does anyone know what the best setting is to have the diff controle on the 1997 impreza sti, im runin 500bhp and cant keep the back end straight ?

This is probably kinda obvious, but if you are cranking out 500hp traction starts to become an issue even with AWD. I'm sure you know that with a high powered AWD car its preferable for the back to let go before the front does to quell the understeer inherent to front-engine awd setups, so I'm going to recommended staying with an equal 50/50 or rear biased setting. If I remember correctly the adjustable diff on the 97 euro spec impreza was adjustable up to 30/70 front/rear? I would probably start at about a 40/60 split and experiment a bit this way and that. Tires will also make a huge difference in how the car puts the power down. If you are driving this car on the street, I would highly recommend the new Dunlop Star Specs, or the Falken Azenis RT-615. If it is a track car, then perhaps something more aggressive like a Toyo R888 or a Yoko A046 series may be in order. Don't try to use any of these tires in the snow/ice or even if the temp is below 10C. They don't work in the cold :-P

thanks for that mate, was very helpfull, you sound like you know youre stuff !! i will give it a try and keep my fingers crossed that it doesnt scare me again lol :)

No problem. I know how it is with a 500hp AWD car, I have one as my daily driver :-) I was thinking though, when you said you were having issues keeping the back end straight, do u mean it was stepping out on power during straight line acceleration? Or were you referring to excessive oversteer in the corners? I've been thinking that you might want to go closer to a 50/50 power distribution rather than too much rear bias. Both of those issues imply too much power to the rear wheels given available traction....

i dont study car tires as much as motorcycle but i think another good tire would be a michelin pilot sport. they make the same series in motorcycles and they are some of the best out there. have you heard anything on the michelin pilot sports for cars chamal?

You're absolutely right Chase, the Michelin Pilot Sports are another great tire. Specifically the PS2's for a street application where you might see some wet, or if you're car is a dedicated dry weather track machine the Pilot Sport Cups are stupendous.

I know my friend had some on his SRT-4 with a stage 1 turbo so i figured it had to be a decent car tire along with motorcycle. It's all I put on my bike. Well actually I run pilot powers now since its the upgraded pilot sport

its when i am in a trait line even in the dry when i put the power on and the turbo kicks in thats when it steps out..ive just had a 2.5ltr stoker kit fitted and interceptor ecu, full strait thou exsaust and loads other stuff done to it..the tyres are bridgestone but have a good tread on them!! im just not sure how to read the diff controle on the dash to get the 50/50 setting..i was guessing that is the one that it is aoutomaticly set to, it is a green light right at the bottom then it just flicks up!!

Ah ok. If you are running built motor with big turbo and you have good tires on it and are loosing traction in the dry when boost hits do you know what that means? It means your mods have worked and your car is making mad power :-) Welcome to traction limited acceleration, its a small but very elite place to be in the AWD world! The only solution now is to control power deliver with your right foot. Ease into the boost by feathering the throttle at 60-90% rather than slamming your foot to the floor and hoping AWD grip will put down the power like with a stock STI. Those days of 100% throttle are over man hehehe :P Once the car gets moving you will be able to slam back on the power again. With only 500hp you will only be traction limited in 1st and maybe early 2nd gear at low speeds. Once rolling you will be fine and will be able to use full power again.

Hi... Talk to Prodrive.UK.. They are pro Subaru bilders.. Make rally cars for Subaro.. B.R.Tor

michelins are crazy money compared to all the other brands though well besides pirelli

another awesome tire that i recomend is the BFgoodrich traction t/a kdw those have great wear time and the name says it all....traction!

dont set the back end too stiff and too low...apply the front-wheel drive settiing...keep the camber and damper ratios to stock...

thats very true but when its the only thing connecting you to the road and you put your ife in the hands of your tires i tihnk its worth the extra cash

hi, thanks for that Chamal, i think youre right, Basicly to just be patient for that extra second till the boost kicks in..Once my tyres have worn down i woill opt for some good ones like you suggest...Thanks for youre interest and advice :p