Meet Phil: Our Mechanic Extraordinaire and His Subaru
Welcome to our very first blog post! Today, we’re kicking things off by introducing one of the core members of our team - Phil, our dedicated mechanic with a deep passion for all things Subaru. Phil isn’t just a mechanic; he’s a true Subaru enthusiast. Whether he’s fine-tuning a performance upgrade or solving a tricky repair, his personal love for Subarus shines through in every job he does. In this post, you’ll get a closer look at his own prized Subaru-a car that reflects his commitment to quality, performance, and genuine passion for the brand.
Building the Ultimate 2004 Subaru Impreza
WR1 (263): My Mod Journey -Phil
When I first picked up my 2004 Subaru Impreza WR1, I knew it had potential beyond what Subaru intended. This car has become more than just a vehicle - its a passion project, consistently evolving into something that reflects my obsession with performance and precision. Here’s a deep dive into the modifications I’ve made to transform my WR1 into a beast on the road.
Engine & Power Upgrades
At the heart of this build is an engine built by Andy Williams a 2.5 closed deck Block paired with the original WR1 heads. This setup provides the ideal combination of durability and flow for high power. Here’s how the rest of the powertrain has come together.
Craig Belworthy 3076 Turbo: This turbo is the star of the show, providing insane spool and top-end performance, perfect for aggressive driving.
Mishimoto Front Mount Intercooler & Induction Kit: These keep intake temperatures in check and ensure the engine breathes easily.
APS 3.5” Exhaust: A monstrous system that lets the turbo exhale freely, delivering both performance and an intoxicating soundtrack.
Rich Ellis Custom Up Pipe: Precision - engineered for maximum reliability under extreme conditions.
GFB Components: Including the EX44 external wastegate for boost and control, a Mach2 blow-off valve for response, and a lightweight pulley kit to reduce parasitic losses.
To support the higher demands of the upgrade turbo and airflow system, I’ve also enhanced the fuel system. Key upgrades include:
Walbro 450lph In-Tank Fuel Pump and Sytec 044 External Fuel Pump: Ensuring there’s no shortage of fuel supply.
1.5-Litre Swirl Pot: A must-have for consistent fueling during high-G cornering.
Torque Solutions Parallel Fuel Rails and Custom AN Fuel Lines: Designed for equal fuel distribution and reliability under high pressure.
GFB Fuel Pressure Regulator: Dialing in the perfect pressure for peak performance.
Custom Carbon Touches
The engine bay isn’t just functional - it’s also a visual treat. I’ve added custom carbon components, including:
Carbon Intake Snorkel: A custom design that complements the Mishimoto induction system.
Carbon Alternator Cover: Because who doesn’t love the clean, aggressive look of carbon fiber?
Drivetrain & Clutch
With all the additional power, the stock drivetrain wasn’t going to cut it. Entre the Extreme Twin Plate Clutch paired with a lightweight flywheel. This setup can handle the extra torque while keeping shifts responsive and precise.
Braking Upgrades
To harness the power and ensure confidence on the road, breaking is critical. My WR1 now stops on a dime thanks too:
K Sport 8-Pot Front Calipers with 356mm Floating Discs: These, paired with K Sport pads, provide immense stopping power.
Brembo Rear Calipers: Combined with MTEC discs and DBA track pads for consistent rear-end braking performance.
Suspension Enhancements
Handling is just as important as speed, so I’ve upgraded to Pedders Ezifit Suspension. This setup provides the perfect balance between comfort and performance, making the WR1 just as at home on a twisty backroad as it is on the motorway.
Electronics & Monitoring
Managing and monitoring a build like this requires precision electronics. Here’s what’s keeping everything in check:
Simtek ECU: Tuned by Steve Simpson to extract every ounce of performance while maintaining reliability.
Aim MXG Dash: A fully customized digital display that provides all the critical data I need in real time.
Pro Sport Gauges: For monitoring additional parameters.
AEM Wideband: Essential for keeping tabs on air-fuel ratios and maintaining safe performance levels.
Acknowledgments
Of course, none of this would’ve been possible without the expertise and hard work of Richard at Fflat Four Performance. From intricate custom work to fine-tuning every detail, his dedication has been invaluable in bringing this build to life. Hugh thanks to him for making this dream a reality.
The Results
This build represents years of dedication, trial and error, and countless late nights in the garage. It’s no longer just a 2004 Impreza WR1 - It’s a car that embodies my pursuit of perfection. From the aggressive turbo setup to the refined suspension and braking system, every modification serves a purpose.
Whether I’m blasting down a straight or carving through a corner, this WR1 delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience like no other. And while it’s easy to talk about horsepower figures or lap times, what truly matters is the connection I feel every time I drive it.
This build is still evolving-because, lets face it, no project car is ever “done.” for now, though, this WR1 is everything I dreamed it could be-and more.
