Over the years Billy’s had some very notable wheel and tire setups, his current set is by far my favorite. 18×9 +45mm Enkei PF01s in Blood Red powder coat, paired up with a set of uber sticky 255/35/18 Toyo R1Rs and some KW V3 coilovers. This setup is perfect for what Billy wanted, aggressive yet not crazy, loads of grip but no poke.

Billy has been in this game for awhile. 05 WRB GD, 08 DGM GRB, 05 OBP GD, 07 OBP GD this may be jibberish to some, but to others this shows the timeline of Billy’s Subaru obsession. He built an amazing WRB 2005 STi a few years back and I know for a fact he inspired a lot of other people with the Cusco Front Lip, GramLight 57Fs and multiple different wings.

Currently Billy has a pair of OBP STi’s (yes I said pair!!) one 2005 and one 2007, one nearly done and one just getting started. I’m going to let Billy take the reigns and explain abit about himself and his car’s past, present and future. Take it away Billy.

Ok, so I’m Billy Muller, I’m 24 and I’m the used car manager for my father’s Chevrolet Dealer in Stewartsville, NJ. I came into the Subaru scene in 2004 when I got a java black pearl 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX. I found out about the WRX and/or STI back playing Gran Turismo 2, along with the Evo. I told myself, one day I want to drive one of those cars, because they were so bad ass in this video game.  Well, they came here and it’s basically all downhill from there (the mod bug stuck forever). After making the wrx stage 2, it was time for an upgrade. I traded the 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX in for my 1^st STi (I’ve had 4 STi’s in total), which was a WRB 2005. I did everything with that car, and had a well followed members journal on iwsti.com.

For a reason I don’t know, I felt the need for a change and put the entire car back to stock and traded it in for a new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi GR hatch. It was a really nice car, but I fell in love with the original car brought to the US. The GD just has the feel, and the look.

I went stage 2, added some suspension stuff and drove about 5000 miles. I soon put the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi up for sale.

That is when I spotted a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi for sale on ebay and the forum. I had to have it. I didn’t care how far it was, it was a bad ass car. Long story short, when I got it, the motor was no good. Depressed after waiting for so long, I took the car to my friends at EFI Logics, since I know Chris already from xx tuning.

He told me they had to tear it down, it was spewing oil out everywhere, was smoking bad, and was very unhealthy. With everyone following my newly made members journal, the results were posted by pete at EFI. All four forged JE pistons were cracked, my bearings had heavy scoring, the cams had heavy scoring, the cylinder walls had scoring, it was a train wreck of a motor. With no where to go, they said what do you want to do? I told them, build it, use the good parts (the turbo and supporting components), and make me something better than this car was perceived. So the build began, I let EFI chose which parts to go with each other, after telling them what I expected from the car. 

A little while later, Tina (Rob @ EFI names all his motors), was done and ready to be stuffed back in. I think my car was one of the first highly modded motors to come out of EFI, since they opened in 08, and everybody was waiting to see the results. After the break in, I had issues with my meth kit and my fuel pump was cutting out. I was disheartened following what EFI recommended, I made an appointment for installing an Aquamist HFS6 and for Jack (the fabricator) to add a Full Blown dual Walbro setup. I’m running 950cc injectors, and the fuel pump couldn’t keep up with them, hence the reason to add a secondary pump. Finally, the day came for dyno tuning with the new setup.

Final dyno numbers for my STi were 510whp/473wtq, one of the highest to come out of EFI. The dual walbros dropped my IDCs by 30% with tons of room left on the table. The only thing holding it back now is the actual turbo itself.

Now the car was in my hands, it was running great and has been ever since. I have changed the car’s look numerous times, making it my own creation. Many people probably don’t realize it was the same car featured in Modified Mag one year. My original plans for this car was to use it on the track, but for what it has been through, my mind has changed.

I recently acquired a 2007 sti as my daily driver with only 9000 miles…..STOCK! My mind changed and I knew this was the car to use. While my 05 would probably be a beast on the track, you don’t see many 500whp sti’s going around. Most at 350-400whp,with great response. The 07 is going to be that car. The 07 is going to be a fresh start for me, which I am so excited for. The 07 is going to be the track b***h, but with a full interior, etc. it’s for those fun days, but hey you never know how it’ll turn out. I love following Amy (StripesRX) and her racing and would love to follow her around to events and race in honor of EFI.

The 05 is going to be the garage queen, with the 54,000 miles she only has on her, tearing up the streets when she comes out. I still have some chargespeed carbon fiber pieces coming for it too. I think I’m going to add a bigger turbo and go for more power in the future too. You can’t stop at 500whp. I want more than that lol.  Right now, I’m busy trying to sell cars in our economy and maybe soon, open a performance shop within the dealer.

You can find my cars under VSGTS14 on iwsti.com and any time EFI Logics has an event, I’ll be there. My 05 was featured in EFI Logics booth at Wicked Big Meet and The Mega Meet recently both cars will always see EFI Logics for all work performed, everybody should turn to them if you need a tune, a fix, or a parts inquiry, especially with JNA performance right next to them.  

So a big thank you goes out to them for all their hard work and patience. I’d like to thank iwsti.com for their help and insight about parts and what to do and to the members I know on there. A thank you to my girlfriend who doesn’t know one thing about subaru’s, but likes to be around the scene and people. Also, thanks for T3h_Clap for my hundreds of pm’s about wheel fitment for nearly every STi I have owned and figuring out what works and what doesn’t!

MODS:
Engine
EFI Logics Built EJ25 Block – 93 octane + meth injection

510whp/473wtq @ 27 psi

• COBB Accessport V2
• Aquamist HFS6
• Spec C Tank w/Meth
• EFI Logics Special Pistons
• EFI Logics Custom Fuel System w/-8 AN Fittings and Lines
• Cosworth S2 Grind Camshafts 278/274 – properly sized valve buckets for optimal clearance
• Supertech +0.5 Intake and Exhaust Valves – mild head port on exhaust side only
• Supertech Titanium Retainer Seats
• Supertech Valve Springs
• Supertech Spring Seats
• ARP Head Studs
• Invidia N1 Race w/Ti Tip Catback
• Ultimate Racing GT35R Turbo
• Ultimate Racing Downpipe
• Ultimate Racing 3 Bolt Uppipe
• Ultimate Racing Reverse Flow Ver1 FMIC
• Crawford Performance Ver.1 A/O Seperator
• Custom 83mm MAF Housing – KS Tech
• Full Blown Dual Walbro Pump Setup w/Custom Lines
• Blitz SBC ID3 Boost Controller
• TIAL 44mm EWG (Custom Dump Tube)
• TIAL BOV
• Thermo Turbo Blanket
• Aeromotive Fuel Rails
• Aeromotive Fuel Pressure Regulator with Liquid-Filled CHM Gauge
• GT Spec Gen 2 Unequal Length Header
• KOYO Aluminum Radiator
• Moroso Version 1 Oil Pan
• Grimmspeed Thermostat
• JDM TGV deletes
• Deatschwerks 950cc Side Feed Injectors
• NGK One Step Colder Plugs
• AR Fab Harmonic Balancer
• ARC Radiator Cap
• Braille Lightweight Battery w/EFI Logics Bracket
• Perrin Radiator Hoses
• Coolant Reservoir Delete
• Gates Timing Belt
• Kartboy Exhaust Hangers
• KillerB Windshield Washer Tank
• Carbign Craft Carbon Fiber Alternator Cover
• Carbign Craft Carbon Fiber Radiator Shroud
• Dress Up Bolts Polished Engine Bay Bolts
• Project MU Brake & Clutch Caps

Exterior

• Voltex Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
• Syms Rear Spoiler
• Syms Side Skirts
• S2000 Retrofit Headlights w/Angel Eyes (Lightwerkz)
• 10% Window Tint
• Debadged
• Blue Bat’s Tinted Tails + 3rd Brake Light
• Black “I” Emblem
• Black STi Billet Aluminum Front Bumper Trim
• Carbon Fiber Front Lip
• NRG Polished Hood Dampers
• Varis Carbon Fiber Exhaust Shield

Interior

• Bride Gias Low Max Seats with Gradiation
• Blacked Out Interior w/Pass Through
• PROVA D-Shaped Steering Wheel
• S204 Style Flat Black Dash Trim
• Aspec Titanium Shift Knob
• AEM AFR Gauge
• Autometer Carbon Fiber Gauge Pods
• DEFI BF Amber Boost
• DEFI BF Amber Oil Pressure
• DEFI BF Amber EGT
• DEFI Control Unit II
• DEFI Triple Meter Hood
• Fully Converted Interior Lights to Red courtesy of Interior Flaire
• Subtle Solutions Ashtray Bezel (Black)
• Auto-Dimming Mirror/Compass
• Polished STi Shifter Surround
• JDM Carbon Shift Pattern Decal
• Autospeed Dead Pedal
• TurboXS Knock Light
• Passport 8500 X50
• Forester DIN Pocket
• Alpine iDA-X305 Digital Media Receiver
• Alpine Type-R Speakers

 Drivetrain

• Enkei PF01 18×9 +45 Powdercoated Candy Apple Red (Courtesy of EFI Logics & T3h_Clap)
• Toyo R1R 255/35/18
• Project Kics R40 Neochrome Lugs
• Kartboy Short Shifter W/All Bushings
• ACPT Carbon Fiber Driveshaft
• Carbonetics Twin Disc Clutch w/Flywheel
• Steel Braided Clutch Line & ATE Super Blue
• Cusco Engine & Tranny Mounts
• Solid Aluminum Pitch Stop Mount
• TiC Outrigger & Tranny Cross Member Bushings

Suspension & Stiffening

• KW Variant 3 Coilovers
• RCE Camber Plates
• The Car Labs X-Brace
• COBB Front & Rear Sways
• Perrin Rear Endlinks
• Whiteline Sport ALK Kit
• Whiteline Subframe Locking Bolts
• Whiteline Adjustable Front Endlinks
• Whiteline Adjustable Lateral Links
• Offensive Power Front Fender Braces
• JDM Titanium Front Strut Bar
• Cusco Version 2 Subframe Brace

Brakes

• Ferodo DS2500 Pads
• Goodridge SS Lines
• ATE Super Blue Fluid

There is no doubt that Billy’s Obsidian Black Pearl 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi on Blood Red Enkei PF01s is well put togther. His engine setup, tune, exterior, interior, suspension, and wheels are all top notch. The guys at EFI did a great job on Billy’s car, makes me want to send the t3hClap.com STi up there for a new motor.

I’ll keep everyone posted with the progress of both of Billy’s STi’s and hopefully that will include some Autox, Track Day, and Drag strip photos next.

Billy, which wheels we thinking about for the 07?

Chris, aka. boondocksaint, has one of the cleanest 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi’s in the nation. No need for a fancy body kit or crazy paint job. The only stickers on the car are his alumni sticker and an oil change reminder.

Chris’s car has a very special, very rare set of Prodrive wheels – the only set in this specific size/color in the states. The suspension is one of the most sought after setups in the Subaru community, not only because of its quality parts and design, but because it excels at nearly everything it does. Chris’s thoughtful and planned modification path has yielded a car that not only looks amazing, but also handles and performs with the best of them. Now he just needs to tighten the nut behind the wheel.

I had a chance to bounce a few PM’s back and forth with Chris prior to writing this article and here is what he had to say during the T3h_Clap interrogation.

T3h_Clap: What is the Current Suspension Setup and Settings?
Boony: TiC SST coilovers, Whiteline 24mm adjustable swaybars (front and rear), Kartboy swaybar endlinks (front and rear), Vorshlag camber plates (front and rear), Ingalls camber bolts (front and rear), CarLabs X-Brace
Sway settings: full soft on each for now
Damper settings (from full stiff): F -8, R -10 (for now)
Ride Height: Front 14″, Rear 13.5″
Alignment: Fr -1.5 (more with me in it), Rear -1.5
Toe is DEAD straight.

T3h_Clap: Any future modifications planned?
Boony: I need to do something with brakes and get corner balanced. And, at some point, I should do some power mods.

T3h_Clap: What is your Current Wheel and Tire Setup and Settings?
Boony: Prodrive GC-06H 17″ x 8.5″, +51 offset, ~16lbs each
Falken RT615 in 255/40-17
Tire Pressures: 40psi F, 37psi R
Strut Clearance: a little less than a finger width front and rear between the tire and the lower perch – doesn’t rub, but doesn’t miss by much…

T3h_Clap: What are your planned uses for the car?
Boony: Daily driving, open track days, and the occasional road trip back home to the South.

T3h_Clap: Did you set your car up for anything specific?
Boony: My car was intended to be 95% daily driver and 5% track day toy. I do not autocross at all, nor do I drag race. Road courses only. To that end, I wanted to run slightly wider rubber (I think 255 is as good a compromise between street/track as I can get) and keep some style. I needed the car to be a bit more neutral while still retaining just a bit of understeer for safety and because the car is far more capable than am I. I chose the coilovers for their ability to excel on the street and at the track. Even though stiff springs would increase track performance, the car is primarily daily driven. It is currently more comfortable than stock despite having spring rates 50% stiffer than stock.

T3h_Clap: How are your tire clearances with the TiC Coilovers and the Prodrive wheels?
Boony: Tire-to-strut clearance (actually the lower perch) is only enough to squeeze my finger between them. It’s damn close. Without the camber bolts at full positive, there would be contact. I am considering a 5mm spacer and extended studs for next year, but am still researching my options. It would allow me to run more negative camber.

T3h_Clap: Last but not least a list of sponsors/vendors/people you want to mention/thank.
Boony: Long list, in chronological order:
IWSTI.com, as it is an invaluable resource on these cars without the boy-racer attitude. GarageSpec.com and TurninConcepts.com for their help getting the wheels and suspension hooked up. CarLabs, for such an awesome, effective brace. Penguin Garage and T3h_Clap for help getting everything exactly right, and for the spoiler. AutoEurope in Berkely, MI, for mounting my tires without screwing up my wheels and for balancing them properly, and my super-secret alignment guy. Yes, I was aligned manually with string, a ruler, slip plates, and a spreadsheet. Nandan, my photographer, for the amazing photos. Lastly, all my friends in the community who have helped me learn, modify, and tweak my car – thanks to you all.

Since this Interview, Chris has replaced his RT615s with a fresh set of Bridgestone RE01Rs in the same size (255/40/17). And yes, the clearances are still tight. Chris will be tracking his car over the summer.

More Photos: