My name is Will and I’m fairly obsessed with Subarus (one of the many reasons I started Motor Speed News). I have driven my 02 WRX wagon over 80,000 miles over the past 9 years making slight modifications along the way. I have always had big dreams for the car and in 2018 I finally pulled the trigger on a professional engine build!

 

The 02 WRX Wagon Before The Build

wills 02 wrx wagon

Will’s 02 WRX Wagon

The Subaru is a silver 2002 Impreza WRX wagon with 170k miles on the original motor. The 02 and 03 WRXs had catalytic converters in the up-pipe (before the turbo) so I upgraded to a stock STI up-pipe so no shards of metal from the cat fly into the turbo. I also acquired an STI catback exhaust from a friends 2005 STI. In 2011 I put her into a ditch driving a bit too aggressively in the snow. I had the car repainted and properly fixed a few rusty spots on the body and frame.  In 2015 I upgraded to the beautiful OEM 2011 WRX wheels and in 2016 I added a subtle-solutions 1 inch lift. The build is close to stock, but rally inspired. Subarus are pretty easy to work on, which has enabled me to do much of the standard maintenance myself.

 

The 02 WRX Wagon Build

For some time I have had a goal of building a Subaru engine myself, but my tool collection is still growing and I wanted this build done right. I wanted professional Subaru engine builders for this job. I did a solid amount of research on performance shops in my area and ended up reaching out to Just-N-Tyme Performance in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Just-N-Tyme Performance specializes in Subaru and the sky is the limit on your build. Shop owner Justin Smith impressed me with his knowledge of Subarus and engine building. We put together a build that suited my needs and goals I had for the car.

 

 

We ended up deciding on a hybrid build that will put out around 370HP. Here are all the parts going on the car:

 

Engine

  • IAG Stage 2.5 Closed Deck Block
  • Machine Cylinder Heads
  • Cosworth Head Gasket(s)
  • Blouch Dominator Turbo (1.5xt-r 10cm^2)
  • COBB Boost Controller
  • COBB Accessport V3
  • Perrin Turbo Inlet
  • Injector Dynamics 1050cc Injectors
  • Injector Dynamic Injector Pigtail
  • Torque Solutions TGV
  • Grimmspeed Top Mounted Intercooler (TMIC)
  • Grimmspeed Y-pipe – Red
  • AEM 320lph Fuel Pump
  • Aeromotive Adjustable EFI Regulator
  • JNT Built Fuel Lines
  • Orbit Oil Pump

Clutch

  • Southbend Stage 2 Daily

Exhaust

  • Agency Power Unequal Headers
  • Invidia 02-07 WRX/STi Bell Mouth Downpipe
  • Grimmspeed Uppipe w/ Turbosmart External Wastegate
  • GESI HO-Series Catalytic Converter to pass Colorado Emissions.

Brakes & Suspension

  • 2004 STI Brembo Brakes
  • Stainless Steel Brake Lines
  • Whiteline Rear Lateral Link Kit

To handle the improvements and a new level of horsepower, a few more parts needed to be replaced. The 02 WRX wagon is getting the 5-speed manual transmission refreshed with new synchros, the front axels and the entire power steering system are getting replaced, and all new timing belt related parts. All parts are Subaru OEM unless otherwise stated.

 

 

Social Media Updates On The 02 WRX Wagon Build

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BoOw80bAb9v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Just-N-Tyme Performance (@justntymeperformance)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-09-27T13:09:07+00:00">Sep 27, 2018 at 6:09am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

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