Reader Ride: 2004 Subaru WRX
Although modded WRXs are a dime a dozen throughout the States, surprisingly few have made it into our Flickr pool – that's just not right. It's one of the most competent platforms going for enthusiasts, and after last year's Subie v. Evo posts, we though it was high time to highlight another well-done Rex as our Reader Ride.
This 2004 model has had the kitchen sink and all the plumbing thrown at it, including an 18G turbo, Turbo XS up-pipe, downpipe and HKS exhaust. High-flow injectors ensure that the heavy breathing is accompanied with the right amount of sacrificial fuel, while a UTEC engine management system orchestrates it all to the tune of 301 AWHP.
According to Autoblog reader and Subie owner Jerome, there's some sort of gravitational pull between a WRX and thieves in Jersey, so he's decided to dispatch the aero bits in favor of a more subdued sleeper look. He seems a bit disappointed by it, but we'd like to assure him that Q-ships are the way to go.
You can follow the jump to read Jerome's own description, along with a couple more photos and instructions on how to submit your own ride for selection.
Quoth Jerome:
"Chargespeed V1 lip kit, 18" SSR Professor, Vis carbon hood, Monster carbon trunk, Cusco front and rear strut bars, Eibach springs, STI struts other stuff...
"18G turbo, black FMIC and piping from Hyperflow (imported and powder coated from Australia) , high flow injectors UTEC engine management, Blitz gauges, Turbo XS Uppie, downpipe, HKS exhaust, other go fast parts. 301 awhp (very aggressive ecu map that I don't use often)
"Sad to say, but car doesn't look like this anymore. A lot of the exterior parts were replaced for the sleeper look, except the rims. For those that don't know, NJ is notorious for WRX theft. Mine was visited twice by the break-in fairy. That's why she is black and blue. She's all bruised up."
How to submit to RR of the Day:
Create a Flickr account if you don't already have one. Join the group called "Autoblog Reader Rides." Upload up to three photos of your ride to your own account at a size no larger than 450 pixels wide and include as much information about it and yourself as you can. Vehicles lacking description will not be eligible and will be summarily deleted. Click on each photo and just above the picture it will say "Send to group". Click that and select the Autoblog group. You're done!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
RoadRunnerSTi 5:11PM (8/15/2007)
Sic STi yo!!!!
Sleeper look with C/F trunk is always a hot look, and the Eibach springs gave it a good drop. I'm thinking about getting Prodrive springs.
18g turbo is a great turbo choice too...
I guess I should load my 2007 STG 2 STi pics on here and join ya.
Enjoy!
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PuffyC 5:16PM (8/15/2007)
I guess sleeper look == no multi-platform whale tail? Spoilers all around, custom wheels and CF body panels != sleeper. Interesting car nonetheless.
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Ty 5:19PM (8/15/2007)
I was thinking the same thing. I'll be ditching the STi wing on my '04 soon for wingless. Then a FMIC and scoopless hood will finish it out. OEM parts and colors FTW!
Za 5:41PM (8/15/2007)
Read the article next time:
"Sad to say, but car doesn't look like this anymore. A lot of the exterior parts were replaced for the sleeper look, except the rims. For those that don't know, NJ is notorious for WRX theft. Mine was visited twice by the break-in fairy. That's why she is black and blue. She's all bruised up." - The Guy Who Owns the Car
Preston M 5:45PM (8/15/2007)
He mentions that it doesn't look quite like that anymore in the post, siting thieves. So i'm assuming that means a lot of the flash is gone. Giving the sleeper status... however much of a sleeper a wrx can be.
Jason 5:50PM (8/15/2007)
I'm not a Subie fan, but that Golden West Service Pacific Car and Foundary 50' boxcar in the background is HOTNESS!
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Ed Kapuscinski 11:48PM (8/15/2007)
Jason, you're into that too?
You should've seen the RRoD Saab with the MEC Cabooses behind it a few months ago...
Stoneman 5:51PM (8/15/2007)
I like the 'rex, but not really into loud exhaust and blow off valves. I think he did a good thing by backing away from the boy racer look.
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FrankTheCrank 7:14PM (8/15/2007)
Wow...I saw three of those on the way home from work.
Every racer wanna be has one...and they all look like this.
Clone!
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David Gevert 11:03AM (8/16/2007)
Does that really surprise you? The WRX is one of the best values out there in terms of performance/dollar. His car is, I'm sure, a lot faster than whatever POS you probably drive.
Rene Curry 8:37PM (8/15/2007)
Stealing a line from a Brit RedLine reader "It's not a proper weapon without a spoiler"
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ZapBranagan 9:10PM (8/15/2007)
I own an 03 Rex. and I say this thing is Fugly. Gimme a break with all that carbon fiber crap. It's neglibly lighter than the aluminum hood. Plus those rims are straight out of the 90s...jeez. Stick with the stock forged BBS...they're lighter AND better looking.
I respect the mods inside the bay, but the outside mods scream "Look at me!" with very minor performance impact and major negative visual impact.
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Jason 12:03AM (8/16/2007)
Looks like autofile folks are finding trains as the ideal background for their pics. I noticed this a lot lately in Motor Trend when they test in Pomona, which backs up to the ex-ATSF mainline. Of course I think it's mostly the graffiti they are ofter, to contrast the shiny new cars. Anyway, YES, I love trains and cars! You?
Ed Kapuscinski 7:29AM (8/16/2007)
Yep, me too. I guess its the mechanical aspects.
Or maybe it's the hunt for good photographs of the latter that lead me to the former.
I also do models (of RR stuff). I've got a site up at http://conrail1285.com. Check it out if you have a minute, its worth one or two.
Jerome 10:43AM (8/16/2007)
I didn't expect to see my car here! Nice suprise to see at work.
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evilmicah 7:57PM (8/16/2007)
I should submit my bugeye WRX 2002. It's a sleeper more than that thing is. Mine looks stock - no appearance mods, passes inspection and it's catless. It's faster than a stock EVO or STI, gets 24mpg on average, and is my normal daily driver. My other car is a 350Z, which is rarely driven as the WRX outperforms it in every way.
Modlist:
Engine Perfomance:
Ihi vf34 turbo (2002 JDM STi turbo)
STi Fuel Injectors
Walbro Fuel Pump 255lph
2006 STi Intercooler
TGV Delete (removed, welded, ported and polished)
Perrin Intercooler Hose Kit
Perrin Turbo Inlet Hose
Perrin Intake Charge Pipe
K&N Typhoon Intake
Perrin Uppipe
GoFastBits Stealth Pulley
Bosal Divorced Downpipe
gutted 3rd cat
Cobb 3" SS Catback
Brakes/Mounts/Drivetrain:
STi Group-N Engine Mount
2006 STI 6-speed Transmission w/DCCD (currently open, haven't picked a controller yet)
B&M rear shift mount
RacingBrake Slotted Rotors
SS Brake Lines
Ceramic/Metallic pads
high temp brake fluid
Suspension:
Tein SuperSport Coilovers
Tein EDFC
Cusco 3way adjustable rear sway bar
Helix Rear Endlinks (sphere/ball mount)
Moog Extreme Camber Bolts
Falen Ziex512 on stock 16's
Engine Management & Gauges:
Cobb AccessPort (modified vf34 map with StreetTuner Software)
Gauge Cluster Dual Pod
GReddy Vac/Boost Electronic Gauge
GReddy EGT Electronic Gauge
GReddy Informeter
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Subie.tv 8:50PM (8/27/2007)
WRX is one of the best bangs for the buck. You see a lot of Subaru owners modify their cars to the point of ugliness, but I like what this owner has done.
There is similar modified STI feated in one of the videos at http://www.subie.tv. The WRB just rocks!
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