2002 Subaru Impreza WRX - WRX.In.Effect

This fun stuff came the way by the Greddy front mount intercooler, GReddy AIRINX intake system, GReddy T51Z Turbo kit, HKS Up and Down Catless pipes, HKS SSQ Blow Off Valve, Cusco exhaust manifold, STI 550cc fuel injectors, and Walboro 255LPH fuel pump. Then this lucky WRX headed off to the dyno at GT Motorsports in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., to see what the new engine modifications would produce. Running at 17 psi, the dyno showed 289 hp at the wheels, which roughly equals to 335 hp to the crank. Watch out now! Driving capabilities were also supplemented with an Exedy Sport Clutch and the final touches of an Chalak 14.7-lb billet chromed flywheel, PWR aluminum radiator and ZeroSports radiator shroud were added.

While you're already thinking that I just listed loads of modifications, let me tell you, it doesn't stop there. Tran didn't overlook the other fun gadgets every driver needs including an HKS EVC electric boost controller, HKS F-CON piggyback fuel and timing computer, HKS fan controller, HKS Type 1 turbo timer, HKS Camp system with custom 7-in. Mattik LCD screen in the glovebox and an HKS Circle Earth grounding system. Whew!

The last bit of mods for this Subie was to dress-up the interior, which initially consisted of front and rear JDM STi seats. These were swapped out for a pair of red Bride Ergos, installed by Tran himself. To hold the driver and co-driver on the bumpy roads is a pair of five-way cam lock harnesses with pads by Crow Enterprizes of Fullerton, Calif. Finishing off the dress-up is a custom-painted interior trim, MOMO steering wheel and STi short shifter, shifter trim and E-brake handle. While Tran primarily worked on the interior for the show car look, he decided that he wanted to install modifications that he could actually enjoy himself. This is where the sound and multimedia system comes in, installed by Creative Audio of Sante Fe Springs, Calif. This WRX is laced with a Panasonic cq-vad 7200u 7-in. LCD DVD/CD/MP3/TV/AM/FM receiver, rear Eclipse 5.25-in coaxials, MTX Thunder 4200x amplifiers, Phoenix Folad TX10/10d subwoofers in custom fiberglass in enclosures painted to match the car, Focal 165A 6.5-in. front Separates and Lightening Audio wires and interconnects.

Tran has been hitting the car shows since June 2002, with his first show being Hot Import Nights in Los Angeles. Initially there were very few Subaru entries at the shows, which made the competition tight. He was mostly competing with Rob Shaw's GReddy-sponsored Midnight Black WRX, which seemed to win at every show he entered and to this day continues to win. Tran learned that good things come to those who wait. At the 2002 Chula Vista Extreme Autofest show he finally won the Best Subaru award. Since then it has been a hard-fought battle between Tran and Shaw at the California shows (in which Tran's WRX has placed at a third of the events including, third Sport Import Compact at Import Showoff Del Mar 2002, first Best Subaru at Extreme Autofest Pomona 2002, second Best Subaru at Import Showoff Chinatown, second Best Subaru at Hot Import Nights Del Mar 2003 and third Best Lighting Display and third Best JDM Subaru at Drift Showoff at Irwindale 2003). Within the past year new blood and more WRXs with modifications that are completely fresh and original have entered the car show scene.

Tran began to feel like the proverbial "old dog" and recently decided to step down from the show scene and let the new guards in. He felt the final "trophy" he wanted was to be featured in 2NR to complete the full circle he came from the time he bought a completely stock WRX. Tran now plans to continue to run his precious WRX at track events and canyon runs with his FlatFours club, so maybe you'll see him zipping by you someday. Just like man's best friend, this Scooby will always be by his side.

By Jasper Chan

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