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Subaru WRX: WRX Goes to Work May 28, 2010

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Now that we’ve owned our WRX project car for a few months, we’re ready to dive into the improvement phase. First we needed to generate some baseline performance data for the car. It’s nice to know where we stand in terms of performance, and the process would reveal any shortcomings.

We started our test day by taking our WRX to an as-purchased configuration, right down to the crappy Negotiator tires on stock WRX alloys that had been installed by the previous owner. “Negotiator” was the right name: Every turn was a negotiation as the tires howled for mercy and resisted directional changes. Still, the beauty of all-wheel drive allowed us to navigate the course safely and consistently enough to generate a baseline.

We can’t wait to start turning wrenches on our project, so watch this space as we begin to add some grunt and grip to an already capable car.

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Comments

klipless:

Have you given any thought to using a praxis air suspension?
May 28, 2010 4:47 p.m.

Tom Heath:

Honestly, Praxis hadn't even crossed my mind. This car has a lot of HPDE in its future, so our suspension will likely be more traditional. I'd try anything once, though. If the readers ask for a Praxis test, who knows?
May 31, 2010 2:58 p.m.

speedblind:

SCC did a praxis air suspension on their project WRX years back. Hopefully it's gotten better since then - they were pretty unimpressed.
Jun 4, 2010 12:58 p.m.

Nashco:

I'd still like to see the testing to determine which is faster in a WRX if you only get one: tires, handling, or power. I mentioned it when you guys first picked up the car…the WRX seems like the perfect candidate for the “pick one” mentality with a turbo engine, AWD powertrain, and simple suspension; ready and willing to accept any of the three types of upgrades without horrible tradeoffs if you can only pick one. I'll be following the WRX…there's not much that hasn't been done with the car, so you're basically forced to come up with something interesting to avoid getting stale. :-)
Jun 7, 2010 2:11 p.m.

skimobile:

16 vs 17 vs 18: rims for performance. Coilovers vs aftermarket struts Sway bar thickness and optimal adjustments front and rear (ie, 25 mm front and rear adjustable sways, front on soft, rear on full stiff), etc. 40 series vs 35, vs 45 for track use.
Jan 16, 2011 5:25 p.m.

chitownwrx:

How about D stock vs STX vs Track day/ HPDE setups?
Apr 14, 2011 6:59 p.m.

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