Installs
Gutting a Stock WRX UpPipe and Turbo Back Install
by Subachad on Dec.09, 2010, under Installs
What started out as a long day which would include a new clutch, finishing up a gutted stock up pipe and installing a turbo back exhaust turned into a long day, but no clutch install.
Gutting a stock Up Pipe:
Gutting a stock WRX Up Pipe is not easy, but should not be this hard. I have done a couple now and this was more difficult than the first. I no longer have a long air hammer attachment which is able to go all the way through the Catted part so I cut one that’s close and lengthened it by adding some 1/2” angle arm. Well, the cat is stronger than the steel so it took a few different “versions” of the extension, some beating on it with some large screwdrivers and a few hours of work to get this done. Luckily Darin was there to help tag team this as it took a fair amount of time. The end result is a clear path in the up pipe which fits as good as stock and retains the heat properties of the stock piece. As such, it’s unlikely to leak or have any other issues. One other thing to note is I like to weld the egt port shut as it would just through a CEL anyway. A 2.2K OHM resister goes into the plug to resolve the CEL.
Darin, AKA Route69 Gutting a WRX UpPipe
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Honda Element SC Rear Bumper Replacement Part 2
by Subachad on Aug.02, 2010, under Body, Installs
In Part 1 of this 2 part series we removed the bumper cover, the crash bar and the beam. Now it’s time to re-center the tailgate and put everything back together.
It’s been about a month since the actual install so I’ll let the pictures and descriptions do the talking.
Honda Element SC Rear Bumper Replacement
by Subachad on Jun.14, 2010, under Body, Installs
Making room to get under the car
This article actually got started a few weeks prior when my wife was rear ended at a red light. The damage is not too bad, but since the car is new, we would like to replace all the parts to get it back to “like new” condition.
With that said, let’s get to it!
2009 WRX Coilover Install
by Subachad on May.06, 2010, under Installs, Suspension
Pretty much any car designed for the masses is going to be somewhat neutral in many aspects. Suspension is a great example of this as the average person doesn’t want a firm ride or the worry of breaking the front bumper cover off when getting just a little to snug to a curb. Automotive enthusiasts however, are a slightly different breed. We notice that split second gab between turning the wheel and the car following along. We are ok with a little more noise, we want the car to be firm and responsive.
Springs vs Coilovers – The debate will continue. Personally I say springs. You can get a nice firm responsive whip without being overly jaring. Coilovers really limit the amount of suspension travel you have. For example, you might need to jack up your car 4 inches before the tire leaves the ground. With coilovers, it’s only going to be about an inch. The nice thing about coilovers such as installed here, are the advantages of setting ride height, spring rate and shock firmness.
This install is about coilovers. The install is pretty much the same as a regular spring install with a few key differences.
Epic Springs and a Downpipe Install on a 2009 WRX Hatch
by Subachad on Apr.19, 2010, under Engine, Installs, Suspension
Another spring install on a WRX along with a Downpipe install. This time its a 2009 Impreza WRX Hatchback. Not only do these Epic Lowering Springs give the car a much nicer stance, it’s also a great suspension modification to improve the handling of the WRX without sacrificing ride quality.
Scroll through and click on the images for descriptions of the install.

