The Wagon Just Got A Major Attitude Adjustment [Archive]

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fattie92

08-13-2007, 09:39 PM

I broke out of the modding dry spell these past few weeks. Now the wagon has taken on a completely new attitude!

My latest mods are:
Fattie's quick release Rear strut bar..
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/fattie92/P8090163.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/fattie92/P8090161.jpg
This strut bar made a HUGE difference on how the car handles! I noticed I am taking corners a lot faster and smoother then before! GREAT MOD!

Group N Pitch Stop...
Honestly, I can not say that I really feel that much of a difference. I got it for a steal, so I figured I would try it out. The motor does seem to stay in its place a little better, but it is not a night/day difference. I wonder if a after market pitch would feel any different? I think I would rather dump money into a set of motor mounts.

Group A Performance Light Weight Crank Pulley...
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/fattie92/ATT000012.jpg
The pulley made a nice difference! I noticed right away on start up that the motor JUMPS to life faster! Took her for a test drive, noticed it seemed to rev a tid bit faster. Made heel-toe shifting easier. When I "blip" the throttle, I get more of a reaction then before. Throttle response is better!! GOOD MOD!

MRT Up Pipe...
I have had this thing laying around collecting dust for the past 6+ months. I know this should have been the first mod I have ever done to my car. I finally decided to bite the bullet and did the work. I did this at my shop so I had access to all of my tools, endless compressed air, and a awesome in ground lift. With all of that available, this job was CAKE. Put in the new pipe (actually a used pipe), with all new gaskets and started her up. Did not notice anything different at first till I took a short little test drive. HOLY HELL did this add some db's to the exhaust!! I have a Borla 2.5" catback, so it is not exactly quiet in the first place. I thought the exhaust note and volume was pretty much perfect where it was before the pipe... Now its just LOUD. I am sure it will grow on me though. Besides the noise increase, I noticed much faster spool! Now this combined with the pulley made for one hell of a difference with throttle response and power. AWESOME MOD!!

AND...
Carbon Fiber STi style Hood Scoop
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/fattie92/P8120156.jpg
I had a ZeroSports splitter laying around that I wanted to install, but I needed a STi scoop to install it. Well I found this CF scoop while browsing the local For Sale ads on NASIOC. After a short trip, I purchased it for $50!! Installed it, and then installed my splitter. I noticed right away that the splitter looked to small for the scoop. After looking at it, I realized that the scoop is not for the 04-05's. I think its for the 02-03's. So I took it out, and I will just end up making my own one day. As for the scoop, it fits OK. Not perfect, but for the price, I will not complain. It looked a little weird sitting there on top of my beautiful white hood, So I decided to dress it up some with some white decals that I had laying around. After doing that, it really grew on me. After a nice long spirited drive, I can actually stick my hand in the scoop and feel the intercooler. The entire top of the intercooler was cool to the touch and felt pretty even every where with no hot spots anywhere. I am happy with the looks and "performance" of it so far! GREAT MOD!!

I still have to rig up a intercooler sprayer. That will be done sometime this week

Overall, after doing all of these mods, my car looks like a beast (at least I think so). Corners a whole lot better then before, and has a little extra power and throttle response. It honestly feels like a new car to me right now. I am loving it! :banana:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/fattie92/P8120160.jpg

I Like It Sideways

08-14-2007, 08:11 AM

You need to get that attitute in check...

Aka very nice work with everything you've done. Your wrx is incredibly well rounded, I'm diggin' it!!!

I'm in love with the lightbar/lights.
I need to get my RS out there for fitment, there are quite a few of us who could benefit from it!!

worldrallyblue

08-14-2007, 10:57 AM

+1 for lightbars, they look great.

I really need to get an up pipe, still running stock one.

UP2MTNS

08-14-2007, 03:19 PM

nice...now I need to get a lightweight pully. how hard was that to install?

I'm waiting on GrimmSpeed to come out with an uppipe.....I've been told 6 weeks.....

409industries

08-15-2007, 12:03 PM

oooo nice... grimmspeed is going to make an uppipe too? Looks like ill be holding off on the exhaust manifold / cross pipe a bit longer to do the whole package!

The crank pulley is a piece of cake, however the most difficult part is breaking the crank bolt. That guy is probably the hardest bolt to remove on the whole car. I directed an install video of my buddy Ben installing it on my 04 STi if you want to see how its done.

Click Here for Video (http://www.hspn.tv/?videoid=65&catid=14)

kreitz3

08-18-2007, 07:14 PM

Car is looking good, but the decals on the scoop need to be DI.com decals. FTW!!!!!

RoadRunner

08-30-2007, 07:32 PM

You have convinced me to get strut bars for my wagon. It doesn't have a rear sway bar, so I'm anxious to see how big of an improvement it makes.

BlueRu

08-31-2007, 12:56 AM

Looking good man! Keep it up. I like to hear what I should waste my money on and what isnt worth the time.

409industries

08-31-2007, 10:35 AM

You have convinced me to get strut bars for my wagon. It doesn't have a rear sway bar, so I'm anxious to see how big of an improvement it makes.

You will notice a bigger improvement in an aftermarket rear swaybar over strutbars... Doesnt hurt to have both though!

RoadRunner

08-31-2007, 01:31 PM

[quote=Blue_93_GF2]You will notice a bigger improvement in an aftermarket rear swaybar over strutbars... Doesnt hurt to have both though!

I know, I'll get a swaybar eventually. The strut bars were only $55 shipped for both anyway. I actually don't have any rear sway bar right now... the car didn't come with one. It's a PITA to add one because my car is FWD, and it uses different lateral links, so I can't use some AWD ones that have the mounting points. I've been looking at an MRT kit that adds swaybar mounts to the trailing arms, but nobody knows if it works w/ FWD.

Sorry for the hijack... back on topic :D

kdub42o

10-29-2007, 08:26 AM

Were'd you get "Fattie's quick release Rear strut bar"?
thanx
Kdub

Blix666

10-29-2007, 11:16 AM

he made it dude!

409industries

10-29-2007, 04:42 PM

yeah man.... custom fab.

fattie92

10-30-2007, 04:32 PM

Holy crap... I never got a single email about any replies... Sorry guys!

Well since I posted this, I have since taken the decals off the scoop, cleared and painted the headlights, and installed some Red RA flaps.

Oh, I also ditched the Cobb AP, and went with Opensource tuning. I am using Dom at GetADomTune.com .... The car freaking hauls ass for what it is. Faster and smoother then the Cobb stg. 2 map!

Cobb AP = $695 new

Laptop + Opensource software = FREE
Tactrix cable= $80
GetaDomTune= $60

I Like It Sideways

10-30-2007, 06:53 PM

Damnit I wish I would have known about the red flaps. They look badass.

fattie92

11-03-2007, 03:15 PM

Got it washed and looking somewhat decent today... Not sure why, I am just going to rallyX it tomorrow! :twisted: I decided to try out some stickers that I had laying around to spice it up a bit.. Sorry, all I have is a cell phone camera.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/fattie92/DC.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/fattie92/backrally.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/fattie92/Iloverally.jpg

BlackParis

11-03-2007, 03:59 PM

where are your lights and CF Scoop ?

fattie92

11-03-2007, 04:25 PM

scoops there, lights are in the hatch. I take them off before I take it through the car wash.

lorenkb

11-03-2007, 04:35 PM

The red flaps look awesome fattie!

martinus

11-03-2007, 04:58 PM

This strut bar made a HUGE difference on how the car handles! I noticed I am taking corners a lot faster and smoother then before! GREAT MOD!

:?

I'll just leave it that that, trying to be nice ...

BlackParis

11-03-2007, 05:11 PM

scoops there,

You took off your sticker?

Blix666

11-03-2007, 07:59 PM

DEF keep the red flappage.

fattie92

11-03-2007, 08:04 PM

This strut bar made a HUGE difference on how the car handles! I noticed I am taking corners a lot faster and smoother then before! GREAT MOD!

:?

I'll just leave it that that, trying to be nice ...

??? You can voice your opinion....

RoadRunner

11-03-2007, 08:07 PM

fattie92

11-03-2007, 10:13 PM

Maybe he doesnt have a wagon??

Blix666

11-04-2007, 03:02 PM

Maybe he doesnt have a wagon??

that's what i was thinkin'.

BorkedWRX

11-04-2007, 03:44 PM

now when you gonna fab up a v-brace to go with that strutbar?

on my sedan a rear strut bar didn't make much difference till I put on a v brace.

kreitz3

11-04-2007, 09:06 PM

I love the red flaps. They look great on the best color of Impreza (white).

And he does have a wagon, but I don't know what he means, so ?

Salvator Rizzo

11-07-2007, 09:59 PM

that wagon is sick, love the light setup

MetalNeverDies

11-08-2007, 11:38 PM

one of my favorite wagons ever.

martinus

11-09-2007, 04:47 PM

MetalNeverDies

11-09-2007, 05:33 PM

i have a wagon too... but yours looks more stock. i was just saying that i like the look of his moded one.

fattie92

11-11-2007, 11:32 AM

I'm here, and I have a wagon . Drive the crap ot of it too . ( autocross, rallycross, HPDE's ... )

Don't want to piss anyone off , but ... thats a SHOW-bar. Prolly the equavelant to the really popular ( donno why ) VW kids black forest industries "c-pilar brace" .

Even If it was triangulated / tied into the floor, still would not doo much . Exept SHOW people you have the money to buy one ...

The car does look purdy cool on the the outside tho . :thumbup:

You are the first and only person that I have ever heard say this about a rear strut bar on a wagon. To each his own I guess. I can feel a difference. As for money, I think that cost me around $40 to make. I personally think it was well worth the money. The FRONT strut bar on the other hand... Waste of money.

Blix666

11-11-2007, 12:01 PM

To each his own I guess.

exactly.

i felt a difference in my car on pavement but i have rallycrossed with it in and with it out and can't feel a difference...other than when it's out the car is way noisier!

martinus

11-11-2007, 12:14 PM

Its not a sway bar ... right ?

Can you guys please elaborate on the " felt a difference " ...

Is that the same, when someone claims their strut bar makes the car " corner so much more level " ...

LAWLZ.

fattie92

11-11-2007, 12:30 PM

Blix666

11-11-2007, 12:34 PM

Not to mention it added like 15hp.

LAWLZ.

fattie92

11-11-2007, 12:36 PM

Lawlz.... I don't even know what that means...

martinus

11-11-2007, 12:41 PM

The rear strut towers under hard cornering will have the tendency to flex towards the center of the car. A strut bar is going to greatly reduce this flex. Especially in the wagons due to the design differences. Without the bar and when they flex your camber, caster and toe are all effected. Chassis bracing maintains alignment angles and spring rates by greatly reducing body or chassis flex. I noticed improved turn-in, and sharper steering response. Not to mention it added like 15hp.

Or... if the cahsis is that limp. ( doubt it, its not a convertible ) It will just push ( flex ) the other ( side ) strut tower , over as much , as its beeing pushed/ flexed ... since its not triangulated . ( to the floor. or anything else for that matter . ) :D

... oh boy, increased spring rates, too ... if you had said wheel rate, ( What is what a sway bar does, FTW. ) you might have sold it ... might .

The rest reads like an apc/tornado catalog .

Blix666

11-11-2007, 12:55 PM

Lawlz.... I don't even know what that means...

me either! lol!

fattie92

11-12-2007, 06:25 PM

Or... if the cahsis is that limp. ( doubt it, its not a convertible ) It will just push ( flex ) the other ( side ) strut tower , over as much , as its beeing pushed/ flexed ... since its not triangulated . ( to the floor. or anything else for that matter . ) :D

... oh boy, increased spring rates, too ... if you had said wheel rate, ( What is what a sway bar does, FTW. ) you might have sold it ... might .

The rest reads like an apc/tornado catalog .

When taking a turn it distributes the pressure applied to one strut tower to both towers. This keeps the wheels in position (Helps maintain proper alignment). Keeping the wheels in position helps keep the tires in the desired position on the road, and this will help to improve traction on the turns. Rear strut bars help minimize under steer due to less chassis flex and improves stability during corner braking.
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.
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Now I give up... Do what you want, run what you want. I think reading your posts is making me stupider.

Good day Sir.

BlackParis

11-12-2007, 07:16 PM

Wow.... Your all wrong.. The best mod is seat time! Stop wasting money on this wieght addition scrap metal and get out to the track!

LoLs... Your car gets like an extra 25hp for every hour you race!

...
...

...
...

Have to agree with fatty, I have driven several Wagons and Sedans with similar or the same mods.. Wagons definitely flex alot more, as in it is very noticable...

fattie92

11-12-2007, 07:21 PM

Seat time FTW! +10000000000000000000

martinus

11-13-2007, 04:45 PM

When taking a turn it distributes the pressure applied to one strut tower to both towers. This keeps the wheels in position (Helps maintain proper alignment). Keeping the wheels in position helps keep the tires in the desired position on the road, and this will help to improve traction on the turns. Rear strut bars help minimize under steer due to less chassis flex and improves stability during corner braking.
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Now I give up... Do what you want, run what you want. I think reading your posts is making me stupider.

Good day Sir.

I'm sorry, you feel that way ... if it makes you feel any better, I feel the same about your posts ... yet, I still tried to help ... ( Not given up yet, search why, an wrx sti is "stiffer". Than duplicate, that . Anything less ... is well ... Maybe even look-up triangulation. Hint: dragracer roll cages do not, have it. )

Who was it, that wanted to hear my reason/exponation ... ( for my 1st post in tis thread. )

Blix666

11-13-2007, 04:53 PM

dude...perhaps you should just cap the whole idea of making fun of people and/or thier ideas all together. if somebody starts a "please make fun of my mods" thread or a "please insult my creativity" thread...then have a field day with it.

martinus

11-13-2007, 04:57 PM

Blix666

11-13-2007, 04:59 PM

i'm VERY familiar with your posts.

fattie92

11-13-2007, 05:25 PM

I must be doing something right. The car is a freaking beast in the dirt. M4 class win and FTD to back it up. Oh, and check out the new lights! I replaced my amber fogs with some Hella 500FF's. Look sick mounted next to the FF1000's!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2261/2007458894_d639958f8b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2007577252_7938ffe90f.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/2007461636_b0c67116ef.jpg

Blix666

11-13-2007, 05:31 PM

nice pics man. congrats again on the class win too. what position are you in for the season?

fattie92

11-13-2007, 05:39 PM

4th at the moment. I can sneak up into 3rd if I beat Paul of Team Illuminata (site vendor) at our next and final race. 1st and 2nd are locked in. I would have liked to do better, but this is my first year of racing so I can not complain. Everyone else in my class has a lot of experience in rally racing.

Blix666

11-13-2007, 05:44 PM

nice...possible season podium!

BlackParis

11-13-2007, 07:15 PM

Congrats man!

I Like It Sideways

11-13-2007, 07:41 PM

Congrats on FTD!!

I need to get up to MI for detroit's region.

Maybe if there is a snow rallyx in fowlersville again, I'll have to make the trek

fattie92

11-13-2007, 08:19 PM

Congrats on FTD!!

I need to get up to MI for detroit's region.

Maybe if there is a snow rallyx in fowlersville again, I'll have to make the trek

Next race is Dec. 8th in Fowlerville!! It can happen!

fattie92

11-13-2007, 08:27 PM

Just found some pictures of my race two weeks ago in Wisconsin... Took first in M4 there as well!
http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v153/14/100/40005962/n40005962_32077482_1034.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v153/14/100/40005962/n40005962_32077483_1325.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v153/14/100/40005962/n40005962_32077479_3143.jpg

409industries

11-13-2007, 08:40 PM

Congrats on the class win. Ive only won in my class once. (i'm a consistent 3rd or 4th place guy) so i know it feels good to be on top of that podium!!!

fattie92

11-13-2007, 08:46 PM

Thanks guys! I have done 9 races this year. 7 with Detroit SCCA resulting in 2 M4 class wins. And 2 in Wisconsin resulting in 2 M4 class wins (one was a give me, I was the only car in my class). Only one FTD from all of that. One more race to go!

Next year I think I am going to change things up a bit. I want to check out some of the St.Louis races, and more Wisconsin races. I think I will only end up attending a few of the Detroit races.