ULTIMATE GC
So I picked up this late 90s Impreza; I stumbled on a "for sale" ad and knew that I had to have it. I had always wanted one of these as a good platform for a build car. The idea is to convert it from a docile people transporter into a rip-snorting, g-force inducing, sphincter tightening, tire shredding, laptime munching, absolute fun gymkhana car. This build blog is a sneak peek into the transformation process for the GC8 project.
About TheLabInc(c)
About Chris: I am a motoring enthusiast with a bias towards JDM cars. A project delivery professional during the week and a petrol-head the rest of the time. Having owned a Corolla KE70, Carib AE111 with the 20V 4AGE black-top, and the flagship was the Legacy LL Bean Edition which started out as a docile N/A people carrier but ended up with an STI heart and a couple more horses.
We at TheLabInc(C) are guided by strict adherence to OCD Compliance both in design and in execution coupled with continuous improvement. Though it may not be big bang, this translates to performance enhancements for the LOS Team, one clean and reliable horsepower at a time.
STI Inside
From the belly of the beast...
The interior of the GC is pretty basic with the usual creature comforts. Of course there are a few choice bits like the OMP deep-dish wheel, short-shifter with aluminium knob and STI pedals made from brushed aluminium. A defi boost gauge sits 2 O'clock from the driver position. It has the necessary bells and whistles to draw your attention when needed.
Foot Palace
Clutch. Shift. Repeat
STI Brushed Aluminium pedals with rubber grips to give that ultimate no-slip performance as you go through your pedal dance.
TITANIUM
OEM Cut Key
Titanium Cut Key for the lock mechanism. A benign HKS turbo timer sits as the perfect backdrop. Performance orientation.
Defi
Boost
A Defi boost gauge with dual display is at hand to keep the driver apprised on the performance of the turbo.
Looking forward to a refresh of this interior to bring it to the new age. The age of electronic wizardry.
Body
It is a basic 4 door based on the GC1 chassis. Aluminium Hood. Low line spoiler.
![IMG_20170121_124320_1[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a79452_e4a9d3d5f8b14ca099f1a2b22d00756d~mv2_d_3968_2976_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_107,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/IMG_20170121_124320_1%5B1%5D.jpg)
Engine
Currently running a Version 4 STI Engine with a VF29 Turbo. Stock Formation.
![IMG_20170128_125507[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a79452_49f77abc859840148fa9d3101fbf13bf~mv2_d_2976_3968_s_4_2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_1240,w_2976,h_2070/fill/w_115,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/IMG_20170128_125507%5B1%5D.jpg)
Driveline
Currently running an STI-Type RA gearbox. 5 Speed with DCCD.
Future State
what it is becoming
MY05 wrx STI Spec C-RA Motor
MY05 wrx STI gearbox + DCCD
MY05 wrx STI full driveline swap
Polite engine performance upgrades
New-age STI cluster
Reinforced chassis
New-age blended interior
and more to come.
Contact
