Completely Transforming a Brand New Subaru WRX!

This Customer's 2023 Subaru WRX GT came in for a complete overhaul! This thing has about 46 miles on it and is already getting modified. We are adding SO MUCH to this car, Carbon hood & trunk, IAG AOS, Wheels, Tires, Big brake kit and so so much more. Wanted this to be a rather quick build so we were able to knock this out in about 2 days!
Shop Subaru Parts - www.Rallysportdirect.com use code SMEEDIA
IAG AOS: shorturl.at/uIKO9
Seiboin Cabron Hood: shorturl.at/eoptB
Seibon Carbon Wing: shorturl.at/blADV
Gramlight 57CR: shorturl.at/rzLP5
AWE Touring: shorturl.at/CFQV4
Rear Sway Bar: rb.gy/rulte1
Cobb Pitch Stop: rb.gy/r4dzkh
TDMI Brake Kit: rb.gy/77uquo
Vacuum Bleeder For Brakes: amzn.to/46Nej06
Tools For The Garage:
Special Oil Funnel: amzn.to/3oeyiCq
Coolant Burping Tank: amzn.to/3iesMfn
3/8" Socket Seet: amzn.to/3uf2dLT
1/4" Socket Set: amzn.to/2XPEd5K
3/8" Impact Gun: amzn.to/3lYfO6q
3/8" Ratcheting Wrench: amzn.to/3ueQNYu
Batteries for those electric tools: amzn.to/3zQE5A5
Floor Jack: amzn.to/39KdE4y
Jack Stands: amzn.to/2WfVWCT
Gucci Screw Driver Set: amzn.to/3EXGTPN
Hook and Pick Set: amzn.to/3kJdeBJ

[@Calvin9000]

drilling the trunk always scares tf outta me LMFAO

[@alane1000]

Thank goodness the wrx tr is coming out a 6-speed option with the recaro seats as standard

[@Smeedia]

Thise Recaros feel so good 🔥

[@WRXMAN-ms2mm]

Imagine if the TR had the DCCD six speed.

[@itsshadowuser9536]

Got my 24 tr on order just waiting now

[@sammyacemusic]

That's a lot of money into an Auto WRX. Congrats to the owner. She'll get lots of compliments on all the mods.

[@Smeedia]

They wanted a good looking fun A to B car so this should get the job done for em 🙌

[@Roxas_DM]

@@Smeedia100% agree

[@RadDadisRad]

Coming from an Ascent Touring I can say that the auto is TERRIBLE. Super sluggish and terrible fuel mileage considering its engine. Lots of part throttle torque converter surge everywhere. Plus after driving into a headwind on i29 for a couple hours at 85mph the transmission developed a slip at only 22k miles.

[@thesavage4552]

@@RadDadisRad 🤫

[@hoondagang4919]

I owned a stick shift eagle talon tsi and an automatic and honestly if im not gonna race I love automatic turbo cars no lift shift means no boost loss when shifting and fun cars from what I found i think it would be about the same with subi I have never driven an auto subi tho…only stick wrx

[@kaokao9k]

I'm glad someone else mentioned breaking all the clips on the hood shroud. I broke more than half of them when installing my cobb thrust tunnel thing for the tmic, and I thought I was the only one...

[@Smeedia]

I broke so many on my car 😂 I think I only broke 2 on this one lol

[@234567king]

I actually made a intercooler water sprayer that works really good with the thrust tunnel, a throw back to the old sti’s that came stock with them

[@repsurfer]

Nothing like a blank check cosmetic and light performance upgrade on a brand new vehicle. Insane 😮

[@Telesko]

That carbon fiber on the white looks sooooo good. I wish it was possible to match the roof too but even a glossy wrap would be incredible. And I LOVE the wing, big wings always and forever. I bet someone does or will soon make a lowering spring for these cars, its too bad Subaru did that since so many people run aftermarket coils.

[@Smeedia]

It's Only the GT models, I've seen 2 other GTs that have used springs so that might be something I resist later on for them 👀

[@RiotRC80]

Wait... so they paid you to do all the fun things about owning a WRX? Livin the life, my guy!

[@AudioHead809]

I’m sure there will be a workaround one day for the electronic dampening. Some sort of resistor might be able to do the trick just gotta wait for some aftermarket brands to do their r&d.

[@Smeedia]

I would presume it would need to be some type that varied in resistance but curious to see what comes 🙌

[@AudioHead809]

@@Smeedia For sure! Fingers crossed for all the wrx gt owners out there! Great videos by the way! Look forward to seeing you building the engine for the Hawkeye!

[@dereknakashima9930]

@@Smeedia TDMi has a working prototype on their test car right now.

[@all-flat-engines]

A CVT trans with paddle shifters is as useful as a vestigial tail

[@thatsicksubiegt]

Yo thats not a CVT apparently Subaru cook up their own 8 speed sauce

[@mikebator5909]

Car definitely looks sharp very nice. I agree it should either have a carbon fiber Wing or the carbon trunk. One or the other not both.

[@blueridge8992]

I saw someone on Insta (or maybe Reddit) put Eibach Pro Kit springs on their GT and they said the ECU didn’t flag anything. SI-Drive still worked normally. This car definitely needs at least an inch drop so maybe talk to the owner about some Eibach springs.

[@eliasnava4851]

Love this content brother. I lowkey get excited when a new ep comes out. 👍🏽 solid content

[@Smeedia]

Eyyy always appreciate the support ❤

[@dereknakashima9930]

You should contact TDMi. They are working on a coilover that works with the electronic dampening system. It’s on their test car right now

[@user-kh7xc5wr1m]

Had to stop this video one minute in when I realized this GT is a FUCKING AUTOMATIC!

[@bencovarrubias8684]

I'm liking the VBs more and more. And I agree, this one would look much better wingless

[@momoknows]

Nice once you got that STI blood in you its hard to let go .. One day Hopefully they will bring it back

[@Smeedia]

One day 💔

[@ReefyBmx]

Facts. I want a sti so bad man but expensive

[@ranran2218]

The fact that a gt wrx cost as much as a 21 sti limited is mind is mind-blowing to me. I'm not knocking the auto wrx but definitely knocking the price because it's way overpriced, in my opinion.

[@matthewwain9958]

Yup. The new WRX pricing in insane. I just can't understand the STI pricing without STI features. Heck, you could get a 2021 STI for $37,245, which is WRX Premium pricing with a few options on it (or WRX Limited with no options), and yet, get a VASTLY inferior product. No Brembo's no diffs, no STI trans, no decent suspension etc. (I own a WRX 2023, but still think the pricing is insane).

[@8145dwerdna]

The electronic dampening deal could be fixed like some cars where you wire in a resistor or jumper it. Sort of like with airbag lights. Never looked at it's wiring schematic though.

[@Smeedia]

That's what I was thinking but when you change drive modes I could image the resistance would change which could make it be stuck in a singular drive mode

[@8145dwerdna]

@@Smeedia yeah that could be an issue lol

[@KMFDM781]

I believe disabling the DCC on the MK8 GTI causes a fault. They sell DCC delete parts that plug into the harness. That's kinda why i went with springs on mine instead.

[@AudioHead809]

Engineering explained believes the cvt in these is the best cvt ever made. I haven’t driven one but he knows what he’s talking about.

[@Smeedia]

I drove this one around a bit. Tbh it's not bad for daily use

[@madpacket]

Wonder if they can tune it eventually

[@AudioHead809]

@@madpacket Watch Engineering explained’s video it’s good and he goes pretty in depth.

[@andrewmessina1927]

From 45k vehicle right to 60k vehicle.. that's slightly crazy to me. Having a limited CVT that's a loot of cheese to drop on a brand new car

[@sugamanspodcast]

Aww you called it our WRX, this relationship has just gone to a whole new level❤

[@sayer187]

Red brakes with white righting look so danm good, Love 5 spokes wheels too they look rad.

[@BionicLabs]

i have a question for you sir and the community. When i got my 2017 STi carbon fiber hood, the company told me not to reinstall the hood props cause with the hood going through heat cycles, and the force of the hood props while the hood is down would warp the sides of the hood up. Is that even a thing or is it different with each car and company. I had the same company hood as the one that is being put on in this video. Thanks.

[@Smeedia]

If they did not want people using the hood props, why would they make threaded holes for them? 🫣 lol I don't know a ton about carbon fiber but I don't think it would cause the hood to warp at all?

[@ecrookie12]

The part where you used the line wrench then went to commercial , is that when the wrench slipped off and busted your knuckles and you started cursing !

[@shiloh5199]

I know its a cvt but it looks great

[@ubroberts5541]

The stock hood is made of aluminum. It’s very light This new hood is just for looks.

[@GlobalGamersCommunit]

I thought you bought a new one for a second lol. Love the everyday post 👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

Not mine 😅 jelly of some of his mods though 🔥

[@HeavyMetalWRX]

Thank you to you and this guy. Now i think i want the trunk and hood 👀

[@Smeedia]

I want that trunk 🔥

[@MrAudi220]

In the vw world there are coilovers with electronic dampening build in, i believe KW has them

[@LagunaOba]

I want it to go AUTO bc i was terrified of the Manual Trans but my dad told me …do it right its just another skill 🥹🥹!! Ty tor the vid🥳🙌🏽

[@barrythomas6429]

On my Forester XT the Steering Wheel is off center by one spline. Now I know how to remove the Wheel without it exploding in my face. Thanks.

[@ubroberts5541]

The stock hood is made of aluminum. It’s very light This new hood is just for looks. It doesn’t add anything.

[@MrGsxrme]

I've been waiting for my Rotora kit for almost 90 days and it's litterly holding my up with my STI trans swap, coilovers, headers Jpipe and every supporting mod you can buy. I'm boarder line pissed ATM.

[@Mikero78]

Make everything look so easy. I would have quit at the hood :)... How much did all those mods run with installation?

[@enjoiLife198]

Hopefully an error-delete comes for Subaru EDS/EDC soon. HKS makes one for the 10th Gen civics with electric dampening (Si’s & Type-R’s) and D2 coilovers came with an optional bypass module

[@smothr]

i don’t think you can use stock lugs on a cone seat wheel like those

[@mathewdarter4682]

I wish I could bring my 18’ Forester XT to you to build!!

[@saultaveras6719]

@smeedia you should do an installation video on the sway bars for your VB 🙏🏽

[@c.j.cameron1820]

This car NEEDS a Smeedia banner

[@PMdrizzles]

Only here for the Champ outro

[@donjohn5112]

How did you adjust the gap for the trunk? I just noticed mine after taking pics of it; the left side has a considerable gap compared to the right side

[@killakam_media]

That big brake kit 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@1gboost]

With the cf trunk. To install the license plate. Drilling is required to install the plate correct?

[@LucAnderson]

"I just like wingless cars over winged cars" also had a GIGANTIC apr wing on blue back in the day 😂😂😂

[@chads7796]

Some black lug nuts are needed. Nice Work!

[@1nv1ctvs]

I’d save so much money if I were as good at fixing vehicles as you 😂

[@Smeedia]

I have faith that you can do whatever you need to 😅🫣

[@1nv1ctvs]

@@Smeedia I’d rather not have faith when it comes to my brakes 😂🤣🤣

[@Smeedia]

@@1nv1ctvs JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL 🤣🤣🤣

[@BritishColumbiana]

I get Seibon not pre-drilling for the trunk mat, but even their pre-installed emblems seem to be out of alignment.

[@omialmanza1900]

With time and patience any car can become a dream build. Great video Tanner!

[@Smeedia]

Yessssssir 🥳🙌

[@sblopez9617]

And $

[@KellyEnterprises]

Maybe use lowering springs instead....

[@STImachine]

That Seibon trunk fitment would drive me nuts.

[@Smeedia]

My VA has a seibon trunk and the gaps are similar. VIS seems to have better fitment for panel gaps

[@aynun1647]

At least you had some footage and pictures posted on instagram of the work you were doing

[@Smeedia]

True, I need to go snag a couple more SD Cards 😅

[@jeremyjackson8643]

Do all STi style wings sit that far up including the Aeroflow V1 and V3? This Seibon one sits too far forward in my opinion as you pointed out.

[@hectorramirez8516]

Just need E-85 look insane great job

[@In_Silico]

its the 4th brake light 🤔 isnt it?

[@matthewwain9958]

I didn't hear it mentioned, what brand/model was the steering wheel please?

[@cjbeuro2145]

Did you look into any bypass for the suspension? The new civic TR has this available. Its a little plug and play box. Easy af. I wonder if that mod is universal and can be used on the wrx.

[@seanroy3241]

i like the look of that trunk without the wang, that little duckbill looks tough.

[@Smeedia]

I too prefer the wangless life

[@Oregon_FA24]

I love all your info and content, thanks a bunch! Is it common or sufficient for BBKs to be front only?

[@johnlexus1]

Jezz is this Bill Gates WRX 💰 💰 💰 !!!

[@caryg4638]

Install an adf (anderson design fabrication) cvt mount insert.

[@Smeedia]

I think we're about wrapped up on this one 😅 it's an A to B car so this should be solid for them 🙌

[@evoll-]

Could always go with lowering springs the eibachs are great !

[@Smeedia]

We may revist it in the future for some 🙌

[@user-wg8dw2tq8s]

this car looks fucking sickk bro..

[@fraserlordly2432]

Do you thing it would be possible to install the electronic dampers in a VA chassis?

[@dandiaz4052]

OHHHHH THE T-HANDLES!!!! FINALLY!!! 😂😂

[@Smeedia]

I finally bought them 😂

[@jorshaw86]

Ngl when you said it was a GT I got real excited thinking you were gonna do a manual swap :) then realized it wasn’t your car

[@brentsowell7144]

Looking at how sweet those Alcantara seats are- you think you could swap them or modify them to fit in a GV wrx?

[@cusumano91]

Opinion on tdmi brakes??

[@donjohn281]

I blame this video for my carbon trunk purchase

[@madpacket]

When do you work in the rented shop with sick lift? Where is Matt’s cars???

[@Smeedia]

Right now I have 3 cars shoved in there 😂 but going back over there tomorrow. They're all still here

[@grundy6921]

The trim for the trunk would look really good white imo

[@Smeedia]

Ohhhh yes it would 🔥

[@matthewwain9958]

I was looking at that brake kit because I have never heard of TDMI before. I was surprised to see the very centrally located pistons and only 4 pot, not 6 for the front for the size. Anyone able to explain the technology in these front fronts?

[@Hiker1987]

Good video. In the beginning you pulled on passenger handle to unlock and said "we unlock it from the drivers side". Does passenger handle Touch Lock/unlock not work? I just bought a 22 Limited last weekend and can't get it to work. Ready to go to dealer but not sure if it's normal?

[@madpacket]

White and black looks decent!

[@Smeedia]

I dig it 🔥🙌

[@mainelybuilt]

You should wrap the roof black for the owner...would make it look so much better

[@Smeedia]

I debated it but i dont havw apiece big enough to wrap it 😅

[@enjoyinglife275]

Rough guess on how much all the upgrades cost ???

[@Panzerlang]

Any time I've thought about coil-overs for mine I figured there would have to be dongles for the adaptive harness (so the car's electronics think the OEMs are still there, they're common requirements for a lot of bikes).

[@Smeedia]

The issue I see with that is that the dangles typically only apply a single resistance to the harness. When changing the drive mode, it changes the resistance. So I assume it would lock thr car in a single drive mode?

[@Panzerlang]

@@Smeedia Yeah, it might require a mega-dongle. Lol. All the bike ones I've used have indeed been a single resistor. So for the WRX a bunch of resistors and a chip to manage them. I seriously doubt there'll be enough owners prepared to give up their adaptive dampers to make it cost-effective for a manufacturer though. Maybe a software solution via the ECU could do it.

[@fredastaire6156]

Tanner, what do you think about the new TR model? 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@imoffendedthatyouareoffended]

That’s the color mines in. But I went with the limited. Put a noble sti wing and my 20mm spacers on. Can’t wait. Saving up for parts and everything for summer so it’ll be a great summer xD. I don’t have a garage anymore or else I wouldn’t care.

[@Smeedia]

The limited or premium are the way to go for those who want to modify the performance side of things a bit. The white looks so good 🔥

[@imoffendedthatyouareoffended]

@@Smeedia I almost went wrb but my dad kept talking about how good the white was and I can’t disagree. One day I’ll have a wrb Subaru. Lmao

[@saultaveras6719]

I see there’s 22mm and 24mm offering from smy for the rear sway bars, what’s the difference?

[@jacobstephens8447]

For a corrupt SD card, sometimes you can save the files: Windows start > search CMD Have the SD card inserted into your computer and identify its drive letter (F: G: H: etc) In command prompt type "chkdsk [drive_letter]: /f /r" You might get a couple yes/no prompts. Should be self explanatory for most of them. Now that i have typed all this you said you formatted it. Still. Could be useful later.

[@Smeedia]

The issue is. I accidently filmed over it all also 😅 I need to go grab a Few more. Normally I rotate 6 cards but daily uploads makes that a little difficult 😅

[@jacobstephens8447]

@@Smeedia lol wild. Your work is appreciated for sure tho bro

[@chiiimo]

This is what i wanted to get but damn really want a manual & hatch though 😩

[@DeeMannMusic]

How much was the brake kit? Your link is just for the rears

[@Chrisburtschi]

$1600 for the fronts!

[@kentonlinger2678]

Where do you buy the oem sti sideskirts and front lip?

[@brianmerrill1227]

Those brakes though.

[@sssnake2332]

You can recover data pretty easily after a format. There is even free software that can do it or at least recover some to bait you into a purchase, ha!

[@Smeedia]

I accidently filmed on it after the fact though 😅

[@dcoiman]

I am shocked she didn’t go with the paint, match fender flares though. That’s like the number one mod most people are doing with the VB.

[@m0rjjj666]

I agree, they look ugly in factory black. Maybe carbon fibre vinyl will look better

[@dcoiman]

I have the exact same car. I thought you couldn’t do coil overs in a GT model because it will mess up the electronic dampening system. That’s why I opted for lowering springs.

[@Smeedia]

Turns our you can't 😅 so lowering springs seem to be the only option

[@dcoiman]

@@Smeedia I’d recommend the Eibach Sportline Lowering Springs. 1.4 drop in front and 1.6 drop in the back.

[@TonyPifer]

I heard they make a pill for Subaru's with ED control problems

[@lnt3ch]

Hey bro, do you have any opinions about a 2023 WRX Limited or Premium vs a new VW GTI 380 S (base trim)? I'm cross shopping both right now

[@waykool698]

have you ever figured how to wire the turn signal mirrors on your blue 23?

[@Smeedia]

I'm still waiting for a part out so I can snag the electrical connectors 😅

[@s2klily810]

Nice super clean

[@rloubaylon5119]

hey smeedia great content I do have CVT premium. Also reached to you I saw your Story putting TDMI brake kit and immediately reached to one of the TDMI rep and make sure your aware of theres still no TDMI BBK yet for the cvt line hopefully soon

[@Smeedia]

I figured as much, as soon as I saw the electrical handbrake I figured the rears wouldent work 😅

[@rloubaylon5119]

Yeahh but TDMI is already doing R&D at the moment so hopefully soon they find a solution. Right now investing just rotors and pads will be coming on my VB for great stopping power💯🤙🏼 feel bad for the owner spending much for the brake kit and wont be able to install the back

[@nickojan585]

Damn that outro ❤❤❤

[@maxstatic]

What was the weight savings with the carbon hood and trunk?

[@jparks387]

2023 owners, what type oil are yall putting in yours. Oil cap says 0W-20, but the subaru website says 5W-30 is recommended for 2011 and newer turbo charged cars. I asked the service department they said the don't recommend 5W-30.

[@Smeedia]

5w30 for mine 🤝

[@jparks387]

@Smeedia thank you so much👍. It's my first wrx. I wanna treat it right.

[@aidenlindenlaub8951]

So I drive a 2019 WRX with a stage two tune with a Cobb intake and a Cobb down pipe and I was reading my knock feedback it was going for 1.4 2.8 then jump to 11 in 6 or 5 and only read it once dam is reading 1, should I get this checked out

[@AndrewPrinster]

The hating on wings, and I'm trying to find one for my WRX.

[@Smeedia]

No hate, personally just not a fan of the style on this generation 🫡

[@AndrewPrinster]

@Smeedia oh I know. It's just crazy how fast they sell. I've been in automotive for 20 years but have learned a ton from your channel, keep it up bud.

[@JerryNeutron]

The owner should look into getting Eibach springs at least if they can’t run coilovers

[@Smeedia]

I just saw last night there are some spring options so we may revisit that on the near future 🤝

[@ianmansfield8885]

And what did it all cost and how do the brakes feel??