Chadza

I recently got a a set of MY02 sti 17's powdercoated. A few things to be aware of, having just gone through the process-

If you get your wheels painted, make sure they are heat treated in the curing process. Otherwise the paint will not be 'hard' and when you get your tyres put on the paint job will be ruined just by the levers they use to break the bead onto the rim.

If you get your wheels powdercoated, ask the place where you get them done if they have any larger items available to see in the colour you have chosen. The powdercoat sample sheets are normally tiny, and the colour in large scale can look completely different to how you imagine! This forced me to get my wheels re-done as they looked shit in the colour I had originally chosen.

Overall I would recommend powdercoat, much more durable finish. I got mine done for $60 a wheel including blasting and coating- it was a cash job, but i didn't know the guy before he offered a cashy.

Dont bother with a new TMIC. Biggest waste of $$$ for a stockish B4. I have an exhaust, cai and tune and mine didn't ping in 43 degree Perth heat with the stock TMIC.

I would strongly advise you to do the tune asap when you can afford it. Once you have the tune and software licence (if any) then a re-tune when you get an exhaust will only be a few hundred as you will already be set up with whatever tune you decide to go with.

You are correct though, your B4 shouldn't be pinging in 13degree ambient, although a bad batch of fuel can contribute to this. Was it when you were under load? Ie largish throttle opening with revs below 3000rpm?

All someone needs now is your address and you are well on the way to having your identity stolen/frauded.