u/ItsIshakBrah

Recently upgraded from the OEM downpipe to a Cobb V2 w/ a GESi cat. Updated tune followed of course. It was SO hard to source a V2 as they were only in production for 1 year, before they became discontinued. Lucked out and found this unicorn with barely any heat cycling.

Initial impressions:

- pretty obvious from the pictures the OEM bellmouth is a major restrictor which can be a big contributor to back pressure vs the upgrade which allows for greater exhaust flow
- the car gets into boost very easily now
- TQ is a bit more instant in the midrange
- the rumble is more pronounced through the Q300, such a beautiful deep tone
- downshift snap crackle pops are so damn satisfying
- the car overall just seems way more responsive vs previously needing some time before coming alive
- didn’t think I could love the car more, but damn
- no CELs

Finally got around to addressing this eyesore.
Going to give it a couple weeks to let the clear coat cure, then it’ll be time for a polish.

Can’t get over how damn pretty CBS paint is…

What’s your favorite STI color?

All I can say is holy SHIT.

Best way to describe it- y’all seen that episode of Rick and Morty where Morty experienced a true leveled floor and creamed, then Rick had to erase his memory because he couldn’t go back to experiencing uneven surfaces?

Yeah.

The car handles like it’s on a rail road track.

Given I still have to dial things in more with an alignment, but first impressions… incredibly sharp and responsive in comparison to OEM where it was on the stiffer side.

About 12 clicks down from max stiff.
Any recommendations for camber/toe?

Howdy gang!! Here we go 6 mo. update with everything I’ve done to the car.

Mod list upon purchasing:

- Rebuilt STi 6sp transmission with carbon syncros and billet components
- Exeddy HD clutch kit
- Flywheel resurface
- Steel braided clutch line
- Whiteline 6sp shifter bushing
- Whiteline Trans Crossmember bushing
- Group N transmission mount
- Versus pitch stop mount
- OEM Slave cylinder
- OEM Master cylinder
- Group N engine mount
- ASIN timing belt + components
- Tomei timing belt shield
- Koyo single core radiator
- IAG silicone rad hoses
- AC stretch fit belt
- NGK spark plugs
- Ball joints
- Brakes
- Full fluid refresh
- Stage (2) paint correction, polish, ceramic coat
- 4th brake light

6 MO. Ownership Upgrades:

- IAG V3 AOS (when installing elbow from the stupid stock inlet broke on me, good thing I had a new spare)

- Tomei Turbo Inlet (design for aftermarket inlets are disappointing, almost all of them don’t provide the greatest routing for the BPV recuriculating hose, seems to have a slight kink under the throttle body, open to solutions!)

- OEM STi Transmission Dipstick

- Invidia q300

- Powder Coated OEM wheels in Whiskey Bronze

- Radium Master Cylinder Brace

- COBB LF BPV

- Bader Built e-tune

- OEM JDM S4 DRLs

It’s been a process. I’m really not trying to mod for power right now. Mainly reliability upgrades, generally things that are better/healthier for the car over stock. Looking to do oiling upgrades next (killer b pick up, windage tray, IAG pan). Then suspension. I may be naughty for our one year anniversary and pull the trigger on a blouch 1.5xtr.

I would say I’ve done some pretty tasteful upgrades, but I’m probably biased. Despite the crap people talk about Subarus/STIs, every time I get in her for a drive, I fall in love more and more each time.

Preface if you’ve been following along the build; I’m trying to keep the car as close I can to an OEM+ feel.

So I purchased an Invidia Q300.

Installed yesterday and today was the first cold start + drive. Can I just say wow. Literally 0 drone during my drive, very, quiet cabin, but it opens up when on the throttle, especially at 4k revs. Eargasm @ 5k. Also it looks great.

What’s everyone running for exhausts?