With all 485 hp pushing around a mere 2,660 pounds, this Subaru lunges around the track like an angry bulldog. Luckily, it still handles itself gracefully, thanks to the MacPherson strut suspension, designed courtesy of Prodrive. This setup employs Ohlins triple-adjustable shocks and adjustment shims at all four corners, with spring rates set at a stiff 650 lb/in for the front and 550 for the rear. Whiteline Automotive offered their support from down under, and provided 27mm anti-roll bars at both ends, as well as an anti-lift kit, bumpsteer kit and endlinks. At the rear, Cusco was happy to supply their lateral links and trailing arms. Depending on the application, Michael will either be using Rota Torque wheels or GC05's from Prodrive. Both are 18x9.5, and are wrapped in super-sticky R1 tires from BFGoodrich, sized 275/35 for all four.
When the bodywork came back from Calculated Risk, the Impreza became a whole new animal, featuring a fully custom-designed aero package for the front, a rear diffuser, and an impressive flat-underbody kit. The carbon-fiber hood and trunk lid come courtesy of VFiber, and TEC Engineering provided the side skirts, as well as the mounts for GST's custom GT rear wing.
Calculated Risk handled the interior, though that refers to little more than a pair of Racetech seats and six-point seatbelts. They also did the rollcage work and Firesafe safety system. Helping with the wiring issues throughout, 034 Motorsports provided an AIM MXL Pro dashboard that features both GPS and wideband integration.
Nowadays, this car is only driven once or twice a month, depending on the schedule of events it's participating in. This season, it will hopefully be joined by its new sister car, an '06 widebody STI. Having received multiple First Place wins and many other podium finishes, this '96 Impreza has certainly set the bar high. Even $80,000 later, Michael is still happy to be the proud owner of one of the most impressive race Impreza's out there. Still don't believe us? Check out driver Brian Lock putting the car through its paces on YouTube.
Specs
Engine
Cosworth 2.5L Subaru B-4
Cosworth crankshaft
Cosworth rods
JE forged pistons (10:1 compression)
JE piston rings
ARP rod bolts
Cosworth high-capacity oil pump
Cosworth high-capacity oil pan
Cosworth windage tray with baffle plate
Setrab oil cooler core with Mocal sandwich adapter
Cosworth camshafts (duration and lift: 278-degree, 10.7mm intake; 274-degree, 10mm exhaust)
GReddy timing belt
Cosworth CNC port and hand-polished cylinder head
Cosworth valves and valvesprings
Cosworth retainers, keepers and rockers
GST Motorsports turbo kit
Garrett GT35R turbo
Blitz intercooler (24x10.4x2.67-inch)
TiAL 44mm external wastegate
TiAL 50mm atmospheric blow-off valve
GST Motorsports custom piping
K&N air filter (4-inch) with GST piping JDM Subaru intake manifold, flow-matched and rechambered by TEC Engineering
GST Motorsports 3-inch exhaust with Injen crosspipe
Bosch Motorsport 044 fuel pumps
Walbro 255lph fuel pumps
RC Engineering fuel injectors (1,000cc/min)
Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator
Hydra Nemesis engine management system
Subaru Spec C six-speed transmission (JDM)
Kartboy short shifter
ACT unsprung six-puck clutch with HD pressure plate and flywheel
Cusco clutch-type differentials
Chassis/Suspension
Prodrive-spec Ohlins triple adjustable shocks
Swift Springs (650-pound front, 550-pound rear)
Whiteline Automotive anti-rollbar, 27mm
Whiteline Automotive anti-lift kit
Whiteline Automotive bumpsteer correction kit
Whiteline Automotive endlinks
Cusco lateral links
Cusco trailing arms