The ZAZstyle Green Machine
Updated May 30, 2005: How's my B*tch look with tints?
As everyone knows, Subaru makes one of the finest automobiles on the road. It's cult following of winter enthusiasts, snowbelt state commuters and outdoorsmen further enhances it's reputation as an all-weather transporter. The platform is darn near perfect since it has a powerful Boxer 4, Symetric drivetrain, smooth suspension and predictable and crisp steering. A good car can always be better (and faster!) Oh yeah, don't sleep on Suby's All Wheel Drive!
I've just recently updated the sound system with an Alpine Head unit that runs into two Memphis Audio Amps (4 channel and mono D Class). The inside speakers are Kenwood Excelon Component set in the front and a pair of Alpine 1629 6" 2-ways in the rear. The Mono amp pushes a Memphis 12" Sub and is just the right amount of bass without rattling body panels. Great sound for not that much.
Next, the 0-60 time and emergency maneuver performance of this car was good, but needed a drastic improvement for my style of driving. First, I started with the intake. SPO Motorsports offered one of the most inexpensive and easy to install intakes. It came with a K&N style filter but ran the potential of allowing too much engine heat into the manifold. I corrected this by buying a heat shielded filter which is direct bolt-on and fitted it with dryer duct hose (about $7 at hardware stores). This provides cool air entering the intake from inside the fender. That also means less debris. It sounds great too!
The Low End torque of the Subaru Boxer engine is it's biggest attribute, but it can suffer if more air is added to the intake. Borla makes headers for the 2.5L engine that fits on easily. The Rear exhaust was handled by Brospeed, which makes a performance muffler for the Subaru Impreza/Legacy. The sound is low and unnoticeable during most driving and doesn't protrude like a lot of ricers' cars.
The stock brakes really needed attention, since the heavy curb weight isn't quite evenly matched with the brakes. I installed Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines and paired them with EBC Greenstuff Pads. The Brake lines are a great addition to stock applications and the EBC Greenstuff has great initial bites. I threw a set of Bridgestone Turanza LS-H tires on my stock 16" rims, which is a drastic improvement over the stock RE92's.
The springs and struts are stock, but there is the addition of a Whiteline front strut bar and Cusco Rear Bar from Cobb Tuning.
UPDATE: 25 March 04
I had no luck in getting an R-1 grounding kit, but I had Wes down at Street Dreamz http://www.streetdreamzofdc.com/
fabricate me a customized one using a distributor block and wire. After installing, I noticed an immediate gain. It was not a horsepower issue, but the transmission feels sure and stronger. Throttle Response has increased greatly, especially for the EJ25's 4EAT. Mashing the gas is like being in an old MOPAR car. I noticed a huge improvement in gas mileage. I would recommend this mod for anyone who has added mods similar to mine, or those who just want assurance that the electric system will be functioning properly and more efficiently. This mod, for under $50 is a cost effective upgrade. See Page 2 for Grounding Kit photos...
NOTE: Most of the installation on aftermarket products was performed by yours truly, minus the initial sound system setup. If anyone needs any help or instructions on what I did, please send me a message and I'll assist.
