Cheap Performance Mods under $150 - Subaru Impreza + Crosstrek

What's the best "bang for the buck"?
I asked this question often during my car building journey. After many-many modifications, I think I can answer that question.
There are better mods like tires, and suspension, but those are not cheap.
This list is comprised of mods under $150 that have the best gain per dollar. They relate to the Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek platform, but can easily be applied to any car.

[@RC_Obsession]

It’s more fun to drive a cheap slow car fast, than drive an expensive fast car slow. The Impreza is so underrated.

[@robertadas4451]

i got a imported 15 Impreza 5 speed manual . Most fun I've had driving in a while. Added magnaflow muffler for the tone and it sounds deep not ricy. I'm impressed with it .

[@alexxmigss]

Agreed!!

[@xFusselmanx]

You gave me ideas for the Crosstrek. Hyped for the coming months. Awesome build by the way! Car looks awesome!

[@WilliamWardlaw]

Watched a ton of Crosstrek mod videos the past week and this was the closest to exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate the perspective!

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

You bet! YT is full of Crosstrek mods... For camp/crawling.... I am glad you found my video useful. Please come again. 🥰

[@benmorris7276]

Upgrading the pitch stop mount helps significantly as well that was one of the first mods I did

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Yah. I have that one too. One of my first too. If you pause the list at the end of the video you'll see it listed there. I didn't add it because it was lower on the list of better returns.

[@benmorris7276]

@@JasonLeung-4roller the next thing I'm adding is an AOS(air oil separator) to boost efficiency and longevity of the engine

[@dirtydobbins4803]

Love the videos bro! Extremely helpful

[@underfullcourtpressure]

this is so sick just looked at this model and this is great info

[@sully1626]

Hopped in here expecting to see some god-awful ricer stuff - actually had some genuinely good advice and performance tips! Well done brother.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Thanks! In a world of teenage rice, I come at it with that mature tuner energy. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you got something in out of it. Drive on!

[@z33n55]

my right ear enjoyed this video

[@VinhNguyen-bh3op]

thank you for sharing!

[@largesizejellyfish3014]

Thank you!

[@lalelulalo9274]

I have a 2000 Impreza hatch and unfortunately it’s an automatic, 2.2 non turbo but that makes it a really good daily and I’ve been thinking of installing some mods just to give it a little more umph. It’s got great cornering potential already but with some of these it could really become something else. Now if only there was an inexpensive was to dramatically increase acceleration

[@kamart8595]

I love these car

[@Hawkeyeshy06]

My auto 06 Hawkeye is front wheel drive. I do what better handling and other stuff to help with that as well

[@jdmbaby6325]

Do you have a list of the items you covered? Thanks 🙏

[@K03sport]

save your money on an air filter (keep stock) and put that money somewhere else (lightweight spare wheel, Ti exhaust, grippy summer tires, etc.). removing the rear seats and spare upsets the f/r balance and now the rear will sit higher w/o that weight. upgrading all possible bushings (rear diff, transmission, etc,) helps remove OEM softness. I wish more solid rubber bushings were available for Subarus vs having to go poly on everything... after adding lightness, don't forget to add sound deadener. yes, counter productive, but it really knocks down the road noise....

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

You said it! In some of my other videos I talk about all things you've said :)

[@Kwijibob]

K&N filter and switch to 89 octane gas. More consistent power delivery and torque at low rpm, as well as keeping the ECU from occasionally pulling timing under hard driving like it does on 87.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Indeed, I mix 86-89-91 gas occasionally too! Keeping the ECU learning that you like higher RPMs will keep it with aggressive timing

[@honpolyo]

I love my 6mt crosstrek, i have miles of windy, loopy, hilly country roads to zip around and gravel to explore about an hour away. But all these roads at high speed would tear a car up without the extra clearance. I wanted the most practical passanger car that was fun to drive.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

It really is a great vehicle.

[@liljosue2762]

If you like in a place with no snow you could do a rwd conversion

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

For efficiency and fun, a RWD car would be utter fun. But from a traction point of view and engine braking with all 4 wheels. The advantage of AWD is one of the main delights of the Subaru. What do you do with the front drive shafts in an rwd conversion?

[@daveholahan6665]

wish i found this video sooner

[@51249ca]

Will the Perrin lockdown dampener remove the "weak ankle" issue whereby the front wheels/suspension will get "knocked" off center easily when hitting small indentations in the pavement (especially when turning).

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

I am not sure if it will completely. But it will Definitely reduce it. The steering rack also has rubber bushings. Does this happen to you a lot? The OEM top hats are also rubber so .... Also I would think the bigger and heavier the wheels you have will also affect the "weak ankle". I've never heard that term before.

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

"soo much trouble in the world nigg@, can't nobody feel ya pain "

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Thanks Batman

[@BearlyFitGaming]

Link to air intake hose with Mass Air Flow Sensor connect?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

All part numbers are listed in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKq1oYR4mp5qmbssi=9ESjOTmGhyTYq7A5

[@miguelfernandesfilho]

Hello Jason, thanks for the video. Can I ask you a question? Should I change the spark plugs for better performance and millage as well? Would you do it? If so which one should I get? Thanks again.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Hi. Unless your car has many many miles and the spark plugs are worn, changing spark plugs won't add any performance. NGK iridium is the recommended plug as the OEM eplacement.

[@miguelfernandesfilho]

@@JasonLeung-4roller Thanks bud, keep up with the videos, we appreciate very much

[@overtakemediaco]

Where did you get the aftermarket paddle shifters?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

eBay. Some Subaru shops carry them too.

[@santouchesantouche2873]

Where'd you get those rear trailing links from? Seems an easy mod...

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

This is for the Impreza 2012+ but they also have them for other models MRS-SU-0822-I

[@crustproductions1]

What brand is your air intake tube ? I see you have the factory box but an aftermarket tube .

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

The intake tube is from an AFe/Takeda kit meant for a EJ 2.5 Legacy. The original kit had some fitment issues, so I ended up just using the pipe and silicone sleeves. A bit of a waste of money, but at least I got to use half of it. The setup is called a "hybrid intake" and many people DIY.

[@thejaebeing]

On flat ground, I am currently getting close to 40mpg without mod with the base 2014 impreza. What is the average mpg for 55mph hwy and city with all the modifications?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Driving habits are subjective to the driver. Driving 55mph on a freeway with cruise control will get great gas mileage. One of my reasons for buying this car was that it was fuel efficient. That being said I do not drive sedate, so my mpg is much worse than yours because of how I drive. If you have seen any of my other videos, I have a pretty heavy foot. Modifications to my car are for handling and sporty driving. 40mpg is pretty amazing and I am sure you can get better with some drive line efficiency mods (bushings), that being said, from what it sounds like, you are pretty gentle with your car. Thanks for stopping by.

[@mostlyitsme2523]

Where did you get the lip around the car

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Which lip?

[@alexxmigss]

Would the Megan Racing rear trailing links work with a 1.5 inch lift in the rear via strut top spacers? Also, do you need an alignment after installing them or the rear subframe bushings?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

I am not sure if the strut spacer lift and the trailing link would work without binding. It is definitely something to consider at least at your suspension's end points. The subframe spacers do not need an alignment, nor the trailing links.

[@alexxmigss]

@@JasonLeung-4roller sweet, thank you for your help!

[@joenottoast]

i know this video is old, but did impreza stop coming with roof rails?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

The Impreza Sport got the same roof rails as the Crosstrek. Most other Imprezas did not, though there are OEM and aftermarket rail solutions. Cheers.

[@eks360]

Question: i have '15 impreza sedan premium, what year of WRX rear sway bar should i get? I saw a '15+ RSB that's cheap but dunno if it fits my car. Should i also get new end links?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

You can also check out my sway bars video. In general all Subarus from 2008+ WRX to 2015+ will use the same REAR sway bar. It is shared among Outbacks foresters and even the BRZ. So it will work. Make sure you get the accompanying bushings (20mm for a 20mm RSB). If you have existing endlinks than you can reuse those. Adjustable endlinks are only really needed if you are really low or lifted.

[@eks360]

@@JasonLeung-4roller oh okay, I'll check that out. I might get new end links then since I'm planning on lowering my car or even bag it in the future. Thanks for the info!

[@pointless5ive]

Idk if I'll get an answer or not, where did you get those side mirrors??

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

The side mirrors are colour matched OEM mirrors with side markers. I believe they came in sport models, or non-base models. I think you can look for them from Subaru part dealers. Is your car a base model?

[@top5hiddengems]

can you do this to a 2023 Impreza Sport hatchback because im literally about to 💀

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

I see that a few people come to this channel hoping to get a glimpse of the 5th gen Impreza. Most of the things will apply to all cars. However the part numbers will be different. I would do a video for the 2017+, but I only have experience with this 2012+ 4th gen. The chassis of the 5th gen impreza is new, and many parts unfortunately do not carry over. You might have some luck looking at aftermarket performance parts on the 2023+ WRX, I believe it has a similar design as the 2017+ Impreza on the global platform. 2018+ Crosstrek too!

[@samyoung7168]

Any thoughts on if I should get a pitch stop Mount?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Yes. It was my first drivetrain mod. It wasn't included here because it's basically a given 🙂The only thing to look out for is 1. Do not get a solid billet pitch stop. 2. If you are really sensitive to NVH (noise vibration and harshness) you may find the pitch-stop bringing engine vibrations through the dashboard. It's not crazy just a little louder than OEM.

[@lightningmcqueen7736]

Hey man, I’m trying to upgrade my Impreza and I really want a wing, could you send me the link or tell me where you got your wing, I’m in love with it!

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

The wing is the STI option for the Impreza and crosstrek. I think the OEM ones are hard to find now. But they have clones that look just as good. Good luck!

[@jermainemorgan171]

Bro. My entire front and rear suspension need bushings, sway bar, tierods, ball joint. But I need a reasonable place to get them

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Where are you located?

[@jermainemorgan171]

@@JasonLeung-4roller Jamaica bro. But I can order from the state. But where in the state though

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

@@jermainemorgan171 most of the time I find the part number I need then use Google shopping to find lowest cost and shipping combined from any online store. If it's an OEM part I have used www.subarupartsdeal.com but they don't always have the cheapest. For aftermarket you'll have to just search for the best deals at all the parts stores and eBay sometimes has decent prices. Good luck.

[@aaronmoore747]

What hood protector is that

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Subaru part# E231SFJ000

[@noahm2974]

How many of these can I do to a stock base model impreza.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

All of them will work. For the rear sway bar you will need bracket hardware and bushings.

[@wlcrutch]

wait: why would you need a flatbed for a flat tire?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

You can change your tire for a spare. But if you drive for a long distance, it is uneeded wear on the differential (spare is smaller diameter) Since I don't have a spare... A regular tow truck (lifts one axle off the ground) and leaves the other axle rolling. For a fwd/rwd car this is fine since the front and rear axles are not connected. In an AWD car it is either connected by a mechanical center diff (manual) or a clutch pack (CVT) . You'll either wear out the center diff/clutch pack or destroy it. On older Subarus there is a Fwd fuse (so may not be an issue on those)...

[@nathanrichards9379]

Do you have a mod list you’ve done with the links?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Hi thanks for asking. My full mods , or thereabouts, is in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHnXfJimm86sa9E, no links but lots of part numbers. 👍

[@nathanrichards9379]

@@JasonLeung-4roller thank you! I just found you tonight and I love the content. I have dreams of owning a JDM vehicle I can build up one day but for now Ive got my Impreza and it’s exciting to find ways I can improve the performance and still enjoy working on it / driving it. Keep it up!

[@tonfcks]

How can I get front bumper

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

You order one from the many Subaru online stores.

[@tonfcks]

@@JasonLeung-4roller Okay, but I'm from Thailand, and your car is really cool.

[@jessem9880]

you should turn up the music some more, i could almost hear the video

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

So... I can't tell if you are being constructive or... Something else. More gain on the vocals?

[@zilla4593]

Subaru Awd symmetrical is so confusing after some research learned it is FRONT biased.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Yeah the power comes from the front engine which attaches to a transmission with a front diff. The CVT uses clutch packs so they can adjust the amount of torque to the rear wheels. It's still 50/50 power split when your are giving max throttle. The front biased only for fuel economy. But way better than other AWD systems.

[@bluestreak.gp7]

I might be the only Crosstrek owner that's interested in performance driving lol. Most of the ones I've seen are either driven by normies or modified for off-road use.

[@philxv3015]

Then you haven't seen my Crosstrek. kzbin.info/door/NrgaGRJWcYRpnqIZ2LFVJw

[@mass_psychosis4707]

Uhhhhh.... Buy a wrx?

[@michaelserafin6343]

I’m a off-road crosstrek driver also interested in performance and not like the looks of a wrx

[@xFusselmanx]

Spirited canyon drives with the ol lady make for a fun weekend, even if it's a Crosstrek. Next mods I do are all undercarriage stuff to stiffen it up. @bluestreak.gp7 what year you got?

[@Fckngeekedbro206]

I drive a NA forester with all sorts of suspension mods to stiffen the ride. Some of use don’t want a fast car. I just wanted less body roll and and better cornering. It’s allot more enjoyable to drive with some minor upgrades. I had high mileage anyway so the upgrades barely cost more than normal parts

[@MP112791]

Where did you buy your subframe bushings?

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Any reputable online retailer. Whiteline KDT938

[@MP112791]

@@JasonLeung-4roller Thanks. I have a crosstrek the same year as your impreza, but for whatever reason some sites say the bushings are compatible, whiteline states its not. Strange..but would love to make the crosstrek a little more enjoyable to drive.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

@@MP112791I came across the same issue and ordered the other Whiteline ones recommended for 2012 Impreza, and they didn't fit. I gave the 2015+ WRX bushings a try. And they fit like a glove. I think Subaru around 2015, switched the rear subframe bushing design for most of their cars. I have a whole video about it 😂

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

@@MP112791 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6vOhnWed5yeg6c

[@MP112791]

Appreciate it! Been learning a lot from your videos. I'll try my luck with those bushing inserts.

[@whoawoahh]

I don't think the lack of rear seats is worth 10 hp, but to each their own

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Maybe it's not clear. I mentioned stripping 100lbs being worth about 10hp. At 49 seconds into the video.

[@marvinvisser5039]

I don't recal you can buy an EJ20/25T for 150 dollars???

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

A wise guy eh? 😊

[@marvinvisser5039]

@@JasonLeung-4roller nah my $6500 dollar Subaru didn't need all of this to be "performance" :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6aafZKVaayjopY

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

@@marvinvisser5039 yah forced induction is another game. HP Gains are easier with boost. But HP is not a substitute for handling. Just look at American muscle lol. Is this Forester STI is yours? And the whole thing cost $6500? Nice flex. I am not sure why you came through to an economy car tuning page with Naturally Aspirated 2 litre engines, but most of these mods probably would work on the Forester platform. All I am saying is, if you can't afford a boosted whip, there are handling and drivetrain modifications that will make your car better to drive. These are the least expensive ones I've found. Thanks for stopping by.

[@marvinvisser5039]

@@JasonLeung-4roller Yeah back in 2018 I bought the car on auction for that price including shipping with 133k kilometers. Video got recommended to me. You put more money in your car then I did in mine. Especially mods :)

[@Tiedyedbohemian]

What’s your

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

favorite top 3 mods? Subframe bushing inserts Rear trailing links, Steering lockdown. :)

[@savagedsavage7362]

Do you recommend tuning the fb20/fb25 for pops and bangs.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Would I recommend a crackle tune? Probably not. When the catalytic converter is hot enough (1500F) you can occasionally get some crackle pops letting off the throttle even when stock! Crackle tunes are really for people who like it for the sound. If you like that kind of thing.. like loud exhaust, go ahead it's your car and your build. Typically crackle tunes dump extra fuel into the engine under low load and low RPMs. It's sort of a waste of gas TBH 😂 But some people like that rowdy life.... Maybe if I was 15 years younger 😉

[@savagedsavage7362]

What about a cat delete.

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Cat delete. No.. it smells bad like leaking gasoline. The gains (on these cars) are pretty minor. I cannot recommend it, but that's just me.

[@leonmumford179]

Tuna

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Tuna melt, no crust? 🙂

[@Blacktown_Lad]

2-3 hsp from an air filter? HAHAHA

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@Hakeeeeeeem]

I think you should have better owned a honda, most of the modifications you have done will HURT you later on the long run, this vehicle will not last for 5 years...

[@JasonLeung-4roller]

What is your reconning? What will not make it last 5 years? Do you have personal experience with a Subaru with these modifications? Aside. I do own a stock Honda.

[@ron_with_the_crosstrek_spo7919]

How so? Which modifications will do the most damage in the long run? I am most interested in putting in the Megan rear trailing links in my Crosstrek. What are the upsides and downsides of that mod? Also, I don't think the front brake pads have any downsides (other than they cost more), but just to make sure, what are your thoughts?

[@MonkeyPunchZPoker]

The one that jumps out at me is the high flow air filter. Project Farm did a few videos on various filters (not just for cars) and the general theme is the more air flow the more particles get through. 5 years is a bit hyperbolic but it can't be good for the car.