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Time to read 16 min
As you can imagine, the team here at Subimods have heard a lot of stories and shared many experiences with our friends, customers, and associates involved in the Subaru community. Within this realm of experience, we also field a lot of questions from both experienced and novice enthusiasts. The community is filled with individuals who can be very generous with sharing their successes and disappointments in regards to their journey as modifiers, but fortunately sharing these stories can benefit those who follow in the (sometimes) crazy footsteps laid down by the Subaru owner. We all realize that we are dead center in the Subie Events season. By the time this article is published, we will be putting BoxerFest and SubieFest Midwest in the rear view mirror until next year, but will be waiting with anticipation as SubieFest Florida is right around the corner at the beginning of October. Events like these provoke excitement and build up the already rabid enthusiasm the Subaru faithful have for their favorite platforms and innovations, but they also are a hotbed of inspiration and encouragement for the newcomer who is just beginning to explore what the brand has to offer and what aftermarket offerings can enhance their new vehicle's personality. Let's describe a familiar scenario that happens at this time of year.
An individual - who we'll call "Johnny" - just purchased his first real car - a newer Subaru WRX. Filled with excitement, he barely signed his paperwork before hitting the road to Pennsylvania with plans in hand to attend the latest Subaru event and mingle with the historically dedicated community of followers that he can now relate to as comrades. As he pulls into the event, parks his car, and begins to explore, he can't help but be inspired, but also feels a bit deflated comparing his new vehicle with the expanse of performance, style, and unique creativity that has been laid before his eyes. As the fever of Subie enthusiasm roars through his body, (something very familiar to most of us), a million questions flood his mind. He wants to come to the next event but he wants to be driving something that can be a unique expression of his personality while being a trophy of pride for his peers to admire. He's not a millionaire but how should he begin? What are some affordable but impactful modifications a beginner like Johnny can do to his new Subaru WRX to raise his profile and turn some heads?
First, our young star Johnny is far from being alone and a unique character in this familiar story. The Subaru WRX is a great platform and wonderful vehicle for any creative enthusiast to use as a canvas of expression. The WRX, or known by the faithful as the "World Rally Experimental", is a magnet of style, power, and possibilities to the Subie fan since its origins have forever left a mark in history as an icon in the world of rally racing. Drivers who finally get their hands on the already attractive WRX are always anxious to look for ways to bring the platform to another level. There are so many popular modifications for this car, but they cover a span of type, expense, and overall performance expectation. Obviously, if a driver sees themself setting records on the track or winning competitions for everything from power to custom design, they will need to establish a set of long term goals, determine a financial investment plan, and set aside a whole lot of time. Whether the dream is big or small, and, as a new driver of the Subaru WRX, Johnny will need to set some realistic goals, do some research, and ask for help to make sure his journey is steady, rewarding, and (considering his non-millionaire status) somewhat affordable.
To expand on the story, someone like Johnny works hard, dreams big, and has money to invest a little at a time to make noticeable and satisfying changes to his WRX that will get some attention and inspire him to learn more and continually enhance both the style and performance of his new car into the future. Again, this is a common and logical starting point for the novice enthusiast who has the passion to learn more but has the patience to turn the dial on their inspiration and creativity as experience grows. If the enthusiast is a reasonable individual, they will realize that the overall goal will be somewhat vague at first until they gather information and start to put their plan in motion. The process should involve consulting more experienced enthusiasts who have followed the same footsteps. The Subaru community is filled with people who, like Johnny, needed to figure out what they wanted from their WRX during its life. In this scenario we feel it is safe to say that Johnny has a daily driver that he needs to be reliable, but with a little extra style inside and out along with a boost in performance and handling that will set a great foundation for the more extreme driving fantasies of his future. As he stands at the starting gate, we know exactly how he should run this race.
Planning a first phase modification on the Subaru WRX should be approached from all sides of the vehicle to determine what changes can be made that will be both memorable to the visual experience and impactful to the driving experience without requiring an outrageous investment of time, money, or resources. Quite frankly, there are some enthusiasts who may want to concentrate all of their first efforts and highest investments on making their WRX the most powerful and fastest car on the block which is totally understandable if they are interested more in performance than style. Logically, this makes more sense if we refer to the experienced driver who will need skills to both execute the modifications and have the ability to drive the vehicle after such extreme performance upgrades, but for the beginning enthusiast, climbing the ladder in stages by carefully enhancing style and applying more subtle performance upgrades may be the best course to build their dreams while gaining appropriate experience. A new enthusiast can step back, and first take in a 360 degree viewpoint of their car and determine what things they would like to enhance on the exterior that may be similar to upgrades they have seen on vehicles they have admired at events. They may also have examined the interior of a specific customized WRX and noticed some simple but highly effective accent pieces that prompted their creative mind to apply some color, style, or texture to their cockpit.
Many of the Subaru WRX vehicles seen at events will turn heads simply because of their custom grill designs, stylish performance lighting - including headlights, taillights, undercarriage, and unique options for the interior cabin. Sometimes a driver will add graphics, vinyl decals, and emblems to leave an additional mark of individuality. The possibilities do not stop at the car's exterior since there are many options for simple to moderate enhancements under the hood of the WRX. Switching from stock to more robust hoses, brake lines, and stylish bolts can quickly catch the eye if an admirer flips the conversation to the engine bay. Specially designed shrouds and covers for the engine can give just an extra degree of attraction you need to keep the focus clear. If there is a desire to gain some attention through the vehicle's voice, an upgraded exhaust or improved intake may be an option to gain some volume and performance. After a few conversations, they may have learned that there are plenty of options to amplify both the handling and stance of their vehicle including some upgrades to the vehicle's wheels, tires, suspension, and overall aerodynamic profile. Again, there are many choices for a first phase modification project, so let's break it down in more detail to help point the inquisitive but passionate enthusiast in the right direction.
Most people say that between the daily commute and the general driving duties that a human being performs, sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle is one of the places we spend most of our time. So, it is quite understandable that the comfort and style of your Interior space would be an important aspect of your overall driving experience. For a true car enthusiast, the nest you create inside your car is not only a point of comfort, but is also a critical symbol of your personality and creativity. Logically, this place is a perfect and simple place to start modifying your new Subaru WRX. Your viewpoint might not be as impactful to someone than an exterior enhancement, but any improvements will be an immediate reminder that your journey has started and your progress is making your ownership more enjoyable. Some of the first things a new enthusiast will purchase for their Subaru WRX are Shift Knobs, Steering Wheels, Trim Pieces, or Handles and Buttons. These upgrades do not boost performance or change how your vehicle responds mechanically, but good designs, colors, style, and quality can change your confidence level, brighten your experience, make you feel more comfortable, and send a message to your passenger that you are a detail-oriented driver. Our team can deliver a few affordable possibilities to roll you forward and push your WRX modification in the right direction.
Subimods offers a number of shift knobs for the Subaru WRX including the Compressive Tuning Forged Carbon Fiber Shift Knob, the Billetworkz Fusion Weighted Shift Knob, and the AMS Performance Billet Aluminum Shift Knob, just to name a few. Along with a new shift knob, other items like a companion Shift Boot, available from our friends at DarkMatterX, an upgraded Steering Wheel, like the models we offer from Molded Innovations, Greddy, VERTEX, and FactionFab, or some Carbon Fiber interior trim pieces like the options also available from these companies included in our online catalog. One of the most noticeable and stylish additions to the WRX interior is when the stock door handles, buttons, and other driver controls are replaced with colorful, sleek designs which amplifies the overall personality of the car and driver. Adding some unique colors and brilliance to these control features can be provided by several manufacturers including the Billetworkz E-Brake Handle, the Molded Innovations Carbon Fiber Push Start Button, or the Molded Innovations Carbon Fiber Lockdown E-Brake Handle which would provide another option for your simple interior upgrade for under $100. Lastly, something that is not a stylishly visible addition to your interior, but makes a significant difference in a driver's experience is the Perrin Shifter Stop, one of the first modifications made by new Subaru WRX owners. If you spend a lot of time on secondary roads shifting between lower gears, this simple modification makes your driving much easier.
Another popular modification on the Subaru WRX that seems to be another starter step in the newcomer journey is with the Wheels and Tires. Many enthusiasts, new and seasoned, feel that this is the most cost effective and noticeable performance modification that can be applied within the first phases of upgrades on any Subaru platform. This step is a perfect way to put a personal signature on the vehicle since there are many combinations in the marketplace that serve different purposes. Designs and colors can appeal to a wide range of drivers. If an enthusiast plans on enhancing other parts of the exterior, this widens the possibilities and overall vision the driver has for their current and future plans to upgrade their vehicle. Truly, even if a vehicle has lackluster lines, a static, less than stunning profile, and average personality, aftermarket wheels and tires can morph the look, amplify the lines, and sharpen the performance of any car, especially the Subaru WRX. Introducing a new set of stylish, lightweight, high-quality wheels can lessen the unsprung weight of the vehicle, improve acceleration, and enhance handling. Blending this upgrade with a set of quality performance tires will inject noticeable improvement in cornering ability and traction. Subimods offers a wide selection of affordable wheel options from brands including Konig, Gram Lights, SSR, Kansei and others which come in a variety of styles and colors. We also offer a wide range of tires to compliment these wheels which include models from Toyo and Yokohama to make this another perfect first modification choice for your WRX.
Other modifications that are sometimes overlooked by new enthusiasts are upgrades to Exterior Lighting, Aerodynamics, Grill designs, and even items as small and simple as Emblems. Again, sometimes the most low profile parts of a vehicle's appearance can stand out the most when applied to a blank canvas. For example, upgrading the stock headlights and taillights to brighter more defined lighting profile is both stylish and safe under a number of challenging situations. Upgrading the lighting system, primarily the headlights will give your Subaru WRX a better look and provide a sharper pattern of illumination on any roadway under any conditions. Depending on the manufacturer and design of the lighting system, there will be a range of options to increase a driver's visibility. With this enhancement, the Subaru WRX will adopt a uniquely stylish look while amplifying the degree of customization and quality seen by the admiring observer. Upgrading the headlights on the WRX will not give the car an amazing look, but will provide intense illumination, higher quality of brightness, and an improvement in overall beam focus. The Subimods catalog provides a number of options from companies including Spec-D, Akkon, and Molded Innovations which are designed to serve the preferred aesthetic and preference of the driver and their creative vision for their specific Subaru vehicle. Sometimes adding a little extra flare to change the shape and improve how the vehicle moves through the air will add flavor to your car's countenance and provide a more aggressive and intimidating glare without adding a degree of extra horsepower or volume to its mechanical functionality.
The addition of Aerodynamic modifications, upgrades, and components which include front splitters, side skirts, spoilers, wings, canards, and rear diffusers are designed (on the engineering side) to optimize airflow for increased stability and downforce, but also (on the designer side) complement the vehicle's lines, enhance the overall look of a platform, which especially rings true on the Subaru WRX. This is a very good modification investment for the new enthusiast since all these components are both precision-engineered to improve aerodynamics and elevate the car's visual appeal. Subimods offers aerodynamic solutions from Molded Innovations, Seibon, and RexSpeed in our catalog for the WRX driver who wants to investigate their options. Along with the addition of some aerodynamic engineering, investing in a new grill could also amplify the look of the car while playing an important role when future and more performance driven upgrades are added to future phases of the modification plans. An upgraded Grill, depending on its design, will provide additional support in providing airflow, keeping the engine cool, and preventing dirt and debris from getting into your engine. In concert with an aerodynamic modification, a grill upgrade could contribute to better gas mileage. Replacement grills from Molded Innovations and Seibon are also included in the Subimods online catalog. Choosing one of these stylish grills as part of your modification will also set your vehicle apart from the crowd and help you make your dream of driving a head-turning car come true. Lastly, to finish up your exterior modification while keeping affordability top of mind, swapping out the stock emblems and badges on all sides of the vehicle is another way to modify your vehicle and make a unique statement of your creativity.
Obviously, if an extremely passionate, power-minded, and performance inspired enthusiast is approaching the idea of modifying their new Subaru WRX, it is very likely that they will not think of sticking to the cosmetic improvements first over the sexy, brag-worthy options that are possible in the Engine bay and below deck on this iconic vehicle. There are a few affordable enhancements that can be applied to their Subaru WRX that will still prompt attention form the masses and possibly show a bit of an improvement in the numbers on the performance side. One of the first under-the-hood dazzlers could be the addition of stylish and robust Engine Shrouds and Engine Covers to give the motor's cabin a little protective flare while launching a couple of “oooh” and “aaah’ when you first open the hood. Still an affordable option with some sex appeal, this type of modification won't stop any hearts from beating, but if it has a great quality design, has a great color and texture, and it sits in its space correctly, it will do wonders for the look of the engine bay. It's a good start to any conversation when that hood opens. Another component that always looks good and can bring some needed boost to a newcomers pride and performance is the ever popular Cold Air Intake (CAI). This modification replaces the stock intake and is engineered to allow a greater volume of air into the engine which then allows the engine to burn more fuel which in turn increases the vehicle's horsepower, torque, and can also bring a noticeable improvement to the throttle response and engine sound. To compliment the CAI modification, the enthusiast can go one step further and add a Top Mount Intercooler (TMIC) to the mix which will replace the stock unit and force more air to enhance the vehicle's performance even further since the WRX factory intercooler has a thinner design, lower fin density, and struggles to provide the proper delivery performance both the Subaru WRX and driver deserve. Subimods offers a number of Cold Air Intake and Intercooler solutions for the Subaru WRX including components from Perrin, Mishimoto, AEM, HPS Performance, Grimmspeed, Garrett, and COBB which would be a great addition to your first modification plan. Moving under and throughout the more hidden regions of the WRX, we are directed to another set of modification options, that by definition, are the most expensive category that will confront the newly adopted Subaru follower, but in the long term may be a proper level of preparation when the driver moves onward and upward into the next phases of upgrades and improvements on their beloved WRX platform.
Our team often finds that an aftermarket Exhaust System upgrade is a favorite amongst our new customers and owners of newer Subaru WRX models. It is well-known that replacing the exhaust system improves both the overall sound of the WRX and gives a noticeable kick to the car's performance. Choosing to upgrade the exhaust on the WRX will contribute to the improvement of the vehicle's breathing ability, which simply means that if it is appropriately matched with an intake as we have mentioned above, the vehicle will receive a benefit of noticeable power and performance. Investing in a higher-quality stainless steel exhaust system will increase horsepower and torque, provide a reduction in back pressure and provide the driver with more responsive and efficient engine performance. The Subimods catalog is filled with quality exhaust systems from manufacturers including COBB, AWE, Borla, Remark, and Tomei. Our customers have depended on these brands and their wide selection of solutions to enhance the sound and performance of the Subaru WRX models they drive. Another modification option that will raise its hand in any conversation between two or more enthusiasts will be one that mentions the Suspension. Again, one of two of the most costly, but in the grand scheme of things, affordable when placed side by side with larger upgrade projects, a suspension upgrade will act as a good foundation when a novice enthusiast feels the need to move up in the ranks, investigate more challenges for its vehicle, and decide to increase their efforts to pursue extreme performance milestones on the road or track. Although the Subaru WRX is already positioned as a factory vehicle with an impressive reputation for handling the showroom floor, most drivers will agree that any improvement is always welcome. A new enthusiast and owner of the Subaru WRX would not be wrong to pursue upgrading their suspension with a more robust set of performance Springs, Sway Bars, End Links, Control Arms, and also Strut Braces to decrease the chances of body roll and provide an overall improvement to the vehicle's handling and stability. This modification will provide a more aggressive stance, give the WRX an aggressive profile, and improve the vehicle's aerodynamic personality while laying the proper groundwork for future motorsport endeavors - if that be in the cards for our Johnny. Again, Subimods is always the best suspension component source for the new and seasoned enthusiast as we provide our customers with a selection of solutions from COBB, Pedders, Whiteline, Perrin, ISC, and Cusco.
Remember, it is important to plan, research, and consult with an experienced expert before selecting any components or parts to perform modifications on your Subaru WRX. The correct and appropriate modification can greatly enhance your Subaru's power, performance, and overall appearance, so take your time and make logical choices when moving forward.
Patience and smart planning will guarantee that you will create a unique and impressive performer that will turn heads and inspire future enthusiasts.
We would be very interested in your thoughts regarding this article and would encourage your feedback and comments regarding your experiences. Write your comments below and continue this conversation. We are always thrilled to hear about your Subaru-loving life.
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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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