Sometimes, understated is the theme for building a car. Sometimes over the top is the plan. Most times though a nice combination of the two is thought to be the best. I tend to lean towards the latter. Building a nice clean car that isn’t exactly run of the mill just does something to get my juices flowing. The 2004 WRX before is one of the nicer examples of what I refer to as a nice evenly built car. Nothing too crazy, yet not to be considered blah either.
Evan Singham took delivery of his 2004 Special Edition WRX and got started on making it his. Starting with the exterior of a car, (we all know that’s the first part you see). The car came from the factory in a Special Edition color called Black Java Pearl (How sweet a color named after my favorite drink). Evan has opted for the JDM center grille “I” badge rather than the stock Subaru badge, and to go along with the JDM theme of the front end he added a JDM license plate as well. The rest of the outside falls within the understated side of things with, simple graphics by Competition Graphix and 20% window tint, and a set of 8000k Tech One HIDS.
Improving the handling characteristics of an already amazing car has proven to be the undoing of many people along the way. The WRX has been reported to be one of the best handling cars stock in the world (at least for the price). The question is, can it made any better? Apparently Evan was inclined to try. Going with tried and true brands has proven fruitful for Evan, as now the cam seems more stable at high speeds, and more planted and maneuverable in the turns. Starting with the rolling stock Evan went with a set of 18″ Gold Ten Sport Max wheels and matched them to a sticky set of 225/40/18 BF Goodrich G-force KDW2s tires. For spring and damper duties Mr. Singham went to the experts in the form of Tein Springs and Tokico Struts. And lastly for good measure and the ability to keep the shock towers and front end sheet metal where the Subaru engineers intended it to be he went with an A-Spec Front Strut bar.
Now that the handling and looks were well under control the owner decided that the stock powerplant of the WRX just wasn’t enough. Not wanting to take away from the ability to daily drive the car, he decided to add just enough parts to help the little car that could, go just a little bit faster. And Injen cold air intake replaces the restrictive stock unit to allow the boxer engine to inhale a little more freely, while a Turbo XS downpipe helps make exhaling just as easy. We all know that an internal combustion engine is just a glorified air pump, so allowing it go pump more air just means more power to use. Half the fun of owning a turbo car aside from going like stink is all the really cool sounds that they make. Evan decided to change up the stock blow off valve with a unit from Turbo XS as well. He went with a Type H RFL model, and if you don’t know what RFL stands for I’ll give you a little hint. The R is for Really, and L is for Loud, you do the math and figure out what the F is for. So now with more air being able to get in, and that same air having an easier time exiting the turbine, what to do with those crazy exhaust gasses now? Simple. Keep talking to the fine folks at Turbo XS, and add one of their gorgeous Titanium exhausts.
So now what do we have? A car that looks great, handles well, and goes a bit faster than you average WRX. But what fun is that if you can’t enjoy the surroundings? Evan and I agree on the next point as well. Adding a little bit of extra security is next part of the master plan. After spending the better part of a years worth of wages buying and modifying a car, you’d want to keep it safe as well. Evan decided to add a few simple gauges and interior accoutrements to keep everything in check and a little more comfortable for him and his passengers on long drives. An Autometer gauge cluster with an Autometer carbon fiber Boost Gauge and an Autometer carbon fiber Air/Fuel Gauge keep all things motor related in check, and relay any problems back to the driver. Momo was called to duty when it comes to more than one task. A Momo steering wheel and shift knob now reside where the stockers once were. Recaro racing seats help keep driver and passenger firmly in their respective places whenever Mother Nature and the forces of gravity attempt to toss you about. An HKS turbo timer helps let the turbo cool, in case the driver forgets.
Keeping with the interior and electronic stuff, Evan decided to add a little bump in the I.C.E department of the car. Working with Rockford Fosgate helped deliver a nice clean, simple setup, that just works really well. Utilizing 2 Rockford Fosgate HE2 12” Sub Woofers, a Rockford Fosgate 1500 Amplifier, Rockford Fosgate Competition wires, and a set of Rockford Fosgate Component Speakers w/ Tweeters finish the sound spectrum nicely.
Evan hasn’t accomplished everything himself, and he asked if we could thank a few people for him. Evans says a HUGE thank you to all of these people: Anthony Stone, my grandmother! Atlantic Motorsports, Competition Graphics, Lexus of Rockville, Details,Details,Details INC, And all of his friends.
A someone who sees his fair share of modified cars as part of his daily grind I can honestly say that Evan has built a great car, and it’s a testament to sticking with a plan, and using an old theory. K.I.S.S.
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