Subaru Impreza Rally School Cars

[@rohant]

Holy shit that’s honestly the most honest and real explanation with this video not only covering the car but especially the (much needed) explanation between a driver and a car enthusiast.

[@rallycsx]

You make a good point. I was once a car enthusiast and then I became a driving enthusiast. Now I have a shop full of cars that I don’t work on.

[@Bwillev]

Dang. This hits. I love driving but I also love fast cars. Now I have a shop full of cars needing rebuilds lol

[@DopetheWind]

I drove the absolute snot out of that particular car two summers ago and it simply did not care, in all it's check engine light glory.

[@kylez8694]

Did you ever check? Was it still there?

[@willbaker9087]

Always gotta check on the homie

[@therallyshed6963]

Brilliant cars for Rally school. We used the 2.0 n/a UK spec at our Rally school which was plenty quick enough and mega fun 🙂

[@gameboyterrorysta6307]

I have 2.0 Wagon as my daily. I've tracked and abused it a bit on dirt backroads and it just does not care. 2 hours of track day and nothing is overheating. Great car and surprisingly reliable.

[@websiteowns]

I am not even sure that I am a car or driving enthusiast, I am just in love with the competition side of rallying.

[@knattnac]

Watching enthusiast

[@bobanmilisavljevic7857]

Props for not appearing cold even though it's snowing around you 💪

[@ThePirateKing57]

Let’s hear about the fiestas!

[@mikaelgaiason688]

Ford, so good luck keeping them running for longer than a year

[@bn880]

@@mikaelgaiason688 You realize they run Fiestas for their FWD's almost exclusively right? And they're the main platform worldwide. More like Good luck buying a Fiesta in Americas, ppl here are mental and just buy big shit trucks instead.

[@mikaelgaiason688]

@@bn880 Yes I'm fully aware they have a sponsorship with Ford, the company most responsible for the crap cars we have and the marketing campaigns that convince all the idiots in this country to buy big huge expensive cars/trucks. Also the company that lobbies the hardest to limit OUR access to all the good cars the rest of the world gets. Screw Ford. As far as being the main platform, what, FWD? No problem with that, as long as it's not in a Ford

[@mikaelgaiason688]

@warren mann Your point is? If you aren't driving at the level to benefit from AWD you could do all that with a beat down old Civic, for a LOT less money. Idiot XD

[@bn880]

@@mikaelgaiason688 It's not about sponsorship, it's about that car making the most sense to FWD rally and instruct during those years. It's also the main Rally 4 car (previously R2) used for WRC /ERC junior programs.

[@driftlopez]

Def a driving enthusiast but having a nice car is def a must too

[@taroheisei1794]

had an 07 OBS, put Forester struts, taller tires, took out the rear seats and put in dual batteries and a fridge. Did the White Rim Trail and countless others. Got it new in NH and lasted 356XXX miles... It was a great car.

[@derekisthematrix]

Sounds like a good analogy on the street/track would be a Miata: "slow car fast".

[@Toastmaster_5000]

Makes sense - you don't need a lot of power when you're trying to learn. In snow, you'll probably get enough torque to break traction if the gearing is low enough. If you cause major damage, it's no big deal.

[@Grandtank1999]

I had a 2010 Impreza, thing was a drift machine in the snow, I would go out on 10 hour shifts sending it every corner and the car just didnt care, sort of wish I kept it and made it an amateur rally machine.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

The throttle response is far more direct and accurate with the 2.5i than the turbo wrx as well.

[@Nathan-tz8yw]

I 100% agree with this video. My first car was in 03 wagon 2.5 i, and I love pushing that thing to the limits in winter. Now I'm driving 04 STI, and it is much much easier to drive past your limits. Also everything about it it cost way too much money.

[@-DC-]

Had a N/A Bugeye and as a pure driving machine on European back road's it was absolutely incredible, totally get going the non turbo route.

[@Holtenstein]

The wagons are quite a bit more valuable than the sedans too. I'm in SoCal (No Rust) and an 02 WRX is about $5k for one with almost 200k miles. The non-turbo sedan would be a much cheaper option. I love seeing these built for Rally and not the tarmac

[@ZackNakazora1]

I bought an 07 2.5i in san Diego for 4200 bucks. They are out there. 129k miles single owner 5 speed sedan

[@Holtenstein]

@@ZackNakazora1 WRX?

[@ZackNakazora1]

@@Holtenstein 2.5i the na version

[@Holtenstein]

@@ZackNakazora1 Yeah, I was referring to the WRX being $5k for a high mileage one. I did get my WRX for considerably cheaper but then it was crashed with a blown clutch. Deals can be found.

[@JeremyCroteau96]

5k now I wish!!! Stupid market ffs

[@mitoda]

you got me looking at impreza 2.5i for sale after watching this...

[@17popsquare60]

😢noooo dont buy them up. Theyre such an underrated gem

[@glampstronzartonalbee3097]

i have an 07 and it is a dream, by far the best car i have ever owned. Like he said the NA version is a great drivers car and is very reliable if you take care of a few of the basics.

[@muumuumu]

always been a fan of these from playing all the rally games as a kid

[@coldmoonlight6361]

I'm definitely more of a driving enthusiast that enjoys quick cars. I used to rally my 95 Legacy all the time, she never complained and never quit.

[@SebastianAgramont]

I love the stance on that car, you mention Koni suspension with 16” wheels. Can you please specify on which koni set up, was it coil overs or regular springs?

[@erdeneboldbaatar6139]

I think he means the shock absorber with stock springs, it's really useful for taking bumps but with good corner practicability when sliding

[@Teamoneilrally]

We run Koni Adjustable Sport Dampers on our Subarus.

[@Cyclotrimethelene]

I started watching for the car content, now I watch for the car content and Wyatt.

[@GR_Papi]

I have a 2007 Subaru wrx sti and a 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i lol good old Hawkeyes

[@ColoradoStreaming]

That is my dream combo. I have a 2006 2.5i and would love an sti as well. The 2.5i is fun because its a 10/10s car and you can just throw it around any back road or street.

[@GR_Papi]

@@ColoradoStreaming most definitely I love them both obviously the Sti more but i hope get a Sti you’re going love it. I’ve had for yrs and it still puts a huge smile on my face. As for my little 2.5 I’ve use to be part of mtn roo rally crew and I did some rally cross with it. I’m rambling anyways have a good one 👍🏾👍🏾

[@happyraintf]

Hello, thank you for your video! It really came out just in time for me. I used to have a 2.5 Impreza Blobeye. When I bought it for about 2400$ it had a rollcage, proper racing belts, bucket seats, some other changes. It was the perfect car to just drive rally-style and learn with "meh" power. I did, however, had to sell it due to the financial situation that Covid-19 has placed on me. Now I own a 2005 WRX Hatch, I thought I will be pushing it hard, rallying it and all that, however it just feels that I cannot do that to my daily car. I feel guilty after doing a few donuts in the snow or pushing it on 5K+ RPM for a few minutes uphill on interesting roads. It does the job perfectly, but I believe I do need a cheaper, simple Impreza (I had been thinking about it since I lost my old one) and especially last week I gave it a lot of consideration, so your video just came in the perfect time to help me and my thoughts. ONE QUESTION, HOWEVER: What about the GC's? 1998-2001 imprezas? They are often much cheaper, I am looking at a decent looking one, not much rust, for about 1900$. Sometimes there's cheaper, yet great ones as well. Are they terrible for this? Too old? Too much work in the end?

[@_RobertS]

I have a 2000 Impreza, 218hp turbo version. It has been mine for 12 years now and I used it as a daily for a few years but now it spends more time just sitting in the garage waiting to be fixed. Seems there's always something. It's a super fun car, but it is starting to be of that age when for everything you fix, two other issues soon appears. The car itself is cheap to buy now, but spares are not.

[@happyraintf]

@@_RobertS Fair enough, thank you so much. That is what I was thinking, the parts will become rarer and rarer soon. I live in Europe, so it is a little different, but rather accurate nonetheless. Keep it running!

[@davidschoon8254]

If you're in Canada, the JDM 06-07 STI's are legal to import and are usually better condition and lower price ($10k CAD starting) than anything we have locally. The downside is RHD. IMO if you live in the rust belt and want to have fun doing rally at a grassroots level, a Fiesta or BRZ are worth taking a look at. Half the age of a hawkeye chassis.

[@backfireproductions4362]

Might get an 07 2.5i wagon soon for autocross! Glad to hear about the suspension differences, will definitely get some offset wheels to widen it out a little!

[@nzKnut]

Run sedan front fenders with the suspension componentry to fix the front track and keep the fitment looking correct, the rears you can fit overfenders with the WRX rear suspension and maybe axle shafts?

[@MrSirjud01]

Awesome video, just what I was looking for! I have the opportunity to buy an 07 2.5I, sold me on its reliability yet still fun to throw around. This will be a winter car for me in NY instead of my 11 mpg truck. Might have to do a few winter rallies too!

[@giovannigonzalez5458]

I bought this same model not too long ago as my first car and I enjoy seeing how much love these get in the rally spectrum. It makes me consider rallying 😂

[@themattbianchishow18]

👍😀 Love that you separated the car enthusiast from the driving enthusiast. It’s a point that’s hard to articulate a lot of the time. Well done while keeping it friendly. I wish Wyatt was my father but I fear we are too close in age for that to be a reality. 🥺

[@Grooove_e]

As a bugeye wrx owner I must say the EJ205 engine (2.0L turbo) is a good turbocharged option that will also be reliable as long as it isn't heavily modified

[@coomercommander2554]

stock WRX is okay, being a dumbass and modifying it makes them bad, sure the transmissions are soft as all shit, biggest mistake dumbass WRX owners make is to touch the engine, and i don't mean mainteanance, i mean wanting to make more power out of it or doing their ricy dumbass mods

[@ColoradoStreaming]

The 2.5i is pretty savage on the autocross track too.

[@RC_Obsession]

I found a beautiful Impreza 2007, no rust, brand new suspension, rebuilt engine. Only 115k miles. I just wished it was a manual. 😤

[@davids5080]

Have a Bugeye wrx with a boosted 2.2/205 hybrid swap (just rolled 200k on the chassis 20k on build) shes been fun and a great first step into the world of boosted cars, you're right maintenance sucks! Lol lots of fluid checks and just well extra maintenance. I wouldn't suggest anyone that doesn't enjoy getting their hands greasy going that far. (Granted a stock 205 or 257 may be less of a hassle 😝😝)

[@davidcone3382]

What’s the name of the spoiler?? And can it fit on a 2012 Subaru legacy???????

[@coldvaper]

Impreza sedans from that era are so rare where I live, I live in CA...

[@willleopper2852]

I drive this car and it is an amazing rally car and relatively cheap

[@AudioAdvisory38]

Happy Holidays to you out there Team O'Neil and Wyatt.

[@Teamoneilrally]

Happy Holidays to you too! Thanks for watching!

[@johnnyturbo8460]

The Ford Fiesta SE is a great option for a front wheel drive car!! (I got 2nd place over all last year 2020, in my 2014 Ford Fiesta SE in my class) . I posted some KZbins of mine. Thanks to Wyatt, I listed to his video last year that turned me on to the Fiesta

[@Teamoneilrally]

Very nice! Good work out there Johnny

[@johnnyturbo8460]

@@Teamoneilrally thank you. It was this video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWa5eomrl5p0irM ) of yours that immediately had me online looking for the Fiesta. I have been enjoying it every since. Lol not to mention it gets 40mpg on the way to the Rallycross and back home 😁👍. Makes for a great "beater/rally car"

[@stuartfindlay4129]

What Koni shocks? the one's on Tirerack seem to lower which is not good in the snow...

[@Teamoneilrally]

We run Koni Adjustable Sport Dampers, they work very well for our uses here at the rally school.

[@taylorforster9256]

I own that exact car and they handle great

[@ifell3]

Do you remove the antiroll sway bars?

[@FanatikBuilds]

You guys always make very good videos! Had one of these as my first car and loved every minute of it, so much so that even though I now have a newer STI, I still miss the Impreza every day! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from Canada guys 👍

[@Bobs_Sauce]

Shared one of these with my mom when I was in high-school. Somehow she was the only one to do body damage to it lol.

[@555_Kochi_STi]

Next time I’m back in the States, I’d love to come and take a course. So close to my home state of MA.

[@miguelt.7997]

Spoke with DirtFish guys, they said, the new STI's feel like a truck compared to 06 - 07's, not as nimble. I''ve also done Team O'neil 6 day rally school, so no hard feelings : )

[@autocrossaholic]

Had a 03 rs sedan for 12 years and loved it. Got rid of it for a 02 wrx and yes It’s much faster but if I was rallying I’d get a rs again

[@idkidkidk3488]

Is the open front, center and rear differentials that comes with these impreza's are fine for rallying?

[@AutechB12]

This place is beautiful draped in snow!

[@ninjaknight-jn9ky]

Having driven the pants off a gc with the 2.2 it has more than enough power. To get you just as fast as you need to go. I did swap it but it honestly doesn't need it and is being more of a pain than you want to deal with. Also the difference in power between a 227hp wrx vs a 165hp n/a makes less of a deference than you would think because of the weight difference.

[@CorradoRacer]

Hey there! Great review of the subie. It's always great to see a video like this and also learning more about the car. I would love to attend the team o'Neil class someday. I have to make that dream come true ;-) Happy Holidays guys!

[@patonbike]

2005 is also a magic year for NA cars, no AVLS, but drive by wire = easy to mess with the ecu. Also return style fuel system which goes away in 2006. do you find any need for a stiffer rear sway bar? On my 05 outback, the bigger whiteline rear sway bar really took some of the understeer away.

[@08Richard98]

Hey Wyatt! Please get a Volvo turbo and do a lap with it! Would be even better if you could do a “mini build” for rallying on a rwd turbo Volvo, they have a huge potential imo, and they are cheap beatercars, perfect combination of aspiration,driven wheels, and ruggedness for rally!

[@dub537h5]

Didn't realize you guys are in NH, I've lived in the Keene area my whole life!

[@TheGuy89007]

What about gc and gm chassis car. Ive got a 2000 2.5rs? Also would it be possible to have a chat with your mechanics and technicians ?

[@mbrick]

Isn't the center diff a lot different between the base Impreza manual, and wrx / wrx sti? Does that have any real driving impact or are you modifying them?

[@MarktheRude]

Yes it's different, but for educational purposes that's bit irrelevant. And differential setups do have a pretty huge impact, atleast on tarmac.

[@JoelAz909]

They are different between the manuals, autos and the sti. Slush boxes have a viscous coupling center diff and tend to behave more fwd-ish, on manual trans center diff is physical, 50/50 locked. STI has a trick center diff (can adjust power balance to make more rearward, etc.) wrx does not have the trick center diff only the STI.

[@heckyes]

Instructions unclear, am now $20k in debt.

[@Tacticool_Mutton_Chops]

It seems like the prices skyrocketed on these because I can't find 02-07s for prices that aren't silly, or high mileage rust buckets. Are the 08/09/10 2.5i's acceptable? I know they're not macpherson struts in the back but I feel like if I spent $6500 on a decent condition 02-07, I'm not going to want to push the car.

[@MasterD1279]

I'd love to see a video of all the cars you have at the rally school.

[@beaulasher7863]

I got a 2002 1.8t audi with quattro that's tuned just wondering what do u think about the car for spirited winter driving? Also love ur videos they taught me how to slide my car around and have fun in the snow.

[@sbrenx7132]

Tried welding the rear diff on one of those? Welded it on mine and its the best free mod one can do

[@danielminchev6031]

A really nice depiction of this car. Quick question. @th What about the H6 engine in legacy compacted to the 2,5i. Does it make any sense because of the extra HP or it's pointless because it becomes front-heavy?

[@BaioWithMayo]

Car Enthusiasts can totally get into the driver side as well, you get your nice car in the garage all winter and go and hoon in something cheap and fun every day! This is huge and most car guys fortunate enough to have more than 1 car realize this sooner or later

[@LiveFreeMoto]

would be such a fun thing to do!

[@ahmadtajy7178]

Great vid. Would love to see a similar one on rwd and fwd cars too :)

[@mariosnikolaou5212]

Very well placed!

[@SticksTricks]

Would love to use my alltrack on the course, would be such a blast and learning experience!

[@guardrailbiter]

alltrack?

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

@@guardrailbiter Alltrack= A raised Golf wagon with AWD and body cladding.

[@erikchristopherson9700]

Would love to see a video like this on your fiestas

[@tracktimevideos5164]

I like driving and cars and would struggle to enjoy a n/a impreza in anything other than snow so have a STi Spec C RA with a blouch turbo.

[@xxMrPrimeTimexx]

the "turbo headaches" part kinda hurt, I just went from a 2.5i to an STi... (I knew what I was getting into and I wouldn't go back, it just sucks to hear sometimes)

[@JoelAz909]

My understanding is a lot of the "general" turbo issues start from parking up without letting the engine/turbo properly cool down and lube. Possibly one of the best things you can do for a street driven turbo then is get a remote start with a turbo timer feature on it. That lets you leave the car running for a preset time after you get home/park which lets it cycle some oil in and more heat out when parking it. Obviously I'm not talking about overboost and failures from hard driving but in the end heat is the enemy of most everything. Plus, in the winter autostart and the car's nice and warm (leave heater on before exit car) and in summer, car is nice and cool (leave AC on before exit) Personally I love my FirstTech/Compustar. The T11 remote's range is pretty outrageous :)

[@xxMrPrimeTimexx]

Yeah, I understand all that for the most part, I always try to warm it up before going anywhere and I'll sit in it for a little before shutting it off and try not to drive her hard either. I might think about the starter and turbo timer eventually

[@gameboyterrorysta6307]

@@JoelAz909 2.5l boxer just sucks. 2.0 is crazy reliable but 2.5 is the same block, just drilled. I ran 2.0 NA and it is bulletproof while I know many guys running 2.0 STI and WRX without any reliability issues. But everyone I know that has 2.5 Turbo suffered multiple reliability issues.

[@andriainarakotonirina112]

It would be nice to have your take and review on R5(Rally2) cars and S1600 class cars

[@Colondo]

I'm late to the comment party, but these seem hard to find. At first I thought Team O'Neil used 2.5RS'. I'm happy to hear the standard vehicles work as well though. Is there a particular "best place" to source these cars from? My local (Oklahoma) Craigslist / FB Market are very devoid of these, especially with a stick. Thanks!

[@brainp471]

What do you think of the Subaru legacy from the same generation?

[@dman50amm]

Very Good, Thanks!

[@scoutrifle2834]

Is it better to go with a car or a side by side when you are just learning

[@BigStreams_]

Do you know if the desirable suspension that found on the 06 and 07s is also on the foresters of the same years? Or is that a completely different beast?

[@nilochoye]

I came here to ask the same question!

[@BigStreams_]

@@nilochoye doesn’t look like they’re very active in the comments in this video sadly. Maybe they’ll come through after the holidays though.

[@Yarf.McBarf]

@@BigStreams_ If you're referring to the rear MacPherson struts Wyatt mentions at 2:12, yes, the Forester had them from 1998 all the way up to 2007. 2008+ Foresters have multilink rear suspension.

[@philspaghet]

I got a Subaru Legacy 2.5i recently and I would like to get into some rallycross event. What are the limitations of the Legacy over the Impreza I should be made aware of besides weight?

[@CaenFilms]

Yeah good point car vs project car enthusiast

[@jawakening2043]

Can anyone tell me why he said get rid of the airbags at the end?

[@MegaKei1]

Hi. Are the Koni Shocks all you do as far as suspension upgrades go? I'm looking to upgrade the suspension in my BG5 Legacy to make it more compliant and comfortable on our poorly constructed roads and was hoping to take a page out of the rally handbook as I really don't want to go any stiffer than it already is. Any help would be great. Thanks!

[@oldfashionedwrx3574]

How about a liberty n/a sohc over the impreza? the SOHC subarus r really reliable

[@RC_Obsession]

What is your opinion on an automatic version? There are a lot more of those available. What do you recommend?

[@gooberpones]

06-07 2.5i has the VVT heads. But shit I've had one for 5 years and beat the shit out of it. Needs headgaskets (surprise) but thats my fault. Overheated it at least 10 times but I keep fluids in it and she still rips

[@ColoradoStreaming]

Typically the overheating actually comes from the headgasket issue. If you have overheated it that much I would def have the heads machined when you get the gaskets done.

[@krakowiakowii4759]

8:20 what's kind of important I would be nice to see how u do this

[@Combine1331]

Moral of the story - turbo=more quicker and "fun" car=more (expensive) repairs Non turbo=car for longevity and driving

[@BadAssDownUnder101]

Please do a video on disabling abs in these!!

[@TheNheg66]

Just pull a fuse

[@BadAssDownUnder101]

@@TheNheg66 thankyou

[@tylerjohnson9363]

This is super helpful! Would you recommend something in the 2002-2007 range over the previous 1998-2001 car? I love the two door but want something that's more durable and more of a driver.

[@Teamoneilrally]

The older ones are great! They are the lightest so if you're not worried about "looking new-ish for sponsors" or anything definitely go for it. The 4-door is easier to do the rollcage and more convenient than the 2-door, but the 2-door is what most people go for because, well, Colin McRae

[@tylerjohnson9363]

@@Teamoneilrally Awesome thanks for the info. Love you videos they are super helpful for a noob like me! Hoping one day I can come out to your school!

[@kaichuuuuuu]

"No maintenance nightmares".... like a bone stock NA 253 exploding because I took a corner a bit too fast... :(

[@heyoitssky1191]

I love my 2.5i not the fastest in a straight line but fun to drive

[@GorgeousGraphs]

Which car is faster around your lap/track ? The Fiesta ST or this Impreza 2.5i ?

[@toothpicdinosaur3777]

What is high speed in the snow?

[@devjyarn]

Can you recommend a bolt in cage for the Impreza? Are your school cages custom fab?

[@geertterharmsel]

handbrake turns with the stock center diff?

[@SilverScarletSpider]

FWD Rally Honda Civics?

[@Teamoneilrally]

Sure!

[@xSpyke438x]

What are your take on the suzuki sx4 awd? They are cheaper than the subaru and seams pretty reliable

[@8yn815]

I am both car and driving enthusiast and this is why I have a 02 WRX and a 04 STI

[@shadmonk]

Has dccd? Factory diffs?

[@Zohar-Modifier]

I got a question? why are you out in cold making video when your garage will do :)

[@barsaf9989]

Do you guys adjust and play with the koni shocks? Or do you just bolt it on and go.

[@joeyhooper3]

Do all rally's require there be a roll cage in the vehicle?

[@Jatmundar]

I'd like to know more about the transmission. Does it hold up well with the 2.5? Also I test drove one of these earlier this year and wasn't impressed with the shifter. It seemed sloppy. Is that normal for these older cars, or is there a way to tighten them up?

[@fivestringraal]

Probably mileage wear, replace shift links access easy i don't know

[@jawakening2043]

🔥

[@brandonorozco6192]

Is that a stock exhaust?