Hi, I’m Nate Williams from Chattanooga, TN. Like many automotive enthusiasts, my journey began as early as I can remember, with Hot Wheels cars. Growing up, I frequently helped my dad perform routine maintenance on our family’s minivan and pickup truck. As simple as these tasks were, I was always eager to learn new things and use new tools. Fast forward to the present day, I continue to find joy in tinkering with just about anything with an engine.
My primary daily driver is a World Rally Blue, 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Hatchback. Ever since I drove my friends 2007 WRX and got a taste of the flat four, turbo charged, all-wheel drive experience, I have longed for a performance Subaru of my own. For years this seemed to be a dream that was just out of my reach. One day in early 2018 while browsing listings of available Subaru STI’s, as I did from time to time, I realized this dream was now accessible. After a few months of searching, I finally found the one. Jumping into action, my friend and I purchased tickets for a flight to Miami, flew down, viewed the car, and drove it 12 hours back to Chattanooga. The rest is history! Or was it?
When I purchased the car, it was lowered on BC Racing coilovers, with a Cobb SF intake, and an Invidia Q300 Cat-Back exhaust. In the following months I added a Cobb Accessport, a pair of Godspeed rear lower control arms, and a set of 20mm Perrin wheel spacers. I enjoyed the STI as a street machine for just over a year until I began thinking about Subaru’s legendary AWD system, and what that might be like off-road. After all, Subaru’s have rally tech built into their DNA, right?
After extensive research I realized there is not much support nor are there many parts available for someone looking to build an off road 2012 STI Hatchback, challenge accepted! Over the following months, I continued to build yet another dream of mine. My STI now enjoys the street, but lives for a good trail run. This is by far the fastest, most capable, most enjoyable car I’ve owned, I wouldn’t trade the versatility for anything. In a way, I feel as though my build has evolved into the Crosstrek STI we all wished existed.
Modifications List:
Engine/Performance: COBB Accessport (Stage 2+ SF Map), COBB SF Intake + Airbox, GrimmSpeed EBCS, GFB BOV, Invidia Down-Pipe with High-Flow Cat, Rolled Titanium Tip Invidia Q300 Cat-Back Exhaust
Suspension: Stock STI Struts, King Springs (+1.4" Front, +1.5" Rear), Godspeed Adjustable Rear Lower Control Arms, ADF Strut Spacers W/ Multi Link Spacers (+2” Front, +2.5” Rear)
Wheels & Tires: Yokohama Geolander A/T GO15 (215/65r16), Method Racing MR502 (16x7 +15)
Exterior: Akkon C-Style Halogen Type Headlights (modified to accommodate HID), Diode Dynamics Tail as Turn and Backup Module, Custom VHT Night Shade Red Taillights, Rally Innovations Light Bar, Roadshock 3” Flood Light (x2) & 3” Spot Light (x2), Front Low Mounted Trail Camera, Twin Hella Supertone Horns, Haul-Master Roof Cargo Carrier, Rally Armor Mud Flaps, Agency 6 Recovery Shackle Block Hitch Receiver
Armor: Primitive Racing 3/16” 5052 Aluminum Front Skid Plate & Rear Diff Cover
Communications: Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series 40-Channel CB Radio, Pyle 5” PA Speaker
