When looking
at our current sport compact scene, it seems we might
have heard or seen it all, but are still looking for
that extra edge that makes us stand out. The Japanese
domestic market has influenced us in ways that stretch
the imagination, push the limits of engines, and allow
you to create and mold your own personality into your
vehicle. If you ever travel to Japan you will see
some of the craziest and most exotic cars; all of
which showoff tuners personalities of what makes them
who they are.
Enter Jen
Wintrode. Yes guys that’s a girls name, and
let me say a girl who knows her cars and parts, not
to mention who has driven some very common sport compact
cars over the years. Starting with a 2003 Honda Civic
LX, that’s the non VTEC model by the way, Jen
sunk herself deep into the after market world, only
to find her Civic lacked the power and “uniqueness”
she wanted in a daily driver. Her husband Bobby, who
works at a local tuner shop, Performance Race Engineering,
helped her get a Subaru WRX that was soon converted
into a RWD drag car. Now, you might ask why get anything
else, but Jen had other plans. While reading a Japanese
magazine she discovered the Japanese Subaru Forester
STI model. This is a Japanese exclusive car that never
made it state side, but has the complete STI engine,
drive-train, electronics, and suspension. Not too
shabby for a daily driver.
The
current project is Jen’s 2004 Subaru Forester
STI, which has been totally converted by her husband
Bobby at PRE to the full Japanese model, minus right-hand
drive. This includes everything from the STI engine,
to the styling cues on the JDM front bumper. Taking
on such an arduous task doesn’t come without
hick-ups and Jen’s Forester STI was no exception.
Whether it was the weeks of waiting for parts from
Japan, or the mountainous task of re-wiring the whole
car; it all came together in a JDM piece of art. It’s
hard to imagine this Forester started as a work truck,
full of ladders and tools.
Jen’s
Forester STI is definitely a “unique”
vehicle when you first see it. It’s a true testament
to what can be done with an idea, a drive, and a vision
of what you want your ride to be. Since first beginning
the project in 2006 the car has undergone a complete
transformation and has even been seen at the doors
of SEMA in November of 2008. Incredible for a vehicle
you see soccer moms driving around in. “It’s
embarrassing to drive, because you find out you just
got beat by a girl!” seems to be a common saying
around Jen and Bobby when describing how it feels
to drive down the road.
The car
has been to the track and with 330 WHP and 354 LB
FT. of TQ it can run with the best of them. Future
plans indicate a FP Red Turbo set-up being installed,
which will certainly make it more of a performer than
show car. It sees most of it’s time as a daily
driver, but makes appearances at local Tuner events
and is always a show stopper. For future shows, Jen
hopes to take it down to Pleasanton, Ca for the Hot
Import Nights show and possibly attend other National
car shows.
When
asked if she was tired of the car, a quick “not
yet” followed and talk of future car projects
soon filled the air. The amount of knowledge Jen emulates
with her car is staggering and shows that she means
business and is a true gear-head. Jen’s Forester
STI is a great example of showing off the JDM styling
and performance that you just don’t see everyday.
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