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Chief_WRX - 2014 ISM Hatch Build

45K views 166 replies 26 participants last post by  Chief_WRX  
#1 · (Edited)
Chief_WRX l 2014 ISM Hatch Build

Current Parts List on Page 11

I purchased my 2014 WRX Hatch in Ice Silver Metallic on 01 October 2013. I test drove it with 3 miles on the odometer, drove it off the lot with 9 miles on it. Every moment I have owned this car has been amazing. I traded in a not so much liked 2011 Nissan Xterra Pro4X, it was a great suv but off roading is not for me. I wanted something that was going to be reliable in all weather, good on gas mileage and overall fun to drive. My car prior to the Xterra was a Procharged 04 Mustang GT (542 RWHP/ 556 RWTQ), the car was a beast and a lot of fun to drive but rain and snow was a no go. The gas milage was terrible, all though the Mustang was my deployment baby I sold it. I then purchased the Xterra after only having the Xterra for 3 months my wife could see it on my face, I wasn't happy, the Xterras gas milage was not much better than the Mustang. She had a brilliant idea, lets go look for me a new car and my wife being a fellow Subaru owner (07 Outback). I have always loved the look of the 2011-2013 WRX hatchbacks, we went to a few dealerships and look at a few used ones but you could tell they were driven like poop and not well taken care of. After a few hours my wife mentions, "Lets go look at new WRX's at Heuberger." Boom there we were, I fell in love with the Rex from the first sight, took it on a test drive, crunched some numbers and drove it home the following morning.

The morning driving the WRX of the lot:


The two previous rides:
Xterra:


Mustang:


So far with the WRX I have done a few minor things:
-Cobb Accesport V2 Stage 1 Map (Traded a guy for a few AR-15 parts)
-SPT Exhaust (From 2010 STI Hatch off Craigslist for $150)
-Debadged Trunk
-VHT Night Shade Tail Lights
-Plasti Dipped the Wheels and front grille



Future:
I have done lots of research on this site and a few others. I can not thank everyone enough for the knowledge I have gained. The future list for now.
-Rally Armor Mud Flaps (NEXT)
-Springs/ Struts Combo
-Swaybars
-17x9 Wheels with Meaty tires
-Kartboy Short Throw with brushings
-Torque Performance Stage 1 map
-Cold Air intake of some kind

As the WRX sits today:
 
#3 ·
Awesome car the new ISM looks so much better than the older SSM I usually hate silver but this one is perfect congrats on the purchase I'm sure you will fall in love like me!
 
#6 ·
I used about 6 coats of black and 5 of the glossifier. I was honesty suprised by the turn out as well when I did them

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#8 ·
They have been done for about 2 months and if I wash them real well they are still pretty glossy. They just get dirty so quick

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#9 ·
How many cans did you need to do all 4, looks great and I want to do this too but was kinda worried it wouldn't turn out like that! And also what exact color black did you use thanks
 
#10 ·
Plastidip has only one black. Anthracite grey is couple shades lighter but black is black. Depending on how many coats you do 1 can per wheel should do. Sorry for the thread jack.

I admire your wheels too chief, im jealous, I need more gloss haha.
 
#11 ·
Thanks, just wasn't sure of there were diffrent forms of black. But ya I'm definitely doing this to mine!
 
#13 ·
I didn't put enough onto mine when I did them. Started to look pretty lousy after a little while so I got them powder coated. You got quite the deal on the SPT exhaust. Excited to see this continue. Also, Eric at Torqued Performance is great to work with.
 
#14 ·
Ya that turned out perfect I hope mine do to, I'm guessing you left the wheels on the car?
 
#15 ·
Yes I left the wheels on the car and trashed bagged the brakes. Also I hear Eric is a great dude and really easy to work with.

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#18 ·
Process was super easy. I got mine done for $250. I got them done when I was getting new tires so I wouldn't have to get tires remounted or anything. I have some pics in my "build" thread lol you can take a look at. It actually looks pretty similar to the finish on yours. I got 20% gloss black.
 
#19 ·
Awesome thanks for the info. Well Christmas came early/ my wife let me open an early present. Black with red logo Rally Armor mud flaps. Im excited to get them on!!
 
#22 · (Edited)
Over the past week or so I have done a few things to the WRX.

First up, the wonderful present from my wife. Rally Armor Mud Flaps:





Next was the OEM Black Fender Garnish with the Red vinyl inserts:







After that I decided to polish the SPT Exhaust since it was FILTHY.
Before:


After:





During the next few days I'm deciding what I want to do next. Definitely going to get a short throw shifter and most likely a Bayson R CS front lip.
 
#40 ·
Next was the OEM Black Fender Garnish with the Red vinyl inserts:

I like the red in the side ornaments. I'm planning on doing something similar with my car, white instead of red though. Did you get the vinyl inserts somewhere, or did you make them?
 
#24 ·
No i have not been to torqued performance, I believe they moved to Oregon but Im not 100%. I do not have a pro tune yet, still just running the cobb stage 1 on the accessport.
 
#25 ·
Scratch the previous wanted items short throw and Bayson R front lip. I have pulled the trigger on a set of Swift Sport lowering springs. I got an offer I couldn't refuse.









Im excited to get them installed but from what I hear it is a PITA to do. Should have nice weather here in Colorado on Friday so Im hoping to get them done then. Ill for sure post pictures of a before and after when complete.


Just for fun a photo from the other night while waiting for a buddy at the Denver Airport.

 
#26 ·
Dude your car looks sick man. I wanted a silver STI but ended up with a white one because the wait would have been too long. It took six weeks to get my white and that was long enough :woocow:

What did those springs set you back?

Pp
 
#27 ·
Happen to catch a steal on them, picked them up for a cool $180. SWP is a great color, I believe it opens up more options for wheel colors too. With silver some wheel colors dont look as good.