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Old 04-17-2012, 01:12 AM   #1
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

I figured I should start a build journal to document the path I plan to take in modding my car. I picked up a 2012 Impreza Sport Premium in Marine Blue Pearl at the end of January. I have been lurking on this site and IWSTI for a couple of years readings and learning in hopes of getting an STi. With the cost of gas and potential engine trouble I decided NA was more economically feasible. I went to a few dealerships looking for a 2.5i Legacy but wasn't too keen on the electronic handbrake. So I found myself at Irvine Subaru with Marcelo helping me. That's how the story begins.

As you can imagine, idle hands are the devil's play ground and the urge to mod bit right away. Problem is, there isn't yet a lot available so thinking out of the box is a must.

Link to pictures:
http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q507/strunz490/

Mods installed:
Prodrive shift knob. Freebie from the dealer.
Smoked tail lights-turn signal and reverse only with VHT Nightshades
Rear Bumper LED reflectors wired up to brake lights
Plastidipped front grille
Hella Supertones with Blue powder coated grill
Rally pig sticker on drivers side mirror
Full LED swap
Sharkfin Antenna
Custom axleback exhaust
6K HID's
Blacked out head lights
Custom intake tube

Planned:
Cobb adjustable short shifter
Cobb shifter bushings
Cobb/Perrin shift knob
JPM Coachworks Shift boot and ebrake boot.
STi front lip
Side skirts
H & R lowering springs
Rota T2R 18 x 9.5 ET 38 in flat black
Rally Armor Mud flaps
UEL Headers
Project KICS lugnuts
Kartboy pitch stop
GT Spec steering wheel
Grimmspeed license plate delete
STi brake swap

And lastly a WRX engine swap.
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Last edited by italia490; 08-01-2012 at 12:07 AM.
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Old 04-17-2012, 01:51 AM   #2
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default


Before Sharkfin


Sharkfin installed

It took about 5 weeks to get the Antenna which I have to say looks amazing. Paint is matched perfectly and install was a piece of cake.
Getting the correct color for a new car took some time.

Reception loss is very minimal.

Last edited by italia490; 07-04-2012 at 03:46 PM.
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Old 04-17-2012, 02:01 AM   #3
italia490
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

Here is the exhaust setup:

Initially I disconnected the muffler and and low and behold there was an nice boxer rumble. Problem was that it droned pretty bad at highway speeds. So to remedy that I wanted to extend the exhaust further back to reduce or eliminate the drone. The exhaust is currently in the initial stages of testing. I took video of the exhaust with the muffler disconnected and then with the custom fabbed piece attached. So far, from what I can tell, the drone is has been reduced but I haven't been on the freeway yet so I won't know for sure how annoying it will be. Driving around town is fine.


Raw materials


Finished product....for now

http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q507/strunz490/Exhaust%20Video/?action=view&current=MOV02783.mp4Exhaust

http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q507/strunz490/Exhaust%20Video/?action=view&current=HDV_0230.mp4Drive by

Last edited by italia490; 07-04-2012 at 03:52 PM.
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Old 04-17-2012, 11:12 AM   #4
BryanP5555
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Member#: 314731
Join Date: Mar 2012
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Florida
Vehicle:
2014 WRX
SWP

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Looks good, How hard was it to install the new antenna? also post some videos of you doing drive bys with the new exhaust setup
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Old 04-17-2012, 11:27 AM   #5
low-n-slow
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Member#: 313818
Join Date: Mar 2012
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: North West OH
Vehicle:
2002 wrx hybrid
WRB

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I think these have a lot of potential and I'm liking your start. And that exhaust sounds sexy
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Old 04-17-2012, 11:43 AM   #6
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BryanP5555 View Post
Looks good, How hard was it to install the new antenna? also post some videos of you doing drive bys with the new exhaust setup
The antenna is super easy. You'll need a flat screwdriver to hook up the antenna lead and some Isopropyl alcohol to clean the area around the antenna base. You'll also want to use some masking tape as guidelines to mount the antenna straight. It took me about 5 minutes to do the install.

I'll try and get some drive by's sometime this week.
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Old 04-17-2012, 11:45 AM   #7
italia490
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

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Quote:
Originally Posted by low-n-slow View Post
I think these have a lot of potential and I'm liking your start. And that exhaust sounds sexy
Thanks!
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Old 04-17-2012, 12:17 PM   #8
Angelus911
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: MA
Vehicle:
2020 Volvo S60
Gray

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Do you know for a fact that a WRX engine will fit in the new Impreza's?
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Old 04-17-2012, 12:23 PM   #9
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Angelus911 View Post
Do you know for a fact that a WRX engine will fit in the new Impreza's?
No, at this point I have no idea. That will most likely be one of the last mods I do unless a ton of money falls in my lap. Where there is a will there is a way right?
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Old 04-17-2012, 12:41 PM   #10
low-n-slow
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: North West OH
Vehicle:
2002 wrx hybrid
WRB

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Quote:
Originally Posted by italia490 View Post
Thanks!
not a problem, and now that i watch the video again and im on a computer not my phone it sounds even better
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Old 04-18-2012, 09:36 PM   #11
adanacsman
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Member#: 305592
Join Date: Jan 2012
Chapter/Region: VIC
Location: Vancouver, BC
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza CVT
5-Door SWP

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How did you get the antenna off? Do you unscrew it or does it just pop out? I tried unscrewing but didn't want to break anything.
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Old 04-18-2012, 11:48 PM   #12
mckinnon99879
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Member#: 314199
Join Date: Mar 2012
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Vehicle:
2013 WRX
ISM

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subscribed to this thread, i have the car in the same color and have been looking for ideas, so this is great, its gonna push me to spend lots of money though i think..... so far everything looks good! im liking the sharkfin
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Old 04-19-2012, 12:20 AM   #13
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by adanacsman View Post
How did you get the antenna off? Do you unscrew it or does it just pop out? I tried unscrewing but didn't want to break anything.
The antenna base is fixed to the roof of the car and the Sharkfin goes over it. The whip portion of the antenna simply unscrews. It may seem like it doesn't at first. You just have to break the threads.
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Old 04-19-2012, 12:23 AM   #14
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mckinnon99879 View Post
subscribed to this thread, i have the car in the same color and have been looking for ideas, so this is great, its gonna push me to spend lots of money though i think..... so far everything looks good! im liking the sharkfin
Nice! How are you liking it so far? I have to say, I am not a fan of the roof rails and plan on removing them. I called the stealership today and they want $88 per side for the roof trim.

Thanks for the compliments.

Last edited by italia490; 04-19-2012 at 12:30 AM.
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Old 04-19-2012, 10:44 PM   #15
ans2k
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Location: Bryant, AR
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2012 Impreza Sport

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how is the reception with the shark fin antenna?
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Old 04-20-2012, 12:04 AM   #16
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

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Quote:
Originally Posted by ans2k View Post
how is the reception with the shark fin antenna?
I have not noticed any loss. Reception is the same as having the whip antenna.
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Old 04-20-2012, 10:45 AM   #17
Matt4949
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Member#: 313890
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: CT
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default Nice!

Subscribed!! Us MBPs gotta stick together right? I like where you are/where you're going with the car. Good luck!
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Old 04-20-2012, 02:54 PM   #18
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt4949 View Post
Subscribed!! Us MBPs gotta stick together right? I like where you are/where you're going with the car. Good luck!
Yeah, for sure. Maybe we should start a MBP only color thread.
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Old 04-20-2012, 05:27 PM   #19
kj15991
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Member#: 293548
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Vehicle:
2005 wrx sti
aspen white

Default baby sti

looks nice keep up the good work
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Old 04-20-2012, 05:34 PM   #20
apkarian100
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Member#: 207053
Join Date: Mar 2009
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Hooksett, NH
Vehicle:
2018 WRX
PR

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Who made your LED rear reflectors? They look good man.
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Old 04-20-2012, 06:47 PM   #21
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by apkarian100 View Post
Who made your LED rear reflectors? They look good man.
Here is the website:
http://www.shop.jwmotoring.com/produ...&categoryId=94
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Old 04-23-2012, 06:55 PM   #22
gregorz4
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Member#: 316869
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Dark Gray

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by italia490 View Post
I figured I should start a build journal to document the path I plan to take in modding my car. I picked up a 2012 Impreza Sport Premium in Marine Blue Pearl at the end of January. I have been lurking on this site and IWSTI for a couple of years readings and learning in hopes of getting an STi. With the cost of gas and potential engine trouble I decided NA was more economically feasible. I went to a few dealerships looking for a 2.5i Legacy but wasn't too keen on the electronic handbrake. So I found myself at Irvine Subaru with Marcelo helping me. That's how the story begins.

As you can imagine, idle hands are the devil's play ground and the urge to mod bit right away. Problem is, there isn't yet a lot available so thinking out of the box is a must.

Link to pictures:
http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q507/strunz490/

Mods installed:
Prodrive shift knob. Freebie from the dealer.
Smoked tail lights-turn signal and reverse only with VHT Nightshades
Rear Bumper LED reflectors wired up to brake lights
Plastidipped front grille
Hella Supertones with Blue powder coated grill
Rally pig sticker on drivers side mirror
Full LED swap except for DRL's
Sharkfin Antenna
Custom axleback exhaust
6K HID's

Planned:
Cobb adjustable short shifter
Cobb shifter bushings
Cobb/Perrin shift knob
JPM Coachworks Shift boot and ebrake boot.
LED DRL's
STi front lip
Side skirts
Tein S-Tech springs
Rota G Force 18x9 +35et
Rally Armor Mud flaps
UEL Headers
Project KICS lugnuts
Kartboy pitch stop
GT Spec steering wheel
Grimmspeed license plate delete
Custom LED tail lights
Blacked out headlights
STi brake swap

And lastly a WRX engine swap.
Have been following the upgrades you are doing to your '12 impreza. I recently received my '12 impreza myself and its great to see the mods you have completed. Have you looked into installing a short ram or cold air intake?
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Old 04-23-2012, 07:30 PM   #23
italia490
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Member#: 308742
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orange County
Vehicle:
2012 Impreza Sport
Marine Blue Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gregorz4 View Post
Have been following the upgrades you are doing to your '12 impreza. I recently received my '12 impreza myself and its great to see the mods you have completed. Have you looked into installing a short ram or cold air intake?
Thanks for the compliments.

I have looked into an aftermarket intake and have also spoken with the guys at EFI Logics and Cobb So Cal. To get the most out of installing an aftermarket setup, you should really get the car tuned. The problem here is that our cars cannot currently be tuned. Will that change....? I'd like to think so but from what I have seen most of the attention goes to the turbo models. Right now the only option would be to go with standalone engine management like MOTEC, Haltech or Megasquirt with preference towards MOTEC and Haltech. Cobb recommended MOTEC or Haltech because they have a great deal of functionality and support. With that being said the factory airbox is pretty decent and from what I can tell looks to be the same dimensionally with 08+WRX. So my plan is to throw in a drop in filter, maybe a Cosworth or Blitz dry filter. I'd stay away from the oiled ones as they tend to foul the sensors. I am going to swap out the intake tube for something custom. I just haven't decided on the material.
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Old 04-24-2012, 07:23 PM   #24
mckinnon99879
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Member#: 314199
Join Date: Mar 2012
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Vehicle:
2013 WRX
ISM

Default

the rally armor mudflaps are out now they emailed me yesterday! you should definetly pick them up soon. iwanna see how they are gonna look!!
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Old 04-24-2012, 07:28 PM   #25
mckinnon99879
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Member#: 314199
Join Date: Mar 2012
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Vehicle:
2013 WRX
ISM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by italia490 View Post
Nice! How are you liking it so far? I have to say, I am not a fan of the roof rails and plan on removing them. I called the stealership today and they want $88 per side for the roof trim.

Thanks for the compliments.
Im liking it a lot so far, and yeah im not sure how i feel about the rails either, def. a lot better looking then the cross bars that the previous impreza outback sport got... but thats not too terrible of a price i guess for the roof trim.

Keep it up man, the thing looks great, the tinted taillights are sweet.
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