My 2004 WRX, chime in!

[ballmode]

Hi everybody, I just wanted to post my car on the forums.

If you look at my sig I got a picture of it, but anyways I got:

2004 Subaru WRX

Trans
5sp (with RA gears)


Engine
VF34 Turbo
Walbro Fuel Pump
STi Injectors/Intercooler/Exhaust
Perrin Pulley
Cobb Stage 2 Tune

Suspension
Tokico Shocks with Tein H-Tech Springs (5 way adjustable and I got it on the softest setting I'm getting old)
Perrin Sways/endlinks
Front Lower Chassis Brace

Brakes
Subaru upgraded front 4 pot rotors (from newer WRX's)
and the H6 rear brake upgrade from legacy's
Stainless Steel brake lines with Hawk street pads

Electronics
Hella Horns
Some crappy pioneer desk with infinity speakers
HID lights

Misc.
STi Hood Scoop
I bought it without the moonroof package, I believe the last year from WRX's correct me if I'm wrong
STI front lip
Matching side skirts
Rota Torque 17" Wheels (I would prefer STI wheels, but these were cheaper)
Michelin All Seasons


call me crazy, but I've never Autocrossed, drag raced, or street race this car. I actually baby it as it's my daily driver with some get up and go if I need it. It gets about 27-28 mpg highway, and 24-25 mixed driving. Considering it has about 100 more hp than stock and the turbo kicks in fully at 3700rpm, it's not bad.

I could have gotten a smoother V6 sedan, but it wouldn't handle and feel tout like this car.
AWD is nice without the added weight of an Audi, or the pricing.

with my USAA insurance, I only pay 62 a month full coverage, ALOT less than the STi for me. At the time back in 2004, the STi just came out and dealers were not budging on prices. This WRX was actually without options and I got a good deal on it as it was sitting on the lot. (no wing, no leather, no upgraded sound)

Comments are welcome good and bad. I'm a stickler for cars and consider myself an enthusiast. My previous cars were: S2000 (2001), Miata (2001), Integra (1995), Celica (1990), BMW 3 Series (1997), Mini Cooper (2008), and Accord (2005). Also Ninja 250, and SV650 for bikes.

This is the only car I've ever modded with anything other than intake/header/exhaust.
Looking back, if I had to get a WRX used, I wouldn't have done what I've done and I would have just bought the STi used.

In the future I plan on getting rid of the WRX for a civic/corolla and a real sports car which is going to be M3/Cayman/Z06 depending on what the best deal I can get for one will be.

 

[RGUN]

I'm surprised your boost comes on so late with such a small turbo. I know you have a 2.0L, but still, when I had a VF39 I was spooling by 2700rpm. You spool just a hair faster than my GT35R. Also, my tuner/builder never liked the aftermarket pulleys. The stock pulley has a rubber damper and going aftermarket has caused some problems with vibrations long term (his experience) and sometimes causes check engine lights and misfires because of the weight difference.

Just looked at the picture. Car looks fantastic. Although I have never been a fan of the massive hood scoop of that year. Love the clean lines of that car wingless! Great colour too.

 

[exdeath]

Needs a FMIC and a tumor delete.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Scoop delete, STAT!

I also think they look decent with a spoiler, just not the ridiculously huge OEM one.

 

[RGUN]

Scoop delete, STAT!

I also think they look decent with a spoiler, just not the ridiculously huge OEM one.

WRX OEM spoiler is quite small actually.

 

[tbike06]

Nice, I really like how you have it built up for a daily driver. If I had one it would be very similar to what you have done. More power but still very reliable and streetable.

 

[ballmode]

It's got 51k miles on it, probably will be at 57k at end of the year

 

[ballmode]

Needs a FMIC and a tumor delete.

I know... I like the legacy scoop as it doesn't really get in the way....

I'm done putting money into it. The STI scoop is functional and has a wind deflector underneath to flow air on the entire intercooler. WRX parts are just barely passable for sporty in my humble opinion.


I mean it beats the FWD hot hatches, and I love the AWD grip as I feel planted the entire time, but the lines are hit or miss in the eye of the beholder.


The 17" rotas were added because in stock form for that year was only 16", I think 17's started being stock on 2006/2007 wrx's

 

[notty22]

I had to google fmic to understand the term, front mounted inter-cooler and first link was this video, you guys probably have seen it, its lol.
Nice car op.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKLTAltjnEU&NR

 

[zerocool84]

WRX OEM spoiler is quite small actually.

Na, the stock WRX one is still big and ugly. Either lip spoiler or no spoiler at all but I prefer my cars to not look over done.

 

[CraigRT]

I do not like the looks of any WRX that North America has ever gotten. (the older ones like 98 are my favorite)

But my friend had an 02 (ugliest to date) and it was a great car, functionality and performance wise. He had a VF34 on his too.

I'd take a LGT personally

 

[JulesMaximus]

You should have bought a Corolla. Open differential FTMFW!!!

 

[ballmode]

lol open diff

 

[jlee]

Nice! Same wheels as I have for summer on my '04 FXT (VF39, TMIC, 3" TBE, Cobb AP tune).

I do not like the looks of any WRX that North America has ever gotten. (the older ones like 98 are my favorite)

But my friend had an 02 (ugliest to date) and it was a great car, functionality and performance wise. He had a VF34 on his too.

I'd take a LGT personally

If I was in the market for a 4 door sedan, an LGT would be at/near the top of the list. I want a wagon though so I am happy with my Forester.

 

[chin311]

looks good!

 

[ayabe]

Nice man.

For those suggesting an FMIC - not really worth it on a VF turbo will just give you slower spool. The threshhold is debatable but there are plenty of people running even 20G's with the top mount. VF's are super tiny so we're really only talking about heatsoak and not really about freeing up more tuning potential.

Also the 4 pot front calipers don't really work any better than the old 2 pots but they are painted from the factory which I always liked on mine.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Nice Scooby. I still have a soft spot for them.

 

[T2urtle]

i like it, nice, clean and simple.

like you said, nothing over the top because you dont race at all. However i dont think i would of done brakes if i wasn't interested in any racing. I would of bought one if insurance wasn't insane for me. Maybe now that i'm about to hit 25 it might be better, i know these things are cheap now.

I would of done everything the same minus the brakes. Maybe spring for a STI driver's seat (assuming it has a airbag and its heated) or a simple black recaro. If something was to happen to my G35x right now i would opt for a LGT ( i know insurance is a lot cheaper for ) or if the WRX/STi comes rolling in at the right price.

 

[MotF Bane]

Nice man.

For those suggesting an FMIC - not really worth it on a VF turbo will just give you slower spool. The threshhold is debatable but there are plenty of people running even 20G's with the top mount. VF's are super tiny so we're really only talking about heatsoak and not really about freeing up more tuning potential.

Also the 4 pot front calipers don't really work any better than the old 2 pots but they are painted from the factory which I always liked on mine.

I'm thinking the FMIC suggestions are more about appearance than performance.

 

[ballmode]

The 2004 WRX's started getting the same shape STi seats, minus the colors/heated

I like them, although I wish they were a tad thinner in the back so my rear occupants could have more leg room. I'm only 5'7 so whoever sits behind me under 6 foot has no problem...

 

[exar333]

Good call on the spoiler; STi spoilers are about the ugliest around. The car looks very nice! This WRX gen to me is the most attractive, it looks very nice.

 

[BigSmooth]

Lookin' good. You don't have to race a car to appreciate the extra power you get from modding it. Taking your DD to the track is not for everyone; it's fun but it comes at a price in both consumables (tires, brake pads, etc) and possibly reliability.

 

[fbrdphreak]

+1 on the FMIC being unnecessary. Plus, they can be a huge PITA to install and maintain as you now have so many more places to develop boost leaks. And if you get in a minor fender bender, hit some bad debris on the road, etc - POOF, no boost.

She's looking good. Not my favorite body style either, but as long as you like her that is what matters!

 

[cheezmunky]

Nice car man. I traded in my 05 sti for an 11 wrx a few months ago and although I love almost everything about the rex, I miss the body style of the 04/05's. I typically love the hood scoop on most of those models, but I do think it looks a little out of place with a clean trunk. But, like you said, it's functional so who cares. Id say if anything, start putting money into the interior since that is the part that you see the majority of the time anyways.

 

[exdeath]

I'm thinking the FMIC suggestions are more about appearance than performance.

Yup. Can't get rid of the hood scoop without relocating the intercooler.