I bought my 04 WRX wagon a few months ago, coinciding with taking off from work, so I wasn't able to start acquiring parts for all of the deferred maintenance. In particular, it's still got the original timing belt, so I decided not to start the engine again until I replace that.
Now it's time to begin developing the plan and ordering parts.
It appears that ebay is the preferred source for a timing belt kit if you want an OEM belt and quality bearings (the consensus is that the quality of the Gates belts has declined). The OEM water pump, thermostat, and thermostat housing are also recommended. Prices at the local dealer were insane, so that's out.
I'm not automatically against ebay, but it always feels a little risky, and I would love to support a Flyin Miata type of company. Reliable, ethical, in for the long haul, aware that everyone might have a different goal in mind, etc. FM appears to be a one-off, however, if you get outside of the Miata world.
It needs some axles, those I'll order from RA (we must support the GRM advertisers where possible).
I've also been trying to learn what to do with the car to keep it reliable for daily driving. With the exception of some slotted/drilled rotors and silicone hoses, it's entirely stock, and that's the reason I bought it.
Unfortunately, it seems like all of the usual on-line information sources are all about getting those mad WHP numbers, yo. Kind of a weird dichotomy for cars with a reputation for weak head gaskets and blowing engines. Fortunately, the EJ205 in my 04 doesn't appear to be as fragile as some of the others.
It seems like every discussion goes straight to an aftermarket tune. I'm fine with the stock power, I'd rather know if the factory tune is a safe tune and has good drivability or does it have some weird glitches (looking at you, FRS/BRZ).
I'm wondering about hardware mods, too. I think that there's a good consensus for an air-oil separator, and perhaps the cylinder 4 cooling mod.
The down sides to modifying the car are possibly making it less reliable, getting on the scope-creep treadmill, and taking it out of street class autocross (it'll be my very occasional back up to my ES Miata).
I definitely want to add gauges, AFR, oil pressure, and boost.
Longer term, and after I'm convinced that I'm up to date on reliability/maintenance, I would consider using the car for some track laps.
So, sorry about the disjointed rant, but does anyone have anything to offer in the way of advice? Does it really make sense to keep it stock, or is the car massively improved in every way with a tune and some conservative mods?
