Out with the New, In with the old (Subaru WRX Sti to Geo Metro)

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

These U.S.-spec headlamps seem to hurt aerodynamics. Compare it with the overseas version.

There is no overseas version of this bodystyle Metro/Swift. It was only sold in North America. The 1995-97 cars had either the recessed sealed beams or flush composite headlamps. Starting in 1998, composite headlamps became standard. And the turn signals, which were previously in the bumper, were integrated into the headlamps.

[Xist]

What kind of mileage were you getting in the Subaru? What is EPA?

You did some impressive work, so I look forward to your progress. Zerohour also did some nice modifications to his Subaru. Then he bought a Mini and disappeared. I did not try too many things with my Forester. It seemed futile.

Didn't you make a crash wrap Kammback for your Del Sol? Everybody else, do you remember making fun of me for my marine wrap grill block?

I am not linking it. I kept seeing people talk about the idea. I tried it and everybody laughed at me. Another science win there.

The back may be (far) more important, but if you cannot swap out the recessed headlights with flush ones, I imagine that you would have an easy time making clear covers.

Excuse me for asking, but didn't your personal life prevent you from trying anything too radical with your STI?

What do you think of the Metro? I had some mechanics tell me how surprisingly nice and enjoyable it was to drive.

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by Xist

What kind of mileage were you getting in the Subaru? What is EPA? Lifetime MPG: 28.4mpg. EPA: 20mpg. So that's 42% over EPA

You did some impressive work, so I look forward to your progress. THANKS! Zerohour also did some nice modifications to his Subaru. Then he bought a Mini and disappeared. I did not try too many things with my Forester. It seemed futile. I've come to the same realization too, hence I bought the Geo

Didn't you make a crash wrap Kammback for your Del Sol? That was a different user...Ecky? (I think?) Everybody else, do you remember making fun of me for my marine wrap grill block? It's ecomodder, nobody ever makes fun of anybody about anything!

I am not linking it. I kept seeing people talk about the idea. I tried it and everybody laughed at me. Another science win there.

The back may be (far) more important, but if you cannot swap out the recessed headlights with flush ones, I imagine that you would have an easy time making clear covers.

Excuse me for asking, but didn't your personal life prevent you from trying anything too radical with your STI?

Yep, blame the fiance. I wanted to do more aero mods because my commute is mainly highway, but she would break up with me if i went all kammback on the Sti. Therefore, i'd have to do less noticeable mods, such as power steering delete, alternator delete, a/c delete. However, since the car was new, I didn't want to risk breaking anything. Plus it's nice to have a/c in the hot summers.

What do you think of the Metro? I had some mechanics tell me how surprisingly nice and enjoyable it was to drive.

My thoughts on the Metro? It's perfect for what it was designed to do, it gets AWESOME GAS MILEAGE! Other than that, it's as basic as a car can get. It comes with power nothing.

Acceleration is.....eventual.

Handling is.....it's not fair to compare it to the Del sol and Sti, so i wont. I haven't really pushed the Geo yet because every time i grip the steering wheel hard, it disintegrates a little bit more. Since it has no power steering, the steering "feel" is direct. The car is really lightweight so that helps in the handling department too. It's not floaty, body roll is not terrible. It does come with a front stabilizer bar. James May from Top Gear says small economy cars are a lot more fun to drive because you reach their limits a lot sooner.

Road Noise and Comfort: for a 19 year old car, the road noise is actually pretty good! A lot more quieter than my mom's 2005 Hyundai Accent. Im sure when I get the undertray and mirror deletes installed, it will be even queiter. The interior has held up pretty good as well. I've only found one rattle that I have to take care of. In my 2 year old STI, i nearly disassembled the entire interior to get rid of all of the squeaks and rattles! Seats are soft, however they do lack lumbar support. I wish the center console had an armrest though.

Shift lever: It's what you'd expect from an economy car, long, mushy, and vague gear changes. These can be alleviated with new (or rebuilt) shifter bushings and a short shifter from a honda civic.

Safety: Let's just say If I was to get into a crash, the only crash I hope to get into is full frontal at less than 15mph.

Overall: Fun little car and it's not extremely terrible if your expectations are not really high. Even if you thrash on it, you'll still get better MPG than most modern "economical" cars of today.

All in All, the main reason I bought the GEO was to rack up the 100 mile round trip to commute to work every day. I ran the numbers, I would potentially spend $120 a month (includes gas, insurance, and spreading the $1500 cost over 4 years) VS the $239 I spend in GAS ONLY on the Sti.

[MetroMPG]

LATE TO THE PARTY! WOOO!

I haven't laughed so many times in such a short thread in a while. Thanks, everyone.

Congrats on the car!

I have so much rust-free envy right now. I literally have the last one of these cars still on the road in my region, and only because it hasn't been subjected to the usual amount of soaking in salt as other cars its age.

Consider lowering it too. COP SUSPENSION! If spring-chopping isn't sacreligious to you, it's commonly done to these cars and... free! And helps aero! I've been trying to convince Tim to do it to his. (I'll do it to mine one day... been on the to-do list for years.)

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Consider lowering it too. COP SUSPENSION! If spring-chopping isn't sacreligious to you, it's commonly done to these cars and... free! And helps aero! I've been trying to convince Tim to do it to his. (I'll do it to mine one day... been on the to-do list for years.)

Yep i was reading GeoMetroForum.com for suspension and handling suggestions. Apparently NOBODY makes any suspension mods for this car, so everybody does end up just chopping their stock springs. LOL! Otherwise, most everything is either custom made or retrofitted from other makes and models (ie: short shifter from Honda Civics/Integras)

I just love how everything on this car is so cheap!

[user removed]

Shortening the springs makes them stiffer. Think of the spring as a straight rod, shorter it is, harder it is to twist it to the same point.

regards
mech

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Shortening the springs makes them stiffer. Think of the spring as a straight rod, shorter it is, harder it is to twist it to the same point.

regards
mech

That means i'll have to install stiffer shocks as well.

[MetroMPG]

Allow me to reveal my ignorance: why would you need firmer shocks?

Edit: doesn't the drop pressurize the stock shocks a bit more, and the firmer spring prevent bottoming?

(Or I could probably just google that and not look like a fool... naahh! )

[doviatt]

KYB struts and H&R sport springs are claimed to be the best match for these cars. I did both this year and don't regret it. Way fun to drive now. Go cart like.
The springs are kind of pricey. So if you want to try the stock spring cut it might work out as well.
Mine doesn't have the anti sway bars so that is my next addition.

[doviatt]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Allow me to reveal my ignorance: why would you need firmer shocks?

(I could probably just google that and not look like a fool. )

Firmer (shorter) springs have a quicker rebound rate. If you match this rate with shocks you get the best "matched" performance for the set.