DETROIT, MI - The Subaru WRX STI S209 is revealed at the 2019 North American International Auto Show during Media preview days on January 14, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan.
(Photo : Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
In a move that will enrage car purists, Nolan Andrew did the unthinkable and put a twin turbo 4.3-liter Lexus V8 engine in his Subaru WRX STI. However, that decision did not come easy for Andrew, who made the move out of necessity.
Andrew had long wanted to buy a Subaru WRX STI, spending years looking for that gorgeous vehicle in South Africa. That moment finally arrived when Andrew obtained the keys to a 2011 'GV' unit.
However, Andrew had a major problem, as maintaining and keeping his EJ boxer-four going in the country was not going to be cheap. Subaru has a limited presence in South Africa, making spares hard to come by for parts of the STI. Getting parts outside the country would be a costly endeavor for Andrew, a possible problem that he wanted to address quickly.
Andrew puts a 4.3-liter Toyota V8 engine inside his Subaru WRX STI
To avoid such a problematic scenario, Andrew came up with a drastic but ingenious solution. He decided to put a 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE Toyota V8 engine borrowed from a Lexus under the hood of his Subaru WRX STI. Toyota's V8 engine had an all-aluminum construction, making it an ideal replacement to avoid too much nose-heaviness in the car.
Its stock output was similar to the stock EJs, forcing Andrew to add something extra to his newly transformed car. To give his Subaru an extra go, Andrew installed a couple of Garrett GT35 turbochargers inside his car. These turbos run a modest 0.6 bar boost, providing the STI with extra power. Andrew also set up a new exhaust system for his Subaru with exits placed on either side of the front bumper.
These specific changes dealt Andrew with yet another issue with his car. The gearbox combination and the length of the new engine meant the car had to undergo significant front-end modifications for it to be compatible with Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive system.
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Andrew makes STI rear-drive
Andrew wanted to avoid such modifications, opting instead to make his WRX STI rear-drive. Nolan's decision not to have his Subaru's front wheels powered will further annoy purists, who are already infuriated with this car's transformation.
Fitting the Toyota V8 engine inside the Subaru WRX STI was not easy despite Andrew's decision to ditch the all-wheel-drive system. The car had to undergo necessary changes, including the fabrication of custom engine and gearbox mounts and various subframe alterations. In addition to that, the front end of the Subaru also had to be adjusted to make room for its new radiator.
The WRX STI is a renowned legend in the world of rally racing, notching countless victories with its great handling, tremendous acceleration, hood scoop, and track‑tuned suspension. Andrew has managed to put his own twist to this iconic vehicle, and he deserves to get some praise and not scorn because of it.
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