This is my dilemma. I've been the sole owner of an 07 Sti that now has 108k miles on it. I've done a fair amount of work to it (TBE, intake, 1000cc injectors, Walbro FP, UP, EWG, E85 tune...) and its putting down 374/366. It's my daily driver but with 108k miles on it, I've had to replace/repair some items (head gasket, battery, O2 sensor...). I love the car and it's a blast to drive, but I'm worried about reliability over the next 1-2 years (remainder of my financing term) and as my DD, I need it to be reliable. I'm heavily considering the Evo X, probably the GSR, as I test drove it last week and liked it. I can't say that I was left in awe but it was nice. I'm sure having a modded Sti didn't help. Help me make my decision whether to stay with my Sti or trade in for an Evo X

Additional point:
-This will be my DD
-I'd like to stay stock and hold on to the warranty for a while
-When I do mod, what mods and $ am I looking at to get me to the 350-400 whp level? (AMS is only a few miles away so a world class shop is nearby)
-Still not sure if it makes more sense to lease or buy....

Thanks

 

One other question, how reliable would a 350-400 whp bolt on/E85 Evo X be if done right. I've always hear that the engines are bulletproof?

 

Go with the Evo GSR, especially since you are talking about keeping the warrenty. That was my plan too, but after 2 weeks I started modding lol. You are near AMS and that's awesome, they know what they are doing and sell quality parts. As far as mods go for 350-400, pretty simple, the mods on the Evo vs. STI is that the Evo mods adapt better to simple bolt ons, adding more hp then simple bolt ons on STI's. You're looking at TBE, CAI/SRI, FMIC (if you want one), LICP and UICP, Cams, Solid tune, You're looking high 300's. Read my mods list in my signature, The cams are coming soon for my car, and with my tune, I'm looking at 375-390, depending on how conservative I go and what dyno I put it on. You can always go other routes as well, I just did it this way because I got a steal on my prices

 

Ive had an 06 sti, Nice car I liked it. I sill miss the subie rumble. However, I dumped an awful amount of money into the car for not alot of hp/tq. I had a 04 GTO after that, but thing handled like a complete dog. it wasnt for me.

I have since picked up an 03 evo, and am happy again. Most of the mods were already done, but I do have a FP Black on the way. Before this purchase I drove an 08 X GSR thinking I wanted that style but couldnt justify spending 28K on a car two years ago.

I wouldnt say any car is bullet proof, the 07 stis, had a bad tune from factory and were blowing up left and right. Every car has flaws or limits, and many modded cars rely very heavily on the tune.

When I was researching the Evo Xs two years ago, it seemed like over 400tq you were playing with the devil and a rod making a new window in your block. this was in the 08s that I was looking at. I am unsure if this is still the case with the 10s, 11s, and 12s. 09s didnt come to the states which I am sure you are aware of.

So in summary, I would take the X over the 07 STI, I can say this because I have actually owned one. Many people will bash them without owning one. STIs are great cars, but they are sometimes a pain in the *** to work on. Boost leaks can be a a PITA to find with the vacumm line routing. The Evos in general are easier to work on and produce better numbers with the same mods. 08+ might be a pain if you are going to replace the turbo due to the turbo being against the firewall. Although you probably wouldnt need to do that to hit 350 - 400hp depending on mods and tune.

For the extra money in my opinion I would get the aero, sound, and nav but that just me I believe thats the SSS package plus Nav.

Sorry for the book

 

That's great info. Thanks

 

No engine is truly bulletproof, but they are very tough and durable, especially when modded and tuned properly. I'm currently sitting at 400whp with a completely stock longblock and daily-drive the car and take cross-country roadtrips.

I also have a WRX in my garage so I'm not biased against Subarus; they're all nice cars. The Evo is easier/cheaper to mod and make power with reliably though.

 

I sold my 05 STi with 90k and set up like yours and moved to a X for the same reasons. It was time for me to do timing belt, water pump, all the fluids, etc. I had gone the past year with having some random sensor fail every time I tried to leave town. So, bought the X.

Sadly my X is still totally stock for now, but drives great, still under warranty (but dont buy the Evo for warranty only, too many horror stories with ).

Pluses I think I've gained:
-- X handles better, by a lot
-- New car, low miles, piece of mind
-- It will take a fraction of modding and cost to get the power we used to have.

Things I miss:
-- The sound
-- The 6sp MT (OH I miss that thing so much)
-- Trunk space (!!!!)
-- The lower end toque (but that would change with mods on the X I'm sure)


Just don't go into the X if financially you end up sacrificing yourself, because that's never worth it. But, I made the same move you're thinking of and I'm happy. (I secretly hope to convince my fiance to buy a WRX as her next car though )

 

Do you guys recommend a tune asap on the Ralliart (stock)?

 

I'm not a Subie fan, but if it's still going with an E85 tune after 108k miles, you need to pay it off and keep that sucker!

It sounds like you drive a ton, and you'll just be putting miles on the Evo, plus have a lot more months to pay for it on a new loan.

 

Yes. A RA with a Cobb Stage 1 OTS map will make more power than a stock X. I drove one once, it was impressive for an otherwise stock car.

 

your getting up there in miles, your car is losing whatever value it has left (legitimate)

i came from subie land, and LOVE the evo

 

The Evo 10 GSR is a logical move. Like many on this board, I also love Subarus, having owned several WRXs and was set getting a low miled 06/07 STI but never found one I liked, and after test driving the new 2011 STI, ended up getting the Evo 10.

After having my Evo 10 only at a OTS Cobb Stage 1 and a mild rear sway upgrade, I drove a tuned stage 2 06 STI, with sways, Pinks, there's still no comparison. What this particular STI and my old modded WRXs did at 10/10ths, my Evo 10 does easily all day long at 6-7/10ths, and without the jarring bouncy ride of the Subaru.

 

Get the Evo X! Clearly the better choice.

 

look at my sig ;]

 

How I see it is look at your financial situation. I'd imagine you already have. But just my 2 cents.

Since you only have 2 years left. That must mean you don't owe all that much. You already have a car your happy with. And it seems to me like you've already done the tune up? If so, that is a big life saver right there. Your the sole owner, you know the cars history and it's condition. You know what should and shouldn't be fixed or messed with. You already have the power range toe looking for and a fairly reliable car at that. Your at 106k with some decent bolt ons.

I used to have an 06 sti as my daily, the daily part of it was pretty good for a 30 grand sport car and at 320h 300tq I'd say it was pretty fun and reliable. Especially loved the strong 6 speed. Yea it took a little more to make that kinda power but at the same time, your already there! Haha

I looked and test drove an 11 with everything but the navi. Amazing car, much more comfy than an 8-9 Evo. Would be a great daily I felt. Especially since it was new. BUT the car was $35+ grand!!! I couldn't justify it. Many other choices out there. (personal opinion)

I ended up buying a 9 MR SE for 26k. Low mileage and garaged. I like the 6 speeds but they aren't to strong. And interior is not very good compared to even the StI. Significantly faster than the STi with less mods. If I could go back I'd buy the the X over the 9.

I feel that your already in a pretty dang good situation with the built sti. Power, reliability and financially. If you can get over the hype of a new car, I think your best off sticking to the great car you already have.

Just my rant lol