FactionFab's Full Range of Performance Parts & Accessories

The inception of Faction Fab consisted of a few esteemed engineers that just happed to be Subaru enthusiasts as well. From participating in weekend track events to testing other aftermarket suspension components on personal vehicles, the idea of creating their own components went into motion. From a simple design on paper transferring onto CAD software then onto prototype production, Faction Fab’s desired result was performance, build quality, and mainly refinement. If you are experienced behind the wrench or if you are a novice, Faction Fab’s catalog of upgrades are great for those of you who like to perform weekend projects while learning more about the function and purpose of suspension, braking, and performance modifications. Let’s go into further detail of some of Faction Fab’s top choices that Subaru owners and enthusiasts love to install on their vehicles.

 

BRAKES:

With Subarus being a rally-inspired all-wheel-drive vehicle that is highly versatile in terms of being so well as daily drivers and as weekend track warriors, brakes can be a difficult choice to serve both purposes. If you try to use your OEM brake pads at your local track that may be designed with long straights where you get a great amount of speed, you risk brake fade. Brake fade is where your brakes get so hot that your pads will glaze material over your rotors which eliminates the friction surface between the pad and the rotor. This is highly dangerous because you essentially lose your brakes with no friction to stop. You hit your brake pads and your vehicle will keep going. With racing brake pads, the compound used to make the pads are designed to endure extreme temperatures. This means that you need to get some heat into them before they start working. Meaning that if you put racing brake pads on your Subaru STI and leave for work on a cold November morning while approaching the first stop sighn, you will roll through the stop sign because racing brake pads will act like bricks, and need heat before they can effectively produce any friction.

The solution is a high-performance brake pad that can effectively stop your vehicle at the track, while not being too aggressive for the street. But heat is the enemy. You still need to prevent the heat from high-performance brake pads. The best solution to this would be a set of slotted or drilled brake rotors. Any brake rotor that has been designed with slots, drilled holes, or a combination of the two serve a purpose. This is to repel heat and brake pad residue during high-performance driving conditions. Slots will collect heat and brake pad residue and sort of sling it out. Where heat and brake pad reside will get collected inside the holes where they exit out of the vanes of the brake rotor. With either design, the main function is to provide a clean surface area when the brake pad and rotor make contact. They help reduce heat and can be utilized for street driving. There are drawbacks to using cross-drilled rotors on the street as depending on the brand or build quality, they can crack.

Faction Fab has created a balanced solution by combining their F-Spec brake pads, and their Swept Slot Bi-Directional Rotors. Let’s have a look at some of their features:

F-SPEC BRAKE PADS:

• Available for most Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Forester, WRX and STI, as well as the BRZ, FR-S, and Toyota 86 models
• Para-aramid compound
• Ideal for auto-x, light track days, and spirited canyon driving
• Great price point for a conscious customer
• High initial bite with linear feel throughout the temperature range
• Mild dust levels
• 1300°F max temperature
• Includes hardware and backing plates
• Pre-scorched to assist bedding of the pads
• Chamfered edges to reduce pad knockback

 

SWEPT SLOT BI-DIRECTIONAL ROTORS:

• Available for most Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Forester, WRX and STI, as well as the BRZ, FR-S, and Toyota 86 models
• High carbon composition that is wear-resistant, warp resistant, offers thermal stability at higher temperatures, and is crack resistant
• Great price point for a conscious customer
• Bi-directional design with symmetric vane casting that is not left or right specific
• Proprietary low noise, high sweep slot design to aid in de-gassing
• Black E-coated for corrosion resistance
• Mill balance for noise and vibration reduction
• High-precision machining (9.00s” max run-out w/0.0005” variation)
• Ideal for street, auto-x, and light track use

Another great addition to the Faction Fab brakes and rotors, are their stainless-steel brake lines. After age and mileage, or if you’re a regular weekend track participant, your OEM brake lines can expand under pressure. Stainless steel brake lines will not expand and provide a direct response from the brake pedal straight to the calipers. Make sure you bleed your brakes with a proper brake fluid.

 

DRIVETRAIN

The drivetrain components offered by Faction Fab have been designed to renew and upgrade your shifting mechanism. You need to make sure you hit the right gears during high-performance driving conditions, and like their braking components, most of the components can be replaced by those with a little mechanical know-how, and some basic tools.

• FACTION FAB FRONT SHIFTER BUSHINGS: The OEM shifter bushings are wear-and-tear items because they are made from soft rubber bushings. Faction Fab’s replacements feature 95A durometer polyurethane construction with 304 stainless steel inserts for load distribution and long service life. These are 100% factory replacements and are manufactured and assembled in the USA.
• FACTION FAB REAR SHIFTER BUSHING: This will work with either 5 or 6-speed models and have a 10mm lower mounting position over stock. This will also lower the shifter and knob height and helps angle the correction back to center. This shifter bushing features vacuum cast 80A durometer polyurethane construction and includes 304 stainless steel inserts. It will include Grade 8.8 zinc-plated hardware and is 100% designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA.
• FACTION FAB PITCH STOP: The Subaru OEM pitch stop is known to snap because of (2) reasons. They are made using weak materials, and they must support the torque, and forward/backward movement of the engine and transmission. The Faction Fab replacement features 6061-T6 billet aluminum, and has both 95A vacuum cast polyurethane bushings, and stainless-steel spherical bearings with PTFE lining. Additionally, it will include stainless steel inserts and a type II black anodized finish for corrosion protection. This is a great replacement over your OEM unit be the last pitch stop you’ll ever have to get for your Subaru.
• FACTION FAB SHIFT STOPPER: A great upgrade for manual 2015+ Subaru WRX models, this unit has been designed to reduce shifter slop while limiting unnecessary shifter movement. It has been designed with an adjustable slot to allow compatibility with stock or aftermarket shifters. Super durable construction with 6061-T6 billet aluminum materials and includes 18-8 corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware.

ENGINE

Faction Fab wanted to keep things simple in the engine department, but also provide enthusiasts with a selection of parts that can become annoyances once they wear or become damaged in the engine. The available components are affordable, sensible, and better replacements or upgrades over the OEM components.

• FACTION FAB PERFORMANCE EXHAUST GASKETS: You can find gaskets for the Subaru EJ and FA models that include the header, up pipe, as well as the downpipe. These feature multi-layer stainless steel construction and combine 304 and 430 stainless, and they have an alternating undercut mid-layer to provide the perfect seal.  In conclusion, the Faction Fab Performance Exhaust Gaskets are some of the best performing gaskets on the market and have 2x the compression over stock and 10x compression over the competition with a 360° fire ring. These are 100% made in Japan to maintain a high level of quality and construction.
• FACTION FAB OE EXHAUST GASKETS: These have been designed to meet or exceed OEM build quality, while being on the same line as OEM Subaru gaskets. These are mainly for the EJ engines, and feature multi-layer stainless steel construction, and are direct OE replacements. A great option for those of you who want to save when compared to dealership costs.
• FACTION FAB MAF SENSOR O-RINGS: For the EJ engines, Subaru does not sell the O-rings separate for the MAF sensor, you would have to get a replacement MAF sensor. The O-ring is a wearable item and are prone to failure with age. It is a Direct OE replacement with nitrile/buna-N rubber that is high-temperature, oil, and corrosion resistant.
   

EXHAUST

Although Faction Fab seems to invest a good emphasis on suspension and braking performance, their exhaust components have the same amount of engineering, research, and development. Additionally, their exhaust components are also relatively simple to install by those with a little mechanical know-how. Let’s discuss some of Faction Fab’s key exhaust components that will benefit your Subaru.

 

TURBO BLANKET:

Why should you put a turbo on your EJ-series Subaru? Because the turbo makes a direct connection to the top mount intercooler. This means that the exhaust housing is also near the intercooler. There is a science behind turbochargers because on one hand, air blown out of the compressor side needs to be cooled through the intercooler to maintain lower intake charge air temperatures. Yet, turbochargers are more efficient when keeping the turbo hot. By keeping the heat within the turbine housing, the turbo will spool faster for a faster response. The result is more power in a sooner delivery. However, because turbochargers naturally produce a great amount of heat, it increases the under-hood temperatures which can affect surrounding engine components such as wires, hoses, intercoolers, radiators, or oil pans. Heat can cause these components to deteriorate or become brittle.

The Faction Fab Turbo Blanket tackles these issues by using 3D stitching. The blanket retains all the heat energy within the turbocharger while preventing the heat from escaping into the ambient engine bay environment. The result is a significantly cooler under hood temperatures to prevent excessive temperatures for the surrounding engine components while increasing efficiency and power potential of the turbocharger by keeping the heat inside the turbo. Faction Fab’s testing shows a decrease in spool tie by 0.3-0.5 seconds, resulting in faster times to reach peak boost.

Here are additional features:

• Offered in lava or black color finishes – Both are manufactured identically with differences in the material selection
• The black blanket is designed for 600°F of direct heat and 1100°F radiant heat
• The lava is designed for 1800°F direct and 2500°F radiant heat
• Reduces under hood temperatures by 200-300°F near the turbocharger
• Decreases spool time by 0.3-0.5 seconds
• Increases turbo efficiency
• 3D clan shell has been molded to fit the turbo with cut outs for wastegate, oil, and coolant lines
• Includes stainless steel wire for the installation
• Works for 2002-2020 Subaru WRX and STI
• Also works on 2015+ Subaru WRX to reduce temps near the oil pan
• Will work with stock and upgraded stock location turbochargers

AXLE-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM

An axle-back exhaust system is the easiest easy to achieve an aggressive exhaust note for enthusiasts who may not opt for a full cat-back exhaust system setup. The main goal is to replace your factory heavy mufflers with units that will save weight. Because these replace your factory muffler (or mufflers depending on application), the installation can be done on your driveway safely supported on jack stands, and with basic garage tools.

FITMENT:

• 2008-2014 STI / 2011-2014 WRX widebody hatchback models only
• 2011-2014 STI and WRX sedan models
• 2015+ WRX/STI models
• 100% USA sourced materials and manufacturing
• In-house CAD design
• 204L stainless steel tubing, flanges and hangers
• Stainless steel polished straight or SS burnt staggered tips
• Direct replacements for your OEM mufflers
• Includes gaskets and hardware

INTERIOR

STEERING WHEELS:

Faction Fab’s steering wheels are a delight to have in the interior of your Subaru. These feature thicker grips and are available in a variety of materials that are found on steering wheels of today’s high-end exotics. This is an excellent upgrade that you can perform to your interior that will improve the everyday drive on the way to work or on the track for your Subaru WRX or STI. Below are some detailed features:

• Fitments for 2008-2014 WRX/STI, as well as 2015+ WRX/STI
• 100% direct OE replacement
• Retains all factory functions and features such as cruise control, Bluetooth, paddle shifters, etc.
• Available in leather, suede, leather + suede, carbon + leather, and carbon + suede
• Real carbon, leather, and suede materials
• Manufactured in an OE facility
• 100% hand-laid carbon fiber and stitching

SUSPENSION:

Here is where Faction Fab really shines. Their offering for the Subaru community features a variety of coilover options that will improve the ride quality, the handling, and have a multitude of adjustments at a competitive price point. Coilovers are for the enthusiast who demands suspension adjustment levels that exceed what conventional lowering springs can do. Installing lowering springs is a process where you have to remove the strut, rent or purchase a strut compressor tool, then switching out the springs, then re-installing your strut assembly. Coilovers you leave in the car, and it is a matter of loosening the lower strut perch and wither twisting the body into the lower strut mount ore lowering the spring perch. Because of these reasons, coilovers have a wide range of height adjustment per the owner’s preference, and many examples also have damping adjustment with some models having camber adjustment on the front hats. Here are some examples of the line of coilover options brought to you by Faction Fab.

 

F-SPEC COMFORT:

• Softer spring rate
• Rubber isolated top hats
• Lighter 5w fluid
• Softer valving
• 32-click damping adjustment
• Built for comfort / daily driving
• Non-camber adjustable top hats

FL-SPEC V2 STREET/LOW:

• Middle spring rate
• Camber adjustable, rubber isolated top hats
• Middle valving
• 30-click damping adjustment
• Largest adjustment range – Near OEM at top, extreme lows at bottom
• Best “all around” coilover
   

FR-SPEC V2-TRACK:

• Aggressive spring rate
• Camber adjustable pillow ball top hats (front only)
• Thicker 20w fluid (better for heat management and valving assistance)
• Aggressive valving
• 30-click damping adjustment
• Firmer ride
• Best for track / weekend only

SPECS:

• Fitment for 2002+ WRX, STI, and 2013+ FR-S / BRZ / 86 models
• 1-way combined rebound / compression adjustable damping included on all models
• Independent ride height adjustment vs spring pre-load
• Dust boots and bump stops
• Forged aluminum collars
• Corrosion-resistant coating
• 1-year warranty
• Japanese steel springs, NOK seals, and valving
• Italian synthetic oil
• Taiwan assembly
• Robotic welding High value, high-quality, cost-effective
   

LOWERING SPRINGS:

Although from a labor standpoint, coilovers will always be an easier option to install. But there are many enthusiasts, more than you think that still prefer lowering springs. Coilovers may have a stiffer spring and they may come with pillow-ball top hats that can make the overall ride a little aggressive for those of you with daily drivers. Lowering springs are ideal for those of you who want to keep your stock struts but want a slightly lower profile to improve both the looks and the handling without sacrificing the ride quality. Faction Fab has an option for the 2008-2014 STI, 2009-2014 WRX, 2015+ WRX, 2013+ FR-S and BRZ models, along with the 2019+ Toyota Supra. Here are some features:

• Performance spring rate to maximize shock performance which can be 4% and 45% stiffer than stock depending on the application
• Moderate drop for good aesthetics but long shock life
• 1.0”+ drop front and 0.8”+ drop in the rear depending on the application
• 100% designed and manufactured in the USA
• Includes dust boots, bump stops, and spring silencers as needed

HONORABLE MENTIONS

LUG NUTS:

Faction Fab has invested plenty of time into their lug nuts. In fact, they were tested against two lug nuts from leading name brands to try and compare and determine whether they could offer a better option. SAE has a specific standard for testing, and Faction Fab’s 60° conical lug nuts with the stress testing procedure exceeded SAE’s testing with results in all areas. The tensile strength testing involved finding the true lad load capacity of the lug nuts. This is a test of design and thread manufacturing tolerances, providing a measurable quality factor. Better threads will result in a stronger connection. The SAE Standard requires 17,180 lb-ft of load from a tension pulling test, and Faction Fab chose to use ARPP wheel studs at the lower end as they are the gold standard for wheel fastening in heavy-duty applications.

Faction Fab’s lug nuts not only exceeded the testing procedure snapping the ARPO wheel studs at 27,500 lb-ft which netted a minimum of a 60% increase of holding force over the SAE standard. The leading competitor ended up with a max of 25,000 lb-ft with both aluminum and steel version stripping at the threads.
 

WHATS THE ANSWER?

 In conclusion, Faction Fab are fanatics about engineering, Subarus, and motorsports. In order to be successful in motorsport, you need components that are built to last. Through a rigorous design and testing methods, Faction Fab will not push a product into production unless every component meets their strict standards in strength, fitment, performance, within an attainable price point. When operated by Subaru enthusiasts who know the strengths and weaknesses, you can rest assured that Faction Fab has a product that will improve the ownership and driving experience, as well as the value of your Subaru.