I've had my WRx for approx. 3 weeks - 560 miles on her. She's running as smooth as can be during this break in period. Somedays I feel her kick at 4000 rpm and others the kick just doesn't seem to be there - is this all part of the 'break-in' period? Can you guys tell me at what mileage I can expect her to start performing at her finest and throwing me to the back of my seat?? This break in period is killing me...

Lori

 

i don't know what you mean by kick. explain that better. plus the wrx does throw, it pushes, the turbo is really smooth once you get to 3000ish rpms. it will push you really hard, but not throw you, and mine performed great right when i got it with 36 miles on it. i also test drove one with 300 miles on it, and it ran very strong then too! if it kicks, it could be the tranny not being warmed up, if it was a cool night or whatever, i don't really know what kind of kick you are talkinga obut though.

 

Let me explain myself...my idea of a kick is when the car feels like it craves to go faster and you get the distinct feeling of being pushed back against your seat. I can feel this "craving for acceleration" at 3500 rpm, but its not consistent. Sometimes the acceleration is there and other times she accelerates steadily but not quickly.

 

ohh ok, well could just be air tempature. that would have a lot to do with it. also the WRX seems to be mroe weight sensitive than most cars. i can feel a big difference each time another person is added to the car. and in general, i think all the WRX's have there days, or hours. it goes crazy somedays and other days, it just sorta goes. but either way its still much faster than most cars on the road especially the new mustang GT's

if you car really doesn't feel like its doing what it should then maybe you should drive a few other ones and then take it in. also see if you can check the boost, maybe it was turned down by the factory, i don't know why but i have heard depending who the car is for subaru may adjust the boost.

 

It will depend on the RPM your at, what gear your in, how many people are in your car and a few other factors. Either way if you want to be pinned in your seat then its time for some upgrades cause its not really fun until you have so much torque that it wants to pin you into the backseat.

 

If the A/C is on the kick will lack quite a bit.
The kick relies on the turbo being spooled up. If you've been cruising at no or low boost it will take a second or two to kick in.

I agree you should wait until 1000 miles to even think about it.

I also agree that weight can be a big factor. The "punch" is a bit
more subdued with 2-3 passengers.

 

My WRX has plenty of kick. I only have a little over 200 miles and it is hard as heck to stay under 4000 rpms. It seems like the car's kick is just starting at around the 3000-3500 range and then you need to shift. I have been good so far and not exceeded the 4000 rpms, but it has been tough. I can't wait for 1000 miles. I am making every excuse possible to dive places to get up the mile mark.

 

Thanks guys. For the most part I'm in the car alone so weight won't have much to do with the lack of 'kick' - I did take your advice and waited for the turbo boost to build up before shifting and it did make a difference...of course only when I was at around 4000 rpm. Funny enough when I have the A/C on I feel a stonger 'kick' but I think that's because I tend to shift higher to compensate for the A/C (not that you really feel that much of a difference - just used to it from driving my old underpowered Toyota). I have also been paying more attention to the humidity and again you guys were right on the money. I've gotta agree with irish89rmf this break in period is tough...I too can't wait to start shifting at higher rpms. Thanks again for all the advice. - Lori