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Taste what’s to come: A look into modding the 2014 Subaru WRX STI

STI Front 1

It’s no secret that the previous generations of the Impreza WRX STI have lent themselves well to the aftermarket. With a turbocharged flat-four motor, a four wheel drive powertrain, and a sleuth of victories in WRC throughout the 90’s, plenty individuals have set out to emulate their rally car hero by getting the most performance out of their own vehicles. Despite the removal of the ‘Impreza’ from its name, the new Subaru WRX STI still holds true to that rally-bred performance that Subaru has become known for. 

STI Headlamps

That said, we’ve come across a lightly modified STI in Cagayan de Oro City that gives us an idea of the potential that the aftermarket can eke out of this car. Being that the STI is relatively new to our market, you’d be correct in thinking a good number of them would still be factory spec with fresh warranty. It appears that didn’t stop the owner of this particular car from changing some bits and pieces though!

STI Side profile

The first thing you’ll notice would be the lower ride height as well as a fresh set of wheels. If anything, that’s all you’ll need to change with a new car for starters. This isn’t just lowered on springs though, beneath the wide fenders sits a set of KW V3 Coilovers allowing for full adjustability for road and track. Do it once, do it right. If you’re out for performance, may as well invest in proper suspension instead of cheapening out on lowering springs.

The Gold Prodrive GC-012Ls match the World Rally Blue body to give that signature “Blue and Gold” scheme that the original rally cars came with, never wrong on a Subaru that’s for sure! Notice that the lower grill section has been cut out to make way for a fairly sizeable LED light bar. While it just appears to be a modern take on some rally-style lighting, apparently this piece is used frequently as this car gets driven to Davao regularly on unlit and unpaved roads. That’s one way to own up to the car’s heritage I suppose!

STI Rear 3_4

One thing that makes Subaru unique from other manufacturers is how their motors sound. The flat engine layout results in one bank of the exhaust manifold becoming slightly longer than the other bank, causing an uneven resonation through the exhaust that is affectionately known to some as the ‘Boxer Rumble’. This rumbling sound is almost distinct to Subarus and has become somewhat of an aural signature for them already. Given that, a proper single exit cat-back exhaust has replaced the restrictive factory twin tip setup on this STI for maximum flow as well as a much more prominent rumble.

STI Rear 3_4 wide

Truth be told, most cars don’t need much to be done in order to make them look nice and clean. A slight drop in height, a nice set of wheels, a proper exhaust to give a little more ‘oomph’ and more likely than not you’ll already have yourself a decent machine in your hands. It’s easy to overdo your car with all the available bits and pieces on the aftermarket, hence it’s important to acquaint yourself with proper taste. Then again, we’d be kidding ourselves if we say our cars will be done after a set of wheels and a muffler goes in, it never ends there. That said it’s fairly safe to say that this STI’s journey is far from over as well. Afterall, we don’t own project cars, project cars own us.

2014 Subaru WRX STI

Engine, Intake, and Exhaust

Custom 3” Exhaust, Single Exit Titanium Muffler

Brakes, Wheels, and Suspension

KW V3 Coilovers

Prodrive GC-012L

Exterior

LED Light Bar

Rubber Lip Chin

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