Owner: @that.blue.rex
Location: Sydney, Australia

Some builds start with a clear vision. Others evolve over time.

For the owner of this 2018 Subaru WRX, known simply as “Blue”, the project began as a daily driver with a few cosmetic upgrades. Over the years, however, it transformed into something far more serious. What started as a car that might eventually be sold has become a long-term build focused almost entirely on track performance and lap times.

The Beginning

This WRX originally began life as a tribute to another car in the garage.

The owner previously built a 2000 Impreza WRX, nicknamed “Rex.” When it came time to buy something newer, the idea was to create a modern counterpart in a similar colour and spirit.

“It was sort of a tribute to my other car, a 2000 Impreza WRX in a very similar colour nicknamed ‘Rex’.”

At first the plan was simple. Enjoy it as a daily driver, add some cosmetic touches, and possibly sell it after a couple of years.

But that plan quickly changed.

“The vision has evolved with the car over the years. It started as a daily that I just wanted to do some cosmetic mods to, and the plan was always to flip it after 2–3 years. Since then it’s just evolved way beyond what we ever imagined.”

From Daily Driver to Track Weapon

As the project developed, the focus shifted toward performance.

Today the WRX is built primarily for track driving, with nearly every modification aimed at improving lap times. Despite that focus, the car still maintains enough practicality to remain road-legal and attend the occasional cars and coffee meet.

“Definitely track built. Everything is now done with the sole purpose of lap times, while still keeping enough comfort to drive on the street.”

The Setup

The build is extensive, with a fully upgraded engine, drivetrain, suspension, and braking package designed for reliability and performance under track conditions.

Engine

IAG 600 built short block
Kelford dual valve springs
ARP head studs
Process West cold air intake
Process West Verticooler and charge pipes
GT Pumps F02-712 with Turbosmart wastegate
Cobb 3-port boost controller
IAG TGV delete
EGR delete
GFB Response BOV
Killer B oil pickup
Mishimoto catch can system

Air conditioning has been removed from the engine bay and the battery relocated to the boot to optimise the engine bay layout.

Power: 300+ kW

Cooling

Koyorad radiator
Silicone hoses
Perrin oil cooler
Cobb coolant overflow tank

Fueling

Nostrum high-pressure pump
Zeitronix ethanol sensor
AEM 340 in-tank pump

ECU & Monitoring

Cobb Accessport
Oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, and battery voltage gauges

Exhaust

Grimspeed equal length headers
Invidia catted J-pipe
Invidia N1 cat-back exhaust

Drivetrain

STI 6-speed gearbox conversion
MAP DCCD controller
Xtreme Stage 2 clutch
Perrin pitch stop mount

The built motor and gearbox conversion stand out as the most significant upgrades.

Suspension

MCA Pro Sport coilovers set up by DNA Autosport
STI front strut tower brace
Cusco rear upper and lower control arms
Cusco toe arms
Whiteline 26 mm front sway bar
Whiteline 22 mm rear sway bar with reinforcement

Brakes

D2 front and rear calipers
356 mm floating two-piece rotors
Goodridge braided brake lines
Cusco brake master cylinder stopper

Wheels

WedsSport TC105X 18x9.5 +38
WedsSport SA-72R 18x9.5 +38

Exterior

Vented bonnet
Carbon fibre boot
APR GTC300 chassis-mounted wing
Front fog lights deleted

The new wing and carbon boot setup are among the owner’s favourite visual modifications.

Inside the Cabin

The interior has been stripped and rebuilt with a clear purpose: function on track.

Rear seats and sound deadening have been removed, along with much of the rear boot interior to save weight. A half cage from AGI, a Racetech bucket seat, Sabelt steering wheel, and six-point harness complete the cockpit.

“Everything inside the car was done for function on the track.”

The roll cage is the standout feature of the interior.

Setbacks and Support

Not every part of the build journey has been smooth.

One of the biggest setbacks occurred in 2023, when the car was hit while parked at work.

“While parked at work the car was driven into on a street park, which caused a six-month rebuild in the panel shop.”

Despite the setback, strong relationships with workshops and parts suppliers helped keep the build moving forward.

More Than Just a Build

For the owner, this WRX has become far more than just a project car.

“This car has become a massive part of my life. What started as a nice daily driver has turned into a car that I will never get rid of.”

Alongside its older sibling, the 2000 Impreza WRX, the car even played a role in one of the most important moments of the owner’s life.

“Both cars were part of my wedding and will stay with us forever until we hand them down.”

Looking Ahead

While the car has already evolved dramatically, the build is far from finished.

The focus remains clear.

“The goal is always getting faster on the track, but I’m very happy with how it sits right now.”

Quick Fire

Dream Car
Porsche GT3RS

Dream Wheels
22B BBS gold wheels

Favourite Event
World Time Attack Challenge

Manual or Auto
Both have their place

Street or Track
Track

After Dark Society

Builds like this represent exactly what After Dark Society is about.

Cars that evolve over time. Projects that start simple and grow into something far greater through passion, persistence, and countless late nights in the garage.

Because the best builds never really stop.

They just keep getting faster.