Hotter Than The Desert Sun - 2002 Subaru WRX

Boost levels are maintained using an A'PEXi AVC-R controller while the 850cc/min Power Enterprise fuel injectors pulse to perfection, thanks in part to the TurboXS UTEC engine management. It's a fact in the automotive world that the more horsepower an engine builds, the more heat is developed. Not much of a gambling man, Turner didn't feel the need to pull more cash out of his pocket and overheat the engine using factory parts, rather, Turner used his knowledge when purchasing a PWR aluminum radiator mated to a full set of Samco hoses and a larger-than-life 700hp rated Garrett front-mount intercooler, which was custom made by Turner himself to fit his front grill. Wouldn't you imagine that a man who can now roast the tires on his black stallion to the tune of 550 wheel hp, and 530 lb-ft of torque would be one happy fellow? In Turners case, the answer is a big fat "no." Seemingly obsessed with power, a nitrous oxide kit was plumbed into the intake manifold, setting off the NOS wet kit with a 90hp jetting. Thanks to the large increase in horsepower, Turner admits to sending Porsche and Ferrari owners walking home with their tails tucked between their legs on numerous occasions.

Satisfied with the vehicle's newfound horsepower, Turner focused his attention on Subaru's second weakest link, the factory five-speed transmission. Through various companies, Turner was able to track down a '04 U.S. model six-speed STi transmission equipped with front and rear Sure-Track differentials and a DCCD center unit. While the factory transmission was still removed from the vehicle, Turner took the opportunity to swap the factory trans and engine mounts for the stiffer STi versions. Using a set of stiffer trans and engine mounts helps to reduce deflection of the engine, which helps whenever Turner comes down with a sudden urge to feed his need for speed. Following a laundry list of needed parts, Turner gathered up numerous components, including a '06 STi driveshaft, JDM R180 rear differential, STi front and rear axles and STi wheel hubs. Factory Subaru STi Brembo calipers and rotors now reside on all four corners of the WRX while stainless-steel brake lines maintain consistent brake pedal feel during even the most demanding of driving conditions. A set of 18x8 Enkei RPF1 wheels outfitted with the popular RA1 tires keep the WRX adhered to the asphalt as a selective combination of JDM STi struts, TEIN S-Tech springs and JDM STi top hats, keep Turner smiling from ear to ear as he blasts around street corners like there's no tomorrow.

So what's up with this guy who happens to wrench at Vivid Racing and why does he have so many STi parts you ask? Stolen products could be one notion, but the more logical of the two would more than likely point to a salvaged STi that was commandeered over a period of time. STi front and rear seats help complete the transformation from mild to wild. Pop open the doors and you're faced with a simple, clean interior makeover combined with a slew of GReddy gauges resting on the driver's side A-pillar. Turner maintains the 2.5-liter machine's vitals through a GReddy 52mm EGT, 52mm boost gauge and fuel pressure gauge. Looking for the balance between speed and creature comforts, Turner decided to tackle another job in wiring the Subaru with a Kenwood 919 head unit and speaker components pumping the sounds out of four newly replaced STi door panels. There's nothing over the top or fancifully overkill on this WRX. Turner kept things simple on the exterior using C-West version 1 side skirts, wing and rear apron. An ultra-rare Tommy Kaira front bumper aids with increasing airflow to the front mount intercooler. Hell, it just looks damn cool!

As you might think, Turner is done and done with his WRX. He plans on expanding the vehicle's build next year and is hoping to extract more horsepower and will carry out an exterior makeover that would cause any Subaru owner to drool. Could we officially call this WRX a "STi" or just a "WRX living out the part of a STi?" We're not exactly sure what the answer is, but you can bet that this rocket ship is ready to break you off with every step of the accelerator pedal. Long live the bugeye!

By Scott Tsuneishi

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