3 EASY WRX UPGRADES WITH SUBARU OEM PARTS

3 EASY WRX UPGRADES WITH SUBARU OEM PARTS

 

But how can you upgrade a Subaru WRX using parts it came with from the factory? It depends on the generation of WRX you have. Perhaps you went through a phase, or you just purchased a pre-owned WRX that came with components that you may not agree with, or simply just want to renew back to OEM. Although the Subaru WRX is still in production, the previous models such as the bugeye, the GD, and even the GV-chassis models are the last of their kind. A clean low mileage bugeye example are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. And since it has been 20+ years since the debut of the first bugeye models to hit US markets, many enthusiasts are looking to restore rather than upgrade. Which brings us back to the question, how can you upgrade your WRX using OEM parts?

There was a period, where the Subaru WRX was the canvas for upgrades that went against the grain of what the Subaru WRX is, which is an all-wheel-drive rally inspired vehicle. Afterall, WRX stands for World Rally Experimental. From about 2013 until it waned off currently, we would see ridiculous shift knobs, chassis were slammed on coilovers with wheels and offsets so aggressive that the fenders were butchered. It was cool to see the frame drag on the asphalt. And the suspension geometry was essentially ruined. Many enthusiasts went to their local arts and crafts stores to make custom headliners, while gluing any leftover fabric on their pillars. And it was a part of the scene to have your bumpers stitched with neon zip ties to complete the look.

Now these examples are in the extremes, but for many of us Subaru enthusiasts no matter where we land on the map, know of a Subaru that fits this description. And as “cool” as this may have seemed for the times, it just wasn’t sustainable in terms of driving. Sitting on aftermarket seats that are floor-mounted while scraping your oil pan on bumps off the road while struggling to steer due to the extreme camber then trying to see out of a giant windshield banner that covers the whole windshield is a lot gong on. These Subaru’s looked and sounded like an out-of-control drum solo just trying to park. And as time moved on, many of us have matured, and just wanted something comfortable to drive. Many of these Subarus have ended up on social media marketplaces with a half-wrapped and peeling vinyl jobs, and they are usually pretty cheap.

With that being said, if you are looking to renew, restore, or re-purpose your Subaru WRX, here are 3 easy WRX upgrades you can perform to your Subaru using OEM components.

 

 

SUBARU OEM SHIFT KNOB:

 

Yes, something as simple as a brand-new OEM shift knob can really change the dynamic of your interior. If you were ever in the market for a used car, or if you got a ride in an older vehicle equipped with a manual transmission, what is the item that really grabs your attention? That is the shift knob. The factory shift knob in any manually shifted vehicle is the highest-wear item in the interior. Aside from the steering wheel, your shift knob can experience high wear areas, on top of the knob itself, the stitching can be separated, and it can be faded altogether. It just so happens to be the main interior item that sticks out, but something can be done about it. For example, a brand-new OEM Leather STI Shift Knob for your 2015+ Subaru WRX makes for an excellent upgrade, and something this simple really renews the interior.  A new shift knob with fresh stitched leather provides a renewed look and feel that improves your overall interior aesthetics, and it is simple to install.

SUBARU OEM STI LEATHER SHIFT KNOB 6MT MODELS INC. STI 2004+ MODELS / WRX 2015+

 

 

SUBARU OEM FRONT LIP SPOILER:

If your WRX is slammed on coilovers, or if your WRX still has the factory suspension, your front lip takes a beating. On lowered vehicles the front lip can act as a push broom at times, and the front lip also absorbs all the elements of the road throughout all of the seasons. After years and mileage, the rubber can lose it’s finish and integrity, and no matter how much rubber shine and dressing you apply, it can never be renewed to its former glory. The solution is to simply replace the front lip, or you can upgrade to the OEM STI front lip.

The STI front lip is a genuine Subaru component and are available as an upgrade for WRX models from 2008 and up. The front lip is aesthetically pleasing, while increasing the overall aerodynamic refinement. A new front lip adds an overall cleaner look to the exterior of your WRX and makes for an excellent upgrade when you add an STI unit.

 

STI FRONT LIP SPOILER – SUBARU WRX/STI 2008-2010

SUBARU OEM STI FRONT LIP – SUBARU IMPREZA 2017+

STI FRONT LIP SPOILER – SUBARU WRX/STI 2011-2014

 

 

SUBARU FRONT GRILLE:

These are available in a variety of different and exclusive designs, and they are Subaru OEM components. Now these are available for newer generation WRX models, but they make the list due to the fact that there are a variety of different designs, and they meet the criteria in terms of being “easy” to a degree to install. More importantly, they improve the overall exterior looks and aesthetics of your WRX while replacing the traditional front grill installed on the front of USDM 2018-2022+ Subaru WRX models.

The examples that you can upgrade to are JDM units that just offer a cleaner look, and they are exclusive and can be recognized by Subaru enthusiasts with a trained eye. You can also upgrade your OEM front grille with the Subaru LED front emblem that adds a cool illuminated look when your headlights are on. All the options will look excellent for those of you with mild to moderate exterior upgrades, but more importantly they are made by Subaru for a quality fit and finish.

 

JDM STI SPORT R GRILLE DARK SILICA BLACK – SUBARU WRX 2022+

SUBARU JDM S4 GRILLE DARK GREY METALLIC – SUBARU WRX/STI 2018-2020

SUBARU LED FRONT GRILLE EMBLEM – SUBARU WRX 2022+

SUBARU FRONT GRILLE W/STI EMBLEM – SUBARU WRX 2022+

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION – SUBARU OEM ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS:

That’s right, all-weather floor mats should be on this list, but we are narrowed to 3 top upgrades. Although the Subaru WRX is a rally-inspired vehicle for enthusiasts to enjoy, many Subaru WRX models are chosen by those who experience more snow and moisture than usual and want the right set of floor mats that will protect the interior as much as possible. And this is where all-weather floor mats are an excellent OEM upgrade.

The all-weather floor mats feature strong rubber construction, and have been designed to collect dirt, salt, liquids, and any other messes that you bring into your Subaru from the outside. More importantly, the rubber will prevent the moisture from leaking through onto your carpets which your standard fabric floor mats can do. For your convenience, you can remove your all-weather floor mats while you’re at the car wash and spray them off making them easy to clean. These are especially convenient to have during the winter months where snow, salt, and mud will all be collected by your shoes, and it can all be trapped by the all-weather floor mats.

 

SUBARU OEM ALL WEATHER FLOOR MAT SET – SUBARU WRX/STI 2002-2007

SUBARU OEM ALL WEATHER FLOOR MAT SET – SUBARU WRX/STI 2008-2014

SUBARU OEM ALL WEATHER TRUNK MAT – SUBARU WRX 2022+