My 06 WRX mod story

How 2006 WRX Should Perform

STOCK

In this blog post, I will be sharing my ideas as how a 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX should have been equipped from the factory. I will be covering engine performance, suspension and looks. I have considered wrx to be my dream car ever since I played Gran Turismo on PS, having said that, wrx is not a performance car from the video game. My previous car was a 02 BMW M3, that car had performance, style and super handling. My issue with M3 was the cost to own and mod. Once I took ownership of a 06 WRX, I realized it was far from being the car that it should have been. I am keeping in mind WRX STI is the better option, but WRX could have been better than the base WRX, in my mind. Here is my attempt at playing a role of an engineer.

 Performance: 

Issues: Low on power and torque, needs top end, and improved power curve.

My Mods: 

1.) Intercooler upgrade: STI Top Mount Intercooler (TMIC)

2.) Turbo upgrade: STI Turbo (VF43) with custom heat shield to prevent heat-soak to TMIC

3.) Exhaust upgrade: Downpipe and Cat back 3" exhaust

4.) ECU Tuning: Cobb Access Port + E tuned by Clark

Side Shot

Results:  The engine responded very well to the bolt-ons and the tune completed the power band issues. Couple of drawbacks; little more lag than before, louder exhaust (gets you noticed and not relaxing when driving for longer periods). I haven't tested the results on the dyno but from the feeling perspective, the engine has come alive and is sufficient for spirited driving.

Suspension/Brakes/Chassis:

Issues: Under steer, body roll, saggy back and soft brake peddle feel.

My expectations: Get rid of under steer and body roll wrx are known for.

My Mods:

1.) Rear sway bar: Agency Power 22mm rear sway bar. (gets rid of understeer)

2.) Suspension: BC Racing Coilovers set at 14" [from bottom of the fender to wheel center on the front] and 14.5'' [on the rear]. Dampening is set at 15 clicks on the front, and 7 clicks on the rear. (still fine tuning these settings)

3.) Brakes:Front stainless steel brake lines. Also upgraded to ceramic rotors and pads 

4.) Front/Rear/Chassis Stiffening: Front and Rear strut bars and under body H brace. 

5.) Transmission Bushings: Torque Solutions shifter bushing and rear bushing.

Trouble getting up the driveway

Results: Shifting is more direct but not a great deal of difference. Body roll has been reduced by a large margin and the strut bars and H brace have stiffen the chassis. Brake pedal feel is better and direct. Understeer has disappeared but need further testing is needed to prove results. Because of 14" front and 14.5" rear height settings have resolved saggy rear. 

Looks:

Issues: I honestly thought the wrx looks like an economy sedan and maybe it is, but I wanted to added a bit of my flavour but it must look like it's stock (Sleeper). I like to called it, unnoticed moddifications.

My Mods:

1.) Roof Rack: Rhino roof rack, is not about looks but about function, hauling kayak, bikes and other camping stuff.

2.) Black headlight housing: Just painted the inside of the head light housing to match the exterior paint. 

3.) Lowered: With BC Racing coilovers, the lowered stance look makes it a little more aggressive.  

Roof Rack in use

4.) Tinted Windows: Tinted the windows not for looks but for function, keeps the car cool in summer. 

Results: Roof rack has been useful and painful at the same time, it is a little pain when washing the car/carwash. Headlights are great but I do see little water in the left side, I didnt seal it correctly. Rear tint wasn't done correctly by me, will have to go back and redo it sometime. Lowered stance looks great but is a great deal of headache. I am unable to drive  up my driveway  in a normal manner, its very steep. I drive down-town, there are pot holes and the drive is unpleasant, i always have to  be conscious of this while driving. 

Few Tutorial video i filmed:
STI TMIC
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Rear Sway Bar
Exhaust 
Walkaround