The 2023 Subaru WRX Goes Full OEM + / AWE Touring Catback

Getting some more goodies onto our 2023 Subaru WRX! We have an AP coming this week as well as a ton of goodies from cobb to start to turn up the VB WRX! But while we wait for those to come in I want to start knocking out some of the other mods we have set aside for it (Also waiting on some tuning stuff for the STI so you'll see that here soon).
Use Code Smeedia at www.rallysportdirect.com/ and save some coin!
OEM Lip: shorturl.at/apOP9
OEM Side Skirts: shorturl.at/guI25
OEM Rear Spats: shorturl.at/tyI47
AWE Touring Catback: shorturl.at/uAJNV
Tools For The Garage:
Special Oil Funnel: amzn.to/3oeyiCq
Coolant Burping Tank: amzn.to/3iesMfn
3/8" Socket Seet: amzn.to/3uf2dLT
1/4" Socket Set: amzn.to/2XPEd5K
3/8" Impact Gun: amzn.to/3lYfO6q
3/8" Ratcheting Wrench: amzn.to/3ueQNYu
Batteries for those electric tools: amzn.to/3zQE5A5
Floor Jack: amzn.to/39KdE4y
Jack Stands: amzn.to/2WfVWCT
Gucci Screw Driver Set: amzn.to/3EXGTPN
Hook and Pick Set: amzn.to/3kJdeBJ

[@Hakiri27]

im feeding your watch time and retention atm, listening to your videos to fall asleep at night XD

[@Smeedia]

Sweet dreams 🫡🥳

[@sugamanspodcast]

You could just watch it😂

[@Hakiri27]

@@sugamanspodcast i usually watch them the first time and then relisten to them to shut my brain up to fall asleep :P

[@CameronSabatula]

How can you fall asleep to this, I feel like when a new video drops it requires my full attention, 😂😂 or my wife says I tend to drown everything else out. But it is 100% part of my nightly routine 😂🤣🤘

[@Hakiri27]

@@CameronSabatula I watched the new video, I listened to older videos that I've watched already

[@benmorris7276]

Wow Tanner you're getting the VB looking super minty and the new AWE exhaust sounds absolutely amazing . Every build you do is an absolute treat to watch and inspires me to build 19' Impreza with the few aftermarket parts that are out there for it

[@Smeedia]

Thank you Ben 🥳 super happy with the AWE! And definitely do it if your wanting to 🥳

[@benmorris7276]

@@Smeedia I've been doing some OEM+ stuff and stiffer mounts I just installed a transmission mount insert the other day it really helped crisp up the shifts and made transmission feel a little more refined if that makes sense and definitely reduced sway . I also saw that VSC (Vermont sports car) makes aftermarket motor mounts for my car so I'm looking into getting those next

[@fernandorivera8663]

Invidia or Awe?

[@SubieSqwad]

Damn, you have quite the collection now! 2023 is looking clean! We all knew it'd grow on people, hah!

[@Smeedia]

Always happens, just takes some time 😅

[@Thechaoscrusadors]

Amazing video as always!!! Wasnt expecting another upload so soon! Definently an amazing surprise!!!

[@Smeedia]

Teying to get back on normal upload schedule 🫡

[@jasonkirsten-matrone1017]

Love this look man! You are making this car look sooooo nice

[@michaelochoa5171]

Amazing OEM+ Build!

[@JohnnStamos]

Crazy stuff brother. Nice work!

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🙌🙌🙌

[@claytonmckenzie4181]

Love the vids. Looks good man! Looking forward to seeing how you do the color matched flares and what you think.

[@usafleeds13]

That thing looks so sick!! I just got my 23 VB last week and got the ETS exhaust after watching your other video. I did get the resonator as it seems to eliminate a lot of the drone and sounds OH SO spicy with the ETS midpipe 😬. Keep up the great work man, and thank your for your service!

[@Smeedia]

Getting the resonated mid pipe was probably the smart thing to do. The Un resonated and no muffler is so droney 😅

[@craigfrancis9578]

Real nice exhaust boss

[@Smeedia]

Perfect for a daily 🙌

[@Dalton00755]

Your videos on the VB finally convinced me to buy one. Ordered a ‘23 Premium in Magnetite Gray, very excited.

[@Smeedia]

Jelly on color! That's what I originally wanted!

[@Fackler91]

Your edits are really nice!

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🙌

[@chrispellegrene1178]

I used to be a huge GD fan, but I really love what Subaru did with the VA and VB. I absolutely love my VA! I actually sold my cherry pristine 05 and 06 STi because I prefer the new WRX much more. Way better chassis, way better body lines.. Love the content man!

[@PlayboiSauber]

That’s the exact exhaust I have on my 2023. I love it!

[@Smeedia]

Perfect for daily driving 🙌🙌

[@kevind_53]

OEM+ baby🥵🚀

[@CameronSabatula]

Thank you sir 🤘🤘 loved that short you put up tho 🔥🔥

[@Smeedia]

Longer video will be out in a day or so 🙌

[@Gregsheppo66]

I just had the STI spec front lip, side skirts & rear spats in cherry blossom installed on my grey VB. For the rear diffuser I went with a gloss black & rear wing I had fitted a Type R style, the first of its kind in Australia. Next up will be some new coilovers to drop the car by an inch or 2 & paint matched gloss +10mm fender flares ( wheel cladding) then some 18” x 9.5 bronze rims & maybe some replacement taillights & fog light bezels with DRL’s.

[@antoineozaneaux6881]

stop hurting me . great work as always OEM+ is timeless in the long run. makes so much sense for a daily . such a huge league .

[@Smeedia]

OWM + for the most part alqays has such a good look to it 🙌

[@tyhyhh]

I love all the commente like vb is really growing on me your vb looks great like they havent lookee bad since day one typical subaru people hate it when it first comes out realize its not thay bad a few months later

[@austinbinkley94]

Love this! Making me consider getting a VB instead of a VA.

[@tastysti5322]

So good looks so good makes me want to pull the trigger on a new wrx. ❤ keep up the hard work sir.

[@Smeedia]

They're honestly not bad cars, everyone online seems to make them seem like they're the devil 😅

[@Arbi5577]

Man the VB WRX really grew on me and now I want one as a daily. Hoping they come down a bit in price. Instead I'm stuck with my '11 WRX that has a misfire I can't figure out. Love the mods you've done so far. That exhaust is a must for sure.

[@Smeedia]

Big fan of that AWE 🙌 Misfire?! What all have you checked so far? 😫

[@BratDoll_emi]

This car looks GOOD 👀👀and that exhaust sounds amazing

[@Smeedia]

The oem+ stuff definitely helped tie things together 🥳

[@da9pauly]

Damn the VB is looking good!!!

[@Smeedia]

Definitely getting there 🥳

[@chrischarles9218]

Looking good and now sounding good. Since the VB is the daily it needs a tame exhaust. Thats the build I'm going for on my 2022. Just enough performance to make it fun but tame enough for daily commutes.

[@Smeedia]

This! I don't want it to turn into anything absolutely wild quite yet. Been enjoying this thing as a daily. Super comfy, Handles well, decent fuel economy and fun 🥳

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

Just ordered my own VB!

[@Smeedia]

Eyyyy congratulations 🥳🥳🥳

[@DylanMorehouse]

Car looks really good man

[@Smeedia]

Super happy with how it's coming out 🥳

[@paulmarsdensr1095]

Man, 😊that VB WRX is looking good, brother. 👍

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🙌🥳

[@Biotired]

These FB’s really have turned out to look beautiful! I love mine need a duckbill and front lip, but in Idaho these roads destroy front lips.🤦‍♂️ I absolutely love how yours is turning out, you’ve done a very tasteful job. I put some tint on my front windshield and it does a lot for the front as well🙏

[@Smeedia]

I've always been hesitant of tint on the front window for nighttime driving 😅

[@anthonyportillo5558]

Was just considering AWE, You seriously made my doubts go away? I cant wait to see what you got coming next i just got a VB and excited to start this journey

[@nissan1580sx]

It's good for a daily not to be drony. So far liking every detailed changes you made to the VB

[@louisthibault555]

Hang in there, man. I’m trying to do the same thing with my VB, so I’m enjoying your build.

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🙌 what all have you done so far? 🫣

[@louisthibault555]

@@Smeedia Nothing too crazy: tmic, intake, charge pipe, aos, pitch stop and a tune. I call it the “VB STi” just to annoy the purists.

[@jptothetree]

Hell yes dude. I'm all about having an exhaust that is livable and really only "comes out to play" when you get on it. Can't stand a setup that is constantly droning your ears off 😵‍💫 Nice choice!

[@Smeedia]

Thank you and loving the new one. I absolutely live my loud cars but sometimes it's so nice to have one just to chill and enjoy peacefully 😅

[@moon800]

hey love your videos, please upload a video when you figure out the wiring for the turn signals - I have been trying to get that done since I got the car .

[@tylerr3469]

I love my AWE track cat back

[@Smeedia]

Haven't heard the track versions yet 🫣

[@devinmartin3673]

All around looks great. I love that you're holding back on the VB and staying the course with OEM+. You have race cars. Heck, you don't even need 400 whp. Keep it mellow! Honestly, the only thing that just doesn't fit for me is the wheels. They seem to be a bit shouty for my tastes.

[@Fackler91]

Exhaust is perfect. Car looks great. I'd honestly leave it alone after the tune and the rest of the bolt-ons

[@Smeedia]

I'll prob keep tinkering with some stiff here and there, but enjoying this thing a ton 🥳

[@WolfOfLosAngeles]

Looks nice. I need to add some new exhaust and more mods on my wrx limited 2023

[@omialmanza1900]

Heard these pipes on FA's, turns subies into musical instruments 😎👍🏼.

[@Smeedia]

So far I'm digging it 🥳 FA engines tend to be supper droney 😅

[@followtheornghat]

All those Oem+ pieces work so well together with the body lines. ❤ Way better than the carbon fiber.

[@Smeedia]

Right?! The oem stuff just makes everything tie together 🥳

[@ThatWasherNerd]

I’m generally not a fan of the FA20/24 engine note, but that exhaust sounds good. And I definitely agree about the drone. Even with a stock catback, the Grimmspeed resonated J-pipe on my dad’s ‘16 drones a bit around 2k rpm

[@Smeedia]

The drone that comes from these cars with a loud exhaust is SO BAD compared to any EJ I've heard 😅 pretty happy with how this one sounds 🎉

[@sk8mike_1]

I think the crazy part is I usually do not like the black OEM flares, but I love the look of yours with the perfect number of black edges and aspects to the car. I think you should get the color matched, but I would keep these because you may go back to them.

[@Smeedia]

That's the plan 🥳 the cladding has kinda grown on me 😅🔥

[@jeremypenno]

When you do the downpipe it'll definitely get meaty with the exhaust tone. Grimmspeed made my deeper

[@jacobstephens8447]

It amazes me how those have a very identifiable AWE sound that definitely reminds me of the track edition i have on my STI. Honestly, i feel like these exhausts are overlooked a lot. Sure, the slip joints are not the best, but damn the sound is worth it.

[@Smeedia]

They do sound 👌 I love the Tip design on the AWE but I do wish it was not slip joint 😅

[@luisgardea2600]

I'm not sure if you know but for the VA you have to tap into the harness in the door to add the turn signals. No harness in the mirror but the wire is in the door harness It might be the same for the VB.

[@Smeedia]

I'll hop into the FDM and look at some pin Outs 👌 just need to aquire the electrical connection for the blinker

[@tonyjolley832]

I think piano black flares might look pretty good.

[@swishyboi7444]

Nice shop

[@colingiles4251]

I have an AWE on my 2019 STi and I absolutely adore the way it sounds… But in my experience their QC, especially for the price, leaves something to be desired. I got inconsistent muffler exit welds, and I had multiple drivers mufflers shipped to me with slag in them. Their customer service is great though and they worked with me to get what I needed. I’d also highly recommend just welding your tips in place because it’s better than the clamps anyway and should afford you the ability to get more poke on the tips. That’s what I did and I have great poke on mine.

[@Smeedia]

I will probably do that, I'll clean everything up and just tig weld the tips on. I wish it was not slip joint but I can live with it. Glad to hear the support is at least there when needed 🙌

[@johnlexus1]

Theres a few driving around here, they dont look bad

[@Mexico9]

Man that lift makes wonders not being on your back anymore lol that is garage goals

[@tastysti5322]

I love it with the black oem fenders. Yes paint matched makes sense. But it takes away what Subaru wanted for this platform. If you Look at the new off-road Lamborghini. It also shares the off colored fenders which to me just screams rally inspired. But of course paint matched makes sense on paper.

[@Smeedia]

If it were a rally build or rally car I'd be all for it but 99% of us use them as daily drivers or street cars 😅 I will say though the cladding has grown on me

[@Zaakro]

You need the sequential turn signal mirrors.

[@jeremypenno]

Tanner I knew you'd like the awe on the wrx I love mine

[@Smeedia]

Sounds great 🙌

[@jeremypenno]

Once you get a downpipe or jpipe it'll get even better

[@theboo4u]

Check out the xforce varant exhaust!

[@CruelUnknown]

Well now I know what I want to do to my newly acquired VB. 😎

[@Smeedia]

Yasssss 🥳🥳🥳

[@BigSlickRick75]

I like the new exhaust except the shiny polish against the silver cutout.

[@Smeedia]

Once they get dirty it'll blend together 😅

[@edwinjimenez9434]

Hey if you don’t need your spare exhaust system I’d gladly use it on my wrx 23, my birthday is coming up and you are the best wrx content there is.

[@doghairgarage9022]

All I'm gonna hear in my dreams is "piano black" 😂😂

[@Smeedia]

😂😂😂

[@2.Wheel_Lee]

That clip of the driving looks like south hill Wa

[@ianmansfield8885]

It's a tasteful great looking car

[@Smeedia]

🥳🥳

[@whorok305]

Nothing like oem goodies.

[@Smeedia]

OeM + is de way 🙌🔥

[@MrDuceOwen]

Bro lift cam is fucking game changer. Went from damn this dude really knows what he's doing to I trust this man for all advice.

[@Smeedia]

Thing makes life so much easier 🙌🙌🙌

[@jonnydakota7107]

Love the wheels on the VB.... but I think it really needs white wheels. 👌

[@Smeedia]

White would be 😍

[@phillyd1453]

Black rims on it would tie it in nicely

[@Smeedia]

Not a big fan of black wheels just because they don't have a ton of contrast 😅

[@Rick4345]

I have the AWE Touring on my 22 WRX GT. I went with AWE because they have a pretty good reputation with BMW owners, of which I am a former one. I like it pretty much. I ended up putting overlapping band clamps on the joints. It also looks like more of the donut on the first pipe is showing. That seemed to help a lot. I kind of freak out on how close the tips are to the bumper. I may be going to a 3.5 or 3 inch tip. I debated on it or the Sti axle back mufflers. I'm sure my complaints are due to my experience with Subarus. This is my second one. My first is my 21 Outback Limited XT. I really like what you have done with the car. Resist the temptation to take it any further.

[@spuds3986]

What’s up dude, I’m still on my fa20 wrx game and I just ordered an accessport. Wanted to say your videos on accessport basics have been invaluable in understanding what I’m getting myself into since I haven’t been able to find open source definitions for the 2015+ wrx. I’m thinking of going with an e30 tune and a separate 93 octane map and hoping to make a decent bump in power over stock.

[@Smeedia]

Glad to hear the videos have helped 🥳 I don't think there is any open source unfortunately. The Direct injection system seems to make alot of other tuning options unavailable 😢

[@chiiimo]

The vb is looking sick AF. I never was a sedan kind of girl, I have a hatch (always had a hatch) You're making me think about getting a sedan now lol

[@Smeedia]

Come to the dark side 😈

[@bobknight6394]

Hey nice doggies! awe sounds good..

[@Smeedia]

Pretty happy with it ao far 🥳

[@BigDonk420]

Smeedia I drove a 2023 wrx on the weekend and it’s not the fastest car in the world obviously but boy did it ride nice and like it was on rails. I have a 2005 legacy gt and thinking of upgrading soon even with the shitty looking bumpers and flares still a nice looking car ! So tempted cause if you !

[@Smeedia]

With a little bit of love they can look 👌 they do feel great when it comes to the driving aspect of em 🥳

[@eghatchtech92]

Need to do the flares in gloss black as well instead of body color

[@madpacket]

The lift must be so sick!!?!?

[@Smeedia]

Definitely makes life easier 🎉

[@christianp3161]

Looks great, but I still hate the rear diaper. That exhaust sounds great.

[@Smeedia]

The diaper grows on ya over time 😅 does sound mint now 🙌

[@chambers1455]

Definitely turned it into a CLEAN daily

[@Smeedia]

Super happy with it 🙌🥳

[@SunoPics]

I now see it! the VB is literally a BRZ AWD Turbo Sedan.

[@Smeedia]

Pretty much 😅🙌

[@DavidSmith-mf8ik]

nice 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻whilst it brand new why don't you do a under body protection to keep it nice sounds good well done

[@carlosdmexican]

man bro, I ordered my wrx (same colour as yours) with only the front grille, front lip and visors and now you made me change it to get the whole kit from subaru LOL. Looks so nice with wheels and lowered which ill be getting into in a couple months of owning it.

[@Smeedia]

Having thr option kit makes the car look so much better 🙌🙌

[@carlosdmexican]

@@Smeedia yeah I took the whole kit instead. Can't wait for my one!

[@Jotiz69]

you should color match the fenders from aeroflow

[@Smeedia]

That's where we got some from 👀

[@westonmickey3890]

Painting the rear end blue would look super sick...

[@Smeedia]

It'll happen 🙌

[@foxunfocused]

Oh, yeah. The FA the droney sound. My '17 WRX with stock exhaust sounded like a didgeridoo when it was warming up 😂

[@Smeedia]

Bro they can be so bad 🤣😭

[@aregaminghd]

i fully embrace being a kukamunga im hype as shit for the 6 cyl dude. its been what? 2-3 years??? cant believe its been that long

[@Smeedia]

Definitely been a long time coming 🎉

[@atweber]

Doesn’t sound too loud but I also thought that when I heard the Cobb exhaust online. Realized it’s a little louder than I care for now that it’s installed on my car.

[@Smeedia]

Haven't heard the Cobb one in person but this one is VERY manageable

[@pjbiggleswerth8903]

I've got a 14 sti. Bought a cobra tho. Gotta cut the subi loose. Gonna be difficult. 563 wheel in Denver. Been a fun car. U can drive it. Cobra shouldn't even be sold to the public. Thing is just to fast for the street.

[@DarkWolfWRX]

"Yet"....I recall you sayin that with the hatch....🤣

[@Smeedia]

😅😅😅 you right 😅

[@JoeyLeBlancMusic]

I read this wrong and thought it said the WRX was going BACK to OEM and I was like 😮 no no no 🥺

[@Smeedia]

Nahhh, all the OEM Plus parts! 🥳

[@cougfan755]

Couldn’t agree more on the OEM plus look. Yes, keep the silly vortex generator crap off. Wheels look fantastic. Paint matched flairs actually look unnatural on this car…. Can’t wait for the tune!

[@Smeedia]

I've seen some with paint matched I like but it's super hit or miss for me 😅

[@itsDarrell]

Vortex generator will pull the look together.

[@Smeedia]

I wasn't a huge fan of it, I've got it but it's hit or miss IMO

[@razzor4708]

This new WRX i like more and more! By the way, did you saw a Subaru Motorsports Usa and Vermont Sport Cars made a new Rally version of WRX based on 2020 model? It's for national American Rally Association! This thing is bonkers! Brandon Semenuk will be driving this thing!

[@sheldonbond9990]

Maaaan I bought the ETS Extreme based on your other video over the AWE, and here you go and switch on me lol. I just installed the ETS last night and I didn't realize how loud that mf is. I like it and all, but she SCREAMS

[@Smeedia]

I love thr ETS but that thing can get LOUD 😅

[@GR8GUY54]

I got a 21 STI and really excited where this OEM+ is coming along. And knowing how fast this car can go with just an intake and tune has me almost sold. Someone tell me not to trade up from a 21 STI to 23 WRX?? Is that crazy??

[@shavoodru9586]

Waiting for the smeedia logo on the wall.

[@Smeedia]

Same 😅

[@MatthewMorse]

Wonder if those exhaust finishers could be paint matched to the OEM lip and skirt extensions… the silver feels a little disconnected visually.

[@bankruptsee]

Looks much better without the vortex generator

[@Smeedia]

Agreed 🙌

[@dougl4253]

That’s their thing anything you get from awe comes with a blow pop

[@Smeedia]

I'm about the snacks 😅

[@dougl4253]

Hit that right rpm downshifting you get some pops, those tips you can move to your liking I personally like the black ones

[@ethanmunt]

Another day, another exhaust🫣😂

[@Smeedia]

Lmao keep em coming 😅

[@drakedirks8006]

Anyone else notice the resemblance of the new exhaust note to the sound bit used for Brian’s eclipse in the first Fast and Furious? No? Just me?

[@asaelmendez7781]

They had the black tips too. You should get them. One question. What is your power washer you use?

[@Smeedia]

This is the one I use 🫡 www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8QD7Z9P/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_apa_gl_i_64M54CWWQSJDZEPE8Y8H?linkCode=ml2&tag=tanner0613-20

[@madpacket]

Now you’re at the new spot, will we never see Matt again??? 😂

[@Smeedia]

Matt went back to work 😅 dude works like 6 days a week lol

[@wazman77show]

as you tune it and add parts im curious what a safe HP stopping point is for a daily driver.

[@TheLostYeti]

Would personally be interested in adding mirror turn signals to my VB please share the P/Ns and video when you do the install

[@Smeedia]

Will do 🫡🫡

[@devonmarcum6431]

I'd love to see one of these VBs with the plastic pieces on the front and rear bumpers painted piano black. The dull black looks kinda cheap and out of place