Subaru Impreza WRX - WRX Appeal

For the actual power augmentation, Wong turned to the heads at Turbo XS for guidance. Turbo XS installed the company's new UTEC (user tuneable electronic computer) engine management unit to fine tune engine parameters once all the upgrades were in place. Wong also got a Blitz front-mount intercooler, Blitz intake and Turbo XS blow-off valve, as well as a Turbo XS up-pipe, downpipe and "Stealthback" exhaust pipe, which was then mated to a Blitz NUR-Spec axle-back exhaust and muffler. That's a lot of pipes. GT Motorsports in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., was called on for turbo and fuel system upgrades. This silver Sube's blown Boxer now sports an IHI VF34 turbocharger, Walbro fuel pump, and enlarged STI injectors. To help the drivetrain cope with the increased power output, an ACT street clutch was installed.

According to Wong, the crew at Turbo XS was able to tune the car, using the brand-new UTEC computer, to throw down 315 hp at the wheels, even on our shitty 91-octane California gas. Despite the cranked-up boost, Wong has no qualms about getting his foot into the accelerator because of built-in safeguards Turbo XS programs into the UTEC, like automatic timing adjustments if the computer detects detonation. This single unit plugs into a laptop computer and can control parameters for rpm-specific air-fuel ratios, timing and even boost pressure if Wong wants it to.

"For the track I use the UTEC's boost controller," Wong acknowledged. "However, for daily driving I use the Blitz controller so I can turn boost down manually if I need to."

With the engine dialed in, Wong took the car back to Island Motorsports for suspension upgrades. KW coilovers were installed, along with Energy Suspension bushings. Wong said the KWs are fairly unforgiving and will bust your ass if you're not careful, but they shine like the sun during canyon-carving jaunts up into the mountains.

For running gear, Wong chose 18-in. Gram Lights because "they look bad-ass." Incidentally, they're also pretty light, hence the name. Toyo RA-1 rubber maintains the contact patch, and basically puts the car on rails, according to its owner. For sure, you could do a lot worse in the tire department.

The stock brakes were upgraded up front using Brake Man hardware, which includes four-piston calipers, two-piece "wavy" rotors-check the wheel shot to see what I mean-and braided lines. The Sube's final suspension upgrade was a stout STi strut tower bar, again sourced through Wong's Subaru dealer.

Inside, Wong's got a few additions, but his ICE system is not yet in place. By the time this article gets printed, he should be bumping a full setup from Kicker (as though you weren't already jealous enough) hooked up to the Blaupunkt CD player and Rosen DVD player.

Aside from the stereo, he's got the aforementioned electronics, Blitz Power Meter and turbo timer, a pair of Sparco Torino buckets, Sparco harnesses, and STi door-sill plates. A Sparco steering wheel and shift knob replace the boring factory pieces.

And the rest is history. Ben Wong would like to thank everyone who helped him with the project-check out the Hotbox for the info-and you all for drooling over the finished piece. Perhaps one day we can all hope to be so lucky as he is. As for me, cruising the boulevard in my '93 sohc Protg, I won't be holding my breath.