🚗 Build Breakdown: Armando’s 2002 Subaru WRX – The Journey of a Dream Build 🚗
For many car enthusiasts, the connection between a car and its owner goes beyond just the drive—it’s about memories, passion, and the journey of building something truly special. For Armando, his love for the GD-body Subaru began in high school, and by 2014, he turned that dream into a reality with the purchase of a Bugeye WRX. But this wasn’t just any car—it was the beginning of something much bigger.
From day one, Armando’s journey was about more than just modifying a car; it was about building a bond with his father. Together, they worked on everything from engine swaps to bodywork, and in the process, the WRX evolved from a project car into the foundation for Armando’s passion in automotive design. This passion eventually led to the creation of Tuner Kreationz and Projectwerks, which would go on to shape his career and push his creative limits in the automotive world.
A Turning Point – The Hawkeye Front-End Conversion:
In 2018, Armando took on what would become his most ambitious project yet: a full Hawkeye front-end conversion. Rather than sell the Bugeye WRX, he decided to keep it and go all in. Sourcing a Spec C STI front clip from Japan, Armando, alongside his dad, meticulously transformed the front end of the car, turning it into something entirely new while still keeping that classic Subaru character.
It wasn’t just a front-end swap—it was a project that represented the deepening connection between Armando and his father, a symbol of hard work and shared passion.
The Evolution Continues:
As the years went on, Armando’s vision for his WRX kept evolving. In 2020, he swapped in a 6-speed STI transmission, bringing an OEM-like performance boost and making the car even more fun to drive. Alongside that, he gave the car a self-wrapped Nardo Grey finish and added custom blue STI Brembos, marking another milestone in his build.
But 2023 marked the car’s biggest refresh yet, where Armando truly elevated the WRX to new heights. This year saw the addition of a Custom Black Java Pearl paint job, a bold new Kaminari body kit, and Rays Volk Racing TE37s—one of the most iconic wheels in the Subaru community. The engine bay also saw a complete overhaul with powder-coated components and carbon fiber accents, while the interior received thoughtful refinements that gave the cabin a sleek, high-performance feel.
To top it off, 2023 also saw Armando debut the car at Subiefest, just as his venture, Projectwerks, officially launched—a testament to how far he had come as both a car enthusiast and a designer.
Top 5 Mods:
🔹 STI 6-Speed Swap
The 6-speed STI transmission swap was a game-changer for Armando’s WRX. It not only enhanced the car’s performance but also ensured that the car could handle the power upgrades he had in mind. The swap gave the WRX a more precise, OEM-like driving experience that perfectly complements the car’s overall build.
🔹 Kaminari Body Kit
The Kaminari body kit is a standout feature of Armando’s build. The sleek, aggressive lines of the kit provide a perfect complement to the Hawkeye front-end conversion and help enhance the car’s aerodynamic capabilities. It’s an eye-catching piece that immediately sets the WRX apart from other builds.
🔹 Black Java Pearl Paint
Armando chose Black Java Pearl for his car’s fresh coat of paint in 2023, and it was a bold move. The rich, deep tone gives the car a high-end, luxurious feel while still maintaining that raw performance vibe. The new paint job immediately catches the eye, showing that even after years of evolution, this build continues to impress.
🔹 V7 JDM STI Seats
The V7 JDM STI seats bring a racing-inspired, functional touch to Armando’s interior. Comfortable yet supportive, these seats help keep the driver in place during spirited driving while also adding an authentic JDM flair to the cabin.
🔹 E85 Tune
To maximize performance, Armando tuned the car to run on E85, significantly boosting horsepower. This upgrade gives the WRX the kind of power it needs to go toe-to-toe with other performance cars while remaining practical for everyday driving. The ability to run on E85 ensures that the car gets more power out of each gallon of fuel, keeping it sharp and responsive.
The Heart of the Build:
While the exterior and modifications are certainly showstoppers, it’s the engine that truly defines Armando’s WRX. The car is powered by a built engine capable of pushing the WRX to impressive levels of performance, especially with the E85 tune. With 6-speed STI transmission paired to that power, the car offers a thrilling driving experience—one that’s both capable on the track and enjoyable on the street.
The engine bay has been meticulously cleaned up with powder-coated components to give it a more refined, high-performance look. The carbon fiber accents and carefully chosen engine parts show Armando’s attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the car is as functional as it is beautiful.
Armando’s Take on the Build:
“This car has been a journey, not just for me, but for my dad too. From engine swaps to bodywork, we’ve built this car together, and it’s something we both take a lot of pride in. What started as a high school dream is now something much bigger, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next. Projectwerks is just the beginning.”
Armando’s WRX represents not only his passion for Subaru but his personal growth as both an automotive enthusiast and a designer. The car is a reflection of his journey—from his high school days dreaming of owning a WRX to now running his own business and sharing his passion with others.
Future Plans:
While Armando’s WRX is already a standout, there’s still more to come. The next chapter for his build includes a full suspension refresh, including upgraded arms, bushings, and more, to ensure the car handles like a true performance machine. He also plans on tackling a hybrid motor build with a rotated turbo setup, further increasing the car’s performance. And who knows—there may even be a Voltex wing or a full Voltex aero kit in the future.
For Armando, the journey is far from over. The car is constantly evolving, and as his skills as a designer continue to grow, so too will his WRX.