This 2002 Subaru WRX STI is far from stock. Built over several years with a dedication to both street performance and rally-inspired design, this WRX showcases a carefully curated balance of power, style, and engineering. With 480kW at the wheels and an attention to detail that spans every corner of the car, it’s a build that reflects experience, experimentation, and a clear goal: creating a true street monster.
Exterior Mods – Built to Be Seen
Inspired by its WRC roots, this WRX’s exterior modifications set it apart:
- WRC Front Bar for a bold and aggressive look
- Genuine STI Bonnet and Scoop to aid airflow and keep the aesthetics true to its identity
- Rally Spec Wheels are used in competitive rally applications
- Carbon Fibre Accents on side mirrors and roof spoiler to reduce weight and enhance appearance
- Side Skirt Extensions for improved aerodynamics and road presence
- WRC-Inspired Rear Wing as a nod to the car’s rally heritage
- Rear Diffuser and Adjustable Muffler with noise control features for street compliance
- STI Brembo Brake Package with Two-Piece Slotted Rotors to ensure adequate stopping power under intense conditions
Interior Setup – Track-Ready Meets OEM
The cabin retains the OEM look while introducing essential upgrades:
- STI Black and Blue Seats for comfort and style
- Genuine STI Steering Wheel maintains factory feel
- Colour-Matched Interior Panels bring the rally blue exterior inside
- AEM Performance Gauges monitor boost, AFR, and oil pressure
- NOS Switches (Disabled) hint at previous or future experimentation
- STI 6-Speed Gearbox provides a durable transmission foundation
- Electronically Adjustable Suspension Controller fine-tunes ride quality for street, drag, or mountain driving
- HTech IC7 Digital Dash adds fully customizable digital readouts, tailored to vehicle data and owner preferences
Engine Bay – Precision and Performance
Under the hood is a purpose-built 2.1L stroker setup designed for high output:
- Forged Internals: CP pistons, rods, and race bearings
- Kelford 272 Cams, Ported Heads, Copper Head Gasket & Fire Rings for combustion efficiency and durability
- Garrett 3584RS Turbocharger rated up to 900 hp
- Rotated Intake Manifold by Process West with Hypertune Throttle Body
- Custom PSI Headers with Screamer Pipe and Full Exhaust System
- 2,700cc Injectors with Radium Fuel Rails and TGV Deletes to support aggressive fueling demands
- Electric Power Steering Conversion to accommodate high-RPM reliability
- Mishimoto Cooling System with dual fans and catch can integration
- Blitz Coilovers are controlled electronically
- ATI Harmonic Damper and Clear Timing Covers for function and style
- Link CAN Lambda Sensor for real-time air-fuel ratio monitoring
Boot Setup – Fuel System Engineering
Fuel delivery and power management continue into the boot:
- Raceworks Surge Tank provides consistent fuel under load
- Triple Walbro 460 Pump System: 1 in-tank, two inside surge tank
- Battery Relocation to the rear for better weight distribution
- Custom Fuse, Relay, and Breaker Setup mounted securely for safe and accessible power management
Performance Figures
This WRX STI has the numbers to back up its aggressive spec sheet:
- Power Output: 480kW at the wheels
- Torque: 1,100Nm
- Boost Pressure: 32 PSI (limited by current wastegate spring)
- Last Dyno Session: Late 2022
- Transmission Limit: Stock STI 6-speed estimated safe limit around 500kW
Owner’s Build Journey
This build began as a shared passion within a car enthusiast group and evolved into a technical showcase. Originally purchased to be part of a WRX club, the owner steadily transformed it over seven years, investing in high-quality parts and expert craftsmanship.
The standout feature for the owner is the HTech IC7 Dash, which replaces the original cluster with a fully digital, customizable display offering vital engine stats.
While the engine build is complete, the next step is an upgraded gearbox — potentially a sequential or H-pattern suited for higher power tolerance and better control.
Despite the love for the build, the owner candidly advises newcomers to think twice before diving into similar projects due to the high cost of achieving reliable power. This isn’t a build for the faint of wallet.
This WRX isn’t a “forever car” for the owner, but it holds a key place in his journey as a street-driven performance car.
Final Words
The 2002 Subaru WRX STI featured here is a street car with the soul of a rally warrior. Blending nostalgic appeal with cutting-edge mods demonstrates what’s possible when commitment, engineering, and vision collide. With power nearing the limit of the stock drivetrain, this build strikes a rare balance between functional street use and show-stopping performance.
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