Words: Gabe Ronquillo

Snaps: Ryan Trinidad

When looking for a new car, people almost always will compare platforms to see which would be best suited for them. Back then, it was the Mustang and the Camaro. Fast forward to where we are today and the two most popular choices are the EVO and the STi. What we have laid out for you this week is a fine example of what can be done with the latter platform.

Everyone comes to the point where they know what they want, but before this decision, it comes down to that one deal breaker. For Ryan, the deal breaker was the transmission. “I kept debating on the looks of the EVO and STI. I felt the STI was a better choice for me and found a great deal on a Aspen White STI. I was very worried about the tranny issue on the EVO and the STi had a much more reliable transmission.”

The whole package has finally come full circle. Everyone knows the potential of the WRX/STi platform, and this one is no exception. Ryan wanted to take everything and make it better. “My overall objective was to build a car that can do everything; take it to the track, look good, and drive it on the street.” The car truly does go everywhere. It is daily driven, taken through the back roads, shown at local shows, and is used here at Wheeldude for showing new wheels. The set of wheels that you see on this page are what definitely set this car off. 18×9 Rota G-Force in the low 35 offset, complimented with the stretched 225 Falken FK-452 allow the car to have an aggressive look to go with it’s grunt. “I had a lot of help putting the package together…so much thanks goes out to my friends Erwin for helping me with the fitments and Gabe for helping with the tire package.”

Building any car requires deep pockets, but that does not count the hours spent installing, testing different products, and getting the proper look or performance from the car. Ryan goes on to say, “I’ve gone through three coil over setups to decide what’s best for me. Money is a big obstacle, but so is downtime, which is especially important because this car is driven daily.” With the car making 330whp, it’s important to make sure that the power actually gets used. Ryan’s suspension includes a set of Zeal B6s, adjusted to allow the fitment seen here.

Because of the such well put together package, Ryan can’t help but drive the car. “I love driving the car…it’s a blast. It handles great and gets looks everywhere I go. I guess an ideal day in this car would be a wash in the morning, cruising up Mt. Quimby, then going to Quicklee’s afterwards to show off the ride. That’s pretty much what most people in the Bay Area.” Without a doubt, the car looks money, it has great power, and is a reliable platform. It is definitely not a Nasioc sheep car, but that is the last thing on Ryan’s mind. His advice? “Do what you do and never follow…just think outside the box and you’ll be gold.”

Wrap Sheet

Owner – Ryan Trinidad

Hometown – East Side San Jose

Daily Grind – Web Developer for wheeldude.com

Power – 330WHP on EIPRacing Dyno at 18PSI

Under the hood

FP Red Turbo

Helix Downpipe

Helix Up-Pipe

Gruppe-s Header

816CC Perrin Injectors

Turbo XS FMIC Kit

Turbo XS RFL

ARC Pulley Cover

Samco Hoses

Perrin Intake

Cusco Oil Catch Can

Drivetrain –

Excedy Stage 1 Clutch with Aftermarket Flywheel

Control –

Zeal Suspension B6

Goodridge Brake Lines

Hawk HPS Brake Pads

Racingbrake.com Rotors

Cusco Front Strut Bar

Cobb’s Access Port

Rollers –

18×9 Rota G-Forces +35 with Falken FK-452

Outside –

Cusco Front Lip

AeroSync Reverse Hood Scoop

Badge Less Grill

WRX Sideskirts

JDM Rain Guards

Inside –

Cusco 7 Point Cage

JL Audio AMP

Alpine Type R Speakers

Sirius Radio

STRI Boost Guage

STRI Oil Pressure Guage

STRI EGT Guage

Props – wheeldude.com staff, 247Racing, 247Media, Erwin, Family, Friends, Lol Wut Stylez, Haters.

Ryan’s setup can be found here.

Additional snaps can be found on our gallery.

Filed under: Featured Customer Car, New Wheels, Subaru WRX Wheels, What's New