2023: SubiSpeed's Guide for the Holidays

    17 NOV 2023 - Jeff Willis

    At the stroke of midnight on November 01, fog emerges from a tomb inside a glorious mansion located in the Hamptons. As it opens, Mariah Carey staggers out in her pajamas as her hibernation ends. Her assistants provide her with coffee and a back rub. Christmas has pretty much arrived. At this point Subaru enthusiasts are barely thinking about switching over to their winter tire setup. It felt like summertime just a few weeks ago. But as always, the holidays can pass us by like a bullet train. Now let’s prepare the best that we can for the sale that we want to be apart of. Welcome to SubiSpeed’s Holiday Gift Guide for the 2023 season.

     

     

    SHOPPING FOR YOURSELF, OR FOR THE SUBARU ENTHUSIAST IN YOUR LIFE

     

    SubiSpeed specializes in the Subaru WRX and STI platforms, and there are some parts available that will fit other turbocharged Subaru models, and there are some options for the BRZ and GR86. However, if you are looking for parts for the BRZ, 86, or FR-S, go visit our neighbors at FTSpeed.com for the best selection.

    Now if you are a current Subaru owner and enthusiast then you more than likely know what you want on your wish list. But if you’re shopping for a friend or loved one this Christmas, and they want something for their Subaru then perhaps this guide can help you lock in a decision, because car enthusiasts can be very difficult to shop for. Mainly because many components on SubiSpeed’s website are model-specific, and it can be very easy to make a purchase for the wrong vehicle. When you’re on the website, look at the top of the website and choose what year of Subaru they drive, and all the components displayed will fit that specific model.

     

     

    ENGINE MODIFICATIONS THAT SANTA WOULD INSTALL ON HIS WRX

    • COBB TUNING V3 ACCESSPORT – 2015-2021 SUBARU WRX/STI: Any modified Subaru or any modified vehicle for that matter will need a tune. Anytime you add modifications that increase the horsepower, and the boost these numbers will go outside of the parameters that your factory ECU is programmed to control. The COBB Accessport has several available off-the-shelf MAPS that you can download from COBB’s website to accommodate current and future modifications, and it has several other useful functions and features.
    • GRIMMSPEED COLD AIR INTAKE – 2008-2014 SUBARU WRX/STI: Your factory airbox can make breathing hard for your turbocharger especially if you have an upgraded exhaust where it will make the turbo spool harder. A proper cold air intake system for any generation WRX or STI provides unrestricted airflow to allow your turbo to breathe in a larger volume of air to greatly improve the turbo response.
    • IAG AIR OIL SEPARATOR - 2022-2023 SUBARU WRX: Any Subaru needs a proper air oil separator. Oil, and vapors like to slip through the factory PCV system where it will enter the intake system. The problem is that this can cause excessive carbon buildup on the intake valves, but more importantly it can coat the cylinder walls and pistons where it lowers the octane rating of your fuel. The result is detonation issues, misfires, check engine lights, and premature wear on your engine. A proper air oil separator will collect the oil or vapors before it has a chance to enter the intake.
    • GRIMMSPEED BOOST CONTROL SOLENOID – 2006-2007 SUBARU WRX / 2004-2007 SUBARU STI: A proper boost control solenoid should be mandatory in any turbocharged Subaru. Make sure you find a unit to suit the Subaru you’re shopping for. Upgraded boost control solenoids will increase the boost responsiveness while allowing them to hit the boost targets much faster with more accuracy when compared to the OEM unit, and when you have upgrades such as an intake and an exhaust, the boost response can sometimes be quicker than what the OEM solenoid can handle.

     

     

    EXHAUST MODIFICATIONS THAT DROWN OUT THOSE UNREALISTIC HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIES

    • INVIDIA GEMINI R400 TITANIUM BURNT QUAD TIP CAT-BACK EXHAUST – 2022+ SUBARU WRX: A quality cat-back exhaust system improves the power and the sound on the latest version of the Subaru WRX. Invidia delivers with this prime example that combines quality stainless steel construction, awesome welds, minimum bends, and larger piping. All the elements needed for more power and more sound.
    • TOMEI EXPREME TI TITANIUM CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM – 2008-2011 SUBARU STI HATCHBACK / 2011-2014 SUBARU WRX HATCHBACK:  For those of you who desire the best. This is a full titanium cat-back exhaust system that provides substantial weight savings with more power through a distinct exhaust note. Tomei’s Expreme Ti series cat-back systems are purely art in fabrication. The JDM pie cuts with a burnt stainless tip can be sensory overload. You’ll second guess yourself if you really want to install it on your Subaru.
    • COBB SS 3” GESI CATTED DOWNPIPE – 2015-2020 SUBARU STI: One of the more restrictive factory components in the exhaust system is the OEM downpipe. A quality downpipe allows the exhaust gases to escape much faster to reduce turbo lag, while greatly increasing the horsepower. Make sure you have the COBB Accessport to provide a proper tune as most downpipes will naturally increase the boost with the larger piping and lack of turbulence.
    • PERRIN DOWNPIPE W/CATALYTIC CONVERTER – 2004-2021 SUBARU STI / 2002-2014 SUBARU WRX:  Another quality downpipe with a high-flow catalytic converter to complement your cat-back exhaust system. Quality stainless steel construction to provide you with a lifetime of performance. PERRIN invested a lot of time designing this downpipe that can handle power levels from basic upgrades to substantial turbo upgrades.

     

     

    THESE DRIVETRAIN MODS WILL PUT YOU IN THE CHIRSTMAS SPIRIT

    • COBB 6-SPEED DOUBLE ADJUSTABLE SHORT THROW SHIFTER – 2015+ SUBARU STI: This is a great way to reduce the shifter throws in your STI by as much as 25% to provide a more precision shifter feel with shorter throws. This improves the overall drivability for daily driving conditions, as well as weekend performance driving events.
    • COMPETITION CLUTCH STAGE 4 6-PUCK CLUTCH KIT – 2004+ SUBARU STI: When you start adding go-fast parts that increase the power and the torque, you will overpower the limits of your OEM clutch, and you will cook it quickly. The Competition Clutch unit has a 250% increase in torque capacity to sustain moderate upgrades under full throttle.
    • KARTBOY SHIFTER BUSINGS SUBARU 5MT MODELS – 2002-2014 SUBARU WRX: The factory shifter bushings will wear over time and mileage causing excessive shifter play. These Kaytboy units feature stronger construction to tighten up the shifter play to improve the overall shifter feel and function. Tighter and crisper shifts promote better shifts while reducing the chances of missed shifts during spirited driving.  
    • FACTION FAB SUBARU REAR SHIFTER BUSHING – 2002-2014 SUBARU WRX / 2004+ SUBARU STI: Another great way to improve the overall shifting feel and functionality. The Faction Fab unit features stronger urethane construction that has been designed to greatly outlast the OEM unit while improving the overall shifting performance. The rear shifter bushing can often be overlooked due to the location, but worth the upgrade and not too bad to access once you safely have your Subaru supported on jack stands.

     

     

    THE TAXI DRIVER FROM SCROOGED HAS THE SAME DRESS-UP BITS IN THE ENGINE OF HIS TAXI

    • TORQUE SOLUTION ENGINE PULLEY COVER – 2015+ SUBARU WRX: This is a great way to add a more customized look your engine bay by replacing the bland-looking OEM plastic cover. There are many options available in different powder-coated color, as well as carbon fiber options. All brought to you by many established brands that will provide you with a very merry engine bay.
    • DRESS UP BOLTS STAGE 2 TITANIUM ENGINE HARDWARE KIT – 2015-2021 SUBARU STI: For those that have an eye for detail. Having titanium bolts in the engine bay adds more style while replacing older hardware with stronger and lighter titanium bits. These are available in a variety of different anodized titanium finishes and in different stages. They also make for a great gift for those of you who have a show car or have a friend with a Subaru with a lot of color and polished components under the hood.
    • GO FAST BITS UNDERDRIVE PULLEY KIT – 2004-2007 SUBARU WRX/STI: This is another great way to clean up your engine bay. It is normal for the OEM pullies to develop some form of surface rust.  The Go Fast Bits replacements refresh the engine bay, and lighter pulleys reduce the overall rotational mass in your engine to improve the engine response with slightly faster revs.

     

     

    CLARK GRISWOLD PLANS ON GETTING THESE EXTERIOR UPGRADES WITH HIS CHRISTMAS BONUS

     

     

    INTERIOR GIFTS THAT WILL MAKE THE GREMLINS SING LOUDER THIS CHRISTMAS

    • FACTIONFAB LEATHER AND SUEDE STEERING WHEEL – 2015+ SUBARU WRX/STI: One of the best ways to really change the dynamic of your interior while improving the overall driving experience is having a nice steering wheel. Faction Fab executes this design with perfection and all you need to do is transfer your airbag, buttons, and trim over and as daunting as it sounds, the overall process is fairly simple. The thicker grip with a combination of luxurious materials complements your overall driving experience.
    • COBB TUNING SUBARU 6-SPEED SHIFT KNOB – 2015+SUBARU WRX/STI: This is a great stocking stuffer at an affordable price. The COBB Tuning Shift Knob is a classic piece that provides the driver with a comfortable grip while driving, and it provides the interior of the Subaru with a cleaner look with a shift knob that makes for an excellent OEM replacement.
    • WEATHERTECH FLOORLINER DIGITALFIT ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS – 2015-2021 SUBARU WRX/STI: A must-have for those of you who experience a lot of winter weather or a lot of moisture. The thick rubber construction protects your front carpets better than any other available option, and will collect all dirt, snow, salt, and fluids that your shoes bring from the outside. They are very easy to clean as you can spray them off at your local car wash.
    • AEM ELECTRONICS X-SERIES WIDEBADN AFR GAUGE W/OBDII CONNECTIVITY: The wideband gauge is the most important gauge that is mandatory to have in any modified and tuned vehicle. If you are boosting outside of your target air/fuel ratios, you risk significant engine damage. Additionally, the wideband gauge is also a reference point for tuners to see where your vehicle’s AFR’s are during idling, full throttle, and how it reacts to different fuels such as pump gas or ethanol.

     

     

    SUSPENSION UPGRADES THAT WILL KEEP HANS GRUBER FROM GETTING THROWN OFF THE ROOF OF NAKATOMI PLAZA

    • KARTBOY FRONT ENDLINKS – 2002-2014 SUBARU WRX/STI SEDAN: The factory end links are notoriously a weak point with the suspension system on the WRX/STI. Over time and miles, the end links will become weak which will have an overall effect on your sway bar’s performance. Kartboy’s end links are made using durable materials with built-in urethane bushings to improve the overall handling and ride quality by reinforcing the sway bar’s utilities, and performance.
    • WHITELINE FRONT AND REAR SWAY BARS W/ENDLINKS – 2015-2021 SUBARU WRX: No matter the year or model of your WRX, sway bars are one of the best if not the best suspension modifications that you can invest in your Subaru. Because Subaru’s are rally-inspired all-wheel drive vehicles, they may understeer or oversteer depending on what wheel/tire and other suspension upgrades you may have. Whiteline’s sway bars keep the chassis of your Subaru planted during high-speed cornering due to the significant reduction in body roll. A great upgrade that is effective on the track or on the street.
    • BC RACING BR COILOVERS EXTREME LOW – 2015-2021 SUBARU WRX/STI: Coilovers have been the most popular suspension upgrades for enthusiasts with various models of Subarus. For those with a show car, coilovers will slam your chassis while really complementing your custom wheels. On race cars, coilovers provide the multi-levels of adjustment to provide you with the most tire footprint with increased stability during higher speeds. Most of all, they allow you to adjust the height by simply removing a wheel and adjusting the strut body or lowering the spring perch depending on your coilover model.
    • PERRIN STRUT TOWER BRACE – 2022+ SUBARU WRX: Strut tower braces whether if you purchase one for the front, or for the trunk area increase the overall chassis stiffness by bridging the two front strut towers together. During spirited driving, or at a weekend driving event, the driver feedback will greatly increase as the steering and suspension response will be smoother and more responsive. A great upgrade that will benefit the suspension for daily driving or performance driving conditions. Choose from several quality options to suit the front or rear of your Subaru.

     

     

    WHEEL UPGRADES TO PROVENT THE GRINCH FROM PUTTING YOUR SUBARU ON BLOCKS

    • PROJECT KICS R40 ICONIX LUG NUTS W/LOCK: Now these are the fancy lug nuts it case you get sticker shock. However, wheels are an entire investment alone, and tires these days are very expensive. Project KICS offer some of the best examples on the market and have a locking nut to help prevent thieves from getting away with your Volks, Advans, or Enkeis. Now remember, SubiSpeed has a vast selection of lug nuts to suit all budgets and wheel types. All of which are brought to you by the most established lug brands in the industry.
    • FACTIONFAB 20MM WHEEL SPACER SET – 2015+ SUBARU WRX/STI: Wheel spacers are a great way to gain extra clearance between your brake calipers and the spokes of your aftermarket wheels, but they also push the wheels out to be more flush and aligned with your fenders for a much cleaner look. SubiSpeed has a vast selection of wheel spacers, as well as wheel spacer adapters if you have a set of wheels in a different lug pattern. There are also many levels of sizes to accommodate your needs.

     

     

    LAST IDEAS THAT WILL STICK TO YOUR HEART

    • PERRIN PITCH STOP MOUNT – 2015+ SUBARU WRX/STI: The OEM pitch stop mount in any generation WRX or STI is prone to break. This mount is located at the 12 o’clock position of the firewall and mounts to the top of the transmission. It provides support from excessive movement from the torque the engine creates. The problem is that the OEM unit can only handle so much movement and will eventually snap. Any of the quality options we carry will be much stronger to provide you with long-lasting performance.
    • SCOSCHE MAGICMOUNT PRO CHARGEQI WIRELESS MOUNT:  A proper mobile phone mount is very nice and convenient to have in your Subaru. Rather than having your phone rest on your lap have it mounted on the window, dash, or vent so that you can keep your focus on the road.
    • PERRIN REVERSE LOCKOUT LEVER – 2015+ SUBARU STI: This is an easy and affordable way to customize the shifter in your STI. The factory reverse lockout can wear out, and any option we carry for the WRX or STI you’re shopping for will be built to last. A great upgrade that is affordable, and it is simple to install.