In early 2005, a Subaru WRX joined the stable, the California sun shining off the Platinum Silver paint and thru the sunroof. From the first day, the rally heritage of this AWD daily driver has shown it's strength, a smile being as close as a flick of the steering wheel, or a clutch-work prelude to the contact of gas pedal and floor. While this 'SnoBaer' loves a romp in the snow, inspired modifications promise good times all around.
Factory rated numbers are 227hp@6000rpm and 217 ft-lbs of torque at 4000rpm. In 2001, Car & Driver found 0-60 to occur in 5.8 seconds, crossing the 1/4 in 14.7@93mph. On a revised Cobb tune of the ECU, power comes on sooner and lasts longer, while a Stage 2 spec (less restrictive exhaust) releases an additional 50hp and 50ft-lbs at the wheels. Under the hood sits the 2.0l EJ20 engine, sending turbocharged power thru the 5-speed trans, and announcing it's presence with a low boxer rumble thru an APS axle-back exhaust.
Harnessing the momentum is Prodrive PFF-7 18x8's wrapped in Sumitomo HTR ZIII's. Quickening the pace, the MacPherson suspension has been infused with STi springs, Group N strut tophats, and adjustable rear swaybar. Group N engine and trans mounts make throws of the Kartboy short shifter quick and positive, limiting drivetrain twist under hard acceleration, a goal furthered by rear-end bushings from Turn in Concepts and Kartboy.
On weekends, you may glimpse a streak as it carves the corners, chasing motorcycles. But on a warm California weekday, you'll likely find this WRX with the windows down and the radio turned up. While a JL Audio 10W3V2 fills out the low end from it's Perfect Fit enclosure by Audio Integrations, the front soundstage is loud and clear, thanks to Alpine Type S components, squeezed into the factory locations. That clarity is furthered by Dynamat through-out the front doors, a compliment-gathering addition for any car, installed by Bay Custom Stereo. Finishing touches extend to the trunk, with the trick mounting of a JL 300/2, bridged output keeping the sub happy.
With the car sitting slightly lower, the wheels fit nicely, and up top the factory hood scoop and rear wing are among the few hints of performance within. Inside, the leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel and shift knob give a balance of luxury, while sporting Recaro-designed seats keep occupants planted. Instrumentation is important, but so is purpose, and the center-mounted tach sets the tone. AFR and boost readings offer additional details, especially for tuning days. The car receives special attention by Aaron, AC Detailing owner, to keep it looking its best.
What's the future hold? That's hard to say, but it seems likely the engine will breathe easier thru further exhaust upgrades, and a Stage 2 tune for a start. Maintaining low-end torque is a priority for fast response, with a port&polish of the turbo opening up the mid-range. With the miles on the clock growing, aftermarket struts will step in for outgoing retirees, and the wheelwells are likely to house a StopTech BBK, or upgraded 4-pot calipers. Track duty gets more of a bite from ceramic brake pads, RCE Comp springs an additional option.
This WRX wouldn't be what it is today, if it weren't for the help of others. Amongst those is the many people and opinions that make up NASIOC and i-Club. In the "leaving it to the professionals" dept. is Speed Element of Fremont, providing quality parts, advice, and installation, while Auto Innovations of Milpitas keeps the wheels pointed in the right direction, a well-deserved reputation as the place to go.for alignments. In-motion photos are of the actual car, courtesy of Richard Swann.
