So this is my new blue GC8. At the moment it's doing its time as our 'good car'. We've also got a little Honda Integra.

While it's doing it's time as our daily it'll be keeping the roof racks, as we use them for carting around our bicycles, and won't be getting a huge amount of loving in the modifcation department. Also we're saving to buy our first house so there's not a lot of money to go towards the WRX account.

Once it has done it's time as our daily and we've replaced the Honda with something nice for Hanna (new style Mini Cooper or MX5) and got something like a Forester to ferry the bikes then I'd like to turn it into a dedicated track car (dreams are free).

Once I do start modding it I was thinking of slightly more speed but mostly better handling. Not going to go over the top in the power department. Stick to a new exhaust system, improved intake and an upgraded top-mount (hopefully a process west job). Get it all tuned and leave it at that.

That way I can keep using it as my road car and take on the track every now and again. Handling wise, I want to achieve the same thing better handling but not going extreme. Hopefully some coil overs, sway bars, strut braces etc, plus lighter wheels, better tyres and upgraded brakes. That way it is still a nice daily and in the future, if it does become a dedicated track car I've got a pretty good base to start from.

In the looks department, get rid of roof racks, get rid of ariel and if possible replace with BMW type one in the rear centre of the roof, spotty covers; white wheels, STI oversize spoiler, new grill (want something with no Subaru badge), delete boot lock; front lip, bolt on wheel arches, re-spray in the same dark blue or complete new paint job in black (again dreams are free), replace orange indicators and orange inserts.

Same photo as in my intro thread:

(sorry haven't taken any others yet)

Oh yeah Mods so far:

Removed block off plate under driver side bonnet vent.
De-badged boot.

(I know, bugger all really but you've got to start somewhere)

Make sure you save that bit...

After a while of having it off, I realised it was better left on, as it helps keep the engine bay clean.

Thinking of debadging the boot myself, what did you use to heat it?

Also, reading more into your future plans, not much point upgrading the intercooler if you stick with the stock TD04 turbo.

VF34 seems to be a popular choice for maintaining response etc
What did you have in mind for tuning?

If you're not confident around cars its best you use something that emits as little heat as possible, whilst keeping the device at a safe distance, and never concentrating the heat in one area for a long time 'using swirling motions'.

Best bet would be to use some Prepsol 'Wax and Grease Remover', to loosen the glue and either some piano wire or a plastic scraper 'remembering to keep the the scraper as close to the badge as possible'.

Then proceed to use Prepsol to loosen the two way tape and remove the excess with either a plastic scraper or your finger nail or even a cloth.

If you have chosen to go down the heating route once you have the badges off wait for the panel to cool down before removing the excess glue, as the paint will be warm and more susceptible to being damaged.

Once you have the excess off you'll need to buff the portion where you removed the badges to make the paint level consistent.

Prey the following hasn't happened in the past
- The Badges have been put back on with sikaflex; or
- The Badges have been put back on with superglue.

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[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

although if your a doctor im sure you can afford a track car

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I FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY, I STING LIKE A BEE. YOU CANT HURT WHAT YOU CANT SEE

I just used about half a pack of dental floss to get mine off, no heating up. Used wax/grease remover after that to get the glue off, turned out fine. Just got to be ready to use a lot of it, as it likes to snap and shred.

Might have a little trouble with that, unless you're prepared to settle for an e-bay spec one like this:



Would be keen to buy your old one if you do!

Hey Jezza, I've still got the block off plate. Still got all the letters from the Subaru badge too.

Yeah, turbo upgrade would be on the cards too if I was to start doing the above.

As far as the tune goes I don't have anything specific in mind yet.

To remove the badges I used my girlfriend's hair dryer to heat the glue and fishing line to separate the badges. Getting the badges off was simple. Getting rid of the goo was tough.

Getting the WRX sticker off was harder than both. I'm going for a smooth no badges no stickers look.

@Rexpected: lol check my sig. Definitely not a Doctor. I'm on a government payroll (read: bugger all) so they're all pretty long term plans up there.

@Patch: That sort of grill would be good if I could find a decent one instead of an eBay special.