2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Project Log

[serialk11r]

Whoa that looks very close to the exhaust, is it going to be okay with your low compression (high EGT) engine?

I installed an aftermarket muffler on my car and let it melt through the bumper instead of cutting a hole for it, and the heat doesn't hurt the ABS at all even with 1mm clearance, but my engine is weak and I drive slow, haven't tracked or autoxed the car.

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Whoa that looks very close to the exhaust, is it going to be okay with your low compression (high EGT) engine?

I installed an aftermarket muffler on my car and let it melt through the bumper instead of cutting a hole for it, and the heat doesn't hurt the ABS at all even with 1mm clearance, but my engine is weak and I drive slow, haven't tracked or autoxed the car.

coroplast has held up fine so far

I did some research, it looks like the typical temperature of an Sti stock muffler is 312*F...melting point for coroplast is 324*F

I was hoping that the coroplast would melt so that i can see exactly where to trim it off.

[jedi_sol]

Job interview in Los Angeles next week.

If i get the job...my daily commute will turn into 100miles round trip

...decisions...decisions...

1) Move closer to the new job...keep driving the sti = gas expense goes down but rent expense goes up

2) Stay home, turn the Sti into a garage queen and buy a used civic for $3k and eco mod the civic to tackle 100 mile daily commute. Then eventually the gas savings with the civic will pay itself off = gas expense goes down but commute time goes waaaay up

3) move close to the new job, garage the sti, buy a civic (better suited for Los angeles traffic) = rent expense goes up, gas expense goes down, civic expense goes up, commute time goes down...but i move farther away from family and friends.

[UltArc]

How much more value does this job add? If I was getting a 15k pay bump, sure.

I imagine since option 4) Not take the job was not on the list, it is a decent pay jump.

[jedi_sol]

That's the problem. The new job is in a different industry. So it'll be a temporary pay cut at first, but I'll potentially earn more money in the future plus more job stability.

So that's where I have to decide on where I can cut my budget some where (gas, rent, car expenses, etc).

[UltArc]

If you're trying to save money and keep the STi, it doesn't seem like another car is the best move right now. Sorry, all of this was done on my mobile.

[redpoint5]

You're going to have to answer all your own questions, since you know what you can tolerate.

Me, I'd rather die than commute 100mi 5 days a week around LA. I'd take option 5; move to another state and enjoy the STi on open roads/offroads.

[jedi_sol]

Another best tank! This is the first full tank with the new under belly tray

31.4mpg

Would've done better but my coworker wanted to take the car out for a joy ride.

[jedi_sol]

Got around to fixing the sagging rear cross member. I found existing bolts near the frame. Used pipe straps.


Before


After





Next up: rear diffusers

[jcp123]

If you're averaging 30+ in the STi (what a horrible name), then I'd say do the commute. Do you know how long it'd take to make up $3k plus mods and rent to move closer? Never, I'd say.

I could sell you my Echo for an inflated price and you have 50mpg potential right off the bat, plus I'd make a profit vs. what it's really worth!

Sure it gets a p0420 code every 300mi or so. It's a CARB certified car having been sold in CA originally and I guarantee it's reliability and that it'll pass smog...