Project: 2002 WRX Wagon -- The Gravel Express

[CaptainHenreh]

Well. I'll take delivery today, and I'm not doing anything at the moment, so here goes:

The Gravel Express!

Specs:
2002 WRX Wagon
Color: Sedona Red Pearl
Mileage @ Start: 115,621
Engine: 1994cc 'EJ205'
Rating: 227hp / 217 ft-lbs
Total Cost as of August 12, 2010: $6000

Pictures:








Known Issues:
Rashed up Wheel (writeoff)
Fucked up RF fender
Timing belt is in need of a change.
Left Fog Light is inoperable
Cloudy headlights

Immediate action:
Delivery is going down today. Friday, car will be delivered to mechanic for the following:
Timing Belt
Water Pump
Acc Belt
Fluid change
Spark Plugs
Brake Check
General Health Assessment
Alignment
Fog light repair

When that is complete the first order of business will be sourcing a new stock WRX wheel, and either a new SRP Wagon fender or a pair of SRP sedan fenders. Then I'm gonna try to "ding king" the dent in the hood.

Modification Philosophy:
Reliability combined with tarmac and gravel performance. Power goal is in the 250's (wheel). Goal is something not out of place at a Rally-X, but with good street manners. Drag racing & track days are not required duty for this project

Tentative Roadmap:
Aug 2010: Health check and basic maintenance. Set baseline. Clean interior, address interior deficiencies. (Translation: MOAR Satellite radio) Attempt to address fender situation. Immediate fender action: Large "Band-Aid" sticker.
Oct 2010: Source Subaru 4 Piston brakes & related parts. This will likely necessitate a wheel change. (or a 5mm spacer, at a minimum) Possibility of larger TMIC. Non-stock gauge additions. Boost, oil pressure, ┬┐Wideband?
Dec 2010: Address suspension. Research and purchase "medium-duty" stock height suspension.
Uncharted (2011): Power gains. Focus on reliability over maximum horsepower. At 130k+, turbocharger will likely need replacing. Excellent opportunity for properly sized turbocharger in line with mod philosophy goals.

For those curious about "Gravel Express", basically that's what the turbo Outback Sport was called in Japanland. I think it's appropriate for this project, considering what I want it to do.