I've always been a fan of a slightly understated, factory look; one that often has people asking me, "did the car come with that?"
I can't say why exactly, but that's what I dig. I'm a perfectionist, and I like when modifications integrate so seamlessly that you're not sure if it's a modification after all, or if its original equipment. Its not going to win many points at car shows (or NASIOC contests, ahem), but the way this car is put together is a reflection of myself and my personality, and I’m very happy with it. What you see here is a real car that gets driven... hard.
I've owned my WRX since Dec. 2002 (any other cars in the contest with over 75k miles on them?) and everything I know about cars has been learned on this car. I have always done all of my own work on the car, which is something I'm very proud of.. I started by learning how to change my oil and install a manual boost controller, and as you'll read, things have progressed quite a bit over the years.
My WRX has gone through many transformations, each improving on the last. As time passes I learn more, and I constantly raise the bar for myself. The state of my WRX as it sits is a prime example of where my abilities and personal expectations lie currently.
As you will notice, it's a [beautiful] bugeye. But it has Brembos all around? And a crinkle red intake manifold? Hmmm… that's a little different, whats going on here?
Things really got stepped up this past summer, when I spent two very long, amazing, frustrating, memorable, terrible, incredible weeks performing a complete 2007 STi transplant with the help of two of my very talented friends. The swap was completed from head to toe including engine, wiring, ECU, transmission, drivetrain, and more. We combined all of our knowledge and abilities together to essentially rebuild the car from the bare shell, and it turned out great. The engine turned over without hesitation or CEL on the first try, and we were off… I’ve since tried to maximize the potential of the engine including a polished and ceramic coated 3”/8cm FP Green turbo, APS FMIC, Perrin headers, EWG, Aquamist meth/water injection, and more…
Well rounded performance is the name of the game for me, and its what I've aimed to accomplish here. My priorities involve going fast--in the twisties and in a straight line--and I would never compromise my ability to drive the piss out of my car and enjoy it to the fullest on a regular basis, even if it means missing out on some mad JDM show points.
This car has seen ice racing, road racing, and auto-x. Its gotten me up to the mountains a hundred times and across the country a few. I'm already planning a track day in the spring and hope to see what she can do on the drag strip as well. What can I say, I love driving my car.
Purchased 12/23/02
Swap Summary:
2007 STi COMPLETE Transplant (2nd 07 STi swap ever, first to be 100% complete with no CELs or other shortcuts). Only thing WRX about the car is the bugeye shell, which is clearly superior. Swap included the following from 2007 STi donor car:
-Turn-Key Engine
-Complete Wiring Harness
-ECU
-VF43 Turbo
-Gauge Cluster
-Steering Wheel
-Auto HVAC
-Center Console with E-brake handle
-Steering Rack
-ABS Unit and hard lines
-6 Speed Transmission with longer 2nd, 3rd, 4th
-R180 3.54 Rear Diff
-Front and rear Axles and 5x114 Hubs
-Front and Rear Brembo Brakes
-Fully Functioning Auto DCCD
Stock Turbo Enginuity tune by Andy at Verocious Motorsports: 331 whp / 348 ft lbs at 19 psi on 93 octane
Engine Modifications
2007 STi Complete Engine Swap, outlined above, plus...
APS 70mm CAI
APS Turbo Inlet Pipe
FP Green Turbo with 3" Polished Compressor Housing, 8cm Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Housing
APS DR525 Stealth FMIC
APS 50/50 Blow Off Valve
TGV Deletes
Hondata Phenolic Spacers
Perrin Equal Length Headers, ceramic coated
TurboXS Uppipe for EWG, ceramic coated
TiAL 44mm External Wastegate, dumped
HKS Catless Downpipe, heatwrapped
Perrin Dualtube Catback
Aquamist HFS-5 Water/Meth Injection
Power Enterprise 800cc Injectors
Walbro 255 LPH Fuel Pump
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs, one step colder
Prodrive Boost Control Solenoid
GM 3 Bar MAP Sensor
Cusco Turbo Heatshield
Greddy Oil Catch Can
Group N Engine Mounts
Drivetrain
Complete 2007 STi Drivetrain Swap outlined above, plus...
STi Factory Short Shifter
Kartboy Front Shifter Bushings
Kartboy Rear Shifter Bushings
Turn In Concepts Pivot Bushings
Group N 6MT Transmission Mount
Suspension / Brakes / Wheels
Whiteline Group 4 Coilovers (5kg, 4kg)
STi Aluminum Front Control Arms
Eibach Rear Camber Kit
Perrin 22mm Adjustable Front Sway Bar
Perrin 22mm Adjustable Rear Sway Bar for an STi
Perrin Front Endlinks
STi OEM Rear Endlinks
Cusco Titanium Front Strut Bar
STi Replica Rear Strut Bar
STi Replica Lower H Brace
Turn In Concepts Fender Braces
STi 4-pot Front Brembos
STi Front Rotors
STi 2-pot Rear Brembos
STi Rear Rotors
Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines
ATE Super Blue Brake Fluid
Perrin Brake Master Cylinder Brace
17"x8.5" +40 Enkei RPF-1 Wheels with 235/40 Bridgestone S-03 tires (summer)
17"x8" +53 Limited STi Wheels with 225/45 Blizzak LM-25 tires (winter)
-2.2 front camber, -1.7 rear camber
Muteki Black Closed End Lug Nuts w/ McGard Black Wheel Locks
Interior
2007 STi Gauge Cluster
Defi 60mm BF Amber Boost, EGT, Oil Pressure Gauges mounted in ATI Clock Pod
Innovate LC-1/XD-16 Wideband Gauge
Aquamist DDS3 Gauge
Autometer Instrument Bezel Pod
TurboXS KnockLite
STi JDM v8 Spec C Front and Rear Seats
STi JDM v8 Spec C Door Cards
STi Titanium Shift Knob
STi Shifter Trim and Shift Boot
STi DCCD Switches
Airbag Warning Stickers Removed
AutoSpeed OEM-Style Deadpedal
Stock 05 STi Headunit
Viper Upgraded Hardcore Alarm and Remote Start System
Exterior
EDM STi Headlights
McCulloch 6000K H1 HIDs
Hella Supertone Horns
Mesh Fog Light Covers
Tinted Sidemarkers
OEM Front Lip
OEM Painted Sideskirts
OEM Side Strakes
OEM Rear Lip
Liberal Grill
Kaminari Carbon Fiber Reverse Cowl Hood (painted WRB)
[Wingless]
JDM Subaru Rain Guards
UI replica "jimtweet special" Window Spoiler
Fully Debadged
AutoSpeed Battery Tiedown
35% Madico/Onyx Window Tint
