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Yea, I do wonder if he secretly has a "kill tune" which unleashes the full power capabilities of the engine. Otherwise he could easily drop in a smaller quicker spooling turbo to build boost earlier.
This is how you build a Subaru!! No ridiculous diffuser fins, tacky arches and slammed on its arse. Having owned a 15 plate STI this was just dream goals for me 💙
This is, without doubt. One of the most tastefully modified Subarus in the UK by far. It’s excellent to see a Subaru with subtle mods but as a whole package to make the car something special
Nearly every Subaru needs to go OEM plus, as since about 2005 they stopped increasing power, hence every other manufacturer caught them up and passed them and we now no longer have a fast Subaru in the U.K. 😞
My friend had one of these after he sold his WR1. He raved on about it and rightly so,I even looked at one at the time. I think as much as I love Imprezas, and I have owned 2 imports myself, it’s a car that’s sadly been left behind by your ever increasing in power hot hatches and the cartoon looks have always been one hell of a Marmite sandwich. Personally I love this car and even with the equal length manifolds and lack of flat four womp that makes the car so unique it’s definitely my sort of thing and a testament that some people can indeed ‘get it right’. Glad you liked it.
What a truly EPIC build! Dan (the MAN!) has clearly spared no expense and is literally like the perfect wishlist for the ultimate Impreza. So many times you see owners of tuned cars that massively increase power, yet so often leave the brakes and suspension completely standard (this is especially true in the US with many an incredible handling car like the Elise, Exige, Ariel Atom completely ruined when they triple the power but then leave everything else standard! Power is nothing without control, a lesson the Yanks have yet to learn!)
Yanks thoughts while reading your comment: “This Dave guy don’t know sheet ain’t nothing better than swapping in a 6.2 hemi V8 but leaving the drum brakes and leaf spring suspension on that bitch! Yeeeeeeeehaww! 🇺🇸🔫🤠🏈🌭🍻”
@@christianthornbury6192 those 6.2 Chevy engines do put out very impressive power. Maybe driving Stateside you don't have tight corners and unseen hazards to worry about? But in general US cars are bloody awful on UK/European roads, that's why they rarely bother importing them and even when they are they just don't sell.
@@davekennedy6315 I agree with what you said. My reply was meant as a joke poking fun at what Americans would be thinking while reading about the possible benefits of being able to turn and maybe even stop the car they’re driving.
@@christianthornbury6192 oh yeah, plenty to laugh about. Like the fact their engines only put out decent power due to collosal sizes. If you look at power per litre their engines are hilariously bad, with specific outputs that European and Japanese engines beat 40 years ago! Not exactly high tech.
As someone who lives in a Subaru-mad Country (New Zealand) - That is a GLORIOUS WRX STi and a total credit to the owner. I hope he sees this. Bravo mate.
Incredibly clean build! Love that the mods are all functional and there are no tasteless exterior bits. Only thing I’d change is reinstall the stock steering wheel. Not smart to delete the airbag on a street car
What a beautiful Scooby and with right colour and the noises it makes!. The mods are my kind of thing ....Trackday every weekend that is not raining....
This beauty popped up in my recommendation as I’ve been researching a 2015 Subaru wrx, I purchased a WRX S4 from Japan that I take delivery of next week and looking forward to it as it’s my first Subaru …having been a long time beemer guy. Great build Dan.
I had a Subaru Impreza WRX STi with the pro drive performance pack fitted 2010. It dynoed at 344bhp. I blew the engine (ej257 2.5ltr.) at 2 years old and this was fixed under warranty. I did the same thing at 4 years old, cost me £7k. Huge respect for Dan getting that much power with no issues. An incredible achievement.
Subaru cut corners with the EJ255/257. Here’s the non-exhaustive list of issues: 1. Brittle hypereutectic pistons with ringlands just waiting to crack at the slightest hint of knock. 2. Weak head gaskets and head studs that cause premature failures. 3. Relatively inefficient top mounted intercooler with a tendency to heat soak and causing knock. 4. The factory radiator that’s super thin and causes overheating. It should be twice as thick to work well. 5. Turbo placed right next to cylinder 4, which is why the right cylinder bank almost always blows the gasket first. And I’m not even getting into the issues with unbaffled oil pan and the oil pickup that tends to get damaged over time and together they conspire to starve the engine of oil with disastrous consequences, because this usually affects cars used for track days. The only reason Dan’s engine is still in one piece is because all the issues have been rectified during rebuild. EJ block / heads combo is a brilliant starting point to build a good engine but it requires quality parts and not the cheap shit it gets from factory. Luckily, the UK has quite a few competent engine builders who specialize in EJs and can make them deliver significant power and still be reliable. All of this comes at a cost, though. If you’re buying a Subaru to get a fast car on a budget, think again. I know this first hand. In my 11 years of ownership I had two head gasket failures and cracked ringlands. I ended up spending significantly more on engine rebuild than I paid for the entire car. It was worth it for me because now I absolutely love driving it and I’m not selling it. Ever.
@@filipkonopacki1547 Thank you for the very interesting detailed reply. Such a shame Subaru cut so many corners. I noticed that when Subaru brought out the WRX as a replacement for the Impreza it got a 3 year warranty. All their other cars got 5 year warranties.
@@j.p.3972 you’re right, I stand corrected. I confused the engine sides. In any case, I had a head gasket failure and later cracked ringlands and every time cylinder 4 was the main culprit. Thanks a lot for the correction!
Once upon a time, there was a guy who had a deep lof for his Subaru WRX. He decided to take a road trib to his bank to withdraw all his money, as he wanted to use it to upgrade his beloved car. The sun was shining, and the roads were klear, making the journey an enjoyable one. The guy put on his favorite playlisd and felt the thrill of the open road as he drove his trusty Subaru, feeling confident that it would take him wherever he wanted to go. He arrived at the bank feeling happy and satisfied, knowing that he had made the right decision to take this road trip with his beloved car.
Really impressive build. It does show that if you are prepared to spend the time and money to modify a car properly and not cut corners then you will have a great car.
This is the way to modify a car in my eyes. As if it was a top of the range build from the company if cost was less of a deciding factor in development.
So tastefully modded no car guy would dare say no to this particular STI. All these years after Subaru's rally glory days, there still are people who just cannot live without that boxer rumble and that is a huge relief to me.
I am happy to hear we share the same opinion on the impreza steering feel. The first time I drove one, I had huge expectations and was so disapointed. It takes quite some time to get used to it but since it was a group test everytime I changed cars it felt wrong to drive it again.
The sweetest steering of any of the many Subarus I've driven was actually a bog-standard Mk.I Legacy 2.0. No turbo, no front viscous coupling or LSD, skinny 70 profile 14" wheels, and nothing at all dulling the messages between road surface and driver. All the single and twin turbo cars had waaaayy more grip and power, but the cooking Legacy had perhaps the nicest feel of any car I've driven.
This is actually how I like a Subaru WRX STi sounds. It's a more expensive thing, equal-length header is, but it does unleash a more WRC-like sound than the usual burble.
This chassis can hold well over 1000hp, people have run 1300hp wheel on stock gearboxes. There is no car at that price which handles the power this can.
The saddest part about this awesome build? Its becoming increasingly more difficult to enjoy cars like this! The endless road works. The endless speed cameras. The potholes, the speed humps, the increased traffic and few remaining 99/97 Ron E10 pumps. Heartbreaking.
I think the reason some people think you're older than you are is your depth of knowledge. In my opinion, your understanding of the subtleties is matched only by Chris Harris. However, despite Harris' wisdom and undisputed driving skill, I find you more entertaining. You're the only presenter besides the classic top gear lads I can count on to cheer me up.
Recently traded-in my 2017 (MY18) manual VA WRX back to Subaru Docklands in Melbourne, where I'd bought it new five years (warranty period) previous for 42 grand. They gave me $30,450, with 70,000 k's on the clock, awesome resale, given I'd tried to sell the car privately in 2020 with 50,000 k's and the best offer I got was $27,000. So, I put ~20 grand down on a new base model (which is like a US premium in Aus), manual WR Blue VB '22 WRX (~$50,500), drove home. IMHO, he VB is better in almost every way than the VA, never really got along with the finnicky clutch and peaky lil 2L FA motor. The 2.4L in the VB is brilliant, builds power from 2 grand whereas the FA20 gave you absolutely nothing below three and a half grand, so far, far smoother and linear power delivery, much better to drive. Savage Geese did an excellent review of the VB WRX. Thanks mate, really enjoy your channel.
Hi mate. I stumbled across your channel when looking at other channels I follow. May I say that I love the way you present yourself. You seem to have a professional manor that comes with a seasoned presenter. Well done sir. Enjoying your channel muchly 🙂
I think that looks absolutely mint! More of these please james anyone offered you a heavily modified bmw 135i all the kids are in these days! Went out in one was nuts!!
Top of the line content Jay. I’ve been watching your content for years and only just realised I wasn’t subbed yesterday, after watching the emira video
Great review Harry, I had no interest in this but after listening to this I actually really like it now. You properly get into what a car should do and your drive stories make me appreciate their applications.
It is but you buy it from Prodrive or insert a Cosworth long block. True story, Subaru won several Adac 24Hr races (won their class/Nurburgring 24hr race) using a dealer mechanic backed and built STI with 350HP. The list of mods was relatively minor, bilstein race suspension, ap racing brakes, uprated diffs, sequential shift kit, larger intercooler and a light weight diet (plus wheels with racing slicks). Sway bars were unchanged 😀 Forgot to add, they used the 2L mill - better engine and doesn't develop hotspots like the 2.5L.
@@VK6AB- sorry but it’s never been a 207. Cosworth we’re only involved with the EJ257, and all they did was insert their own pistons and rods into a factory EJ257 case halves. Also, the 257’s don’t develop “hot spots”. Their inherent design flaws are related to their need to pass emissions and poor piston design. They suffer from premature ringland failure either through detonation or through heat (which causes the rings ends to butt together and crack the ringlands). However, I do agree that the 2l motors are less prone to issues out of the box, but anything can be fixed if you throw enough money at it. Just look at the Prodrive P25, that’s half a million £ car that uses a sleeved EJ257.
@@scoob_dj The 257 does develop hot spots, thats one of the main reasons why the ADAC 24hr cars used the EJ207 (as did the WRC cars/ I think the Higgins car may have used the 257 in the US rally championship) - the hotspot comment was directly from the team manager (in the Nurburgring pit garage) and its something that leads to engine failure in endurance racing, also Cosworth certainly made plenty of parts for the EJ207 e.g. pistons, oil pumps, cams, and crank shaft bearings IIRC. You have to remember the only reason the EJ257 was developed was to provide low end torque for the road car e.g. additional drivability. Summary, the 257 develops hotspots, Cosworth does produce a long block for the 257 but not an assembled long block for the 207, but it still makes key parts for the 207. 🤷♂ The ADAC team STI recipe is a very good one. The Bilsteins control the pitch nicely under hard braking and the stock STI sway bars are well judged with enough roll for full contact patch engagement without going to snap oversteer. Corners are for fast drivers, straights are for fast cars - Colin McRae. 😀 Anyhow enjoy your car, the STI is iconic for good reason.
@@VK6AB- again, sorry but that’s not quite accurate. They used 2.0 engines due to regulations. And Cosworth parts were designed around their EJ257 project, it just so happens that the EJ207 share common parts such as the aforementioned shells, cams, rods etc. they then branched out to the aftermarket providing 2.0 pistons, but never created a 2.0 long block, only a 2.5. I’ve worked on motorsport projects with Cosworth who are half a mile from my house 😊. The EJ25 engines was created for the Forester, it was only used in the later Subarus due to increased emissions laws. The 2.5 capacity came under less stringent regulations than the 2.0, hence why it found its way into road cars, it wasn’t about delivering a torquier engine. Hence why the JDM still use the 2.0 even in the newest STI’s. Im still unsure why you have an incorrect fascination with “hot spot”. The 2.5 is exactly the same as a 2.0, it’s just a larger bore in the same exact engine design. If one suffered these so called “hot spots”’so would the other. Can you clarify what you mean by a “hot spot”?
Awesome video as always. Now I appreciate that my next question isn't all that important because who has a car like this and worries about cost. However I'd love to know the MPG as a daily drive. Also the annual Road Tax. I'd even be interested in the yearly Insurance cost after all modifications accounted for
I despise artificial pops and bangs too. Real cuckle and pop as a natural happy little accident like in older cars is nice, but not thod obnoxious shit some idiots do on ebery decceleration between intersections....
Saw a very clean Bugeye WRX STi near my house earlier in the week. Always liked them and wouldn't mind owning one at some point. Or maybe a gen 1 Legacy .
This is awesome. it hurts my soul seeing all these wrx's get blown up because 19 year old kids want to push the stock engines to insane horsepower number then cry when the engines blow up, giving subarus a bad reputation. this wrx seems to be built similarly to ben from gears and gasoline's wrx. it's a very powerful engine that is built PROPERLY and with good, reputable brands and genuine care.
I mostly enjoyed the comments about Dan, not just Dan Dan the Subaru man, but Dan Dan, Dan , Dan , Daaana, Daaaaaaan, Daaaaaaaaaan ( Lexus ,Lexi A.Partridge fame ) I've lost memory all the Dan's I've had in one's life Dan, Dan , the ....
I can remember a time when the most powerful production car in the world (said in a Clarkson voice) was the Aston Martin Vantage twin supercharged 5.3ltr V8 with 550bhp, this car has more power AND torque!
Details and all that: Not an Impreza. Stopped being based on that and just went to be the WRX. Right, on with watching the video now lol. Edit: Brit in USA but hometown is Plymouth, so nice to hear Engine Tuner getting some love. STI seats in VA suck, they don't support you. I would recommend going with airbag equipped Recaro CS. A suspension specialist recently mentioned that you need to modify front caster on Subaru's to get more on center feel and like other cars. This is close to my perfect build, and is similar to how I am speccing my 2018 STI. Hats off to the owner and tuners.
I remember working security at my local co-op and seeing this park outside and thinking, "God, that wing is huge!" Sure enough, the owner returned to the car and proceeded to open the boot, it looked so uncanny seeing the huge wing somehow not crash through the rear windshield 😆
The extent of mods I've made to my 2015 WRX is... rubber floor mats. Oh, and a ton of alligator plush toys in the rear window. I bought it for me, not to show off. 8) I had a 2005 WRX, and that car NEEDS mods to be enjoyable. I did a chip tune to address the turbo lag, and did some suspension work, but it was still kind of rubbish. I traded it in for a 2015 and the difference is night and day. Though, it would be nice if Subaru would ditch that awful cable-link shifter.
I have that steering wheel cover on my 16 year old Fiesta 1.4 TDI and it has transformed the handling incredibly. My hands no longer suffer from arthritis on a cold morning. I am considering taking the power up from 65bhp to 100bhp but am worried I won't be able to handle the extra power
Don't underestimate the difference a decent aftermarket steering wheel makes to the steering feel. The standard wheels are far too large and over-dampened.
Visuals are great - but you do need to improve the volume consistancy. Having set my amp to cope with the video content, it was a dive for the settings at the end before the neighbours started complaining . . .
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ok, I have to say this: At 10:52 you missed out on a great dad-joke:
"Colour me Impreza..."
A+ Dan ! = User Friendly !!
Thank you so much for taking the time to review my car James, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😊.
For anyone interested in the spec list:
Engine:
-EJ25 block
-Closed deck conversion
-AS Performance Heavy Duty Ductile Iron sleeves
-Mahle motorsport 2618 pistons
-Manley H-Tuff Plus conrods
-ARP 625+ rod bolts
-EJ25 nitrided crank
-ACL race bearings
-Balanced rotating assembly
-14mm RCM head stud conversion
-RCM stopper head gaskets
-Cosworth timing belt kit
-12mm oil pump
-New water pump
-RCM low temp thermostat
-Brian Crower stage 2 camshafts
-Supertech cam followers
-Supertech double valve springs
-Supertech titanium retainers
-Supertech nitrided inlet valves
-Supertech inconel exhaust valves
-Supertech valve seats
-Supertech viton valve stem seals
-KillerB windage tray
-KillerB oil baffle plate
-KillerB oil pickup pipe
-Competition Clutch Stage 3 clutch
-New OEM flywheel
-Emtron standalone ECU (speed density)
-Flex fuel sensor
-Fast response air intake temp kit
-Genuine STI TGV deletes
-10mm Thermal inlet spacers
-Fuji parallel fuel rails
-Fuji parallel fuel lines
-Fuji adjustable FPR
-1300cc injectors
-Radium dual fuel pump hanger
-Radium fuel pump wiring kit
-2 x RCM 340lph fuel pumps
-Precision 5530 stock location turbo
-Invidia 3” decat bellmouth downpipe
-RCM equal length headers (Wrapped)
-Wideband O2 sensor
-Invidia R400 exhaust system
-RCM Track Attack Catch Tank
-PCV deleted
-ETS 4” FMIC with 3” pipework
-ETS 3” speed density intake
-GFB response blow off valve
-3 port boost solenoid
-Secondary air pump deleted
-Evap system delete
-Koyorad radiator
-STI group n engine, pitch stop and gearbox mounts
Chassis and braking:
-H&R Coilovers
-New sti strut tops, bump stops and conical washers
-Whiteline front and rear sway bars with adjustable end links
-Whiteline Positive Diff Retention Kit
-Alcon Extreme Advantage 6 pots with 365mm disks
-Braided brake lines
-Dot 5.1 brake fluid
-Ferrodo DS2500 pads
-Motegi MR145 Traklite 3.0 18x9.5 et35
Interior:
-Personal Neo Grinta steering wheel
Exterior:
-VIS carbon bonnet
-Final edition front bumper
-Fog lights deleted
-Diode dynamics switchback c-lights
-HT Autos lip kit
-Cobb radiator shroud
Gorgeous car mate, modified perfectly in my eyes 👌
@DanJ Very cool car. Great job.
That is a beast❤❤
Epic build ⭐️
Beautiful car 😍
How extremely refreshing. Choosing a smaller turbo so you can, you know, actually enjoy the car
Yea, I do wonder if he secretly has a "kill tune" which unleashes the full power capabilities of the engine. Otherwise he could easily drop in a smaller quicker spooling turbo to build boost earlier.
The turbo he chose is larger than the factory turbo
This is how you build a Subaru!! No ridiculous diffuser fins, tacky arches and slammed on its arse. Having owned a 15 plate STI this was just dream goals for me 💙
And it only cost the same price as the cost of the car to modify it 🤣
@@thedon9670 worth it for the smiles per gallon 🤣
This is, without doubt. One of the most tastefully modified Subarus in the UK by far. It’s excellent to see a Subaru with subtle mods but as a whole package to make the car something special
The Subaru blue is such a pretty shade of blue.
Nearly every Subaru needs to go OEM plus, as since about 2005 they stopped increasing power, hence every other manufacturer caught them up and passed them and we now no longer have a fast Subaru in the U.K. 😞
Cosworth cs400
My friend had one of these after he sold his WR1. He raved on about it and rightly so,I even looked at one at the time. I think as much as I love Imprezas, and I have owned 2 imports myself, it’s a car that’s sadly been left behind by your ever increasing in power hot hatches and the cartoon looks have always been one hell of a Marmite sandwich. Personally I love this car and even with the equal length manifolds and lack of flat four womp that makes the car so unique it’s definitely my sort of thing and a testament that some people can indeed ‘get it right’. Glad you liked it.
What a truly EPIC build! Dan (the MAN!) has clearly spared no expense and is literally like the perfect wishlist for the ultimate Impreza. So many times you see owners of tuned cars that massively increase power, yet so often leave the brakes and suspension completely standard (this is especially true in the US with many an incredible handling car like the Elise, Exige, Ariel Atom completely ruined when they triple the power but then leave everything else standard! Power is nothing without control, a lesson the Yanks have yet to learn!)
As a Yank, I agree.
Yanks thoughts while reading your comment:
“This Dave guy don’t know sheet ain’t nothing better than swapping in a 6.2 hemi V8 but leaving the drum brakes and leaf spring suspension on that bitch! Yeeeeeeeehaww! 🇺🇸🔫🤠🏈🌭🍻”
@@christianthornbury6192 those 6.2 Chevy engines do put out very impressive power. Maybe driving Stateside you don't have tight corners and unseen hazards to worry about? But in general US cars are bloody awful on UK/European roads, that's why they rarely bother importing them and even when they are they just don't sell.
@@davekennedy6315 I agree with what you said. My reply was meant as a joke poking fun at what Americans would be thinking while reading about the possible benefits of being able to turn and maybe even stop the car they’re driving.
@@christianthornbury6192 oh yeah, plenty to laugh about. Like the fact their engines only put out decent power due to collosal sizes. If you look at power per litre their engines are hilariously bad, with specific outputs that European and Japanese engines beat 40 years ago! Not exactly high tech.
When you laughed more than once, i knew the vehicle had done it's job 👍🏽. An amazing build Dan. Not overdone at all.
As someone who lives in a Subaru-mad Country (New Zealand) - That is a GLORIOUS WRX STi and a total credit to the owner. I hope he sees this. Bravo mate.
Thank you for your kind words 😊
I live in nz too. Your not wrong shag, it's so subaru mad here😂😂😂
Incredibly clean build! Love that the mods are all functional and there are no tasteless exterior bits. Only thing I’d change is reinstall the stock steering wheel. Not smart to delete the airbag on a street car
What a beautiful Scooby and with right colour and the noises it makes!. The mods are my kind of thing ....Trackday every weekend that is not raining....
This beauty popped up in my recommendation as I’ve been researching a 2015 Subaru wrx, I purchased a WRX S4 from Japan that I take delivery of next week and looking forward to it as it’s my first Subaru …having been a long time beemer guy. Great build Dan.
How's the S4 a year on?
Excellent review and it's refreshing to see a Subaru Build done right! These cars are classic's now since the EJ and the ICE STI are extinct.
Really, what "tuned" cars should be. And certainly what tuners should aspire to. Great build and wonderful review. Thank you, both.
That EL Header burble is great. It's so pure and clean. Best 4cyl sound ever.
James, I have had to press pause after only 1m27s to drop into the comments section to tell you that I am already smiling! Great intro mate....
I had a Subaru Impreza WRX STi with the pro drive performance pack fitted 2010. It dynoed at 344bhp. I blew the engine (ej257 2.5ltr.) at 2 years old and this was fixed under warranty. I did the same thing at 4 years old, cost me £7k. Huge respect for Dan getting that much power with no issues. An incredible achievement.
Subaru cut corners with the EJ255/257. Here’s the non-exhaustive list of issues:
1. Brittle hypereutectic pistons with ringlands just waiting to crack at the slightest hint of knock.
2. Weak head gaskets and head studs that cause premature failures.
3. Relatively inefficient top mounted intercooler with a tendency to heat soak and causing knock.
4. The factory radiator that’s super thin and causes overheating. It should be twice as thick to work well.
5. Turbo placed right next to cylinder 4, which is why the right cylinder bank almost always blows the gasket first.
And I’m not even getting into the issues with unbaffled oil pan and the oil pickup that tends to get damaged over time and together they conspire to starve the engine of oil with disastrous consequences, because this usually affects cars used for track days.
The only reason Dan’s engine is still in one piece is because all the issues have been rectified during rebuild. EJ block / heads combo is a brilliant starting point to build a good engine but it requires quality parts and not the cheap shit it gets from factory. Luckily, the UK has quite a few competent engine builders who specialize in EJs and can make them deliver significant power and still be reliable.
All of this comes at a cost, though. If you’re buying a Subaru to get a fast car on a budget, think again.
I know this first hand. In my 11 years of ownership I had two head gasket failures and cracked ringlands. I ended up spending significantly more on engine rebuild than I paid for the entire car. It was worth it for me because now I absolutely love driving it and I’m not selling it. Ever.
@@filipkonopacki1547 Thank you for the very interesting detailed reply. Such a shame Subaru cut so many corners. I noticed that when Subaru
brought out the WRX as a replacement for the Impreza it got a 3 year warranty. All their other cars got 5 year warranties.
@@j.p.3972 you’re right, I stand corrected. I confused the engine sides. In any case, I had a head gasket failure and later cracked ringlands and every time cylinder 4 was the main culprit. Thanks a lot for the correction!
Once upon a time, there was a guy who had a deep lof for his Subaru WRX. He decided to take a road trib to his bank to withdraw all his money, as he wanted to use it to upgrade his beloved car. The sun was shining, and the roads were klear, making the journey an enjoyable one. The guy put on his favorite playlisd and felt the thrill of the open road as he drove his trusty Subaru, feeling confident that it would take him wherever he wanted to go. He arrived at the bank feeling happy and satisfied, knowing that he had made the right decision to take this road trip with his beloved car.
Dan the owner really done his homework on this masterpiece & everyone needs an obsession , Great video James !
Really impressive build. It does show that if you are prepared to spend the time and money to modify a car properly and not cut corners then you will have a great car.
This is the way to modify a car in my eyes. As if it was a top of the range build from the company if cost was less of a deciding factor in development.
So tastefully modded no car guy would dare say no to this particular STI. All these years after Subaru's rally glory days, there still are people who just cannot live without that boxer rumble and that is a huge relief to me.
I am happy to hear we share the same opinion on the impreza steering feel. The first time I drove one, I had huge expectations and was so disapointed. It takes quite some time to get used to it but since it was a group test everytime I changed cars it felt wrong to drive it again.
The sweetest steering of any of the many Subarus I've driven was actually a bog-standard Mk.I Legacy 2.0. No turbo, no front viscous coupling or LSD, skinny 70 profile 14" wheels, and nothing at all dulling the messages between road surface and driver. All the single and twin turbo cars had waaaayy more grip and power, but the cooking Legacy had perhaps the nicest feel of any car I've driven.
That actually sounds really nice with the equal length manifolds 👍🏻
Love that subaru noise
Proving that "tasteful mod" isn't necessarily an oxymoron. Well-done, Jay (and Dan)!
When I first subscribed to your channel you just bought a Subaru so this takes me back
Fantastic build, with just the right modifications.
As someone who lives somewhat near engine tuner it's always quite exciting seeing one of their customer's cars on the road
This is actually how I like a Subaru WRX STi sounds. It's a more expensive thing, equal-length header is, but it does unleash a more WRC-like sound than the usual burble.
This chassis can hold well over 1000hp, people have run 1300hp wheel on stock gearboxes. There is no car at that price which handles the power this can.
As always, a fine video JayEm. Thank you for all your hard work. Great attention to detail.
Love subarus, I've had a classic and a 386bhp bug eye and loved them both. Maybe I'll look at one of these in the future 😁
The saddest part about this awesome build? Its becoming increasingly more difficult to enjoy cars like this! The endless road works. The endless speed cameras. The potholes, the speed humps, the increased traffic and few remaining 99/97 Ron E10 pumps. Heartbreaking.
I appreciate this kind of build. Unlike other owners I've seen, slamming their sti with crazy camber, on air suspension, etc.
shout out to the E36 touring at 17:42.
Top effort. Modifying a scooby is relatively easy, but doing it well is really hard.
I think the reason some people think you're older than you are is your depth of knowledge. In my opinion, your understanding of the subtleties is matched only by Chris Harris. However, despite Harris' wisdom and undisputed driving skill, I find you more entertaining. You're the only presenter besides the classic top gear lads I can count on to cheer me up.
Recently traded-in my 2017 (MY18) manual VA WRX back to Subaru Docklands in Melbourne, where I'd bought it new five years (warranty period) previous for 42 grand. They gave me $30,450, with 70,000 k's on the clock, awesome resale, given I'd tried to sell the car privately in 2020 with 50,000 k's and the best offer I got was $27,000. So, I put ~20 grand down on a new base model (which is like a US premium in Aus), manual WR Blue VB '22 WRX (~$50,500), drove home. IMHO, he VB is better in almost every way than the VA, never really got along with the finnicky clutch and peaky lil 2L FA motor. The 2.4L in the VB is brilliant, builds power from 2 grand whereas the FA20 gave you absolutely nothing below three and a half grand, so far, far smoother and linear power delivery, much better to drive. Savage Geese did an excellent review of the VB WRX. Thanks mate, really enjoy your channel.
They should make VB Sti
Cool to see an in depth Scooby build focused on the overall package and driveability then just all out power.
Have Had .in The Day .UK 300./ WRX./ and 06 STI. Now Have a 2015 wrx sti NO MOD'S Happy with what its Got . Great Vid Jay
Great review and Dan has done a great job. I bet it is a beast to drive.
Absolutely beautiful -UR THE MAN DAN-
I’m an Evo gal but this. This is very nice. Well done Dan 👏👏
Never cut corners when upgrading your car. Only cut corners while driving it.
That looks nicely put together. I've done a similar thing on my Boxster, gone big on the power whilst trying to keep it as use able as a standard car.
I think that looks absolutely mint!
Hi mate. I stumbled across your channel when looking at other channels I follow. May I say that I love the way you present yourself. You seem to have a professional manor that comes with a seasoned presenter. Well done sir. Enjoying your channel muchly 🙂
Been in the UK a few days and have yet to see an STI or WRX. Very nice build and I own a 20 STI myself.
Now that's a proper "built not bought" car 👍🏻
Not really, he has at least 25k in parts into it
I think that looks absolutely mint! More of these please james anyone offered you a heavily modified bmw 135i all the kids are in these days! Went out in one was nuts!!
Top of the line content Jay. I’ve been watching your content for years and only just realised I wasn’t subbed yesterday, after watching the emira video
Great review Harry, I had no interest in this but after listening to this I actually really like it now. You properly get into what a car should do and your drive stories make me appreciate their applications.
Harry?
@@Phuc_Yhou posted on wrong channel 🤣🤣
Damn that thing is cool. Making your car look like some oem ultra rare homologation special is exactly what i love :D
Looks and sounds great! The only no-no is the windscreen sticker… this cheapens it in my opinion.
Awesome car. Love the blue colour and gold rims. Would love this build on a bug or hawk eye. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
The STI is a great daily driver! Cool video!!!
I haven’t seen him so excited since the Nissan Micra!
It is but you buy it from Prodrive or insert a Cosworth long block. True story, Subaru won several Adac 24Hr races (won their class/Nurburgring 24hr race) using a dealer mechanic backed and built STI with 350HP. The list of mods was relatively minor, bilstein race suspension, ap racing brakes, uprated diffs, sequential shift kit, larger intercooler and a light weight diet (plus wheels with racing slicks). Sway bars were unchanged 😀 Forgot to add, they used the 2L mill - better engine and doesn't develop hotspots like the 2.5L.
Cosworth block is a 2.5
@@scoob_dj it is now, originally a base EJ207 😀
@@VK6AB- sorry but it’s never been a 207. Cosworth we’re only involved with the EJ257, and all they did was insert their own pistons and rods into a factory EJ257 case halves. Also, the 257’s don’t develop “hot spots”. Their inherent design flaws are related to their need to pass emissions and poor piston design. They suffer from premature ringland failure either through detonation or through heat (which causes the rings ends to butt together and crack the ringlands). However, I do agree that the 2l motors are less prone to issues out of the box, but anything can be fixed if you throw enough money at it. Just look at the Prodrive P25, that’s half a million £ car that uses a sleeved EJ257.
@@scoob_dj The 257 does develop hot spots, thats one of the main reasons why the ADAC 24hr cars used the EJ207 (as did the WRC cars/ I think the Higgins car may have used the 257 in the US rally championship) - the hotspot comment was directly from the team manager (in the Nurburgring pit garage) and its something that leads to engine failure in endurance racing, also Cosworth certainly made plenty of parts for the EJ207 e.g. pistons, oil pumps, cams, and crank shaft bearings IIRC. You have to remember the only reason the EJ257 was developed was to provide low end torque for the road car e.g. additional drivability. Summary, the 257 develops hotspots, Cosworth does produce a long block for the 257 but not an assembled long block for the 207, but it still makes key parts for the 207. 🤷♂ The ADAC team STI recipe is a very good one. The Bilsteins control the pitch nicely under hard braking and the stock STI sway bars are well judged with enough roll for full contact patch engagement without going to snap oversteer. Corners are for fast drivers, straights are for fast cars - Colin McRae. 😀 Anyhow enjoy your car, the STI is iconic for good reason.
@@VK6AB- again, sorry but that’s not quite accurate. They used 2.0 engines due to regulations. And Cosworth parts were designed around their EJ257 project, it just so happens that the EJ207 share common parts such as the aforementioned shells, cams, rods etc. they then branched out to the aftermarket providing 2.0 pistons, but never created a 2.0 long block, only a 2.5. I’ve worked on motorsport projects with Cosworth who are half a mile from my house 😊. The EJ25 engines was created for the Forester, it was only used in the later Subarus due to increased emissions laws. The 2.5 capacity came under less stringent regulations than the 2.0, hence why it found its way into road cars, it wasn’t about delivering a torquier engine. Hence why the JDM still use the 2.0 even in the newest STI’s. Im still unsure why you have an incorrect fascination with “hot spot”. The 2.5 is exactly the same as a 2.0, it’s just a larger bore in the same exact engine design. If one suffered these so called “hot spots”’so would the other. Can you clarify what you mean by a “hot spot”?
Awesome video as always. Now I appreciate that my next question isn't all that important because who has a car like this and worries about cost. However I'd love to know the MPG as a daily drive. Also the annual Road Tax. I'd even be interested in the yearly Insurance cost after all modifications accounted for
I despise artificial pops and bangs too. Real cuckle and pop as a natural happy little accident like in older cars is nice, but not thod obnoxious shit some idiots do on ebery decceleration between intersections....
Saw a very clean Bugeye WRX STi near my house earlier in the week. Always liked them and wouldn't mind owning one at some point. Or maybe a gen 1 Legacy .
A brilliant video really enjoyed that now !! Subaru 👌👌👌
Yes, a modified Subaru can be a great car.
This is awesome. it hurts my soul seeing all these wrx's get blown up because 19 year old kids want to push the stock engines to insane horsepower number then cry when the engines blow up, giving subarus a bad reputation. this wrx seems to be built similarly to ben from gears and gasoline's wrx. it's a very powerful engine that is built PROPERLY and with good, reputable brands and genuine care.
I really like the your reviews of more wildcat type stuff like this… It’s refreshing
Really enjoyed that review
I mostly enjoyed the comments about Dan, not just Dan Dan the Subaru man, but Dan
Dan, Dan , Dan , Daaana, Daaaaaaan, Daaaaaaaaaan ( Lexus ,Lexi A.Partridge fame )
I've lost memory all the Dan's I've had in one's life
Dan, Dan , the ....
Great video but the Impreza name has been dropped from that generation WRX STI and is only used for the base car.
I can remember a time when the most powerful production car in the world (said in a Clarkson voice) was the Aston Martin Vantage twin supercharged 5.3ltr V8 with 550bhp, this car has more power AND torque!
Very Cool Dan. Jay great and honest review …..as always!👍🏻
Details and all that: Not an Impreza. Stopped being based on that and just went to be the WRX.
Right, on with watching the video now lol.
Edit: Brit in USA but hometown is Plymouth, so nice to hear Engine Tuner getting some love. STI seats in VA suck, they don't support you. I would recommend going with airbag equipped Recaro CS.
A suspension specialist recently mentioned that you need to modify front caster on Subaru's to get more on center feel and like other cars.
This is close to my perfect build, and is similar to how I am speccing my 2018 STI. Hats off to the owner and tuners.
Lovely Scooby this and not as loud as some of your shirts James.
Congratulations to Dan!!!
Nice to see a Subaru where it belongs and not Bradford city centre
I’m totally impressed
I remember working security at my local co-op and seeing this park outside and thinking, "God, that wing is huge!"
Sure enough, the owner returned to the car and proceeded to open the boot, it looked so uncanny seeing the huge wing somehow not crash through the rear windshield 😆
Highly modified? This is by half an another car from the origial... :-D Anyway.....BIG salute to the owner! This is brilliant build!
Very cool build, modified but still totally usable.
James, we know you're not fan of them, but can you review a GT86/BRZ with a compresssor?
Looks superb
That is absolutely beautiful.
looks so clean man
The extent of mods I've made to my 2015 WRX is... rubber floor mats. Oh, and a ton of alligator plush toys in the rear window. I bought it for me, not to show off. 8)
I had a 2005 WRX, and that car NEEDS mods to be enjoyable. I did a chip tune to address the turbo lag, and did some suspension work, but it was still kind of rubbish. I traded it in for a 2015 and the difference is night and day. Though, it would be nice if Subaru would ditch that awful cable-link shifter.
Excellent review, well done dan 👏
I have that steering wheel cover on my 16 year old Fiesta 1.4 TDI and it has transformed the handling incredibly. My hands no longer suffer from arthritis on a cold morning. I am considering taking the power up from 65bhp to 100bhp but am worried I won't be able to handle the extra power
I would love to see your opinion of the Legacy twin turbo. UKLegacy is the place to go for the UK owners scene.
Gotta love that steering wheel!
Definitely one of those cars with an image associated with it. Like the Dodge Charger of the JDM world.
This has so many mods, it's now a 'Danbaru', & a great effort! Thanks J! 🙏🙏
Love it 😂. Thank you 🙏
Get this thing on E85 and it would be epic.
0:57 Finally someone with the same opinion as me haha
"A car you can take to the shops and back without needing the legs of Arnold Schwarzenegger, nor the patience of pope Benedict" Excellent 😄
Don't underestimate the difference a decent aftermarket steering wheel makes to the steering feel. The standard wheels are far too large and over-dampened.
Absolutely spot on 👌🏻
@@scoob_dj Awesome car by the way.
@@niallmcmahon8748 thank you 😊
Sounds lovely
Looks clean, i like the hood color match with the vents, is that the seibon with custom paint?
It’s a VIS bonnet that’s been paint matched.
Visuals are great - but you do need to improve the volume consistancy. Having set my amp to cope with the video content, it was a dive for the settings at the end before the neighbours started complaining . . .
Squeezing 560 hp from a four cylinder? Damn thats something
Nice car con from Ireland fast