Customer Profile: Joseph DeGiacomo and his 2004 Subaru STi

Growing up in New York's Hudson Valley had a young Joseph DeGiacomo dreaming about driving the real versions of some of his favorite toy cars. Now as an adult in his forties who has lived a life behind the wheel of some cars that we would all like to own, DeGiacomo takes a lot of pride in where he's been, what he has learned, and how he lives his life as a dedicated Subaru enthusiast. His current platform, a well-loved community favorite, the 2004 Subaru STi definitely prompts a lot of head turning within his own community in Wappingers, a town in Dutchess County, New York, but also is a familiar chariot proudly rolling through any event. Like many of us, DeGiacomo's love for automotive performance, style, and engineering had a memorable start as a youngster projecting into a fantastical future. "From a young age, I was interested in Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars", DeGiacomo said. "Originally, I was attracted to the aggressive lines of the Sports cars and Lamborghini designs, but I wasn’t really interested in the mechanical aspect. My father was an A mechanic, so I had been exposed to that side of automotive from a young age", he added, "but it was not until my late teens that I actually started to get interested in how everything works and how I could fix it." True enthusiasts seem to be both extremely creative in all areas, but also incredibly gifted at absorbing information and applying it to their own unique brand of ingenuity. "Little did I know, just being around the shop sunk in and when I got involved in DIY.", he confirmed. "The lingo and basic knowledge was there from listening in on diagnostics and watching the repairs. I could not wait to drive when I started to figure out that cars could be used for sport.", he said with a born and bred tone of spirit. Sometimes inspiration and pure desire can sustain a spirited individual who doesn't have the same opportunities or resources as others. DeGiacomo held on to his resolve to feel the speed one day building his patience and gratitude through those early years. "Unfortunately, as the only child of a lower income family, I didn't have all the cool toys growing up like dirt bikes and quads", he remembered. "All I could do was wish to have something motorized with wheels, but for the time being, I had to drive the relatives' old cars that my dad would fix up and give me.", he said. "I was happy to have something, so I couldn't complain."

In learning his story, we were happy to hear that six of the cars during his later timeline of discovery and education were Subaru platforms that eventually brought him to another level of self-training and appreciation. "I almost crashed when I saw my first real life WRX STi with Gold BBS wheels and World Rally Blue paint. ", Joseph exclaimed. "I had to pay off my SVT Focus before I got my 2006 WRX that ultimately led to the purchase of my 04 STi.", he said. "The WRX was a great upgrade from the Focus but I wanted the six speed rally built transmission and all wheel drive without getting a Jeep or a truck, so I always knew an STi was my dream car", he confirmed. "The purpose was to use it in local SCCA Rallycross and take it to meets and shows as a competition/show car, so the dirt and dings made sense." As the hands of time went forward, DeGiacomo's love and appreciation for the brand that entered his life continued to prove itself to be his true path to follow as an enthusiast and advocate through ownership, involvement in events, and effort to maintain his life as a support for other, less experienced individuals. Joseph has driven and has owned a wide range of Subaru platforms that you don't see on the streets or at events very often unless he was driving them through the gates. "I’ve also owned a 95 SVX and an 03 WRX ", he confirmed. "Currently, I have my 2004 STi, a 1991 Sambar, and a 2015 Crosstrek. " A grateful and appreciative owner, DeGiacomo shines with dedication as he speaks about his favorite brand which is both inspiring and commendable in these times when the simple pleasures of life may be taken for granted from time to time. "Owning Subarus has been the best experience because I get to feel like a part of something more important than just transportation", he explained. "The people that make up the community have become lifelong friends." The primary spirit of community, individuality, and creativity really burns through with every word out of Joseph's mouth. In some ways, his experiences and love for the Subaru brand has really transformed him from enthusiast to advocate. "My car to me is my expression for individuality for the brand and the Rally inspired platform that suits my driving style and is my favorite form of motorsport", he confirmed. "Subaru staying true to the enthusiast and that 'give back' is what sets it apart from all others in my opinion. The love for performance, family, the Charity work and commitment to the Rally motorsport make it even more exciting."

After learning about the path and passion that brought DeGiacomo to the place he resides today, the ultimate series of questions needed to be brought around the corner to put his modification journey into clearer focus. "14 years and it’s still a work in progress.", Joseph confirmed. Over this timeline Joseph has built up a very impressive list of additions and modifications to his 2004 Subaru STi which include, a Cobb AP and SF Intake, a Mishimoto AfterMAF, Full Ancillary and Intercooler Hose Kit, and Turbo Inlet, a TurboXS Turbo Back V2 Exhaust, Kartboy Extension Hangers, Tein Coilovers, Camber Bolts, VSC Oil Cap, AVO Steering Bushings, Whiteline End Links, Kartboy Spacers, Kartboy Shifter Bushings on both the front & rear, a SPT Heat shield, a VMS Cylinder 4 Mod, a 20mm Tanabe Rear Sway Bar, Truhart Lower Control Bushings, Perrin Anti Lift Kit, APR Carbon Mirrors, and from Subimods, a set of Hella Horns, Grimmspeed Mount Bow Tie and Wiring kit, a Billetworkz Shift Knob, along with a wide assortment of Subimods banners and decals. He also gave attention to the vehicle's sound system by upgrading to a Pioneer Head Unit with crossovers, a JL audio 400 watt AMP and Alpine speakers. Looking at this list an experienced enthusiast will need to admit that DeGiacomo had a well executed plan to keep some important factors in mind with his ultimate desire for performance, style, comfort, and individuality as the primary boxes to tick for his personal happiness. "I mainly have light Engine mods with reliability in mind", Joseph said. He continues explaining and supporting each choice with careful consideration by saying, "Intake and Turbo back exhaust with basic bolt ons. A Cobb tune for reliability and a Performance tune from Shinji tune are the ECU enhancements", he adds. "Full suspension mods bushings and Tein Coilovers, rear subframe bushings and lock down. Tuned to my more loose driving style for more oversteer to help with inherent understeer of the GD chassis. Multiple different set ups tested for performance and handling. Alignments and camber setups for performance and handling. All necessary maintenance items and then some for peace of mind a Cylinder 4 VMS AN fitting mod. Custom catch cans in the dual Radium style set up for PCV and separate crankcase venting." DeGiacomo confirmed that there were specific sources used when his modification journey progressed. "Everything maintenance/modification/testing done DIY in my driveway or garage", he confirmed. "The Clutch and Gates Racing Timing belt were serviced at EFI Logics in CT, the only place I trust my work to. I feel it's very important to know your limitations when attempting DIY work and know it's ok to not know everything", Joseph explained. "So many things have become complex and being open to learning is critical in everything we do."

As we expected, Joseph's desire to succeed and taste all types of victory through his Subaru was alive in everything he said in relation to his story and experience as an enthusiast. A real inspiration at all levels, DeGiacomo confirmed that he has no plans to stop moving and getting the most out of this lifestyle by using his STi to its full potential. Between his pursuit of competition, performance, and giving back to the Subaru community, his calendar keeps filling up to maintain his spirit of joy and reward. "In 2023, I started competing in the Beat Bucky Simracing Challenge when I attended the Wicked Big Meet and Boxerfest.", Joseph noted. "I’ve beaten Bucky Lasek, Travis Pastrana and Scott Speed’s times in front of the Subiefest/Subaru of America staff.", he says with pride. "The simulator company with Subaru approached me about possibly working as the Rally Sim Tech/Attendant, as I have experience with the equipment and repairs. Ansira/SOA then approached me about the LA Auto show and the Chicago Auto Show for Simulators.", he said. "The relationship with the two companies got me signed on with Subaru of America as an event driver, responsible for taking show cars to the event space and placing them in show configuration." Also, we need to mention his work with one of the largest active North East Subaru clubs, 845 Subie where consistency and assistance to promoting the Subaru spirit has taken him on a parallel journey of support, encouragement, and inspiration for many members of the vast Subaru tribe. "The desire to give back to the auto world after it helped me with my car and in life was the driving force behind my involvement with 845 Subie.", Joseph said with gratitude. "The club started in 2017 and I was reluctant to join as my experience with some other car clubs had been...not as welcoming. Once I met the President...and he introduced me to the club, it was an instant relief to know they are regular people with families and respectful careers.", he said with gratitude. “The club is family-friendly and ultra supportive of anyone who would like to join, no matter if you own a Subaru or not, the vibe and atmosphere of the club comes first." Recently, DeGiacomo has been closely involved with the Elite planning at 845 Subie which has proved to be a very rewarding and inspirational experience. "We have members with all sorts of builds, from drag racing to Rallycross to show cars," he explained. "We have members with imported right hand drive, rSTi and VA and VB builds. In years past, the club was involved with James’s Warriors Suicide prevention and local coat drives. Today especially, it's so important to get people out and interested in real life and the preservation of our internal combustion while embracing what's in store for the future." Our team at Subimods is grateful that 845Subie has chosen us as the main parts supplier for their Race car team. We are proud to provide them with the solutions they need to see victory. With his unique style, unstoppable enthusiasm, and true enthusiast’s spirit, Joseph concluded by saying, "I suggest everyone continues to follow their passion, despite difficulties or challenges."

Are you inspired by Joseph's modification story? Do you want to start your own journey? We think it's time to get motivated. 

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