I know this is very subjective, but let's have some fun here... if your goal was a comfortable, well handling, fast, fun car that you'd be happy taking on 500 mile road trips , hauling friends around, taking the spouse on vacation, whatever... a great all-around daily driver that rides well, doesn't drone on the highway, and runs like a beast when you want it to. What mods would you do to achieve this?
First off, it should perferably be a wagon; sedan is perfectly acceptable just slightly less space. Hi-flow 2.5" catted exhaust (prodrive), quiet straight through axelback (prodrive), VF39 or something bigger like 16G 'Zilla, moderately sized sways, sti shocks, progressive springs, ecutek (w/ economic and power "fun" tune), UV/Polar tint for heat, aftermarket sound+dynomat, quieter long life tires. You could throw in some aestheics, like 17" wheels (most comfy), front lip, etc. I'll think of some more to add later, but right now, that is sounding pretty damn comfy.
Hmm. Power: Well I would pick a sub 97 decibel catback, such as the Blitz Nur Touring, Hush, or Greddy Evo2(quiet) or SP2(quieter) a catted downpipe, Bosal, APS,or Sti(Uppipe) I would maintain a drop in air filter, no silencer mod. Maybe a topmount and choose a turbo, good ones are......... (VF34, VF22, VF39, KONG, 16g, Super 16g) Suspension: I aimed to do the same goal in mine as I carry my wife and kids in it. It is stiff, but not at all uncomfy. Struts:Go Adjustable(AGX), STi, or Stock. Tophats will work without too much harshness. Springs:Im a pink lover. As they maintain the stock rake. Sways:Stock endlinks as they will add some noise, pick a sway bar.
Wagon is only better for adults in front, kids in the rear, if its four adults, the Sedan has more rear leg room. I agree with the exhaust selection, I don't know enough about the turbos, so I'll go with Alex on this as well. For shocks, I would go with Koni inserts with Prodrive springs, AP, (to switch into Valet mode when needed), I would like to add in a carputer with Navi/DVD capabilites, Maybe redo the interior in leather, Agree on the wheels with a larger/softer sidewalled tire, def. the tint, rear cupholder mod, and roof racks for extra storage....
why is everyone forgetting the seats? ive been on a few 600+mile trips in the rex and my ass was very sore. that would be my first thing to make the wrx comfy. maybe by removing the seatcovers and adding a extra layer of bulster or memory foam would do the trick. also the wrx seats arent made for big people. in the bottom part of the seat theres 3 clips that hold the side pieces to the bottom piece. im gonna remove the middle clip to allow the side parts to spread a lil for my wide ass. lol im gonna do this mod soon.
I took my car down to orlando last winter and I had no trouble. It was relatively stock, but no issues with cramping or what not. On the highway, I would slide the seat back a few clicks so I could be slightly more comfy, tilt the back of the seat back a bit, but that was really it. I was feeling good.
i strongly DO NOT recommend STi struts with stiffer springs. Many people (mostly aged and/or female) complain about bounciness... that's why i'm looking for used Prodrive springs that i can put on my stock WRX struts. Any axle back that's slightly quieter than my stromung are nice (such as Borla hush and prodrive). My Stromung is not loud at all. But if any one seat in the back, it might be little too loud. Of course, all the other TBE, UP, EM are definately recommended. And if you got left over money, definately one size up Turbo.
Well I have been making alot of 500+ road trips to WV and back. And I really do not have any complains with my setup. The only thing that I could think of is putting on 17's instead of the 18's I'm currently running. -drums
stumbled upon this car with the perfect road trip setup... nice, quiet and very comfortable ride... especially for the ladies
i must agree that milo has made a fine selection for the quietness factor. i know that with my hks 3 in catless dp mated to the blitz nur spec r, that it was a very quiet and comfortable ride on the highway especially when running 80+