05 WRB STI in N GA

[gtlude]

My story starts when I took a ride over Wolf Pen Gap with my friend in his '08 WRX. That ride accounts for me buying my STI and also my other roommate buying his '08 WRX.

I purchased my '05 STI from Troncalli in Cumming in June. She had 27k on the clock and was in excellent shape. It even came with very nice window tint.

Here she was in completely stock form a few days after my purchase.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1763.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1764.jpg

My first order of business was to swap to a WRX trunk and desticker/debadge. Thanks to Tray at Topspeed for the swap. You can also see the Cobb catback in these pictures. I just had to be able to hear that rumble and I figure it gives me a good foundation for future mods.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1772.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1773.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1774.jpg

Next I went with RCE yellows and Group N top mounts for looks and function. I am extremely happy so far with these mods.

Before
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0290.jpg

After
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0292.jpg

Last but not least I came across a deal I couldn't pass up and added some Work Emotion CR 18 x 8.5 +43 in bronze with blue Work lug nuts. (thanks S2kbrian)

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1830.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1833.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1835.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1836.jpg

Next will be a V limited lip and a host of suspension mods (Whiteline sways and anti-lift kit and TIC Klunk Killer). After that it is on to stage 2.

I will keep you posted.

[Deke]

Nice looking car :goodjob:

[canadianrcis]

nice subie

[b16EG-HaTcH]

debadged sti's FTW. looks goodi personally like the sti spoiler better but looks good either way.

[Oz10]

Very nice! i like what you've done with it.

[gtlude]

The way I feel about the stock spoiler is that it is perfectly fine. In fact before I made the swap it was really growing on me. But it is a bit annoying for daily driving and I was tired of all the questions and stares. If it was going to be my weekend fun car the big wing would still be on it.

Thanks for the compliments.

[UpSideDownDesi]

nice scooby, come down to AWD Suby/Evo dyno day on the 19th at Orton Performance ;). http://www.importatlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195319

[gtlude]

I would love to except that I am going to be out of town that weekend. My roommate is bringing his '08 STI.

[wantboost]

I dont usually like these cars but yours is really nice. Congrats on the purchase.

[Dwisforme05]

nice!!

[Random Hero]

Beautiful car, but I don't know why anyone in their right mind would get rid of the STI trunk/spoiler.

That's just not right. :no:

[Got Milk?]

nice car.

[Alan®]

Beautiful car, but I don't know why anyone in their right mind would get rid of the STI trunk/spoiler.

That's just not right. :no:
IMHO it looks better. You have to see it in person.

[Random Hero]

IMHO it looks better. You have to see it in person.

It's not like I've never seen this in person before.

It's not a rare thing to do.

I base my opinions on personal experience, so I've seen it and it's not my thing. :goodjob:

[gtlude]

It is definitely a personal choice.

Many people go wingless so to each their own imo.

[Romeo]

your yard is just full of Subaru love.haha. x2 on the de-badging and the other wing. but i love the car.

[Random Hero]

It is definitely a personal choice.

Many people go wingless so to each their own imo.

I agree 100%. :yes:

[03RCode]

Cleveland? Just over the hump from me. Nice ride man, coming along very nicely.

[gtlude]

Now with more lip.....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0439.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0441.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0442.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0444.jpg

Next up is my Christmas gifts.
- TiC Klunk Killer
- Subframe Lock Down Bolts
- Kartboy Rear Endlinks
- Stainless Steel Brake Lines
- Ixiz Hood Lifters.

I will keep you posted.

[Brown Man]

i dont get the whole thing with swapping out the trunk/wing...not really a fan

but besides that, the rest of the car is nice and i love the wheels

[4uh8ers]

Car looks sick!! How long have you had the car???? I have a place on Lake Burton and usually come through cleveland to hit some of the nice curvy roads. I think i have seen you a few times. I was in a white civic coupe and a M3 was with me.

[gtlude]

I have had it since June.

I have probably seen you at one time or another. So many nice cars come through on the weekends up there.

Thanks for the compliments.

[EJ_Allmota]

good looking car overall but i HATE wheel gap...

[RhdDc2]

I love these cars. Those are also my second favorite wheels. Nice clean mods.
Is that a true V-Limited lip? I noticed that the emblem was not on the center of it.

Also, check out some of the cleared headlights that the STi guys convert. See how you like them. Im a huge fan of them. You can also buy "chrome" bulbs for them that appear to be clear but the illuminate amber to still be DOT.

All around gorgeous car, Im jealous.

[DunDunSkeert]

good looking car overall but i HATE wheel gap...

Haha I like the ride height. Just high enough so it doesn't scrape on stuff. Besides if you go much lower the handling starts to get worse.

I like your car man. Ohh I like the trunk swap too.

[Alan®]

It's not like I've never seen this in person before.

It's not a rare thing to do.

I base my opinions on personal experience, so I've seen it and it's not my thing. :goodjob:
oh ok. Didn't know if you ahd seen it in person or not. Different strokes for different folks :goodjob:

[Sauljr219]

sweet car

[AlliRae]

i love STis.....


nice job man... looking aight!

[FasTech]

So far I like what you have done with it. The lip is a very nice. Keep us posted!

[NAIZBST]

I like it with those wheels and the sleeper non sti trunk

[rhd_civic_ej]

i think the wrx trunk and spoiler looks out of place with the sti hood scoop.

i do a FMIC conversion and a wrx hood, go sleeper with it

[gtlude]

Its just a replica v limited. I figured there was no reason to drop $500 on the real thing so I could drag it on every driveway and speed bump.

The car is already dropped an inch. Any more and it screws up the geometry unless I go with coilovers that is. For now it will have to do.

Thanks for the compliments.

[willum14pb]

looked better stock. it went from looking like shit to diarrhea, cha cha cha.

[amandDA]

lookin good!!

[gtlude]

Yeah I like your Evo too buddy :P

[DUBSf22c]

ok stop the agony .. I need to get back into a STI

[gtlude]

So Santa Claus does exist....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0540.jpg

TiC Klunk Killer (comfort)
Kartboy Subframe Lockdown Bolts
Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Motul RBF 600 Brake Fluid
IxizConcepts Hood Lifters (not shown)

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0541.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0542.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0543.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0544.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0545.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0546.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0547.jpg

Everything is now installed and working as intended. Special thanks to my brother for the install help.

Next mods:

Front and Rear Whiteline 24 mm sways
Whiteline Anti-lift kit
Camber bolts for the front.

I will keep you posted.

[DUBSf22c]

Trust me on this.. Santa brought you thewrong mods.. GET SWAYS... (other then the zero2rs' ;) ) Are the best mods.. for the sti... unles your ballling then throw it all on!

[gtlude]

Maybe I'm ballin.... :P

Sways and anti-lift kit are next. These were unfortunately a little much for Santa Claus (at least the one that comes to my house anyways)

[DUBSf22c]

Maybe I'm ballin.... :P

Sways and anti-lift kit are next. These were unfortunately a little much for Santa Claus (at least the one that comes to my house anyways)

the next sti I get the first mod will be that.. And every car after..

[gtlude]

Stage 1!!!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1882.jpg

Sways on the way.

[nismo_b14]

very nice man!

[Deke]

good looking car overall but i HATE wheel gap...

Then you don't like STIs.

Great looking car (again), and I like the write-up that you have going.

[eYezs1ck]

Beautiful car, but I don't know why anyone in their right mind would get rid of the STI trunk/spoiler.

That's just not right. :no:
jayjaysti did it:yes:

[gtlude]

So I had a little run in with an Integra. The good news is I won (damage to my car is minimal anyways). The bad news is there is damage to my car.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1884.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1885.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1886.jpg

The good news about the bad news is that I can upgrade to the jdm bumper beam.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1887.jpg

The car will be painted week after next and then she will be back good as new.

Sways and alk incoming as soon as I pay for the paint job.

I will keep you posted.

[Z0_o6]

make more power. that's an order!

[efman]

great looking car, i didn't know white co. had any IA members, i'm over in lumpkin but i dont think i've ever seen your car do you ever come over this way ?

[willum14pb]

piece of shit.

[gtlude]

I make it over to lumpkin every now and then. Usually on my way through to Nashville to see my gf.

[gtlude]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1891.jpg

Now that that is over with it is back to performance mods. I will get those sways and alk yet.

[Z33_kid]

i like your car

[gtlude]

Finally got around to installing my Whiteline ALK and camber bolts. While I was in there I did the free caster mod. I also decided to try doing my own alignment which actually wasn't that bad. I set it to -2 degrees camber in the front, -1.5 degrees camber in the rear and 0 toe all the way around. I also picked up some TiC Fender Braces but I didn't have time to install them.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0604.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0605.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0606.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0613.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_0617.jpg

I was trying to show the camber in the pics up there but I am not sure it is evident. I will definitely be doing another photo shoot soon after I clean her up a little bit.

Between the camber change and the ALK the car definitely feels different. It has a heavier feel on center but turn in is definitely more direct and smoother. Everything just feels a little tighter. I can't wait to add sways to this setup.

I will keep you posted.

[Brian*]

good looking car

[JEY$JDM]

hell yeah.. very nice mods.. car looks great!!!! when ya gun do sum motor work?

[PreludeVTEC01]

Great little write up. Nice looking ride, love the color!

[gtlude]

Stage 2 after sways. Both should happen in the next 3 to 4 months.

[Z0_o6]

make more power. that's an order!

i agree with this guy. Dom3 and bust some ass! :D

[black_e92]

Clean car but you should have kept the STI wing on.:(

[Z0_o6]

fuck the sti wing. it's always in the rearview in the way and gets too much unwanted attention. the only time it's useful is road racing where the downforce is actually needed.

[burke420]

i dont mind my wing, but if i remove it, stay wingless... wrx wing looks out of place on the sti's but to each his own....

[undrgrndrdr1]

good looking car man... always like the down graded sti look... smart man doing suspension then power!

[Dville nismo]

Very nice car man.

[gtlude]

Thanks.

[gtlude]

I had a chance to take my car over the mountains yesterday and I am really surprised at the handling improvement afforded from the ALK and increased camber. It's very noticeable and I can definitely tell that turn in and more importantly traction in the front of my car is improved. Understeer is definitely still there but point where understeer begins is definitely higher. Even my fiancee said she could feel a noticeable difference in the grip of the car. I can't wait to add sway bars to this setup!

[redblackfan]

STI spoiler looks way better

[gtlude]

I can't believe everyone has a hang up over the wing. Believe it or not going with the wrx wing makes my car a little less high profile. I don't get noticed near as much without the STI wing. The STI wing just invites too much attention, that and it blocks your rear view.

I have thought about going with the S202 wing though....

[ryanowarrior]

hey man ya should have holla at me before ya went over the mountain, sucks for me goin across by myself lol

[redblackfan]

It grabs eyes i agree, and tickets

[gtlude]

ryano - actually I had business to attend to over the mountain. (looking at wedding venues with my fiancee) I will definitely holler at you for a fun run sometime.

[ryanowarrior]

oh ok, thats cool then no problem, yea def do that, heck i see ya all the time around town, or at least i think its you lol

[Deke]

I can't believe everyone has a hang up over the wing. Believe it or not going with the wrx wing makes my car a little less high profile. I don't get noticed near as much without the STI wing. The STI wing just invites too much attention, that and it blocks your rear view.


I have no hang up whatsoever on the wing. All of the best looking WRXs and STIs are always either wingless or have the wrx wing. Just my $.02 :)

[gtlude]

I have the only blue STI in Cleveland so its gotta be me. There is a blue wrx but it is completely stock.

Deke - I agree.

[ryanowarrior]

hey man i saw you this morning comin down helen hwy...you were behind me i was in the big mail truck lol, like you said it had to be you

[Dville nismo]

bad ass stuff man.

[gtlude]

Oh wow. Yeah that was me. Hope I didn't tailgate you too bad :P

[ryanowarrior]

na man it was all good....we need to get together on one of these pretty days and cruz around. ya gonna come to the big meet july 12

[gtlude]

I finally got a baseline (well stage 1) dyno run in. Now I am ready for stage 2!! Great meet. Thanks to Topspeed and all the wrxatlanta folks

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/dyno_baseline.gif

Oil analysis GC 0W-30

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/uoa_3.gif

[ryanowarrior]

haha spotted you again, or that pretty blue ride lol....seen it setting at creekside today, looks good man.

[gtlude]

I finally got the sways I have been wanting and talking about for the last year. I went with the Whiteline 24 mm adj (24mm - 26mm) in front and Whiteline 22 mm adj (22mm - 24mm - 26mm) in the rear. Install was easy and straight forward.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1988.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1989.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1996.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1994.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1995.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_1999.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2000.jpg

I know that I need rear endlinks but I figure I will use these as long as they hold up and then get some kartboys.

My initial driving impressions (1 off ramp) is that the car is now very neutral but the tail will come around if I want it to. It definitely rotates a whole lot better. I never felt the rear of my car do anything before tonight. I am heading over the mountains tomorrow so that should give me a better idea of the difference that the sways have made.

Next up....more power (Stage 2).

[gtlude]

Yeah that was me. We will actually meet and not just see each other's cars one day. I mean, Cleveland is not that big of a place.

[NickD70s]

looks really good man

[ryanowarrior]

Yeah that was me. We will actually meet and not just see each other's cars one day. I mean, Cleveland is not that big of a place.

lol....well i was in my mailcar coming in from work haha. but yea maybe we will one day lol. sways look good man. ima probly headed over the mnt tomorrow myself and take the gf out to eat over there.

[gtlude]

Update:

So the update is for the sway bars. I had a chance to drive over the mountains today and holy s$%t what a huge difference. My car is completely different. It is very much point and shoot now with the accelerator being the trigger. The rear is very communicative and will definitely rotate on command but it is very controllable and not snappy or surprising at all. I just can't get over how much better my car handles. Sways get a big thumbs up from me.

The only downside is that I can definitely now feel the slop in the rear suspension bushings now so I guess that will go on my list. I thought I would be able to ignore them.

Install:

TiC Fender Braces. I have been needing to install these for about a month but since I don't have a paved flat surface to work on I really didn't have an easy way to get my car up with the wheels off to get these put on. So today I decided to take my bumper off 1) to repaint my lip 2) to reinstall it because the body shop that worked on it last didn't quite get it on there right. Soooo I figured that since my bumper was off I might at well take the fenders off and install the braces. The install was easy but I really hope I don't have to go through all that again.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2002.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2003.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2005.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2006.jpg

I took a quick test drive and I can't say that I really feel a difference. I "think" my car feels tighter and I "think" it made a difference but I don't if that is really true. I know that it didn't hurt and these were a gift so I am happy enough.

Next up I have the carlabs x brace in the mail.

After that.....stage 2.

[Z0_o6]

FINALLY. jesus I thought I was gonna have gray hair before you decided to step it up in the HP department!!


J/K man, I'm glad you are happy with the sways. I remember when I installed mine, it is a HUGE difference, definitely one of the best bang for the buck mods on a STi.

[gtlude]

Installed.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2015.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2016.jpg

Just driving around for a week or so with the x brace installed I "think" that I can feel a difference. The rear of my car now feels like its connected to the front. The rear doesn't hesitate as much to follow the front. I thought that this feeling was a result of the rear bushings but the x brace definitely tightened the car up. I would say overall that the car is more responsive and it got rid of a few rattles and squeaks.

Now my suspension mods are basically done. I may replace the rear suspension bushings at some point to get that last bit of slop out of the car but I am calling it done for now.

I have my downpipe coming to me as we speak so stage 2 here I come.

[aaronfelipe]

Work wheels = S E X

[gtlude]

I think so...

[BexSican 408]

I'd personally go w/ the STi spoiler or no spoiler at all. The WRX spoiler is kinde blehh to me but either way, nice car man. I love Subis.

[gtlude]

That seems to be the #1 comment about my car on these forums.

[gtlude]

So it finally happened. I feel that my suspension is 90% sorted out so now on to the powah mods. You all have seen all this before I am sure but here goes.

My poison of choice
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2020.jpg

The goodness
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2022.jpg

The not so goodness
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2047.jpg

Wow at the difference
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2061.jpg

Wrapped
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2032.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2031.jpg

Painted
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2057.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2044.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2045.jpg

Turbo Blanket
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2033.jpg

Check out my sewing skills
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2041.jpg

Turbo looks ok
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2049.jpg

Pile o parts
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2051.jpg

O2 sensor transfer complete
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2052.jpg

Midway through the turbo blanket install. These are not easy to install with the turbo on the car
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2053.jpg

Everything back in place. Looks pretty pimp to me.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2054.jpg

My new favorite tool. It made the dp bolts so much easy to get to
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2056.jpg

The car as it sits. It's not clean at the moment but I thought it looked pretty awesome.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2058.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/gtaccord/WRX/IMG_2059.jpg

My AP said I was making 17.8 psi which is on the high side of the range in the Cobb notes. Now I am really contemplating a protune. Initial driving impressions are all good. The midrange power is simply awesome.

Next mod: Mileage.....until after the wedding.

[DunDunSkeert]

looking good man! The main difference I could tell from the fender braces was that my car under steered more. I really like where the car is going, I even like the wrx wing. Do what you want, not everyone is gonna like it but who cares, its your car.

Keep on keepin on,
Aaron

[KidSaru]

Take notes Subie owners...Take notes.

[VQ35 Star]

I love these threads about the build up from a stock car.

I like what you did with the trunk and new wing.

[bluescreamer]

Need to see some yellow fog lights installed

[gtlude]

Yeah I keep going back and forth about fogs or maybe removing the front subie emblem. I haven't made any decisions yet.

[KidSaru]

So is this just your DD/weekend warrior or do you plan on doing any events in the car?

[ironchef]

Car looks great, enjoy in health and safety.

[gtlude]

This is my daily at the moment. I definitely want to do some track days etc as money and time permit. I definitely want to to get a beater soon so I don't keep put 20k+ miles on it every year.

[man]

Great looking car man, glad to see you're doing it right

[Slomaro Z28]

Car looks good. Very smart to upgrade the suspension before doing any HP mods. Only thing I don't care for on the STi is the blue interior, all black FTW.

[DunDunSkeert]

Yeah I keep going back and forth about fogs or maybe removing the front subie emblem. I haven't made any decisions yet.

You just missed a pillarless grill I sold...

[Tech_Queen]

Good looking car. Since me and my fiance own 2 ourselves I do favor them.

[gtlude]

Yeah I saw that you had it for sale. I decided against it. I am supposed to be done spending money on the car while I am financing my wedding....