Some recent observations…

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Just a few thoughts on things I am seeing on cars that are causing issues at the moment..

  1. COILPACKS – Although it is hard to admit it, newage subarus are no longer new and as such some things are starting to get towards the end of life. I am seeing an increasing number of coil pack issues on these previously bullet proof coilpacks. Don’t go for the supposed uprated Red ones (they are hopeless and unnecessary imo) – just standard subaru parts are fantastic and probably will last another 20 yrs.
  2. OIL – I know times are tight at the moment but for a reliable Subaru it is essential to not penny pinch on oil and oil changes. I have always found Motul 300V 15/50 the best and would always recommend that. Dont stretch the change intervals as it will bite you in an expensive engine build.
  3. MODIFICATIONS – I see lots of cars where people have fitted the modifications themselves. I have no issue with that as essentially they are easy cars to work on but always allow extra time to fit them and to encounter problems. For example it is asking for trouble to fit the morning of mapping or even the day before as it doesnt allow time to fix stripped threads, seized bolts and the like that you are likely to encounter on parts that have been very happy where they were for 20 yrs. It would mean losing any deposit for mapping so will work out more expensive for you.
  4. 99 RON FUEL – Fuel quality is still not quite what it was pre covid times but it is a lot better than last year. One observation on this is that it goes off quickly. With the increasing reliance on ethanol to boost the octane level this loses it magic when exposed to the elements quite quickly so if you are planning on parking the car up for a while run the tank down as far as possible and fill up with fresh fuel when it is time to play again.
  5. SUPPLY – there are still supply issues for parts, god knows what reason it is now but it can extend timescales quite dramatically waiting on parts to arrive. For example there is a long wait for Link G4X ecus at the time of going to press here. Everything else is obtainable though from the ECU side of things.
  6. GETTING WORK DONE – All the good Subaru specialists are busy, they have been all the way through the last two years and suffer the same supply issues on parts and shipping. Try to plan in advance wherever possible and wait for the work to be done properly rather than take to a local non subaru specialist. That can end up costing you more in the long run.

In general if you are working towards an event or show try to book mapping as far in advance as possible as slots before major events tend to get booked up by other more organised people and time is hard to find to help people out. I do try wherever possible though 🙂

Anyway – see you soon

Duncan