FTO Drivers Club, Western Australia

[shane blyth]

I currently own a 1993 WRX with a few mods and are lookign at selling and buying an FTO for a number of reasons.
I am going to look at a few models in a few days and wanted some info from those in the know.

I have a list of several cars all 94 and 95... most simply state 2 litre V6
one mentions being quad cam and 2 are 5 speeds and 2 are tiptronics.

I am basically looking for a car that handles well and the more power the better of course though I will miss the 225kw my subby has of course but not the fuel bill...

so what is the best of these models ? is there any appreciatble difference between a 94 and 95 (all imports form Japan) and are there any differences in the same year and how do I tell whats what if there is.

Is it better to get say a 96.... or later model in respecs to better power or handling or is there little in it ?... as I said the more power and better handling the more I like it of course but I dont have a bottomless pit as far as finance goes.

I read some of the reviews on this site and seemed to have some people say they handled poorly (no model or year was mentioned) in the reviews while the guy doing the 1998 model raved about the handling so I am little confused.

Thanks for your comments and help

[marke]

1. If your used to the scoobys power find a Manual GPX, that will give you the closest possible power. This is the best model by far n my opinion.

2. If you must go for a TIP go for a 5 speed TIP, meaning you need to look for '97 onwards.

3. There are 2 distinct "categories" of FTO, pre '97 (5sp manual or 4sp Tip, GPX (mivec) or GR (plain v6)) and post '97 "facelift" models (5sp manual or 5sp tip), and GPX (mivec). GR (plain v6) and GPvR (mivec w/bigger bodykit, LSD, stiffer suspension plus a few other things).

the cream of the cropwould be a 5sp Manual GPvR, then go for it, but you will need to look for post '97. They are really hard to find over here. The best alternative is a5sp manual GPX, either post or PRE '97.

Mark

[RichardH]

Yep, the GP Version R is the top spec one as far as performance goes...

Pretty rare around these parts, but they are around (allegedly).

It's a slightly sharper version of a GPX. Same 2 litre MIVEC (ie. variable valve timing/lift) engine, but with a few other tweaks...

- It's a little lighter.
- Not the full climate control system - no doubt to save weight in stuff like ducts, control units, etc.
- Suspension is a dash lower, and a dash harder (apparently).
- Different rear spoiler.
- Might even have less soundproofing (weight again).

If you want the sharpest possible type of FTO out of the factory, it's worth looking into.

As for the year, I'd get the youngest one I could afford.

As for the handling issue, if you get an FTO with old, worn dampers then it won't feel razor sharp... I replaced mine (and other bits like springs) to get it the way I wanted it. It's been great ever since...

Good luck with the car hunting!

- Rich

[elmo]

I've got a '95 GPX with a 5 speed manual. They are rated at around 150 KW but I've kept within a half car length against some very enthusiastic WRX drivers (stocko models though without too many mods). But then again my FTO is essentially unmodified in the performance department too.
For the price you can't go wrong. At least ten grand cheaper than a WRX and it is no where near as common, meaning it really turns heads, without needing an exhaust dragging on the ground or a blow off valve to attract attention.

I would rate it as fast as a turbo 180SX.
Only the new Integra Type R handles better in the 2wd range of vehicles.
The WRX is faster and may handle,
but my FTO looks heaps better than all of them.(and you wont see twenty on the way to work...)

So that's why I chose an FTO and not a WRX, but it was a close call for a while there....

Hope this helps.

[branko]

If you hear complaints about FTO's suspension, it is not because it doesnt handle well, but because the suspension with which the car is factory fitted is of very poor quality and wears out quite quickly.

Most FTO's which have done 50k+ will have worn bushes, shocks etc and will need some suspension work done to them. After market suspension bits, although costly, are of much better quality and will last longer and dramasticaly improve handling of a used FTO.

If you are used to a WRX, YOU MUST get a manual, or you will be a little dissapointed.

[RichardH]

Dead right about the FTO suspension lifespan! It seems original Japanese "factory" struts, especially, just aren't built to last.

I'd heard in the past that for Mitsubishi cars manufactured mostly in Japan but sold in Australia that they simply refit with "Australian spec" suspension before they hit the showrooms! Hmmmmm....

- Rich