Scoobyfreak86 2017 Lapis Blue Pearl STI Journal

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by Dalessio

LED tech has developed leaps and bounds in the past few years, plug and play bulbs for headlights/fog lights were super expensive 3ish years ago and now are maybe $50-60 for very high quality ones. It's definitely developing extremely quickly, which is awesome!



For sure haha, sometimes there are things in life that take priority. And in all reality, I had planned on selling the GR before I got the VA, but it just never happened and it's been a while now.

And there are definitely parts of the GR platform that I prefer. The seats come to mind immediately, although I know most people prefer VA seats. I still prefer the look of the GR exterior styling, and the classic rumble from the EJ is something that I will always miss but at least STI owners have it (take that as a plus or minus lol). But overall the VA is much more comfortable of a ride, the interior is MUCH more refined and updated, the FA delivers power much better, and while I feel like the VA handles much better...I felt more connected to the road in the GR. I don't know how to describe it, but when IAG asked how I felt about each platform, I tried to describe it that way and they knew exactly what I was talking about lol, so there's that.

Agreed. It's pretty easy to get a quality LED bulb under 100 these days. I remember back when I had the WRX, I never even considered them because they were either crazy expensive or the output just wasn't there yet. Not to mention how many ballasts and wires you needed to get them to work properly. Now it's as simple as a normal halogen bulb. I love it!

Oh absolutely, there are pros and cons to each platform. I think the GR looked more aggressive in terms of how wide the fenders looked compared the the VA. I think I actually prefer the overall look of my WRX exterior wise than I do of my current STI. Put an FA20 and the 15+ interior into the GR and you'd have a perfect car, IMHO.

I did get a chance to drive both the new WRX and STI back to back and found both to be very different driving experiences. The STI felt way more raw and angry where the WRX felt more refined and soft. Both gearbox and brakes felt softer on the WRX, which is to be expected. However, my wife did prefer the ride of the WRX since it was much more comfortable and you got a ton more features for the same money. But in the end, I wanted something fun again and while the WRX was plenty fun, I found the STI to be what I was after at this point in my life. I will always love the EJ rumble and it's been an absolute pleasure owning another one. I'll see what the 2020 STI does and by 2021, I may be ready for that new motor. Either way you can't go wrong with either choice.

But yes, agreed on all points that the VA feels better overall. Even opening the doors is a night and day difference. Feels way more solid on the VA and has a nice feel to them. Interior noise is way less than my WRX and overall just feels way more solid inside and out. Materials used (dash specifically) is a nice upgrade. Not the best material as I find it to be a little too rubbery, but it's worlds better than the plastic they used in the GR. I much prefer the seats in the VA than the GR. Especially the "alcantara" centers in the STI. Hold me in way better than the cloth WRX seats did. Only gripe is I wish you were able to lower the seat a bit more.

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[Dalessio]

I agree, hands down. Drop an FA and the 15+ interior into a GR and I would be set!

I just finished typing it up, it's a sad day but the for sale post has been listed

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by Dalessio

I agree, hands down. Drop an FA and the 15+ interior into a GR and I would be set!

I just finished typing it up, it's a sad day but the for sale post has been listed

Best of luck with the sale! I know the feeling. This was the last picture I took and saw my WRX. I stared at in the rear view mirror as I drove away. Never a good feeling haha.

http://i.imgur.com/wldrFPR.jpg

[ScoobyFreak86]

Break in over and proper beading. Today is a good day.

[FL4TFTW]

Originally Posted by ScoobyFreak86

Best of luck with the sale! I know the feeling. This was the last picture I took and saw my WRX. I stared at in the rear view mirror as I drove away. Never a good feeling haha.

I still see mine every month or so because I sold it to a good friend from west chester. It's tough haha.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by FL4TFTW

I still see mine every month or so because I sold it to a good friend from west chester. It's tough haha.

Ufff. That's tough. I sold mine to someone down in South Carolina and then he sold it to someone in Kansas I believe. In other words, far far away from me so I won't see it around town haha.

[ScoobyFreak86]

April 8, 2017

Miles: 1077

What's being done: 1000 mile break in oil change

Finally finished my 1000 mile break in of the car and wanted to get the oil changed out as soon as possible. I have 2 "free" oil changes at my dealer, so decided to take advantage and get the oil and filter changed out. I will be sticking to 4000 mile intervals, so next change will be at 5077 miles. Once my dealer oil changes are finished, I will be moving over to Pennzoil and OEM Subaru oil filters. I will be picking up a fumoto oil drain value to make the process easier. Here is a quick pick after this weekends wash and wax of p21S. LOVE this color. You can also see the Perrin side mount kit as well as the gloss black subaru rings. Not crazy about the side mount plate thing, so I may try to find another solution. In the meantime, it'll do just fine.

[ScoobyFreak86]

SubieLED Discount Code!!!

Hey everyone. I am happy to announce that if anyone is looking to place any order with SubieLED, I have a 15% off coupon code you can use! Please use STIFREAK in the coupon code box at checkout!

http://www.subieled.com/

[bwilson7990]

Sub'd! Absolutely love this car and everything you've done with it. I'd love to know more about the paint correction/waxing/protection you use. I'm going to order a 2018 WRX when the ordering opens up in LBP, so this car seriously tickles my fancy.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by bwilson7990

Sub'd! Absolutely love this car and everything you've done with it. I'd love to know more about the paint correction/waxing/protection you use. I'm going to order a 2018 WRX when the ordering opens up in LBP, so this car seriously tickles my fancy.

Thank you! And thanks for joining!

A full detail entails a lot of steps with proper washing, polishing, and drying techniques. I've been mastering the art for many years and by no means to I claim to be a know it all or professional, but I've gotten a pretty good eye on how to properly correct and care for paint.

Subaru paint is indeed very soft, so it can swirl and scratch easily, but as long as you take care of it, keep it protected, and practice proper washing/drying techniques, you'll have truly exceptional paint.

LBP is absolutely gorgeous when properly dialed in. Lots of green, purple, blue, and silver flakes in it. The hue changes with the type of light it is in and for me, it's hard to find a color I love in all types of light sources. LBP does it for me though. Direct sunlight the blue and purple pop like crazy. Low light and night time, it looks like a royal blue. I think you'll really enjoy it and happy with my decision.

[icedcoco]

I enjoy your usage of the phrase "dialed in"...

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by icedcoco

I enjoy your usage of the phrase "dialed in"...

I blame Matt Moreman for my usage of Dialed in.

[icedcoco]

^lolol

[ScoobyFreak86]

April 17, 2017

Mileage: 1,438

What***8217;s being installed: Diode Dynamics Smart Tap Module

When I installed my exterior LED***8217;s, I had one minor annoyance with the LED module I received. When I used the blinker, it would hold the first blink very long and then go into a normal blink. When I used the lane change tap, it would do one long blink, one normal blink, and then a super quick 3rd blink. It really bothered me and I found myself not using that feature and just turn the stalk all the way on when changing lanes. Small issue, but it started to bother me as I felt it defeated my main purpose of why I mod my car. I didn***8217;t want to lose any function or practicality. I started to research some options as to why this was an issue and if there were any solutions out there.

Insert Diode Dynamics. They offer a module that seems to be much better quality and sorts the blinking issue I was having. I was so pleased with their tap to turn module that I decided to reach out and see if they were willing to work with me. Lo***8217; and Behold I got an answer right away and had a smart tap module headed my way to review. I received it only a few days later and got a chance to install it last night.

Install was extremely simple. I have done this modification before, so I knew directly where to go. However, if you are unfamiliar with the process, there are quite a few DIY YouTube videos floating around. After removing a few quick pieces, I popped the new Smart Tap in went right to trying it out. I was skeptical as to why this module was 50 dollars more than the basic LED module, so I put it through its paces to see what it was all about.

First and foremost, the blinker issue I once had was sorted right away. Tap to turn and everything else worked as it was stock. However, it is now at 4 blinks instead of the 3 (which can be changed if you wish). Although, I prefer the 4 blinks as I always felt rush to get into the other lane with the 3 blinks. The 4 blinks allow more time for me to change lanes safely and let other drivers know I am making a move. This was the main reason I wanted this module. I wanted everything to work just like OEM. I got exactly what I was after so everything else this module offered was just a bonus.

The smart tap also allows you to have different hazard modes. Wig-wag, back and forth, double blink, stock blink, etc. There are a lot of options to choose with a simple flick of the stalk to your blink of choice. I thought this was a really cool feature as it allows others eyes to notice your car much more clearly since it is a little out of the norm for a car on the side of the road to have hazards flashing like a construction/tow truck. Again, improved safety just increases my love for this product as you can never be TOO safe on the road. One problem I did have with this is having my settings save when I turn off the car. I enjoyed the ***8220;wig wag***8221; hazard option and followed the YouTube DIY to a Tee, but every time I turn the car off, it went to the default double blink. Is it supposed to save the settings? Or do you change them as you wish when the hazards are on? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Another nice feature the module has is an arrival and departure mode. When the car is locked/unlocked, the blinkers around the car illuminate for better visibility. I really like this feature as it allows a ton more visibility when approaching the car. I leave the lights in auto mode as well, so the headlights come on when approaching at night. Car looks really cool with everything lit up as I approach or walk away from the car. This feature***8217;s timing can be changed from 10-90 seconds, but I left it at the default timing, which I believe is 20 seconds. It turns off at the same time as the headlights, so whatever that timing is works for me.

All in all, I couldn't be happier with the product. It gave me exactly what I was looking for with a cool new features to make the car a little more unique. For anyone looking to pick one up, I wouldn't hesitate to hit DD up. They really know their stuff! Huge shout out to Diode Dynamics!

IMG_1972 by Freak Photography, on Flickr

YouTube (Short URL)

YouTube (Short URL)

[blackseafleet]

thank you for pointing out the ac fan blower cover. it's been driving me nuts. also, your car makes me regret choosing dgm over lbp. great looking car

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by blackseafleet

thank you for pointing out the ac fan blower cover. it's been driving me nuts. also, your car makes me regret choosing dgm over lbp. great looking car

Glad to have helped! It amazed me that that panel wasn't included on the car from the factory. When you go to install it, you'll notice it's entirely open with the fan blower right there. I understand it is a budget, rally/sports car, but come on. A little crazy if you ask me. I'm glad I spent the money for this piece as I can drive in peace without driving myself crazy.

Haha, I made sure that I looked at every color with an open mind to make sure what I chose in the end was something that I would love for years to come. LBP definitely did that for me and it's very rewarding every time I clean it up. It's really a great color and happy with it. Although, just last night I thought... I wonder if I should have gotten white. Haha, so I guess no matter what color you get, the grass is always greener.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Very exciting news! I teamed up with Delta Motor works based out the good ol' US of A in Maryland. I will be reviewing their "Fast Track" muffler delete. I will be posting up an extensive review with high quality photos and a video to show the different driving scenarios. Very much looking forward to getting my hands on this work of art and show you guys what they are all about!

https://deltamotorworks.com/

[FL4TFTW]

Beautiful pieces. 4" double wall staggered?

Edit: nevermind.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by FL4TFTW

Beautiful pieces. 4" double wall staggered? My fav.

They only offer 3.5" doubled walled or single walled. I had both double and single on the nameless on my WRX and was a larger fan of the single walled. I went with single walled on this Delta Motorworks muffler as well. Double walled I found it makes the tips look smaller.

[FL4TFTW]

Ahhh okay I just looked at the thumbnail on my phone. After zooming in it's pretty easy to tell they're single walled. And you're definitely right about double walled looking smaller.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by FL4TFTW

Ahhh okay I just looked at the thumbnail on my phone. After zooming in it's pretty easy to tell they're single walled. And you're definitely right about double walled looking smaller.

Well the picture I posted is actually their double walled haha. They only have a picture of the single walled tips not on the muffler, so I wanted to post something of the entire exhaust. Either way, both choices are a great choice. Their stuff is super high quality. Excited to see the differences between this and the nameless.

I think the 4" looks a little too big for this car. Almost gimicky, IMHO. It certainly can look good, no question, but I feel the 3.5" is the perfect size for this cars rear end. Can't wait to get the huge, droopy cans off this car and put these bad boys on. I've been missing that scooby rumble.

[ATMINSIDE]

That is going to be some kind of loud.

[FL4TFTW]

I give up haha. Either way, they look like nice pieces and you definitely need that rumble.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by ATMINSIDE

That is going to be some kind of loud.

Sure is! Should be fun to see what my new neighbors think, daughters, and wife think haha. Although, my wife is used to my loud cars over the years.

Originally Posted by FL4TFTW

I give up haha. Either way, they look like nice pieces and you definitely need that rumble.

i've been missing the rumble dearly. Really looking forward to getting it back and having more fun with this car. Feels so good to be back wrenching on a car again.

[ScoobyFreak86]

This fine piece of art showed up at my doorstep yesterday. Can't wait to get it on! Quick iphone shot. Proper photos will be posted in the review