2015 Varis Widebody Subaru STI: Salvador Arriaga’s Unique Build

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Salvador Arriagas - 2015 Varis Widebody Subaru STI 

Instyagram: @Sal_stiproject

By Donnie Rochin

Photographer/Author:

Instagram: @r0cean11

Facebook: r0cean11 Photography

Website: r0cean11.com

Listen To The Podcast: Salvador Arriagas - 2015 Varis Widebody Subaru STI Audi Book

A Family Man’s Unexpected Dive into the Modified Car Scene

I’m Salvador Arriaga, a 44-year-old born and raised in East Los Angeles. I’m married with three kids—two boys and a girl—and I run my own business. Cars have always been a part of my life, but mostly as a casual interest. A few minor visual or interior tweaks here and there were as far as I’d go. That all changed with this Subaru STI. What started as a family car for its stellar safety record became something extraordinary.

The First Step: Suspension and an Unexpected Opportunity

The first modification I made to the Subaru was upgrading the suspension with Ohlins coilovers. Once everything was dialed in, I came across an Instagram story from APR Performance. They were looking for a car for R&D, and I fit the specific criteria. Answering that story changed everything. My car became the R&D vehicle for many of the platform’s parts from APR Performance.

From Hondas to a Fully Modified Subaru STI

My car journey began with a Honda Civic. Over the years, I owned about seven Hondas, none of which were modified to the extent of this STI. At most, I’d swap an intake or change the interior trim. This Subaru, though, took me deeper into the modified car community than I’d ever expected.

Driving my STI feels incredible. I love the reactions it gets, whether they’re positive or not. My favorite moments are seeing kids' faces light up when they spot my car. It reminds me of how awestruck I was by cool cars growing up. But I didn’t build this car for anyone else—it’s purely for my enjoyment.

A few years ago, I started to lose enthusiasm for modifying it. However, I fell in love with the car again this year. That renewed passion reminded me why I started this project in the first place.

Thinking About a Subaru? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re considering getting a Subaru, I say go for it. But if you’re thinking about modifying one, make sure you plan carefully. Once you start modifying the engine, these cars need proper tuning to perform reliably. The best approach is to install all your power parts at once—intakes, upgraded intercoolers, etc.—to minimize the need for repeated tuning sessions.

These cars are versatile and a blast to drive. I’ve taken mine everywhere: the track, dirt trails, snow, and even as a daily commuter.

What Makes My STI Stand Out

What sets my Subaru apart isn’t just the performance or the modifications—it’s the journey. My car is the only one in the world with a full suite of APR Performance parts. It also features a molded and painted Varis Circuit Kit, a rarity in the U.S.

Oh, and there’s the time I had a run-in with a deer. I was driving along Angeles Crest Highway when a deer came up the mountain and hit my car while I was going about 40 mph. It left its mark on my back fender, doors, and front fender. Thankfully, my aftermarket insurance covered the damage, including the wrap, side skirts, wheels, and other parts.

The Build: Modifications and Collaborations

Suspension

• Ohlins Coilovers (dialed in by @wrteknica)

Engine Upgrades

• Installed by @9kracing and maintained by @ejatuo502

Body and Paint

• Varis Circuit Kit, molded and painted by @autoexplosion310

Air Suspension

• Installed by @iceboxxcustoms

This build is a hands-on project for me. While I rely on professionals for things outside my expertise, I stay involved wherever I can.

Varis Widebody Subaru STI Modifications 

Engine - 

• Phatbotti Tuned

• AEM High-flow Fuel Pump            

• Cobb Stainless Steel 3-inch down-pipe

• Cobb Flex Fuel Ethanol Kit

• Cobb Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit

• Cobb Fuel Pressure Sensor Kit

• Cobb Top Feed 1300X2 Fuel Injectors

• Cobb SF Intake System

• Comp turbo CTRX 5856

• Custom DYME Alcohol Fuel Lines

• Exedy Lightweight Racing Flywheel

• Exedy Stage 2 Cerametalic Clutch Kit

• Grimmspeed 3 Port Boost Solenoid

• IAG Air Oil Separator-Street

• Koyorad Racing Radiator 

• MXP Comp RS Performance Exhaust                                   

• Odyssey Battery

• Pedal Commander Throttle Response Control  

• Perrin Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit    

• Perrin Engine Mount Kit            

• Perrin Equal Length Header                        

• Perrin Front Mount Intercooler w/ Black Tubes                          

• Perrin Fuel Rail Top Feed System             

• Perrin Oil Cooler Kit             

• Perrin 2" Up pipe 

• Subaru STI Performance Exhaust

• Subaru STI Short Throw Shifter                          

Audio - 

• 500Q OEMAudioPlus Dual Carbon Fiber Voice Coil Woofer Sound System

• Premium Harmon Kardon System       

Exterior - 

• APR Performance CF Brake Rotor Backing

• APR Performance CF License Plate Backing 

• APR Performance CF Radiator Shroud

• APR Performance CF Trunk Trim                       

• Custom Flyryde/Modified Technologies Front Headlights

• Custom Flyryde/Modified Technologies Rear Headlights                     

• Grigio Ater Paint 

• Satin PPF   

• Subispeed F1 Rear Fog Light                            

• Titanium Dressupbolts Varis  Wing Hardware

• Under glow

• Varis Full Body Kit C (Circuit Version) MOLDED

• Varis Circuit Carbon Fiber Cooling Bonnet

• Varis Circuit Carbon Fiber Front Diffuser

• Varis Circuit Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser

• Varis Circuit Double Canard

• Varis (Euro Edition) GT Wing

• Varis Hood Damper

• Varis Muffler Guards

• Varis (Reinforced) Trunk  

• Varis Wing Mounting Bracket

• SUSPENSION

• Airforce Struts w/ upgraded Camber Plates

• Airlift 3P ¼

• Cusco Front Power Brace

• RS-R Lower Control Arms

• SPC Rear Toe Arm

• VooDoo13 Rear Trailing Arms

• Whiteline Rear End Links                                   

• Whiteline Rear Sway Bar

Wheels/Tires - 

• Muteki SR45TI                                        

• Project Kics Kyo-El 73/56 Duralumin Hub Rings  

• Project Kics R40 Iconix Lug Nuts & Locks

• Rays Ze40 Matte Gunmetal Blue 18x11 +15             

• Rays center caps 

• Toyo Proxes R888R 305/35/18                 

• Wheelmate 20mm Spacer 

Interior -             

• AEM X-Series Oil/Fuel Pressure Gauge                             

• AEM X-Series Oil Temperature Gauge             

• AEM X-Series Wideband AFR Sensor  

• Bride Seat Rail

• Bride Shift Boot

• Bride Zeta III Type-S Red Super Aramid Black Carbon Fiber Shell

• Blackvue Dashcam

• Carbon Fiber Hand Brake                                   

• Carbon Fiber/Alcantara Steering Wheel              

• Custom Carbon Fiber Rear Seat Delete

• Custom Carbon Fiber Trunk Delete

• Custom Roll Cage              

• Dressupbolts Titanium Bolts                                 

• Dry Carbon Steering Wheel Covers                   

• Dry Carbon Center Console Cover            

• JCS Triple Pillar Pod                               

• JDM Dual Console Armrest Extension                                      

• OLM Interior Style Series Lights

• Subaru Red Illumination Kit

• Sweidit Custom Center Armrest

• Sweidit Custom Cluster Gauge

• Sweidit Custom E-Brake Boot              

• Sweidit Custom Glove Box

• Sweidit Custom Shift Boot

• Sweidit Custom Sun Visors                                

• Takata racing 4-point harness

• Varis Carbon Fiber Shift Knob             

• WC Lathe Werks Titanium Boot Collar              

• WC Lathe Werks Titanium E-Brake Button    

• WC Lathe Werks Titanium Fender Badge     

• WC Lathe Werks Titanium HVAC Dials            

• WC Lathe Werks Titanium Mirror Dial            

• WC Lathe Werks Titanium Reverse Ring                        

• WC Lathe Werks Titanium Si Dial             

• WC Lathe Werks Titanium Steering Wheel Badge

Brakes -

• Project MU Big Brake Forged Caliper Kit 6/4

• Project MU Brake Pads

• Project Mu Stainless Steel Brake Lines 

The Community, Charity, and Experiences

Being part of the car scene has brought me countless unforgettable experiences. I’ve been taught to drive by professional racers, test-driven cars I never dreamed of, and attended exclusive events. My STI has been featured in music videos, TV shows, magazines, and YouTube videos.

Over the years, I’ve joined various car groups and teams. While they offer benefits like sponsorship opportunities, shared interests, and internet exposure, I’ve found that being independent suits me best.

Supporting charities is another important part of my journey. I’m proud to contribute to organizations like @puristgroup and @ark_movement.

What’s Next?

Right now, I don’t have big plans for the car. With three growing kids, I’m grateful I’ve gotten it to where it is today. My oldest will be driving soon, so maybe there’s another build in the future—for him.

I never imagined my STI would evolve into the project it is today. From a practical family car to a head-turning, one-of-a-kind build, this journey has been more rewarding than I could have ever expected.

Dream Cars

If I could add to my garage, it would be a 1970 Corvette Stingray LT-1 or a 1970 Chevy Nova SS. Those cars capture the timeless appeal and raw power I’ve always admired.

Call to Action

Every car has a story, and we want to hear yours! Share your build with us, and you could be featured in Stance Auto Magazine. Let’s keep celebrating the passion and creativity that drive the car community.

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