With a simple combination of minor tuning and a quality suspension system, he took his ride to a few track events, which essentially pushed him in to an all-out addiction with road racing. But like most addictions, there were serious drawbacks. In his case, the cost of replacing tires and brakes added up quickly, so he focused on the show aspect of tuning instead. During his first stints in the car-show circuit, his competitiveness from racing naturally transferred over to the showroom floor. When he lost a few trophies to what he thought were lesser cars, he immediately stepped up his game and created the WRX we see today.
Underhood, he replaced the stock turbo with a Blouch TD05-18G, featuring an HKS V2 SSQV blow-off valve, a Turbo XS front-mount intercooler and Turbo XS intercooler piping. To add more efficient fuel and air into the mix, he installed Power Enterprise 800cc fuel injectors and a Turbo XS shorty intake with a K&N cone filter. Handling the exhaust duties is an A'PEXi cat-back exhaust system and GT-spec stainless steel manifold. The engine is made to look sexy with Samco radiator hoses, a GReddy oil cap, a Koyo racing radiator and a Nitrous Express N-tercooler system.
"The feeling of knowing that someone considered my car worthy of winning increased my addiction to continue upgrading my car," Joseph explained. "That's why after the engine work, I focused solely on the appearance of my vehicle and pursued a clean but distinguished look."
His first major change was a customized body kit to get the flared look similar to that of the actual WRC car. He then added on Chargespeed carbon-fiber air brake ducts, C-West side skirts and a ZeroSports grille. He also changed the color from black to a two-tone approach, using a House of Kolor gold all over with a midnight black pearl on the roof. Of course, tuning wouldn't be complete without the necessary JDM accessories. Joseph added a JDM v2 STi two-piece carbon-fiber lip, JDM STi projector headlights, a S202 rear wing and JDM Subaru vent visors. Under the chassis is a set of quality-choice Rays Engineering G-games Wolf 77 wheels, measuring 18x8.5 in the front and 18x9.5 in the rear, wrapped up by Dunlop Direzza Z101 tires that give that car the oh-so-fresh look.
"So far this year has been great," Joseph smiled "I had the opportunity to have EDO Performance sponsor my car and I've solidified a future for my ride, starting with a hybrid motor swap and upgraded transmission components to ensure the life of my vehicle." And with 327 hp to the wheels under his helm and first place wins at the 2007 Las Vegas Hot Import Nights, Joseph has more to smile about than the future plans of his WRX. He made sure he not to tarnish the cars reputation by installing inferior parts; instead he created a masterpiece that also made him proud to be a tuner.