Hi guys, i just signed up and am really exicted about this car.

A fellow member over at NASIOC.com (for subarus) just bought an xB in the cherry color. I instanly feel in love with its "love it or hate it" looks. So after a day I strolled over to the local Toyota Dealer (North Olmstead, Ohio)to check one out with a friend. After talking to Chris (great sales rep) he told me that they didnt have any xB's for test drives but had one to look at bc it was being modified for a show. We strolled over and looked at it and it was amazing. He then told me that the xA is similar in weight and hp to the xB so I took that for a test ride. I must say it wasnt to bad. Gearing seemed short and it didnt feel like 108hp.

Well, here comes my question: After being on the NASIOC I pretty much had my heart set on either the WRX or the STi. Im willing to trade the powerful boxer engine for the xB's unique looks. Now I know that these cars are completely different from an xB, but could I make it a little faster. Id be looking to get a 14 1/4 as my goal. Is this possible with the little 1.5L engine. Id also settle for low 15's. I think its a wonderful car but it is a bit slow for me.

Please be honest as this will shape my decision as to if I buy one or not.

Thanks a bunch guys, hopefully we can chat some more.

Jay

Nope not the Box. Maybe the tC with S/C or non-factory turbo. reduce some weight, etc. Certainly not the Box. Or at least I Haven't heard of any Boxes rolling @ 15's

It geared low, and thus the it is peppy. 108Hp at the flywheel has been dynoed to an average of ~90HP stock.

really? not even with the superchargers that are coming out??

The xB isn't a sports car, and it doesn't pretend to be one. It's a great cruiser, though, and is practical as all get out. It also proves that tons of power are not needed to make a car fun to drive.

I think it would take a LOT of money to get the xB to do less than 15s. It would probably take an engine swap.

I realize the xB was not designed to be a racer but I am getting a bit tired of everyone stating it. Most of the tuners out there on the drag strip weren't designed to race but where there's a will there's a way.

Nothing really seems to be worth the $$$ for the gains shown, for the most part. Unless you want a serious project, you gotta decide your earlier position:

Do you want speed or looks?

I'd say it more suited for hauling gear to the track than running there...

it rilly comes down to how much money you have to spend. it has been proven that these cars can run btw 16-17 seconds stock. and they can be boosted to over 150whp. with some smaller wheels and a good driver id say u have a good chance of getting into the high 15's. but dont expect it to be cheap.

you want to make a brick go 14 seconds on a tranny that is geared low? I'm sorry man, the xB isn't made for that. Maybe you really should test drive one. :( There are so many things against you on trying to get to 14 , and I know the wrx will do that in a heartbeat.