2020 Subaru Wrx: From Childhood Dreams to Automotive Realities

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Nicholas Rickard

2020 Bagged Subaru Wrx

Instagram: @Menace2Society_Pgh

Photographer: Alex Newill 

Instagram:  @Alex_Newill_

Performance Stats: 369 Hp on E85 with more add-ons to come

From Childhood Dreams to Automotive Realities

My journey into the world of cars began in my childhood, fueled by TV shows like Turbo Teen, Transformers, and Speed Racer reruns. Car audio had always piqued my interest, and I often found myself gravitating towards my best friend's older brother and his friends, who boasted some of the baddest audio setups in Pittsburgh.

Then came The Fast and the Furious, which opened up a whole new world for me. I vividly remember buying a used '93 Civic Hatchback from a guy up the street, and that's where my journey into car customization truly started. With 20" wheels, a widebody slammed to the ground on air cylinders, full car audio, and TVs everywhere, my Civic became my canvas.

We even installed a TV in the back bumper and gas door. We cut a Delsol-style targa top, shaved everything, and gave it a custom paint job. I worked at a custom shop with no formal schooling and managed to build and win some high-quality shows.

However, the grind of the automotive industry took its toll, leading to a hiatus from the car game. Fast forward seven to eight years, and I found myself without a car, watching my old car club fade away. It wasn't until I purchased a 2020 WRX base with the intention of keeping it stock that my passion reignited.

Building a Champion

Just three months into owning the vehicle, I took my WRX to the Pittsburgh World of Wheels car show, marking my return to the automotive scene. The following year, I secured 3rd place, and I was even invited to feature my car at Carlisle Import and Performance Nationals.

The accolades kept coming, with a Top 50 placement at Motorama Harrisburg, Best 4rd at Flat4 by Subispeed, and another 1st place at Pittsburgh World of Wheels in 2023. Trust me when I say that the 1st and 2nd places were well-deserved. Alongside these awards, I've rebuilt my Car Club, Twisted Impressionz, to 30 members, all with impressive builds.

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What makes this journey unique is that all the work on my car has been done in my home garage. With support from my wife, Rachel Rickard, and my friends in T.I. like Justin Pons, Rob Henry, Evan Weick, and Mike De Silva, I've been able to blend a little new school and old school into my Subaru.

It's all about building it for me, not for likes on the internet. For me, it's about the build process, quality time in the garage, enjoying moments with my family and friends, savouring a cold beer, hosting cookouts, and meeting fellow car enthusiasts at events.

A Childhood Love Affair with Cars

As a kid, I used to attend the World of Wheels car show in Pittsburgh. Each year, there were cool celebrities like Robocop or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles signing autographs. However, what I truly cherished was looking at the cars and spending time with my dad and Uncle Dan, feeling like one of the adults.

If you enjoyed this car story why not read this ONE HERE

Why the WRX?

Honestly, I'm up for the challenge with any car, even a Prius. When my lease was up on my 2018 Impreza, I was about to buy another one. Still, my buddy, who worked at a dealership, went above and beyond to help someone else after a disagreement. To make it right for him, they offered me a WRX at a more affordable price than the Crosstrek I had initially considered.

Owning and Driving the WRX

Owning this car feels great because I've built it to be comfortable yet capable. I'm not afraid to put it to the test against anyone. Recently, I took it to the drag strip, and people couldn't believe I ran it on air suspension. I finished the night with a 13.9-second run, considering it was my first time at the track.

Unique Features

What sets my car apart, in my eyes, is the enjoyment I find in building it, and that passion shines through. From the VIP bar and subbox in the back seat to the diamond-stitched material wrapped around the air tank, there's a lot of attention to detail. Plus, there's plenty of carbon fiber under the hood.

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Build List Highlights

Engine: 

• 369HP on E85, 
• Grimspeed Electronic Boost Controller, 
• TMIC, 
• Charge Pipe, 
• Cobb Intake, 
• Accessport, 
• E85 Flex Fuel Kit, 
• Bypass Valve, 
• Inlet Tube, 
• Carbon Engine Cover, 
• Perrin Engine Covers, 
• Pitch Stop.

Interior: 

• Custom Subbox with VIP Bar, 
• Red with black-stitch diamond floor mats, 
• Braum Racing seats, 
• Braum Racing harness bar, 
• Braum Racing harnesses,
• Trunk with a black laminate wood floor and a custom-wrapped speaker box, 
• 3P Airlift system.

Suspension: 

• Grimmspeed Toe Adjust, 
• Whiteline Lower Control Arms, 
• Stiffening bars, 
• Blox Racing sway bars front and rear,
• Powder-coated elements.

Wheels: 

• 19" Konig Oversteer with 245/35R19 tires featuring white lettering (Carpe Diem/Seize the Day).

All the work has been done by myself, with the assistance of my wife, and friends, and no shop-built car.

Future Plans

I'm currently installing a BRZ intake manifold with an Ibuildracecars GreenSpeed Kit and a new audio-video setup. Additionally, a Seibon Carbon Roof and a possible widebody modification are on the horizon, although I truly adore the current body and hesitate to make drastic changes.

Advice/Tips

My advice to fellow enthusiasts is simple: Build your car for you, but build it right. Don't let shops take advantage of you with poor-quality work; opt for reputable shops that deliver top-notch results.

Shout Outs

I want to express my gratitude to Rachel Rickard, Justin Pons, Mike De Silva, Rob Henry, Evan Weick, and all of Twisted Impressionz for their support and friendship.

The Car Scene in Pittsburgh

I hold a deep appreciation for the car scene in Pittsburgh. It's populated by good people and impressive builds that push me to become a better builder. It also serves as a reminder to respect the car culture when I visit places with smaller scenes but equally passionate car enthusiasts.

Looking for a new club? Check these out HERE

Dream Car

My dream car is the '90s Acura NSX. To me, it's the most beautiful car ever built.

In Conclusion

My journey from childhood dreams to automotive realities has been a thrilling ride. From humble beginnings with a '93 Civic Hatchback to building a 369HP Subaru WRX, my passion for cars continues to grow. It's not about internet likes; it's about the joy of building, quality time with loved ones, and the camaraderie of the car community. Remember, build your car for you, and let your passion shine through every detail.

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