Outside of performance, JSC chose modifications that add to the subtlety of the vehicle. Suspension modifications are limited to JDM STI springs and a Carbing front strut bar. They also installed a set of 18" Enkei RPF1 wheels for the lightweight and good looks. A Seibon carbon-fiber scoop-less Impreza RS hood and wingless trunk-lid add some subtlety to the STI. The effect is a car that struggles on the line between tame street car and ferocious street monster; an exaggeration of the STI's factory purpose. Best yet, it still feels like a stock car: a really fast stock car. How fast? It has only made two passes down the 1320 to date with a best time of 11.6 at 123mph on street tires. With launch control and a better 60-foot time, they're pretty sure they can whittle this number down to a low 11 or a high 10.
JSC Speed's project exemplifies the capability of Subaru's STI and its astounding abundance of aftermarket support. For less than $30,000, a used STI can run the quarter mile faster than a GT-R, make 200 more horsepower than a stock 2008 STI for $10k less, while still being daily driven. The car demonstrates what can be done with off-the-shelf parts, a built engine, and a solid tune. The fact that an STI can be taken this far without becoming a pain to drive speaks volumes to Subaru's original design. Combining the abundant aftermarket, massive online knowledge base and forums, and capability of the STI as a platform, JSC Speed succeeded in building a reliable monster of a car that looks and performs on a budget. Looking for the same thing? Follow the formula, buy an STI, get the same parts, and get a solid tune. It is that simple.
Fast Facts
2004 Subaru STI
Owner JSC Speed
Hometown montgomeryville, PA
Daily Grind retail parts sales
Under The Hood Perrin GT35R turbo kit; custom 4-inch intake; Perrin Signature Series front mount intercooler, crank pulley and Blow-Thru Boost Tube; Borla XR-1 Exhaust; Power Enterprise 850cc injectors; Walbro fuel pump; HKS SSQV blow-off valve; AEM methanol injection; CP pistons; Eagle rods; ARP head studs; balanced rotating assembly and polished crank; polished head with 5-angle valve job and ported tumblers
Drivetrain Fidanza flywheel and clutch
Brains Hallman Pro EX boost controller
Stiff Stuff Whiteline anti-lift kit and steering bushings; Carbing front strut bar; JDM STI pink springs; Group N top hats; Kartboy short shifter and bushings
Rollers 18-inch Enkei RPF1 wheels
Stoppers Goodridge stainless brake lines
Outside rolled fenders; V-Limited front lip
Inside Defi boost/EGT/oil press/Link Unit gauges and warning light; ATI triple gauge pod; AEM wideband UEGO
www aempower.com, borla.com, enkei.com, fidanza.com, goodridge.net, hallmanboostcontroller.com, hksusa.com, perrinperformance.com, powerenterpriseusa.net, tein.com (Carbing/Defi), whiteline.com.au