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Gears of War (Subaru)
One issue I have with my 2003 WRX is the gearing. Or more specifically 2nd gear’s huge dropoff (from 3.454 to 1.947) with a 2.0 liter that makes peak torque around 4,000 RPM. While I was pretty happy with this 5MT gearing on my 2009 WRX (EJ255) it is annoying as hell on an EJ207 with…
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Install: Washer Bottle Relocation
Along with the battery and fuel filter relocation, I wanted to put my washer bottle in the trunk for my 55/45% w/d goal and to clean up the engine back for my future AOS. With fluid the washer tank only weighs around 6 lbs full, but every pound counts. This will be offset by the AOS, but…
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Install: WRX to STi Fuel Hanger Swap
So what prompted this mod? Well, I’ve had an STi before and the fuel filter is located in the tank. The Bugeye WRX filter is in the engine bay and other than mostly being an eyesore, I’ve got plans for that location. And it’s gotten pretty hot too! I’m not keen on having a hot…
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Install: Odyssey PC925 +Battery Relocation
Continuing on with Project +Lightness, today we are going to delete the OEM size battery from the engine bay and replace it with a smaller and lighter battery in the trunk. I chose the Odyssey PC925. It is still a 28 lb battery but it is rated for in cabin use and since this is…
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Capturing Blow-By: AOS v Catch Cans
I thought I would hash out my reasons for my next big mod, keeping oil vapors out of my intake via either an AOS (air/oil separator) or a catch can setup. And really the only difference between the two is what you do with the captured oil. AOS drains the blow-by back into the engine…
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Brake Lightness (WRX v LGT v STI)
I took the WRX out for a spirited spin over the weekend and noticed my driver’s side rear caliper is sticking again so I am probably going to upgrade rather than replace it with another used caliper. My rear rotors are grooved so they should be replaced as well. So that got me thinking about my…
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Review: Oswald Lightweight Bumper Beam
I’ve had a couple days behind the wheel of my WRX with the Oswald beam installed and I think I am ready to give a review of it, before it becomes my new normal. First off, fit and finish was great. Everything lined up from the beam to the frame and the only thing I had to…
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Install: Oswald Performance Lightweight Front Bumper Beam
I have been contemplating an Oswald Lightweight Bumper Beam for some time now. Even back when I owned my 2005 STi, however the STi handled so well that it seemed to be permanently in the “maybe next time” camp. The 2003 WRX handles much better than I expected even though it has lower grip than the…
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Install: HT Autos 02-03 WRX Fog Light Covers
After selling off my JDM fog lights I needed something to fill the voids. Either legit OEM fog covers, some sort of brake duct cover, or replica covers from HT Autos. I decided to go with covers from HT Autos because eBay was low on inventory on JDM covers and I didn’t realize I could still…
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Install: Grimmspeed Phenolic Spacers (3mm)
I picked up a pair of used 3mm Grimmspeed Phenolic Spacers from a friend. And since I have a JDM long runner intake I am hoping that these will be easier to install over my USDM 2005 STi intake manifold. First things first. I needed to clean off most of the remaining sealant. They didn’t…
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