Impreza Lx!!!! Help!!!!

Do know of a hood upgrade for the '98 Impreza LX (Or better, a aftermarket hood)??? Also anyone know the dimensions of the '98 WRX japan spec engine and if it'll fit in my Impreza LX (I currently have on one hold :devil: ). Finally I want to know if there are any differences in the RS 2.5 and LX, US models (Wheelbase, length, width, etc.). Thanks for your help. ;)

PLease don't do what you are proposing. Just sell the LX and buy a WRX. Swapping the engine in is not a good solution. THere are SO many things the WRX will have to make it DRIVEABLE and SAFE that yours won't. For example, specific spring and damper settings, bigger brakes, specific tyres etc. Engine swaps like this are NOT a good idea.

I will have to agree, why mess with the car when it's not made to drive the way you're proposing. You might as well get a car that is made and designed to be pushed hard. Sell the LX and get a WRX. Can't go wrong with that. Conversions are a bitch, and too much of a headache to deal with.

Well, I'm not just going to drop an engine and let it rip. I plan on doing other modifications as well, such as the clutch, rim, interior, springs, etc. What I really want to do is convert my LX to a WRX STI spec, since I have an advantage of working in a auto shop, and the owner lets me use his equipment after shop hours. Time isn't of a concern for me, I have plenty of time to complete this project. I guess I shouldn't be asking these types of questions, since it is illegal. Oh well, anyone know of a good aggresive replacement hood for the LX? Also, how different are the '98 LX and WRX body structures? You were saying it is unsafe; is it due to the differences in materials or structure of the bodies, or is it because some parts of the car wont be able to handle it (Clutch, Spring, Gearing, etc.)? Well thanks for your input.

Both of what you have mentioned in the last sentence is true. Also, can you imagine the hundreds of hours Subaru does to get EVERYTHING right? Trust us with this one, don't do it. Just sell it buy a WRX and upgrade from there.

Not to be an ass or anything, but I dont really want to sell my LX and get a WRX. I paid $7500 for it and with the mods it will probably only cost me $5k-8k, totaling up to about $10k-16k. An actual WRX would cost me $20k+ and I wouldnt have the fun of building it. Anyway, nothing fast is safe, so it doesn't really matter. I would rather wreck a conversion LX then a brand new WRX, since I plan on doing some rallying. Also the new WRX looks too nice, needs more aggressive headlights.

It's your life, your money, your car and your loss. You have been given advice here, whether or not you take it is up to you. I personally wish you luck whichever path you choose. Let us know the results. Oz.