A little about myself...

Originally from the BAIC area and have owned 4 GC's over the years starting with a 2001 2.5RS and then upgraded to a 98 2.5RS that had a USDM EJ20 w/VF34 conversion done by LIC Motorsports. I'm overseas living in Japan starting out in Okinawa for the last few years and while there I've had 2 GC8s (Ver2 WRX & Ver2 STi Type RA.) Now that I'm in Tokyo I've decided to FINALLY upgrade to something a bit newer than a GC8 again so I've gone with a Version 7 STi

MY01 Version 7 STi w/51k KM

Mods


Engine
- Greddy aluminum radiator
- Zero/Sports Radiator Shroud
- Zero/Sports TMIC Splitter
- 3" Maddad Bellmouth Downpipe
- L'aunsport P555 WRC 2001 Catback
- K&N Panel Filter
- S2 Industries Air Oil Separator
- Samco radiator hoses
- STi throttle body to TMIC coupler


Suspension/Chassis/Driveline
- KYB AGX Struts w/Swift Sport Spec-R STi Springs
- STi Front Strut Tower Bar
- Cusco Rear Strut Tower Bar
- Cusco Type II Lower Arm Bar
- Cusco Master Cylinder Brace
- Cusco 22-24mm Rear Sway Bar
- AVO Steering Rack Bushings
- AVO Transmission mount bushings
- AVO Outrigger bushings
- Beatrush Propeller Shaft Mount Aluminum Bushings
- Beatrush Transmission mount
- Kartboy 6spd short shifter w/kartboy shifter bushings
- Torque Solutions Aluminum Pitch rod
- Stoptech Stainless steel brake lines w/ATE Super Blue DOT4 fluid


Exterior
- CF STi Fender Reflector Replacements
- Blue Lug Nuts
- JDM Rainguards
- Version 7 STi Limited Front Lip
- Version 7 STi Limited rear high rise spoiler

Interior
- HVAC/Vents painted black like the S203 trim
- JDM Red Hazard Switch
- JDM STi S204 6MT Shift **** with shift pattern colored cherry blossom pink
- HKS Kansai Driver's Lower Position Seat Rail
- Alpine CDA-105 head unit
- Blitz FATT Turbo Timer
- D'efi BF Imperial Water Temp/Oil Pressure gauges in a Zero/Sports gauge pod & Subaru STi Genome boost gauge

Maintenance Materials
- NGK BKR6EIX Spark Plugs
- Swepco 201 gear oil (Trans & Rear Diff)
- Rotella T 15W40 motor oil w/WIX Oil filter

Plans
- Version 7 Prodrive Style front bumper if I can find one/cheap enough
- Eventually install my black Spec C Type RA front seats and find rear seats or reupholster the stock ones.

 

Current photos

I prefer the stock look

 

When I bought it

 

Reserved

 

So sick. I was so close to getting orders in Japan but my son was just born and I didnt want to wait to bring him over, so I took conus orders. Are you going to ship this back with you when/if you come back to the bay?

 

I have the same drivetrain you do

 

I'm assuming you're Travis? What do you do...I have a friend over there now on the C-5 side that used to be at Kadena w/me. I used to be in fairfield until '08 then Kadena and now Yokota. I'll put in for an IPCOT soon as my DEROS option comes up. Trying to stay overseas as long as possible. As far as bringing it back...not going to happen since it's not on the NHTSA's list of non-conforming vehicles or 25yrs+ and I have no intention on stripping it to bring it back. I'll just get an 05 sti if I have to unfortunately go back to the black hole known as the states.

Daaaaaaayum small world! lol

Yeah I was scheming over the whole ver7 swap to a bugeye whenever I come back to the states, but the tuning options aren't available (the ones I want.) I don't want ecutek or standalone but open source could be an option. I tried talking to Cobb about the AP here in Japan distributed by Prova, but apparently their tuning software is japan specific and those dbags won't reflash the prova ap for USDM support. The Prova AP has an english menu option though. The scheming is over for me lol.

I love the EJ207 and am surprised how quickly it revs up! Such a huge upgrade over my old EJ20 USDM w/vf34! But like I said..05 STi if I come back.

 

Is it beautiful in Japan? Do they get snow at sea-level? Are the people as friendly in general as I've heard? Thanks!

Sweet ride by the way

 

Yes it's awesome in honshu and it was pretty nice in Okinawa as well, but I got stir crazy because it was a small island. The people are very friendly and very willing to help you out when you're in say their store or something like that. I only know a few phrases and in the process of learning how to read/write their language so they know I'm trying lol. I love it here to be honest and it was a big shock going back to the states where the majority of people are rude & obnoxious. As long as you're considerate and not a tool then the japanese will treat you the same way.

 

^ Thanks for sharing! This is what I've heard. They are a proud and gentle people. You always will have your bad egg's, but for the most part I hear they are nice/friendly people's! I would love to visit their beautiful country-side one day....

 

Well today I finally got the following done:
- Changed: Oil, Trans & rear diff oil.
- Installed cusco h-brace & prodrive catback

Unfortunately before trying to install my cusco downpipe I realized that it only had the O2 sensor at the bellmouth (intended for the ver1-6 wrx/sti) rather than at the end of the DP for where my O2 sensor is actually located. So I have to wait for my other DP to come in that has the correct O2 sensor location, which may be another month

Also attempted to do my spark plugs but gave up since it was such a ***** (so much easier on a GC8 w/more room.) I'll just have a shop do it for me since I don't want to deal with it.

My KYB AGX struts have arrived, but now waiting on my Swift springs to come in so I can replace these terrible Tein Flex coilovers (I hate coilovers for driving on the street.) My Zero/Sports carbon fiber wing risers are now on order and should get them in a week or so!

 

Awesome. It's looking great!!

 

Hate you so much! Have you made contact with any of the other i-clubbers over there?

 

I hate you.

 

+1 to this