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Time to read 12 min
Traveling through any town in America will expose the driver to a number of signs or landmarks during their journey. Of course, they will see the familiar "Garage Sale Saturday" handwritten on a piece of neon poster board, or the large, political foam card with "Vote" printed in bold, or sometimes the random "Town Fair" or "Carnival" banner will be mounted on the side of a fence or building. Every once in a while they might notice a sign that says "Vintage Car Show" that immediately prompts a thought of a huge field, parking lot, or racetrack filled with old, polished up relics from old Detroit accompanied by their owners and families sitting proudly to talk about their cherished custom, reconditioned, or resurrected vehicle with anyone who will listen. Now, the description of this scenario was pretty accurate up until about a decade ago when the words "vintage car" usually meant old American vehicles primarily from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. You can picture them easily. The 1957 Chevy Bel Air, the 1969 Chevy Camaro, the 1968 Dodge Charger, and the 1978 Pontiac Firebird, just to name a few of the big stars on the stage. As time has moved forward and the auto industry has developed more innovations since the 80s and 90s bringing in all kinds of brands, models, and styles from overseas and far beyond middle America, the car enthusiast's mindset has been forced into a new way of thinking. A modern way to categorize what is considered a vintage, classic, or collectible vehicle in the new era of those following the religion of automobile performance. Looking at this scene logically one must accept that the big field some imagine filled with muscle cars and golden age Hollywood Boulevard cruisers might be sliding sideways to make space for an onslaught of other true classics that have as much provenance under their hoods as the steel and chrome that preceded them. Specifically speaking, the Japanese car market holds its own umbrella of reverence for their well-respected corral of true classics. Honestly, looking over a dream field of the world's automotive classics, we cannot miss those holy grail models that are now some of the most sought-after cars which have taken a deserved seat next to Detroit's favorites. Models like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Acura NSX, Mazda's FD RX-7, the Toyota JZA80 Supra, the Honda DC2 Integra Type R, and the ultimate rally lover's dream, the Subaru Impreza 22B are all vintage gold that any enthusiast would love to own and drive. Those Subaru lovers filled with lots of enthusiast spirit, knowledge, ability, money to invest, and a heart big enough to take on a huge commitment, might want to begin their search for their favorite Vintage Subaru gem and apply a few needed tweaks to bring it to a much higher level.
As you take your Sharpie marker and cross out another day on your kitchen calendar you must admit that you are feeling older and getting a bit melancholy about the past. You may ask yourself, "When does something new truly become old?" or "When does something old become classic?" Today's Subaru enthusiast, young, old, or somewhere in between, must stand back and appreciate the reality of the brand's timeline. When you think about the "classic car" debate in comparison to those who have loved American muscle since the 70's, you need to accept that the oldest model Subaru WRX was released in Japan over 30 years ago - so, it has officially reached the mountaintop where all "classic cars" proudly stand along with Japan's other offerings that infiltrated the marketplace during that pioneering era - the 1990s small performance car invasion. Some of the faithful in the classic collectors world may disagree with an individual who finds one of these treasures only to modify and enhance what Subaru delivered on their release day. On the other hand, some feel that these cars are beautiful examples of car history that need to be restored and improved upon to give honor to the brand and what it has stood for since those pioneering times. We all know that the "as is" value of vehicles like these which have survived every chance of accident, ding, scrape, blown engine, and/or customization has skyrocketed, but those students of the technical and performance side of the argument may say things like, "but, the brakes are too weak" or, "the handling is questionable", or, "the response doesn't feel like the amazing little jet engine it seemed to use in the 90s". A purist collector will say this is the charming part about owning a classic - those precious imperfections and elements of provenance - like the patina on an antique furniture or jewelry. On the other side, there is the guy who wants to keep the original look but modernize the bones, boost the car's feel, the road grip, and enhance the overall response to up his adrenaline when he gets in to drive. Who is the true believer? Is there anything wrong about the modern enthusiast and modifier bolting on a few enhancements to make it a classic with some extra bells and whistles? No wonder why Subaru lovers fawn over the iconic WRX platform. Who wouldn't want to get their hands on one of these innovations and historic pieces of automotive history? Between 1992 and 2000 exists an amazing timeline of a classic Subaru that is both inspiring and magnetic to both the collector and the serial modifier.
Most Subaru enthusiasts know that between 1992 and 1993 the first Impreza WRX sedans were released into the world. This sports compact car was created by the Japanese automaker with a concept based on the vehicle created for the 1992 World Rally Championship. The now iconic badge of WRX would be confirmed as the "World Rally eXperimental" from its birth until the present day. These cars were built with the famous boxer engine and equipped with an all-wheel-drive transmission making this a small vehicle able to generate 237 hp off the showroom floor along with its European sibling, the WRX Impreza GT dialing in at around 208 hp to the joy of new owners on both sides of the ocean. By 1994, Subaru engineering applied some mechanical enhancements and boosted the power to over 256 hp in that year's model with its stronger brother, the WRX STI launching by its side at a 271 hp rating. Between 1995 and 1998 many more changes would come to the Subaru platform. In 1995, the Japanese headquarters would introduce the WRX Sportwagon that produced 217 hp power, but only to confirm their time behind the drawing board by announcing a year later in 1996 that the updated version of the WRX would be rated at 276 hp making the WRX Type R, the sedan Type RA, and WRX Type R V-limited the models available to the growing Subaru tribe in 1997. As the calendar flipped between the days, months and years covering 1997 through 2000, Subaru kept busy engineering, designing, and restyling this platform inside and out from bones to skin to keep up the momentum of this blossoming model growing between many other overseas performance offerings. By 1998, Subaru had only updated the interior of Europe's Subaru Impreza GT not budging on the vehicles 208 hp output rating, but injected some additional vigor into the atmosphere with the release of a true, future classic, the limited 333 Turbo, or (as in Italy...meaning third) the "Terzo" edition. That year Subaru had brought their impressive Impreza platform to an eye-opening, third title run at the World Rally Championships which spawned only 333 examples as a special edition to celebrate their amazing victory in motorsports. Obviously, this repeated success at the WRC bred more design innovation from the engineering team as they pushed another future icon, the 1998 Subaru WRX 22B STI Coupe with a rating of 276 bhp/208 hp, onto the market's launching pad. Before we could blink twice and clear our vision, Subaru launched another limited edition rocket in 1999 by introducing the 444 Turbo with optional WR Sports Performance and Prodrive Suspension Pack delivering muscle of up to 237 hp right off the dealer lot. Leading into the year 2000, Subaru implemented some stylistic changes to update the model cosmetically, but also leveled up to the Phase 2 engine design - producing 215 bhp - which was injected into the platform to give the ride a 7 bhp lift from the previous model WRX. By the year 2000, the WRX STI "S201" was born giving the converted Subaru followers a 300 hp pony to cherish.
Looking at a now vintage vehicle born inside a time period of automotive history with such an inspirational story also laced with innovative change and engineering success, one may pontificate like the antique toy collector at COMIC CON and exclaim, "Geeze, you can't play with it! It's Mint-in-Box! Are you crazy?". It's a funny premise, but it is a real debate amongst some individuals out there in the community. Should the adventure-seeking enthusiast that stumbles upon an older, classic Subaru like the Impreza WRX who lived within that first generation of goodness, take something which was game-changing and impressive straight off the showroom floor and attempt to make it better or more of a modern performer? According to many seasoned Subaru enthusiasts, it's all about the bones, the history, and the care - past and future - that will determine if the life of this classic platform can continue to be rich and valuable. We can only imagine how many so-called modifications, with good intentions, go south and do not give proper honor to the platform and its designers. Well planned and informed modifications incorporating quality aftermarket parts specifically designed for the Impreza WRX of this period should be no less than a moral imperative for the enthusiast since they are not only improving or enhancing an automobile for their own enjoyment, but they are also preserving something historic. This is an important launching point no matter how you slice it. Select knowledgeable enthusiasts who have had the opportunity to wrangle one of these horses have moved forward in stages to enhance performance, improve stance, and amplify power without tarnishing the armor of its personality. An enthusiast may typically approach the first stage by investing first in a new camshaft, since a model of this age could obviously have become worn down, damaged or even lead to a break over time. Replacing a worn camshaft with a high quality replacement extends the life and injects a bit more performance in the engine. Also, installing performance brakes, brake pads, possibly a new exhaust, or investing in performance suspension components, like Coilovers to give the vehicle a better stance and handling may be the best physical life change and face lift this classic could receive in its later years. Once those improvements have been applied, the enthusiast may decide to push forward and perform some more involved processes like remapping the vehicle's ECU through some specific upgrading to improve power output, engine efficiency and amplify fuel economy. A vintage WRX or possibly the STI versions of the platform, can see a significant performance increase by remapping the car’s ECU. There are several options of performance chips that can really help revitalize the first generation Subaru Impreza WRX. Also during this stage, the vintage Impreza owner can invest in an Induction Kit, incorporate High Flow Fuel Injectors, upgrade the Fuel Pump, and even upgrade to a polished, ported head to bring additional life changing enhancements to the car and, yet again, up the performance.
The enthusiast who wants to pursue another level of performance and possible competition with their vintage Subaru, may enter a final stage of modification on the Impreza by carefully investigating and implementing internal engine upgrades like head porting, performance valve and/or camshaft changes, and even forced induction upgrades with a turbo or supercharger if desired, but again these steps should be taken with informed choices in the back pocket, quality components at the ready, and the appropriate ability and skill available to take a modification journey through successful and somewhat seamless motion to ensure a rewarding, not disappointing result. Breaking down an enthusiasts dreams of modifying a classic platform like the Impreza WRX, no matter what year, flavor, or edition can be an exciting but demanding exercise since, as we know, the adventure is leaning on the original foundation, bones, and soul of, most likely, a well-driven and used vintage vehicle. Any project approached with an informed and systematic plan is more likely to succeed or result in some positive outcome than an ill-prepared scheme. Whether the enthusiast chooses to first perform engine modifications which involve head work, camshaft upgrades, or valves or possibly focus on the suspension, the exhaust, or the braking system, there are many quality options to investigate and determine if appropriate for the future of the vintage Impreza. Remember, some modifications or upgrades on a vintage vehicle like the first generation Impreza do not specifically spell out high performance bragging rights and head turning notoriety for the driver, but most likely are smartly pointed toward the extension of the vehicle's life, protection of the engine, infrastructure of the vehicle, and safety of the driver. Once all those boxes have been ticked, the heart, soul and bones of this vehicle have been repaired, then the journey into dream performance can begin. Truly, if we apply the laws of logic and common sense, if a first generation Impreza WRX has been properly maintained and treated well during its early life, their engines will prove to be reliable and solid performers appropriate for future upgrades and possible leveled-up modification. Reasonably speaking, to bring forward just one example as this journey begins, any enthusiast who is exploring an investment of a vintage Subaru WRX should note that they may face carbon build up in the head, most likely around the valves. This issue is proven to drain or seriously affect power and is one that an enthusiast should look for just one alarm bell on these engines. Using high quality fuel, getting regular oil changes and other good maintenance practices are wise to keep this vintage vehicle running properly before or after upgrades or modifications have been employed. Again, it is best to remember that before investing in an older, vintage, and "classic" Subaru you must weigh all the pros and cons appropriately, count the cost, collect your resources, and research the process. There is always someone before you that has traveled the road ahead of you and seen the pitfalls you may face. Subimods takes pride in being a team of knowledgeable modification professionals in concert with providing appropriate, quality aftermarket parts for whatever project is in your future.
Take a glance at the assorted upgrades and modification components included in the product rotator below or explore our catalog for parts and accessories available for the Impreza platform. We hope this will prove helpful in your Subaru modification journey.
Subimods continues to concentrate on providing aftermarket innovations and products that take the Subaru platform of your choice to new levels in the present and the future. We would be very interested in your thoughts regarding this article and would encourage your feedback and comments regarding vintage Subaru vehicles or the newest offering in the marketplace.
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For more information regarding aftermarket parts for your Subaru, again, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your platform. We would be happy to serve you!
Bryon Turcotte - Marketing Writer/Analyst
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.
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