Making the 2023 Subaru WRX a better car! I Actually Like This thing!

Since picking up the New Subaru WRX I felt like it was lacking in a handful of areas. Felt too quiet, Too much like an economy car, The Clad Fenders made the car feel higher than it is and it feeling kind of boaty. So today we are taking the 2023 Subaru WRX and fixing pretty much all of the issues I had with the car. It is honestly looking and feeling better and better the more I drive it and modify it. Excited to see what else we can do with this thing!
WRX Daily: wrxdaily.com/
JDMuscle: jdmuscleusa.com/?ref=opol5D3b...
Quick Jacks: amzn.to/3Pji3Bx
Exhaust Hanger Pliers: amzn.to/42ILr7p
Tools For The Garage:
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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

[@igreyfox9793]

Starting to like the VB a bit more after the mods but....the single exit exhaust...i can't do it. If the rear bumper was made with 2 exhaust holes, you gotta fill both holes with the exhaust, but thats my personal preference. Keep up the good content!

[@Smeedia]

We have an ETS coming, this is a temp one that was sent iver for us to test out. 🫡

[@tonyjolley832]

​@@Smeedia Oh, good. That would bug me so much

[@tjlovesrachel]

Always gotta fill both holes 😂🎉

[@xil3ntkha0s]

@@tjlovesrachel Always 😏

[@derekvela8646]

That’s what she said

[@ForOrAgainstUs]

I did some very minor things that drastically improved how I felt about my 23 WRX. 1. Fix your audio EQ - If you don't have the HK system, go immediately into your EQ (hold down tune button) and turn bass up, mid down, treble up (the classic "Rock" EQ preset) or whatever your preferred EQ is. I would also recommend a speaker upgrade in the front doors and dash tweeters, which I'll be doing shortly. Also, try messing with the virtual bass and dynamic beat settings once you're happy with the EQ, as they may improve sound further. And don't forget the SVC control for increasing volume when interior noise goes up when driving. 2. Wireless Android Auto/Carplay Dongle - No built-in wireless yet. I bought the Motorola AA dongle and it connects very quickly and I can now use an adapter in the 12v port for rapid charging. It's so nice to not have to worry constant disconnects (dealt with this in my last car too) and about putting my phone somewhere where it won't get jostled but also be easily accessible. 3. Infotainment Update - the update is available, but you have to download it and install it with at least a 16GB USB stick. Fixes the janky climate controls for 1-touch access. 4. Set your Sirius XM station to 0 so when you start your car, there's no radio playing - Other than turning off your audio every time you get out of the car, I don't know how else to not have the radio playing when you start it back up. So stupid and annoying--I hope I can keep doing this when the trial subscription runs out. These little things made hopping in my car when I just need to hop from A to B so much more enjoyable. The first major upgrade I will do is likely to the brakes, as they feel spongy, likely starting with SS brake lines, but any recommendation to that is recommended, including if I should just ask the dealership to take a look at it under warranty.

[@billsanter]

I can't believe Subaru hasn't upgraded to wireless Android Auto/ Carplay. I use the AA dongle on my 2019 Legacy and it works great. Probably one of the first things I will do on the WRX when I get it. The plug in connection is so cumbersome and often disconnects if the connector moves even a little.

[@ethanmunt]

Its a happy and sad time when Smeedia posts. Always a great 20 minutes and then sad times after realising im all caught up and there arent anymore videos to watch😅 so keen to see the Rx7 drive🙌🏼

[@Smeedia]

Standalone and engine harness come in tomorrow for the 7 🫣🔥 teying to keep em coming but UPS be holding me up 😅

[@ethanmunt]

@@Smeedia i feel that man, money be holding me😅😩

[@price2263]

Came from a Hawkeye wrx to this. A lot of mixed feelings but after 1 yr and 16k it’s grown a lot on me. A lot of potential with this car.

[@Smeedia]

It's got some room for growth witch is what's important 🔥

[@Buxtonphil]

Tough to find any legit competitor at this price point.

[@mikechurchill1071]

@@Buxtonphilthat was my idea I Just got one and I love it!! Beat the Acura Integra to a pulp unless you spend 52k for the type S beat the Honda Type R beats the Mazda 3 turbo hatch and beats the turbo Corolla. Only one that barely beats it is the Hyundai Turbo N I think it’s called but then you have a Hyundai 😅!!!

[@mangoshake]

​@@Buxtonphil true. Even in countries with the GR Yaris, the WRX is faster on the track even with the notorious stock brakes.

[@evanluksich1236]

Love your channel! Just got my first car (a subaru), and I'm looking into some mods. You've been a great help so far, keep up the good content 😄

[@V4P1D_]

Thank you for making this video! I've been watching your videos for about a year as I was saving up for my first sports car purchase. I ended up buying a '23 WRX in large part because your videos made me appreciate the WRX platform (and because the car is a great deal at $34k brand new). Since I've never modded a car before and I was waiting for you to put out this video to start on mine, because you're the only one that I'd trust to take advice on WRX modding on YT.

[@masonoliver8873]

Glad you’re enjoying the car! I’ve loved my VB since I traded in my VA. Can’t wait for more videos

[@Smeedia]

Should have some more VB videos out soon 🎉

[@BluWrex22]

Finally! VB content! I hyped for the future vids with this thing! I have so so many mods on the list for mine.

[@Smeedia]

Got more on the way for it 🎉

[@jasonkirsten-matrone1017]

Buddy of mine bought one of these. Drove it around and noticed it's quite a bit different from my '19 STI. Granted, its wrx vs sti but still. Drove comfortably. Back and ears didn't hurt when it started up. Excited for the content brother #bluuuuu

[@mgs.915]

Seeing all new components looks amazing😂 that and having the right tools would help me out with my repairs!!

[@DannySpins]

New to the channel and I love it. Thx for sharing your knowledge and keeping it simple and relatable.

[@sk8mike_1]

This video gave me nostalgia vibes . Like when u had blue in the house you owned before you moved in with Matt . Really detailed talking and showing every bolt to remove when doing the coil overs .

[@Smeedia]

Tried to get in a good mix of everything into this one 🫣

[@Holtenstein]

My brother bought a 22 in Black. He tinted the windows and some of the rear reflectors first thing. Looks great now. It could use bigger brakes. But now I want an FA24 in my STI. Seems like a more reliable option and an excellent mod to see.

[@tenzo42o]

The VB content is what I've been waiting for! Can't wait for more

[@Smeedia]

More parts come in on Tuesday 🎉

[@uradrix-tox]

i got mine a year ago and im just starting to do stuff to it! the stuff you got was some of what i was looking at so this is cool seeing it :D

[@ats8911]

New to the channel. Just got my first Subie, 22 WRX premium 6MT. Not nearly ready for engine stuff, but this is right up my alley. That NW tattoo with the space needle is sick! No better place than the Upper Left. Go M's.

[@krisd636]

Glad to see you warming up to the wrx. I have the cbs vb for the most part blacked out and it looks pretty mean. The lip does make a difference. I have the Kogeki duckbill and it pulls a sense of balance to the rear bumper.

[@Phiz787]

That new grill is awesome! Crazy how much that changes the aesthetic for the better

[@edgerat]

Listening.......needs to be a shirt that says: "I just wanna drive the speed limit and listen to Halloween music!"

[@Smeedia]

Lol ill add it to the ide list 😅

[@levimillsaps769]

If you make them I'll buy some. That sums up my wife. Slammed, carboned out, loud, big turbo bugeye and she.. wants to drive the speed limit and listen to Halloween music. All year. Unless we hit The Dragon, she's hungry or she's got a gift card to a craft store. then all bets are off

[@edgerat]

@@levimillsaps769 your wife needs a t-shirt that says "FUCKIN' LEGEND." on it my good man.....

[@ianmansfield8885]

Mini mustang grille sort of

[@levimillsaps769]

@@edgerat 😂 I appreciate that

[@2bookoo4u]

I love the car, even the color. This would be my first Subaru, coming from a Mazda CX-5 Sig. Looking forward to driving a manual again. Great video. I didn't realize all of those modifications were available. I'll probably just drive mine stock, but it's good to know there are modifications out there. Thank you for the content.

[@joeolson6623]

Don’t have this car but enjoy the content keep it coming.

[@eknapp70]

"i just wanna drive the speed limit and listen to halloween music" -me on my way to work as a minivan cuts me off to get to the exit from 3 lanes over

[@Smeedia]

😂😂😂😂

[@jimvalerio6647]

Yeaaaaa buddy always a good time when smeedia notification goes off love the wrx content keep it coming

[@Smeedia]

💪💪💪

[@jptothetree]

I'm stoked to see this baby come together 🔥

[@jackwitty5729]

Already loving the VB content

[@Smeedia]

❤❤❤

[@JohnnStamos]

This is sick. So glad you grabbed a VB.

[@mroddydawg]

Everything you did in this one video definitely did change it. Drastically changed the dynamic

[@overtigo5d]

Love it! Nice to watch how this is coming along. FA owner and up and down over the new one and waiting a year or 2 but very fun to watch and making it just a little bit more of a maybe. The grill IMO one of the best bang for your buck mods. I kinda like it without the emblem,(too much Tokyo extreme racer) :) but you do you. Did the JDM on my 2017 and so much better.

[@Smeedia]

The JDM Grill on the VAs is such an improvement! It changed the whole front end 🔥

[@SiCaRiI_DaGgEr]

Looks much betta! I'm running BC's on my Spec V with Swift springs and man the ride is comfy when I'm cruising and very stable during aggressive driving.

[@g_p_3431]

JDMUSCLE is awesome, super quick shipping and good parts for the VB👍

[@Yo_Side_Ninja]

Great video ready for the next vid 🔥🔥🔥 subbed

[@Smeedia]

Eyyy appreciate the support 🔥🙏

[@testmad9610]

Got a '23 GT MGM last weekend. Already installed foot well illumination kit and illuminated side sill kit. Tint is next followed up with JDM F1 with PnP kit. Then grabbing JDM sport grill, DRL fog kit, and JDM rear diffuser. I love this car and can't wait to work on it more. This video has convinced me to consider coil overs. Looking forward to more videos on your '23

[@Smeedia]

Coilovers alone both make it look so much more appealing and the car feels way more planted. On oem struts I did not have a ton of confidence in the car and it feels night and day now

[@testmad9610]

@@Smeedia For the coil overs, are they bc springs or swift? What are the spring rates for front and back? What are your thoughts on a "gentlemans" exhaust? Something nicer but still quiet. Was looking at ETS catback.

[@ShadowBurn680]

Biggest improvement I made to my VB was putting the group N trans mount positive shift kit and rear diff bushing inserts in huge difference in shifter feel i would recommend those 3 mods

[@Smeedia]

Got some Plans for that transmission set up 😈

[@ParkerOviedo]

He’s doing an sti 6 speed transmission swap

[@donculver8671]

Ah, good to hear, I seen other videos of these mods, on my list of mods that don't kill my factory warranty! What about a pitch stop, I hear good and bad on these....

[@TChockey29]

I also put those same mods on mine, plus the cobb pitch stop. Just feels so good shifting and accelerating.

[@remkye]

I did a similar grill to my 16 wrx, instead of putting an emblem I painted the part of the radiator black to give it a meaner look, car looked awesome

[@mikechurchill1071]

Just picked one up yesterday and I love it. Looking it make some more power and hear that motor/turbo a bit more . Love the interior as well I got the premium model on Sapphire Blue.

[@NOMY__Designer]

Looks great!!! 🚙💨

[@drewleon6217]

Nice job, looking good 🤙

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Drew!

[@ExclusivelyEsox]

Dude that is extremely clean. Just picked my 23 premium up in the same color this weekend. I can't help but want to emulate the start of your build.

[@caimano55]

SICK.

[@cjbeuro2145]

Exhaust looks great man! Burnt tip looks awesome too. Jdm af lol

[@AndrewGeleff]

Really glad I stumbled across your channel. At some point in the next 9-12 months, I’m going to be buying a new or used WRX. I’ve been on the hunt for one for years and am finally in the position to make it happen. Test drove a 2019 the other day, but the used market right now is crazy. Looking forward to following your journey with this car as I think about buying my own.

[@billsanter]

Get a VB. Much better with the 2.4. Unless you can get an VA STI with the 2.5

[@muchcat1113]

Coming from a 6spd turbo Dart, then a 5.7 daytona charger then a type r THEN an overland ecodiesel grand cherokee now a 6spd VB. MAN this thing is amazing!! Me and the wife both bought one 😅

[@christophersmith9924]

It's a beautiful day when the neon is inside the garage😂🎉hopefully yall start wrenching 🔧 🛠 on it soon 🙏🏾💪🏾💯🥰

[@omialmanza1900]

I agree that window tint is a must first👍🏼.

[@Smeedia]

It's always a must, fish bowels are not okay 😢

[@doubledubs36]

I'm not a subaru guy, so maybe that's why I never had issues with the looks lol. The overall look of the car was ok to me. However when I saw pics of ones that color matched all the black cladding, it looked sweet. I'm thinking about getting one now.

[@MrRyanTaylor]

Just saw you on 160th St E. It looks really good bro! Makes me want to buy one! 🤯

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🥳🥳🥳

[@Freeride600]

getting rid of the crosstrek front grill makes a huge difference on these VBs. i love the look of the debadged grill too

[@ericmoss8344]

Looks great! Window tint is a definite MUST HAVE on vehicles!! Also, good to see that Subaru's infotainment system still suxs and breaks in short order. Yours makes 4 out of 4 I personally know if. Co-worker's '22 Outback XT, Wive's '17 Outback 3.6R, Son's '22 Outback XT and my '17 Forester XT Touring. At least we're a perfect 4 for 4 on busted infotainments. :)

[@chrischarles9218]

The stance is definitely mean now. I think that is perfect height.

[@Smeedia]

For real, made it look WAY better

[@Noahmessina]

A good thing about the blob eye and the bug eye is the bumper doesn’t need to come off to change grille, just gotta pop the hood and unclip it

[@honeybadgerwrx]

1000x better with these mods. I now can say I finally like the new body when tastefully modified.

[@Smeedia]

Have some subtle JDM stuff coming for it which should help tie things together a but more 🔥

[@billsanter]

I think an important, inexpensive mod would be a steering damper lockdown. For $84 it should help correct some of the lack of road feel in the steering that people complain about. I would probably look at upgraded swaybars before doing coilovers. Better bang for your buck for handling and won't make the ride stiffer. I haven't received my WRX yet but these will probably be first on the list.

[@Jdmstiflat4]

Can’twait to see where you’ll take that car !!!!

[@liltorbs]

Front/side lips help looks alot on this those and flaps really help fill in some of the gaps and weird looks of the plastics, i need to get some coils eventually that looks really good though. The wing theres a few of the same ones out there those look great too

[@stefanvanbraam4378]

Rx-7 intake manifold looks great!!!

[@jackson.robertson]

I was so happy when I saw the sport grill on it in the thumbnail

[@Smeedia]

Needs the subaru emblem but the sport grill cleans up the front end a TON

[@EulogizingSleep]

Damn that looks way better. Only blemish is the rear bumper. Really coming around to this car.

[@Smeedia]

Brewing up some ideas to do something about the bumper 😅

[@axeya366]

Its looking much better now. A few mods to it and it can change the way it handles and performs. Im going to wait for the facelift and probably the limited release with STI kit, Brembos etc. Until then i will decide which way to go.

[@foxunfocused]

You're making me almost like the new chassis. Almost. 😆 Mel: I've been on the lookout for more streams!

[@Smeedia]

She says I don't know what games to play lol

[@melaneepond2]

🥸

[@AcuRobbie]

Huge difference in the looks in one day. 👌 Im with Matt, always liked it except that rear bumper.

[@xil3ntkha0s]

Yeah rear bumper cover needs an overhaul

[@robertneak8613]

Nice I'm plan on getting one made for me in Orange and might drop it a .and exhaust and I miss driving an manuals

[@shamwaymoonyos9578]

I've used the QuickJacks on my 2015 WRX before. Love those things makes working on vehicles easier. Unfortunately it was my friend's. I still use jack and jack stands. I don't have a garage wish I did. Eventually I'll move out and will definitely want a garage. Can't complain too much though otherwise.

[@JoeyLeBlancMusic]

My VA WRX is lowered by 1 inch and on 20MM spacers with 18x8 wheels and 245/45/18 tires Makes it flush af 👌🏽

[@hotcoffeeamericano]

front grill is a great upgrade

[@DavidDoboni]

Looks good! Needs the Subaru logo on the grill though.

[@ryanharrison2260]

I'm coming around to it. I parked right next to one of these at work in my STi hatch, and my coworker told me to keep mine because it looked better lol

[@tronpapadop6461]

You can completely rewire a car from the ground up but cannot tint...

[@Smeedia]

I can't 😅😅

[@damonsara6499]

For the plastic borders around the wheels, they are my biggest gripe with this car for the looks department. Check out aeroflow dynamics please!! They have done a paint match for those pieces and it looks so much cleaner!!!

[@clintlyon]

I second this!! All the black plastic trim is the biggest eye sore for this car, but color matching completely changes the look.

[@cynoshifter]

Even with going muffler deletes you don't get much sound. When I did the Grimmspeed J-pipe is when mine came alive. That and a bunch of other parts and a dyno tune..hehe

[@SleeperFA5]

Earliest I’ve been to a video in a while

[@Smeedia]

Early bird gets the worms!

[@tommanning7337]

Very cool! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

TOM MY MAN!!!!

[@12thegod]

I can’t wait for more blue content. Glad to hear the heart is coming soon. 2023 wrx thought “ see if you can cut the fake bezels out to make them functional front and rear. That car has so many nonfunctional bezels and I believe it’s actually more heavy than the Sti. Maybe due to the engine. Or get a aftermarket rear bumper that’s more functional for that car…. Don’t know if I like the wrx too much Honda on it.”

[@CammyDizzle]

For whatever reason i thought the single cannon on the back would be louder too, car looks great though you did everything i want to do to my car in one day smh looks great!

[@Smeedia]

I was really expecting it to be WAY louder 😅

[@aarond343]

Great video! Enjoyed seeing the before and after with mods. Does the new exhaust add much for performance gains?

[@JoeyMontalto]

Woo hoo VB content! Wait till the AP is released for the 23! Then you’ll have some fun

[@Smeedia]

We need the sauce!

[@kurtabo208]

"I just wanna drive the speed limit and listen to Halloween music!" 🤣🤣🤣

[@user-ps5zj7wk5x]

😂

[@erikpowers4358]

Im glad im not the only one who can admit when its just not worth it to try tinting windows on your own.

[@Smeedia]

I don't have the patience to even try 😅

[@roddyhaley3005]

Paint matched wheel wells👀👀😍

[@Smeedia]

Debating it 🫣🫣🫣

[@roddyhaley3005]

@@Smeedia but no you're right, the car looks bigger than normal. Hard to make out on vids but i still see it You're doin that thing justice👌

[@iCancelFlights]

for those bolts with the allen in the wheel well, you can get an actual ratchet for that kind of hardware with a passthrough on the drive. they're called Hi-Lok ratchets. Just a little side note.

[@Smeedia]

If an impact dosent zap em off that's normally what I do 🔥

[@Terreos]

Just got my 2023 yesterday. Gonna drive it around for awhile before swapping anything out. But I'll definitely be doing an exhaust upgrade. Too quiet from the factory. Thinking the Invidia R400 are gonna be my pick. 😁 Think I might follow your lead and get the windows tinted.

[@xil3ntkha0s]

Check out AWE catback

[@jrcullen2307]

That jeep at 18:39 is dope

[@Smeedia]

Thats Steeeeeeeeve

[@beamerboss3788]

The paint match Sti wing and fenders would look insane I saw them online not bad ether for the price

[@Smeedia]

Imo the sti wing does not look good, it does not flow with the chassis and looks a little odd 😅

[@JonBonazza]

Remember that you actually want a tad bit of negative camber even for a daily. Not much bit a smidge. If the wheel is a perfect 90*, it wont handle correctly as you will get positive camber mid turn.

[@45triza]

Gold wheels & aos 💫💫💫

[@diallo1347]

I've always liked the VB wrx. Once I learned how good the factory tune was, and how much potential the engine had I knew the internet haters would fade into the background after they bought one.

[@josiahayala3501]

Would be fun to yank the FA24 out of em and swap it into an older chassis. But youve already got a crazy swap going with Blu lol. Keep it up Tanner!

[@Smeedia]

We can do this 👀

[@xil3ntkha0s]

@@Smeediamake it happen 🙏

[@lucian7182]

One and a half finger lol, after they settle it will be 1. I ran a 1 finger gap on my Sti for a while but it was way too low. Moved it up to a 2finger gap and it’s a lot more daily friendly, I still need to be careful and angle it up steep driveways but much more manageable.

[@Precisionmagert]

She said I just wanna drive the speed limit and listen to Halloween music lol. Oan. Tint on the subie just made it more sexy. It's definitely gotta be louder, bro.

[@wickedgood1984]

I love your ford fusion 🫣😉. That all I can see with that grill. Other than that I love it

[@user-ps5zj7wk5x]

Hahaha 👌

[@MariosKJ]

this car dropped on coils on stock wheels looks so sexy

[@doingmorewithless2401]

With the way the new car market is the WRX is a great bang for the buck.

[@user-ps5zj7wk5x]

😊

[@paulvina1974]

I think it needs a little less spacer up front or a little more spacer out back. The rear looks a little further in. The ride height is pretty perfect out of the box and the exhaust sounds great. Not a fan of super dark tint, but everyone has their preferences. I haaaaaaate the grill though. It just looks…budget. Can’t complain for free, but it doesn’t match anything on the car. The OEM JDM grill would be sick

[@jacobstephens8447]

I'm a huge fan of the AWE Track edition on the EJ and they've released their FA24 version. Should consider it :D

[@ricardorodriguez5240]

Making me want that grill, I wanna do the grill, horns, and radiator crossbar

[@Smeedia]

Get it l, treat yourself, you deserve it 😈🫣

[@Telesko]

The car is looking a lot better for sure. I just don't think I'll ever get over the plastic feeders and side skirts. But maybe your continued improvements will change my mind

[@grahamrocheford2111]

That extra plastic is hard to deal with.

[@danny2607]

In person they look way better to me than how they photo and video. I really like the fenders and side skirt. And they are very easy to keep clean and looking good. Not sure if i’ll ever understand what subaru did with the rear but i’ve gotten over it lol since the car itself is fantastic

[@jboldy7564]

Had my Vb for just over a year now, after coilovers, exhaust, wheels, and a carbon trunk I have come to like this car so much more than I thought I would at first, hope the same comes around here and excited to see what you do with it!

[@GT-Diaries]

Brembos front and rear, suspension lowering, exhaust and a tune. That will totally transform it.

[@Demonwolf86]

U should hit up aero flow dynamic for the paint match fenders and I think they also do rear bumper and front bumper color match stuff….

[@jugado219]

I've said it since the beginning... This will be the best wrx ever. Engine and exterior. Give the all the new mods time to be on the market.

[@AmirPomen]

Front coilover top mount.. the correvt way is to install caster adjustment position... Street car doesnt need more than stock csmber -1degree or -2degree max which stock camber bolt capable to do... And re-purpose camber platebto be caster plate will give a nother step above in front end grip.. Cheers 🤘

[@Smeedia]

I'm still not a firm believer in using the top hat for caster adjustment. While ot can be done. 9/10 people won't be adjusting their camber, and for that other 1 person who actually needs to adjust caster, they're more than likely going to get an actual caster set up But like you said. It does work 🫡