The concept of simplicity seems like it’s starting to take over the world of automotive modifications.  Patrick’s example of a Subaru doesn’t need much to show what it’s capable of.  He bought his 2011 Subaru STi Limited sedan new as his 4th Subaru.  In the past, Patrick has owned a 2007 STi limited, a ’97 Legacy Wagon, and still owns a ’98 Impreza wagon as his daily driver.  Patrick actually ordered his STi in 2011, and says, “I had a 2007 STi Limited previously, and while it was very special, it was somewhat harsh and not ideal for long trips.  Subaru made me an offer for the car that I couldn’t refuse, so I ordered the 2011 STi to replace it.”  We have a huge soft spot for hawkeye sedans.  The difference in the older and newer Imprezas is pretty remarkable (besides the engine LOL).  The newer Imprezas are definitely comfier for longer drives and for everyday use, so I completely understand why Patrick decided it was time to get in a newer one.

“I’ve been in the world of Subarus for the better part of a decade, and in that time I’ve made amazing friendships.  I never experienced that with another car brand.  In addition, I love how versatile my STi is.  I can swap rubber on it and track it in the summer, throw on snow tires and take long trips without worry about the cold and snow in the winter.”  Patrick has been very selective about what he does to the car.  He wants to make sure every part he installs has a purpose to benefit the car and driving experience.  “Even though the car looks heavily modified, I really haven’t done a whole lot to it.  I really only modify things to harden the car for track duty.  It’s pretty much OEM-plus at this point.”




Patrick has the lightweight, Enkei RPF1 wheels in an aggressive 18×10 +38, with some sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R’s in a 275/35 size.  RPF1’s just look good on everything, and these particular wheels weigh in at around 20 pounds per-wheel.  Rotational weight plays such a huge part in the way a car performs in handling and braking, especially on the track, so lighter wheels can definitely make an improvement.  Patrick enjoys track days, so as expected, he’s upgraded the suspension to RCE Tarmac 2 coilovers with HVT camber plates and Eibach Pro-Kit sway bars.  To bump up the power, Patrick added an Invidia Q300 cat-back with a Turbo XS catted downpipe, Cobb V2 Accessport, APS bypass valve, IAG street air-oil separator, and a Cobb SF intake with a custom carbon airbox lid.  These are a safe and reasonable amount of mods that perform on track and make it a fun street car as well.

Eventually, Patrick plans to add some fuel system upgrades along with equal-length headers and a power steering cooler.  He wants the car to be fun while maintaining reliability and functionality.  Hopefully one day we can all meet up and get some much needed track time in, that would be a blast!  If you want to see more of Patrick’s rad photos of his STi, go take a look on his Instagram @_patrick.  Thanks Patrick for letting us feature you as our Driver of the Day!

By Zach Osborne – @momentum.rs