The Blue Turd - Nik's 2004 WRX Build

MisterNBG · Mar 4, 2015

Firstly, if you'd like to keep up to date on my build...

Follow me on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble
AND
Follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So let's begin.
I bought my car in October of 2012. It had 119,000 miles on it & I am the 3rd owner. The car was 100% stock except for black powder coated wheels, cheap mud flaps, Hella horns & some cheap ebay HIDs for the foglights. Yah know... The usual lol

I kept the car stock for quite a bit, almost a year. I bought Rally Armor mud flaps, cleared up the headlights & quickly & I mean QUICKLY became addicted to modifying my car. Yes, I know mud flaps & clearing up headlights don't necassarily qualify as 'modding' but that's all it took for me to realize that I love working on cars.

*Past thoughts to self*
"car needs to be lowered a bit, I mean look how the rear sags so low compared to the front... ewww."

So I bought EMUSA coilovers.

Yes. eBay, cheap, Chinese made... Nothing special, but they were ride height & camber adjustable & only $450 shipped. After 2 years of owning them, they served their purpose & are still going strong. I don't track my car so performance wasn't too much of a concern. Say what you will & of course you get what you pay for. In my opinion. I got more than what I payed for, they're still going strong!

*Past thoughts to self*
"damn those stock wheels are so small, narrow, & boring"

So I bought XXR 527s. 17x8.25 with a +25 offset wrapped in 225/45r17 hankooks.

Yes. Ebay, cheap, Chinese made & extremely common... Nothing special. However I like the looks & again, after 2 years of owning them, 0 issues. I got my money's worth.

Here's a list of all handling related mods
XXR Wheels 17"x8.25" +25 Offset
Hankook 225/45r17 all-season tires
EMUSA Ride Height & Camber Adjustable Coilovers
eBay Front & Rear Upper Strut Tower Brace

Next up I decided to work on the bland appearance of my car. At this point I had just another World Rally Blue (WRB) WRX like every other kid with WRX it seemed lol. I wanted to make up something that made it look better but not be too flashy. I wanted that subtle, good looking WRX. Nothing ricey & nothing boring.

For the front end, I did the 'black nose' mod as I like to call it. It's similar to the newer GTR or Evo look

I masked off the area that needed to be black (& fixed a small dent caused by the previous owner)

Whether it's your cup of tea or not is irrelevant to me, it's something that most Subaru's (at least in my area) don't have, so my car definitely stock out of the bunch more after this.

Next up was clearing up those disgusting, fugly headlights. It turns out the plastic lenses were shot & the headlight was leaking like crazy. So instead of fixing them myself, I just trashed 'em & upgraded to '05 STi headlights. Now if you don't know, '05 STi headlights use HID bulbs which conflicted with my wiring harness so good 'ol lightwerks hooked me up with a conversion cable
(here's the link if you're planning on doing this)
OEM STi HID Wiring Harness -- HID Projector Headlight Retrofit for Subaru, Honda, BMW, Scion and More | LightWerkz.net

This simple upgrade made my car look SO much better. I blacked out the inner housing as well.

I added STi side skirts & then added on to them, Duraflex C-Speed Side Skirts.

(don't be jealous of my photoshop skills)

I thought that the WRX wing was pretty ugly & since I thought the STi wing (as awesome as it is) wasn't right for me since my car wasn't an STi, I decided to go wingless. I also added the 06-07 STi vortex generator, roof vane, whatever-tf you want to call it.

Here's how it looked after I was settled for a while with modding the exterior. This is before I started engine modifications (I'm talking more than just stage 2)

Now for some real modding. I became bored with stage 2 & wanted something a bit more fun. I actually contemplated on selling the WRX for an STi a few times back when I was bored with the power. Instead, i decided to keep upgrading parts. It was time for Stage 3! :domo:

The WRX TD04 turbo was simply not cutting it, so I upgraded to the VF39 out of an STi with only 50,000 miles on it.

I then added TiAL's 38mm External Wastegate (EWG). THIS THING SCREAMS!!!!

WATCH this video I made of my EWG going through tunnels, IT'S SO FRIGGIN LOUD!

I then installed a TurboXS Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC) while retaining the OEM BPV. I KNOW the popular opinon of this mod is 'unnecessary' but I found this FMIC used for $400 which is a steal & with the Cobb AP my intake temps lowered by A LOT. Turbo lag & throttle response seemed the same to me. This required modification (cutting) of the Front crash beam. I could have removed it all together like most do, but I'd prefer not to have my EJ205 in my lap if I ever get into a head on collision (God forbid).

This also required a lot of cutting of the front bumper, I also removed the fog lights and mounts altogether.

Here's how it looked after everything was all mounted up correctly

I then upgraded my ebay turbo back with a Tsudo Turbo back. It's puuurty

These were all the pretty mods of the Stage 3 build. I obviously needed supporting mods such as...
Injector Dynamics 1000cc fuel injectors (DON'T get Deatschwerks, they gave me SOO many issues)

Once everything was all installed & ready to go I then needed a tune! I decided on trying something different. I dove into the world of e-tuning. E-tuning is where a tuner from a far away land (lol) makes a map for your car, you drive your car, log your driving (with the Cobb Accessport), send your tuner the data logged & he sends a new map until the data logged is good (good AFRs, etc ,etc) This process repeats until your tuner is happy with the way your car is running.

I chose Clark Turner Tuning
Clark Turner - EFI Calibrator
https://www.facebook.com/clarkturnertuning

My honest review of his services is positive. The guy knows what he's doing & is very helpful. In my opinion though, he could work on his customer service skills. He comes off as very blunt & to the point (whether he meens to or not idk). But it's pretty simple, he's VERY good at what he does.

After the tune I had my car dyno'd just to see what it was making & it made 289whp/274wtq @ 19psi. Good number for a 2004 WRX with a stock EJ205 & 5 speed with 137,000 miles. That was more than enough power for me & DID YOU WATCH THAT VIDEO?! The car screams & pulls enough to put a smile on my face

No it's not the round # 300whp but you know what, this car makes me smile & it makes people's heads turn (passengers included) which is enough for me !!

Here's the list of ALL my engine mods so far.
IHI VF39 Turbo
Thermal Solutions Turbo Blanket
Blouch Oil Feed Line
TiAL 38mm External Wastegate (EWG) w/ 14.5 psi (1 bar) spring
Cobb Interal Wastegate (IWG) Bracket for EWG setup
Cobb 3-port Electronic Boost Controller (EBCS)
Cobb EBCS 1/4 Inch EWG Fitting & Hose Kit
Cobb Short Air SF Intake
TurboXS Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC) w/ Stock BPV
Injector Dynamics Fuel Injectors 1000cc (Top Feed)
Injector Dynamics Fuel Injector PnP Adapters USCAR to Denso
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs One Step Colder 2667
Walbro 255 LPH Fuel Pump
eBay Post MAF Rubber Hose
Godspeed Silicone turbo Inlet Hose
Grimmspeed Catless Up pipe w/ Flex Section, 38mm Wastegate Flange & Dump Tube
eBay 3" Bellmouth Catless Down Pipe
Tsudo 3" N1 Catback Exhaust
Mishimoto Aluminum Coolant Reservoir
Mishimoto Heat Tape for the IC pipes
Cobb AP V3 on Custom Map by Clark Turner Tuning
Dyno Results - 289whp / 274tq @ 19 psi on 93 Octane

Here's my fugly EJ205's engine bay. I'll work on color matching & cleaning it up this Summer, but for now I'm just happy with the way it's running!

MisterNBG · Mar 4, 2015

Now that I'm finished with power. I'm working on stiffening this thing up. It's 11 years old & it's plastic & rubber bushings & mounts are really starting to show (feel) it.

Here's the list of things I've added to stiffen **** up.
Kartboy Short Shifter
Front & Rear Shifter Bushings
Kartboy Transmission Mount Bushings
Group-N STI Transmission Mount
TiC 5MT Linkage Update
Torque Solutions Shifter Pivot Bushings
Torque Solutions Pitch Stop Mount
eBay Front & Rear Upper Strut Tower Brace (Mainly just got this for looks, I didn't notice a difference in feeling)

Now for the interior. 2004-2007 STi interior are just blue & sexy af in my opinion. So that's what I'm going for.

Here's a list of all the stuff I've done to my interior so far.
Aluminum Dead Pedal
COBB Shift Knob Red
'06 Blue STi Carpet
'04 Blue STi Door Panels (front and rear)
'04 STi Center Console
JPM Coachworks Shift Boot
Sick Speed Shift Boot Retainer
Sick Speed 4" Shift Knob Extension

I would like to get STi seats, but mine are heated & I have long 4 - 5 months winter here in PA so I'm still debating on whether I want to depart from the heated booty warmers or not lol But you have to admit, for 11 years and almost 140k miles, that's a clean interior.

I later did a few more things to my exterior since the Stage 3 upgrade.

I got bored of the stealthy black FMIC of mine so I added some teeth to the grill.

Say what you want, it's unique! It's my WRX :domo::domo::domo: nom nom nom

I then deleted the Subaru emblem & added the WRX emblem offset like the STi's emblems for the grill. Just some custom stuff

The last mod I've done since it was nice out was the rear diffuser. A guy locally use to make custom rear difussers. It required some cutting & modding since I have a fatass fart can & a 3" turbo back in the way lol But I think it looks nice. Again, my goal is subtle & nice looking (except for the teeth on the intercooler

)

Here's a list of all the exterior mods
'04 STi Front Side Splitters
'04 STi Fog Light Covers
eBay STi Front Lip Replica
Custom made '11 WRX Front Lip Side Splitters
'05 STi HID Headlights (Blacked Out)
'04 STi Hood Scoop
Rally Armor Basic Mud Flaps
eBay Black Aluminum Rear Tow Hook
Black Nose Paint Job
Wingless Trunk (Debadged)
Emblem/Pillar delete for front grill
Front grill WRX emblem
'04 STi Side Skirts
Duraflex C-Speed Side Skirts
Custom Made WRX Front License Plate Delete
Custom Made Rear Diffuser
eBay Bumper Quick Release Fasteners

So that's my car to date (3/4/2015) I'm currently waiting on Spring & nice temps so I can start the next chapter to this blue turd of mine.

It involves Fender flares, A stupid wide & fat meaty fitment, new wheels & a lot of paint

Here's a few teaser pics

Again, if you're interested in keeping up to date with this build of mine

Follow me on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble
AND
Follow me on Instagram
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

MisterNBG · Mar 10, 2015

Here's a better teaser of the projects I have planned for this spring

TownLine500 · Mar 10, 2015

Nice solid build my friend.
I love the sleeper look.
A few years back I had an 04 WRX. I sold it for $12,000 and got my 2013 WRX.
Keep the updates coming.

MisterNBG · Mar 11, 2015

McBill said:
Looks good and it's definitely unique. I can dig it.

Thanks fellas

McBill · Mar 10, 2015

Looks good and it's definitely unique. I can dig it.

irickchad · Mar 10, 2015

I like it, looks good. Just curious as to why you wrapped the cold side of your IC pipes in heat reflecting tape?

MisterNBG · Mar 11, 2015

I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not to the intake temperatures, but the idea was to prevent heat soak. The hot side of the turbo sits right under/next to the IC pipes. I did the pipe that's right before the throttle body (and directly above the turbo) and then I had left over tape so I just did the pipes closest to the turbo.

Germz to Japz · Mar 11, 2015

didn't read ALL of it yet but just wanted to post to say that I legit LOVE how the car looks and you are a BAD mofo my man... great work and congrats and love seeing the progress!

*high-five*

MisterNBG · Mar 23, 2015

Finally got around to messing around with the blue turd this weekend! So I have a 3" turbo back exhaust with both a resonator & a muffler. I love the low key rumble I have that isn't too loud or obnoxious. However, sometimes I wish my car was a little louder (besides being WOT with my EWG of course) So I went ahead & installed an Electric Exhaust Cut Out.

It's pretty self explanitory, especially once you see the pictures, but long story short, it allows the exhaust gasses coming from your down pipe to literally dump before the resonator or muffler for that true "straight pipe" sound! It's only loud when you want it to be loud!

So I put the cut out after the rear o2 sensor in the down pipe, but before the resonator in the catback's mid pipe. I basically removed the flanges & in their place, I installed the cut out.

Another thing I did is used these things called band clamps I got from Summit Racing. This way, the cut out isn't as permanent as if I welded it & the mid pipe & down pipe can still be separate for maintenance purposes without the need for removing both. Ran for 10 miles so far, no leaks!

Now there's plenty of videos out there for you ear's desire. I actually made one myself showing most of the process of the installation AND of course testing the cut out once it was installed!

MisterNBG · Apr 7, 2015

If you follow me on Instagram (DatSubieRumble) You'll know that I've been struggling with the fender flares & STUPID wide setup on my Blue Turd...

So I've always loved the low, fat, meaty look of GD Subies with flares & wide tires. So this is my take at that exact setup. To be different, my choice of wheels were 'steelies'. Not too many subies (at least in my area) run these wheels. I'm well aware of the drawbacks with these wheels (heavy, flexible... HEAVY) but they're extremely cheap & extremely easy to find (plus like I said, kind of a unique look in my area).

These wheels are Black Rock Series 997 Type 8 17x9 +12 offset wheels. I bought them used for $200. All 4, never mounted. Can't beat it. Now these wheels are a 5x114.3 lug pattern & since I have a the 04 WRX, I needed adapters. So I picked up 25mm (1 inch) thick adapter/spaces. Which now gives me a -13 offset.

Now if this wasn't crazy enough, I decided to go with an EXTREMELY meaty tread for a GD body & that is Somitomo's 275/40... I've always hated low profile tires so these are just perfect for my taste!

Wish I had a wagon instead of a Sedan lol
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So once I got the treads mounted to the wheels, I instantly fell in love & regretted my choice instantly. These things are TOO WIDE. Now don't take me for a fool, I knew going in that these wheels & treads were too much for the GD, there's a reason why not too many (if any) run this setup. But I say F*** it!

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So just for ****s & giggles I mounted these wheels to my car without the flares (they weren't painted yet) just to see how much poke I was dealing with.

Umm.... That's a lot of poke lol. No but seriously, it only about 2-1/2 inches so the flares will definitely cover it up!
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Now about the flares, these aren't the infamous (or impossible to find) Karlton Fender Flares, nor are these ForceWerkz or ABWs... These are hand made by a guy in Florida (with that being said, he obviously used the same 'template')

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Now as you can see, there is literally no 'play room' or gap between the flares & the tire. This got me nervous REAL quick. I can't DD a setup like this let alone mount it. This was WAY to tight.

My dogs facial expression says it all...
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So I sucked it up, & started mounting, cutting, re mounting & repeat until I got the clearance I wanted.

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So here's how it looked after I got done trimming the flare to my liking. Note: it's not bolted to the car yet so it's just sitting on the tire. As you can see there's about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of poke. I'm fine with this.

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

& Here's the 'almost done' finished project. I bought black automotive door trim to wrap around the flare, I think it looks ight... It definitely helps fill the gap between flare & body + keeps the flares from scratching the body (WHICH THEY DO). So one wheels down, 3 more to go -______-

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

The project continues... As of April 6th, I have complete the front wheels & both rears. I still have the driver's side front & front bumper flares to add. I had to cut my fender and bumper to clear these meaty treads & there's only about 1 inch of clearance between fender & tread...

THIS Project is NOT for the faint of heart. There is no such thing as a 'bolt on' fender flares for these cars if you intend on running a meaty setup like this. I reckon, when this is finished & all tied up. It will have a very agressive & 'mean' look to it. But until that I day, I can only dream. This is day 2 of trying to get this project wrapped up... Wish me luck...

Follow me on Instagram & YouTube for more info about my car!
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble

Germz to Japz · Apr 7, 2015

amazing work and progress!

that makes me appreciate more and more the older-school rex's out there...

oh and I love your dog's expression lol!

MisterNBG · Apr 8, 2015

Despite the showers, I managed to get all 4 fender flares cut & mounted! I'll post a walk around video for a more detailed look soon, but for now, here's how it looks & sits!

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

I had to cut my front fenders for tire clearance when turning... Talk about a 'no going back' situation. I'm still working on the ride height for a functional (daily derivable) & good looking ride.

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

I still have yet to mount the front bumper. I am currently having tire clearance issues when turning & so far took about 1-1/2 inch to 2 inches off each side... I'll post back this weekend with my progress. Unfotunatelly, Spring weather is claiming most of my free time, wish I had a garage -__-

Here's a reel of angels for your heart's content! Sure it looks cool (at least to me) but now it's time to make it more derivable (no rubbing)

A little poke, no camber, yes please! :thumbup:
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

If you look closesly, I had to cut both my STi side skirts & my Duraflex C-Speed Side Skirts

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

You can see that the flares aren't a perfect fit, the black door trim helped fill the gap
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

My Uncle (big muscle car guy) said "Looks pretty mean for a rice cake" :rotfl: SO WIDE
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Front bumpers are over rated (& yes I have the OEM brass looking tow hook

)
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Closer shot on the cut side skirts & flare fitment... Not bad, not perfect, though was my 04 WRX ever perfect? I'm happy with it so far. I just need to get those mud flaps back! This thing looks like a pavement queen now (well it is considering I'm this low & wide lol)
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Well that's my project as it sits as of April 7th 2015... Hopefully by the weekend I'll have the ride height, fenders & front bumper all sorted out so there's next to no rubbing & I can daily this monstrosity again. I miss her... I miss my Blue Turd :'(

Follow me on Instagram & YouTube for more updates!
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble

jfisch822 · Apr 10, 2015

Looks great man. I really like what you're doing with your car. :thumbup:

MisterNBG · Apr 11, 2015

I am done (for now) with this project. It no longer rubs & is derivable. I raised the suspension all the way around by 1 whole inch. This reduced the chance of rubbing by A LOT & allowed me to turn my wheel more than just half way lol. My car is now (some what) practical again.

& It's still sitting mean

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So now that the car was derivable I tried tying up my issue with the front end. The tires were hitting the bumper so I had to "shave" (hack off) about 2" of bumper from each side. It ain't pretty... But nothing about this car is (nor was my intent ever to make this car 'pretty')

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

With the front bumper on (with the use of man zipties & a few quick release bumper fasteners) I am officially (& temporarily) done with this wide project of mine.

What I have accomplished here is one of the widest setups one can squeeze on a GD body Subaru. One of the ugliest, Frankenstein-ish, unique looking Subies in my area at least... I plan on continuing this build. But for now, a fresh coat of WRB & a clear head light lens is all this car will be seeing in the planned & near future.

If you're interested in keeping up to date on the build, follow me on Instagram & YouTube!
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble

MisterNBG · Apr 14, 2015

Took the Blue Turd out for a scenic "shoot" The pictures almost make it look like it's clean & doesn't need a new paint job lol!

If you look close, it's ugly. If you glance at it from afar, it's ugly. & I love it. Because I built it. It's not done, nor will it ever be 'done'. It's not perfect, nor will it ever be. It's my car, the Blue Turd.

& of course, check out my Instagram & YouTube if you'd like to keep closer watch on the build!
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe5hymMtWqg

MisterNBG · Apr 25, 2015

So I slapped my front lip on along with some custom made side splitters I got from a guy off his '11 WRX. Didn't turn out too bad. Some ppl from Cars & Coffee snapped pics of me rolling in & out of the lots.

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Now for the big mod... The Hood Scoop DELETE vent thing. It's made by KSTech I got from IAGPerformance
http://www.iagperformance.com/KSTech-Hood-Vent-Scoop-Delete-WRX-STI-Flat-Black-p/kst-hvsd-0405-pcb.htm

Here's how I looked before the hood scoop delete. (I also added little baby canards because that's what all the cool kids are starting to do :thumbup

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

The '04 - '05 STIs had the biggest scoop out of all the Subies EVAR. I called it the shovel scoop & the most stereotypical thing about a Subaru (besides the wing, mud flaps & UEL header's rumble) So since my ultimate goal with this car is to step away from the usual Subaru look. Getting rid of the scoop was an obvious choice. I thought about just getting an Impreza hood, but everything about this car is 'in your face, idc' lol. & the Impreza hood just isn't... So I found KSTech's beautiful vent that shows off the FMIC pipes & BPV, let's the hot air escape out the top easier & just looks awesome! Since I have an FMIC, the scoop was no longer functional + is VERY UNaerodynamic... So here it is!

P.S. If you're still rocking a TMIC, DON'T think about getting this vent. You're TMIC will literally bake, probably set on fire & cause a fiery explosion! ... Or just ya know... Too high of intake temps lol.

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

I like this shot because I always thought the brodside view of '04-'05 STis were the best because of the scoop! & look! no scoop!
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

I especially love that you can see all the IC piping.
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Now... You're all thinking it... The rain. My theory just by looking at the opening & what's under is that the rain water WILL pool on top of the block, WILL destroy my heat wrap over time & WILL clean my engine lmaoooo EVO guys run there cars like this throughout the season, so I 'should' be okay. I'll definitely keep ya'll posted with how this things holds up. I mean what's the worst that can happen? The Thottle body hose is loose & leaks water into the eninge & hydro locks it? baaaahhhhh...

Follow the build!
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble

Goose42 · Apr 25, 2015

I like the look of the scoop delete. Curious to see if there are any ill repercussions.

MisterNBG · Jul 16, 2015

So just a little update

It's been about 2 months since I put the KSTech Hood Scoop Delete on the Subie. Since then we've (Easern PA residents) had PLENTY of rain... Monsoons almost lol. The engine bay is corrosion free & relatively clean now lol...

Now on to my future plans. I got my hands on Plasti Dip for the first time & instantly fell in love. I sprayed up some of the black parts that needs touching up (front nose, canards, etc) & sprayed the fog light covers.

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Doesn't look to shabby in my opinion & the dip seem pretty sturdy. I put on about 5-6 heavy coats.

Now I'm thinking of doing something stupid. For over a year I've planned on making the Subi different & what better way to do that than changing the color to something other than WRB (World Rally Blue)?

I KNOW there are A LOT of downsides to plasti dip, but for the price & ease of application. I think I'm going to play around with changing the color of the Subie... With Plasti Dip. This way I can change the color back to WRB just by peeling the Dip away in case I don't like the new color not to mention it's pretty cheap compared to a real paint job. As for looks, it's preference, trust me I know.

To better explain my plans for this thing, check out this video I posted to my YT channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble

On an unrelated note, the reason why the only thing I've done to this car is plasti dip **** is because I've fallen in love... With my new motorcycle

It's a 2003 Kawasaki ZX6R Ninja 636 (CHEEEEEEEAAAAHHH)

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Anyways that's the plan. Should all be done before the Summer is up looking COMPLETELY different with a new paint job.

P.S. I've flirting with the idea of losing the teeth in the intercooler... But I don't know if I want the intercooler to be black or aluminum gray... Help me decide please!

Also if you'd like to better follow the build, please follow me on Facebook, YouTube & Instagram!
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.facebook.com/SubieRumble

MisterNBG · Jul 28, 2015

More details below, but just watch the video for the 'to the point' lol

So I did more things to the Blue Turd this past few days...

I've seen some of the 'mature' style rear diffuser mount half way up the rear bumper which I though looked pretty cool. So since my rear diffuser was custom made by a dude locally & I really like the look of that black mount that ForceWerkz & other companies have as a part of their diffusers, I decided to get that similar style on mine.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about.

It was simple really... Since my diffuser was bolted & zip tied to my rear bumper, there was no need to 'make' that rear mount that goes half way up the rear bumper, I just wanted that look & style. So I simply masked off the area & plasti dipped away. If it didn't turn out the way I liked it, I'd simply peel the dip away.

Here's how it turned out

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.facebook.com/SubieRumble

I like it, it's different which (gosh I feel like a broken record now) is what my main goal with this build is.

Now I used to have the '07 STi vortex generator / roof vane / watcha-meh-call-it... thing. I've since gotten rid of it & went with that 100% wingless style. This got old to me so I picked up this $30 shark fin... "whatcha-meh-call-it... thing" lol.

NOTE: don't use supplied adhesive... Scotch tape sticks better than the supplied ****... I used 3M automotive tape... It ain't going no where.

Here's how it turned

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.facebook.com/SubieRumble

Here's how it was before all of this

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.facebook.com/SubieRumble

It's the small suttle mods that are my favorite. I wouldn't call them 'unique' since other cars have these styles (the EVO 9 has the shark fins). But it's enough to make my car stand out a bit more from the bland Subaru crowd in my area.

I also attended Cars & Coffee Last weekend and found some awesome shots local photographers captured of me rolling in!!

Photo credit to : https://instagram.com/zsyphotography/

Photo credit to : https://instagram.com/Sam_Demyan/

Anyways that's it for now! It's time for an engine & tranny fluid change before it starts getting cold out again (I hate working on my car in the cold -____-)

Safe driving ya'll!

Also if you'd like to better follow the build, please follow me on Facebook, YouTube & Instagram!
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.facebook.com/SubieRumble

MisterNBG · Aug 7, 2015

So if you've followed this build then you know that I've had 0 luck with Subaru OEM headlights... They leak, they fade & are nearly un-restorable. NOT to mention they're OVER PRICED SH*T ... Since I've gone through 2 pairs of OEM headlighs & both leaked, faded & were just plain ugly. I've decided to go off brand (& again, away from what's common).

Here's what I mean by un-restorable... This what they looked like AFTER I used multiple headlight restoration kits...

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So I bought Spec-D Tuning headlights for $200. Yes these are good 'ol eBay specials lol, I bought from eBay seller k2motors. 3 years ago I thought these were awesome & I needed them! Then I thought, eh, they're cheap looking, kinda ricey. Now for some reason they grew on me again. For the price... F*** it, I bought em.

Here's how it turned out. Completely transformed the look of the car!

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Here's how they look at night with just the Halos & LEDs on. I'm not sure how I feel about the LEDs yet but they Halos are awesome!

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Now for the specifics on wiring, the installation & my review on it. It'd be easier for me to just make a vid than to type it up. So check out it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEiicB0W098

Also if you'd like to better follow the build, please follow me on Facebook, YouTube & Instagram!
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https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
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MisterNBG · Aug 13, 2015

So as you may know... I've been wingless for quite some time now.

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Many of you following my build have told me to get something, whether it be a duck tail or an STi wing. Most said STi wing but since I was trying to be different with the route of my build, I naturally leaned towards the ducktail.

ABW makes AMAZING ducktails for our cars.
ABWMOTORSPORT SUBARU BODYKITS
Problem is it's $300+ shipped from the UK (since they're a UK company)

They're a great company, but a little to great for my cheap ass so I decided to take the cheaper route just trade my wingless trunk for someone else's STi trunk & wing.

Someone locally bought an 06 or 07 used WRX that already had the STi wing from a dealership. He posted on a Facebook group i'm a part of (LVSE) that he was looking to trade his STi wing & trunk for a wingless trunk. I jumped on the offer & here we are

The wing has some bad sun fading on the top

I fixed this with some good 'oooooooooooool plasti dip lol

Here's how it turned out

Here's a vid on the install

Also if you'd like to better follow the build, please follow me on Facebook, YouTube & Instagram!
https://www.youtube.com/user/SubieRumble
https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/
https://www.facebook.com/SubieRumble

MisterNBG · Dec 11, 2015

Soooo... The car just went through another big ... Evolution. This time for the better.

Long Story short, check this video I made on the new parts. For more details, keep reading :woocow:

Right, so my goal with the car a year ago, was to be unique. But sacrificing livability to be different gets old, REAL quick. If you don't know, having super heavy steel wheels, super wide tires & super tight suspension SUCKS for daily driving.

Let's start with suspension. I had to make my suspension SO tight so that my tires wouldn't hit my fender flares. This made driving around town TERRIBLE.

MisterNBG · Dec 11, 2015

Here just watch this video I made about how ****ty my ride was.

Next up, let's talk about my stupid wheels & tires. They were 275/40s... That's TOO MUCH for a GD body Subaru. Couple that with my -13 offset I had on my wheels & now suddenly you can't turn your wheel without cutting your front bumper, fenders & side skirts... Not to mention deleting the inner fender guards & hammering the **** out of your wheel wells. & of course that's JUST what I did... But hey it's unique right?! :screwy:

Lastly, let's talk about wheel weight. These steel wheels are about 1.7x the weight of stock STi BBS wheels. They're simply HEAVY & if you don't know, this means poor acceleration, poor braking, less nimble & poor gas mileage. Still Unique doh :shakehead:

Oh & let's not forget about the teeth on the intercooler lol... I got rid of that.

https://www.instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So now I'm left with a car that's getting interest on Instagram, YouTube & Facebook for being 'different' that I thoroughly hated driving & even owning. I'd get asked numerous questions at car shows about this thing that I really didn't like. I wasn't proud of my work. It was too raw, too sloppy. People actually liked this? I actually liked this? Why?! The car couldn't make tight turns in a parking lot, it was slower due to the Heavy wheels & tires & let's not forget about the 0 suspenion travel allowing coilovers.

So now I'm going back to a clean, DRIVABLE, Stock STi-ish look. Good bye 'unique' wide body.

So cut fenders had to come off, cut side skirts had to come off, front bumper was already off

, Wheels & tires gone, rusted & seized coilovers gone, flares gone. Back to square one.

So first of all, I got my new suspension. I made sure I Anti-seized the threads & zip ties the rubber boots.

MisterNBG · Dec 11, 2015

Also here are some ways to prevent your coilovers from rusting

Next up I got my STi BBS wheels. Only 19lbs a wheel... These are basically sex compared to those heavy ass steelies.

https://instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Here they are, silver, 5x114.3 off an 05 STi which means I still needed my hub adapter/spacers. Luckily though, this meant a SUPER flush look! Tires are 225/45s

https://www.instagram.com/datsubierumble/

So now on to the body. My previous fenders were cut so I had to replace them.

https://www.instagram.com/datsubierumble/

OEM replacements were too expensive & finding used fenders that weren't dented & just plain broken... Good luck. I settled on the Duraflex GT Concept fenders. These were made from fiberglass & their fitment was actually pretty good.

https://www.instagram.com/datsubierumble/

Next up was the front bumper, Also Duraflex. It's an STi replica made out of fiber glass. I added the eBay STi replica lip to it as well. Fitment was A1!

https://www.instagram.com/datsubierumble/

I didn't get a chance to get the new side skirts on yet. They're also Duraflex Replicas. Honestly Duraflex makes some quality ****.

Here's the car as it sits now.

https://www.instagram.com/datsubierumble/

What I accomplished here was undoing the **** that I had done... did. lol.

I know that some people are upset that I went back to the stock-ish "boring" look. But at the end of the day. I can drive my car & enjoy it unlike before.

Now the car just needs paint & side skirts, then she'll finally be clean!

MisterNBG · Jan 22, 2016

So I've gone on a JDM Parts buying spree. These parts are all straight from Japan. To summarize. I bought
- A pair of JDM 'Big' fog lights with the multi color lens
- A pair of Spec C HID STi headlights
- Front & Rear JDM V7 (bug eye) STi seats

TL;DR Watch this for an explanation on my plans

Let's start off with the STi Seats shall we...
I'm going to show you a picture, I want you to tell me what you see *hint* it's not what I ordered...

If you look closely, the seat on the right is the JDM V8 STi (blob eye) seat & the seat on the left is a JDM V7 STi (bug eye) seat. I originally asked for the full set of JDM V7 STi seats. But instead got the V7 rear seats & drivers seat & a V8 passenger seat. LOOOL. I let my importer know the warehouse workers messed up my order. I also made sure he knew I wasn't upset or looking for a return or anything. Importing things from Japan is not only expensive, but it takes about 2 weeks depending on what you're shipping. So I'd need to wait almost a month before I'd be able to get the correct seat shipped to me. NOT worth it. & tbh, the more I look at the two seats, the more I dig having two different seats. I'll tell you right now, the V7 seat is WAY more supportive & really hug my lats to keep me in place. The V8 seat (imo) looks way better! Best of both world I guess. Rear seats are... well the same as the USDM STi seats so yeah.

MisterNBG · Jan 22, 2016

I made a video of close ups for each of the seats if you're interested. I think it's cool having two different version STi seats in my car!

Install was too simple for words. Most difficult part was getting the bulky front seats out of the car due to tight space lol.

Here's a picture of the finished product

Couldn't be happier!
+10hp to the butt dyno!
Now all I need is the STi Steering wheel & guage cluster & my interior will be complete!
(If you don't already know, I plan on doing a FULL STi swap in the next few years. Hopefully that justifies my STi-ish interior obsession lol)

zax · Jan 22, 2016

Why not just buy an STI and save a lot of money?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

MisterNBG · Jan 22, 2016

zax said:
Why not just buy an STI and save a lot of money?

Little late for that now. If I were to sell my car the way it sits now & buy an STi that's not molested like my car was/is. I wouldn't be saving any more many than if I just did the swap myself.

STIs in my area that are in good shape go for at least 2x as much as a WRX if not more. 4 years ago when I bought this car, STIs were WAY out of my budget. Plus I wanted to have money left over to work on it & actually learn something, get some wrench time in yah know? If I bought an STi, I'd be broke due to loan payments & I wouldn't have any money left over for mods. That didn't appeal to me.

Since I bought the WRX, I've done plenty to the car & learned more about cars in general than I ever would've hoped for. Of course 'money at the time' is a huge factor in all of this, but now in hind site, there's something about buying a car & modding it yourself, that I appreciate more than just buying a car that already has the 'cool' stuff done to it... I want to do the STi swap to this car because I'd love to pull a motor out of a car, upgrade brakes, pull a transmission, rebuild a motor. All things I've never done before. I'd have no real reason (or money) to do that with an STi if I had it originally.

I guess I'm just trying to say that I'm completely content with where I am going with this car & that I want to keep going with this car. It's fun, it's a hobby.

respectfully.

I don't really expect anyone to understand... but eh, that's just where I'm coming from.

The Blue Turd - Nik's 2004 WRX Build

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