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The Big 2011/2012 Mod thread

390K views 256 replies 84 participants last post by  CLA2 
#1 · (Edited)
I have decided to contribute to my useless existence on the forum by compiling some of the stuff I found out there,including from other forums,that might me helpful to the many new 2011 & 2012 owners/members of the forum.

You can find almost anything about mods on this famous thread from another forum.Thank you Mr. Unabomber http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533787&highlight=manifesto


For anybody who needs the service manual (thank you Mangostick) http://www.daviswoody.com/2009SubaruImprezaServiceManual.pdf

Some common questions that already have threads

Mileage thread http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/every...ilage-you-actually-getting-your-2011-wrx.html



Please feel free to contribute.

***Disclaimer:I am not responsible for anything you break on your car or any warranty claim denials
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Most owners start out with a tint.You can find the legal tint laws for your state here

http://www.tintlaws.com/

Some do a clear bra.This is done preferably by a qualified installer as it is not an easy job.There are different kits & the price depends on how much of the car you want to cover.
 
#3 · (Edited)
the other popular mod is the short shifter & bushings.There are various types of shifters available on the market.You can also get a SPT short shifter installed by the dealer(the SPT shifter comes with the linkages).Another popular brand is kartboy.

It is advisable to change the bushings along with the shifter to improve overall shifting feel.

The entire kit with the kartboy shifter can be found here TiC 08 Impreza Super Shifter Set

It is a pretty straight forward install.

Written installations

http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/2008-wrx-short-shifter-install-manual.pdf



Not included in the video is the install of the linkage bushings.

The instructions for the bushing install can be found on this sticky by EJ257.(Thank you Matt).The install instructions are for earlier models but they are the same for all 08+ as well.Also all bushing install can be found on this same sticky.

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/transmission-awd/134325326-driveline-mounts-bushings-faq.html

This is a diagram of what you will be installing



A: Shift Linkage Bushings
B: Short Throw Shifter
C: Pivot Bushings
D: Front Shifter Stay Bushing
E: Rear Shifter Stay Bushing



Thank you sjcurtis & BlueAngelWrx for the video.
 
#74 ·
the other popular mod is the short shifter & bushings.There are various types of shifters available on the market.You can also get a SPT short shifter installed by the dealer(the SPT shifter comes with the linkages).Another popular brand is kartboy.

It is advisable to change the bushings along with the shifter to improve overall shifting feel.

The entire kit with the kartboy shifter can be found here TiC 08 Impreza Super Shifter Set

It is a pretty straight forward install.



Not included in the video is the install of the linkage bushings.

The instructions for the bushing install can be found on this sticky by EJ257.(Thank you Matt).The install instructions are for earlier models but they are the same for all 08+ as well.Also all bushing install can be found on this same sticky.

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/transmission-awd/134325326-driveline-mounts-bushings-faq.html

This is a diagram of what you will be installing



A: Shift Linkage Bushings
B: Short Throw Shifter
C: Pivot Bushings
D: Front Shifter Stay Bushing
E: Rear Shifter Stay Bushing



Thank you sjcurtis & BlueAngelWrx for the video.

anybody know what type of short knob hes using in the video??
 
#4 · (Edited)
Another popular mod that brings about a love hate response is the Rally Armor mudflap.There is a less expensive variant also available called the Flapatax Mudflaps

When you order the Rally Armor mudflaps be specific about your model year & whether it is a hatch/sedan as the mounting hardware is different.

Included is a video of the install .The video is for a sedan.The instructions are the same for the front of a sedan/hatch but is different when it comes to the rear.

 
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#8 · (Edited)
A way to seriously enhance your vehicle's cornering ability & to reduce body roll would be to change the factory sway bars to after market ones.There are many makes on the market including Whiteline,Perrin,Eibach,etc.

Install instructions for the whiteline swaybars
Video



Pictorial instructions for Rear sway bar

DSCN1841_e.jpg
 
#9 · (Edited)
Along with the swaybars you can add aftermarket solid endlinks as the factory endlinks are not strong enough for forces that will be exerted by the aftermarket sways.Again endlinks come for different makers,the same that make the swaybars.You can mix & match the sways & endlinks.

Endlink install instructions.

http://peatpics.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=104973

Torque specs for the rear suspension



Something that I noted when installing whiteline sways & kartboy endlinks was that the spacers supplied with the endlinks were not enough to hold them perpendicular,so I had to order a separate set of spacers

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/Kartboy-KB-017WLS-Whiteline-Front-Swaybar-Spacers

You can also alternatively use washers from your local hardware store.
 
#11 ·
Great idea for a thread IMO.

Perhaps for the Everyday Impreza Talk?
 
#12 · (Edited)
A popular mod for all WRX/STIs is the Hella Horn install.

For this you will have to remove the front bumper.Not a big deal,takes just a couple of minutes

Written instructions with pics

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/how-install/132142-2008-sti-front-bumper-removal.html

Video of bumper & grill removal



the simplest wiring diagram I found





You can use the bracket supplied with the horn or if you want them to stick out more & be more visible you can get a bracket http://www.subimods.com/subimods-com-hella-supertone-horns-bracket.html

I just got a steel bracket from Home Depot & painted it black.You can just screw the bolt into the hole on the right,but you will have to use a bolt with nut on the left(be extremely careful & use some guard if you tap the hole so as to not put a hole in the ac condenser)

You can also make a custom harness or order one from http://www.subimods.com/subimods-hella-horn-harness-kit.html

It is advisable to solder all your connections,heat shrink your butt connectors & apply dielectric grease.See that the fuse is as close to the (+) of the battery as possible.And please DO NOT HAVE SOMEONE HONK THE HORN TO TEST IT WHILE YOU ARE STANDING IN FRONT OF THE CAR.118db is loud.
 
#13 · (Edited)


COBB AP for 2011 WRX http://www.cobbtuning.com/products/?id=5611

COBB AP for 2011 STI http://www.cobbtuning.com/products/?id=5240


Review of the Cobb Accessport by ScoobyDoo12(thank you)

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/tuning-electronic-engine-management/134345133-2011-sti-review-cobb-accessport-stage-1-a.html

Review of the Cobb SF Intake by ScoobyDoo12

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/engine-modifications/134345159-2011-sedan-cobb-tuning-sf-intake-airbox-stage-1-sf-tune-review-pics-vids.html

Video of the Cobb SF intake on a 2011 STI



on a 2011 wrx



from one of our members,thanks mike

 
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#20 · (Edited)
If your car did not come with fog lights you can easily install them since the car is prewired.The kit can be purchased https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=1732

The install involves taking off the bumper(you can find the instructions on how to take off your bumper in the hella post),replacing the stalk ,and mounting & connecting the fog assembly & replacing the front surrounds.All of this is included in the kit.You can also do the install without taking off the bumper by removing the side vent(as described below in "How to level your fogs") but this is a little tougher as you will not be able to see what you are doing.

The instructions are not very helpful.The toughest part is taking off the steering column cover to install the stalk..Just remember that all screws are installed in the down>upward position ,so they are accessed from under the steering.Also you do not have to rip apart the dash trim like the instructions state.To plug in the relay just remove the fuse panel cover just towards the lower left of the steering & shine a flashlight to you right & you will see the relays.

DIY write up by our own Subaken http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/exter...-2011-2012-wrx-sti-oem-fog-light-install.html

Most cars come from the factory with the fog lights leveled wrong.

How to level your fogs

2011 sti fog light - Height adjustable? - Subaru Impreza WRX STI Forums: IWSTI.com

Principle of leveling your fog lights

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
 
#24 ·
I'd like to see a detailed fix on the door panel spacer rattle problem (and I don't mean just removing them and leaving the panels vulnerable to being dented inward). My dealer first claimed there was a bulletin on the problem and they'd order the replacement spacer parts, but when I called back about it they said there was no bulletin and to call them again in a month to check again (crock of BS if you ask me; they should fix it one way or another period).
 
#26 · (Edited)
An inexpensive way to enhance the interior of your car would be to change the interior bulbs to LEDs.You can find LEDs on websites like LED Vehicle Bulb Finder

Bulb specifications for your 2011

Back up light- 7440(or 921 check your bulb before ordering)- thank you skudda33
Dome light - DE3175
Fog/Driving light- 9006
Front sidemarker- 1157A
Front turn signal- 1157A
License plate- 168
Map light - DE3175
Parking light- 1157A
Rear sidemarker- 168
Rear turn signal- [992(7440A)]
Trunk/Cargo area-2825
 
#112 · (Edited)
An inexpensive way to enhance the interior of your car would be to change the interior bulbs to LEDs.You can find LEDs on websites like LED Vehicle Bulb Finder

Bulb specifications for your 2011

Back up light- 7440 (or 921 check your bulb before ordering)
Dome light - DE3175
Fog/Driving light- 9006
Front sidemarker- 1157A
Front turn signal- 1157A
License plate- 168
Map light - DE3175
Parking light- 1157A
Rear sidemarker- 168
Rear turn signal- [992(7440A)]
Trunk/Cargo area-2825
Just a heads up to anyone ordering reverse lights, I ordered LED bulbs size 7440 and they are too big. I then did a little bit more research and found a site with all the bulb sizes for the 2011 and for the backup light they say 7440 or the 921. Not sure if the 7440 fits the sti maybe? But it is way to big for the wrx backup light.
 
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