2003 Subaru Impreza WRX 04.17.2005 The WRX is back and is driving beautifully. Also, if you pick up the current (May) issue of DSport magazine, you can read about and see some pictures of the WRX. That magazine is hard to find but I got a copy from 7-11. So check it out next time you're buying a forty and a pack of cigarettes.
03.29.2005 Today somebody was like, "Do you ever get your car dynoed?" And I was like, "Yeah dude, all the time!" I don't think he believed me though. I heard the WRX is alive again. Hopefully be boosting soon.
03.17.2005 The WRX is back in the XS shop. I busted an oil bearing a couple of months ago and then the computer started freaking out and jacked all my boost. I got sick of having to pull over on the shoulder of the freeway every time I got into boost so I finally took the car in for its transplantation. Will probably take a couple of weeks. They're going to drop motor number four in. Four. I just hope this motor holds because I still like the car and haven't had much opportunity to enjoy it. Troy at XS has kindly loaned me his stock 1996 Honda Accord. It's such a cinch to drive and way better than the G-ride Integra that they used to loan me, but I really miss my JICs. Troy and Eric are nice and never get mad at me whenever I bug them.
08.17.2004 WRX is back again. Engine needs to be broken in again. Hope it doesn't break again.
08.10.2004 Further assessment of the damaged motor has led to the conclusion that one of the new pistons was defective. It was allegedly forged incorrectly by the machinist. You are not alone in thinking that that sounds incredibly shady. XS has prioritized my car but work has been delayed because certain parts have not arrived from Subaru yet. I am mad but whatever.
08.04.2004 On August 2, my Check Engine light began flashing and my car began exuding giant plumes of blue smoke out of the exhaust. The car stalled in the middle of a busy intersection during my lunchbreak and wouldn't start again for five minutes. I finally got it started and putt-putted back to work. On August 3, the car was towed to XS Engineering, where they discovered that a piece of ceramic from a broken spark plug caused damage to the engine. Apparently this only happens to people with bad luck. I was upset but mostly amazed. I feel that if something bad was going to happen to my car I am glad it happened to only my car and not to any human beings or cute furry animals. The WRX will receive a new motor with identical specifications as the newly built one that was installed only 1,500 miles ago. The motor is in stock so the car should not be in the shop for too long. The guys at XS Engineering are doing an excellent job of taking care of me and the entire situation in general.
Volk LE37s with rebuilt engine (R.I.P.) inside:
Greasy pistons from stock motor (R.I.P.):
Turbo upgrade (stock motor)::
Oldest photos:
2000 Acura Integra GSR (Rest In Pieces) Stolen February 2003, so I bought the WRX to replace the GSR. Mods: XS Engineering turbocharger kit, Blitz Dual TT DC-2 turbo timer/boost gauge, A'PEXi blowoff valve, A'PEXi GT Spec exhaust, MSD distributor cap and coil, A'PEXi iridium spark plugs, RS*R Sport springs, Audiobahn amplifier, MA Audio 12" subwoofer.
