My WRB 2011 WRX hatch
 

Hey all, after posting too much junk in my introduction thread I decided to start a build thread. Car was purchased new on February 4, 2011 at Lasher Elk Grove Subaru. This is my first Subaru and the first car I've done any real modifications to. I like to do as much of the work as I can by myself, it's been a lot of fun learning how to wrench on it, but I'm no professional mechanic so a couple of the "bigger" mods I have had installed at shops, such as the struts.

Mods so far: (updated 2/26/14)

Custom tune from Fine Line Imports in Santa Rosa, CA

SPT cat-back exhaust

Cobb downpipe

Cobb 3-port boost solenoid

Cobb lightweight crank pulley

Cobb BPV

Cobb front and rear sway bars

Cobb rear endlinks

Kartboy front endlinks

AEM cold air intake

SPT short shifter linkage w/ Cobb double adjustable shift lever with Turn In Concepts pivot bushing and SPT shifter bushings

Group N transmission mount and pitch mount

Grimmspeed master brake cylinder brace

Stoptech SS brake lines

Koni struts w/ H&R Sport Springs

Enkei RPF1 wheels in gold, 17x8 +45

SPT front strut tower brace

STI front lip spoiler

TCSportline carbon fiber hood w/ Sparco hood pins

Rally Armor mud flaps - Black with blue logos

SPT turbo heat shield

SPT blue oil cap and battery tie down

Zero/Sports blue alternator cover and radiator shroud

Momo shift knob

Perrin 3" shorty antenna

5% tint on all the rear windows

debadged rear hatch

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nice rpf-1's :) good to see you have a car and can drive!

Those rims look right at home with the hatch body style!

good news :)

Nice thread, clean car!
see u around!

Looking sexy! Glad you are able to enjoy the car again

nice work on your car! hit me up if you ever want to do a photoshoot to update your thread.

Nice look you have going

thanks for the kind words all! @thejordan - I would like to get some real pics taken some time, i'll keep in touch.

Added the Subaru Side Window Deflectors

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Putting on the AEM CAI tonight, will post some pics later!

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Alright, put on the AEM last night and went out for a little drive. Haven't had too much time behind the wheel with it yet, but here are my first impressions from the install and first drive, probably nothing you haven't already heard about this intake.

First off it is huge, much bigger than the Cobb SF intake I had on previously, and due to where it sits it made for a slightly harder install vs the Cobb. The install itself is very easy and straightforward, I should clarify that it's getting the filter in without risking damage to it that is the tricky part. I had a friend help me with the install (always good to have an extra pair of hands and eyes) and we were able to get it in without hurting it, but do be careful as it's a tight fit.

I also opted for the AEM Pre-Filter Wrap which sounds like a great idea as it keeps dirt and splashes of water out of the filter without hindering airflow. The wrap is just so thin that it seemed to get pretty scratched up from the install. It's a little expensive ($30-40 range) for not being very durable but it gives me a little more piece of mind so I guess it's worth it.

Next up is the sound. After owning both the Cobb and AEM intake I can say the Cobb was louder, no question. I don't think one has a "better" sound than the other but if you are looking for the loudest intake supported with OTS AP maps go with the Cobb. Where the AEM really only seemes to make itself heard when you're getting on it, the Cobb seemed to always be talking to you. Don't take this as a bad thing, the AEM still makes a great sound and should be plenty loud for most, and my engine really does sound great with this on. The ACN 91 + AEM OTS map from Cobb feels FANTASTIC, very smooth power.

Now the big point when it comes to CAIs. I live in the Sacramento valley where it is known to flood and get nasty in the winter time. This filter does sit very, very low (as CAIs tend to) so I will probably switch back to my stock air box for those nasty months. I really would rather not risk it and the swap is so fast that you could swap the OEM airbox back in 20 minutes if you have a buddy to help or even if you just have all your stuff ready to go by yourself. If you are worried about water injestion and want to keep your filter on year round I would say go with the Cobb, I would have stuck with it myself but as I stated earlier in the thread I was having issues with my Cobb intake so I decided to try the AEM.

nice thread!

keep updating this thread for us 08+/2011 wrx.

I have a 2011 wrx as well and I like all the mods that you have done so far

loose thats cobb map and get a pro tune and it will feel much better haha! as always car still look amazing and I love the wheels!

@maryboi - thanks! I'm sure there will be more in the future. Have fun with your '11!

@04caliwrx - protune is at the top of my "to-do" list, have heard it makes a world of difference v.s. OTS maps, can't wait to find out for myself! And thank you, I try to keep her clean and, although the RPF-1s aren't a "rare" wheel by any means I love them.