Is The Subaru WRX STI Really A Rally Car?

What modifications are needed to turn a stock STI into a rally car?
Big thanks to DirtFish for inviting me out! drive.dirtfish...
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Is the Subaru STI really a rally car? Whether it’s the big auto magazines, the marketing advertisements, or the Subaru forums, there’s certainly a rally aura surrounding the WRX. That appeal is part of why the Subaru STI was the first new car I ever bought, a 2014 Hatch in World Rally Blue.
But the first time I took my Subaru on anything other than smooth pavement, it didn’t exactly feel at home. The suspension is very stiff, and there’s not much ground clearance. Sure, the AWD system is fantastic, but there are plenty of vehicles with great AWD systems.
DirtFish Rally School, based in Snoqualmie, Washington, invited me to their three day rally program. Here, I was able to chat with their instructors and technicians, many of whom participate in rally racing across the country. Over the three days, on top of dialing in driving techniques, I was curious to learn about what physical changes they make to these cars in order to have them properly set up as rally cars, ready to thrash their courses, keep the occupants safe, and maybe even remain comfortable.
And it’s not nearly as simple as you might think - throw on some rally tires and call it a day. There’s extensive work done to get these things to safely and reliably perform on a multitude of surfaces. Check out the video for all the details!
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[@leeku7768]

Every rental car is the perfect rally car

[@EngineeringExplained]

Facts - not every car is a rally car, but every rental is.

[@Klipschrf35]

Drive it like you stole it

[@Automotib]

@@EngineeringExplained and that's why no one should ever buy a rental lol

[@blahorgaslisk7763]

Ah! The TopGear vibe...

[@AtlasJotun]

My mother got a rental Impreza stuck in mud about 7 or 8 years ago up in Minnesota. Apparently even Mom gets a little McRae-zy out there in the sticks XD

[@draz7905]

The fact that Jason chose to put that stall in the edit is my favorite part of all this. Humility goes a very long way!

[@derekgardin1512]

Yep agreed. I like when they leave that stuff in unlike some who try to seem like they're always perfect. Humility goes a long way and it makes them more relatable and genuine.

[@martj1313]

I had an STI but 2 weeks of anti- biotics and i was fine.

[@joelarun5057]

Lmfao

[@therealsnow]

Slow clap...

[@martj1313]

@@therealsnow not sure if it was slow but i am sure it was the clap.

[@Sheamu5]

Haha

[@mlbjr]

Before you know it, its gonorrhea

[@DaxtonAnderson]

It took me WAAAAAAAY too long to realize that's the test course from ALL of the dirt games 😂 I didn't realize it was based on a real location haha

[@drizzlezyt4388]

Every track is based on a real location

[@CarrotsCs]

@@drizzlezyt4388 not in DiRT 4 haha, they have procedurally generated maps

[@stephenspilman68]

Dirt 3 has real locations, dirt 4 has generated maps and a irl track. Which is the dirtfish training track

[@martmart.]

14:10 why is the warehouse closed? i always drift into it 😂

[@jrbrookins3644]

@@martmart. They actually had to condemn it :(

[@okitasoichiro7918]

the camera setup for the onboard was genius

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks! Came out really cool!

[@toysareforboys1]

@@EngineeringExplained Beautiful editing and camera setup, thanks for some editing ideas :)

[@Mr.ZiggedWhenHeShouldaZagged]

I wish GTA would use that in their games lol

[@ashGT40]

why is this not a thing?!!

[@exquisitedelusion3925]

Hope other people pick up on the camera placement, it was perfect

[@ryanfoster2437]

Can we please just appreciate how calm and relax Michelle is during the entire video? Legs crossed, calm eyes. Hilariously professional.

[@ScottOrd]

Even as it's literally raining ice down on the car, I can imagine her tone: "no big deal, mind the throttle, now..." - bravo!

[@jackcurtis3437]

Yup that’s Michelle 😂

[@dingus153]

While not suitable for this kind of stuff from the factory, I think they know that the vast majority of owners aren't even going to take their STI on a gravel road, yet they seem to have provided a good platform for those who wish to get a bit dirty with some modifications

[@klimeji]

Exactly. Also every proper rally car need suspension modification when changing type of stage - stock STi would crush the dirt-modded one on asfalt stage and vice versa.

[@josephcazzuto7198]

I had an STI back in 07 and I only met another bloke that had a forester that would even take it on some basic trails. Most subies are kept spotless 😆

[@bigchungus1848]

@@josephcazzuto7198 boys slam Subarus………. Legends lift them

[@Ang3lUki]

It's suitable for commuting in cold rural places from the factory. Which is still pretty great.

[@Sumanitu]

My 04 WRX has seen a lot of forest service roads, sometimes with snow. I don't need to go fast though. I'm perfectly happy cruising at 30mph and getting there in one piece. Some times the roads are potholed or rutted or washed away enough that I'm weaving through at 5 or 10 mph.

[@logicreversed18t]

I was lucky enough to get 4 hours in a GT3 RS at the PEC in LA. I can totally relate to the mental exhaustion. After 3.5 hours, I had literally run out of brain power and courage. I just couldn't physically do it any more, which as an endurance athlete, was really unexpected and is hard to admit! I think a lot of people who don't get seat time in race cars with professionals really have NO idea just how much hard work racing a car is. It is mentally VERY taxing. I gained a renewed respect for motorsports drivers of all types after my weekend at the PEC. But man, when you get one of those laps just right, flowing around a track, it really is pure magic.

[@insiainutorrt259]

A whole lot of it is learning a new thing.... something that for many happens so rarely they have no idea other than it hurts and never again.... thus lots of bad stuff in the world...

[@heroichitsuji]

It’s all the G’s and focus. Ripping around a mountain road for four hours put me out, and I was just in my Golf lol.

[@falinestixiaolong9691]

Driving on a busy highway for hours is already pretty exhausting. Can't even imagine doing the same while going flat out on a twisty track, having crazy motherfuckers left and right and behind trying to overtake you. You just can't catch a breath. And that's only the mental part, my left leg hurts after 1 hour of Assetto Corsa, and I'm not even getting swung around in an actual cockpit. Drivers are athletes for sure.

[@ortzinator]

I'm exhausted after 10 minutes of sim racing

[@Dukesofsurvival]

Imagine he's just trying to learn how to rally and the all of a sudden his instructor goes: *Jason! You're breaking the car!!!*

[@baseball741]

I understood that reference.

[@MaxHPep]

Jason I beg of you!

[@colinjohnson5515]

Lol took me almost a minute to remember. I’m getting soo oold!

[@TheNotFakeBot212]

@@MaxHPep PURPLE CAUTION PURPLE CAUTION!

[@chamonghxiong8282]

Jason, Jason you need to listen to me!

[@CreaminFreeman]

Camera placement and the layout in editing for the full lap is the best I’ve ever seen! Period.

[@markseegobin4322]

We can start to prepare a meal without any trouble 😂😂😂

[@fearofchicke]

@@player1GR 4:22

[@hypershadow5g]

Never change, Jason. Lol

[@JoshuaC923]

Thankfully i wasn't drinking coffee at that time hahaha

[@MethmalDhananjaya]

Sorry, Can someone explain the reference?

[@qwesx]

It's great when you flip over and wreck your car and you're sad but then you remember that you brought eggs and bacon.

[@benharrison5816]

Video: Make sure you have all these modifications if you're going to rally, so you don't break your car! WRX owners: Install Cobb Accessport, vape, and send it.

[@boxr_4214]

hahaha, i would love to rally with my wrx too but i know how expensive that would be... and it would render the car impractical on the road. just road courses for me.

[@Lofi.z34]

@@boxr_4214 You can use it on the road if you ignore the whole "DOT approved tires" part

[@gavintaggart7370]

"sUBarUs ArE SO unRELIaBle...."

[@Darkest_matter]

@@gavintaggart7370 are they still? They used to be in the 90s.

[@gavintaggart7370]

@@Darkest_matter It was a joke about the vape bros slapping shitty mods on their cars and then beating the hell out of them and being shocked they break down. They're plenty reliable if you use them as intended from the factory. Like the video says, they're not really rally cars, no production car is. Cobb Accessport and a 'stage 2' aren't going to make it one either.

[@UhhWhereAmI]

OMG ! This is why I love watching Jason's vids. He has ZERO PROBLEM sharing with us any humbling experiences he has along his travels, or even just when he throws something out there that helps us take him off the pedestal and see him as one of us. LOVE THAT ! Being able to laugh at yourself occasionally, shows TRUE character....@stallingonthejump lmao

[@EngineeringExplained]

Haha, that was most definitely not my only stall either! One time an instructor said "brake hard!" I did. I locked all the wheels and stalled the car. Mentally challenging experience, but by the third day it was just insane fun to drive the Mill Run course!

[@UhhWhereAmI]

@@EngineeringExplained that's epic lmao thank you again for always being genuine with us and keeping your views logical and scientific. We notice it and it goes a looong way. Definitely gonna look into a rally school out herrr in VA. Looking forward to the next vids !

[@hahahafunny9419]

using God’s name in vane isnt good.

[@hollol5933]

@@hahahafunny9419 why

[@GlycerinZ]

@@hahahafunny9419 what does a broad blade attached to a rotating axis have to do with God?

[@StalePhish]

So fun! I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt out of practice: I took a 5 day rally school at Team O'Neil Rally School, the east coast version of DirtFish, and the first day was pretty rough after having not driven basically at all since the world went to hell 5 months earlier. We started in FWD Ford Fiestas and I believe it was only day 3 when we added in Subaru Impreza, then day 4 was RWD BMW E30 (all 3 at once: FWD, RWD, AWD to keep you on your toes). Then on day 5 we got a few runs with Subaru WRX and turbo Fiesta ST. It's also interesting to see what kind of stuff the schools do for school prep that absolutely is not allowed in real rally, such as removing emissions equipment.

[@dillonh321]

I love rally racing and wish it was more appreciated here in the US. I am glad that the Idaho rally is decent. I used to volunteer as a spotter.

[@ErectileSceptile]

I used to watch F1 all the time, then I saw my first rally show and was blown away. Them crazy mfers have a death wish and I love it.

[@carlesmiquel]

Hi, Jason. My students and myself follow you almost religiously. It's part of our learning. My family and myself have been racing rallies for more than 60 years. What you explain here is just how to transform an STI into a gravel spec rally car. I know rallying is not a big sport in the States. In Europe we've been doing it from the very beginning of racing sports, i.e. Monte Carlo, San Remo, 1000 Lakes and so on. For us, who live in this world strongly regulated for almost 100 years, our work is split in three categories: gravel or "forest" rallies, "snow and ice" and tarmac. It would be fascinating to have you doing a series of videos on the differences between those three. The engineering involved in each of them is staggering. An STI, coming out of the factory and very few mods (safety requirements not included), as per FIA regulations, can do all European rallies, as it actually does. Suspension, flow restrictor and undercarriage cladding classify, basically, for most Class "NR4" cars to compete officially for an FIA-sanctioned Rally Championship. The Subaru WRX STI is, possibly, one of the most common cars in that class all over the world, along with the Peugeot 207, the Ford Fiesta, the Citroën C3, the VW Polo and the Sköda Fabia. If you want to drive your car in one of these three different "worlds", you'll need three different suspensions, three different types of rims and, at least, 8 different types of tyres (that's an understatement, but it's close). Most of the times, also, you'll need a different ratio setup for the gearbox. So, one "shell" needs lots of work and tweaks to function throughout an entire rally campaign, even if you compete in one country only. Great videos! and thanks for being an inspiration for my students.

[@criticalevent]

Did you see how they had to slow our boy down so he wouldn't lap the other students? :)

[@BubblesTheCat1]

What boy?

[@SonoftheBread]

@@BubblesTheCat1 ours

[@BubblesTheCat1]

@@SonoftheBread Jason?

[@TJ-kh2zc]

@@BubblesTheCat1 Yeah, Jason our boy.

[@BubblesTheCat1]

@@TJ-kh2zc Yeah, I saw 😊

[@georgebushdid911]

The DirtFish rally school is the building used for the sheriff's office in twin peaks. much of the show was filmed in the surrounding area.

[@sporkybutterz]

Yes the Bronco was there the last time...no idea if it still is

[@SteveHarrellRally]

@@sporkybutterz Probably hiding in Rimmer's car vault

[@briki5]

Yep, I live near it.

[@CadenUnnasch]

yeah i actually went here when i visited washington for this reason, didn't even know it was a rally school when i visited. very cool to see it again in this video

[@RahulPatel-fp3ju]

"If you happen to flip over, you can start preparing a meal without any trouble"

[@jasonehredt968]

Love Michele’s relaxed instruction style. Cold chillin over there.

[@trdartz]

Love dirtfish rally school, was only able to do a one day... but this was the most fun driving experience I had .

[@mikeyetman6010]

Dirt fish is way to far from me in located by Jacksonville Florida but goto The Firm and that place is a absolute blast and I can drive my own 2011 wide body wrx hatch but hint I’m on my 3rd ej motor lmao

[@andresosinski3053]

How much for a day?

[@daniellee6912]

@@andresosinski3053 the website says it starts at $1399 a day

[@Benjamin-David]

That’s so cool. I’ve owned 11 Subarus over the years. Mostly EJ engine models since tons of parts are interchangeable. Fairly easy simple cars for a home mechanic.

[@rxcubley]

How it felt giving mapquest directions as a kid

[@IWreakHavoc]

Pretty interesting. I always knew rally was harder than track driving. But I never really realized how much different it was. You basically have to relearn parts of what you know about driving to accomplish. Also I never thought about how much would go into changing the car. Thanks for this educational, well made video!

[@Laylander]

It depends on what you're used to I suppose. I find track racing much harder, as sliding and pointing the car comes without thinking, but trailbraking on track I misjudge 4/5 times.

[@Frexican54]

Samir!! You are Breaking the Kaar!!!

[@qpSubZeroqp]

Lol!

[@miguelnunez1377]

Best comment

[@TJ-kh2zc]

Concentrate, CONCENTRATE!!!!!!

[@roynaba7669]

Shadup dont tell me how to drive

[@Xyb3rTeCh]

Legend has it that Samir is still overshooting his race line and breaking the car

[@lepsycho3691]

Man, the full length lap made me feel as if I was in the car driving it, I looked so awesome, I want to try it now!

[@clayduval1255]

The instructor with casually crossed legs is hilarious. Guess she's not afraid of anything!

[@chitlitlah]

... or she was trying to keep from peeing her pants.

[@nikesbeast]

If they crash she’s fucked

[@AntonAdelson]

Couldn't believe it when I saw it!

[@802Garage]

@@nikesbeast Yeah no. Full harness. Low speed course.

[@SteveHarrellRally]

Michelle is definitely not afraid of anything

[@bikebudha01]

FINALLY, HE GOES TO DIRTFISH!!! FYI, I've been. It will change your world in terms of what a subaru is actually capable of. It's also the only thing that ever made me regret not being rich. As in rich enough to afford an sti that I can rally. (I own a 16' sti, but it won't be seeing any rally action as I can't afford that kind of maintenance)...

[@gravelociraptor]

Right at 12:17 I started to feel a lot better about life. I just bought my second WRX and first manual transmission, and I've been doing my share of stalls!

[@goudagramps3719]

U and me both man don’t tell my friends

[@donswier]

Welcome (back) to the Northwest. Besides the awesome school, Dirtfish has both one of the best podcasts and KZbin channels for rally fans. A real asset to the community.

[@axledog7297]

FYI, HDPE are used in the rock crawling world, as well, on the bottom of skid plates to aid in sliding since it's considerably slicker than aluminum or steel.

[@sumoneskid]

This has been on my bucket list for years. Amazing that they invited you out. Loved watching you hunt the driver in front of you.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

This puts the "rally car for the road" PR talk (looking at you, Toyota) into perspective - thank you!

[@jayathranps1319]

Jason should do a video on Toyota rallying. They do tend to overbuild their cars

[@isaacjones2328]

if you're talking about the gr yaris, yes, its in a similar boat as the sti but unlike the sti, its original reason to exist was to be a homologation vehicle. The yaris also has actual cool performance bits like a cf roof and an auto disconnecting rear axle when ripping the handbrake at speed. As far as rally inspired goes the yaris beats out the modern sti any day.

[@Captain_bl_007]

Lets be honest: We all memorized this track from dirt rally 2.0.

[@snotty_boi8248]

Yees finally someone who Said it

[@kkyoto_prod]

Yep

[@Jaker788]

They put the dirt fish track in the game?

[@kkyoto_prod]

@@Jaker788 yep

[@Kytetiger]

Is it also the training map in Dirt4 ?

[@joseacuna3239]

Well, back in the days (I’m 34 btw) I use to drive my dad’s 210 Nissan in the gravel while on vacations around a soccer field, I remember my dad checking my times every lap, felt good tho

[@michaelluttmer2486]

I took the one day course 2 years ago for my Birthday with my wife. Jack, my instructor, was awesome. Agreed on the counter-intuitiveness of lift > turn > wait and trail braking. But by end of the day we were having a ball. This program is so good!

[@metor36]

As a side note, I've been told that the WRX and Ralliart are actually more rally-ready, while the STI and Evo are more track ready. This was kinda touched on when you mentioned both the tire/wheel specs and factory STI ground clearance.

[@EngineeringExplained]

WRX has open diff/front rear, STI has a better transmission/AWD system for the job. I think the Ralliart is closer to the base Lancer than the Evo (at least for previous gens that was the case).

[@Evan-eh9dd]

The only WRX's in the US that are solid for rally from the factory are the GD chassis WRX's (non-sti). That's 2002-2007, but I think they put stiffer suspension on the "hawkeye" models.

[@HavokStrifeX]

@@Evan-eh9ddAs the professionals in the video use VA's...🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Evan-eh9dd]

@@HavokStrifeX well if you're gonna change out the suspension and brakes it doesn't matter which one you pick really..

[@HavokStrifeX]

@@Evan-eh9dd Didn't know GDs came with rally spec suspension and not the sports shocks similar to every other WRX. My bugeye didn't. Seriously though. Anything else?

[@jondurrett9277]

I drove my STI on a 1500 mile road trip and I felt every bit of it. I love it for local driving, even on the terrible roads in Austin. Long distance trips however is not a fun thing to do. My body was so sore after that I needed a whole day to recover.

[@Blackstarentity]

Would you suggest a separate seat replacement?

[@mistgate]

Me, setting up my beater Impreza for rallycross: Big rear sway bar, no front sway bar, tires, and junkyard suspension

[@imprezaguy9958]

Whatever works man 😁

[@miguelt.7997]

Thanks for covering Rally! I'm a rally preacher, have done all major schools, Team O'Neil, Rally Ready and recently, Dirt Fish, they are all worth every penny! I took a private course at Dirt Fish with Eric, kudos to him, great instructor.

[@JohnTaylor-tl1gh]

Doing some light fast-ish trail driving I like the outback. Higher ground clearance and softer suspension.

[@stevemontgomery9966]

DirtFish is incredible. The key thing they do to their STI’s are the smaller diameter steel wheels and Hoosier tires. Amazing how much difference that makes.

[@ivanroque7171]

Rally inspired isn't the same as a Rally car. Still loved my 2017 stage 2+ STi when I had it!

[@ItzzTesta]

What a waste of money lmfao

[@SC-ec9fx]

That was awesome! Seeing a real track run with instruction was exhilarating, you did great. The abuse they take in one run is eye opening.

[@zokusharuuku1091]

Yes! More sti content!

[@bitflip8191]

I imagine stock STI would perform pretty good on tarmac rally setting.

[@AdamIsUrqed]

I once inadvertently rallied an 04 Kia Optima. It was fun for the 3 seconds before it hit the ditch. Can't remember much after that, but I do know I was halfway through a "wooo hooo" before the sudden stop. 10/10, would recommend, minus the ditch.

[@JoshuaTootell]

Ex wife did that with her PT Loser. I was doing the "woo hoo" when I noticed it was totaled.

[@AdamIsUrqed]

@@JoshuaTootell Surprised it got enough speed to make it a foot into dirt/grass. I test drove one on the same lot I got the Kia off of. That thing felt like driving a broken milk crate on steel roller skate wheels.

[@JoshuaTootell]

It was on a dirt road in the desert. Going too fast, probably lift oversteer and sideways. Tires caught and it rolled one full rotation back on to the wheels. She was fine, but the car was completely destroyed. Insurance check covered about half of a 10 year old used F150 that she still has about 10 years later @@AdamIsUrqed

[@NoorquackerInd]

I am now addicted to watching rally videos from just your clip of driving

[@bs89]

Dirtfish is so much fun, the instructors there are amazing. Now you have to go back and do the 3 day advanced class its even more fun!

[@NickGiamattiKeyWest]

Jason, THANK YOU for answering that burning question that I always had, about DirtFish and their Student Rally Cars!! As a fellow engineer and obsessive automotive enthusiast, I ALWAYS enjoy your content, and straight forward analyzations & explanations!

[@trbdann2]

Crazy difference how you gain speed on tarmac! Griipppp!!

[@asianmursejohn8408]

The dual camera setup/dual merging of both camera viewpoints showing the inside driving and outside driving dynamics at the same time is absolutely genius and didn't realize how much more engaging it made to watch the driving portion of the video @12:08 minutes in. @engineeringexplained raised the standards as to how onboard driving video edits should be like from now on. 👏👏👏👍👍❤❤❤ Thank you for posting and I hope I'll one day be able to attend a 3-day rally course from Dirtfish Rally as you had.

[@averyschottler1997]

Enjoying the rear seat + roof of car view, good stuff.

[@iamrambo99]

I love Dirtfish! Just did the 3 day RWD program last week and it was an absolute blast! Bucket list item

[@Yathuprem]

That onboard was awesome.

[@michaelcjordan1]

I took my 2011 WRX to rally a few times, and it honestly did great. I never had much trouble with it or any parts breaking.

[@Sheamu5]

Nice editing on the hot lap, easy to watch the track and the cockpit. Makes me want to check if there's anything similar near me.

[@lemhens]

Agree! Good view

[@SteveHarrellRally]

If you don't mind me asking, where abouts are you? I can tell you what's closest

[@foxtayle446]

When I was at Vermont SportsCar to get some rally headlights for my '02 WRX Wagon they showed me their rally cars that were being built. They take brand new WRXs and strip them down bare to the frame and then rebuild the entire car. That's insane! Great run at DirtFish. It's insane how fast the WRC guys do the courses!

[@JenniLudes]

I think I'll keep my bone stock STI (2019) on the pavement for now, though there are times when I wouldn't mind a little more ground clearance and the 15's with more sidewall...it's pothole season!

[@mikeoxlong3676]

Yeah I wish the wrx had more ride height. Needs to be closer to the crosstrek. Either put the crosstrek suspension in this thing or put the wrx engine in the crosstrek.

[@chrispaulson670]

Also left foot breaking is an important skill to learn.

[@Roq-stone]

My most favourite Motorsport. Rallying, the best spectator Motorsport.

[@kolapodasilva5838]

I did the 3 day course a couple years ago. Worth every penny! Awesome driving!

[@jeremyspecce]

I used to do a lot of track days and the exhaustion level is real, as a student. There is so much going on mentally, as well as physically, that it can be very taxing, which is why the beginning, middle, and end of the classroom lesson was always “STAY HYDRATED!”

[@lucagattoni-celli1377]

I love that the instructor at 0:56 has a foot up on the seat, totally relaxed as a semi-experienced driver slides around.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

As someone who knows very little about the sport of rallying, this was great!

[@tylerchaffee1047]

Been to Dirtfish two times and it is the best time in my entire life! Highly recommend! Im sad this wasn't the expert 3 day, because the hand break turns and track are so much more fun!!!!!

[@isaiahtaylor7928]

You should try the RWD class there, there is a lot more technique used in that class

[@Michael-jq5pf]

My nextdoor neighbor is an instructor at dirtfish, stoked to see you shooting a video there! I plan on treating myself to a weekend class with him for my 30th in a month and a half or two. Great vid as always

[@hypershadow5g]

So I think the bigger question is: was Samir really breaking the car?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Most definitely! 😂

[@BowsBloodBrotherhood]

This was the simple information I have been looking for! Thank You! Been to a bunch of channels and not one would even mention the ground clearance difference between stock and mods.

[@jafu745]

Love how relaxed the instructor lady is with crossed legs while on loose surface

[@Svendskommentar]

It looks like You got the Rally feeling and You did great on the course. No uncontrolled spins or failed turns. Finding that sweet spot of rally feeling and avoiding crashes is a dream come true, for most people into Rally sport. I love to watch videos from WRC, see those champions make their cars fly through the stages. Their cars are true supercars and they have the support of teams setting up the cars, testing the cars and maintaining the cars and staff, for each rally and to some extend each stage. Rally is a dance on the edge, so stay safe and have fun. :D

[@Slinderman48]

Check out the Team O'Neil rally school in New Hampshire! As I understand it, Dirtfish was started by some ex-Team O'Neil employees.

[@dil6969]

It's only been a week and the new design is already making me feel nostalgic for this generation WRX, even knowing it didn't blow me away when it came out in 2015. That said, when you get your hands on the new WRX and eventually STI, it would be neat to see you do a deep engineering dive on it.

[@iiAchilles]

Wow I was seriously considering converting my STI into a rally car one day.. great to see this!! :D

[@Erickzy]

Yup, is the best rally car, that's why they use it in this rally school

[@slandshark]

DirtFish is on my bucket list. I live about 40 minutes away. I've been wanting to go there ever since I bought my 2004 Subaru WRX Wagon. Best car I've ever owned and is unstoppable in the snow. 234k miles on it now, just replaced the clutch for the first time at 233k miles. First heard about DirtFish through NASIOC (back when NASIOC was cool).

[@slandshark]

3 months since my last comment, my family surprised me with a 1 day course at Dirt Fish! I just did it last weekend. Just absolutely amazing experience. If you have any interest in rally driving, you MUST try it!

[@BlueDually4x4]

This is kind of like some of the Mythbusters episodes, its science, but science used as an excuse to have a ton of fun.

[@dntlkdwn1602]

Went here as a gift from my then girlfriend. Her mom and step dad work there. Fantastic experience. I took the RWD class as opposed to the AWD.

[@bbehzadi413]

My STI will never see a rally stage since I’ve set it up for the track but I appreciate it’s rally heritage. Also would love to go to bucky laseks rally school rally ready.

[@danieldanda2443]

Factory JDM STI was close to FIA Group N tarmac spec until 2005. It used stock Brembo brakes, 18” wheels, minimal underbody protection. Added were safery equipment, better dampers and straight cut gearbox with plated front diff.

[@robschilke]

Yoooo! You had Jack and Michelle as instructors! I had them both during my 3-day course. Some quality people over there all around.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Michelle & Jack were awesome!

[@whatwasthatonething3363]

I did Dirtfish's 1-day program about 1.5 years ago and I loved it. I highly recommend it. I'll definitely be going again to do the 2 or 3 day program.

[@masterslimes]

I've been wondering this forever....what exactly would you need to do to a stock STI to get it up to rally standards. Awesome video !! How much $$ would you estimate they put into the car ?

[@jaredavery7641]

I read about another rally school that primarily used older STIs, and the newer WRXs that came with the 6spd trans. (The 5sp manuals were about as durable as tissue boxes, apparently). Basically, between the engine and the suspensions mods, your talking 10k to be 'alright off road 100% of the time', 2-3x that for a pro-am team, and more like 50-100k in mods to be in a competitive national rally circuits. Weirdly, or I guess not too weird if you think about it, they said the 6sp WRX was a better base than the STI becuase every 'benefit' from the STI will be replaced or upgraded anyways. So the WRX was a cheaper platform to and would have identical end results.

[@Ficon]

Jason: 15-inch wheels. Stanced vape-pen aficionados who buy STIs: have left the chat. Dirtfish is awesome, definitely on my bucket list.

[@kerrickhanson7926]

How did I not know dirtfish rally was based like 20 min from where I live😳

[@060racing8]

From what I've seen people do run WRX's and STI's in a very stock form other than wheels tyres roll cage's seats radios and progressively build the car modifying or replacing stuff that breaks some people run forester struts in WRX's for extra ground clearance and travel earlier models can fit 15 inch wheels on stock brakes

[@TTime685]

I think it's pretty obvious that stock STi's aren't setup for off road..

[@oldfashionedwrx3574]

6 po brakes, huge low profile 19 inch wheels...

[@paulwilhelmsen6586]

I’ve climbed two of the three highest northern routes in my state (and western hard man, which is central utah) and the race still made my palms sweat more then the climbs did.

[@jasonledesma5747]

I knew that KZbin question about favorite rally cars was bait

[@EngineeringExplained]

Haha, as stated on that post - "rally video coming tomorrow!" :)

[@Erickzy]

In summary, besides the softer and bigger suspension and tires, all other modifications are there to prevent rookies from damaging the car or themselves

[@dhmallet]

I love your subtle engineer humor.

[@Erickzy]

More like dad jokes

[@dhmallet]

@@Erickzy I am often guilty of dad jokes, being one.

[@DV36008]

You were in my neck of the woods. For years since learning about Dirtfish here in Washington I’ve always wanted to do the 3 day rally experience. So awesome to see your lap on the course.

[@TTime685]

Yes folks, he really did sell his STi and S2000 for a miata.. 🤦🏼‍♂

[@EngineeringExplained]

Heck yes I did!

[@TTime685]

@@EngineeringExplained 😄 I will never understand that decision

[@EngineeringExplained]

@@TTime685 Drive an ND and you will! 😂

[@JoshuaTootell]

I think that says a lot about how amazing a Miata must be. Also, James from Throttle House loving his Miata. And Savage Geese doing an entire series on the Miata.

[@ajr5195]

@@EngineeringExplained i did the same. Wrx, ap1, ap2, supercharged ap2, ND1. Then sold the ND for a C5 ZO6 now selling the C5 Z06 for an ND2. ND is the best!

[@ianwybul6183]

Dirt fish is awesome, if you are thinking about getting into rallying at a higher level I highly recommend it as the instructors are exceptional at improving your individual strengths and you can come out of their courses with some points on your race license required to rally higher power vehicles, it is expensive but so is rallying force induction cars

[@tannergermain5665]

Strut stabilizers and upgraded exhaust, it'll fkn rally

[@DirtySouthSOHK]

Fk yeah it will!!!

[@colesisler582]

Coming from someone who lives in the Appalachian mountains, and who has a brother who owns an Sti who lives in CO near the Rockies, it’s a great stock rig for sometimes unpredictable twisty mountain roads that can range from very gritty to very smooth pavement. You won’t find a better car that comes stock from the factory for that exact purpose. But I wouldn’t take it in any more harsh conditions than that unless it was outfitted with some or all of the upgrades mentioned in the video.

[@magnusandersen8898]

That thumbnail is amazing

[@rushodai929]

Dirt fish has been on my bucket list for years, but after watching this, it's definitely moved up the priority ladder!

[@greentjmtl]

I wouldn't mind an OEM 2 inch higher riding and a bit softer STi, make it a wagon while you are at it.

[@cutlerchristopher]

I absolutely loved the half day course I did there. I was fortunate to take the course in one of my favorite cars- a 2004 STI in WRB. I now own one of that same car.