This week we review Michael's STi that sees a lot of track time and parking lot action
Michael's car: 2011 GRB STi Hatch
Engine and Drive-train: COBB Cold Air Intake + Box, COBB Cated Down pipe, COBB Boost Control Valve, COBB V3 Access Port, COBB Pro Tune, COBB Silicone Intake Couplers, SPT Cat Back exhaust, Polyurethane exhaust hangers, Group N Engine Mount, Group N Transmission Mount, Kartboy Pitch Stop, Kartboy Short Shifter, GrimmSpeed Master Cylinder Brace, Goodridge Steel Braided Brake Lines, Fluidampner Pulley, Radion Oil Air Separator.
Wheels/Tires/Suspension: WhiteLine Rear Subframe Bushings, WhiteLine Rear Differential Power Bushings, Factory BBS Wheels Blood Cherry Red powder coated & Diamond cut face, BFGoodrich G-Force Comp2 245/40ZR18 93W
Exterior: AVO Rear Diffuser, Duraflex Rear Canards, Rear LED Marker Lights, Rally Armor mud flaps, STi Side Skirts, STi Tarmac Competition Wing - ( Ordered & Due in Sep ), Varis Front Lip - ( Ordered & Due in Sep ), DiodeDynamics LED High Beams, DiodeDynamics LED Switchbacks, Custom LED Hella Horns with Halos
Interior: Pioneer 4100 NEX Head Unit, Under Seat Red LED Lighting, DiodeDynamics Interior Red LED Conversion Kit
So tell us a little about yourself:
I do Research and Development specializing in industrial automation with Panasonic. I design and create software that run the factories around the world that create and build the majority of the electronics people buy. I have a Masters of Project Management with a Bachelors and Associates in computers and networking. I enjoy cars, snowboarding, camping, video games, Trains, all kinds of Technology, Engineering, Star Trek, and most Sci-Fy.
How did you get into cars?
When I was younger my first car was a 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Custom with a 455 Rocket. To keep the car running I had to learn how to work on it, and with that I loved the feeling of fixing something and the mechanical engineering of the car. I changed jobs to start working at a Dodge Dealership to learn more, and then after that worked at Advance Auto Parts and JEGS during High School and college. All of this feed the passion to learn more and understand more about how different cars worked.
What are your future plans for the car, and what do you like to do with it?
Have a very set list for the hatch and want a balance of a daily driver and something I can take to the track any time. After this list is finished it will be onto the next project. If I find a new daily driver the plan is then to turn the hatch into more of a track rat car.
What's your favorite thing about your car?
There are a lot of things that I love about my car, and I love the unique and rare items. The thing I am most excited about is the wing that I thought I would never find. None of the photos have it yet, but it should arrive from Japan end of August. The wing that I am getting is from an actual Japan Race Team that is decommissioning there hatch car. Varis and others make knockoff's but this is the real deal, double deck carbon fiber wing.
What is your car like to drive?
The car is a blast to drive every day. I never wanted the fastest on the street, I just want something that is planted and gives confidence to push it more and more. I am an autocrosser and track person, so for me to be considered fast you have to turn more then less. With the suspension and brake upgrades I have done I can push it around corners on a track. It also has enough power to have fun between the stop lights, or on the back roads.
What was your inspiration or objective with this build?
The objective of the car is to have a balance between a daily driver, an autocross and track day racer, and something that at meets people stop to look at.
Why did you choose a Subaru?
I chose Subaru for a few reasons. First is I have wanted an STi hatch for a long time, and had the opportunity to finally get one. Second is Subaru's support of the LBGT community for a long time. As an added bonus once I have found a great community inside the brand, and that is why I will always be a Subaru driver.
Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses, or 1 horse-sized duck?
I think I would go with 100 duck sized horses.
Any shout-outs to anyone who helped you along the way (can be people or shops)?
Scooter and Kevin need a huge shout out and always help put on new parts, and then Dewey for being my crack dealer and always letting me know the best parts for my build.