2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Build: Grandpa Gamboa's Tribute

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Ramsey F Gamboa - 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX (Grandpa) 

Instagram - @speed3_rfg

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Photographer/Author - Donnie Rochin

Instagram - @r0cean11

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http://www.r0cean11.com

“Your car build might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if it's not making your inner child smile, then you're building it for the wrong reason.” ~ Ramsey Gamboa

A Journey from Tayug to Stockton

Hi, I’m Ramsey F. Gamboa. Born in Tayug, Pangasinan, Philippines, I moved to Stockton, CA, at age seven. After high school, I joined the military, explored college, and then settled into a challenging government job I love. But my true passion has always been cars, sparked by the vibrant jeepneys of my childhood and my uncle’s Fox-body Mustang.

How Gaming and Family Shaped My Automotive Passion

Growing up, video games like Gran Turismo, Forza, Need for Speed, and Initial D fed my imagination. The Fast & Furious movies sealed the deal. Watching my uncle Glen tinker under that hood, I was entranced by every wrench turn and tool. That combination of real‑world and virtual experiences ignited my lifelong love affair with performance cars.

From Daily Driver Plan to WRX Revival

“Grandpa,” my 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX, was meant to be a simple daily. I bought it almost bone‑stock to harvest parts for my Mazdaspeed3 rebuild. When that engine swap went sideways, I pivoted. Rather than parting out Grandpa, I performed essential TLC: rebuilt the 205 JDM motor, refreshed suspension, and reinstalled every bolt‑on with care, adding custom touches to reflect my style.

The Build: 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX

Engine & Drivetrain Upgrades

• JDM 205 Motor with STI VF48 turbo

• Walbro 255 LPH fuel pump

• SPT intake and Tomei headers/up‑pipe

• Invidia N1 cat‑back exhaust

• GrimmSpeed boost control solenoid

• Cusco air/oil separator and 1000cc injectors

• Turbo XS front‑mount intercooler & BOV

• Open‑source ECU tune

• ACT 6‑puck clutch & Streetlite flywheel

Suspension & Handling Enhancements

• Airlift V2 management with Raceland airbag struts

• 4‑gal air tank & Viair compressor

• Whiteline strut bar

• Cusco adjustable front camber arms

Wheels, Brakes & Tires

• Advan Racing R6 (18×10 +35)

• Brembo brake calipers with StopTech slotted rotors

• Hawk ceramic pads on Federal RSR tires

Interior & Safety Features

• Cusco 6‑point roll cage with carbon‑fiber bar

• Sparco Circuit II seat & 4‑point harness

• Key’s Racing wheel and Japan‑themed shift knob

• LRB aluminum door panels & floor mats

• AEM AFR gauge and JDM STI cluster

• Broadway auto‑dimming mirror & fire extinguisher

Exterior & Aero Styling

• Nardo Grey paint with ABW and Varis flares

• C-West front bumper and custom rear diffuser

• Kaminari CF hood, Seibon CF trunk

• Epsilon Aero reverse‑swan wing with #fuckcancer decal

• Aerocatch hood pins and C-Speed side skirts

Lessons Learned & Advice

I rescued Grandpa from semi‑retirement, restoring fluids, belts, vacuum lines, and even repainting body panels. My tip: check compression, service history, and rust—especially in coastal or snowy regions. These WRXs are rewarding but demand maintenance and research. YouTube and forums will be your best friends.

Future Plans for 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX

I plan to build a stout bottom end targeting 500 whp, tidy the engine bay, and refine the interior with more black‑anodized panels. A bold color change might be next—but I’m still deciding. With flexible goals, Grandpa will evolve naturally, fueled by new ideas each year.

The Community & My Dream Cars

I’m fortunate to be part of the Customotive Crew, but solo builds are equally valid—enjoy the scene your way. Cars have given me friends, opportunities, and life lessons in patience, hard work, and creativity.

My ultimate dream? A manual Cadillac CTS‑V Blackwing or a plum‑purple Hemi ’Cuda. But for now, I cherish my JDM WRX and the joy it brings me.

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