STi...

...emblazoned in cherry blossom pink, these three letters stand for Subaru Technica International - the dedicated motorsports division of Subaru.

As with the equally iconic GT-R, the STi is a turbo AWD beast...though it's heritage is based in the World Rally Championship, not the world of Touring Car Racing.

Despite its WRC lineage, the STi has phenomenal road-racing potential. Unfortunately, out of the box it has a relatively high roll center and tends to push when running near (or beyond) the limit.

Goal 1? Strive for neutral (with a slight oversteer bias) handling characteristics. Using top of the line chassis, suspension, and driveline components from Whiteline Automotive, AST-USA, Vorshlag Motorsports and 5Zigen USA - that goal was achieved.

Stock brakes...but with Goodridge Stainless Steel Lines, Pagid Yellow Pads, and Motul 600.

Running about 2" lower than stock, corner balanced with only a 23 lbs. bias on the drivers side.

Sticky tires on wide rims...5Zigen F10R-C with Direzza 03G 'Hard' compound tires (they're a Japanese Spec Racing tire).

Chassis and Suspension Modifications

Whiteline 27mm Front & Rear Sway Bars
Whiteline Spherical Bearing Front & Rear Endlinks
Whiteline Heavy Duty Front & Rear Sway Bar Mounts
Whiteline Roll Center Kit
Whiteline Anti-Lift Kit
Whiteline Toe Lock Kit
Whiteline Camber Bolts Front & Rear
Whiteline Rear Lateral Links
Whiteline Strut Tower Bars Front & Rear
Whiteline Differential Support-Lock Bushings
Whiteline Steering-Rack Bushings
Whiteline Gearbox Mount Bushings
AST 4100 Suspension, with 400/350 lbs/in Spring Rates
Vorshlag Motorsports Camber Plates
Pagid Yellow Brake Pads
Goodridge SS Brake Lines
5Zigen FN01R-C 18x8.5 Track Rims
5Zigen ProRacer Aluminum Lug Nuts
Dunlop Direzza 03G 'Hard' Compound Tires

Goal 2? Quick spooling, linear, and reliable power...how was that done? Turning to Grimmspeed, all OE exhaust and intake components were ported, polished, and ceramic coated to perfection. Making sure cold air was brought in as quickly as possible, and spent fuel evacuated as cleanly as possible, I turned to APS.

Getting the hardware was easy...getting the car to deliver smooth, clean power is not. For that, I turned to Clark Turner for a custom Cobb APv2 tune...the result? A dyno proven 285whp and 291wtq with a smooth and linear curve, with strong pull from 3,000rpm all the way to redline. Awesome.

Pretty much a Stage II STi...

If you squint, you can see the matching SRD and Child Sport Recaro seats...yes, I have OCD.

Power and Reliability Modifications

Grimmspeed Ported, Polished, Ceramic Coated OE Exhaust Manifolds
Grimmspeed Hi-Flow Ceramic Coated Cross-Over Pipe
Grimmspeed Hi-Flow Ceramic Coated Up-Pipe
Grimmspeed Ported, Polished, OE Intake Manifold
Grimmspeed Ported, Polished, Ceramic Coated OE Throttle Body
Grimmspeed Ported, Polished, Ceramic Coated Tumble Generator Valve Deletes
Grimmspeed 8mm Phenolic Spacers
APS 65mm Cold-Air Intake
APS 3" Off-Road Use 3" Turboback Exhaust
5Zigen ProRacer 0.8l Oil Catch
Cobb Access Port v2 w/Clark Turner Tune

Goal 3? Win...

Being an instructor for the Apex Driving Academy at the famed Motorsport Ranch (in Cresson, TX), I had plenty of track hours but no competitive experience. Rather than jump head first into the deep end of motorsport, I started running NASA Time Trials at the beginning of the 2008 Season.

Though NASA Time-Trials may sound unfamiliar, the format isn't...basically, this is the NASA equivalent to Redline: Time Attack!, GT Live Time Attack, and Super Lap Battle. Having several First and Second place podiums in the NASA TX Region, I'm hoping to hit Nationals in the TT-S Class.

Finale? GRM's Ultimate Track Car Challenge...

Clearly, assembly of my STi was beyond a 1-man effort. As such, I want to give back to everyone that have helped me along the way... Not to mention, I want to show what a well sorted, easily accessible street (er, rally...) car can do at the track.

Thanks & Appreciation!!!

Global Performance Parts/Whiteline Automotive Performance: Glenn and Zach
5Zigen USA: Inoue-san
AST-USA/Vorshlag Motorsports: Terry and Brian
Apex Driving Academy: John and Keith
Hart Photography & Graphics: Blair
Grimmspeed: Justin and Will
NASIOC, TXIC Chapter: Squidz, texas05sti, lackofhp, ClarkTurner and dsmith
NASA TX: Mike A/Z, Rich S, Colin, Jasper, Jim, and Sean
Team KGB: Mike, Brad, and George
Team MKT: Aimee, Carlene
Team BFF: Jen, Naomi, Charles, Onice, Noah and Lucas