🚗 Build Breakdown: Justin’s 2023 Subaru VB WRX 🚗
Build Breakdowns is back, and this time, we’re showcasing Justin’s 2023 Subaru VB WRX. From humble beginnings to building his dream WRX, Justin’s journey with Subaru has been a story of passion, evolution, and a keen eye for detail.
The Start of a Subaru Journey
Justin’s love for Subarus started like many of us—with a childhood fascination sparked by legends like Petter Solberg, Tommi Mäkinen, and Richard Burns battling it out in the WRC. His first Subie wasn’t the typical turbocharged powerhouse you might expect—it was a humble SG Forester. This reliable daily driver handled road trips and camping adventures without missing a beat.
From there, Justin stepped up to a 2013 WRX hatch, his first taste of a turbo build. It was the beginning of his true journey into the Subaru world, and as you can imagine, things really took off from there.
The Move to the VB WRX
While originally set on buying a VA STI, Justin quickly found himself drawn to the VB WRX platform when it dropped. After doing his research and seeing the potential for tuning and customization, he pulled the trigger on a brand-new 2023 WRX. And it didn’t take long before he started crafting his vision.
Justin found inspiration from big names in the Subaru community, including @smeedia, @heavymetalwrx, @streetinspired, and @joeymontalto, which helped shape the direction of his build. Over time, his VB WRX has grown into something truly unique, with a careful balance of aesthetics, performance, and personal flair.
Top Mods:
🔷 STI Cherry Red Lip Kit & Grille
A subtle but aggressive addition, the STI cherry red lip kit and grille add a sporty edge to the front end. The bright red accents pop against the sleek styling of the VB WRX, giving it a race-inspired look while maintaining an OEM feel.
🔷 Paint-Matched Brembo Setup
One of the standout mods is the paint-matched Brembo setup, giving the car’s braking system a customized touch. It’s not just for looks—Brembo brakes are known for their performance, and the color-matched look adds a nice aesthetic upgrade.
🔷 Cobb Short Shifter Plate + Shifter Stop
For a better driving experience, Justin installed a Cobb short shifter plate and shifter stop. These upgrades tighten up the shifting feel, making gear changes more precise and engaging, a must for anyone who loves driving their WRX.
🔷 Custom S207-Style Wing
Taking cues from the limited-edition S207, Justin added a custom S207-style wing, giving his VB WRX a more aggressive stance while improving aerodynamic stability at higher speeds.
🔷 BC Racing Coilovers
To dial in the ride and handling, BC Racing coilovers were added, providing an adjustable suspension setup that gives Justin full control over the car’s stance and performance.
Current Setup Highlights
Power: Tuned by Evolution R to 315hp on 98 pump gas, this WRX is no slouch. The right mix of performance parts makes it fun to drive, whether on the street or the track.
Engine:
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Process West front-mount intercooler
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Dmaker CF intake
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Perrin turbo inlet
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GFB DV
Exhaust:
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Invidia J-pipe + R400 cat-back—For that deep, rumbling Subaru exhaust note.
Brakes:
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VA STI 6/2-pot Brembos (repainted)
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Paragon Performance front rotors
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DBA rear rotors
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Street Performance pads
Suspension:
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BC Racing coilovers for a balanced ride
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Whiteline sway bars for better handling
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Cusco and Perrin braces for added chassis rigidity
Exterior:
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STI cherry red aero and color-matched Dmaker kit for a cohesive, track-inspired look
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Automodellista splitters for additional aerodynamics
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Custom carbon hood for that clean, aggressive appearance
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GT2 wheels to complete the look
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HKS Kansai rear diffuser for improved downforce
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Full underglow—For a touch of style and flair
Interior:
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Axis carbon trims to keep it stylish and lightweight
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STI push-start button for that race car feel
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Automodellista lighting for a unique touch
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STI sill plates for that final detail
What’s Next:
Justin’s build is far from over. With a few key upgrades planned, he’s got his sights set on the following:
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More suspension work: Adding Whiteline arms and Cusco braces for even better handling.
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Turbo swap: The next step is a bigger turbo and Invidia headers to really crank up the power, along with a retune.
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STI trans swap: Justin’s ultimate goal is to swap in an STI transmission to match the car’s growing performance.
Justin’s Take on the Build:
Justin’s 2023 Subaru VB WRX is a careful mix of refinement, power, and aesthetic upgrades. It’s a well-balanced build that showcases his love for the Subaru platform and his attention to detail. While he’s happy with how the car has turned out, he’s always thinking about the next step—this WRX will keep evolving, just like Justin’s passion for the brand.