When looking for a new car, you usually have a good understanding of what you expect to obtain based upon your history with other cars or even what your friends and family may have at the time. A few random Car & Driver magazines, some commercials, or even Top Gear:BBC reviews may effect your choice as well.
Q:What is the main reason for going with the Spec B?
A: "The Spec B was a logical choice for me. I wanted a car that looked professional enough to take out a client, but would still be fun to drive. I also wanted something that I could drive year round from a car show to the ski slopes. A friend, Mike Tran, has an STi swapped Subaru Legacy GT Wagon that I really liked which got me started looking at Subaru Legacys. The 2007-2009 Spec B sparked my interest because of the 6 speed transmission and the Torsen R180 Rear differential from the STi. As such I spent nearly 8 months looking at various cars and nearly bought an STi before I found my Spec B. There has been no looking back since."
A: "The Spec B was a logical choice for me. I wanted a car that looked professional enough to take out a client, but would still be fun to drive. I also wanted something that I could drive year round from a car show to the ski slopes. A friend, Mike Tran, has an STi swapped Subaru Legacy GT Wagon that I really liked which got me started looking at Subaru Legacys. The 2007-2009 Spec B sparked my interest because of the 6 speed transmission and the Torsen R180 Rear differential from the STi. As such I spent nearly 8 months looking at various cars and nearly bought an STi before I found my Spec B. There has been no looking back since."
Q: How would you compare it to other "performance" cars you have owned?
A: "I’ve owned multiple domestic muscle cars, a few Japanese tuner cars, sports bikes, Jeeps, and several other vehicles. I am an enthusiast. I've driven a wide variety of sports cars and tend to not be brand loyal. The Spec B is a performance “luxury” sedan. As such, it’s a little heavy and left a lot to be desired in terms of handling in stock form (understeer, body roll). It’s not the fastest car I’ve owned, but with its current set-up it could be the most fun. I've focused on modifying it for functionality and the form has seemed to follow. This car has a soul. I’m not exactly sure how to describe it, but every time I get in the car it puts a smile on my face."
A: "I’ve owned multiple domestic muscle cars, a few Japanese tuner cars, sports bikes, Jeeps, and several other vehicles. I am an enthusiast. I've driven a wide variety of sports cars and tend to not be brand loyal. The Spec B is a performance “luxury” sedan. As such, it’s a little heavy and left a lot to be desired in terms of handling in stock form (understeer, body roll). It’s not the fastest car I’ve owned, but with its current set-up it could be the most fun. I've focused on modifying it for functionality and the form has seemed to follow. This car has a soul. I’m not exactly sure how to describe it, but every time I get in the car it puts a smile on my face."
Q: Any future mod ideas?
A: "I’m going to install a 2 quart Accusump, oil temperature gauge (replacing the boost gauge), and installing the Whiteline inner front bushings before I do a few track days at High Plains Raceway. Aesthetically, I am going to paint the headlight housings black. Beyond that, I won’t do much until the motor/turbo blow. At that point, they will get replaced will a fully build block, 740cc injectors, a 16g turbo, and a new fuel pump. Eventually, I’d also like to add a big brake kit, track tires, and extremely light weight wheels. Keep in mind, this car is daily driven so reliability is paramount."
A: "I’m going to install a 2 quart Accusump, oil temperature gauge (replacing the boost gauge), and installing the Whiteline inner front bushings before I do a few track days at High Plains Raceway. Aesthetically, I am going to paint the headlight housings black. Beyond that, I won’t do much until the motor/turbo blow. At that point, they will get replaced will a fully build block, 740cc injectors, a 16g turbo, and a new fuel pump. Eventually, I’d also like to add a big brake kit, track tires, and extremely light weight wheels. Keep in mind, this car is daily driven so reliability is paramount."
We all hope to purchase the car that will put a smile on our faces every time we go to the store or just out for a drive, as well as suit our needs from day to day. Sometimes things just don't work out though, and you end up moving on to another one. In many ways, much like a romantic relationship. This one though, is sure to be long term.
Specifications
Exterior:
Engine:
Suspension:
Wheels/Tires:
Brakes:
Driveline:
Interior:
Other:
Jake would like to give a big thanks to Ryan Romero at Suba in Denver, CO. Check them out at SubaPerformance.com.
- S204 Front Lip
- Update Front Badge
- Black Plastidipped OEM Grill
Engine:
- Cryo Tune
- Cobb Accessport V3
- Cobb SF Intake & Air Box Surround
- Cobb SS 3" Downpipe
- Cobb SS Turbo Heat Shield
- Perrin Equal Length Header
- Grimmspeed Up Pipe
- Borla Cat Back Exhaust
- BarManBean Bulletproof TMIC Kit
- Thermal Zero Blankets - Turbo, Up Pipe, Down Pipe
- Killer B Oil Pan Pickup w/ Oil Baffle Windage Tray
- NGK -1° Spark Plugs
Suspension:
- Race Comp Engineering Tarmac 1 Coilovers
- Spec B Top Hats
- Whiteline Front & Rear Adjustable Sway Bars
- Whiteline Bushings - Rack & Pinion, Upper & Lower Control Arms
- Whiteline Roll Center/Bumper Steer Correction kit
- Kart Boy End Links
- AVO Rear Sway Bar Mount Reinforcements
Wheels/Tires:
- Sparco Assetto Gara 18x8
- Michellin Pilot Super Sport 235/40-18
Brakes:
- Slotted Rotors
- Grimmspeed Master Cylinder Brace
- Goodridge G-Stop SS Brake Lines
Driveline:
- Exedy Stage 1 Organic Clutch
- Exedy Lightweight Flywheel
- Cobb Short Throw Shifter
- Cobb Shifter Bushings
Interior:
- Cobb Shift Knob
- Perrin Gauge Combo - Boost/Oil Pressure
Other:
- Primitive Front/Rear Skid Plates
Jake would like to give a big thanks to Ryan Romero at Suba in Denver, CO. Check them out at SubaPerformance.com.