Not your average Subaru...
It has been a little while since we’ve blessed you with a build breakdown (how have you coped…) – in our defence, it’s been a bit hectic at TLNTD HQ recently... Fear not though, we’re *almost* back to full speed and have some amazing cars lined up for our build breakdowns in the coming articles. And, what better way to return to our build breakdowns than by bringing you a fully forged, 430 BHP 2008 Impreza STI Hatchback…
Scott, based in Hampshire is the owner of this bonkers STI. And whilst we all love a blue Scooby with rally decals and gold wheels, it is nice to see a Subaru that’s not paying homage to the WRC.
Having been first introduced to the automotive scene from a young age by his father - a Land Rover off-road specialist - Scott’s love of all things automotive “just expanded from there”. Although, I don’t think we’ll be seeing this Subaru tearing up any fields anytime soon.
Scott has worked on a variety of different projects before owning and building this impressive STI. “It all started with a 1996 Peugeot 306 1.4” although the major 'modification' to this was mainly stickers (need to get that extra BHP from somewhere, right?). Next to be modified was a 97 Impreza Sport Wagon, followed by an 02 Leon Cupra, MK3 Golf and even the Fiat Cinquecento “yes the inbetweeners car”. Certainly an acquired taste but ¾ of that list are pretty epic cars.
The current project – the STI – rolled out the factory with all the flashy toys and a 2.5l flat four boxer engine, making 297BHP with an impressive 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds. A good base and a pretty solid engine, but this wasn’t enough for Scott.
“Since buying the STI, I have done a large number of modifications”.
As stated at the beginning, Scott has manged to squeeze 420 horses from engine by getting it fully forged and rebuilt by Williams Competition Engines - Ej257 long engine forged rebuild for those interested. Extra modifications engine mods include a heat-treated crank and an EJ257 block converted to closed deck with 11mm threads.
The rest of the rebuild continues with the addition of RCM’s 11mm head stud kit, bored and honed block faces, Manley 2618 pistons, ACL race series main and big end bearings and finally, Williams H Beam rods and ARP 2000 bolts.
Scott didn’t just stop at the engine. Extra performance modifications include BC Racing Coilovers – a modification that everyone should do (if they can) – with 3° front camber and 2.4° rear camber to get right to the specifics, K&N typhoon intake, Anodised catch can, a full de-cat Hayward & Scott stainless 3" turbo back exhaust system, Auto Silicone Hoses and finally, an uprated SC46 billet turbo (built by Blouch) for all the pshhh pshhh you’ll ever need…
Performance? Definitely. What about the exterior? Some of the tasteful modifications Scott has added include HT Auto’s fender flares, Varis front bumper and rear wings, custom made window vents, hella horns – which are an essential for every Subie owner – tinted rear lights, Sickspeed wheel nuts, gloss black eyelid wrap, pressed plates. And of course the wheels – Cosmis XT006R 18x11J ET8 with 20mm Direnza spacers. Not only does Scott’s Subie sound the bollocks, but it looks it too.
This STI pulls like a train and handles like it’s on rails. Scott has clearly put a lot of work into the performance of this build, and with the extra exterior modifications, makes it one of the finest STI Impreza Hatchback’s we’ve seen.
“At this moment in time the build is far from finished”.
It’s always great to see the journey of a car when modifications are carried out by their owners, there’s always something so satisfying about working on vehicles yourself - minus the engine rebuild “which was professionally done by a respectable rally engine specialist”.
What’s next Scott? “Well... only time will tell”.
“The build wouldn’t be where it was now without DC Automotive and Tuning, Williams competition engines, Flat4 Performance, my partner and a load of help from friends and family”.
Make sure you follow Scott on Instagram to keep up to date with what he's doing next on the build as well checking out Jap Owners Of Hampshire (on Instagram and Facebook) and Enhanced Dailys (on Instagram) which Scott helps to run.
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Big thanks to Scott and the photographers for these amazing photos @matteblackpixels and @witakshots - check them out too! Make sure to share this article on your socials and head to our Instagram and follow us to keep up with all things TLNTDmedia. Finally, production on orders is back so getting ordering now!
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