Ross Says: I was 17 when I picked up this car, and it was red-and-silver two-tone at the time. Six months later, I painted it myself in my high school autobody class. Then in April 2010 (I was 19 at the time), I finally got the turbo kit all together and put it on; I’ve loved every second of it since! I’ve done all the work, from paint to the turbo install on this thing, with the help of friends in between, of course. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able get rid of her after all we’ve been through. When snow isn’t on the ground, she is driven almost every day and pushed to the limits in autocross events. I have a ’02 Legacy for winter and daily driver duties, if necessary, but I’m feeling the itch to go a mild VIP route with it, something not seen often (I already have it tastefully modded). I almost get more comments on the daily driver than the project car! My Impreza now has a new “custom” lip on it, and the bumper has been re-sprayed since the photos were taken.
We Say: Working on your own car is such a satisfying experience, and seeing cars like this Impreza remind us that there’s no task too large that can’t be tackled with a little help from your friends. We hope that Ross continues to modify his Impreza for improved performance and just says no to VIP style on his daily driver.
Specs & Details
1999 Subaru Impreza Wagon
Engine Subaru 2.5-liter boxer-4
Engine Modifications TD04 turbo; WRX top-mount intercooler, downpipe, fuel pump; custom up-pipe, radiator shroud, airbox & heat shields; MS3 unequal-length headers; A/C delete; Unorthodox alternator & power steering pulleys; B&M short shifter; AEM Dry-Flow air filter; custom intake; NGK spark plugs; Megan Racing muffler; custom 2.5" after-cat exhaust
Engine Management Stock
Drivetrain Stock
Suspension Rear strut tower brace; C-pillar brace; 20mm WRX rear sway bar; Perrin solid endlinks (r); Vogtland springs; KYB GR-2 struts; Paranoid Fabrications 0.50" “Saggy Butt” spacers
Wheels, Tires & Brakes 16" SSR Type-C wheels; Nitto NeoGen tires 205/50R16
Exterior Subaru Aspen White Paint; JDM STI ver.6 front bumper; STI foglight covers & front lip; JDM WRX upper & mid spoilers; ADM OEM yellow headlight protectors; color-matched headlight shroud; clear corner lights; APC clear side markers; clear bumper blinkers; rear bumper cover delete; de-badged hatch; Ocirian side skirts, rear spats; roof rack delete; red tinted taillights; custom grille; STI ver.8 style hood scoop; HTautos induction scoop; F1-style mirrors
Interior Stripped rear interior; 2.5rs gauge cluster; TRUST shift knob; ScanGauge II; boost gauge; Glowshift tachometer & shift light; leather-wrapped ’04 WRX seats; 3" shifter extension; 270mm rearview mirrorong>'99 Subaru Impreza Wagon