Making the New Subaru WRX Even Better!

Sticking with the 2023 Subaru WRX still! We have a good amount of goodies in the works for this car to take it to the perfect daily driver level. First off huge shout out to the Guys over at Rally Sport Direct. They sent over some more OEM JDM + Mods for the WWRX as well as some new wheels. At this point are you even surprised with the wheel choice?... Come on they look good. Plus I think it is kinda cool that it matches the STI. In the upcoming videos with the WRX, We are going to start tuning and adding some power modifications! And Yes, we have paint-matched flares coming too!
Save Some MONEY and Use Code Smeedia At checkout at www.rallysportdirect.com/
OEM STI Draw Stiffener: shorturl.at/huEU6
OEM Fancy Fog Lights: shorturl.at/hjrT9
OEM Ultra Suade Dash: shorturl.at/dfwJO
Work Emotion D9R: shorturl.at/vQT06
Trim Removal Tools: amzn.to/3Esyrt3

[@hillbrothersarcade7630]

Thank you Lord in Heaven for blessing car nuts with spouses who pretend like they care when we get super excited ... Amen

[@Smeedia]

The support from them is like no other 😅🫡

[@ronfromportland]

That feeling of accomplishment when the significant other gives the car a small compliment 😂. It means the world to us even though they aren’t really impressed 😅

[@mikalarrington8112]

Lol the moment you say hide your drugs. You hear sirens in the background

[@Smeedia]

They know 😂😂😂

[@westonmickey3890]

It's hard not to be mesmerized by the way you conduct the dialogue throughout your videos... it's largely in part to why you are the most popular Subaru KZbinr out in the stratosphere..

[@kagondemon]

"Tanner you're a child" my immediate response "Aren't we all?"

[@Smeedia]

Deep down we all are 😅

[@CoyoteCodyOfficial]

Our toys just get bigger and more expensive.

[@Ehatcher11]

I vote keep the wheel cladding and maybe paint the top “cap of the rear bumper. The Cladding is what makes the VB standout imo regardless, the Car is looking fantastic! I’m enjoying this build.

[@PsunnProductions]

Agreed, I prefer the black cladding on my ignition red. I completely did a 180 from when I was initially looking at picking one up.

[@garonb2994]

Cladding looks terrible

[@LETS-DREW-THIS]

Darker wheels would set it off nicely with the cladding. If anything I would paint match my wheels to match the cladding

[@Blake_Drago]

@@PsunnProductionsthe red is my favorite color. It looks so good with the color contrast with the cladding

[@cougfan755]

Don’t know why anyone would hate on those rims. Looks sick. Can’t wait for AP finally

[@gran_turing]

All the OEM+/JDM STI bits have been a blast to install on my VA STI, good to see that continue with the VB. I got started late on my STI, so I agree I got worried about them getting discontinued and I got everything I could ASAP.

[@shiloh5199]

Tanner is living the dream right now, I love it!!

[@pinktacotuesday4573]

Fogs are sick! Definitely paint match the flairs and rear bumper!!!

[@Smeedia]

Flares are going to help this thing so much 🔥😍

[@christopherthompson9642]

Most vet things I’ve ever heard “you can hide so many drugs in here” 😂. Paint match fenders and get some 4-pot STI breaks and some 6-pot for Blue.

[@enkymion]

Subaru knew what they were doing with the stock wheels. If you deviate too much, it will make you dislike the cladding. Gotta keep the wheels dark.

[@EvolveGarage]

Gotta love the switch backs & pitch stop 🔥

[@TheLostYeti]

So hyped you’re filling in all the ultra-suede parts. Please keep us posted on your thoughts on the draw stiffener personally been holding off because I wasn’t sure if it was enough bang for the buck. Did go the route of the group N pitch stop and trans mount though and don’t regret it for a second. Also running full OEM aero and man the rear diffuser is SO satisfying.

[@Smeedia]

Under the normal driving conditions I haven't noticed any crazy difference yet, under hard driving I noticed a small and I mean very small notice in steering stability but I'd say it is questionable at best

[@CruelUnknown]

Just recently purchased an orange 22 WRX. Absolutely pumped to see how your build goes!

[@Smeedia]

Heyyyyy. Congratulations! How you liking it?

[@Scoobyfreak86]

Welcome to the alcantara life! Looks good man.

[@rustyshackleford81]

@ 3:30 "oh, and you can put your weed in there" -SNL stoner guy 1993 Damn i feel old now

[@alexgabriel8661]

Cant wait to get mine! im following each of your wrx journey transformation! lov it! im waiting for limited one blue, where i live they come very few to the dealer 😢

[@tommanning7337]

I love the idea of having both cars match!!! I would totally do the same thing! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@leestarner9269]

been watching your builds for year or so and i gotta say you dont get all the views and subscribers that you deserve, the video quality is immaculate

[@carlyeremian]

I like your wheel choice. Cannot wait to see more on the WRX!!!!

[@Smeedia]

Excited for the Cobb goodies to come in 🔥🥳

[@justinturner4850]

Hey Tanner I got a great idea! PLEASE make a video about what mods makes sense while doing certain maintenance stuff. Like, if you are already doing spark plugs, it’s a good time to replace the intake. Or if the water pump needs to be replaced it’s a good time to mod “XYZ”. Hopefully you can get what I mean but I think it would be super helpful. We all need excuses to justify mods!!

[@westonmickey3890]

KZbin has been messing with the algorithms because I have to search you out on KZbin in order to get the newest content... KZbin knows that I want to watch your videos but yet they make it difficult to do so... It's almost criminal how underrated your channel is... truly...

[@charlesa8755]

Love the parts Tanner!! Aloha from Hawaii!! 🤙🏾

[@Smeedia]

Aloha! 🫡 hoping things are starting to smooth over out that way after the fires 🤞

[@garrettscott4748]

Glad I got the black silica paint. Makes the cladding a non-issue.

[@Zheck7]

You should get some led Switchback bulbs for the front amber side markers. Makes it look super clean 👌

[@MrRedsi]

Those parts look so good!

[@plagadel2411]

i did a pitch stop mount form vsc and it great, it made the engine louder and more responsive from the lack of slop. just the change in engine noise was great

[@tbone3772]

I see your vision with the wheels and love it! But yea, you need color matched flares.

[@psychochef05]

The sirens going off right after the drug cubby jokes was priceless.

[@thesavage4552]

I was wishing soooo hard that you were gonna Regamaster the whole fleet! But I appreciate your take. WRX is looking so good! I’m coming around. 🎉🎉🎉

[@Smeedia]

My bank account can't afford that 😅😅

[@Rick4345]

So now I have another reason to take my bumper off. First the sport grille. Second, Hella horn update, and now this. Sounds like a fun day in the garage!!

[@gaivoron]

Lasfit makes switchback bulbs for $75-$110. Same function but they are Bright!

[@goldenace716]

Ima tell you this, and every vb owner agrees, that massive cladding balcony with a view on the back bumper needs to be redesigned next life cycle. Its fucking massive and you can literally stand on it lol

[@groo2765]

I need those fogs!!! And the draw stiffener!

[@kkeshav74]

All the black on the rear bumper is crazy to me, definitely color match it

[@ChristopherFranz]

Damn, now I need to see if there are a similar set of foggies for my SH :p Wheels look the goods as usual, I would colour match the flares personally.

[@lacoupe5088]

Agreed on the alcantara. If you just clean it regularly, it will last. I have an alcantara steering wheel on my track car and it looks fairly new. Had it for 4 years and I use to daily it until a few months ago. Regular cleaning (once a month or so) is the trick. And that’s the steering wheel. I’m sure your dash pieces will need less cleaning and more of a quick brush to remove top dust.

[@HazenDemietrie603]

Finish painting the rear bumper too

[@LETS-DREW-THIS]

I think Black Wheels would have set the car off right and differentiate it from the STi. But your goals are different so that's all good. Keep it up bro.🎉

[@geraldboylan5635]

🎉love the fog light option !!! Oh hey since u are making g the car so similar… just call the new one “ Junior “ 😂😂

[@devinmartin3673]

To me, the cladding stands out now because of the wheel finish you chose. With dark grey/gunmetal or black wheels, the cladding would be okay.

[@chiiimo]

Ooooo I think I might get those fog lights.

[@Smeedia]

The fog lights are my fav addition so far 🔥

[@captdonno1311]

All the interior parts you've installed I have had on order for going on 2 weeks with no ETA in site. *Big sigh* Everything is on backorder for this car. Oh well, excited to get them installed sometime this year hopefully! Until then I will live vicariously through your videos :)

[@erikpowers4358]

Look at that nice little GTI in the driveway waiting to get stock sti power to the front wheels on the cheap 😊

[@cespinoza4099]

I'm a new follower , I have a white 23 wrx and I'm loving the front bumper and grill. With the fog lights. Where can I find one?

[@jarextvgaming9731]

I wish I’m near to you so I can learn more about subie especially ej motors😩, I’m a fan since you build the taxi 04🙏.

[@jonnyftw1441]

Did you notice a difference with the draw stiffener? Love the content

[@rockxiong8264]

The enthusiasm from your s/o lmfao.

[@leestarner9269]

i have amber and white fogs for my 2004 forester, best thing for looks and drives in weather

[@jaatwonconley]

I really like the stance of the WRX, looks good! Definitely paint matched fenders and its going to look 🔥

[@Smeedia]

Excited to see it with the painted goodies on 🔥🥳

[@ArturoAlvarez16]

your links dont work dude :( @@Smeedia

[@Smeedia]

@@ArturoAlvarez16 they're opening for me 👀

[@leovillanueva5083]

I no longer have my wrx and am now a mustang owner but you’re still my favorite car KZbinr I love that you do your own work and keep trying when shit doesn’t go the the way it should keep up the good work bro

[@Smeedia]

I'll always DIY everything until the end of time! Congrats on the mustang! You get an S550?!

[@leovillanueva5083]

Nah an s197 second gen I’m a jdm boy at heart but there’s something about rwd v8s that I love

[@nicklicastro]

I was going to buy the fog lights but 600+.. g dam I wish I was sponsored like you

[@Telesko]

those fogs lights are cool. will they fit on a 2013 or is it a newer car only thing? The more you do with this WRX the more I like these new ones. The back bumper and fenders getting painted would make it 10/10 though

[@jimmyKwrx]

Glad you are getting back into some VB action

[@Smeedia]

Enjoying some chill bolt on mods for now 🔥🫡

[@jimmyKwrx]

@@Smeedia I do have a question for u. I have a 23 base model and I’ve had the bumper off a few times doing other stuff and I noticed that it has the wiring harness chillin where the fog lights would be. Do u know if I can just pick up those fog lights, plug them in and be good to go?

[@da9pauly]

The WRX is coming along really good it’ll be interesting to get all those Cobb parts on there.

[@Smeedia]

We want the powa!!!!

[@benmorris7276]

After putting in a Perrin pitch stop I definitely recommend to anyone getting into their first Subaru that if there going to just one mod (other than wheels and tires) that they upgraded the pitch stop mount to a Perrin or Cobb style pitch stop. The noticable difference it makes to responsiveness and how much it reduces powertrain loss definitely makes it a worth while mod

[@rustyshackleford81]

How much vibration and noise does it transfer tho? I've been on the fence for awhile.

[@chrisraymond6979]

Huge shout out to Tanner! I’m an sti guy so I wasn’t happy about the new wrx without an sti option. I know there are tons of variables and what you want out of the car really matters, but the way I’ve always looked at it the sti is a better car all around between the two make the jump to an sti if your looking at either. Definitely arguable, but almost every wrx owner adds sti parts for better performance and that’s not really arguable. That being said I had no intention of caring about the new wrx much but your videos changed that. It’s your awesome personality that does it, honestly I think any car you build I’d want but now I kinda want a new wrx over my va sti. Thanks for the vids bro! Ps I’m very excited to see that rotary eat and I can’t wait to see you upgrade the engine on the new wrx and how it performs

[@twzagame]

Fogs and Alcantara are sweet. Wheels are sick, not my color choice. Car is looking 🔥

[@omialmanza1900]

IAG pitch stop mount was my 2nd mod lol 👍🏼 , memories!

[@Smeedia]

Worth itttttt 💪

[@coreywilson1994]

I have switchbacks for headlights on my 07. Got them at lasfit. Switches between amber and yellow like your foglights

[@leftyo9589]

im still not a huge VB fan, but the white/yellow switchable fog lights are excellent.

[@Smeedia]

Tbh, my favorite OEM part I've seen 😅

[@noelherrera4159]

OH BROOO I LOVE THIS CAR🫣

[@jedwin4816]

You didn't mention what if anything the Draw Stiffener did. I've never heard of that part before and if it does anything significant I might install one- looks easy enough.

[@Smeedia]

It is supposed to help with turn in response by adding tension between the front brace. I can feel a small change but I'd say it's negligible at best 🫡

[@krisd636]

Coming along super nicely! Those fogs man are toastie! Saddened at the same time bc I have ZERO vb monies and don’t see that changing anytime soon 😢

[@Smeedia]

The fogs are SICK! ain't no rush, sometimes we got other priorities that take place in life 💪🫶

[@krisd636]

@@Smeedia that’s so true. My wife broke her foot this year and I herniated a disc in my back. The bills engulfed us. Plus the kiddos n school etc. Plus the economy. Can’t let life beat ya down. Could be worse. ✌️

[@rawj1213]

@@krisd636 Life definitely hits hard sometimes man! Respect for putting your wants aside and getting things done! 🙏🙌

[@michaellaucks9601]

I would like to see you be the first with an oem placement efr turbo setup.

[@jackwitty5729]

If youre up for it, theres a guy who did a diy paint match fenders and skirts. It looks pretty straight forward just sanding then primer then sanding again. He had OEM rattle can of World rally blue too

[@Smeedia]

I saw that video, it still looked like rattle can paint IMO, came out great though! We have a set coming up from the guys down at AFD 🫡

[@jackwitty5729]

@@Smeedia Ayy thats sweet. Aeroflow makes some good stuff. Is there a huge lead time like people say for the fenders?

[@joestasi8329]

Any need for a pitch stop brace? Has subaru addressed that? The VB is looking great. I dig the oem parts!

[@bubbabrannan5915]

Cladding!!! 😅😅😅 Like the fogs, needs those for my 2014... Did the suspension bar work? 👍👍👍

[@Smeedia]

I can feel a small change in turn in response but I'd say it's negligible at best 😅

[@kevind_53]

Oem goodness🚀🚀🚀

[@Smeedia]

💪 can't go wrong with OEM!

[@kylekennedy21]

I have some ideas to fix that rear bumper, it involves some cutting of two bumpers lol

[@user-fm8ew1vc8p]

What radaitor brace do you have installed? I see you still have the rubber air defuser installed with the brace. It was my understanding that needed to removed when installing the brace or did you modify it so both fit?. Thanks in advance

[@nicklicastro]

Do they sell just the fog light? The link you have is for the whole bezel.

[@geraldboylan5635]

I have a technician question on the fog light option . When u have it set on amber with the auto high beam setting is on . Does it stay the amber color or default back to white, after the high beams goes on and off.

[@Samlol23_drrich]

Wheels look great imo. Did you put a spare in there? It’s killing me taking the spare from my forester and swapping it back and forth into the Wrx when I drive it. Really looking for the Canadian spec styrofoam and trunk carpet so it’s flat and not a Frankenstein when I pop the trunk. Yuck.

[@k2sk8er1244]

Those fogs are nice! Have you ever hacked the stalk switch to function separate from the headlights? Like to run fogs with just the DRLs?

[@k2sk8er1244]

Or if anyone else has, want to understand how easy it would be

[@k2sk8er1244]

Anyone running independent fogs on a 2015-2021 wrx limited?

[@groo2765]

WRX looking fresh…..I really like those wheels!

[@Smeedia]

Can't go wrong with the D9Rs 🥳

[@CammyDizzle]

definitely enjoying these videos walking through what your doing w/ the wrx. Im slowly following in suit sti short shifter incoming and it looks like now i need a pitch stop. 😄

[@foxunfocused]

oh em geee! YOU THINK I'M CUTE?!? Fangirling so hard right now! 😆 I would put money on that fog light crossover cable being there purely to keep them synced up. It would be too easy to un-sync them while playing with the on/off otherwise. The WRX is Blue's younger sibling. It just wants to be like their big bro! Another banger video!

[@Smeedia]

Now I'm curious to see what happens if I unplug that sync cable 😅😅

[@t3ap0t_wr3x]

You're making me want a VB more and more.. this is difficult 😢

[@thadboles2007]

Love the content like always, I’m about to buy my second Subaru. Unfortunately my first one was totaled recently when I got rear ended by a dump truck. Thinking about doing a legacy this go around and maybe making it a bit of a sleeper, what do you think?

[@Smeedia]

How you doing though?! I love me some LGTs, if you can find a spec B snag one!

[@thadboles2007]

I’ll see what I can find!

[@thadboles2007]

And I’m doing okay, still dealing with a pinched nerve but thankfully the sprained kneck is mostly healed and the slipped disk is fixed for the most part. Much love from Missouri, appreciate you taking time to talk to fans.

[@Torque.Export]

Hey..a good idea needed)) my ej255 wont boost more than 7psi, checked the solenoid works,,pulled the vacuum from compressor to actuator pushed 18psi..cant figured it out))

[@dubswagen]

Very cool fogs

[@Smeedia]

Love the oem functionality of them 🔥

[@dubswagen]

Do they have for the VA? I'm a fairly new Levorg owner.

[@Smeedia]

​@dubswagen not that I am aware of but you might be able to retrofit them to work 👀

[@dubswagen]

@@Smeedia hehe, ok cool.

[@UpstateSTI]

I need your opinion man. I just got my car stage 2+ with injectors 1300 all fuel lines, I have other mods of course but they tick. Protuner says that normal is it? And I have stick down pipe NY here, so not Check engine but it’s the new Cobb flex kit. With some extras. Boost is at 21.5 with 85. Besides those bro what should I expect if I upgrade the turbo? And headers? Love you bro be safe and keep the best Subaru content there is.

[@Smeedia]

Totally normal, bigger the Injector. Typically louder the tick. What turbo you using?

[@cd5sircoupe]

Gunmetal wheels would have been the move as I said awhile ago. Dark grey, whatever. The car works better with a darker wheel with all of the black included along the bottom & in the grille. I guess paint matching works too, but I dunno there's something about it being kinda 2tone. I saw at least 3 VBs last weekend at Gridlife in the parking area, I think they were all wrb. I wasn't impressed with any of them, but they didn't look like they had your level of accessorization. One of them had paint matched plastics, and one of them had gold RPF1s. I was just kinda like hey it's one of those... yeah I still don't really like em. I was more preoccupied with looking at the actually cool stuff like the three Top Secret cars for example.

[@Naychurr123]

Got a Compression test done on my wrx. Was 145 psi on all four cylinders all spark plugs healthy colour. Is 145 good enough or a bad sign?

[@kindasustho_]

idk if its made fo rthe VB but some clear side markers in thgise headlights would look soo good muchg sharper look i think i know bustin da seal sucks but if they make clear marekers u should get

[@joshstane5926]

I put a Perrin pitch stop in mine and I'm getting some sort of clunking. Ive torqued it 4 different times now, even took it out and re-installed. Still the same issue, any ideas, Smeedia?

[@pab3783]

I don’t mind the plastic cladding.

[@Diddlydoo808]

Where do you get you’re jdm parts from?

[@chasestoddard6984]

I have a question about my 2015 wrx it’s stock atm and never had a huge problem with sti’s or wrx’s I’ve owned a couple,.. it’s falling on it’s face hard when into boost and can’t figure it out, it’s my fun daily and I don’t wanna mod it all out like my 2 sti’s it’s done this before then stopped and started up again I’ve tried fuel cleaning to help but I genuinely can’t figure it out without ripping it apart and don’t have room to do so

[@_Subieguru]

Hey tanner, Im on the fence between a new wrx and a used 21 STi. Biggest concern i have with the 23 wrx is the infotainment unit. I have heard many people with issues of the system shutting off, ghost inputs and general lagging. I live in SW Florida and with the HVAC controls tied into the system i dont need it crapping out randomly in 115 degree heat index. If i lived back in king county it wouldnt be much of an issue. Had an 05 sti back in 2010 while living up there. My question is, have you experienced any quirks or issues with your infotainment display? Before or after update? Thanks and keep up the great subie content.

[@PsunnProductions]

I haven’t updated mine, but the only issue I have is when I’m using Apple CarPlay when my phone is plugged in, it’ll randomly disconnect once in awhile for about a minute. I’ve heard the update fixes the issue though.

[@lawrence_lee.]

Does this work with VAs? The sti rod oem part?

[@xtrekrex]

I’m one of the few that does not mind the flares at all, but I would have to agree that the new wheels and flares don’t look great together.

[@Smeedia]

I did not mind the cladding at all up until the wheels went on 😅

[@diemf50]

Selling your base fog lights?

[@Borp56]

My Subaru lord and savior Tanner, please help me decide what to do. I have a VB and a GV. I have been contemplating selling the GV and picking up a GC/GM. It's either that or full sending my GV and building a motor and going big turbo. What should I do 🙃

[@Christosan88]

can you use the grimspeed WRB spray paint to diy paint the fenders? Thats what I would do wanted to see your process

[@Smeedia]

I have some but it is a diffrent shade of WRB than the car 😅

[@RushroyaleAddicts]

Hey, wha'ts your wheel set up?

[@anthonyfrustaci6242]

Nahh those wheels are mint

[@Smeedia]

Can't go wrong with D9Rs 💪

[@lucasf.5552]

Custom smeedia fog light harness so you can use those lights with the 15-17 STI?

[@Smeedia]

They should in theory be PnP 👀 would just have to make brackets for them