Salvador Arriaga wasn’t always a Subaru guy. He used to be a die-hard Honda fan until the day he test-drove the Subaru STI. After learning of the safety rating of the Subaru (for his kids), there was no turning back. Despite being a long-time Honda fan, this 2015 Subaru STI is Arriaga’s first full-on build for himself.
Growing up, he always wanted to have a “race car” for himself, but as many of us know, starting a family can often put the kibosh on personal toys. Thankfully, the Subaru came along at the right time, he tells us. Of course, having the family means he needs to control himself when he feels the urge to splurge on car parts. “I include my spouse in every major decision which helps keep me level headed. She has been a major supporter from the beginning,” he says. “She will be the first to tell me I’m crazy”.
Despite family obligations, Arriaga is able to take his car to the next level. It has even garnered the attention of APR Performance. Since testing their brake duct system on his car, they have become a full time sponsor of the build, which is seen in the plethora of APR parts. Like many die-hard enthusiasts, Arriaga places a strong emphasis on quality parts.
He parts with some advice for aspiring builders. “Building is addicting. Once you get the bug it’s hard to shake. Don’t let anyone tell you what does and doesn’t go on your car - unless they pay for your car. Be modest; there is no need to over do it. Take your time. Enjoy it.” Well said.
Owner: Salvador Arriaga
Location: Hacienda Heights, California, USA
Vehicle: 2015 Subaru WRX STI
Horsepower: 350 whp
Club: Team Subaru 15
SOCIAL
Facebook: Salvador Arriaga
Instagram: @sal_stiproject
Photography by Salvador Arriaga.
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE
AEM High-flow Fuel Pump
Cobb Stainless Steel 3inch Down-pipe
Cobb Subaru Flex Fuel Ethanol Kit
Cobb Subaru Fuel Pressure Regulator Kit
Cobb Subaru Fuel Pressure Sensor Kit
Cobb Subaru Top Feed 1000cc Fuel Injectors
Cobb SF Intake System
Cobb SF Air-box
Grimmspeed TMIC
Grimmspeed TMIC Y-Pipe Kit
Grimmspeed 3 port Solenoid
IAG Air Oil Separator
Koyorad Aluminum Racing Radiator
Odyssey Battery
Perrin Oil Cooler Kit
Renegade Motorsports Custon Fluid Caps
EXHAUST
Subaru STI Performance Exhaust
PERFORMANCE ELECTRONICS
AEM air/fuel ratio sensor
Cobb Accessport
Pedal Commander throttle control
DRIVELINE
Subaru STI Short Throw Shifter
WHEELS & TIRES
Volk TE37 wheels
Nitto NT555 G2 tires
Project Kics Iconix Lug Nuts
BRAKES
Brembo Performance Brakes
R1 Concepts Ceramic Slotted Rotors
Hawk HP Plus Pads
StopTech Stainless Steel Brake Lines
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Cusco Front Power Brace
Ohlins Road and Track Coilover
RS-R Lower Control Arms
VooDoo13 Rear Toe Arm
VooDoo13 Rear Trailing Arm
Whiteline Rear End Links
Whiteline Rear Sway Bar
EXTERIOR
APR Brake Duct Cooling Kit
APR Brake Rotor Backing
APR Exhaust Heat Shield
APR Front Air Dam
APR Front Bumpers Canards
APR Front Splitter W/Rods
APR GTC-300 Adjustable Wing
APR Hood Vents
APR License Plate Backing
APR Rear Spat
APR Side Skirt
APR Trunk Trim
APR Vortex Generator
Cusco Front Tow Hook
Hella Horn
Ikon Motorsports Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
Wrap by Premium Auto Styling
LIGHTING
Custom Flyryde/Modified Technologies Front Headlights
Custom Flyryde/Modified Technologies Rear Lights
Auxbeam 32’ V Series Light Bar
Subispeed F1 Read Fog Light
OLM Interior Style Series Lights
INTERIOR
Blackvue DR 7R750S 2-CH DashCam
Bride Seat Rail
Bride Shift Boot
Bride Zeta III Type-S Red Super Aramid Black Shell
Carbon Fiber Hand Brake
Cusco E-Brake Button
Custom 4pt Roll Cage
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Cooling Plate
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Engine Frame Shield
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Fuse Box
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Intake Snorkel
RallySport Direct Piano Black Control Knob
Subaru Red Illumination Kit
Takata Racing Harness (4pt)
Visual Autowerks Rear Window Vents
AUDIO & MULTIMEDIA
OEMAudioPlus Dual CF Voice Coil Woofer Sound System
FAVORITE MODIFICATION
"Ohlins - Lets me drive with confidence."
FUTURE MODIFICATIONS
New wrap, Flyryde lights, Bride Seats, F1R Wheels
SPONSORS
APR Performance, F1R Wheels, Harbor Tires, MXP Performance, OEM Audio Plus, Pedal Commander, Phatbotti Tuning, R1 Concepts, Premium Auto Styling, 9K Racing
SHOPS/MECHANICS
9K Racing
COMPETITION
Extreme Dimensions Charity Car Show 2018 - 1st Place Subaru
Sunday Funday 2018 - Best WRX/STI
Spec-D Spring Show Off 4 2018 - 1st Place Subaru
AutoCon Los Angeles 2018 - 2nd Place Subaru
Team Synergy x VooDoo Ride Car Show 2018 - 2nd Place Subaru
Tuner Evolution SoCal 2018 - 3rd Place Subaru
SEMA Feature Vehicle 2017
SEMA Battle of the Builders Contestant 2017
PASMAG February/March 2017 - Magazine Feature
SubieJam Las Vegas 2017 - Best Subaru
Clean Culture/Import Expo 2017 - Top 50
Elite Tuner Elite Showdown 2017 - Top 25
Tuner Battlegrounds: RWLA 2016 - 1st Place
The Speed Ring By HKS 2016 - Finest Performance Vehicle
Subaru USA Brand Ambassador - 2016-Current
