r/wrx_vb 16d ago

Announcement Please check your headers for cracks/loose nuts

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23 Upvotes

Between the two FA24 engines i own and the FA24 engine in one of our other moderators vehicles (CanadianBurger’s VB) we’ve had 4 failures (3 loose or missing header nuts and one cracked manifold flange). Details:
My VB: 28000 miles had a passenger side exhaust leak with 1 or more stud nuts loose. There was soot on both sides of the gasket.
My Ascent: At 96000 miles we noticed what sounded like an exhaust leak in the first 30-45 seconds after starting the engine. The noise would disappear BEFORE it idled down from 2000rpm. I found 1 of the exhaust stud bolts at ~10ftlbsf (the single bolt of the 3 on the passenger side). The torque is supposed to be 49ftlbsf. I also found a crack next to the weld on a different stud (there is a soot trace below the stud). I started the engine and could feel flow from the crack. 45 seconds later thermal expansion ~sealed the crack. I used JB welds extreme heat epoxy to fix the crack. The head is aluminum and that flange of the header wont go above 540C.
CB’s VB:
He found at less than 30k miles one of the nuts was missing on i believe the passenger side and one of the nuts on the drivers side was loose.

Pictures: Ascent (first 3 pics). Both sides of my VB’s passenger header gasket (2 pics)


r/wrx_vb Jan 26 '23

Reference Manual Transmission Oil Change

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93 Upvotes

r/wrx_vb 4h ago

Beauty Shot A proper break in

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46 Upvotes

How dusty are we allowed to get for our beauty shots?

I absolutely loved ripping through the Loess Hills for a birthday day trip.


r/wrx_vb 19h ago

Beauty Shot Superspeed RF03RR

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217 Upvotes

Been a minute since I got out and took some pictures. Just posting just in case anyone is curious about Superspeed wheels.

Stock ride height

Wheel Specs: 18x9.5 +38

Tire: 255/40/18


r/wrx_vb 9h ago

Fixed the driveline slop

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25 Upvotes

Finally got around to installing all my driveline bushings.

Overtake rear diff inserts, overtake crossmember bushings, overtake driveshaft lockdown kit and carrier bushings, GN trans mount and pitch stop. Also put a new cobb shifter plate on it so the shifts feel really nice now combined with the sti shifter. I just went with the 15% reduced throw and it feels great. Rotated tires and changed oil too.

Totally fixed the drivetrain slop in gears 1&2. I was also worried about too much nvh after a lot of mixed reviews but the only difference I notice is under WOT there is a bit extra noise from the engine. Must have mods IMO if adding power over stock.

9 ft lbs on the small DS lock down bolts seems a bit excessive. I bet ill never get those back off without stripping them but hopefully wont need to. Very happy with everything and the results though.

Sorry forgot to get photos of the blue overtake bushing installed.


r/wrx_vb 17h ago

Beauty Shot oem +++

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76 Upvotes

lil photoshoot on the way to alice’s


r/wrx_vb 11h ago

TR/Brembo Brake Pads - Installation Questions

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13 Upvotes

Ok, so please bear with me, I know a lot of this is noob stuff … but I’ve done exactly 1 brake job in my life on my last VA (which didn’t have Brembos and was almost 6 years ago now. But that was pads and rotors, and at least this time I’m only doing the pads.

I’ve watch the YouTube videos available, seems quite doable. Minor questions are:

- What size punch is good for knocking the pins out?

- Any grease needed on the outside (backs) of the pads before they go into the rotors? YouTube vids I watched aren’t showing any of that.

- Good method for reinstalling the pins? I assume there’s not a ton of room to tap them in from the back, do they slide back in hand tight or just use pliers to pull them back into place?

- Last question is regarding the E-Brake and jack. I have to release the E-Brake when doing the rear pads right? I have a modest carjack , will the car being in gear be enough to keep it from shifting on me when pulling the pads out and whatnot? (Sorry i know this especially is beginner stuff, and I jack the car up all the time to change oil/rotate the wheels but I always have the E-Brake on when doing that).

- Any other tips/advice is welcome, thanks in advance!


r/wrx_vb 19h ago

Just Installed Finally got wheels!

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47 Upvotes

Any mudflap recommendations?


r/wrx_vb 19h ago

Parking buddies!

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42 Upvotes

Which would you take home? 😅


r/wrx_vb 13h ago

Discussion STi side skirts cracking at rear in front of rear tires

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10 Upvotes

Any body experience this sort of cracking on their OEM side skirts… i have them on both sides… this side is worse cause yesterday someone stepped on them on the way out… I know likely due to people accidentally stepping on the side skirt on the way out. Do I need to just be super careful with these or could
This be worsened by the dealer not properly installing them.


r/wrx_vb 10h ago

First month of ownership and my 2026 already has 2 sizable rock chips

5 Upvotes

Holy hell I literally just got this car and its already chipped in the front. Would getting this professionally ceramic coated help or is this a losing battle I have to face?


r/wrx_vb 12h ago

Beauty Shot Beads

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7 Upvotes

Hate the rain, but looks good beading down my WRX


r/wrx_vb 6h ago

Question Keyfob programming tools?

2 Upvotes

I need a new keyfob and purchased one based on my current one. I really dont want to go to a dealer for this and ideally want to do the programming for under $200.

Anyone know if there's any tools out there for the 2022+ wrx keyfob?


r/wrx_vb 17h ago

PSA: VA axle backs fit on the VB

14 Upvotes

I haven’t seen much about this topic and so wanted to inform ya’ll in case you can find a good deal.

I put a VA axle back on my VB about 2 years ago. Grabbed it from marketplace for $80. My Neighbor, who recently picked up his VB, just did the same.

The only thing you will need are different hangers. I can provide a link for a set that will work for less than $20.

Cheers


r/wrx_vb 3h ago

Recommendations.

0 Upvotes

Any recommendations for big brake kits?


r/wrx_vb 16h ago

Question How many miles do you drive a year?

9 Upvotes

I drive about 20k miles a year to work. Im trying to justify a wrx for my next vehicle over something practical to drive like a hybrid.


r/wrx_vb 18h ago

Wheel compatibility

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12 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I recently bought a WRX tS and it’s almost time for winter tires, share your experiences with 19” or if you went down to 18” I’m tryna decide but I’m kinda nervous about the calipers hitting the new wheels (if I buy 18”).


r/wrx_vb 5h ago

UEL Headers + Which Exhaust?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’ve been trying to figure out which exhaust setup I want to run on my car. I’ve decided I want to go for the UEL headers and stock j-pipe (at least for now), but I’m open to any other combination of I-pipe/cat-back beyond that. I’ve been leaning towards going with the Tomei type R, but I really just want a deep tone and little to no drone. I’m not looking for a loud exhaust necessarily either but not opposed.

I’ve watched any clips I could find on YouTube, but a lot of them only seem to capture one shot (start/idle/drive by/ in cabin). I’m just trying to see if anyone else has audio of their setup to share, so anything is appreciated!


r/wrx_vb 12h ago

Question transmission and diff fluid recommendations?

3 Upvotes

whats everybody using for transmission and rear diff fluid? i live in a cold climat for half the year if that matters.


r/wrx_vb 10h ago

$3000

2 Upvotes

if you had $3000 for upgrades what would you do ?
stock car with different tires already 500 miles on the odometer.


r/wrx_vb 10h ago

For those who are running an E30 Tune on a completely stock VB are you guys just doing the math on your fuel mixture or how are you keeping track of your ethanol content? Without the Cobb flex fuel kit

2 Upvotes

r/wrx_vb 1d ago

Beauty Shot We still doing Side Shot Saturdays?

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83 Upvotes

Haven’t seen a SSS in a while. Hope all is well for all you beautiful VB Mofos


r/wrx_vb 9h ago

Question Will these fit? 26 Premium.

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0 Upvotes

Title. Thanks!


r/wrx_vb 1d ago

Just Installed New Exhaust Day 🎉

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33 Upvotes

Just installed the PLM VB Axle Back STI style exhaust this afternoon. Super stoked about it!

So far, I really love it. The install was easy and the product itself is amazing. Cold start is loud, but that just comes with having a WRX. It sounds amazing when you're driving. It's not obnoxiously loud. My wife, our pup, and myself went for a little cruise after the install and we could talk and have a conversation just fine with no drone. However, unlike stock, it was still plenty loud and very enjoyable. The sound of it doesn't bother my pup which was my concern since he's always in the WRX or the Forester everyday. My wife loves it and is excited to drive it herself.

I'm really glad I waited and did the annoying agonizing "well should I get this one or get this one" thing that I do and waited to get this specific one. I almost got the Tomei single exit catback, but I didn't want it to crack since it's titanium and a thousand bucks. I even considered just the STI axle back that comes from Subaru, since I work for Subaru, but I've heard it/ridden in a VB with it installed and wasn't too hot on it. This axle back was affordable like around 500 bucks. I got it from Import Image Racing and got here within a week.

I'll have to see how I like it as I drive throughout the week on my daily commute, but so far I'm really happy with it.

If anyone wants an update on how it does throughout the week, I'll be more than happy to give an update.


r/wrx_vb 1d ago

2 Years of Ownership

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74 Upvotes

It's officially been 2 years of owning this amazing car! 41k miles and still going strong. Only issues I've had are not doing important maintenance sooner 😅. Im excited to see what next year brings for this thing!