2018 STi Type RA #454 Members Journal - Page 7

archer1.8 · 07-24-2020, 08:13 PM

Today I received a package that I had know idea what it was. Turns out it was the hard to get Group N STi rear swaybar endlink bushings I ordered a long time ago.

Pressing the old bushing out

Pressing the new bushing in

These bushings are SOLID and have no give to them. Probably easier to just get aftermarket, but thats not my style lol

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

YungBoba · 07-25-2020, 03:13 PM

Just going through this thread for the first time and I have to say that I give you major props for keeping everything OEM. I always cringe a bit when I see people modifying limited production cars but this is the right way to do it as opposed to sticking aftermarket stuff on it. Might as well call it a Type RA-S or RA209 now

archer1.8 · 07-26-2020, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YungBoba

Just going through this thread for the first time and I have to say that I give you major props for keeping everything OEM. I always cringe a bit when I see people modifying limited production cars but this is the right way to do it as opposed to sticking aftermarket stuff on it. Might as well call it a Type RA-S or RA209 now

Thanks for the kind words! For me its using parts that people never buy because the aftermarket is cheaper. Group N parts for example exist so Subaru could homologate road cars to go Rally racing. To me having a Group N shifter is half performance and half knowing Subaru designed this for their WRC dogbox transmissions and had to sell them to the public to be legal. That stuff dosen't happen often anymore. Driving something at this price point that is unique and not many people get to experience is hard, and i find using rare OEM stuff gives me that feeling lol

archer1.8 · 08-01-2020, 05:57 PM

Tried to place an order through a few dealers for the S209's rear cargo area foam floor support. The S209 has a unique floor support that is molded to clear the intercooler spray tank. Well, every dealer told me that STi of Japan is not approving any orders for S209 parts unless it is warranty work. Guess the window to buy certain S209 parts has closed. Bummer.

Well, I needed to do something so I could put my race tires back there. So i made some measurements and cut my RA foam floor support. I plan to get some plastic and go back and enclose those areas I cut out.

archer1.8 · 08-03-2020, 10:34 PM

Starting with the S207, STi in Japan uses a unique upgraded 1 piece front sway bar bushing. This bushing has been used in the S208 and now the S209. It is A LOT stiffer than stock and feels almost identical to Group N bushing hardness.

Removed front Sway Bar

Comparison between stock and the S209 1 piece bushing.

My bushing would not just slide right onto the bar without possibly deforming the bushing and ruining its integrity. So I had to come up with something.

I put the bushings into hot water for a bit to make them more pliable.

Added some Dawn Dish soap to the bar and the bushings slid right on.

Once the bushings cooled and dried they are very tight and firm to the bar.

archer1.8 · 08-12-2020, 05:50 PM

Completed the S209 Intercooler System retrofit in the RA today. Still waiting on an inline check valve to make the system 100% complete.

I sourced the GR Spec C Intercooler Spray Nozzles to finish the install as S209 parts are getting harder to order directly from STi now. I then fabbed the 2 Nozzle brackets to mount the sprayers high enough to direct the spray onto the intercooler.

Overall this was a fun project that a lot of dealers said wasn't possible. Hope it makes a difference at the next track day.

jackasspyro2 · 08-16-2020, 05:28 AM

Every page of this thread was worth the read. You're build is amazing. I can't wait to see what else you do to this gorgeous thing.

archer1.8 · 08-17-2020, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackasspyro2

Every page of this thread was worth the read. You're build is amazing. I can't wait to see what else you do to this gorgeous thing.

Thanks for the kind words!

archer1.8 · 08-17-2020, 12:45 PM

Headed back to PA this weekend to finish up the interior on the CJ7 Project. It gets exhaust next week and hopefully my 31's will be in stock.

archer1.8 · 08-17-2020, 12:55 PM

Spent Saturday at another Track Sprint/AutoX at Pocono Raceway. Another perfect day and a podium finish. Car is absolutely perfect with all the OEM+ mods. Definitely think there is room for more improvement with aftermarket swaybars and coilovers, however as it sits now its the perfect car for seat time for me to get better.

murrdogg24 · 08-18-2020, 12:25 PM

Nice bro, I did my first track event a couple weeks ago at Pike Peak International Raceway. My car is a blast to drive, I just need to remember to turn off the traction control next time and see if that will help with my times. With my times I was in the middle of my group AA. Only mods I have is Cobb AP, DP and sway bars.

archer1.8 · 08-19-2020, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murrdogg24

Nice bro, I did my first track event a couple weeks ago at Pike Peak International Raceway. My car is a blast to drive, I just need to remember to turn off the traction control next time and see if that will help with my times. With my times I was in the middle of my group AA. Only mods I have is Cobb AP, DP and sway bars.

Definitly look into coils or at minimum the Bilsteins with some springs. Makes a huge difference. On an AutoX or Track Sprint i found Not turning everything off (just one click on traction control off button) and leaving the diffs in Auto or if its a very tight technical course Auto- Only ever used manual towards the rear when it was a VERY tight AutoX course.

Chief_WRX · 08-19-2020, 02:09 PM

I love the retro fitting of the intercooler sprayer. Im suprised more STI's havent came with that. My 07 STI had it and it was useful at the track.

murrdogg24 · 08-19-2020, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer1.8

Definitly look into coils or at minimum the Bilsteins with some springs. Makes a huge difference. On an AutoX or Track Sprint i found Not turning everything off (just one click on traction control off button) and leaving the diffs in Auto or if its a very tight technical course Auto- Only ever used manual towards the rear when it was a VERY tight AutoX course.

I have the Bilstein's with sti pink springs..just need to get around to installing them. Just don't want to pay to get an alignment until I can find a shop I can trust to do it right.

archer1.8 · 08-20-2020, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief_WRX

I love the retro fitting of the intercooler sprayer. Im suprised more STI's havent came with that. My 07 STI had it and it was useful at the track.

It was very worthwhile mod. My last event while waiting for my run being able to cool the intercooler and prevent heat soak was definitely awesome.

archer1.8 · 08-20-2020, 01:58 PM

So it always bothered me that STi for some reason does not offer an upgraded Trailing Arm Kit with the Pillow Ball bushings to match the Lateral Links and Toe Arm Kits.

I originally planned to install Group N bushings in my OEM Trailing Arms for that OEM+ goodness. Well, it turns out STi DOES offer an upgraded Trailing Arm Kit with the Pillow Ball bushings for the VA chassi. They just list it under a base model Impreza 2.0.

I was 99% sure they were the same. My daily is a 2013 Impreza 2.0i and they look identical to the ones on the RA. So i bought a set of part number ST20250MF000 from Japan Parts. Took two months and they showed up today.

Going to be installing these later next week before the next autocross. Tempted to install Group N Diff Support bushings while I am back there.

murrdogg24 · 08-20-2020, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer1.8

So it always bothered me that STi for some reason does not offer an upgraded Trailing Arm Kit with the Pillow Ball bushings to match the Lateral Links and Toe Arm Kits.

I originally planned to install Group N bushings in my OEM Trailing Arms for that OEM+ goodness. Well, it turns out STi DOES offer an upgraded Trailing Arm Kit with the Pillow Ball bushings for the VA chassi. They just list it under a base model Impreza 2.0.

I was 99% sure they were the same. My daily is a 2013 Impreza 2.0i and they look identical to the ones on the RA. So i bought a set of part number ST20250MF000 from Japan Parts. Took two months and they showed up today.

Going to be installing these later next week before the next autocross. Tempted to install Group N Diff Support bushings while I am back there.

Nice bro, I am definitely subscribed and following your thread. I had the STI pink lateral links and trailing arms on my GD WRX back in the day and that car handled so good. Interested to see if these fit.

archer1.8 · 08-27-2020, 06:19 PM

Today I worked on installing the JDM STi Rear Trailing Arms with the Pillow Ball Bushings. Not sure why STi does not list these as a performance option for the STI/WRX, but they bolt on perfectly. Install was a breeze.

Happy the whole rear end is upgraded with pillow ball bushings. The Upper Control Arm would get Group N in the future, as well as the differential bushings.

archer1.8 · 08-27-2020, 06:27 PM

Installed a small interior upgrade today. I noticed the JDM S4 and the Levorg have Red Stitch E brake Handles. I also found out the BRZ tS has them as well as a few others. I found a used BRZ tS E brake assembly on Ebay for stupid cheap. I knews the mount was different, but I was after the handle.

Install was as simple as it looked.

wrx_roggie · 08-27-2020, 07:15 PM

nice!

archer1.8 · 09-05-2020, 11:41 AM

The 16 Year CJ7 Project is quickly coming to a close. I never thought I would see the day. There is not alot left to do, but a bunch of little things to get it ready for PA inspection.

Had a relative roll back the Jeep up to the exhaust shop. System came out awesome. Had a wideband bung installed so I can tune the carburetor when I want. Drove the Jeep the 8 miles home with absolutely no issues other than it runs rich now.

Also, my rare 6 lug 15x8 Laredo chrome wagon wheels came back from the polisher and I mounted them on 31x10.5 Mickey Thompson Deegan 38's

Scooby South · 09-06-2020, 12:43 PM

First off... MAD RESPECT.... Not many people would go 'way' out of their way to have one of the "most" complete STi's on the planet..So Props. I see you are sourcing your parts from various places:
JAPANPARTS
EBAY
LOCAL DEALERS
Various other places.
Is there a place you shop at that seems to be better than the other.
I have had experience with Japanparts. .but it wasn't the greatest.

Anyways...Nice build .. Good to see using Factory Parts.. Love it.
I Recently 'Re-aquired' my 05 STi. and am currently in the process of re-furbishing/Re-Storing it... its in Great Shape.. with absolutely NO Rust as it was in Fla for most of its 16 years.

archer1.8 · 09-06-2020, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooby South

First off... MAD RESPECT.... Not many people would go 'way' out of their way to have one of the "most" complete STi's on the planet..So Props. I see you are sourcing your parts from various places:
JAPANPARTS
EBAY
LOCAL DEALERS
Various other places.
Is there a place you shop at that seems to be better than the other.
I have had experience with Japanparts. .but it wasn't the greatest.

Anyways...Nice build .. Good to see using Factory Parts.. Love it.
I Recently 'Re-aquired' my 05 STi. and am currently in the process of re-furbishing/Re-Storing it... its in Great Shape.. with absolutely NO Rust as it was in Fla for most of its 16 years.

Bad service with JapanParts wow!?!? Nothing but awesome service from them. Fast shipping with awesome responses when shipping is going to be slow. They even sourced parts for me not on their lists.

Plans for your GD??

Scooby South · 09-06-2020, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer1.8

Bad service with JapanParts wow!?!? Nothing but awesome service from them. Fast shipping with awesome responses when shipping is going to be slow. They even sourced parts for me not on their lists.

Plans for your GD??

you have to realize Its literally been years since I used them...as for plans for my GD ..see my thread..

archer1.8 · 09-25-2020, 08:04 PM

Yesterday I acquired something I have been drooling over ever since I saw the S209 press pictures. I tried very hard to order it from a few different dealers when you could order S209 parts before they tightened up the ordering process. Never the less....I got my intake!

I have basically now have forced myself to focus on a build plan for power mods. Keeping it OEM+ is going to be fun. Twin Scroll? S209 Turbo? Send the VF48 to IHI for their factory HI Flow upgrade? For now I think a simple stage 1 Tune will be fine before I start planning long term.

Love how smooth the transitions are for the inlet piping.

Also I picked up a few other JDM bits this past week.

JDM STi Forester Alternator Cover

JDM STi Lug Nuts

08-12-2020, 05:50 PM	#156
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Completed the S209 Intercooler System retrofit in the RA today. Still waiting on an inline check valve to make the system 100% complete. I sourced the GR Spec C Intercooler Spray Nozzles to finish the install as S209 parts are getting harder to order directly from STi now. I then fabbed the 2 Nozzle brackets to mount the sprayers high enough to direct the spray onto the intercooler. Overall this was a fun project that a lot of dealers said wasn't possible. Hope it makes a difference at the next track day. Last edited by archer1.8; 08-12-2020 at 10:04 PM.

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07-24-2020, 08:13 PM	#151
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Today I received a package that I had know idea what it was. Turns out it was the hard to get Group N STi rear swaybar endlink bushings I ordered a long time ago. Pressing the old bushing out Pressing the new bushing in These bushings are SOLID and have no give to them. Probably easier to just get aftermarket, but thats not my style lol * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

07-25-2020, 03:13 PM	#152
YungBoba Scooby Specialist Member#: 450808 Join Date: Jul 2016 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Irvine Vehicle: 2017 WRX Premium WR Blue Pearl	Just going through this thread for the first time and I have to say that I give you major props for keeping everything OEM. I always cringe a bit when I see people modifying limited production cars but this is the right way to do it as opposed to sticking aftermarket stuff on it. Might as well call it a Type RA-S or RA209 now

08-01-2020, 05:57 PM	#154
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Tried to place an order through a few dealers for the S209's rear cargo area foam floor support. The S209 has a unique floor support that is molded to clear the intercooler spray tank. Well, every dealer told me that STi of Japan is not approving any orders for S209 parts unless it is warranty work. Guess the window to buy certain S209 parts has closed. Bummer. Well, I needed to do something so I could put my race tires back there. So i made some measurements and cut my RA foam floor support. I plan to get some plastic and go back and enclose those areas I cut out.

08-03-2020, 10:34 PM	#155
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Starting with the S207, STi in Japan uses a unique upgraded 1 piece front sway bar bushing. This bushing has been used in the S208 and now the S209. It is A LOT stiffer than stock and feels almost identical to Group N bushing hardness. Removed front Sway Bar Comparison between stock and the S209 1 piece bushing. My bushing would not just slide right onto the bar without possibly deforming the bushing and ruining its integrity. So I had to come up with something. I put the bushings into hot water for a bit to make them more pliable. Added some Dawn Dish soap to the bar and the bushings slid right on. Once the bushings cooled and dried they are very tight and firm to the bar.

08-16-2020, 05:28 AM	#157
jackasspyro2 Scooby Newbie Member#: 273797 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Vehicle: 2015 STI silver	Every page of this thread was worth the read. You're build is amazing. I can't wait to see what else you do to this gorgeous thing.

08-17-2020, 12:45 PM	#159
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Headed back to PA this weekend to finish up the interior on the CJ7 Project. It gets exhaust next week and hopefully my 31's will be in stock.

08-17-2020, 12:55 PM	#160
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Spent Saturday at another Track Sprint/AutoX at Pocono Raceway. Another perfect day and a podium finish. Car is absolutely perfect with all the OEM+ mods. Definitely think there is room for more improvement with aftermarket swaybars and coilovers, however as it sits now its the perfect car for seat time for me to get better.

08-18-2020, 12:25 PM	#161
murrdogg24 Scooby Guru Member#: 50586 Join Date: Dec 2003 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Colorado Springs Vehicle: 2020 STI Crystal White Pearl	Nice bro, I did my first track event a couple weeks ago at Pike Peak International Raceway. My car is a blast to drive, I just need to remember to turn off the traction control next time and see if that will help with my times. With my times I was in the middle of my group AA. Only mods I have is Cobb AP, DP and sway bars.

08-19-2020, 02:09 PM	#163
Chief_WRX Scooby Newbie Member#: 369934 Join Date: Oct 2013 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gardner, Kansas Vehicle: 2018 STI Limited Heritage Blue	I love the retro fitting of the intercooler sprayer. Im suprised more STI's havent came with that. My 07 STI had it and it was useful at the track.

08-20-2020, 01:58 PM	#166
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	So it always bothered me that STi for some reason does not offer an upgraded Trailing Arm Kit with the Pillow Ball bushings to match the Lateral Links and Toe Arm Kits. I originally planned to install Group N bushings in my OEM Trailing Arms for that OEM+ goodness. Well, it turns out STi DOES offer an upgraded Trailing Arm Kit with the Pillow Ball bushings for the VA chassi. They just list it under a base model Impreza 2.0. I was 99% sure they were the same. My daily is a 2013 Impreza 2.0i and they look identical to the ones on the RA. So i bought a set of part number ST20250MF000 from Japan Parts. Took two months and they showed up today. Going to be installing these later next week before the next autocross. Tempted to install Group N Diff Support bushings while I am back there.

08-27-2020, 06:19 PM	#168
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Today I worked on installing the JDM STi Rear Trailing Arms with the Pillow Ball Bushings. Not sure why STi does not list these as a performance option for the STI/WRX, but they bolt on perfectly. Install was a breeze. Happy the whole rear end is upgraded with pillow ball bushings. The Upper Control Arm would get Group N in the future, as well as the differential bushings.

08-27-2020, 06:27 PM	#169
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Installed a small interior upgrade today. I noticed the JDM S4 and the Levorg have Red Stitch E brake Handles. I also found out the BRZ tS has them as well as a few others. I found a used BRZ tS E brake assembly on Ebay for stupid cheap. I knews the mount was different, but I was after the handle. Install was as simple as it looked.

08-27-2020, 07:15 PM	#170
wrx_roggie Scooby Newbie Member#: 53206 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: outside of detroit, MI Vehicle: 2018 Type RA WRB	nice!

09-05-2020, 11:41 AM	#171
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	The 16 Year CJ7 Project is quickly coming to a close. I never thought I would see the day. There is not alot left to do, but a bunch of little things to get it ready for PA inspection. Had a relative roll back the Jeep up to the exhaust shop. System came out awesome. Had a wideband bung installed so I can tune the carburetor when I want. Drove the Jeep the 8 miles home with absolutely no issues other than it runs rich now. Also, my rare 6 lug 15x8 Laredo chrome wagon wheels came back from the polisher and I mounted them on 31x10.5 Mickey Thompson Deegan 38's

09-06-2020, 12:43 PM	#172
Scooby South Subtly Outspoken Moderator Member#: 238 Join Date: Sep 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: OG05 STi 51E	First off... MAD RESPECT.... Not many people would go 'way' out of their way to have one of the "most" complete STi's on the planet..So Props. I see you are sourcing your parts from various places: JAPANPARTS EBAY LOCAL DEALERS Various other places. Is there a place you shop at that seems to be better than the other. I have had experience with Japanparts. .but it wasn't the greatest. Anyways...Nice build .. Good to see using Factory Parts.. Love it. I Recently 'Re-aquired' my 05 STi. and am currently in the process of re-furbishing/Re-Storing it... its in Great Shape.. with absolutely NO Rust as it was in Fla for most of its 16 years.

09-25-2020, 08:04 PM	#175
archer1.8 Scooby Newbie Member#: 148335 Join Date: May 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sayreville, NJ Vehicle: 2018 STi Type RA#454 WRB	Yesterday I acquired something I have been drooling over ever since I saw the S209 press pictures. I tried very hard to order it from a few different dealers when you could order S209 parts before they tightened up the ordering process. Never the less....I got my intake! I have basically now have forced myself to focus on a build plan for power mods. Keeping it OEM+ is going to be fun. Twin Scroll? S209 Turbo? Send the VF48 to IHI for their factory HI Flow upgrade? For now I think a simple stage 1 Tune will be fine before I start planning long term. Love how smooth the transitions are for the inlet piping. Also I picked up a few other JDM bits this past week. JDM STi Forester Alternator Cover JDM STi Lug Nuts