Mod Report Volume 6

HATCH mod mod mod

Oil Change - in two clicks, or less. introducing oil change kits

SUBIMODS HITS THE TRACK:

GRIDLIFEATGINGERMAN

IIf you've ever wanted to see the perfect intersection of track battles, car culture, and music festival energy—Gridlife at Gingerman Raceway is the place to be.

And this year, Subimods was at the heart of it. Set in the rolling green of South Haven, Michigan, Gingerman Raceway hosted one of the most action-packed weekends of the season. From time attack monsters to drift demons, wheel to wheel action and the wildest show cars you can imagine, Gridlife brought the heat— Subimods brought the Subaru community together like never before

We kicked things off with the Subimods Corral, a designated meet-up spot for all Subaru drivers and fans. Whether you were rocking a track-prepped STI, a bagged WRX on show car duty, or just proud of your daily driven wagon, the Corral was the place to park it, post up, and connect. With dozens of Subies lined up, it turned into a rolling showcase of everything we love about the platform—aggressive aero, rumbling exhausts, detailed engine bays, and passionate owners from all over the Midwest. One standout in the lineup? Robby German’s insanely clean white bugeye WRX. Tastefully modded with a perfect stance and subtle details, it had just about everyone stopping for a second (or third) look. Proof that timeless style never goes out of fashion.

Booth Activation: More Than Just Merch

Our booth wasn’t just a stop for gear—it was an activation zone. We dropped exclusive merch, including two special edition driver shirts that had everyone talking. One featuring Devin Hofmann (yours truly), showcasing my 2015 STI with the message I live by—“Bet On You”. It’s more than a phrase—it’s a reminder to push your limits, chase your goals, and stay true to your path. And of course, the infamous Boogeyman shirt, built around Dewey’s monster WRX that shattered records this weekend. That car is fast, aggressive, and the design matches the energy. These shirts flew off the shelves fast—so if you didn’t grab one, keep your eyes on the Subimods site for the restock. Beyond the gear, the booth was packed all weekend with people swapping stories, asking install tips, and grabbing freebie giveaways. If you stopped by and snagged a pic, don’t forget to tag us—@subimods. We love seeing our gear out in the wild.

The Subaru presence on track at Gingerman was nothing short of impressive. Here's a look at how our community showed up across Street Mod, Street, and Club TR classes: The Boogeyman WRX stole the spotlight with a blistering 1:30.6, setting a new Street Mod record and grabbing 2nd place overall after the Podium Sprint. Dewey’s build was absolutely flying—unreal speed and precision. Devin Hofmann (that’s me!) piloted the Subimods / Turn In Concepts 2015 STI, featuring a 2.34L destroked engine. Despite battling a handful of issues throughout the weekend, I pushed through and laid down a personal best of 1:38.6, landing inside the Top 10 of Street Mod. Still a lot of driver mods left to unlock—but major progress. Graham Gaylord returned to the track in his 2011 STI after a 7-year hiatus. With fresh mods and plenty of rust to shake off, he still crushed his old PB with a 1:35.5, good for 8th in Street Mod. Josh Halka was dialed in and flying in his 2011 WRX (Turn In Concepts-built), securing 2nd place in Street class with a strong 1:36.3. Mike Callaway ran a 1.39.017 in his bugeye WRX, securing 8th place in Street class. Tom Halka, Josh’s dad, also found success in the Street class.

Subaru Drivers Show Up and Show Out

Behind the wheel of his EJ207-swapped GC, Tom beat his previous best and ran a 1:43.4. Right behind him was Subimods driver Chuck Mayer in the new VB WRX, who laid down a 1:43.6—just two-tenths off Tom’s pace. Jeremy Hensley put his 2013 Turn In Concepts STI into the mix with a 1:41.4, locking in 12th place and proving there's still more time to find in that car. Mike Coons, also in Street class, had a strong weekend in his GR STI hatch, clocking a 1:37.8, earning him a 4th place finish and putting pressure on the podium.

In Club TR, Jerami Bailey drove his FA24-swapped FRS to an impressive 1:38.8, landing him 4th place in a tightly contested field. Ian Flavin followed closely behind in his BRZ with a 1:39.6, bringing home 6th place and showing how capable the platform can be in the right hands. The combination of podium finishes, personal bests, and tight battles made it a standout weekend for Subaru drivers. From battle-tested veterans to first-time Gridlife racers, the Subie crew delivered—loud, proud, and fast.

Not to be left out of the action, Subimods owner Nick jumped behind the wheel of his BRZ to join the drift sessions—and brought some serious smoke to the track. Unfortunately, things got a little too spicy during one of the runs, resulting in a minor wreck that actually triggered OnStar to call and check if he was okay.

The entire crew got a laugh out of it, and once medical cleared him (thumbs up all around), Nick wasted no time getting back out there. With a bruised driver's door, boosted spirits—he was back on track, throwing down solid drifts and repping the brand with heart. Moments like this are what Gridlife is all about: pushing limits, having fun, and bouncing back stronger.

Music, Lasers & Pyro: Gridlife After Dark

As the sun went down, the energy only ramped up. Gridlife once again proved that it’s more than just a motorsports event—it’s a full-blown music festival. This year’s lineup was stacked, with Sullivan King delivering a genre-bending performance that melted faces and shook the paddock. Levity kept the vibes going with high-energy sets that had the crowd jumping from start to finish. But the party didn’t stop at the stage. The festival grounds were alive with arcade games, LED-lit pit bikes, rampant golf carts and the iconic “Glizzies and Slizzies” stand run by Tommy—serving up free hot dogs and slushies to anyone who rolled by. It became a community favorite throughout the weekend, offering a much-needed mix of laughs, fuel, and frozen refreshment between sessions. And if you’ve been to Gridlife before, you know what really seals the deal: the karaoke by the dyno. Like always, it turned into a rowdy, hilarious, borderline legendary moment that kept the crowd hyped well into the night. Massive lighting rigs, lasers slicing through the night sky, and pyrotechnic explosions lit up the infield like a concert stage at a major festival. Whether you were front row in the pit or vibing with friends back at the paddock, the atmosphere was unreal. For many of us, it was the perfect way to end a day of hard driving: music, lights, Glizzies and Slizzies, and memories that won’t fade anytime soon.

Looking Ahead

If Gingerman was any indication, this season is going to be one for the books. We’re already looking forward to the next Gridlife stop—and planning even bigger things for the Subimods community. Until then, keep wrenching, keep driving, and keep representing.

LOCATION: Summerville,SouthCarolina

It started off really of me not thinking much of actually upgrading the car. One day I suddenly got this itch and it started with me just getting the car tinted and fast forward a couple months later I’m changing the color of the whole car. This car doesn’t just please me but it pleases the community itself. Everyday I’ll get tons of compliments of the car and it also gives people ideas of what they’d want to do to their car as well which I enjoy the most.

EXPRESS UNIQUENESS

JAKEHEARNANDHIS2011WRX HATCHBACK

WORDS: Bryon Turcotte

There is nothing more inspiring to veteran or old school enthusiasts, no matter what brand or platform they follow, than the younger generation flying their flag of inspiration and embracing a passionate interest in something they love.

We all know that the automobile enthusiast world has been in existence for a very long time but has been evolving and morphing steadily as technology and cultural impacts shift from year to year, and sometimes as quickly as day to day. In this day and age, we must admit that humans can be extremely fickle and change their level of interest as soon as age, taste, and practical opinion becomes an obvious and important factor in lifestyle and progression of maturity. The refreshing truth about car culture lies between an undying energy and admiration for the automobile. The true enthusiast cherishes this iconic object of man-made ingenuity that seems to be a constant work in progress and embraces the larger view that it is a canvas without borders, a mechanical painting that always has room for more color, more texture, and more personality the longer it exists in their life.

Another truth about this culture is that it is not surrounded by any boundaries of age, social status, or political view - just to name a few. The old openly accept the young and the young continually look to the older generation for inspiration and guidance since this is a lifestyle of learning, empowerment, and creativity. All important things that can be transported from soul to soul like a two directional stream. When we come across a young individual who seems to have an old soul's spirit, someone that seems like they have been around for decades and decades sharing their enthusiasm and passion for everything that touches automotive and motorsports, it makes us sit up straight and want to share their story. It's one thing hearing about the history of a person who has been around the block more than once, lived the life, and gained a ton of experience and expertise in the process, but it is another learning about a person who is someone new to the game, but has gone in with full force, full inspiration, and with a high level of desire behind every move they make in their life. Sometimes this can be more inspiring and fulfilling than the predictable tales.

Obviously there is a big difference between a pearl and a diamond. Experts will agree that both are precious objects that come from nature, but one requires more effort to really expose its true beauty. The term diamond in the rough is most often placed on people who are seen to have amazing raw potential or value, but will only truly exhibit that brilliance if they are given the proper education, exposed to positive influences, or guided along a path that leads to something specific which is usually covered in greatness. Many times, the most exciting finds in nature are ones that grow out of pure influence and almost learn to polish and cultivate themselves naturally which makes their young presence that more brilliant than something older. At times, we see gems of this nature grow out of the vast and inspiring Subaru community. Younger enthusiasts who caught the bug early, began a direct pursuit to a goal, and did not let their age or inexperience deter them from their journey.

TheRewards ComeEarly

Again, it is somewhat expected to hear one of these stories from an experienced, more seasoned individual, but not from someone who may have only begun to drive less than five years ago. Jake Hearn is a young enthusiast from Somers, Connecticut, a smaller, quiet, rural town about 25 minutes northeast of Hartford, a short journey from the Subimods offices, and extremely close to the Massachusetts state line. Hearn is not much different from most car lovers who contracted this wonderful virus that inflicts us all with dreams, aspirations, and obsessive worship of speed and performance. Jake had a definite jumping point when he entered the raging waters and current which takes us all away into a larger sea of automotive enthusiasm. This is a launch he proudly shares with the world at large. "My passion for cars began when I was a little kid," Hearn said, "Watching movies like "Cars " and "The Fast and Furious” movie series. I also used to play "Need for Speed" games on my XBox 360.", he confirmed. "That is when I came to a realization that modifying cars to make them personalized and tailored to your exact liking was a way to express uniqueness, and a way to make a car truly ‘yours'." Whether it was immediately known or unknown to his young brain, Hearn had just begun an important journey towards something much greater than himself.

Stumble, Learn, Phone a Friend

Hearn knew that if he was to achieve the great goals and see his young dreams come to fruition, he would have to gather resources to not necessarily achieve perfection, but at the very least take a journey that is based on hard work, expected failures, small victories, and a lot of education. All this effort and hands-on experience help him not only build character within his own life as a young enthusiast, but prepare him for all the possible obstacles in the wide road ahead. "My 2011 Subaru WRX was the first performance car I have ever owned." Hearn confirms. "I have done every modification myself, or with the help from friends in my garage.", he said. "If I need help with something like just needing an extra hand, or If I need help to replace my injectors, my friends are one phone call away.", he explains with gratitude. “Built not bought” is a saying I like to follow." Even though many would like to think of themselves as knowing all, the reality is, no matter how young you had started in this game, no one was born a mechanic or a Subaru expert. Being young and hungry himself while looking gratefully back on his early times, even Jake sees that his educational journey is always evolving. "The way I would categorize my level of automotive expertise and degree as a Subaru ‘enthusiast’ is that I am still learning every day”, Jake said with humility. "When it comes to working on Subarus, I can play ‘mechanic’. I will try to avoid bringing my car to a shop at all costs. I am interested in working on my own car myself and if I don’t know how to do it, I'll call up a buddy and we'll get it done together." he confirmed. "After about 6 years of owning this car, I learned stuff so drastically from doing an oil change for the first time, to replacing a power steering rack." Reflecting on some of his experiences under the hood, Jake explained, "I haven’t ran into any major problems along the way, but I wish I would have done it right the first time, after buying the same part multiple times." He said with regret. "I am on my 4th intake, my 3rd intercooler, 4th set of coilovers, 5th blow off valve, and so on. As I look back, I wish I did my proper research and got the best of each mod, once.", he admitted.

"I have done every modification myself, or with the help from friends in my garage.”

Thoughts After the Miles and Smiles

Each enthusiast holds onto a unique collection of hopes, fantasies, and somewhat educated aspirations that, over time and motivation, may be delivered with joyful rewards or extreme disappointments. Either way we should not always expect a profound or inspired response when an enthusiast is asked what modifications, updates, or long term goals are in store for their Subaru in the future. When Jake was asked what additional modifications he would like to apply to his car in the coming years, he replied, "Nothing, It is time to stop spending so much money on this piece of metal.", he said jokingly.

Just when you thought he had given up on the work to rest on his laurels, he admits, "All jokes aside, headers would be a sweet upgrade in the future, and possibly a bigger turbo. When I got this car, my goal was for it to be my daily driver, race car, show car, and stance car.", he said. "I also was mainly looking for it to look and sound good. I feel I have now achieved that, after daily driving it for the past 6 years and 60,000 miles." Still young, miles from 30, and with plenty of miles and good times on the road ahead, Hearn continued to reflect on the rewards he has pulled from attending events and achieving goals since becoming a Subaru owner and investing significant time, money, sweat, and tears into his chosen lifestyle and member of the amazing Subaru community. "I attended the Wicked Big Meet 4 years in a row.", he said. "The first time I went was without my car being in the show. From that point on, I was inspired by all the different unique builds, and tried to get into the show the next year.", he explained. "I got into the show the following 2 years. Unfortunately, this year for 2025, I was not able to finish wrapping it in time to be in the show, along with waiting for a replacement coilover to come in."

Considering his story as told, Jake shines as both an inspirational owner with purpose that is not either expert or professional. Although, being somewhat early on his individual journey, he speaks with an old soul and veteran spirit that could appropriately guide anyone new to Subaru on a journey towards years of challenge and reward. "My example of my vehicle represents that these cars can be reliable.", Hearn says proudly. "I have driven my car every single day, and I'm now at 123,000 miles, so it goes to show that if you give them the proper maintenance, the car will run happily.", he confirms. "The Subaru community as a whole is extremely welcoming and everyone is looking to help each other. One of my favorite things about Subies would have to be that no matter which way you build your car, whether it be a race car, stance car, track car, show car, they’ll do it, and do it the best."

What Went Into Jake’s Project?

Custom ‘Cleared’ OEMassive Headlights

Boslla Color changing 6500k low beams

Custom Carbon Fiber headlight eyelids

BC Racing BR Coilovers

CS Style Side Skirts

Whiteline Front Roll Center / Bump Steer Kit

Custom painted Subaru Badges

Omnique chrome windshield tint

Tomei Titanium catback

Invidia Catless Downpipe

ETS Intake

ETS FMIC

IAG V3 AOS

Cobb Accessport v3

Cobb Shift knob

GFB BOV

CS2 front lip

HKS oil cap

Custom Paint matched grille

Godspeed Adjustable toe arms

Pioneer DMH160BT radio head unit

Kicker door speakers

Kicker 10 inch sub

Varis wing w/ carbon blade

WORK VS-SS Wheels

Gates timing belt/ water pump kit

Gates Serpentine Belts

Kumho ECSTA PS91 Tires

Powerstop Drilled & slotted Performance breaks

Injector Dynamics ID1050X Injectors

Tuned by Eric @ Torqued Performance

Clear Bumper reflectors

Custom Painted Chrome Hella Horns

STI Front Lower Control Arms

2019 STI Steering Rack

Perrin Alternator cover

Cusco Front End Links

Excedy stage 1 Clutch

Excedy flywheel

AEM Wideband 02 Sensor

AEM340lph Fuel Pump

Perrin Turbo Inlet

Tial 38mm External Wasegate Setup

PLM Up Pipe/ dump Tube

Grimmspeed 3 port EBCS

AVS Rain Guards

Wolfbox 840s Front / Rear rearview mirror cam

DBA

Street XD Coated Brake RotorsPerformance Delivered

We always have discussions with car enthusiasts who want to enhance their vehicle with top-notch brake rotors that can withstand the demands of high-performance driving. Many times, our conversations lead us to talk about the exceptional engineering from Disk Brakes Australia (DBA) in the land down under. Some of our favorite modification projects have involved using the DBA Drilled and Dimpled Street XD Coated Brake Rotors, both in the front and rear. This Australian manufacturer offers three remarkable brake rotor categories that cater perfectly to different markets, providing an excellent upgrade for those in our world seeking superior braking performance. The DBA Drilled and Dimpled Street XD Coated Brake Rotors is a quality product that looks great, exhibits exceptional performance, while also having the amazing technology behind the curtain to maintain their place on top.

One thing that many car enthusiasts may not be aware of is that all brake rotors from Disk Brakes Australia are direct replacements. This means that you don't need to make any special modifications to install them on your vehicle. The 4000 Series XD variant is particularly impressive, featuring DBA's unique non-directional cross-drilled and dimpled rotor design. Not only does this design provide superior cooling, but it also adds a sporty aesthetic to your vehicle. The smartly designed drilled and slotted product allows true function over form more than some of the most popular aftermarket products. This design allows gas trapped between the pad and the rotor to escape, resulting in solid, positive contact. DBA refers to this as Thermal Stability Profiling, which exceeds HD specifications.

Structural Brilliance

The combination of dimples and drilled holes in DBA's engineering and design also provides enhanced rotor structural support compared to traditional cross-drilled techniques. The product specifications mention 144 diamond and teardrop patterned pillars, which increase the overall surface area by 30%. While the XD Coated Brake Rotor is perfect for high-performance driving on the street or track, it's not recommended for heavy off-road use. However, for those who stick to the pavement, there's no need to worry. With DBA's engineering expertise and the added aesthetic appeal, any vehicle equipped with these rotors will stand out from the crowd.

Disk Brakes Australia is renowned both locally and globally for their unmatched experience in manufacturing. We've already highlighted their impressive designs, intelligent engineering, and proven performance. However, it's important to acknowledge the reputation and heritage that this company has earned through their unwavering support for motorsport enthusiasts. These enthusiasts, who are ultimately individuals within tight, informed car owner communities, find home when expressing themselves through their cherished modifications and builds. Being owned and supported by a major conglomerate allows DBA to push, innovate, and improve their products as one of Australia’s leading automotive aftermarket product brands. In addition to their continuous efforts in rotor engineering, DBA also excels in designing, engineering, and manufacturing brake pads and shoes, calipers, brake fluids, sensors, and much more. This extensive range of offerings clearly demonstrates their commitment to those who live for highperformance vehicles and the upgrades that fuel their passion.

TOP10MOSTWANTEDPRODUCTS FORTHE22+SUBARUBRZ

Recently, the Subimods team outlined a list of popular products specifically designed for the 2022+ Subaru WRX platform available from some of the aftermarket's more premiere manufacturers. It is our primary goal to guide, educate, and assist those in the Subaru community, whether a daily driver or weekend performer, to reach victory and avoid unnecessary pitfalls along the way. This month we are shifting over to another platform, the 2022+ Subaru BRZ, to compile a new list of the most wanted products purchased from our customers over the first six months of 2025. As always, we hope that this outline and review of these ten offerings will either lead the interested driver to an appropriate solution or just inspire them to expand and amplify their creativity

no.1

Compressive Tuning Functional Halo Spoiler

The first offering on our list comes from Compressive Tuning, a manufacturer that puts meticulous focus on the development and design behind their line of products. Their quality and craftsmanship has obviously gained a high degree of praise and appreciation from enthusiasts around the world, especially those who favor Subaru's stylish and sleek BRZ platform. The Compressive Tuning Functional Halo Spoiler for the 2022-2024 Subaru BRZ is one of those products that checks all the boxes for someone chasing that first effect of both functional performance and visual brilliance on the personality of their favorite model sports car. This product is a carefully crafted enhancement that will create some difference and advanced specification that will impress all types of competitive drivers. Their smartly engineered Halo Spoilers improve aerodynamic efficiency and increase downforce at higher speeds, specifically, 20% more than a normal trunk spoiler. All while featuring an airflow relief to allow it to function as a true wing, efficiently managing the aerodynamic profile at lower speeds as well.

no.2

Perrin Transmission Mount Support

Oregon-based Perrin Performance takes the second slot on our list with their Transmission Mount Support for Subaru BRZ years from 2013 to 2024. Perrin has designed a robust and well-engineered product to reduce drivetrain movements as the vehicle performs during extreme situations including hard accelerations and decelerations, and while cornering at higher speeds. Including this product in your next vehicle enhancement will allow your engine to transmit more power to the wheels, which will in turn avoid "drivetrain slop" by delivering more accurate launches for high performance events like autocross. Perrin's smartly designed solution is a much larger version of the stock component which was crafted to reduce transmission movement by eliminating those gaps left by the smaller, loosely fitting original. Crafted from CNC 6061-T6 aluminum, Perrin's support solution will ensure the back end of the transmission remains solidly stable by allowing only 0.1" of maximum deflection then giving the driver the positive shift feel they need during extreme driving scenarios.

no.3

BC Racing BR Series Coilovers

For almost two decades, BC Racing has been creating products and establishing a unique brand that excels without losing momentum. The product that has quickly floated above a number of their competitor's offerings is their BR Series Coilovers for a selection of Subaru models including the BRZ. Any BRZ enthusiast will benefit by choosing BC Racing's superior coilover upgrade. This product features conveniently accessible adjustment knobs to perform fine-tuning to set appropriate compression, rebound, and to provide separate adjustments for the vehicle's ride height. BC Racing allows the driver to choose how low or high they wish the vehicle to ride. This eliminates preset ride heights and allows the driver to set and lock in what they need. The BR Series Coilovers are dual-height adjustable, so lowering the car does not sacrifice shock travel. The product's spring preload is completely separate from ride height. BC Racing has made it incredibly simple to customize the suspension settings on the BRZ to be prepared for any driving scenario - on both street or track.

no.4 AWE Touring Edition Catback Exhaust with Diamond Black Tips

Pennsylvania-based company AWE has become a symbol of quality, ingenuity, and innovation. Manufactured in-house, the AWE Touring Edition Catback Exhaust with Diamond Black Tips is just one example of AWE's handle on design and function. This product delivers perfect fitment through its solid, robust construction and is built from 3” and 2.5” T304L stainless steel, maintaining a substantial wall thickness of .065” for the ultimate in strength and stability. AWE's 180 Technology®, their patented drone-canceling design, features their bullet-style resonator in the mid-pipe working along with a set of 180 Technology® resonators located in the rear. This intelligent and innovative configuration helps to process and to eliminate any frequencies which are known to cause drone within the exhaust sound note. Their process works all while maintaining an uninterrupted flow of power and performance. Also, the product's overall quality and construction ensures the integrity of the resonator's internal design which, in some competitor's products, is known to degrade over time causing a significant change in tone and rumble.

no5

Cusco Rear Lateral Control Arm

Sliding into the middle of our list at number five is CUSCO, one of four brands managed by Carrosser Co. Ltd., a company founded in Japan back in late 1977. CUSCO has concentrated and specialized in the design and development of automotive suspension components and assorted coilover kits for the aftermarket. The CUSCO relationship with motorsports, namely Rallycross, has illuminated some significant contributions and innovations over their almost five decade existence. It was not a total surprise that the Cusco Rear Lateral Control Arm for the 2013-2024 Subaru BRZ would appear brightly in the middle of this list. CUSCO's well-designed, adjustable pillow ball lateral links were engineered specifically to control the unwanted force that can come from extreme acceleration and braking under the BRZ's most challenging performance scenarios. Also, to address stabilization and grip, this product has been engineered to ensure the BRZ remains secure and maintains acceptable traction when the vehicle is competitively drifting or while the car is tasked with high speed cornering and aggressive acceleration.

no.7

no.6

Verus Engineering Billet Clutch Fork Pivot

As we take a tour to examine some of the premiere providers of aftermarket parts based around the globe, we are naturally taken to Indianapolis, Indiana to look at the next popular product and manufacturer featured through our list. Proving again to be a favorite, the team at Verus Engineering establish a repeat appearance and maintain their reputation for quality and design expertise. Among the selection of solutions Verus Engineering offers a critical performance enhancement that could be considered an underrated necessity but ultimately a significant part to upgrade. The Verus Engineering Billet Clutch Fork Pivot for 2013-2024 versions of the Subaru BRZ adds an impressive degree of strength and proven longevity to a BRZ's existing factory clutch fork. This robust, sturdily constructed bolt-on component was crafted from pre-hardened stainless steel to ensure the ultimate in strength and stability. A simple replacement for the factory unit, this product will confirm some exceptional results whether your BRZ rolls towards victory on or off the track.

Whiteline Rear Adjustable Control Arms Motorsport Series

It is evident that any enthusiast who wishes to be competitive plus victorious, but also stable and safe, would carefully investigate their options when enhancing their suspension systems to confront the demands of the track and its extreme performance challenges. The iconic innovators at the Australian company Whiteline have established a reputation as specialized designers, engineers, and manufacturers of some of the industry's most sought after performance suspension and chassis components in the global marketplace. The Whiteline product line consists of a wide selection of sway bars, strut bars, performance coil springs, bushings, and other components engineered to deliver the ultimate in handling and performance. One of the most wanted items from our customers over the past few months has been the Whiteline Adjustable Rear Lower Control Arms, a component upgrade that provides impactful adjustability of camber alignment directly on the vehicle. This product improves traction, increases the car's cornering grip and extends the life of the vehicle's tires, checking all the most important boxes for the most detail-oriented enthusiast.

no.8

Billetworkz Short Throw Shifter Kit

The crew at the Pennsylvania based Billetworkz has worked diligently to build a brand with products that shine with style, quality, and craftsmanship while standing uniquely among their competitors in this massive marketplace. One product that has been climbing in popularity within the Subimods customer base is their elegant and stylish Billetworkz Weighted Shift Knob with Japanese Engraving, designed specifically for use on 2015-2024 Subaru WRX with a 6 Speed Transmission. This luxurious, heavy-weight creation has been CNC machined and manufactured from 304 stainless steel guaranteeing an amazing feel for smooth shifting and fatigue-free functionality. Amplifying the style, Billetworkz has laser-engraved the shift patterns and logos permanently to ensure the aesthetic beauty lasts a lifetime. This product is available from a wide selection of colors, weights, sizes, and shapes which include their Sphere, Lightbulb, Teardrops, Piston, and Sledge shapes.

no.9

Blitz Racing Oil Cap, Red

Japanese manufacturer and tuning provider Blitz Racing has deep roots established in the turbo compression sector where their beginning successes utilizing Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch turbo chargers were both noticeable and impactful during that time's expanding global market. Their foundation of renowned Japanese engineering and attention to sharp details has allowed the Blitz team to offer a line of advanced, precision products which exhibit both superior craftsmanship and uncompromising focus. Bringing the scope down to a tighter view to look more closely at just one of their products, we see the Blitz Racing Oil Cap in a stunning Red finish hold the ninth position of popularity with Subimods customers during mid section of 2025. Blitz has produced a solidly crafted and highly durable oil filler cap machined precisely from quality aluminum material. Covered with a brilliant Red Alumite finish, this stylish and race ready addition to the BRZ engine bay will serve as both a visual beautification enhancement plus a definite symbol in sync with the motorsports spirit.

no.10

A category that seems to attract ongoing purchases is the area of external lighting solutions. Driven Media is a company of specialists who create quality solutions for assorted Subaru platforms. Their wide range of lighting products are gaining momentum in the market, specifically their quality choices of LED upgrade kits along with the more common sequential LED tail light and reverse light upgrades. Driven Media also offers further improvement for style and function through their overlay solutions for lights including the 3rd brake light, reflectors, and turn signals. The Driven Media Taillight Overlay Kit for the 2022-2024 models of the Subaru BRZ will serve as a visual transformation of the BRZ lighting personality. This kit includes both turn signal and side marker overlays in either dark or light smoke which eliminates the clear turn signal and red reflectors and accentuates the Red C light of the brake light. This modification will also blend the remaining lights with elegantly impactful black accents making certain the turn signal is easily visible beyond the addition of tinted overlays.

LOCATION:Montrose,CO

HANDLE:@odd.ej

vehicle:2018SubaruWRXSTI(VA)

Owning my STI has been more than just about getting from point A to point B—it's been a life-shaping journey. It became a canvas for creativity, a symbol of passion, and a way to connect with like-minded enthusiasts...

This car isn’t just a car—it’s my story, and the Subaru community helped me write it.

LOCATION: SiloamSprings,Arkansas

handle: @kf.kyle,@wrx_kyle

It all started when I watched Fast and Furious as a kid, I watched Brian use a Hatch and since then I always wanted one, fast track a couple years later, I got one! Ever since I started modding and making my dream build come to life, it’s helped me meet so many different and new people, along with helping me create lifelong friendships.

AWE: Makers of Track and Touring Exhausts for the BRZ

As we all know there are many companies in the marketplace that offer performance exhaust systems. We have featured a few through video segments and installation demonstrations on our website. The ModReport decided to take a closer look at a company based in Pennsylvania who has been doing great work for over three decades while building incredible brand recognition and respect within the automotive community. A humble start in a small garage in Germantown Philadelphia has led the innovators at Air and Water Enterprises (AWE) on a challenging but fruitful and productive journey. Recently, the Subimods team got their hands on the AWE Track and Touring Edition Exhausts to both examine and fully appreciate the design and engineering behind these products. They conducted an informative walk through of the installation process on their YouTube channel, which will help educate and advise the larger community of enthusiasts to better understand the mechanics of this specific upgrade.

A Product that Delivers Quality at All Levels

Making constant improvements while paving a smoother, smarter path to guarantee quality and logical engineering remain an illuminating characteristic of both the AWE Track and Touring Edition Exhausts which the Subimods team saw clearly during this evaluation and installation. The AWE Cat Back Touring or Track Edition Cat Back Exhausts for the Subaru BRZ delivers an aggressive, deep, and familiar tone that is loved by true Boxer enthusiasts everywhere. Their Touring Edition features a unique and patented drone-canceling solution called AWE 180 Technology®. This product has been designed, engineered to provide a clean, straight output to maximize flow and manufactured with the details in check with their use of U.S.-sourced .065” wall T304L stainless steel. This has produced a 3” & 2.5” CNC mandrelbent assembly with 5” double-walled, slash-cut tips with both stylish chrome and black finish options. Most importantly, AWE promises perfect fitment offering simple, direct bolt-on assembly to ensure a seamless installation. Also, AWE provides significant weight savings for those who are doing their best to draw the maximum performance out of their vehicle by making upgrade choices based on the most important details. This product trims off 12 lbs of stock exhaust weight with the install of their Track Edition and a helpful 1 lb with their Touring Edition. AWE guarantees that the enthusiast will not be greeted with the “check engine light” after install and gives the customer a lifetime warranty on the product which exhibits their ultimate confidence in a premiere product targeting the most discerning driver.

For the Enthusiast

A conversation within a group of car enthusiasts might undoubtedly confirm that an aftermarket exhaust system can provide several benefits to the vehicle and its driver. Measurable benefits like increased power, improved fuel economy, and the most coveted sweet spot– the signature sound - are three important boxes that all modifiers want to tick as they begin to investigate a wanted exhaust system replacement. We have mentioned in the past that the exhaust system serves as the true voice of any car. The car’s voice or audible introduction can be the most important introduction the vehicle’s owner will ever make without saying a human word. Standing aside the performance and economical numbers, the overall sound profile hits the real trifecta for most enthusiasts. Honestly, that first impression growl, rumble, and tone contribute to how the world views the overall personality and audio footprint of your vehicle. The Subimods experience with AWE tells a great story about commitment, enthusiasm, quality, and growth built around ideas that keep all these benefits at the front of mind consistently. The AWE team has grown quickly since 1991 –magically transforming from their birthplace, a single-bay, 500 square foot garage, into a fully staffed design and production organization now powered by a multifaceted manufacturing facility and business campus. AWE has employed some of the most talented engineers, technicians, welders, fabricators, marketers, and managers in our industry to continue the constant innovative push with all their products.

In an open letter published on the company website, AWE’s President and CEO Todd Sager confirms his gratitude and humility during their relatively quick but steady success over the past 30 years. “I’m honored and humbled that the AWE name has become synonymous with quality and customer service within the multi-billion-dollar automotive aftermarket industry”, writes Sager. “. I’m one car-guy-turnedbusinessman, and without the unfailing commitment and enthusiasm of the AWE team, we would be nowhere (well, I’d be back in a one-bay garage in Philadelphia).” AWE now designs solutions for almost every brand as they study the needs of those in the automotive community by listening to the real pain points, challenges, and hopes of drivers in all arenas, which are equally important to Sager and his team. As 2014 closed, AWE realized that they must push the throttle further and with a confident force to serve better and win faster. “We needed to move into a more state-of-the-art headquarters that could properly serve our international dealer base as well as provide the canvas for our engineering and fabrication teams to produce at the rate and quality level that we demand of ourselves”, Sager continued in his letter. In 2015, AWE’s updated 33,000 square foot headquarters brought technology to the forefront with the implementation of robotics, laser scanning CMMs, CNC bending machinery, inventory staging, and five lifts for the Research and Development department which allowed them to expand and serve many other brands – including the fast growing and popular Subaru market.

From the Maker

Working with manufacturers to highlight specific products and accessories in a clear and concise manner while enlightening the Subaru community with the best and most innovative performance products the market has to offer is a rewarding prospect. We recently had the opportunity to speak with AWE’s Vice President of Marketing, Jesse Kramer to gain more of a personal understanding of what brought the spotlight over this talented team and upon this brand within a very competitive market. From co-founding an advertising agency in the mid-nineties, spending a few years with a consulting firm who worked with iconic brands like Everlast, Herman Miller, and the WWE, Kramer crossed paths with AWE’s founder - which forever changed the course of his journey. “I approached Todd Sager…and asked him if he’d consider taking on a partner”, Kramer explained, “and off we went to build a category-dominating brand in the performance aftermarket.” Once Sager and Kramer’s collaboration and alchemy proved to move the needle further towards a future of superior quality and innovation, the AWE mixture began to solidify and allow these visionaries to clearly illuminate the masterplan. “AWE’s vision is ‘To build the best performing people who build the best performing products on the planet’”, Kramer says with confidence. “So, what do we do? We work with the best team in the business. And together we make radical exhausts, intakes, intercoolers, and performance accessories that make you want to drive more.” The Subimods team has the amazing ability to recognize true uniqueness within the enthusiasts community and with the relationships they cultivate with manufacturers who are embracing uniqueness and exhibiting bravery towards change - based on what the customer needs more than the market trend or what seems to be the new standard course of business practices.

EFFORT, QUALITY, & GRATITUDE

“Our attention to perfection in sound, quality, and seeing things through the customer’s eyes is why we feel pretty great about our exhaust tagline, AWE makes ‘the best sounding exhausts on the planet’...”, Kramer confirmed. “Our new product development timelines have no time limit on the sound-sign-off stage of development, that tells you something about AWE! Got to get it right!” Gaining a high business IQ and learning business based on effort, course correction, and real-time customer experience are two different tasks to master for long-term success in this ever-changing market. AWE does not hide behind a false set of credentials and claims of success, they grind it out each day as enthusiasts and designers to sustain the creative uniqueness coveted by the modification community. “We strike a delicate balance between corporate structure (as we continue to grow) and the agility that allowed AWE to get where it is today”, says Kramer. “AWE is a special company. Its people are the core, and what they create is special - unlike anything else out there.” Acknowledging his exciting journey that has swiftly carried his efforts over the decades, Kramer was not shy about his gratitude and where the road has taken him. “I’m thankful for the opportunity that Todd Sager gave me to join the company in 2010”, Kramer said. “I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve formed with company leaders including Josh Davis, our Creative Manager, Darron Shubin, our Director of Sales, Dane Pellicone, our Director of Operations, and so many more.” Our experience working with their products during this install and learning about their valued history, AWE is a company staffed with enthusiasts who live to serve enthusiasts

HAWK PERFORMANCE

Ceramic

Brake

PadsA Product with Bite

the most impactful creators in the automotive industry care both about their influence on the track and the level of confidence they deliver to the average consumer who needs to take their daily drive smoothly and safely.

Over the past quarter century one manufacturer has been proving their quality and importance through the innovations they demonstrate on the racetrack while inserting the knowledge and experience gained into all their products. Hawk Performance is huge in the motorsports world, existing as an official brake product for premiere organizations including the National Auto Sport Association, the SCCA, and many others. Hawk Performance covers all areas between the daily driver and the professional racer, but always keeps pushing the advances of braking technology as they bring concepts to completion each year. Hawk Performance should always be on the modifier’s radar when benefits of ultra-low dust, improved stopping power, extended pad life, stable friction output should be an important option.

In today’s world of automotive technology, drivers typically have a good selection of options for brake pads. The choice comes between three types of pads: ceramic vs. semi metallic vs. organic brake pads. It wasn’t until the mid-to-late 20th century when ceramic, metallic and organic brake pads became widely used. Hawk Performance became a premiere manufacturer of this technology. The ceramic brake pads material manufactured by Hawk is much like ceramic pottery and plate compound. In comparison, automotive ceramic brake pad material is much denser and considerably more durable. Ceramic brake pads also have fine copper fibers embedded within them, to help increase their friction and heat conductivity.

Winning Characteristics

One characteristic of their pads, which has made brands like Hawk Performance so popular, is the lower noise level as they perform quietly in assorted driving scenarios. Drivers also appreciate the reduction of wear and brake residue or dust. Hawk Ceramic brake pads tend to produce much less dust and other particles as they wear down. Lastly, drivers also always consider the challenges of temperature along with driving conditions when choosing brakes. Again, as they concentrate on prime performance, Hawk pads have proven to reliable in a broader range of temperatures (100-650 F operating temperatures but a 100-450 F optimal temperature range) and driving conditions, but all their compounds are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors and designed to work with iron/metal rotors.

Moreover, every skilled driver knows that brake modulation is all about striking the right balance between not braking at all and preventing the wheels from locking up. Insufficient modulation makes it incredibly difficult to gently apply the brakes without causing the pads to lock. On the other hand, excessive modulation means you'll have to push the levers to their maximum before the wheels lock up. Hawk Performance firmly believes that achieving the perfect modulation is crucial, and this belief drives their approach to designing and testing their performance products. It enables them to offer drivers a complete range of desired braking power and ensures even application throughout the entire braking system.

The Mod Report Magazine has made a diligent effort to ensure that our content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and editor. Mod Report cannot guarantee and accept no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by the information published in this magazine including any errors, or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

All rights are reserved and nothing can be in whole or partially reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. Mod Report is a publication designed to advance the unity of a unique faction of the automotive enthusiast community (who supports the Subaru brand). Subimods, LLC and Mod Report is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to Subaru of America, any of its subsidiaries, or its affiliates.

The Mod Report is a free print and digital publication because of the collaboration with its advertisers. Our editorial team decides what content to publish in this magazine, post on our website, and release through any of our social media channels. Mod Report Magazine staff works with its industry sources and advertising partners to create content that is useful and compelling for its readers and social media followers.

All Subimods content is protected by law. Copyright © 2025 Subimods, LLC