THE OFFICIAL SIDC MAGAZINE
TRUE GRIP THE OFFICIAL SIDC MAGAZINE
Reproduc on in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not the SIDC. All contribu ons, whether they bear the names, ini als or pseudonyms, are accepted on the understanding that the author is responsible for the opinions expressed and that they do not necessarily reflect or comply with those of the publisher or editor. Although every care is taken, the publisher, designer and editor cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to material submi ed. Whilst every care is taken to ensure contents are accurate, the publisher and editor assume no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions. Acceptance of material is not a guarantee of publica on in any par cular issue, since space is o en at a premium. The publisher and editor cannot guarantee to return original material and photographs.
Welcome to the latest edition of Truegrip. I thought I would start with a quick introduction as I am new to the editor role and some of you may not know who I am. My name is Floz (actually Florian on a Sunday) and I joined the Subaru fraternity after many youthful years tinkering with Fords. I am on my second Impreza, initially a classic import WRX, which although standard, felt much more powerful and secure than the Ford Rs I had owned. I am currently tootling around in a WR1 and since the 1st day of ownership, I have used it everyday without even a hint of an issue, and we have now passed the 100k miles together. I have met many of you already at the events SIDC attended over the years and hope to meet more of you in the future. I will warn you in advance I only know two things about cars, where the fuel goes, and the mobile number for my mechanic. When SIDC was asking for someone to take on the role as Media Manager I put my name forward and probably due to lack of competition I duly became that person. These are big shoes to fill as the previous Media Manager, Stu Mason, did a really good job. This has proved much more difficult that I had ever imagined, not having any previous experience, but finally the 1st go at it is complete. I’ll finish by reminding you that if there is anything you would like to see in the magazine please let me know, after all it is your magazine.
Please send all requests to truegrip@sidc.co.uk © SIDC 2015
ScoobieFloz TRUE GRIP EDITOR
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CONTENTS
PACENOTES
After a year away we now see the return of True Grip in its digital form. It’s great to see it back, there’s certainly a lot of blood and sweat gone into it by our Media Manager – Floz, who joined the club’s committee in 2014. The first issue is packed to the brim with Subaru and club news, including a write up on the final gathering at Prodrive last year and a review of the Autosport International show that Don, Floz and I attended.
4
Events & Track days
6
Club Membership
8
Merchandise
10
Subaru News
14
New Forest STI
17
Autosports International
22
Prodrive Move
24
Readers Rides
30
Dealership List
32
PlastiDip
We’ve lots planned on the show front this year, in addition to our three Trackdays at Knockhill (March, May & September); we have a couple of new events/venues to attend which include Rockingham Raceway for Japfest2 in August and Newark Showground for JAE in September. You may also be aware that Trax has moved from September to July, this was a decision made by the organisers but it continues to be held at Silverstone Circuit. Don’t forget ASDA Charity Day, a cheap family day out with lots of action if you like performance cars, planes, lorries, JCB’s and stunts, this is one not to be missed! This year we’re bringing back Show & Shines for our national events and I’m pleased to announce that Dodo Juice have kindly sponsored the competitions, with lots of goodies to give away at each show. So get cleaning guys and gals :o) On the merchandise front, we’ve had a little rebrand and I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s more fitting with how we know SIDC. There’s some fantastic new clothing and club merchandise to be had so pop along to the club shop for a browse.
Editor: Florian Pra —ScoobieFloz E: scoobiefloz@sidc.co.uk
AdverƟsing Sales E: adver sing@sidc.co.uk
Published by: SIDC PO Box 566 Harpenden AL5 9EU
That’s me signing off for this issue but I hope to see many of you at an event throughout the year.
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Events and Track Days Events in England Saturday 25th April - Modified Live - Cadwell Park Saturday 16th May - Japfest - Castle Coombe Sunday 21st June - Tunerfest South - Brands Hatch Sunday 19th July - TRAX - Silverstone Sunday 26th July - Ten of the Best - Elvington Airfield Saturday 8th August - ASDA Charity Day - Bruntingthorpe Sunday 16th August - Japfest2 - Rockingham Speedway Thursday 10th - Sunday 13th September - JAE - Newark Showground Saturday 19th September - Rally Day - Castle Coombe Saturday 24th October - Ace CafĂŠ Joint Meet (11am-4pm)
Events in Scotland Saturday 23rd-24th May - Fintray - Scottish Sprint Sunday 7th June - Elgin Show 'n' Shine Sunday 14th June - Rrrrallye Day Keith Saturday 4th-5th July - Boyndie - Scottish Sprint Sunday 12th July - Alford - Scottish Sprint Saturday 15th-16th August - Fintray - Scottish Sprint Sunday 30th August - Buckie Classic Car Show Sunday 6th September - Grantown Motor Mania (date tbc) Saturday 26th-27th September - Boyndie - Scottish Sprint
Track Days Saturday 28th March - Knockhill Track Day Saturday 23rd May - Knockhill Track Day Saturday 5th September - Knockhill Track Day
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The subject of memberships raises its head from time to time and I am often asked “Why are you a Member?”, “What are the benefits?” and sometimes more specifically, “Why SIDC?”. There are many reasons to become a member of a club, it is, for instance, a great way to meet people who share the same interests as you, exchange technical knowledge, and even attend events and other social occasions that can include the entire family. I have been thinking about it for a while and I am struggling to come up with a reason why you wouldn’t join.
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Membership Types Forum Member - FREE • Once registered you will have access to the SIDC forum.
Full Member - £20 (1 Year Membership) • SIDC Membership Card & Holder • SIDC key ring • SIDC Window Stickers x2 • Membership of the largest and Best Subaru Club in Europe Recognised by Subaru UK • Access to Safe Paddock Parking at shows • Discount scheme on Parts, Labour and Accessories at participating Subaru Dealerships • Dedicated Subaru Insurance Scheme • Discounts on other products e.g. AA Breakdown, Sea France, Black Circles Tyres etc. • Ability to enable individual ‘Avatar’ on the SIDC forum • Reduced cost on numerous Track Days
Lifetime Member – £160 (10 Year Membership) • All the Full Member benefits • Free SIDC Cup & Cap • Free entry to 1 event in the first year • Free 5 year anniversary gift
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New Range for 2015 Have you visited our Club Shop online? Show your support for SIDC and treat yourself to one of our many clothing items. T-shirts to Fleeces and Caps to Scarfs, many of our items are available in a choice of colours and sizes. Personalised embroidery is also available on many items too.
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SUBARU NEWS N端rburgring 24-Hour Race STI will take part in the 43rd N端rburgring 24-Hour Race held at the N端rburgring in Germany from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May with the SUBARU WRX STI. This will be its 8th consecutive year to compete in the race since 2008. Based on the WRX STI, the race car has been tuned in various areas such as the aerodynamics, suspension, rigidity of the body and output of the engine. With this car, STI will be aiming to reclaim its dominance in the SP3T class for cars with turbo charged engines displacing 2-liters or less.
Taking advantage of the characteristics of the high-spec base car, the performance of the whole package has been enhanced and together with its past experience in the 24-hour race, the team will be looking to achieve even better results than ever. Hideharu Tatsumi from STI will act as General Team Manager while STI employees and dealer mechanics picked from selected SUBARU dealerships across Japan will operate the team.
As for drivers from Europe, Marcel Las辿e and Carlo van Dam will be joined for the first time by Tim Schrick, the 2014 VLN champion. Kouta Sasaki from Japan will also be driving for the team as he did last year.
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SUPER GT Series STI will run a SUBARU BRZ GT300 in the GT300 class of the SUPER GT series, the most prestigious motorsport category in Japan. The competition vehicle has adopted the FR system with the same powertrain layout as its mass produced road-going sibling. The performance of many areas of the car including the 2-liter turbo Horizontally-Opposed Engine has been enhanced for improvement in its comprehensive competitiveness. Together with R&D SPORT, which is the main operator of the team, STI will be striving to win the series, a goal which the team missed out on in 2014. Hideharu Tatsumi will continue to lead the development of the car and to act as General Team Manager. Hideki Yamauchi has been appointed as a new team driver and will be working with Takuto Iguchi who joined the team last year.
WHAT’S SUPER GT? One of Japans most popular touring car races in which cars in different classes with different displacements are run together, and fierce battles take place in those races. Cars of international manufacturers in addition to those of domestic marques enter the series. Contention for precedence is close throughout the year because of the series unique rules such as a weight handicap system. Not only the speed of a car but the total team power including race strategy also plays a role in success. SUBARU enters the SUBARU BRZ GT300 in the GT300 class of the series and gained their first class win in Round 5 at Suzuka in 2013 to finish the year with a series ranking of 4th. And this year, SUBARU has its eye on a long-cherished desire to be series champions with their car whose competitiveness has been further strengthened.
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DODO JUICE
Forester STI Subaru’s Forester has been given a plethora of STI enhancements giving the new Forester a meaner, sportier look. Subaru has decided that like the STI enhanced BRZ, the new Forester tS which is short for ‘Tuned by STI’, will only be available to the Japanese market and units are limited to 300 in 4 colours, WR Blue Mica, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Silica.
The Forester STI is based on the 2.0XT model so shares the same 2.0 litre turbocharged flat four engine with very little engine modification except the modified ECU to improve the responsiveness. Exact performance figures are scarce but expect power output upwards of 250BHP and a top speed of around 150MPH. 0-60 should be dispatched in under 6 seconds even with a washing machine in the boot. The wheels have been beefed up to 19” forged BBS alloys dressed with 245/45 Bridgestone tyres. Stopping power comes courtesy of 17” vented Brembo discs all round, with 4 pot Brembo callipers at the front and 2 pots at the rear. The new model does have the continuously variable transmission (CVT) but with updated control software from STI and the additional of an oil cooler for the CVT system. The SI-drive system also sees the return of Sport Sharp but there is no information from Subaru on how all these changes might affect performance. The handling has been improved too with the STI tuned suspension with inverted struts at the front. The ride height has also been lowered by 15mm and there is also a STI strut brace and rear sub frame support.
“We'll eat more than our hats if it officially makes its way to the UK”
Top Gear 15
Exterior
Interior
Exclusively-made black front grille (with "STI" ornament and cherry red pin stripe) STI-designed front spoiler/STIdesigned rear under spoiler Black roof spoiler Exclusively-made large-diameter muffler cutter Fog light bezels (metallic silver) Black door mirrors Black side window mouldings Exclusively-made side cladding mouldings (metallic silver) Cherry red pin stripe on rear bumper Exclusively-made "STI" ornament, front and rear Exclusively-made "tS" ornament, side and rear
Exclusively-made luminescent speedometer (up to 260 km/h) with STI logo Exclusively-made multifunction display Exclusively-made leather lapped steering wheel (quality-feel leather with "STI" ornament and red stitching) STI-designed push button ignition (red) with STI logo STI-designed leather lapped gear knob with STI logo Exclusively-made seats (black leather/black punching Ultra suede速 combination seats [red stitching and red accents]) Door trims (black punching Ultra suede速/black Ultra suede速 with red stitching) Carbon-toned instrument panel AC controls comprising silver dials and piano blacktoned switches with red bezel Black interior (trims on pillars, roof, and window sills) Exclusively-made side sill plate with STI logo
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Autosport international, Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade show returned to the Birmingham NEC for its annual 4 day event. Some of the world’s most beautiful, high performance cars where on show from the 8th to 11th January. The show catered for professionals from the motor industry with Trade only access for the first two days, and opening the doors to the public for the last 2 days allowing all motorsport fans who follow the sport closely.
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More than 600 exhibitors from all over Europe attended the event to kick start the new 2015 motorsport season. The event celebrated its 25 year anniversary and to mark the occasion an amazing line up of motorsport celebrities were on show. While World Rally Cross Champion Petter Solberg and former F1 driver David Coulthard opened the show on the big stage, motorsport starts Allan Mcnish, Matt Neal and Colin Turkington made appearance on the BTCC and the Wales Rally displays, while VIP ticket holders we able to meet their heroes on in the meet and greet area. During the two trade only days there were to new areas dedicated to the future of the trade. Low Carbon Racing & Automotive (LCRA), backed by the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) showcased a wealth of new technologies, hybrid designs and materials that will future proof the industry but lowering the carbon footprint and help the sport meet stricter restrictions in the future.
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft was joined by Pollyanna Woodward from Channel 4’s Gadget show presented the high-octane mixture of precision driving, stunts and wheel-to-wheel racing including BMW vs VW, Terry Grant Stunt Show and Japspeed drifting. Running alongside the Autosport show, the Performance Car Show, in association with Autocar and Pistonheads, some of the most expensive and powerful vehicles were on show and for those who remember the good old days, COYS auctioneers had some of the most beautiful, rare and historically significant cars on display .
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The Autocar stand hosted the some of their award winning cars featured in their magazines. The Autocar team were also on the stand allowing you to meet and greet the people that pen the words we read in their publications. On show was the exciting Lamborghini Huracan, gorgeous BMW i8, powerful Ferrari 458 Speciale and rare Vuhl 05. Pistonheads setup their own pub style refreshments area called “Pie & Piston� with their favourite cars being displayed too. Enjoying a Pie and a pint while admiring the stunning motors on show, what more could you ask for?
THE FINAL GATHERING Prodrive are on the move. The original home of the Subaru World Rally Team is moving a er 28 years. The famous factory that you can see from the M40 motorway is being relocated about 1 mile down the road to a new larger facility. “It became clear that our current site would not be suitable for our future needs as while motorsport remains core to our business we have diversified into a number of new areas,” said David Richards, chairman. “Our current site has become a familiar landmark for the millions of motorists who have driven up and down the M40 over the last 30 years. However our new loca on will be no less prominent and the increase in size of the facility will allow us to expand into new and exci ng arenas beyond motorsport.”
This is the 3rd move for Prodrive since the original factory was opened at Silverstone in 1984 and the move to the current factory in 1986. Prodrive hope to move into the new premises in March 2015 and leave the current site to be cleared to make way for a new retail park.
To mark the occasion, an open day labelled “The Final Gathering” was organised for Sunday 8th June 2014 and all Subaru clubs were invited. Later in 2014 was also the 10 year anniversary of the Impreza WR1, and as the Prodrive factory will temporarily be out of commission it was decided to use the event to celebrate the anniversary. WR1OC organised a line up of the Limited Edi on Impreza’s that were created by Prodrive, to celebrate Peter Solberg' becoming World Rally Champion.
Commemora ve T-shirts and Badges were created with the approval from Prodrive spor ng “Final Gathering” graphics. The weather was on our side and there was a great turn out from many different clubs with enough cars to fill the complex. The Heritage Centre once again open for all to browse the different projects Prodrive have been involved with over the years. As the event was coming to an end, Prodrive brought the Legacy and Impreza's out of the heritage centre for a photo shoot (see below). These vehicles had to be pushed all the way round the factory and it took a number of people to shi them as they haven't moved for some me. All in all a very good event and a big thank you to Prodrive for invi ng us and we hope to a end the grand opening of their new HQ just down the road.
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Readers Rides Presents
The Don * According to the Urban Dictionary, “The Don” is described as “someone who gains respect by many people”. Mention “The Don” and most people will picture scenes of Marlon Brando or Al Pacino in expensive Italian suits, sat at the head of table of gangsters. In the Subaru world however, you are more than likely referring to Donald Clark. Don is the proud owner of this Readers Ride and this WRX STI has been treated to some wonderful upgrades and could easily be used in a ‘Spot the Difference’ competition. Can you spot them all?
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Engine Bay ∗
Cusco Brake Cylinder Stopper
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Custom home made “Strut Brace” Battery Clamp
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Forge Motorsport recirc BOV
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Forge Motorsport silicone coolant hoses
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Fumoto oil drain valve
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Kakumei carbon aux belt cover
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K&N panel filter
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Personalised boost solenoid cover
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Samco black airbox hose
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Samco red intercooler hose kit
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SPT turbo heat shield
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STi 1.3 Bar header tank cap
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Subaru JDM Legacy RH engine cover (ABS unit)
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Subaru Pro-R Performance Upgrade ECU remap (340R) (SRR figures:- 342.3 Bhp/360Lbft)
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S-U-M-M-I-T black anodised/ painted satin black Cool Rad panel
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Tomioka Racing Air/Oil separator (supplied by Pro-R Racing)
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ZeroSports Cool Action II TMIC air flow splitter
Exterior Styling ∗
Beat-Sonic Shark Fin aerial
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Custom “angel eye” DRL’s
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Custom painted “Subaru” emblems
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Depo LED rear lights
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Hella supertone horns
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HT Autos exhaust trim
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K2 Gear “smoked” mirror indicator repeaters
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STI side spoilers (STi Performance Package)
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Subaru JDM “carbon effect” access key covers
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Subaru JDM heated/folding rear view mirrors
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Subaru JDM auto folding mirror installation
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Subaru JDM auto lights and wipers
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Subaru OEM b&c pillar carbon garnish
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Liberal Auto full width rear diffuser
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Rally Armor flaps
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Seibon Carbon OEM style bonnet with STi Spec C dampers
Subaru OEM black window weatherstrips (from Hatch)
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Subaru OEM fog light covers and STi decals
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Subaru OEM wind deflectors
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Subaru Pro-R black front lower, front upper and rear grilles
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Hayward & Scott centre pipe and mufflers
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Zero Limits carbon front grille
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Seibon Carbon OEM style boot lid
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Seibon Carbon OEM style Rear Wing
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SPT carbon sill inserts (rears only)
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SPT carbon trunk garnish
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STi 2015 WRX STi rear under spoiler
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STi R205 front fender garnish
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STi “revised” front lip spoiler with additional rubber lip (STi Performance Package)
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Wheels & Suspension ∗
Whiteline 20mm rear arb and arb chassis braces
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STi flexible front strut tower brace (STi Performance Package)
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STi flexible under braces (STi Performance Package)
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STi flexible rear supports (STi Performance Package)
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STi front cross member stiffeners (STi Performance Package)
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STi rear “Pillowball” lateral links (STi Performance Package)
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Subaru Pro-R/Eibach lowering spring kit
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McGard/STi black tuner locking and splinedrive wheel nuts (STi branded)
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SSR GT- V01 18” ET48 wheels flat black/ Rota Torque 17” wheels blood red candy
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Subaru Pro-R/Alcon 343mm 6 pot Front brake kit
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Subaru Pro-R/Alcon 343mm 4 pot Rear brake kit 27
Interior Styling ∗
Custom painted centre console and A/V panel
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DAMD flat bottom red stitched steering wheel
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Kartboy 6MT shortshifter
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Omori electronic boost gauge (matching red backlight colour)
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Prova Si-Drive cover- custom finished
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RedlineGoods red stitched real leather shifter and handbrake boots
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STi cherry red 6MT shift knob
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STi red engine Start/Stop push button
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STi S206 “cherry red” seat belts
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STi magnesium oil filler cap STi “carbon effect” rear view mirror cover
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Subaru JDM double DIN AV panel
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Subaru OEM dual centre console box
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Subaru OEM BRZ handbrake
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Transform Leather black Alcantara “340R” seat belt pads
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Subaru/Pioneer AVIC-F950BT SatNav kit + Pioneer TS-WX77A active subwoofer + Maplin rear view camera + additional LED reversing lamps for camera illumination
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Transform Leather black Alcantara “340R” seat belt pads
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Q. How long have you owned the car? A. Bought new in November 2010 Q. Why did you choose that car? A. My previous 2.0L Forester XT was 8 years old, with 125 K miles on the clock and modified as far as possible without major engine work. I didn’t particularly like the Hatch and wanted a better starting place from my next car for mods – the arrival of the saloon fitted the bill at just the right time. Q. What do you love about the car? A. Like most Subaru's, has been totally reliable, drives like a dream and gives miles of smiles. Q. What is your single favourite upgrade? A. Too many to really choose from, although I’d always wanted a DAMD steering wheel and certainly don’t regret getting it. Having gone conservative initially with a low level rear spoiler (Had already done the “big wing” with a turbo 2000 and a P1) fitting the Seibon bonnet, boot lid and high wing has been a revelation in terms of the car being more planted at speed. Q. If money was no object, what upgrade would you do to the car? A. Probably fit a forged 2.0Ltr twin scroll setup.
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A F Noble & Son
Colin Appleyard Cars
Hammonds
18 - 20 Edinburgh Road Penicuik Midlothian EH26 8NW T: 0844 662 6814
Lockwood Road Folly Hall Huddersfield West Yorkshire HD1 3PA T: 08433 830 247
Norwich Road Halesworth Suffolk IP19 8HX T: 0844 662 6850
Adams Brothers
ConsƟtuƟon Motors
Oakfield Road Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP20 1JH T: 0844 662 6859
142 Cons tu on Hill Norwich Norfolk NR3 4BB T: 08433 932525
Downham Road Crimplesham Kings Lynn Norfolk PE33 9DU T: 0844 662 6851
Cotswolds
Ian Allan Motors
Middletown Witney Hailey Oxfordshire OX29 9UF T: 01993 776622
Sandhills Lane Virginia Water Surrey GU25 4BT T: 08433 830244
Cross Roads
Ian Grieve
Doles Lane Findern Derby DE65 6AX T: 08433 933752
Tredington Shipston-on-Stour Warwickshire CV36 4NN T: 0844 662 6864
95 Glasgow Road Camelon Falkirk Falkirk FK1 4JD T: 0844 662 6824
Ashburton Motor Works Ltd
Culverwells
Peartree Cross Ashburton Near Newton Abbot Devon TQ13 7RB T: 0844 662 6876
Sta on Road Robertsbridge East Sussex TN32 5DG T: 0844 662 6846
Romac House, The Hyde Edgware Road London NW9 6NW T: 08444 708207
Dennis Common
John Wilkins Cars
97 Crieff Road Perth PH1 2QB T: 08433 932702
West Road Garage Longframlington Morpeth Northumberland NE65 8HX T: 0844 662 6818
170-172 Leckhampton Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 0AA T: 08446 627369
Autoecosse
Desmond Eastwood Motors Ltd
K T Green Ltd
Kingsway East Dundee Angus DD4 8ED T: 0844 662 6817
197 Moira Road Lisburn County Antrim BT28 2SN T: 0844 662 6834
Leeds/Otley Road (A660) Pool in Wharfedale Leeds West Yorkshire LS21 3DA T: 0844 662 6837
Barras Car Centre
Dorset Sports Cars
Unit 3, Vale Garage Complex Braye Road Vale GY3 5PA T: 08433 931675
Three Cross Garage 99 Ringwood Road Wimborne Dorset BH21 6RD T: 08433 932810
Beechwood Derby Subaru
Eaglesham Garage Ltd
8 Siddals Road Derby Derbyshire DE1 2QD T: 08430 228 201
77 Gilmour Street Eaglesham Glasgow G76 0LH T: 08444 708167
Bell & Colvill (Horsley) Ltd
EMG
Epsom Road West Horsley Surrey KT24 6DG T: 0844 662 6844
5 Fornham Road Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP32 6AL T: 0844 662 6848
Bulldog Twyford
Europa Subaru
London Road Twyford Berkshire RG10 9EU T: 0844 662 6877
Granville Square 48 Suffolk Road Sheffield South Yorkshire S2 4AL T: 0844 662 6836
Aird Motors Subaru High Street Beauly Highland IV4 7BP T: 0844 662 6815
Archway Motors Ltd NEW
Auto Services Perth Ltd
Hylton GoƩ Ltd
JEM Subaru
Keith Price Garages Ltd Llanwenarth Citra Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP8 1EP T: 0844 662 6880
Kinghams 39-41 South End Croydon Surrey CR0 1BE T: 08446 622542
CopcuƩ Subaru Sydney House Re ord Road Worksop No nghamshire S80 2QD T: 08433 932965
Lawrence of Kemnay Limited
Barnby Dun Road Doncaster South Yorkshire DN2 4LS T: 08430 223 791
G C Stanbury & Son
Elphinstone Road Port Elphinstone Inverurie Aberdeenshire AB51 3RN T: 0844 662 4110
Wreneaton Dulverton Somerset TA22 9DN T: 01398 323545
Lifestyle
Cambridge Subaru
Gatwick
158 Shelford Road Trumpington Cambridgeshire CB2 9NE T: 08433 831293
BCL House Gatwick Road, Manor Royal Crawley West Sussex RH10 9AX T: 01293 429800
Mount Ephraim Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8AG T: 0844 662 6853
Canterbury
GMD Car Sales
Vauxhall Road Canterbury Kent CT1 1HD T: 08430 222052
Finchale Road Arnison Centre Durham County Durham DH1 5RW T: 08433 831343
Burrells Motor Group
Central Motors East Street Chard Somerset TA20 1EP T: 0844 470 8355
Chandlers (Horncastle) Boston Road Horncastle Lincolnshire LN9 6JN T: 01507 527211
Colin Appleyard Cars Cavendish Street Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire OL6 7QL T: 08433 830 250
M & R Gair 7 Blackhill Industrial Estate Lerwick Isle of Shetland ZE1 0PZ T: 0844 662 6827
Maidstone Subaru
Gormley Motors
Su on Road Parkwood Maidstone Kent ME15 9FB T: 08433 933625
17/25 Ballygawley Road Dungannon BT70 1TY T: 08433 932741
Mangoletsi
Greens New
London Road Allostock Knutsford Cheshire WA16 9NS T: 08444 703 345
Withybush Business Park Withybush Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire SA62 4BW T: 08433 933571
Blue Bridge 85-87 Sta on Road Queensferry Flintshire CH5 2TB T: 01244 846 800
Maple Garage Ltd NEW Aldbrough Road Flinton Hull East Riding of Yorkshire HU11 4NA T: 08433 932738
Shukers Subaru (Ludlow)
Braunston Road Daventry Northamptonshire NN11 9DY T: 08433 932548
Lingen Road Ludlow Business Park Ludlow Shropshire SY8 1XD T: 08430 222056
Maugers Garage Ltd
Shukers Subaru (Shrewsbury)
Sion St John Jersey JE3 4FZ T: 0844 662 6868
Ba lefield Enterprise Park Vanguard Way Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 3TG T: 08430 223794
Monza Sports Tuning Bridge Garage London Road Ashington West Sussex RH20 3DD T: 08444 703 623
MRG Chippenham
Simpsons Subaru Blackworth Pavilion Highworth Swindon Wiltshire SN6 7NA T: 0844 662 6883
Methuen Park Bath Road Chippenham Wiltshire SN14 0GX T: 08433 931531
Slip End Garages
MTC Subaru
Souls Garages Ltd
157 Eastrea Road Whi lesey Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE7 2AJ T: 08433 932946
13-19 High Street South Olney Buckinghamshire MK46 4AA T: 01234 244300
Nathaniel Cars
Stan Palmer Ltd
David Street Bridgend Industrial Estate Bridgend Mid Glamorgan CF31 3SA T: 08433 932803
Auchinleck Drive Rosehill Industrial Estate Carlisle Cumbria CA1 2UR T: 0844 662 6830
Subaru Newcastle
Stokesley Motors Ltd
Fox & Hounds Garage 388 West Road Newcastleupon-Tyne Tyne & Wear NE5 2ER T: 08433 831300
1 Manor Close Stokesley Middleborough TS9 5AG T: 08433 932968
Normandy Garage
Markyate Road Slip End Luton Bedfordshire LU1 4BU T: 0844 662 6856
The Brookside Garage
Holyhead Road Cemaes Bay Anglesey LL67 0DA Guildford Road Normandy Guildford Surrey GU3 2DA T: 08433 932910 T: 08433 932862
Threeways Garage Ltd
Perkins Dunmow Road Rayne Essex CM77 6SA T: 08446 627 262
Faenol Avenue Abergele Aberconwy & Colwyn LL22 7HT T: 0844 662 6842
Pinkstones Subaru
Trelawny Subaru Cornwall
499 Newcastle Road Trent Vale Stoke on Trent ST4 6PJ T: 08433 932875
Unit 5 Long Rock Industrial Estate Penzance Cornwall TR20 8HX T: 08433 933602
Proveeda
Turnbulls Subaru NEW
519 London Road Ipswich Suffolk IP2 0ST T: 08433 933558
17-27 Layerthorpe York North Yorkshire YO31 7UZ T: 08433 933749
Proven Subaru
Unity AutomoƟve Coventry Limited
25 West Street Haslemere Surrey GU27 2AP T: 0844 662 6855
Cars ns Garage 324 Sta on Road Balsall Common West Midlands CV7 7EF T: 0844 662 6862
S & S Services 8 Old Bridge Road Heathfield Ayr Ayrshire KA8 9SX T: 0844 662 6828
S G Petch Green Howards Road Richmond North Yorkshire DL10 4SY T: 0844 662 6829
Seward Subaru West Street Havant Hampshire PO9 1LT T: 08433 932705
Unity Leicester 459 Aylestone Road Leicester Leicestershire LE2 8TB T: 08433 932859
Walkers St Andrews Road Cupar Trading Estate Cupar Fife KY15 4SX T: 08444 708208
White Horse Motors Old A30 Whitestone Exeter Devon EX4 2HF T: 08444 704 466
Shelly Motors
Unit E Longmead Business Park Felstead Road Epsom Woodford Motor Co Ltd Surrey KT19 9QG Woodford New Road Woodford Green Essex IG8 9DX T: 08433 932698 T: 08444 708142
Data from Subaru UK official website and is correct at the me of publica on.
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For a few years now wrapping your car in sheets of vinyl has been a popular alternative to getting your car sprayed. Spraying anything well is an art, and the bigger the item the more obvious the quality of the work. Vinyl offered a more flexible solution, offering many colours, patterns and designs and with the added bonus is that it not permanent. If you make a mistake applying the finish, simply peel off and try again.
Hydro graphics or Water Transfer Printing has also become popular but tend to be used for engine bay and interior plastic trim. I think you would struggle to do a whole car this way. Now there is a new kid on the block, introducing Plasti Dip or sometime referred to as Liquid Plastic or Spray on Car Wrapping.
Plasti Dip is not actually new, it has been around for many years. As the name suggests, companies have been dipping things in plastic, to give it a protective rubber coating for a long time. You probably own a wrench or hammer that has a grippy rubber handle that was dipped in plastic. So what’s new? You can’t really dip a car in rubber. Plasti Dip can be applied with a brush or can be sprayed with an airgun and they even sell aerosol cans too. Many more colours and finishes have become available as the product has gained popularity.
One of the reasons it has become very popular in the States and now here in the UK Is that there is very little preparation needed before applying, they claim just an alcohol wipe will suffice. As with all of the mentioned options the more preparation the better but it has been proven, although not recommended, that you can even apply the Plasti Dip to a dirty vehicle.
The Plasti Dip is applied in layers just like spray paint but it leaves a much more even finish and less likely to look patchy. It is recommended that you apply 4-5 coats to get a good finish but this varies depending on the surface. Once applied you can leave it with a matte finish or coat it with a high gloss finish. Plasti Dip can also be peeled off if you want a change leaving the original paintwork as it was before you covered it. The ability to peel it off quite easily allows you spray the vehicle without the need to tape off lights or windows, or areas you don’t want to change, Simply spray on and then when it has dried, peel off the areas you don’t want. To find out if Plasti Dip is as good as it is claimed I have ordered some to try out and I will donate the WR1, or maybe just some of it, in the name of research and do a full article in the next edition.
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