Possible WRX Upgrade Path
June 23, 2004
One of the main motivations for purchasing a high-performance vehicle is the multitude of upgrades and modifications that become available. I am no exception to this rule when I bought a WRX in February.
Well, after a few months of adjusting to my new budget (which hasn't even existed since I was in college working for minimum wage), which includes my monthly car payment, I am now ready to begin modifying my car. In an effort to keep record of my possible upgrades and modifications, I will maintain and update this page. Listed below is my possible upgrade path.
First of all, I think I'm very lucky to be living in Salt Lake City as one of the best Subaru tuning companies, Cobb, is based here. Not only does Cobb manufacture excellent custom Subaru parts and services, but it does so at an excellent and affordable price.
- As with most upgrade paths, I'm starting mine with the exhaust. I've decided to go with a 3" CatBack exhaust system. A CatBack exhaust begins at the stock catalytic converter and replaces everything "back" to the muffler.
- Wheels and tires will be next. I would like to get the BBS's that come on the STi. They come with pretty good tires from the factory and a lot of STi owners get their car new and want instant customization, so they throw on new rims.
- Next will be the Cobb AccessPort. This has 10 instantly switchable ECU maps and will be a great improvement.
- A downpipe with a high-flow cat and a STi Cat-less Up-pipe. This will eliminate the pre-turbo Cat and reduce total Cats from the stock restrictive three to one high flow.
- Coilovers. To lower the car, give it more aggressive handling and a meaner look.
- Then front and rear sway bars and strut tower braces to improve handling further. As of right now, I have a Cusco adjustable one with Whiteline endlinks.
- Next, I'll probably replace the intercooler and radiator hoses with high-performance Silicone hoses.
While those are my main upgrades, I'll also be spending a few dollars here and there to improve its look.
- » I would like to get matching silver sideskirts, the STi hood scoop, STi splitters, and maybe side spats.
- » Inside the car, I'm going to replace the cheesy factory shift boot and shift knob with leather Momo ones that matches my stock steering wheel.
- » I'll paint the ugly, stock brake calipers a more sporty-looking blue.
- » While, I'm not a big fan of decals, I want to add a windshield banner (at least for a little while) like the WRC Subaru.
High Res Photos
- June 2004 front | side
- August 2004 front | side
- April 2005 front | side
