Mailman’s 2000 RS Coupe: EJ257 / JDM EJ205 Hybrid Swapped

As of 12/18/2022: 190251 chassis miles
Swapped at 188706 miles
1545 miles on swap

This is my 2000 Impreza RS coupe which has been my daily driver since 2004. I bought it used from a gentleman in Dallas who had it set up for autocross. Faced with the prospect of buying a new car, I couldn’t find it in myself to part with it! Now after years of wear and tear I am committed to making this thing new again, and to eventually make it into the STI it always wanted to be

--- GOALS ---

Overall:

• RSTI with daily driven power
• OEM+ style build
• "Luxury RS" finish

Short/mid-term Goals:

• USDM EJ257 / JDM EJ205 Hybrid Swap (currently in post-swap tuning phase)

Long-term Goals:

• Rear suspension refresh
• 6-speed swap
• V6 body trim
• Upgrade stereo
• Interior refresh

--- BUILD NOTES ---

Engine & Exhaust:

• USDM EJ257 / JDM EJ205 Hybrid Built Motor
  • 2018 STI RA OEM Shortblock
  • JDM EJ205 Heads, Manifold, Headers
  • IHI VF48 "Hi Flow" Billet Turbocharger
  • 2021 STI Intercooler
  • Tomei Silcone Inlet
  • SPT 02-07 WRX Intake
  • Grimmspeed Lightweight Crank Pulley
  • STI "Dark Blue" 565cc Injectors
  • STI Group N Engine Mounts
  • 2011+ WRX/STI 100a Alternator
  • 07 STI Power Steering Pump
• HKS Catless Up-pipe
• Cobb Tuning Turbo-back Exhaust w/ GESI Hi-flow Cat

Transmission:

• JDM 02 WRX 5-speed Transmission TY754VBBAA 4.444 FD
• STI Group N 5-speed Transmission Mount
• STI Group N Pitch Stop
• XClutch Stage 1X 02-05 WRX Clutch
• XClutch Chromoly Flywheel 13.42lbs
• 02-05 Clutch Master Cylinder
• Kartboy Transmission Crossmember Bushings
• COBB Tuning Short Throw Shifter
• Energy Suspension Shifter Bushings

Steering and Suspension:

• 04 STI Power Steering Rack
• KYB AGX Struts
• King OE Height Springs
• STI Group N Strut Mounts
• JDM Aluminum Front Control Arms
• STI Group N Front Control Arm Rear Bushings
• Cusco Rear Sway Bar
• SPT Front Strut Tower Brace

Wheels/Tires/Brakes:

• 06-07 WRX 4/2 Piston Brakes
• Powerstop Stainless Brake Lines
• Sparco Assetto Gara Wheels, 17x7.5 Matte Graphite Silver
• Bridgestone Potenza Tires, RE980AS 215/50R-17

Exterior:

• Full Repaint
• JDM Tail Lights
• Depo Clear Corners and Side Markers
• Painted Shark Fin Antenna
• 06-07 STI Badging
• Full LED Lighting

Interior:

• 2006 STI Floor Mats
• 02 WRX Pedal Covers
• IAG Floor Mat Bracket
• STI Duracon 5-speed Shift Knob
• GC Navigation/Gauge Pod
• Alpine CDE-SXM145BT Single DIN Receiver
• Infinity Reference 6000cs 6.5" Component Door Speakers
• Infinity Reference 6522IX 6.5" Coaxial Rear Speakers
• Pioneer 12" Subwoofer in Custom Box
• Noico 80mil Sound Deadener, ~120 sqft
• Full LED Dash Lighting

--- TABLE OF CONTENTS ---

1. Original Photos
2. Head Gasket Repair
3. Shifter Linkage/Bushings, Transmission Mount, Interior Trim
4. Suspension, Wheels, and Tires
5. Repaint!
7. Shark Fin Antenna
8. Sound Deadening
9. STI V8 Steering Wheel
10. JDM EJ205 Powertrain Received!
11. 06/07 WRX 4/2 Piston Brakes
12. JDM 5-Speed Install
13. Engine Rebuild as EJ257 Hybrid!
14. 04 STI Steering Rack, JDM Control Arms, Crossmember
15. After a break... the swap resumes
16. First start up and break-in