Allowing the drivers to dive deeper into corners are OE rotors and calipers, augmented with custom stainless steel lines and Porterfield pads, with ICY/Phoenix custom ducts at the front. Aside from the suspension, the ECU was the only other area to provide some previously untapped performance. Han notes that the team was fortunate to have EcuTek's expert help on hand during races.
"The hardware is nothing different from what someone can get at a certified dealer," says Han. "We did have the luxury of EcuTek's US distributor coming out to the races. It was trackside help, looking at the data afterwards and analyzing it, massaging it, and optimizing it toward the vagaries of the track itself. It's not [in] real time, but it's as close as it can be."
Even more promising is the burgeoning relationship between SRRT and Subaru's World Rally Championship team. Although the two squads are corporate worlds apart, Han speaks encouragingly of the interaction. "There's been data back and forth," says Han of SRRT's relationship with Subaru's WRC team. "We've looked to see if we can tap some of their resources, helping us a bit on the traction level. Since we're restricted quite a bit on the engine side, we've looked at trying to gain traction with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and they have that knowledge."
The only mods in the drivetrain are a Cusco 1.5-way rear diff, a custom oil cooler kit from ICY/Phoenix Racing, and an STi short-throw shifter-the dealer option piece available through Subaru's performance parts division, SPT. Tires are Hoosier 225/45/17 GAC Street Tuner class spec, mounted on 17x8 OZ Racing Ultraleggera wheels.
For Legacy GT daily drivers/weekend warriors, Aquilante has this advice: "[beyond dialing in your suspension] you can do yourself a lot of good just getting the engine calibration done, and by optimizing engine performance on premium octane." If that's not a vouch for a turbo-back exhaust and ECU tune, then we don't know what is. And although it won't increase power, speed or braking, don't forget to add the sticker that no doubt infuriated competing drivers as they lost a corner to one of SRRT's drivers:
You just got passed by a wagon.
2005 {{{Subaru Legacy}}} 2.5 GT race wagonEngineEngine Code: EJ257Type: 2457cc, flat-four, aluminum block and heads, turbocharged and intercooled, variable cam phasingInternal Modifications: StockExternal Modifications: Stock cat-less up-pipe and three-inch downpipe, three-inch custom open exhaust, Fluidyne radiator, PDX oil cooler kit, stock airbox and filter, Denso Iridium Power spark plugs, custom ATL fuel cell with dull dry break system (17-gallon capacity)Engine Management Modifications: EcuTek ECU
DrivetrainLayout: Longitudinal front engine, Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive systemDrivetrain Modifications: Cusco rear differential, ICY/Phoenix Racing custom oil cooler kit, STI short shifter
SuspensionFront: JRZ three-way adjustable coilovers, ICY/Phoenix Racing custom bushings made by VAC Motorsports, Eibach springs, custom end links, DMS camber plates, STI front strut brace Rear: JRZ three-way adjustable coilovers, ICY/Phoenix Racing custom bushings made by VAC Motorsports, Eibach springs, custom end links, Perrin anti-roll bar
BrakesFront: Porterfield pads, custom stainless steel braided lines, ICY/Phoenix Racing custom brake ducts, Castrol SRF brake fluid Rear: Porterfield pads, custom stainless steel braided lines, Castrol SRF brake fluid
ExternalBody: Stock, custom graphics by DelartWheels: 17x8 OZ Racing UltraleggeraTires: 225/45/17, Hoosier Racing CupInterior: AiM Dash Datalogger, Sabelt seats and harnesses, on-board fire system, custom roll cage