In Jon's world, old is gold, and his RSTi is proof to everyone else that he's right.
Jon's car: 1999 Subaru Impreza RS
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/jonlocke89
Engine and Drive-train: EJ257 built block w/ built EJ25 SOHC heads, forged internals, GT3076R, ID1000 injectors, Outfront Motorsports custom fuel rails, Tomei EL headers and uppipe, Tial 35mm EWG, Fujitsubo Stainless Steel exhaust, Hallman Pro RX manual boost controller, STi Drivetrain.
Wheels/Tires/Suspension: JDM v7 STi 5x100 wheels / BFG GForce Sport Comp 2 Tires / JDM v5 STi STruts and ProDrive Sport Springs
Exterior: A lot of STi v6 goodies
Interior: Autometer guages, Prosport wideband, HKS turbo timer, Evo 8 bucket seats, MOMO Steering wheel, Cobb dbl adjustable shifter
Tell us a little about yourself: I work as a cyber security professional at Blue Cross Blue Shield in downtown Chicago. I also teach the drum line at my old high school in Gurnee. I enjoy drums, cars, motorcycles, calisthenics, cruising in either car or a bike, working out, hanging out/BBQing with friends, Super Smash bros, Counter Strike, and snowboarding.
How did you get into cars? I have always been somewhat of a car enthusiast since I was a little kid. Loved Subarus since my middle school days. It was something about them that appealed to me, the sound of the exhaust, the looks, the speed, etc. My dad has worked on and built muscle cars when he was in his 20s, but when family came, he just admired from afar and didn't pursue that fun life any more. After I got my first car ('96 Nissan Maxima Automatic), I was hooked. I wanted to do the most ricy-ist things to it - cold air intake, suspension, muffler - I already had the subs and tints installed. I thought I was hot stuff in high school. But then I wanted to learn how to drive stick and that meant me getting a new car. After months of trying to find a 5MT Maxima or other vehicles I could afford, I just about gave up until I saw a 5MT '98 Subaru Impreza located in Madison, WI. After a number of years of driving the Impreza and modding it only a little, I got my first big boy job and purchased the '99 RS you are all familiar with. And the rest is history.
What is your dream car? It used to be a Nissan Skyline R34 (and it still is), but over the past few years, I've just fallen in love with the Audi R8.
What are your future plans for the car, and what do you like to do with it? More power! I plan on getting rid of the standalone ECU so that I can either go open source or AccessPort. Swap in built DOHC heads. I want this car to last even when I have kids so they can see all of the blood, sweat, money, and tears that went into the car over the years.
Do you go by any nicknames? If so, how did you get your nickname? My nickname is Jlo or Lockeness. Jlo came from my high school band friends, and Lockeness came from my buddies that I marched with in a competitive indoor marching drumline.
What's your favorite thing about your car? It's White, rust free and pulls hard.
What is something that you don't like about your car? The minor dings that have happened when people park next to me and not paying attention to how they open their doors.
What is your car like to drive? Hmm, honestly, out of all of the cars that I have driven, there is no comparison, so it is hard to describe. The car is not easy to drive, partly because of my 6 puck clutch, but when you get it to move, the car is quick, and can almost feel like a really fast go-cart.
What was your inspiration or objective with this build? My inspiration came from several featured RS builds within the Subiesport Magazine I used to get years ago. Off the top of my head, I can't remember which specific builds/owners they were though.
Why did you choose a Subaru? Because Love, it's what makes Subaru, a Subaru. When you have a taste of what Subaru vehicles have to offer, whether that's a stock Impreza or a highly modded STi, you really appreciate these vehicles. Plus, Subaru has a solid reputation for producing extremely safe and highly valued vehicles, but also fun and easy to mod vehicles for the enthusiasts.
What is something about you (or your car) that no one else would know about? I had dreams about this car before I owned it. The dreams were so detailed that I knew exactly when boost would kick in with the huge turbo. The first day this car showed up on a truck in my neighborhood, I took it out for a spin right away and sure enough, boost kicked in at the same time as it did in my dreams. It was amazing having an actual dream come true.
What makes your car special to you? My Car is one of few (that's clean) left out there. Though it's 17 years old, it's still a fantastic car. It's not the latest and greatest, but people come up to me and give me compliments about it.
Any memorable moments with you car that you would like to share? Haha oh man. There's plenty, but one of my favorites is getting stuck in Lower Whacker during a Sunday cruise night at around 11pm because I snapped one of my rear axles. Had to tow the car to a 24/hour shop and had to replace the JDM axle with a USDM axle that a 24/hour Autozone happened to have. Very long night, but grateful for the dude that helped me out (his name is drawing a blank).
Any shout-outs to anyone who helped you along the way? My dad! Six Star (the entire past and present crew), Crash Ramone, Jeff Smith, Jeff Callender, Anthony DiNatle, Chris Carlson, Eddie Fligel, Lots of friends who are not Subie owners, more peeps I can't think of at this moment in time.
