It was 5:30am on Sunday, dragging myself out of a slumber I knew I had a mission to accomplish. Dan the Pro-Phan and I had to shoot a black beauty not for the first, nor second, but THIRD time. Now, not every shoot goes according to plan, but when we feel that a car deserves justice you better damn well believe we will do what it takes to make it happen. And determined to be successful with our third attempt Danh and myself embarked on yet another photo journey accompanied by Greg Lilly’s ultra sleek Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

This is the second feature that Greg has graced our blog with his first being his tastefully modded S2000, shot by local automotive photographer Chris Reno. Jumping from car to car, Greg always found himself back in a Subaru. Maybe it’s the madness that is within the Subaru community that keeps drawing him back or the driving experience. All I do know however is that he is no stranger to this Japanese AWD platform.

Words by the man himself,

“Many people remember me from my beginning stages starting with Honda, …first a 1995 Honda Civic EX, followed by a 1998 Integra GSR sedan. Some might think even with a recent stint in a 2001 S2000, I was a Honda guy. Wrong. After trading in that GSR for a 2002 WRX, the Subaru turbo boxer engine won my heart. I’ve owned 5 Subaru’s in less than 10 years. First was a 2002 white WRX, that one lasted just a few months and lost it’s life after 5x rollover. Number two was a 2002 silver WRX that was a full-on HIN trailer queen. Number three, the 2004 STI in Java Black Pearl, …it also followed suit. Number four went to my wife, in the form of a Tribeca SUV (now also retired for a QX56), and number five, ….well here we begin.

So, lets talk about the 2008 STI. At the time of purchase I had just sold my Lexus IS350 for an Avalanche, I was just about complete with my S2000 build and money was a bit tight. Then there was Wally and this Subaru “Special Year End Clearance Sale” on remaining 08 STI’s. 0% financing, up to 5 years, 0 down, …It was tough seeing all my Subaru friends buying them up at these great deals …If I recall correctly, Wally sold 16 STI’s in the month of December. He knew I wanted one, as I was working on his first Gillman WRX Project and kept nagging him to let me buy it when the project was complete. January rolled around, and he told me there were two left, …”Greg,if you want one, this is the time”. I was tired of black cars, so I said I’ll take one in white. He replies, you can have black or black. LOL. Done, …I was back in another Subaru, another STI, another black car, …another black STI.

So here was with three cars, not including the wife’s Subaru Tribeca. Plans for the STI? I wasn’t even sure yet, I was just happy to get in one. I did opt for the Navigation and BBS package, even though my friends warned me not to. “You’re just going to change it all anyway”. They were right. It didn’t take too long before I had an aggressive set of Enkei GTC-01 wheels put on in the 19×9.5 flavor. There went the BBS wheels, with all but 300ish miles on them. And so it began. Next up was a set of Eibach springs, and soon after a Chargespeed carbon fiber lip kit. Then, some performance mods. I couldn’t wait for the break-in (1000miles) to come up, I had already ordered a COBB AccessPORT and downpipe. At Gillman Subaru Shop Day, we installed everything, I had 600 or so miles on the car. Don’t let the mileage fool you in to thinking these mods came fast, as I rarely drove the car. Keep in mind, I was still sitting on a S2000 and driving an Avalanche daily.

So the time comes to really think about the cars, what stays, what goes, where am I going? Michelle makes my decision easy, we’re having a baby! So I, “we”, decide to sell the S2000. While this took quite some time, it left me with such to decide which direction I was going to take the STI in. Clean, simple, use rare parts, quality parts, one off, …and a booming audio system (the S2000 system left me really wanting more).

By now it’s no secret, I love carbon fiber. Since the decision was made to take a more serious approach to the car, I was in search of all that’s carbon fiber. A hood seemed an easy choice. While I could have easily called upon Chargespeed for more of their JDM goodness, I chose a different route. I called Carbon by Design. If you don’t know them, don’t be surprised, not many do. Carbon by Design was commissioned by Subaru of America to build the hoods, roofs and rear wing for the Rally cars, even Ken Block’s famous Gymkhana STI(s). I had only one concern, as the nit-pick guy I am, I had to have the weave match the Chargespeed lip kit. Most carbon from Japan comes 1×1 (basket weave), which is a lot tighter than a regular 2×2 weave most commonly used and seen. To my good fortune, the guys at Carbon by Design were happy to do me a one-off in that 1×1 weave, …while they were at it, They also did the same for the rear extended wing (commonly branded as a Crawford Performance wing), …and just to make it even more special, I opted for a carbon fiber underside of the hood as well.

Things progressed, a few parts here and there. I swapped the STI shift knob for an ARC titanium bit, installed a Perrin front strut bar, and sent the headlights to LightWerks to remove the amber reflectors. While they were there, I had them add the “angel eye” kit. My lights were the first where set they had removed the light ring and installed it separately from the kit for an install where it’s hardly recognizable. A Perrin BOV was installed for a little bit if engine “bling”, as well as the APR carbon alternator cover.

I had the fortunate opportunity once again to have Jarred Bowen of PDX Tuning come down to Houston, (he tuned my previous 04 STI), for a personal tuning session. Before the session, I installed an AEM intake, since a custom tune was to come. Jarred and Nathan (formerly of TurboXS fame), had their way with my STI. We never got it to a dyno, as this was all road tuning, but their expertise estimates 300 hp / 350 torque. Not bad for just a few simple bolt ons.

Now we begin 2010. Time for change. Import Reactor was coming up, this is where Houston likes to debut their newest stuff. I’m no different. I special order SSR’s newest wheel, the SP3 in my usual choice of SBC finish in another aggressive fitment. Nothing too crazy, as I’m not a huge fan of the stretched tire look. But I did manage to fit some meaty 275’s on all 4 corners on the Suby, …the rims may look staggered, but they are not. 19×9.5+35 with NR wheel disk in the front, and 19×9.5+30 with SL wheel disk in the rear. Normally these take 3 months to ship, but I paid to air freight these suckers so I could have the first set in the states and in time for the event.

Along with the new rollers, I also needed a new set-up on the suspension for the new wheel fitment. Tanabe USA once again comes through for me. While they offered the Tanabe Sustec PRO 5 in Japan, it was still undergoing some final testing and was not yet available in the states. This was also completed and sent with the wheels. I was now the US test bed for the first of 5 sets to be sent across the pond. Corner balanced, lowered and aligned at Track Time Performance, Curt managed to actually keep the setting right on the edge of factory settings. Amazing.

Moving on to more rarities is the BRIDE Stradia Japan Edition seats. 2 of only 100 made, you won’t be seeing too many of these around. Black suede with carbon fiber shells, lightweight and comfortable, …as long as your on a diet. (hey, Subaru rally driver Dave Mirra approved when he signed my dash, sitting in them at the recent Gillman Big Event 2.) Not to let the seats steal the interior’s thunder, I had Custom Car Stereo work their magic in the hatch. As aforementioned, the S2000’s system, while looking great, left a lot to be desired in the sound department. I spared no expense, I wanted a system you could feel, that had the latest technology and looked great. Custom Car Stereo stripped the interior, Dynamatted the roof, all the doors and the hatch. What was estimated to be a 2 week install ended up being 6, …but in the end it was all worth it. The sound is amazing, and the install definitely draws attention. Oh, and the JL logo over the ports was my idea. 😉

As we neared the end of 2010, I was totally content with the car. It followed the theme I was looking for, but it still lacked a little more visual appeal. I wanted that subtle difference that people would ask, “what’s different here?”. I sent the bumper over to Steve at Excel Body Shop, we removed the pillar in the sport grill, and had to do a little cutting here, a little adding there, but it worked very well. Hiding behind the grill is a set of Hella Supertones painted flat black. I also removed the factory fog lights (another option from the factory that was eventually deleted), in favor of the APR Performance carbon brake ducts (also in 1×1 weave). Last was the new version 2 front lip from Chargespeed along with a set of carbon fiber eyelids. What used to be a friendly smile up front was now a menacing grin. Mission accomplished.

Having had some experience in building Subaru’s, this one wasn’t crazy, but it shows what could be done without doing just that. Not many have been working on the new GRB platforms as well, so I felt the car could still stand out in a room full of Subaru brethren. The car sits with just under 8000 miles (hence my nickname Mr. Hardparker, thank you JohnP). I go through cars like Tiger goes through women, so in new news, as you may have already heard, the STI is officially up for sale and I have taken on another car, …one that may surprise many, including myself.

Enter the 2010 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG. As I pondered what would be different for the STI in 2011, I thought I could either dump another 10-15 (or more) into a car that I had already felt was at it’s perfect state, or I could start over with something new. Something new was right. After building 3 prominent Subarus, I once again have chosen to stray from my comfort zone into a new genre of German engineering marvel. How did I come to this you may ask? Well, I was really looking at the Infiniti G’s, either coupe or sedan, but finding that a loaded model was upwards of $45k, I looked a bit further into another Lexus, …an IS-F. A few months ago my father was looking to upgrade to a 2010 SL550 when he called me and said the salesman was none other than Rokan, the same salesman who sold me my last two Subarus at Gillman. I noticed an AMG C63 sitting up front and inquired, he grabbed the key, I sat, started the engine and immediately fell in love. After a bit of research, I knew this car was on another level of performance alongside the BMW M3, the Lexus ISF, the Audi RS4, but it was this one that had found a new spot in my heart. My father has driven MB’s most of his life, …it almost felt natural to choose. However, the sticker price was way out of reach, …then a couple weeks later, I found myself googling “C63 Houston” and the color and trim I would have wanted popped up at Greenway MB. The next day I went and test drove the Certified Pre Owned car, …that’s all it took. I sold my soul to the devil to acquire the C63, but it’s done and I’m looking forward to a wild ride the next couple years.

Again, a special thanks to Gillman Subaru and Wally for their continual support in the Subaru community <3 " – Greg

–

From Honda to Subaru to Lexus and now a Mercedes C63. I am pretty stoked to see what Greg has lined up next!

Until next time.

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Greg’s 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

300hp / 350tq (est. at wheels)

Engine/Performance:

a. COBB Tuning AccessPORT
b. Custom AP tune by PDX Tuning
c. COBB Tuning downpipe w/ highflow cat
d. Greddy Spectrum Elite cat-back exhaust
e. AEM cold air intake
f. Perrin VTA blow off valve
g. STI short throw shifter
h. SPT oil cap
i. Braille 3121 carbon fiber lightweight battery
j. Braille aluminum mounting bracket
k. APR carbon fiber alternator cover

Exterior:

a. Chargespeed v.2 carbon fiber front lip
b. Chargespeed carbon fiber side skirts and rear strakes
c. Chargespeed carbon fiber eyelids
d. Carbon by Design carbon fiber hood
e. Carbon by Design carbon fiber rear wing
f. APR carbon fiber brake ducts
g. LightWerks angel eyes w/ amber reflector removal
h. Perrin shorty antenna
i. SPT sport grill (removed pillar and badge)
j. Debadged hatch
k. Rolled rear fenders
l. Tinted taillights

Interior:

a. Bride Stradia Japan Edition seats (black suede w/ carbon fiber shell)
b. Bride seat rails
c. SPT boost gauge
d. ARC titanium shift knob
e. Recaro toddler seat (yeah, it actually gets used)

Wheels:

a. SSR SP3 in SBC finish – 19×9.5 +35 NR (f) / 19×9.5 +30 SL (r)
b. Dunlop SportMaxx TT – 275/30/19 (f&r)
c. RAYS Duralumin lug nuts (black)

Suspension:

a. Tanabe Sustec PRO Five 12-way adjustable coilovers
b. Custom alignment and corner balancing
c. Perrin front strut bar

Stereo:

a. Alpine INA-W900 Navigation, Audio/Video system
b. Alpine iPod high-speed interface
c. Alpine Bluetooth
d. Alpine XM satellite radio
e. Alpine HD radio
f. PAC steering wheel control
g. JL Audio C5 650 components
h. JL Audio VR525 CXi coaxials
i. JL Audio 10W6v2 subwoofers (2)
j. JL Audio 450/4 amplifier
k. JL Audio 500/1 amplifier
l. JL Audio cables and wiring
m. Dynamat: doors, hatch, rear floor, roof
n. Custom Car Stereo custom ported sub-enclosure, wrapped in suede

3. Current Sponsors / Special Thanks:
a. Gillman Subaru
b. COBB Tuning
c. Tanabe USA / SSR Wheels
d. Custom Car Stereo
e. Track Time Performance
f. Nasioc.com
g. Houston-Imports.com
h. Mayday Garage

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All pictures taken exclusively for MaydayGarage by Danh Pro-Phan and myself.

– JohnP

JohnP (at) MaydayGarage.com

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