[silviajdm]

Project 04 WRX 2.5

I'm new to the AWD world and first picked up my car back in November of 2007.

(The day I brought it home)

I originally wanted an STI but because of my age, being my first car under my name (only owned 2 cars including this one) and the fact that I was in school and working full-time, it wasn't the smartest move to do. Plus the04-07 STI's don't come in red . It took me awhile to find this color and in stock form. I got it for a good deal with only 57k miles on it. They only problem it had 18 chrome & white rims, an ebay cold air intake, the front end was chipped from pebbles and road debris. But it ran perfect and had no issues. I took it to my mechanic that same weekend and he did a complete check-up on the car....no issues.

That night I already started making plans on what I was going to buy first for it. But things were different compared to my SR20 240sx so I researched and held off on the mods.

First thing I did was swap the bent, ugly wheels for some clean stockers.....

And debadged the Subaru letters off the trunk. I ripped out the CAI and bought a used OEM STI intake w/GP sports snorkus delete. The car had some things that needed to be replaced so I replaced what I could at the time to bring it up to snuff.

I then installed my gauges....

Everything was coming together until about March while I was researching and found out the WRX tranny wasn't that strong and could only hold so much. The EJ205 was also a path that was not recommended by most and was told to opt for a EJ257. That changed my whole outlook on things and also changed my power goals. I wanted to build a street car but able to take out to the road course on weekends. I don't care for drag as much so I didn't want +500 awhp. This would take some money so I left the power stuff till after my other plans.

Since then I added my Hella Supertones & fog covers.....

I needed to make my exterior more aggresive looking but simple. I emailed the guys at SUBARUGENUINEPARTS and asked if their parts were offered in Sam Remo Red. Luckily the STI scoop and STI skirts were possible, the STI splitters....I was on my own. I wanted to get the 06 roof spoiler but some folks on NASIOC told me not to do it and it's only worth it if I get the STI wing....so I held off on picking up the roof wing but I am getting the STI wing....you don't see too many red wrx's with a STI makeover .

I was getting compliments about the car anytime I went to a meet or car show or even on the street but I still didn't like the chipped paint all over the car, my stock suspension & quiet exhaust. I needed to do my suspension first so I hit up IMPORT IMAGE and they offered me a sweet deal on a set of BC Racing coilovers and a complete Perrin Sway bar set....but this was put on hold because of my constant spending on other things (camera stuff, computer parts, etc) I did manage to pick up some Kartboy front & rear bushings and I am in the process of getting the TIC bushings and Kartboy crossmember & rear diff bushings. Also a Cusco subframe brace, Cusco Type II front ladder bar and front & rear strut bars will make it on the car sometime soon.

During the winter months I want to pick up a used but low mileage 2.5 shortblock and build it up while the car is still stock. As far as a PPG gearset, my horsepower goals are set a little lower so I am thinking about a MFactory gearset and using the extra money for other drivetrain parts. I also spoke to Rob from AMR at a GPNY Subaru Meet and he told me about their turboback that I was very interested in, all I would need is to pick up a Accessport and I'll be good for STG 2. If don't get the exhaust from him CVR Motorsports here in NY offer a STG 2 package that includs the turboback & AP for a decent price but I will have to wait and see what decision I make.

My current plans & goals for the car as of right now:

EJ257 - 350-400awhp
MFactory Gearset with R180
BC Racing Coilovers w/extenders
Cusco Front & Rear Strut Bar
Cusco Type II Front Lower Arm Bar
Cusco Rear Subframe Brace
Perrin Sway Bars w/mount & endlinks
Subaru 4pot/2pot Caliper Upgrade w/ Stage 2 StopTech Brake Package
Enkei RPF1 Gold 18x8 wheels
OEM STI exterior parts (scoop, skirts, wing, lip)
AMR Turboback or Fujitsubo RM01A w/DP from CVR Motorsports
Accessport
2005 complete center console (already have just not installed, need more pieces and replace parts)

etc........More to come as I write in my journal!!!!!

[slyguySTI]

lookin good man, i think once its complete it will look killer.. keep us updated!

[05_GD7]

Good luck with your project!

I hope your photo studio isn't really called that..."obnoxious designs"
It sounds like one of those "crew" names...
Midnite Racerz
Mydnyte Fantasies
Mydnite Midnights.....

[silviajdm]

Originally Posted by 05_GD7

Good luck with your project!

I hope your photo studio isn't really called that..."obnoxious designs"
It sounds like one of those "crew" names...
Midnite Racerz
Mydnyte Fantasies
Mydnite Midnights.....

LoL it's funny you say that....I help run a graphic design organization with a friend of mine but I start that 2 years ago.

But once I got the photography up and running I will have to change the name to something a bit more professional.

[CharlesC]

Where are you in westchester and how come I haven't ever seen your car!

[silviajdm]

I'm in Mount Vernon/Pelham Manor area, but I work in White Plains. I promised some people I would come to the local meets but having a stock wrx makes me feel out of place, lol. I'll just bring my camera and take pics of everyone else's

[CharlesC]

Originally Posted by silviajdm

I'm in Mount Vernon/Pelham Manor area, but I work in White Plains. I promised some people I would come to the local meets but having a stock wrx makes me feel out of place, lol. I'll just bring my camera and take pics of everyone else's

Where in WP?

[grippymonkey]

I've always wanted to mod a red Suby. Good luck with your ride!

[silviajdm]

Near Hamilton Avenue. I see alot of STI's pass by in the afternoon and in the morning by the White Plains Metro North.

You can't miss me, I'm probably the only red wrx with bronze stockers

Originally Posted by grippymonkey

I've always wanted to mod a red Suby. Good luck with your ride!

Thanks man, I can't wait for the finished result. I'll probably see if I photoshop something together to display how I want it to look.

[AndresDiaz]

That red STI conversion is gonna look hot. Put lots of pics up once you get that done.