Modified 2014 Subaru WRX - One Take
**Full Article Based on Video Transcription:**
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### Introduction to Shane’s Subaru WRX Build
Good morning, everyone! Welcome to another episode where we’re experimenting with audio setups today. We’ve got a new audio setup, and I hope it works well. If it doesn’t, I apologize in advance. This is such a cool car—this is Shane, and he’s brought out his Subaru WRX, which initially looked like an STI to me because of its aggressive stance. But no, it’s a WRX with a five-speed transmission. Shane mentioned that we need to be careful with the transmission since it looks so dope but isn’t built for heavy launches.
Shane gave a detailed explanation about his car: it has a fully built motor with a turbo, end link sway bars, coilovers, and an E85 cooler. The list of modifications is impressive, and the car’s stance and overall build are nothing short of amazing. As he drove up, the car idled like a diesel truck, which was both loud and commanding. Shane also mentioned that there’s some poly in the transmission mount and motor mount pitch stop, making it serious and stiff.
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### The Journey to SEMA
Shane traveled all the way from San Diego for this meet, and I want to express my appreciation for his dedication. It’s not easy driving such a long distance just to share his passion for cars. This is Shane’s second Subaru of the day, the first being an STI with similar steering characteristics. The car feels very responsive, but it’s also loud enough to grab attention—something that has happened multiple times already.
When asked about horsepower, Shane mentioned that it should be around 360 depending on the wheels. For a stock turbo setup with only 18 psi of boost, this is impressive. However, he noted that the car feels powerful as long as the brakes aren’t overworked. The stock brakes feel solid for casual driving but might struggle under heavy track use.
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### Suspension and Handling
The suspension setup on Shane’s WRX is top-notch. He mentioned that it rides well with a nice amount of damping and no rub, which indicates proper alignment and height adjustments. Shane shared that he got the coilovers from a friend for only $500—a steal! The car’s handling feels tight but smooth once you load it up during cornering.
The steering, while slightly lazy at center, comes to life when you put weight on the car. This makes it fun to drive, especially with tires that provide excellent grip. Shane mentioned that he’s using Tokyo coils for this build, and while they might not be the best for every situation, they work well for his needs.
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### Exhaust and Sound
The exhaust system on Shane’s WRX is a standout feature. It has a unique sound that changes at different RPM levels, making it feel alive during acceleration. The turbo noise is minimal inside the cabin because the exhaust is so loud—it’s more about feeling the vibrations than hearing them. This makes for an intense driving experience, especially when you’re in traffic and everyone around you can see (and hear) just how serious this car is.
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### Brakes and Tires
Shane’s braking system has been tested a bit during the drive, but it still holds up well. While there might be some warping on the front discs, he plans to address that when necessary. For now, the brakes are sufficient for casual driving and light track use.
As for tires, Shane is using Atlanta wheels with random Asia rubber. He mentioned that these aren’t the best options for extreme conditions but work well for his current setup. His favorite part of SEMA every year is checking out the Chinese Tire section to see what’s trending—something he highly recommends to anyone interested in unique wheel and tire combinations.
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### Personal Touches and Military Background
Shane shared a bit about himself, including his military background. He recently got out of the Marine Corps after spending time at Pendleton, where he had access to some serious toys like machine guns and hovercrafts. His passion for cars and mechanical engineering clearly shines through in this build.
He also mentioned that this WRX isn’t his daily driver but rather a weekend warrior. With only 10 miles of commute each day, it’s more about fun than practicality. Shane is currently unemployed and focusing on training while he figures out his next move.
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### SEMA Show Highlights
The SEMA show has been a blast this year, with Shane showcasing his WRX alongside other impressive builds. He mentioned that there are very few cars like his in terms of color and styling, which makes it even more unique. The attention to detail is evident, especially with the E85 cooler and other custom touches.
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### Driving Impressions
Driving Shane’s WRX has been a treat. It’s easy to rev-match and feels incredibly responsive, especially when you load up the chassis during cornering. The five-speed manual transmission gives it an authentic driving feel, something that’s hard to replicate with automatics or dual-clutch systems.
The shifter is notchy but precise, making every gear change feel deliberate. The suspension and bushings work together to provide a solid foundation, even when navigating tight turns at high speeds. Shane mentioned that the turning radius is impressive, allowing for quick adjustments on the road.
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### Future Plans
When asked about future upgrades, Shane plans to focus on improving the brakes and possibly upgrading the tires for more serious track use. He’s not aiming to build a full race car but rather something fun and capable of handling both street and track driving with ease.
Shane also mentioned that he hasn’t driven a car this fun in a while, which speaks volumes about how well-sorted this WRX is. The combination of power, grip, and adjustability makes it an absolute joy to drive.
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### Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This has been an incredible day with some seriously well-sorted cars, and Shane’s WRX is no exception. It’s a testament to what can be achieved with careful planning, attention to detail, and a passion for mechanical engineering. If you’re interested in seeing more of Shane’s work or following along with his journey, make sure to check out his YouTube channel—Subrosa—and follow the build as it evolves.
Thank you, Shane, for bringing such an amazing car to SEMA. It’s been a pleasure driving and talking about your creation. If anyone has any questions or comments, feel free to reach out below!
Until next time, keep those engines revving loud and those cars running fast!
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*End of Article*