Current Modifications on my WRX!

2015 Subaru WRX

I thought I would end 2016 with a list of modifications that I have done to my 2015 Subaru WRX. I have provided a link below for each part if you are interested in purchasing them. I'm not sponsored by any of these fine retailers below, but they offer exceptional consumer service and the lowest price I have found, so I have listed them.

• Window tint, 3M RavX high-quality tint. I paid more for this tint for the reason of keeping the heat and UV rays out. You can buy it many quality shops. If dark tint is not your thing, you can get it in clear. If you are in the East Bay and need a Tint installer recommendation send a message and I will help you.

Window Tint

• Rally Armor Mud Flaps. I think these are a great addition to any WRX or STI. They give the car that aggressive rally look that I wanted while saving the paint from road debris. Sure, they are not for everyone, but I personally think they look killer on the car. They do rub on speed bumps; you get used to that after a week or so. They come in many color options and are built to last. 

From the front after install

Mud flaps

• Amazon link: http://a.co/4ak3dJk

• RaceComp’s classic “Yellow” High-Performance Lowering Springs. These springs transformed how the car handled. Long Term Review coming soon.

Looking aggressive!

RCE yellows

• KNS Brakes link: http://www.knsbrakes.com/c/car-item/2675_2015+Subaru+WRX+6MT/61952_Racecomp+Engineering+Yellow+Lowering+Springs

WOW!

Cobb AccessPORT V3. I was actually getting tired of the stock map that came on the car and wanted to find a solution. One of my cycling buddies back home uses the word "Garbage" quite often when he does not like something; the stock map is simply that, Garbage! The shifts between 1st and 2nd gear are the worst. The stock map also has rev-hang issues and a very sensitive throttle. Many people do like the sensitive throttle and have their custom map tuned to it. I think it comes down to personal preference. I set out to buy a Cobb AccessPORT and came across Modern Automotive Performance. If you have never heard of them, check them out. They have many options for the 2015+ WRX line, some of which they make custom in-house. What interested me the most about MAPerformance was that you get their custom staged maps for free when you purchase an AccessPORT through them. I talked to Ian many times about some of the concerns I had before finally making the purchase. I'm glad I did. I'm planning on releasing a review soon on the MAPerformance 91 octane map so stay tuned. Until then, please ask me any questions you may have or contact Ian at MAPerformance.com. He is extremely knowledgeable

• Modern Performance Automotive link: https://www.maperformance.com/collections/engine-management-tuning-components/products/2015-wrx-sti-accessport-v3-by-cobb-tuning-ap3-sub-004 

• Turnin Concepts TGV Deletes/IAG EGR Block-off BCB Alpha Package. Last spring, I came across an article about Direct Injection and how they can cause carbon build up and reduce performance over time. At this time, I had about 9k on the car, so I wanted to do this upgrade as soon as possible to avoid carbon build-up. I went looking for a block off kit and came across Turnin Concepts website. They had a sale going on at the time for the BCB Alpha Package. It came with both a TGV delete kit and the EGR block-off. I was unsure about the TGV delete at the time. I knew the stock TGV's took up some space in the intake manifold and replacing them would free up some power. They ended up being a simple install. I will be providing a long-term review on both of these products soon. 

• Turnin Concepts link: http://turninconcepts.com/bcb-alpha-2015-wrx-830.html

• Torqued Performance Custom Tuning. After purchasing the Turnin Concepts BCB Alpha Package, I need to a custom tune to support the new mods. I started looking at reviews for E-tuning since it seemed like the most affordable option. E-Tuning, if you are not familiar let me explain the process. Remote base tuning is done by a professional tuner that sends you a map via email to install on the car to support new mods. You install the map on your vehicle via the Cobb AccessPORT and do a pull, in my case I was instructed to do a 3rd gear pull, to redline while recording it, which is called a log. You then send back the log to the tuner and then they make adjustments to tune as they see fit. You do this until the tune is perfect. I found 3 major E-tuners that I came across that were highly recommended. Bren Tuning, Clark Tuning, and Torqued Performance. I decided I you couldn't go wrong with any of these tuners. I follow a YouTube channel called LastHumansGarage, which in my opinion is the best 2015+ Subaru WRX YouTube channel that I have found, that has used all 3 tuners. He seemed to like working with Eric at Torqued Performance the most. Eric was also the least expensive, so I chose to work with him. It was a great experience working with Eric. It took me 6 or 7 revisions to make my car perfect. I love the tune. The car is making great power and resolved all the issues I was having with my stock tune. If anyone is interested in tuning your WRX or STI, I would highly recommend contacting Eric. 

• Torqued Performance link: http://torquedperformance.com
• LastHumansGarage YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/user/LastHumansGarage

Great Packaging 

SSR GTX01 18X9.5 Flat Black Wheels. I had some issues with my stock wheels and tires. I decided to upgrade to a nicer set. There are many quality options to choose from. I like that the SRR GTX01 was a one-piece wheel design and was in my budget. I made the purchase. The wheels took about 3 weeks to be delivered. They look stunning on the car are lightweight and durable. They also perform as well as they look. I wrapped them with Michelin Super Sports 265/35r 18. The setup is perfect for my daily commute and spirited driving. A long-term review is in order and will be coming soon.

Installed

I wish everyone has a Happy New Year. I have more exciting blogs planned for the near future as parts keep arriving for my car. As always, be safe, have fun, and drive!

-Andrew

The Beginning! The Big Purchase!

Welcome to a new blog that I'm just starting that is going to be primarily about my 2015 Subaru WRX. I also own, with my wife, a 2013 Subaru Outback, so don't be surprised if you see some blogs about that car too. I'm going to look at the many modifications I have made in the past, as well as future mods,  and give them an honest review. It is also critical to know that I'm not an English Major, so give me a break if I screw up some wording, words, or punctuation! I'm doing this for fun after all.

Let me jump right into the important details that started this journey. I purchased the WRX last April. That whole week was restless and hard to remember. I wanted two different colors, well three if I am honest... but I found out the hard way with my 2002 red bug-eye in the past with many tickets. It was down to White and the famed world rally blue WORLD RALLY BLUE. I went down to the dealer with my wife to check both colors out. She took one look at the blue and said "nope... I like the white!" I started to open my mouth and argue with her about the color.... then I thought to myself, well she is going to let me by a WRX after all. So F**k, OK...White is Perfect! The white WRX they had on the lot was sold, so the dealer made some arrangements with another dealer in Modesto and traded a Forester XT for the WRX and had it shipped to Livermore, CA where at the time I lived. I have since moved for college and live in Irvine, CA.

Before I go any further. I cannot lie; I wanted the STI, but I couldn't justify buying old but proven engine design that has a few long term reliability issues. Sure it comes with many great features that I will gladly argue with you that will justify the extra 10k. But I wanted to try something new, and I thought this new platform was the right decision for me. New engine, new possibilities.

Below is a photo of the day we picked up the car. It was shipped on a covered flatbed truck and was detailed to the nines. The best part was that it only had 3 miles on it. It came off the delivery truck, went through a dealer inspection,  and was driven down the road to get a full tank of gas. To be honest, I don't think, even with my increasing detailing skills, that the car has looked as good since that day we picked her up.

The day we picked up the WRX!

My wife starting calling the car Rex. Which I think is Brillant. Every sports care needs a chick name right?! The funny thing is we call the Outback the "Subi!" Oh well...

Before I end this introduction to the Blog, I wanted to explain why I called the blog Boost Therapy. Well... it is simply that. When you get in this car, you have two options. Take it easy and get pretty good gas mileage, which it does surprisingly well at. Or better yet, you drive the car like it was meant to. She gets all 268 hp to the ground surprisingly quick, and before you know it you're requesting take-off clearance from the local tower. And then you do it over and over again, and soon you feel much better. It works every time. That pretty much sums up how I got the idea for the name.

On my first drive!

I look forward to sharing much more about my 2015 Subaru WRX with you very soon. To keep up to date on all the action, please follow me on Instagram at @19andrew and on Facebook for notifications.

Until next time, later and enjoy the drive.

Andrew

Blog Under Construction 

This blog is intended to inform followers about the new 2015+ Subaru WRX line and the many personal modifications that can be applied.