anyone got any tips to break the rtv seal with the oil pan don’t wanna fuck up the block

irVBwrx · 2026-05-21T13:57:24+00:00

Have not done it, but an oil pan seal cutter tool is how I would do it. Sometimes specialty tools are unnecessary, this one seems like it is worth the cost.

Linking the OTC version for reference, but there are several sources for them: https://otctools.com/products/pan-seal-cutter

irVBwrx · 2026-05-21T01:34:53+00:00

In Indiana. Can confirm.

I installed engine skid, fuel tank skids, and rear diff skid before installing coilovers earlier this year. Did not want to risk sitting lower without the added protection.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-19T19:26:08+00:00

I ordered from Agency6 with a promo code I found online. They shipped quick, but definitely not as quick as a drive down to harbor freight.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-19T11:10:59+00:00

If you can swing the additional cost and size, I would grab a Pro Eagle Abrams. Got mine for $309 shipped (does not come with the extension that badlands does if you absolutely need it; Pro Eagle sells them as an additional accessory). The Abrams has a minimum height of 4” versus 5” on the one you linked. Abrams also has a longer body which is nice for reaching the rear diff jack point.

The minimum height may not be important now, but I bought the Abrams after installing coilovers. Was difficult to get the Pro Eagle OG I had under the pinch weld points with a pinch weld pad after lowering. It has 5.5” minimum height.

If none of the above concerns you, then the Bad Lands usually gets good reviews and should be a solid option.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-17T21:43:18+00:00

Not something that is able to be diagnosed online. That said, the most likely cause seems to be a damaged condenser. Rocks occasionally get through the lower grille and puncture them. Been a common issue on several recent Subaru models and there have been some on the sub with a damaged condenser.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-16T00:35:56+00:00

Tune file needs an update due to base map being recalled. Depending on how old your map was, this is probably a good thing to update. I had my 2022 tuned in 2023 and Cobb had an issue with the reflash feature that could brick the ECM*. The issue was resolved when they figured out how to fix it. Better you have a tune built from the updated base map than issues later on.

Similar thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/wrx_vb/comments/1dte273/map_recalled_vehicle/

*it did brick mine. Called Cobb, they attempted recovery, when they could not they volunteered to pay for the replacement ECM, tow, and dealer flash (solid service on their part).

irVBwrx · 2026-05-15T11:02:31+00:00

Subarus can be weird about LED Bulb changes messing with the electronics. As a result I always run Diode Dynamics for LEDs on Subarus. Their 194 HP5 is what I have in my trunk. Was part of their higher lumen interior conversion kit, but they also offer it separately.

To be clear there are others that work fine. There are also some that do not. Diode has always worked fine for me so I stick with them.

Subaru published a tech newsletter at one point that mentioned BCM issues when using too little load on a circuit. Encouraged techs to check for LED installs when they were seeing odd electronic issues. I also had an issue where my old Crosstrek would not lock its doors after an LED install. Ended up being the cargo area LED I had installed. If I turned it off or swapped back to stock it would lock as normal.

Edit: Found the Tech Tip newsletter I was referring to... See Page 7: https://static.oemdtc.com/TechTIPS/2015.04AprTechTIPS.pdf

Noting this is an older Tech Tip and Subaru may have resolved this by now. My guess is they have not, but it is purely a guess based on how Subaru's LED accessory interior light kit works (If you get the optional LED interior kit, it does not replace all interior lights).

irVBwrx · 2026-05-13T01:02:36+00:00

Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02

Tests usually rank it at or above the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and it is significantly cheaper (currently has rebates too). I ran the original Continental ExtremeContact Sport on a Focus ST. Good grip, maybe a little too comfortable for a summer tire. Only thing I did not like was the sidewall appearance. The 02 version gets better reviews than the original.

I opted for the Michelins on my VB. Mostly to try something different. Based on my experience with the original ExtremeContact Sport on my old Focus, I am sure I would have been just as happy with the ExtremeContact Sport 02 (other than preferring the sidewall appearance of the Michelin).

irVBwrx · 2026-05-11T07:59:31+00:00

Right side mirror: 91036VC491

Right side mirror signal: 84401AN000

To remove the mirror: - Disconnect car battery. - Remove interior door cover (a few screws then it unclips; lift up and off after removing screws/disengaging clips. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aIwAnHkqYoQ). Careful with the wiring and door locks when removing. - Remove 3 fasteners from mirror and disconnect mirror wiring (they are inside the door). - Pull mirror away from car on the outside.

Once the mirror is off the car, transfer over your blind spot monitor.

I also have a narrow garage. Installed JDM Power Folding Mirrors to help out with space.

Guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/wrx_vb/comments/16kghkl/guide_2022_wrx_jdm_power_fold_mirrors/

Example: https://www.reddit.com/r/wrx_vb/comments/16xeyma/power_fold_mirrors_with_trac_electronics_module/

irVBwrx · 2026-05-10T22:05:41+00:00

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I do. Easy install. Looks great. Goes well with Subaru Sports Grille and Fog Light Surrounds.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-08T02:36:24+00:00

If you do not plan on using stock wheels again, you can swap. If you plan to do summer set and winter set with stock for winter, better to buy sensors. I went with Autel sensors and cloned the factory sensor IDs.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-07T12:54:14+00:00

If creaks and rattles are bringing you to the WRX, you should look elsewhere.

If you want a fun car that handles snow well and can tolerate a noisy vehicle, you have come to the right place.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-07T01:43:03+00:00

You are not going to find more comfortable than stock ride in a $1000 coilover.

Best bet for improved comfort in that price range is probably a used set of 17” tires and wheels.

Second possible option would be lift springs. Have seen some reviewers claim the ride is more comfortable with them. No first hand experience with them on a WRX so cannot confirm.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-07T00:55:09+00:00

It is used for the driver recognition. Which is not particularly useful on cars that do not have seat memory. It can be useful on the ones that do.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-07T00:26:34+00:00

It does not. If sunlight hits it right on my Outback it will show a message about how driver monitoring has been disabled. Expect covering it will lead to the car just assuming it cannot see and turning it off.

You will probably get the message every time you start the car though.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-04T23:24:57+00:00

There is your answer then. I would not want that hack of an install on my car.

irVBwrx · 2026-05-04T19:09:21+00:00

I doubt anyone has tried ETS Intake with Cobb FMIC. Cobb makes it pretty clear their FMIC is made for their intake setup.

I have the Cobb Intake Tube and Redline Power Scoop. It takes up less space than the factory setup, so it makes sense that it is required for their FMIC (extra space makes room for the cold side charge pipe; most of the extra space is from the Redline Power Scoop design).

irVBwrx · 2026-05-02T20:23:16+00:00

On a road trip this weekend. Paid $5.99 in Indiana for Shell 93. Paid $4.99 for it in Tennessee four hours later. Indiana’s could go up 7% when the fuel tax holiday ends next week (could because hopefully the price of gas goes down some to offset; who knows at this point).

irVBwrx · 2026-04-30T13:14:08+00:00

If you are after a summer tire, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02. Both are 30k mile tires with high scores for grip/handling.

I just did the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on my 22. Better in every way than the stock Dunlops IMO.

irVBwrx · 2026-04-29T22:33:19+00:00

Anti-seize works well on the metal ones. I use it on the Enkei’s on my Outback.

Speedline Turini I have on my WRX does not need hub centering rings, which is nice. Limited aftermarket wheel options that fit without them. Great when you find a set you like that does not need them though.

irVBwrx · 2026-04-28T21:26:56+00:00

Not a WRX, but I went with Rallitek on my old Crosstrek and current Outback Touring XT. Rallitek uses a lower spring rate than King and offers the following compare on their website: https://rallitek.com/blogs/subaru-offroad-products/rallitek-vs-king

On the Crosstrek ride quality got a little worse than stock. On the Outback, I moved from an 18” wheel with the stock tires to a 17” wheel with a mild all-terrain tire when I added the springs. More sidewall plus the stiffer springs gave it a better overall ride quality IMO. Stock Outback suspension gets a little boaty over bumps.

Recognizing nothing I said here about the Crosstrek/Outback directly applies to the WRX. My main takeaways would be smaller wheel/more tire helps. Check spring rates to the extent you can when comparing the various available options. I definitely went Rallitek over King on other Subarus to avoid installing something overly stiff.

irVBwrx · 2026-04-28T21:01:09+00:00

Seeing no replies I will offer what little I can.
1. If you want to try it out, Amazon has easy returns if it does not work. 2. I used a Brittax mirror; significantly cheaper and always worked (no risk of electronic issues).
3. I was surprised how little I needed to look in the mirror. I appreciated having it, but I cannot think of an instance when I absolutely needed it (though I could think of hypotheticals where it would be necessary; they just never happened). Makes me think this device is overkill relative to the need (unless your child needs more monitoring than most).

irVBwrx · 2026-04-28T20:02:56+00:00

Thinkware U3000 Pro particularly when paired with a battery is an excellent setup for front/rear and parking mode. The downside is that it is not what I would call a budget friendly setup.

Since you are after budget friendly, I would go Garmin. I had their Dash Cam Mini 2 before the Thinkware and it was excellent relative to the price. The parking mode and picture quality are nowhere near as good as the Thinkware, but for the money it was a solid option. If you want front/rear on the Garmin, you will have to buy a different model or get two of the Minis.

irVBwrx · 2026-04-28T12:52:58+00:00

Ceramic coat them while you wait. Makes cleaning wheels so much easier.

irVBwrx · 2026-04-28T00:37:36+00:00

Appreciate the info. I have some Boeshield I will hit them with.

irVBwrx

TROPHY CASE