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Time to read 11 min
A serious enthusiast is much more than an individual who is simply into cars and the surrounding culture. A serious enthusiast and modifier is not looking to push their hard earned money into a car for purely material reasons or to get some fading notoriety once or twice a year when attending track events or entering car shows. It is important to remember that a modification project is a creative exercise that is not much different than an individual artist composing a song or expressing a personal vision or viewpoint through paint or the written word. In this case, the vehicle is the blank canvas waiting for the creative mind to obviously enhance its visual appeal, but also amplify its personality dynamic and physical performance through ideas and innovation. This exercise of expression, ingenuity, and creative output ultimately feeds the majority of expelled joy back into the creator, leaving the audience or onlooker as a secondary landing place for any praise or appreciation. Truthfully, if your goal is to face harsh criticism or a bit of ridicule from a sector of the high brow population, a car modification could be bravely characterized as an high level art form since it involves design, color, science, engineering, innovation, a specific skill set, and a level of creativity and ingenuity that rival other formats that have been labeled fine art for centuries. In an inconsistent flow, but basically on a month to month basis, we discover and expose specific individuals who have invested an impressive amount of time, energy, sweat, skill, and, of course money, to bring their dreams to reality and transform their concepts into a tangible form that many can love and admire, but a selection of others can undoubtedly appreciated beyond their level of understanding. This time around we explore the story of a young enthusiast experienced beyond their years due to the firm grasp placed on early inspiration, memories, and the hope that if you roll up your sleeves, put your mind to something you believe in, and work hard to achieve your goal …anything is possible.
Taking another turn through the corners of this calendar year brings us to another inspired enthusiast. This month we arrived in Franklin Square, New York to visit with 26 year old Matt Haubenreisser , the proud owner of a 2020 Subaru WRX STI . Like many other Subaru enthusiasts in our vast community, Matt did not come to this love affair later in life. It has been a soulful relationship which has been building into a passion over many years. A resident of Nassau County, Haubenreisser is proud to say that he has lived and cultivated his enthusiasm for cars on Long Island his entire life. "My passion for cars began when I was a little kid," Matt confirmed, "I would always go to my aunt and uncle's house and stay with them." These were definitely formative times since his uncle had both a C6 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1968 Yenko - Chevys Super Camaro - a limited production model which has been in the crosshairs of serious collectors for years. His exposure began early fueling his interest and magnetism towards performance. "I was always around cars and we used to watch Nascar all the time," he said "That’s when the itch started." From these memorable times as a boy through his teenage years, Matt began to cultivate his inspiration into both a tangible interest and blossoming creativity through his early car ownership. At this junction, he began to give serious attention to the itch beneath his skin. He told us about two cars that were obviously prompting him to wrap noticeable time around learning and doing more related to performance. Telling us about his first step into the pool, Matt recalled by saying, "I'm not sure if it counts as ‘performance’ but it was a 1997 Honda Civic EK coupe. It had a B20 engine swap with an Integra GSR transmission... I did not do any modifications. My first REAL performance car was my 2008 WRX Hatchback ," he confirmed with pride. “On the 2008 WRX, my first modification was an Invidia N1 Catback, then Coilovers, and a few sets of wheels.” The beginning of an exciting new phase of Matt’s life had just begun.
Entering his high school years not only lifted Matt to a new level of education for life and growth, this period also began to shape and feed the anxious mind within that proves to be a primary characteristic of the dedicated Subaru enthusiast. The decision to buy a Subaru is always a cherished memory since it is also, unlike the dedication to any other brand, a point in history that changes the person into a member of a vast and unique community of faithful. "I decided I wanted to buy a Subaru back in high school," Haubenreisser explained. "Getting that itch of watching videos of 'BEST SUBARU WRX STI RUMBLE' and just getting addicted to how these cars looked, and sounded. Especially with an EWG (External Wastegate)," he noted. As we know, most teenagers go through a number of phases and changes as they grow and while desires morph and interests transition from one subject and obsession to another. Matt was not that much different than the rest, but evidently, the North Star in life had proved itself to be this passion for his Subaru and the dreams that grow through each drive, each look, and each time another bite of inspiration takes hold and convinces the heart to stay on course. As the years ticked by, Matt's exposure broadened and knowledge grew. This transitioned him from that wide-eyed young boy struck by those early family visits and inspirational contact with iconic performance, to a practitioner and believer in a brand that turned his head and helped his heart evolve into a knowledgeable driver and mechanic through his simple daily focus. "I would say my level of automotive expertise and degree as a Subaru enthusiast is pretty high," Matt confirmed. "I’ve been with the brand for almost 10 years now and owned multiple Subarus. My first one being a 2008 WRX hatchback." We now know that his love for automobiles and performance did not blossom from his first exposure to Subaru. His pure motivation led to a critical gateway and journey to an important future modification and life changing process. As with Matt, the investment of time, money, and emotion are all elements that exist in every enthusiast's modification journey.
Haubenreisser jumped on his modification road with a platform choice that is an undisputed high performance favorite of Subaru's modifying community. The carmaker released the popular WRX STI sedan in 2020 with a personality for potential. The vehicle's stock 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 310-horsepower engine, six-speed manual transmission outfitted with a marketplace impressive all-wheel drive system was born as fuel for inspiration. It rolled off the assembly line flavored with a history of championship rally between its wheels touting features and handling that would become a magnet for any young enthusiasts looking to transform a dream into reality. Speaking with Matt about how he fell for this symbol of lean and mean, it was easy to translate his words into pure dedication. "I chose the VA because to me it's perfect even when stock," he said, confirming the overall impression from so many others. "I love how they look. It has a mix of modern features but that raw EJ feeling and the perfect 6 speed transmission," he added. "The platform is very capable and has a lot of aftermarket support." Aside from all the stock performance capabilities he saw in his first attraction, the style and modern design was also an easy sell. "The interior is perfect and has many creature comforts," he added. "I love my heated seats and Apple Carplay." Simply punctuating his very determined and dedicated course of choice, it is clearly evident that at the time Matt had a vision for his new acquisition. His was and continues to be a serious journey taken by an individual who was born to express his creativity through a vehicle that he craves to drive, but also exhibits itself as a mechanical work or art with personality of style, sound, and aesthetic. Many enthusiasts over the decades have wrapped their hearts and minds around their brand but without forgetting what the brand has given to the industry either through engineering or design. Proudly considering the bones and potential that they are given, modifiers like Haubenreisser carefully consider the aftermarket components they choose to help the designs endure through their innovative improvements. Looking at Matt's impressive modification parts list, we hope an inspired peer may be helped just by reviewing his brand choices and experience.
Drilling down deeper into Matt's project, we now see that aiming for the moon may have been his first priority, but reaching and orbiting the next distant star may have been what fate had in store for his spirited creativity all along. "I've been building my car since I got it almost 5 years ago," Haubenreisser clarified. "My last version of this car has been in the works for about a year though." Continuing to ask Matt exactly what had been modified on the vehicle may now seem like a very inexperienced and pedestrian approach to gaining insight on the subject. His direct answer simply explained his progressive game plan. "Almost every part of the car has been touched, bolt on suspension mods, interior, exterior. Minus the block. It is a stock Type RA block." As we will outline, Haubenreisser's careful brand choices have highlighted his extreme dedication to quality and need to bring this cherished profile to a level of performance and style that will not only turn heads but also prompt others to jump on the modification journey - and maintain a solid foundation along the way. "I chose to work and go with these brands because they all have a repetition for QUALITY which is my biggest thing," Matt explained. "I don’t like cheap stuff nor rep parts. I strive to always shoot for quality parts even if it means to break the bank." An undertaking of this scope always requires a little help from knowledgeable friends and sometimes a collection of skilled professionals. "I do all the work myself with friends minus any fabrication work like some pieces I had welded by my friend Jay at Empire Fabrication NY," Matt confirmed. "Alignments and wheel work were done by a shop that I'm also a part of called Crown Speed Lab NY." As mentioned previously, all who wish to partake in a commitment like this should be aware of the several layers of investment required to push forward without cutting corners.
Following Matt's example of quality first would be the smartest course, but naturally, many think about the monetary cost of quality before considering the cost of time and stress when choosing an alternative. Looking at this enthusiast's choice of components, one can only guess at his total investment. Thankfully reflecting on his resources when asked about total cost, Matt noted, "Honestly, I am not sure. I am very thankful for the last two years I grew and made some amazing sponsorships that helped me out with my build." There are a number of accomplishments that an enthusiast gains along the way through this type of project, but also considering all the challenges that may be met between the lines, one may assume that this project saw some solid obstacles during its progression. Considering that this project contains so many moving parts and compatibilities to consider, Haubenreisser had to reflect on any serious, show stopping problems that could have happened along the way, but so far could not report any problems of that magnitude. "The only issue I had was with the Killer B Inlet," he confirmed. "That’s when I had to pull the manifold and do the Grimmspeed 8mm TGV Spacers," proving that every project, no matter how much preparation and experience is interwoven in the process, has the potential for some disappointment. As we consider the scope of this modification, including some of the points we have briefly discussed and the overall list of components, some may conclude that Matt has reached the end of this journey and has nothing else to do on his favorite platform. Nothing could be further from the truth. Matt has more ideas under his sleeve that he is excited to apply to his Subaru WRX STI. He injects some other modifications to the end of his completed list by adding more wants. "Type RA calipers and the JDM 4 Pot Rear are next on my list," Matt confirmed. "Possibly new wheels along with a Varis Rear Bumper and Wing." Confirming the overall payback he has felt up to this point in the process, Matt expresses his satisfaction simply and proudly, by saying, "I am very content with how my car is and how the tune came out. Car currently makes 404/374 tuned on 93." Honest, pride-filled words from a content man who has delivered on his dream.
Over a five year span of car ownership and modification, Matt Haubenreisser has accomplished a lot during this upgrade process. His choices for quality are obvious and definitely confirmed as we look down the list below of the products and brands he has included in his 2020 Subaru WRX STI modification project:
Grimmspeed Front Mount Intercooler (Powder Coated OG Subaru Cherry Blossom)
Grimmspeed Intake (Powder Coated OG Subaru Cherry Blossom)
Grimmspeed EBCS
Grimmspeed v2 GESI Downpipe
Grimmspeed 8mm TGV Spacers
Grimmspeed JB400 Turbo
Killer B Motorsport Hard Inlet
COBB 1050 Injectors
COBB Fuel Pressure Regulator
AEM 340 Fuel Pump
PLM 44mm Up Pipe
TiAL MVR 44mm External Wastegate
TiAL Q Blow Off Valve
IAG Equal Length Headers
Yellow Speed Racing Inverted Pro Coilovers
Volk Racing ZE40 Wheels, Mag Blue
Continental Extreme Contact Sport Tires
Hawk Ceramic Brake Pads (with Stock Rotors)
Whiteline Front/Rear Sway Bar (Powder Coated Subaru OG Cherry Blossom Pink)
SPC Performance Toe Arms
Whiteline Rear LCA
KartBoy End Links Front/Rear
JDM S209 Draw Stiffeners
JDM STi Strut Brace
JDM Cherry Red Mirrors
JDM STi Anti Glare Mirrors (Discontinued)
JDM Side View Camera
JDM Rear Brake Light
JDM STi Rear Splash Guards
JDM S209 Interior Trim
JDM Trunk Garnish Cherry Red
SYMS Racing Wiper Blades
Varis Arising II body kit (Minus Rear Bumper and Wing)
APR Carbon Fiber Backing Plate
Invidia Q300 Catback
OLM Pro Gurney Flap
Idoing Head Unit
AEM AFR Gauge
AEM Oil Pressure Gauge
Prova Rear View Mirror (Discontinued)
COBB Short Throw Shifter Kit
SYMS Racing Seat Belt Pads
The Subimods catalog allows you to take a more detailed look at many of the quality products included on Matt’s modification list. Assorted products from Grimmspeed, Killer B, COBB, AEM, IAG, Whiteline, Hawk, Varis, and many othersare offered through the Subimods website. Please reach out to our team with your interest or to ask specific questions about specific parts mentioned in this article. We would be very interested in your thoughts regarding Matt Haubenreisser’s modification project.
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For more information regarding aftermarket parts for your Subaru, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your platform. We would be happy to serve you!
Bryon Turcotte - Managing Editor/Writer
Turcotte has worked as a writer, journalist, and digital content developer for 30 years. He began his career in music journalism in 1995 then worked for several years as both a staff writer, managing editor, and a freelancer for both regional and national music publications. Over the next three decades his contributions extended beyond the music industry as he served within the realms of higher education, science and technology, manufacturing, and finance. He has been serving as a content developer and writer on the Subimods Marketing team since August 2023.
