Blaster's CGM Wagon

[blaster]

Guess it's about time I get started with a real journal (not like this one: http://wrxatlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22482).

Gather 'round, children, and hear the story of my CGM WRX Wagon…

I shouldn't have this car. I never wanted this car. I just wanted to get an Impreza Outback Sport with a 5-speed. Coming from an underpowered Civic and a rickety AND underpowered Integra, I figured the 175hp was enough. As you all know, that's just not true.

Having no luck at all finding an OBS with a manual, and getting lots of pressure from all my coworkers, and even vendors, to "GET THE ONE WITH THE SCOOP, MICHAEL!" I went to look at a WRX in Tucker. The whole ride out there I was repeating, this is a bad idea, this is a bad idea… I had the same mantra when I was walking around the car and looking at those shiny red brakes, and even moreso when I actually drove the beast, but no matter how much I thought she would get me in trouble, I fell in love with her instantly. Now I imagine boost being a lot like crystal meth – one hit and all you want is more. (Hmm, crystal meth, crystal gray metallic WRX wagon… Coincidence?)

Just a few days later, I was in the doghouse for buying a new car, but dammit, that car was mine. That was October of 2008, and I've only become happier and happier with the car as time goes on, even if frustration/bloody knuckles/aggrivation is what makes a Subaru a Subaru, love's in there somewhere, I'm sure.

I started out simple with working on the wagon, first just learning how to change the oil and reading up as much as I could on anything and everything else. With some help from all of you, I've gotten more into wrenching, performing my 60k maintenance, and doing brake pads and lines. Now the only real reason I want to mod is so I have reason to spend more time working on the car. As difficult as it can be, it's just one other thing I love about my wagon.

Current mod list is short:
Cobb Stage 1
Whiteline Rear Strut Brace
HPS Pads
Stainless Brake Lines
K&N Drop-in Filter
Killer B Radiator Shroud
Killer B Alternator Shroud (a little bling never hurt anyone)
Ikea Mudflaps (to keep my Swedish meatballs clean)

Current plans for the car are a bit more ambitious, but not crazy:
20mm Sedan Rear Sway (waiting to be put on)
Kartboy Solid Endlinks all around (waiting to be put on)
Sedan Control Arms (also waiting to be put on – stupid no garage, dirt driveway, and rainy weekends)
STi Springs with Paranoid Fab Saggy Butt Spacers (again, waiting)

In the future the front sway will be upgraded to a Whiteline 27-29mm, and the rear a 22mm. Wheels and headlights will be painted black once it gets warmer, and a matte black roof is in the works, too.

I eventually hope to go stage 2, picking up an STi intercooler and VF39 as well (of course with an AP), but that's a ways off.

[blaster]

And on the seventh day, God (finally) said "let there be solid endlinks and a sedan rear sway bar."

I've been waiting freakin' forever to put this junk on.

[Alex]

Nice -- install the rest!

[mmtasty]

Very nice. You can ALWAYS come to my place and use my garage and tools.

[blaster]

Couldn't have done it without you guys. Thanks for all the help, and in some cases the parts.

[blaster]

Finally bit the bullet and got an AP. Just flashed Stage 1 and so far it feels real nice.

[09Wed_Wex]

Hey....what a nice ride here! Love that color and just the whole package is stunning to me..great job!

[09Wed_Wex]

Originally Posted by blaster

And on the seventh day, God (finally) said "let there be solid endlinks and a sedan rear sway bar."

I've been waiting freakin' forever to put this junk on.

Nice...those end links are HUGE!

[blaster]

Originally Posted by 09Wed_Wex

Hey....what a nice ride here! Love that color and just the whole package is stunning to me..great job!

Thanks, she's got a loooooooong way to go.

[Protocol]

I can't wait until you get this puppy installed.