Soba noodle's '06 JDM 3.0R

[soba noodle]

So what's your plan for the ones you don't end up using?, wink wink.

also does that blitz controller actually make much difference considering you have Si drive anyway?
They seem to have very mixed reviews.

The plan is to sell, but first to decide what I actually like

That little black box does wonders! It's like enhanced SI-drive - instant throttle response (I mainly use three Sport modes) even in sluggish "I" (making it perfect around town). "S#" + Blitz set in Sport is insane (perfect for on-ramp take offs ). It's more likely a temporary measure as I'm thinking of doing a proper tune one day.

[soba noodle]

Just wanted to say thank you to all those who voted for my car, thank you!

[soba noodle]

Bought a grille unseen, turned out it is a part number J1017AG001 and won't fit (it does fit if you're not picky but there's a small gap at the bottom). Kind of expected it so not that upset and I'm sure it'll sell easily. The grille came in a Syms box with some instructions and fitting hardware, then I found this little packet inside:







McGard license plate lock bolts, not the biggest necessity but still pretty cool and most importantly FREE

[Reuben]

Hah, that's neat. I have my plates held on with 10mm bolts instead, I got fed up with how the normal Phillips ones always round off. And I figure any would-be thieves are less likely to have a 10mm socket than a screw driver!

[soba noodle]

Hah, that's neat. I have my plates held on with 10mm bolts instead, I got fed up with how the normal Phillips ones always round off. And I figure any would-be thieves are less likely to have a 10mm socket than a screw driver!

I wonder how many plates are actually being stolen in Aotearoa, 0.00001% a year or something

I like the bolts idea, should look much tidier too!

[soba noodle]

You've seen the braces, how about some grilles?

First up is J1017AG001: plastic, metal mesh, logo and central reinforcement piece can be removed completely leaving just the mesh if you're after a stealth look and OEM quality. Too bad it is a pre-face grille and a doesn't fit perfectly.














I had a spare set of 18" 3.0R specB wheels for sale that not surprisingly sold yesterday. The buyer also happened to own a pre-face 3.0 and just like me managed to collect a few bits - grilles were the most interesting part for me. Met with him today to drop the wheels off and he brought two grilles in: one OEM and another one crappy quality carbon like mesh. I knew exactly what the OEM grille was and after a short but very successful (for myself ) negotiation I was on my way home with the new grille in the boot.

Here we go, part number J1017AG080: all plastic (Subaru calls it resin), badge cannot be removed, dark grey/charcoal metallic


















PS: excuse the dirty car

[98legwag]

I really like the 2nd one, J1017AG080. I am curious. Does the grill on yours screw into the bumper cover? On the post-facelift USDM models it does in addition to the clips on the top. This makes a complete pain in the ass to change the grill.

[soba noodle]

I really like the 2nd one, J1017AG080. I am curious. Does the grill on yours screw into the bumper cover? On the post-facelift USDM models it does in addition to the clips on the top. This makes a complete pain in the ass to change the grill.

No nothing like that, the whole swap process takes less than 5 minutes. There's one clip on each headlight side and 4 clip-on thingies on the middle/radiator bar. The bottom just slides into slots.

Pre-face one got two holes on each side, only the bottom ones will line up - can see it in photos.

[Andy_Mac]

Still reckon the recessed grilles look better on these cars than ones flush with the bumpers.
Keen to take that sti flexible strut brace off your hands if you don't end up using it

[peugoby]

Wow I really like both grilles. That would be a tough decision to make but I'd probably go with the proper fitting one (as it looks like you have done). The car looks great! Probably my favorite 4th gen on the site.

[soba noodle]

Still reckon the recessed grilles look better on these cars than ones flush with the bumpers.
Keen to take that sti flexible strut brace off your hands if you don't end up using it

I'm actually thinking the opposite - but that's probably more about personal preferences or a desired look one would aim for. A few "recessed" Corazon/ZS grilles on CS and I wouldn't say I like them that much but they do suit those cars, i.e more sportier look.

[soba noodle]

Wow I really like both grilles. That would be a tough decision to make but I'd probably go with the proper fitting one (as it looks like you have done).

I don't think they even did that type of grilles for the facelift, only the "flush" type or aftermarket options like Corazon or Zerosport.

Was thinking about running the preface grill for a while, the main problem is not even the gap (which is not that visible after all unless you're a subaru nut and know what to look for) but the fact that the bottom part is not secured at all and will require some modifications to get it done properly.

The car looks great! Probably my favorite 4th gen on the site.

Thank you!

[soba noodle]

Ok, I'm slowly becoming a parts hoarder... yet another strut brace




This time it's a Cusco alloy brace with a brake master cylinder stopper I'm fairly certain this one is staying and the rest is going.

So I have 4 spare braces, a number of 2din stereo conversion kits (pre-face/facelift, dual/single climate), a spare set of 95% new HKS ES Premium mufflers and probably a few other bits a pieces I keep forgetting about (like an STI Genome muffler for GDA/GDB Impreza).

Ohh... nearly forgot... I finally managed to find a set of Whispbar Proracks and put them on today - just in time for some end of year travels with a roofbox. No picsies of those as the car is shamefully dirty, too much rain lately

[geckoboy86]

I love my Whispbar system.

And I still might be interested in that STi Flexi Strut Bar if you sell.

[bijon440]

Will any or all of them mufflers adapt to second gens? I'm in need of, well, a new exhaust haha.

[soba noodle]

I love my Whispbar system.

They're the best, from what I've seen on the market. Thule is ok but just too pricey.

And I still might be interested in that STi Flexi Strut Bar if you sell.

It's listed for sale locally, shipping costs will most definitely kill the deal for you.

[Yamazaki]

I don't know if it'll help your sale, but that flexi strut bar is what comes factory for the S402.

[soba noodle]

I don't know if it'll help your sale, but that flexi strut bar is what comes factory for the S402.

Thank you for the info. Spotted it on the STI site a while ago, just never thought about S402 connection (I know it was offered as a part of SPP package too).

[geckoboy86]

I love my Whispbar system.

They're the best, from what I've seen on the market. Thule is ok but just too pricey.

And I still might be interested in that STi Flexi Strut Bar if you sell.

It's listed for sale locally, shipping costs will most definitely kill the deal for you.

GLWS on that. Shipping from a Japanese website would be 75 for me.

[soba noodle]

A few pics from our recent trip up north:

Cable Bay, Northland



Karikari Moana



In the middle of nowhere, Peria

[geckoboy86]

Looks great. Beautiful pictures.

How did you deal with the rain guards and that rack?

[soba noodle]

Looks great. Beautiful pictures.

How did you deal with the rain guards and that rack?

Just went under, the guards are held on a few clips and double-sided tape. Cut through the tape in needed spots. Not the most perfect fit but still ok and not that noticeable unless you know what to look for. Put some foamy tape over created gaps to stop any leaks.

[soba noodle]

Scored a Kakimoto Full Mega N1 exhaust system - mufflers and one piece mid+Y pipes (3" to 2.5" or 2.25" I believe). Not so keen on the mufflers even though they're super light (seriously the whole system is incredibly light!). Put the mid+Y section on and gosh it's bloody loud even with a Coby resonator. Loud from the inside I mean, sounds super-duper awesome from the outside. Another problem is that the system is for a BL5 and the midpipe flange is twisted by about 45 degrees so holes won't line up. Left it on for now.

[soba noodle]

[soba noodle]

Gravel express - fun and hate. Fun to drive, hate when you come back and have to wash the car




And guess what?.. yet another strut brace Now I have a complete collection of all STI (Genome) braces.

[soba noodle]

Washed her - got a few Chemical Guys products to try, pretty impressive (and pricey) stuff

[soba noodle]

Picsies time after a bit of "Chemical Guys" love

[98legwag]

Wow......

[iampetro]

Ooooo Sparkling

[Reuben]

Jesus... Pretty much my fave BL of all time now, this thing just looks great.