As for grip, the SPT returned a skidpad number of 0.85 g on optional Dunlop SP Sport summer performance tires. Several editors noted that the SPT car suffered from markedly less understeer than a normal WRX. The Performance Parts Help Some Test Figures-but Only JustĪlthough some people might assume the installation of the lower chassis brace (it connects the subframe to the engine support and supposedly increases overall rigidity) and front strut bar might have a dramatic effect on grip, braces such as these are aimed at increasing steering feel and maintaining suspension geometry during aggressive driving, and that’s exactly what they did. But its placement makes the transmission-fluid dipstick damn near impossible to get back into its hole, so we’d be inclined to go with a turbo blanket instead, to preserve the ability to easily check the trans fluid. It retains heat in the turbo (to maintain exhaust gas velocity) and blocks excess heat from further warming the intercooler. The shiny turbo shield adds a bit of pop to the engine bay, and it’s not terribly expensive at $50. The shift knob is more comfortable to use than the stock knob, but there’s no way it’s worth $170-we’d look for a far less expensive alternative. The lip spoiler, the grille, and the footwell illumination, for instance, looked really cool but are ultimately nonfunctional, and losing them lops more than $750 off the total. There are, however, a few items that can be skipped to save some coin. That’s a lot of parts, and they don’t come cheap: The extras totaled more than $2500 before installation. Extra style was taken care of by an STI shift knob ($170), footwell illumination ($47), a lip spoiler ($370), and a chrome sport grille ($345). The parts that actually did stuff included an STI short-throw shifter ($295), STI shifter bushings ($25), a front strut-tower brace ($230), a lower chassis brace ($200), a turbo heat shield ($49), and a performance exhaust system ($820). The list was extensive and covered performance and aesthetic elements. So we called up Subaru and borrowed a 2009 WRX five-door the company had fitted with several SPT (Subaru Performance Tuning) add-ons.
![subaru wrx short throw shifter subaru wrx short throw shifter](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3ouisDLT4rQ/maxresdefault.jpg)
It offers a whole slew of factory parts for the Rex, most of which carry the added benefit of a factory warranty.īut we wanted to know if spending dough to spice up the plenty-hot WRX was worth it. Although there’s no TR model in the current lineup, don’t think Subie has abandoned the tuner crowd. Indeed, it’s rare to find an example that hasn’t been altered in one way or another, and the previous-generation WRX was even offered in a “Tuner Ready” TR trim intended as a factory-built blank slate for bolt-ons and personalization.
![subaru wrx short throw shifter subaru wrx short throw shifter](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1398/9853/products/Boomba-Short-Throw-Shifter-Lever-Subaru-WRX-2015-2021_99ddf79c-6732-4bf4-8732-e7cd8b4e8716.jpg)
The Subaru Impreza WRX is a car that’s perfect for modification, with its willing chassis and 265 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque serving as great foundations for building an all-conquering rally beast.