I bought my used 17 wrx the same year model sti were 10k more so I went with the wrx. I wish I got the sti though 😂

[@StarwindIV]

You also forget to mention (money aside) the time savings are huge. That being said, swapping is a great way to learn your car inside and out.

[@acidmike3535]

I like the 11-14 wrx wheels over the sti especially since they come in the dark gray

[@layuyang6347]

If broke and want a sti and you have a gd chassis you can just swap the trans over instead of the full swap. But its on the person if they want to do that

[@Smeedia]

Very true. A lot of work to do the swap

[@user-nf3oq2ge3g]

My car is an 85 it’s stuck at 5x100 and it was an act of god to find an xt6 to get the rear hubs to make it that. 5x114.3 would take a flip the car over and cut out the rear tunnel of the 06 sti and weld it into my 85 chassis, some things just aren’t worth it. Although it’s tempting to do it for the r180 I have the 05 4.44 jdm 5 speed and in my sub2,000 lbs car I have no problems with anything but wheel spin.

[@moisesr7840]

I bought my wrx hatchback for $18k in 2019 with 78K miles on, back then STIs with same millage were over $25K. 4 years later I picked up a 6 speed with brembos for $4,300 and I can get $1,500 back when I sell my 5 speed. And I keep my wrx insurance rate.

[@shawnsquires2716]

i got my wrx for 5500. it already had aftermarket wheels, clutch, short throw, exhaust and cobb tuner with a stage 2 tune. I'm planning on swapping the 6 speed in and building the engine. I feel like it'll be cheaper for me.

[@taylorprice5813]

I meeeaaan ... I've already got my WRX and got a fair amount of mods and a tune on it and I'd have to re-do all that on an STi soooooo I think I'll keep the WRX and look out for a part out with 6 speed stuff. But I'll be damned if that's not tempting to get an STi. Just gotta save to start replacing stuff as things break.

[@Smeedia]

All the wrx parts transfer to the STI though 🤫 but I don't blame you. I'm super happy with mine 🥳

[@taylorprice5813]

@@Smeedia Hah, I mean that's fair. I cooould buy an STi down the road. I've got a better radiator, AOS, turbo back exhaust, and grimmspeed top mount, and accessport. They could all be put on the STi. The only thing that'd need to happen is the tune. You know, it's just $$$$$$$$

[@BrettCrowther]

What’s your next build? A Type RA perhaps?

[@ZackNakazora1]

The standard wrx is fine if you want a simple bolt on fun toy. On this side of 30 and having lived my GD subaru dreams. I don't even mind the idea of a 2.0 wrx. You have to go into it with the short comings of an sti. In my opinion. If you wanted to be cheap and do an sti swap. I'd get a 2.5i and start from there.Find the cleanest chassis you can and everything else will be yoinked out. Most guys who want to use a subaru for their track day car. If you don't already have the car. Will start with a good chassis and a donor. Or buying someone else's track car haha. Good info here. Esp with the price break down

[@aidanthehobbiesguy5145]

I still find the thought of sti swapping a 2.5i an interesting idea, the lowest teir of impreza with the highest teir of components. I have no clue if it would be worth it, but 2.5i's can be dirt cheap

[@Smeedia]

Unless you have Donor Sti that you got for dirt cheap i don't think it would be worth it, would be a cool idea though 👀🔥

[@AndemusRay]

I own 2 wrx, sti drivetrain swapped. They were already swapped, so I paid about 7k less than buying a sti. I only see good purpose of swapping a wrx bugeye to sti. But I'm sure way cheaper to swap front face of the 04 sti to 02 wrx 😅

[@acidmike3535]

I like the wrx more but thats because we never got a bugeye sti in the states

[@yungeyetoy]

I live in Aus and have a bugeye wagon with a jdm ej207, and its interesting to see the price comparison here to the US. I got mine for 10k aud (about 7k usd) and there was nothing wrong with it and you can easily get meh condition ones under 10k. on the other hand for a bugeye sti here the starting price is closer to 25k aud. ive sti swapped and done many other modifications (although still on 5 speed, 300,000km going strong) and the amount of money ive spent still would probably only just have gotten me an sti. plus i really wanted a wagon lol 😁

[@Smeedia]

The wagons fun and way more usable 🔥 prices over there seem wild to me. Someone mentioned that the newer STIs were going for 100K? I'm not entirely sure of how true it is. But blew my mind 😮

[@joeldurbridge2718]

Yep, prices here in Aus are ridiculous for STI’s compared with WRX’s. I have a blobeye wagon and would love to do some sti swapping. Motors on 310,000 same 5 spd box, would love to put a 207 in and some nice blue seats.

[@yungeyetoy]

@@Smeedia Subarus website for a brand new wrx sti say between 60-70k recommended retail, but we all know what dealerships think of recommend pricing lol. Over here we seem to get a LOT of special versions (my wagon is a 'club spec' edition, came in factory sonic yellow with a sunroof) and i would have zero surprise if some newer stis in more limited trims were selling for over 100k 🐼

[@john.f.remedy.237]

My reason: bug eye baby. If I could have found even a jdm version for a reasonable price in or around my state I would have, but I prefer the bug eye over the blob eye or hawk eye…

[@andrewgarcia2274]

Really wish my 13 STI didn’t suffer from the good ol head gasket issue 😩

[@Smeedia]

💔💔💔💔

[@andrewharris7868]

You summed the entire video with one line; "You never hear a STI owner regarding not buying a WRX, but you hear WRX owners regretting not buying and STI" 😂 brilliantly put

[@geralduchman6663]

Having had both an STI and a WRX, I can somewhat agree. It really depends on your goals. If you wish to make power above STI levels, which means a built engine (closed deck, forged pistons etc...) with possibly a Garrett GT35R turbo or something larger, then possibly start with a WRX. If you plan on gutting the interior and going with a true race seat and cage, then probably a WRX might be a consideration. Keep in mind, someone with an STI will probably not negotiate as much as a WRX owner since they know that they can get more cash for it. When it comes to the driveline, the six speed is great and a swap with that and the differential with hybrid axles (think $300 cost if you don't go full aftermarket hybrid axes at $1600 which can out do any stock STI axle) can do the trick. Easy to take the differential, driveshaft, six speed, slave cylinder and hybrid the axles keeping the WRX rotors. As for the brakes, there are a ton of options in the aftermarket world which can outperform the stock STI Brembos. As for suspension, you are going to probably go aftermarket with the coil overs (ex TEIN Flex Z). So... in short.... my opinion....if you plan on modifying past STI levels, save the initial cost and negotiate WRX. If you are happy with STI levels...go STI!

[@cughan_9482]

Just gonna turn mine in to a sti. But Gonna better than any sti on the street.

[@craxclimber]

What about sti swapping a GD hatch because I love the car ! haha

[@cascadianrallyteam9023]

Yup I dont know a single person who regrets buying their sti, I also feel they tend to keep their car long than those with a wrx, atleast when it comes to the va

[@Smeedia]

Ohhh that is a good point, I have seen a handful of sti owners sell and go to a VA wrx but very limited

[@Bang_n_slang]

I didn’t realize how lucky I am having a 14 sti. How much reliable power can I squeeze out my stock internals ? Obviously for longevity

[@Smeedia]

Longevity and reliability I'd stay around 350whp 🙏

[@Bang_n_slang]

@@Smeedia Thank you 🙏🏼

[@electroevolution5777]

I think its worth it to keep the wrx and mod it. Although a lot of people drag you for not having an sti

[@Smeedia]

It's okay, when the wrx becomes faster than the STIs you get to drag them 😅

[@electroevolution5777]

@@Smeedia true, just gotta rob a bank for the 6 speed money

[@xil3ntkha0s]

Ignore the haters. Or just get both. Lol

[@gregkump3639]

Wrecked donor is the best place to be!! If you are lucky to find same year and color . Even better!

[@fakethiscrap2083]

If you really want an wrx get that VB model lol.

[@chocolatethunder3218]

Something else to consider is how you're going to drive the car if you don't plan to modify it. The STi has stiffer suspension out of the box, which can make it less comfortable as a daily driver, but handles better at the limit, and on paved roads. The WRX is better on rough roads, and might be a more comfortable car to live with every day, with the exception of the awful shifter, but a short shift kit can make a WRX shifter useable.

[@tommanning7337]

NOICE!!!!!!! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

TOMMMM 🎉🎉🎉

[@jugado219]

Do same video but FA20 2015+ pls!!!!

[@Smeedia]

👀👀 I'll add it to the list

[@andrewgarcia2274]

LETS GOOOO🎉

[@Smeedia]

LETS GOOOOOOOOOO

[@ThanosChickin]

I'm already too deep in my wrx so im sti swapping

[@bobdabuiler8200]

The STi to WRX price difference on GDs seem to be much larger. Also I like Bugeyes so I get stuck with the 5 speed. :(

[@mcsqueegee81]

or if really into the bugeye, do the 6sp swap, full sti swap while at it. I have a bugeye wagon. have definitely thought to go that way. ended up getting a sti. but now want to sti swap a forester...

[@Smeedia]

GD prices in general seem to be going up 👀

[@mattohearn48]

Happy St. Patty's day! 🍻

[@Smeedia]

Happy St. PATTYS! 🫡🍻

[@nissan1580sx]

A more unusual way of doing it would be to just purchase a rolling shell and then proceed to transplant all STI running gear into it. Yes I tend to agree it would be more wiser and cost efficient to have bought the STI version in the first place

[@Smeedia]

If you can snag a solid shell for a good price and don't mind doing the swap 100% 🔥

[@nissan1580sx]

@@Smeedia a late model 2022 STI here costs AUD$78k

[@uwisho]

@@nissan1580sx ridiculous isn’t it. I think prices will come back down to earth over next 12 months

[@skatebug8it]

Took me 2 years ro regret my 2015 WRX, now im on the market for a 19-21 STI. I dont want to put the money into my WRX to make it faster I would rather just start with an STI

[@enzobh2623]

In Australia STI's are twice the price of a Wrx, my 2006 wrx with 150k on the engine (second engine) cost me 14k AUD, the STI version is 30k minimum, cleaner examples go up to 45-50k AUD for a GD chassis since they're also sought after, sti swapping in Aus isn't completely unreasonable.

[@stoneruble1324]

Hey man I’ve got a question you might be able to help me with. Post greenspeed, jpipes have gotten tricky. From my understanding, ANY catted jpipe can be tuned, but non gesi cats will throw a cel. I’ve also been told gesi cats still can throw a cel. What’s your take on this? The market for gesi cats is small and expensive, I’d rather not spend a bunch more money just for the chance of not getting a cel. I was curious your thoughts on all this. You’ve been a huge inspo to my build so I figured I’d go straight to you

[@mikebarr8372]

I have a 2000 Impreza , a 03 Impreza WRX , and now working on buying my neighbors 04 Impreza WRX STI 😈

[@Nick_Spencer]

Personally I'm in a Wrx with most of the STi swap. I knew i'd be attached to the car and wanted to have more to do in the long run. Money is just paper er fabric? don't care, I'm here for the journey to make this car truly mine.