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Old 02-03-2021, 05:40 PM   #1
Johnnybravo382
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 522133
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: North Carolina
Vehicle:
2018 WRX STI
Crystal black silica

Default Newbie from NC

Hi everyone. My name is Jonathan and I recently (and finally) got the car I've wanted for years. I ended up with a 2018 STI Limited...and I love it so much.

I've been a car buff for over 20 years and spent much of that time modifying my Mustang GT convertible for both show and go. It was retired to being weekend driven years ago. I've been wanting a fun, 4 door daily driver again ever since...specifically an STI.

I got my STI about 2 months ago and have spent some time doing "safe" modifications...new headlights, adding fog lights, new shifter and bearings. I also have a grimmspeed CAI and Accessport that I will be installing soon. I would love some recommendations for some other performance mods, but I want to keep a few things in mind. I want to make sure whatever mods I do don't make my car have issues passing state inspection here in NC. I have had to take my mustang to a different county every year for the last 15+ to have it inspected and don't want to go through that with another car too. Secondly, my car is and will be daily driven. I don't want to do things that will make my daily costs of driving it go through the roof. Lastly, I don't want it to be ungodly loud or "droney". I would be ok with some sound gain that correlated to performance gain, but I am not building my car to be loud...the quieter the better.

Thanks everyone!
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Old 02-03-2021, 06:41 PM   #2
Jack
Add Lightness
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Member#: 13699
Join Date: Dec 2001
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Hopkinton, MA
Vehicle:
2021 Building
It Better

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The STi is a great car right out of the box. Exhausts that are legal (cat back) give you zero performance gain. They're simply annoying noise makers. Intakes are similar except they often reduce performance. I tend to go by the question: What's wrong with the car? If you don't have a clear answer, then leave it for now. Some people like short shifters. There are some great ones out there. But I'd recommend you find someone with one who will let you try it out. Personally, I don't like them at all, but plenty of people do like them.

Welcome to NASIOC. I can somewhat relate to your purchase as my son (also named Jonathan) just bought a 20 STi base and I've been able to drive it a bit and like it a lot. If it were mine, I'd change the 19" wheels to 18's with taller tires. It's an impressive car.
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Old 02-03-2021, 08:55 PM   #3
Scooby South
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Member#: 238
Join Date: Sep 1999
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Vehicle:
OG05 STi
51E

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Welcome...Depending on where you are in NC.. you have "ALOT" of resources at your disposal. one of the Best in the Business is http://www.boxer4racing.com outside of Asheville. Talk to Dale. he will help you choose the correct path... he has over 25 years of experience on Modding Subaru's and has a wealth of knowledge and packages to suite your needs.. There is alot of information to be absorbed here but take some of it with a grain of salt. Jack brought up some good points to consider. I always ask, "What are you wanting to do with the vehicle?" that will help you choose what path you want to take .. again talk to Dale.. he has a wealth of knowledge.. He understands the NC Inspection laws.. good luck .. don't be afraid to ask the questions..

Bill *used to live in Asheville
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Old 02-04-2021, 08:00 PM   #4
Johnnybravo382
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Member#: 522133
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: North Carolina
Vehicle:
2018 WRX STI
Crystal black silica

Default

Thanks for the input guys....I'm actually more in the Raleigh area, so the middle to eastern side of the state. I do occasionally make it out to the Asheville area, so maybe I'll still give him a call as I need someone I trust, so I love recommendations (Thanks!). As far as the "what's wrong with the car how it is?" question...absolutely nothing is wrong with it. I loved it when it was bone stock. I just like adding my own touch. I want it to stand out and be a step above (at least in my eyes, which is obviously what matters). I'm not looking to go crazy by any means. But if I can make it even a little more fun for myself without crossing that line, I'd love to!
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Old 02-05-2021, 09:50 AM   #5
Jaws4God
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Member#: 521646
Join Date: Jan 2021
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: North Carolina
Vehicle:
2003 Impreza WRX 207
02C, 42C World Rally Blue

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Welcome Fellow NCer!

Raleigh is a little far from me in Charlotte but if you are ever down this way let me know! i'm new to the Subby world and looking forward to meeting up with other enthusiasts to learn!
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Old 03-01-2021, 10:49 AM   #6
dstan
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Member#: 120386
Join Date: Jul 2006
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Asheville NC
Vehicle:
2000 BRP 2.5RS Coupe
Wow the 89 Civic is fast

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Welcome to the forum and STi ownage, they are great out of the box! Please make sure you talk to Dale before installing an AccessPort! Something, something, about lean fuel and ringlands.
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Old 03-02-2021, 12:52 PM   #7
turboICE
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 33979
Join Date: Mar 2003
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Charlotte, NC
Vehicle:
2006 STi
WRB

Default

Get a good Air Oil Separator (AOS) and the cylinder 4 cooling mod - should be the first two mods done on a turbo Subaru engine-wise, before anything else and even if staying stock.

If by performance mods you mean power mods as opposed to suspension mods, your results will be extremely limited while maintaining emissions legal exhaust. There are some high flow catted systems that will enable a lot but you probably will balk at the cost. However, from what I understand in NC, there are at least some sites that will not perform a visual inspection if the ecu comes back with no emissions codes. I know of at least one completely catless STi with Cobb cleared emissions checks that passed NC inspection within the last week.
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