Previous STi owners thoughts on my new MS3

LazerBlueP5

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2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe // 6spd
Just made delivery of my 08 True Red MS3. Here are some of my preliminary observations for driving it for one night.

I looooove the midrange torque. 3rd gear feels like a sweet spot at highway speeds. The power seems to completely dissolve as it approaches redline, much more than it did in my STi. Is this normal?

I haven't noticed much wheel hop so much as loss of traction. Summer tires in 20 degree winter weather is terribly unsafe. Gotta hit TireRack for some Blizzacks. Additionally I haven't pushed it very hard to see how difficult it was to launch, trying to be relatively soft in breaking it in.

The interior materials seem much more upscale than my STi. It's got a quiet cabin and the exhaust note is severely muffled inside (a good thing!). I love the telescoping wheel, though after driving in my S2000 I tend to want to lower it so much into my lap that it visually block the top of my gauge cluster.

The shifter does feel a bit "spongy" but not as bad as I expected. The syncros were well spaced and I never was left guessing which gear I was in. The reverse gear (pressing in and pulling TOWARD me) is a bit of a change. The stock shift knob feels like its made out of good materials. I don't know if I'd swap out for an all aluminum one though- the small metal it has on it already feels cold in my hand. If anything I'd an all leather one.

My biggest disappointment yet- driving home right after signing all paperwork and getting keys...I notice a creaking noise coming from what sounds like my gauge cluster...maybe deeper back...maybe inside the dash behind the wheel. I dunno but it's enough to make me want to pull my hair out. I try to solace myself with the fact that inevitably this car WILL have creaks and rattles. However it wasn't comforting to have one right from day one. lol After closer inspection I'm lead to believe it might even be the plastic shroud on the outside of the vehicle between the bottom of the windshield glass and the hood. As I pull into my sloped driveway slowly I hear the creaking even more pronounced as the car mildly flexes going up an incline. Anyone know what this can be? It could be weather related it was like 5 below with windchill last night in NJ.

Anyway those are my basic first impressions. I look forward to doing some light modding (probably go as far as a Cobb stage2 kit when it's available) and hopefully tracking down this creaking and alleviating it...at least before the next creak pops up. Thanks for reading and I appreciate any and all input regarding my day-1 creak. :)
 
congrats!! ms3 good choice, ive never had a interior ratlle don;t know what that could be? the power falls off at around 6k cuase the throttle plate starts to close. the best easiest mod is to get a boost controller and set it to 18psi...:)
 
1. Get used to that rattle you hear. It is the windshield ticking and is something you can fix with some epoxy but it doesn't really do it over 40 degrees.

2. Our powerband is low to mid range. Really, you are better off shifting sooner rather than later to keep the engine in its optimal power range.

3. Get TWM shifter bushings. I installed them and it eliminated much of the spongy feel that plagues our gear box. There are other ways to fix this without ordering stuff from a company.

4. Welcome Back.
 
Nice review. I just purchased my MS3 after selling my 35R STi ;)
Your review sounds dead on. The power does fall off like crazy at redline, but I thinik some tuning will cure that. This car is too new, still waiting on some good EMS upgrades.

About your creeking noise, there is a thread someplace where some people found a cure for the problem. Try to search for it. Mine does it too, but only when its COLD out, like im talking I dont notice it uless its below 10 degree's here in MN.
 
that rattling noise has been a common issue lately... a bulletin has been released on this issue, so your dealer should be able to fix it easily
 
that rattling noise has been a common issue lately... a bulletin has been released on this issue, so your dealer should be able to fix it easily

Really? As in recall?

Its been a while since I have re-read the thread on the windshield noise. Is this some new development?
 
Not so much a recall as a fix it if complaints occur. I believe it was under the windshield wiper cowl outside of the cockpit.
 
Very easy and free way to make the windshield noise go away. There is a little knob in the center of your console, just below the radio display. Turn it clockwise.
 
Just made delivery of my 08 True Red MS3. Here are some of my preliminary observations for driving it for one night.

I looooove the midrange torque. 3rd gear feels like a sweet spot at highway speeds. The power seems to completely dissolve as it approaches redline, much more than it did in my STi. Is this normal?
Max power "peeks" @ 5500rpm from there to red line it's like nothing. So yes, to stay in the power band shift around 5500-6000 rpm. That should keep a smile on your face
 
wow, is it just me or are a lot of Suby guys (myself included) coming over to the MS3 side?

I absolutely love my MS3 (came from a stage 2 04 WRX) and even at stock performance levels its a total blast to drive.
 
wow, is it just me or are a lot of Suby guys (myself included) coming over to the MS3 side?

I absolutely love my MS3 (came from a stage 2 04 WRX) and even at stock performance levels its a total blast to drive.

I had a 2002 Subaru WRX wagon and now I have a 2007 Mazdaspeed 3.
 
I think you all should post this thread or something similar to it on Cobb's AccessPort STI forum. So maybe they'll put a little more of a rush on getting the AP out for the MS3 . . . I'm awaiting it as I don't know jack about cars so i'd love to have a plug and play application that I won't have to personally tune.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm relieved to know the creaking isn't just me. And YES...it does seem to be the plastic cowl between the hood and bottom of the windshield. Drives me crazy! The comment about the radio is right- though it's a new car and I typically don't turn the radio on until about a month or so driving it. Not only do I like hearing the engine but it helps me "learn" it's in's and outs.

The temperature here in NJ has been in the 20's with windchill in the 10's to low negatives. Oddly enough it's supposed to hit 60 next week. Gotta love the crazy weather in NJ.

PS Something I didn't not earlier. The insurance on this car is very reasonable. It's only $180 more a year than my 2004 Matrix XR (w/ 120 hp).
 
that rattling noise has been a common issue lately... a bulletin has been released on this issue, so your dealer should be able to fix it easily

Is there a way to find this bulletin online so I can take it to the dealer, just in case they claim to have heard nothing of it and....god forbid, "can't reproduce the problem/noise".
 

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