The Bomber... Just another Impreza?

[frayz]

Here goes,

My 2002 Prodrive Edition V7 Bugeye STI. I've owned the car from a completely standard car and its evolved over an 8 year love/hate affair to what you see today.
Built entirely as a fast road car that I can take to the track rather than a stripped out noisy road legal racer.
I've spent hundreds of man hours on it and literally thousands of £££s.
Built 100% by myself at home in my garage.


Here's her full specification:

Built entirely by myself (Frayz-Engineering)
Mapped by Simon Roe (JollyGreen Monster)


Engine

New EJ257 block (modified by FE)
New EJ257 crankshaft
ACL race series main bearings
ACL race series big end bearings
Lateral Crower "long" H section forged con-rods
Lateral Wiseco custom pistons
RCM modified oil pump
Cosworth sump baffle plate
XWORKSS baffled sump

JDM Spec C long runner intake manifold
10mm Phenolic spacers

Walboro lift pump
Custom swirlpot
Bosch 413 Motorsport fuel pump in custom FE QR cradle
Fuelab billet filter
Custom FE fuel rails
Injector Dynamics 1000cc injectors
Fuelab FPR

JDM "Big Port" Spec C heads (modified by FE with custom combustion chambers and port work)
Supertech Stainless/Nitrided intake valves
Supertech Inconel exhaust valves
JDM Spec C cams
NGK Racing 8 spark plugs

PE Kevlar timing belt
CDF billet timing guide
New Genuine OEM waterpump, piston rings, gaskets/seals

GT-Spec Gen II, Zircotec ceramic coated tubular manifold
Custom T-Logic twisted inconel up-pipe
Garrett GT3582R turbocharger with Tial .82 V-band housing
DEI titanium turbo blanket
DEI titanium wrapped downpipe
Custom XWORKSS twisted downpipe
Tial 44mm External wastegate
Bespoke 3" lightweight race exhaust system from Simpson Race Exhausts. (Ceramic coated with bent down tailpipe)

Grimmspeed EBCS
3bar map sensor
160mm K&N filter mounted on custom 6x4 carbon intake trumpet
Custom FE/XWORKSS breather system and RTS catch tank

Exedy Hyper Compe-R twin plate carbon clutch
Exedy Hyper Compe-R forged billet flywheel
Goodridge braided clutch line
APS DR725 front mounted intercooler with custom FE pipework
Hardrace engine/gearbox mounts
Setrab 19 row oil cooler with custom FE housing

Ixiz-Concept bonnet dampers
Odyssey PC680 race battery
Hand built custom engine wiring harness

Samco hosing - coolant
Speedflow Fittings/hose - fuel

Power/Torque limited to 573bhp-520ftlbs @2.1bar

ECU

Syvecs S6 (Launch Control & AntiLag) with 8 individual cals adjustable on the fly


Braking system:

AP Racing 6 pot CP7040 calipers, 356mm AP grooved discs,
Pagid RS29 front pads
Colour coded black/yellow STI rear Brembos
Performance Friction Z/compound rear pads
Goodridge stainless braided hoses all round
Motul RBF600 brake fluid

Suspension Modifications:

Whiteline adjustable front sway bar
Whiteline adjustable rear sway bar
Whiteline HD mount kit
Whiteline camber bolts
Whiteline rear diff locking kit
Whiteline roll centre adjustment kit
SD Motorsport solid rear diff mount
KW Variant 3 External reservoir coilover dampers
CDF billet front ARB drop links
CDF billet rear ARB drop links
CDF billet pitch stop
CDF billet anti lift kit
Super Pro poly lower arm bushes
Super Pro poly outrigger bushes
Super Pro poly gearbox cradle bushes
AS Performance delrin gear linkage bush kit
Noltec billet clubsport pillow ball adjustable topmounts.
Custom STi front strutbrace
Custom (track bias) geometry setup
STI8 Spec C steering rack on Whiteline bushes

Wheels/Tires:

18x8 Speedline Turini
235-40-18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport
RAYS extended black lugnuts
Genuine Prodrive valve caps

Interior/Exterior Modifications:

Interior

Prodrive/Sparco Pro WRC carbon drivers seat
Prodrive/Sparco Pro WRC GRP passenger seat
Flocked dash with custom gauge pods
Flocked A pillars
Flocked Steering column cowlings
Flocked centre console
Satin black dash trims
Speedware stainless harness bar
WRC/Group N carbon rear firewall
WRC/Group N carbon rear seat bench replacement
WRC/Group N carbon 3 piece parcel shelf
TRS Magnum ultralite WRC FIA 4 point harness's
Genuine STi carbon door sills
Genuine STi mats
DSG white delrin gear knob
Full Works Bell QR steering setup with Momo Mod 07 steering wheel
Lifeline 4ltr plumbed in fire supression system
Lifeline 2.25ltr handheld fire extinguisher

Exterior:

6000K HID lighting (High-Low)
Carbon STi wing blanks
Genuine Prodrive WRC S7 Carbon mirrors
Genuine Prodrive WRC S7 Carbon bonnet vent
Smoked side repeaters
Custom gurney flap on upper wing blade
Custom fog light covers with flush mounted cold air feeds. (oil cooler/air box)
Genuine Spec C type RA roof vent
WRC plain black Kaylan mudflaps
Polished/painted Prodrive rear diff guard
PIAA Silicone wipers
Aerocatches

Data acquisition:

Syvecs S6 ECU
Defi BF 60mm gauges - Oil Temp, Oil Press, Water Temp, Fuel Press, Exhaust Gas Temp, and Boost Press.
RB Motorsport ACT gauge
Innovate Motorsports Wideband Lambda sensor with USB hub output
Phormula KS3 knock analyzer


















Thank you for reading.

Frayz

Edited by frayz on Friday 19th December 10:20

[frayz]

Thanks very much for the kind words and feedback.

The rear doors were left as they are because they house speakers and there really is nothing to gain by ripping them apart to put some pretty carbon in there. As said, the car was built as a complete package to be a road car.
A Subaru GT3/R26-R if you will. Details of a race car but with the built finish of a road car. Anyone can strip a car out, and one can make a car look modified with cheap parts and poor finish. This wasn't my detail.
It's taken me twice as long to try and make it look as close to an OEM finish as possible.

Yes, she is quite nippy.

Glad you like it.

[frayz]

Erwin1978 said:

Love the sleeper looks, bet it will wake up sleepers though.... (silently chuckling to myself...)

Never thought I would say it but that's a tastefully modified Impreza. Although modified is not the category you aim for, more like 'rebuilt'! Awesome engine spec, basically every part has been studied and imporved. And regarding transmission and drivetrain, what or the mods?

Thank you sir.

Yes it was built with that ethic. I wanted to build a car as if Subaru themselves were to build a special edition to this level. I tried to this at how they would do it. There are hundreds of things that so many people wouldn't even notice.
Example. Ground off all the unused mounting lugs, bosses and casting marks from the intake manifold, then matched the textured red powdercoat of the OEM item to refinish it.

The transmission is the OEM STI 6 speed manual and R180 rear diff. They're exceptionally robust units. I've had to updated the clutch/flywheel, gearbox/diff mounts and polybushed the assembly. But the actual drivetrain is almost stock.

[frayz]

Blayney said:

First time I've ever wanted that shape of Impreza! Well done that man.

Are there any vids? I'd like to hear this beast.

If you're wondering, she sounds like this.

Frayz-Engineering STI Anti-Lag Test - YouTube
Frayz-Engineering 576bhp Prodrive Edition Sti - YouTube

[frayz]

chuntington101 said:

I second that one!

How much is the turbo on a slant? looks quite a lot from the pics.

The up pipe and down pipe are all custom made in inconel.
The turbo is clocked at approx 45 degrees to it OEM location. This is due to the large 100mm intake required. It also allows the use of non Subaru specific turbochargers. This unit is a Garrett GT3582R with a .82 Tial stainless turbine housing. The tial housing was used as its a far superior smooth casting, 40% lighter, fully v-banded and has the bonus of not rusting.

Shame it's hidden away under the turbo blanket.

[frayz]

Don1 said:

Very nice. How heavy is it now? And have you thought about putting on the WRC rear spoiler?

I need to get her on a weigh bridge. But I'd say at a guess its approx 1400kg. I may be slightly under. But going on other vehicles with similar treatment then I think that's reasonably close. The car was 1480kg stock according to Subaru.

The WRC spoiler for my year of car was the S7 item. This looked very much like my OEM STI item but hangs off the rear of the car by a few inches. It didnt have the vertical boards on in 2002.

I've looked at a few copies still around and the quality is awful.
I can buy a carbon item but they're stupid money and still poorly finished (function over form lol)
I've tried to emulate the S7 Tarmac spec cars with a couple of the cars details without going too mad.

I think it's a nice balance. But if I could find the correct rear wing that was made well I'd well be up for fitting one.

[frayz]

Bear Phils said:

That's incredible, first bug eye version I've liked...

Got enough vents in the bonnet there

Only the one

It's a genuine WRC item I spent 5 years trying to find. Then found it by complete fluke as a chap was selling on eBay and didn't realise quite what it was. It's a dry carbon item and even still had the Prodrive sticker, part numbers on.

[frayz]

Thank you to all of you for your feedback and kind comments.
Really appreciate it.

If anyone is interested in the complete build its on Scoobynet, Passionford, ( I'm an ex cossie boy) or the NASIOC.
Just search for Frayz Engineering

[frayz]

Not at all, far the opposite if I'm honest.
There are areas where I could have gone much further, it was built the best of my ability, with the best items I could afford at the time.

[frayz]

Well it's technically for sale at offers over £25K.
But I've not pushed the sale as I'm 50/50 if I would ever want to sell it.
It's taken me 8 years and over £60K to build.

[frayz]

Baryonyx said:

That is a piece of work. Never thought I'd be saying bravo to a modified Impreza as they used to be ten a penny, but monsters like this are rarer than ever now as everyone moves to stty diesels and ecoboxes.

Not sure about the exhaust though, that looks like something off a smoke blowing diesel with it's downward point.

The exhaust is down swept to keep the car as quiet as possible.
Also a personal nod to many a group b rally car.

[frayz]

chuntington101 said:

I menat slant along the turbo shaft.

I did hear that conventional bearing turbos can suffer form higher wear on the rear seals if the turbos are steeply angled (ie exhaust housing lower than compressor). Not sure if Garretts cores (assuming ball bearing) are as prone to this...

Ah sorry, the photos are deceptive. It's only a couple of degrees tilted backwards. I'm aware that the seals don't like big angles. I think the Garrett BB cores are recommended no more than 15 degrees. But it's much less than that anyway.

Edited by frayz on Friday 25th January 12:38

[frayz]

I found this video of the car at a traffic light GP. Lol

Not my filming, apologies for the language used.

http://youtu.be/cIiVDLU_i0o

[frayz]

chuntington101 said:

You wouldn't have thought that if you have seen andy frosts twin turbo or the WRC cars! lol

How the GT35rs like for lag? Are you running anything to counter it (anti-lag)?

Chris.

The engine is 2.5ltrs and it makes a bar of boost @ about 3,600rpm in 4th on the road. Full boost in her usual road map is 1.9bar. Full power map is 2.1 bar.
I have ALS and launch control. But to be honest, on the road it really doesn't require it. It's a devastating quick A to B machine.

Edited by frayz on Friday 25th January 19:16

[frayz]

epom said:

Excuse me for not commenting on the rest of the package, but those wheels are just utter perfection!!

Thank you. Speedline Turinis, I have a set on my Clio as well. Guess I like them lots too

[frayz]

Baryonyx said:

Group B cars, not particularly known for being quiet little wallflowers!

Exactly why many had down swept pipes. To put as much sound to the ground as possible.

The system was built by Matt @ Simpson Race Exhausts in Slough. It's 91.5dB static @ 4,500rpm, 87.5dB drive by.

[frayz]

Mastodon2 said:

I like everything apart from the droopy exhaust, I've never like dolphin tails and I would have thought you'd want a bit of noise, seems a shame to spend all the money on a rally spec car and have it as loud as a Mondeo. I can't recall any droopy diesel style pipes on group b cars, most of the ones I can recall off the top of my head had regular exhausts that exited parallel to the ground.

As I say, everything else looks ace, I love Bug eyes even though they are an acquired taste for some.

Trust me, she makes enough of the right noises. Just don't want any additional unwanted attention

[frayz]

Vectraman said:

Are you local to the East anglia area? i'm sure i've seen your username on Bigpower,com before. Having read various articles over the years i thought the bug eye was the least favoured model. Your car proves THAT wrong! This is a great car and your mods are very tasteful. That you did it all yourself is a credit to you.
I am an Evo owner and like you have had my car almost 8 years (from new in my case), and i am gradually having it modded it to where i want it. All i can say is DO NOT SELL THIS CAR! you will instantly regret it and bottom line, what will you replace it with???

cheers

Ian

Hi Ian,

Yes I'm out in Maldon direction. Yes I was on Big Power from the beginning but don't frequent there so often these days.
Stuart Staples and I have remained friends for a long time since its beginning and will remain to do so.
Thanks for your kind comments. Maybe we'll catch up together one day.

[frayz]

domlebo70 said:

How does it compare to your Clio on a B road?

Interesting question there mate, and my reply may shock you.

In terms of outright pace, the Impreza is devastating. Of the 573bhp, I only ever seem to use the 525bhp map. It's more than enough for the roads I have available (anyone who thinks different has either never driven a 500+ car on the public road in anger, or is a complete idiot!).
The Impreza is wide eyed, dry mouthed and gritted teeth excitement. It's a serious grin with the all the snap, crackle and pop to go with. However, to drive it like that on the country lanes where I am is a serious workout. You need to be well on your game as you approach corners and catch other cars at a rate that only really bikers are familiar with.
Not to mention you're doing 3mpg at full tilt!

So then we come to the 182. My 182 is 100% stock except for some Federal RSR track tyres and braided hoses. It's an absolute belter of a car and one of the most intuitive FWD chassis I've ever driven. Out of the box and well driven, IMO it would run rings around most things and even show the Impreza a thing or two.
The engine is really gutsy and you can extract every last ounce from it, and push it as hard as you want, more of the time.
So because you can you more of its performance for more of the time. Believe it or not. The Clio isn't as far behind as you may expect.

So in reality, if I want to make my spine tingle and my eyes water, I take the Impreza.
If you want an absolute grin from ear to ear, I take the Clio, Its amazing car, and I absolutely adore it.

[frayz]

Cheers again