List of possible Donor cars? Can 02-07 Imprezas be used?

[c11k]

Is there a list of known cars that can be used as a donor? I am in MA and from the way I read the rules here, there _must_ be a donor car, you can't build one with all original parts. (I may be mistaken). I'm not planning on using the engine or brakes from the car, so I was wondering if I could get what I need from an impreza instead of a WRX.

Thanks.

[Hobby Racer]

Yes, an Impreza will be fine, and much cheaper. The hard parts you'll use like steering column, pedal box, suspension control arms, spindles and hubs are the same as the WRX. The interior bits are most likely the same but I can't say for sure.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Yes, an Impreza will be fine, and much cheaper. The hard parts you'll use like steering column, pedal box, suspension control arms, spindles and hubs are the same as the WRX. The interior bits are most likely the same but I can't say for sure.

When ordering your kit from factory five you will tell them that you a using a non-turbo Impreza and they will ship the appropriate exhaust parts with the kit.

[Hobby Racer]

When ordering your kit from factory five you will tell them that you a using a non-turbo Impreza and they will ship the appropriate exhaust parts with the kit.

He is not using the motor so I don't know if that will help. Better to tell them the type of donor based on the transmission you plan to use so they can ship the right axle shafts. The NA cars and the turbo cars have different splines.

[redbudrr]

It would be to your advantage if you picked out a donor car before ordering your kit. You could build a kit with all new parts, but there are many unique special fittings, parts etc that the donor will have that you need. It is a great deal of help to actually disassemble a vehicle so you know where everything came from and its function. If you want optional things such as the axles that already have been modified for the kit, they need to know what year trans and car you are using as donor.

[idf]

Is there a list of known cars that can be used as a donor? I am in MA and from the way I read the rules here, there _must_ be a donor car, you can't build one with all original parts. (I may be mistaken). I'm not planning on using the engine or brakes from the car, so I was wondering if I could get what I need from an impreza instead of a WRX.

Thanks.

I'm also in MA and although I built my 818 using a donor, I don't think this is required. They do want to know where the parts came from, that you didn't steal them and that you paid appropriate taxes. I registered my car 4 years ago, and the rules do seem to be a moving target, so may have changed. I'm in Hingham, MA, and happy to share my build and registration experiences with you.

[jbs72697]

Hello. Just joined here. I’m in Mass as well and am planning on building an 818 in the (probably far) future so I plan on learning as much as possible about it in the meantime. I’ve been to FFR twice and took the tour and was quite impressed with the quality
Looking forward to starting the project

[Ajzride]

My advice to add to this thread would be avoid the 06/07 cars. The immobilizer is a headache.

[c11k]

> The immobilizer is a headache.

Do you mean the anti-theft system?

I ended up buying all the suspension components for an 07 new from Rock Auto and Amazon and a few used parts from eBay. I had a kit on order that would have supplied all the remaining parts (brakes, etc), but then I found a deal on a 1/2 built 818 that I'll be getting shortly (current world situation allowing).

So now I have a basement full of new components I probably won't be using, and a car incoming with an engine and a bunch of other stuff I don't need.

@jbs72697, welcome to the group, where are you located?

[Ajzride]

> The immobilizer is a headache.

Do you mean the anti-theft system?

Yes, on the 2006 and newer cars, if the immobilizer isn't happy, the ECU won't fire the fuel injectors. Makes it really hard to crank the car.

[jbs72697]

Hi. Thanks for the welcome. Happy to be part of it
C11k, I’m in Braintree. I’m a long way off from building an 818, but if you’re not going to use some parts I may think about grabbing some if you’d like to be rid of anything, providing my wallet agrees

[jbs72697]

Quick question. I’m selling a mazda3 to a friend of a friend who’s ‘09 Forester is having problems (engine, brakes). By any chance would his Forester be of any use as a donor, even if partial?
If so I thought I could put it on here for him. Might help to pay for him to buy my Mazda