Modified 2002 Subaru WRX - POV test drive

Andrew's WRX, controversially dubbed "Bug eye" due to the shape of its headlights, is a modified example from the first model year of turbocharged Impreza offered in North America. With a short block swapped in from the later generation STi, bolt-ons, suspension, and a custom tune, this Subie looks and rumbles like a proper rally car. Let's find out if it goes like one.
If you're in NorCal and have a cool car, shoot me a comment/message!
Shared photo album: goo.gl/photos/fbwaBSyQKinVPZMDA
Major thanks to Yan for filming!

[@T0XIC199]

Bugeyes are gorgeous and I'm a proud owner of one!

[@marcing2505]

True :)

[@d0stawca]

I've just bought my first one :) They look very funky to me :)

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

they are just so quintessentially Subaru

[@terryrigby7122]

It’s a unique look and tbh it just screams rally😂😂

[@ironbloodedmyth1204]

Not going to lie im starting to like them again, wouldn't mind buying one if i had the spare money and do simple bpu and maintenance for spirited or daily driving.

[@seangreenz420]

sick car but i felt like you didn't give it the love it deserved. seemed so emotionless and stating more negatives than positives. shit if i drove that car I would be soo fuckin stoked just to hit boost and hear that bov id freak out like haggard garage haha. The owner did a great job with it you can tell he's a proud owner and loves his car. that's what its all about

[@amptekDnB]

I love waking up knowing i'll be driving to work with my bugeye :D

[@janbaglan7318]

Bro, Im saving up and going to buy a subie in 2 years bro.

[@silasbradford]

​@@janbaglan7318 you get it yet lol

[@eastcoast78]

Nice car, but i wish you didn't speed up the driving footage. Felt like i was in a warp tunnel haha

[@troxigg]

Don't understand why people do reviews on a modified car have to come out and say what the owner should do or get in terms of mods. Way too pushy, just suggest a couple of things. And please don't be the person who is driving the the owners pride and joy saying 'I don't like' its just douchy, its not your car so be respectful and you might get more enthusiasts who would be happy to let you drive they're car/s.

[@TheBb6prelude]

disagree.. a review is a review good or bad.

[@troxigg]

its a MODIFIED car. It's a personalised vehicle someone has customised to they're taste and budget. Being blunt about what should be done especially whilst the owner is right next to them is rude. The blunt format on a car is as it is in stock format based on the vehicles, price, build quality, spec, looks, performance and economy is purely for journalistic reviews. This is not, this is someones car and one they have made a mark on so regardless of good or bad the wording and comments based on it should be unbiased, we aren't buying this car so what does the review need to be critical about. I see many modified car reviews and for the most part aren't like this such as thatdudeinblue, jamie fyd for example, engineering explained does some great new car reviews and whats being said is valid.

[@TheBb6prelude]

I completely agree with you when it comes to anything personal like owners taste in wheels ,color and style of the car. I completely disagree on not criticizing the cars performance aspect of the build. Getting some feedback from someone that has actually been to the track can be very helpful.. he's not being a dick about it just being honest. When he hops from car to car he is going to point out its noticeable strong points and also weak points like shifter feel and pedals and brakes and how the power band is etc...

[@bonecc4061]

I think you both are right but there is a fine line. Depends on what kind of feedback the owner is looking for. He might of told him like hey let me know what you would change or do. Or how I can make my car better. Just depends on what kind of feedback he wants

[@icedcoldkilla]

"The most fun All wheel drive car i've driven so far" *shows no emotion* LOL

[@Zygrene]

+icedcoldkilla I'm ice cold :)

[@ridetheyoshi]

+Zygrene I was about to say that, you have such a nonchalant reaction to every car. lmfao, the reviews are still very interesting though. you deserve more subs

[@Zygrene]

ridetheyoshi Haha, my friends all say I'm the most stoic person they know. Something I'm working on.

[@kaydenehrhardt8062]

Watched this on my way to buy my original first bugeye 6 years ago and now I’ve had 3 since and have become the guy you go to for Subaru advice or work in my town🥺it’s crazy that it’s been 6 years

[@rodneywk1]

Fantastic looking car! I already have a ‘19 WRX, but would love to add one of these to my garage. Thanks for sharing!

[@RidgeChaser]

Nice video as always, you guys got quite the setup going on! It'd be interesting to use that BRZ cam for the downhill section

[@heyvoon5776]

Love the intro. Great vid and neat car.

[@yo_eddie2576]

Love my sti. Bug eyes are the sexiest gen IMO

[@v_g_p_]

Damn wish I found this when I still had my '93 turbo legacy. You would've loved it!

[@shamic30]

I agree with the last comment, who the hell says BUG EYEs are ugly...nice ride...nice little video

[@r0dnee]

ONE OF US ONE OF US ONE OF US ONE OF US ONE OF US

[@AaronBowendrummer]

All I can say is goals.

[@Fazoo247]

Nothing "controversial" about the bugeye nickname. It's perfect.

[@haskino]

That fast forward of the car driving got me car sick just sitting on my couch! STI 4/2 piston brakes BOLT ON! Subaru engines are the definition of glass cannon! 6 speed swap!

[@MindzEye03rd]

Frankenstein build = EJ205 mated with an EJ257 block! My 02 has the build, but I'm still on the TD04. I also blew 2nd on the stock trans, ended up swapping in an '05 rex transmissions.

[@tasmaniandevv]

love the bigeye

[@carstuff4260]

Lets make it fast by throwing STI stickers at it.

[@OrangePixl]

Where are you guys recording this video?! It's beautiful wherever you are.

[@Zygrene]

In the hills east of San Jose

[@VQSeries]

Just realized there's a passenger in the back lol... Anyways, great review as with all your other content!

[@Zygrene]

Thanks!

[@shaloon64]

Got a ej207 in my gc8 but I would also love a nice bugeye with a 207

[@stevel2407]

I have a GDB sti , it has a chip torque tune , it makes ( twice ) the torque of this mock up

[@lewisobrien503]

i love how it has no wing

[@directmechanicalsolutions6517]

What is the colour code for that paint job? I want to spray paint my bugeye the same as that?

[@rgzx965]

looked familiar, old Calaveras right?

[@gerenarquero5409]

I daily drive a bugeye 2003 wrx impreza. It is my daily and its gergeouss!

[@psychojock]

Why speed up the driving footage.

[@paraniaa08]

the view is spectacular.. where is this ?

[@Zygrene]

east of San Jose

[@justjoeyg6671]

Quick question for every car authentic out there do y'all think it a good choice to buy this beautiful machine by 2027

[@poof2380]

Good luck finding one of these in 6 years with a healthy motor, But if you do def do it, I own a bug wrx pushing 260hp and it’s the most fun car I have ever driven

[@Jesters-Jinx]

You more about the car than the owner lol.

[@austink5840]

Bugeyes look mean modified,proud owner of one

[@TopTechMan]

Hey I'm curious what he did to the front end of this car to make it look like that? Like headlights or body kit ETC.... Thanks

[@noodle-cup]

Ryzen Testing its the jdm bygeye sti front

[@bozscaggzz7475]

Daily everyday... What other options were there?

[@contents_of_the_subconscious]

He's learning.

[@Ydntkwi]

Where are the taillights from?

[@bunta69]

bugeye 4 life

[@bag2963]

Hey, how has it held up?

[@philipposkalitsos7973]

I own a 1.6 2002 bugeye witch was 95hp and in Greece they rise it at 180hp with some problems coming up... I'm thinking to feet in a wrx 2.0lt with the 225hp...i damn love the music o this... 😁😁😁

[@minkant03]

Camera angle are nice

[@ejicon3099]

During the launch, why is the reviewer wearing a helmet and not the passenger? Weird.

[@3rwqe]

where is this place?

[@illuminate6317]

0:16 is no one gon talk abt the fricking nsx witchy there

[@WhenzLunch]

I'd like to take my BRZ for a drive there.

[@joshfromwestside6691]

What that air noise coming out can anyone help me

[@learningcars6804]

How big is the car inside cause I really want a bugeye never seen one in real life or been in one so I don’t if I would fit in one since I’m 6’2 ft

[@maggaveli6764]

You'll be fine trust me

[@ProfessorPuffyPants]

So are the STI transmissions ok to launch? I heard the stock ones blow up.

[@icanturn6844]

+Jake Orabanec Correct

[@stidriver3197]

+Jake Orabanec sti 6 speed fine to launch. wrx 5 speed not so fine

Jake Orabanec Not correct as a KZbin expert above states. They won't take a lot of abuse but spirited driving they will take all day. As stated by someone else who actually knows what they're talking about the 6 speed will take almost everything that you can throw at it.

[@thepeach12345]

Due you asked the right question with the answer with no warrentys. GO AHEAD and drive it if you cant afford it then maybe save up and start a business first before you get one.

[@terryrigby7122]

- it’s funny cause it’s the opposite with the EVO the 6-speed is weaker than the 5 speed😂

[@isaacmartinez3876]

Where did you buy the headlights ??

[@terryrigby7122]

Isaac Martinez they come out of the factory like that

[@dirtyharry7728]

Great car good video! Lose the little guy with the stats though!

[@dornie_donko]

Bugeyes are the best

[@playeroreo0755]

Does he have a 04 STi grill with side covers

[@sickuntale3025]

playeroreo075 yes it look clean asf

[@boywarrick]

STi badges on a non STi. Sure you have an EJ257 bottom end but the engine makes up only a small portion of the STi experience

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

boywarrick would still eat any stock sti...

[@terryrigby7122]

Buy brembo brakes put on the stickers and don’t let anyone see your engine bay 😂

[@EvolveElectric]

I really like your bugeye. I have an 02 that I just swapped a built hybrid motor into. I'm going to get it dyno tuned in a couple weeks. I made a teaser trailer. Check it out if you have a minute, thanks.

[@zachowns1023]

Beautiful 😘

[@MastRk]

wow where is this road? it looks like England

[@Zygrene]

+MastRKorey Northern California

Korey Miller Asides the wrong side of the road a lot of it looks like Yorkshire in the UK!

[@Garcin_co]

Zygrene who’s the owner do you have his Instagram or anything?

[@CuttinChris]

Mmm bought not built cars are sweet lol the interview on him is funny.

[@abc_u_hater]

Why you standing sideways though? Because drift car#

[@HWRay]

Where is this location in California?

[@Zygrene]

+Raymond Sierra Rd in San Jose

[@daltonholm5275]

good luck making more power with the 2.0 heads

[@domdelgado9028]

How's the transmission on that?

[@Zygrene]

+Dominick Delgado Felt like a typical Subaru 5 speed. A bit sloppy but no grinding issues.

[@Zygrene]

Dominick Delgado The owner of this car blew out the tranny once before. So yes, it's a weak point in the car.

Dominick Delgado The transmission is only a weak point if you're going to beat on it daily. If you're going to drive with mechanical sympathy the 5 speed does just fine. speaking from experience.

[@Garcin_co]

does the owner have a instagram or youtube link?

[@jesusvaldez244]

what wheels are those??!?

[@Ajkous]

Forme 9

[@bozscaggzz7475]

Car that weighs a little over 2000 lbs.?? It weighs 3000 to 3200.

[@dope_danny0146]

I wanna daily that car was very day too lol

[@saadismael8251]

Ahhhh my dream car, will work my ass off to death for one of these beasts.

[@cheahyeah7134]

daily everyday

[@oemasian9617]

what brand are the rims they look sexy as hell

[@Ajkous]

They are forme 9 18x9.5 in bronze

[@oemasian9617]

not me thnx man

[@MrDiscoLime]

Daily everyday

[@mkphotofilm]

bugeyes should be 2ltr!

[@ShuffleToExpresss]

what did he pay for it?

[@Zygrene]

+ShuffleToExpresss I'll let the owner decide if he wants to disclose the exact number, but his budget for a car at the time was around 10 grand.

[@ShuffleToExpresss]

that's the better question actually, and an answer i'm pretty satisfied with, because the car is sweet and my budget looks to be around 10 grand as well

[@serverhunter]

#dailyeveryday

[@edruiz2863]

Dope bugeye you got that hybrid motor swap i always wanted on my bug lol..if you read this follow me on instagram names rhd_bugeye im near san jose about 2 hours away i drive a right hand drive bugeye lol and nice review zygrene 👍

[@Zygrene]

+Ed Ruiz Cool rhd bugeye! Would you be interested in a review?

[@edruiz2863]

Zygrene just barely saw your comment but maybe sometime in the future when its all nice and painted i dont like the way it looks at the moment lol

[@Amplar2]

controversially dubbed "Bug eye" What

[@Arrozconchopsticks]

Wut

[@SniperNucklearWaffle]

the ej 205 didnt make 220

[@MrBarryaird]

Benny Blue except...it did 🙄

[@Btkization]

1st -2nd is a bitch with the 5mt...every other shift is good though........

[@user-ws3sl9xi7y]

Why is that car clunking so much?

[@Murdertruckmafia]

lol he said u can daily lllllllllllllmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaooooooooooooo

[@chrimay]

Boys really this is a men’s car, full of emotion, suspension is intended for sport and rally driving, not a daily driver, needs a experienced driver on drivers seat, not so low end pushing, a lot of power on high rpm’s, you just need to upgrade the brakes to sti ones, put a nice blow off valve and search for the horizon

[@eltonko]

You mentioned the suspension is too bouncy, and then talk about upgrading the brakes for a pad....... Both comments are ironic to each other. You should've asked what the owner's goal is. Even the previous owner intended it to be a track car. Maybe the compression and rebound are set for that, so obviously it's too bouncy for the street. If the car is intended for the street, stock calipers are perfectly fine. I used to be a thunderhill junkie, and tuning for track vs street are totally different.

[@Monsster777]

Its not pov

[@FirstnameLastname-pe5ib]

Asian dude was cringe. Dude let's him drive his car & he's just dissing it on camera.

[@thepeach12345]

The kid bought a wrx. I hope his dreams come true when rides with unicorns. In the mean time I ll be driving my 2006 STI.

[@southsidepat]

Johnathan Carman Why do sti owners always have to say they drive a sti?

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

southsidepat exactly, it's nothing to brag like an amg or 911 lol

[@Ajkous]

Hi, I was the owner of the Wrx. Now I have an Sti that makes 600 to the wheels. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@Voodoo8648]

That is NOT a full STi Swap interior.. missing the carpet, steering wheel, and speedo cluster at minimum from what I can see...I have a FULL STi Swap.

[@myfactscount8339]

Explain how it produces more at the wheels than at the crank. Do you know what you're talking about? Sounded like a word salad of car-like terminology.