Sluggish / slow to start
 

Noticing that the GC8 is becoming increasingly sluggish to start. It needs to turn over on the key for longer before it kicks into life.
It's never really fired straight up in the whole time we have had it, so I'd anticipate that it's partially a boxer WRX thing, but becoming more of a nucience these days.

First thoughts are the battery.

Anything else I might be looking for?

Check plugs?

Could well be just the battery though

using the Perth-WRX mobile app

What fuel do you use?

Shell 98.
Might give the battery a full charge overnight and see how it goes in the morning.

Factory ECU?

Yep, all stock except for the 3" TBE and GD I/C.
I might add that once it's running it runs well still. No complaints there.

Just takes notably longer to kick into life.

Righto, I had the same problem with my MY00 WRX when running 98 fuel with the factory ECU. It would take a few extra cranks to fire up, and then fart on 2 cylinders, and then fire on all 4, and then it would be fine. I switched back to premium unleaded (95 RON) and it would fire up just fine! Reality was, there was no power difference in running 95 or 98, it was all in my head, but starting the engine was embarassing if someone was in ear shot because it would fluff about like it was worn and old, and I put it down to 98 fuel.

Try the battery, but also try 95 RON premium and let me know how you go? It made mine start a whole lot better!

Cheers. Well worth a shot.

hey mate,
your not alone! my gc8 is doing the same. first things first will replace plugs then battery on mine but the fuel suggestion is interesting - keep us posted how it goes if you try.

46lt of 95RON added last night. Funny enough, there was a notable improvement this morning on cold start.

Given it's a 60lt tank it will take another tank or two, before i'm confident of what's in there.

I've not touched tha battery at all. Only change so far is fuel. Will leave it as is to make a fair assesment. Will certainly be keeping an eye on this one. It has merit.