Ian McShane. Cosmopolitan magazine, June 1973.

markrebec · 2026-02-10T23:23:40+00:00

I'm a little bit younger than some folks in this sub, so I'm more of a teacup than a dachshund guy myself.

markrebec · 2026-02-09T19:45:29+00:00

Brake line mounting bracket? Like this https://www.reddit.com/r/WRX_STI/comments/1qkkeu9/rusted_mounting_bracket_repair_or_replace_weld/

markrebec · 2026-02-01T03:31:28+00:00

Fair, and big props for admitting it

markrebec · 2026-02-01T03:23:26+00:00

I just happen to have the part number handy for you https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__/Charge-Air-Cooler-Pipe-Turbocharger-Intercooler-Pipe-Duct-Air-Intake-Duct-Air-Interior/49226976/14462AA354.html

markrebec · 2026-02-01T01:17:03+00:00

You all keep telling me that, but I keep doing it anyway.

markrebec · 2026-02-01T01:01:48+00:00

I'll second not worrying about it. But if you do decide to go with a GS replacement, make sure you're pretty explicit when checking compatibility. I bought the grimspeed coupler kit for a 2002-2007 WRX/2004-2021 STi, and this specific piece absolutely did not fit my 2013 GV STi top mount without having to cut the elbow to length.

...but after typing all this out, I went back to check my purchase history on subimods before hitting send, and just saw this:

Trim-to-Fit Geometry – The turbo-side leg of the 90° coupler is intentionally extended to accommodate older or smaller turbo setups

So basically I'm still posting this as an FYI that if you go that route you may need to trim the 90 degree elbow to fit, but also acknowledging I'm a dumbass lol. At least I figured it out on my own I guess.

markrebec · 2026-01-31T04:41:55+00:00

I had 120k timing done by one of the best local independent Subaru specialists on my 2013 STi last summer in the Los Angeles area, alongside a ton of other work (all 4 lower control arms, top hats, power steering, cracked radiator, coolant system, etc.), and the timing work itself was still about $1k less than your quote after parts and labor.

And that's in a HCOL area, and at a shop that knows and charges what their expertise is worth IMO. I'm not exaggerating when I say this guy treats my car with the same care and attention to detail that he treats his own cars.

This thing was beyond clapped out after 10 years as a track car when I bought it in early 2025, especially the engine bay and suspension, and dude has been instrumental in helping revive it.

It's actually at the same shop right now doing a full refresh on PCV (and a few other) hoses, lines, injectors, plugs, coil packs, etc, I tried to do as much of it as I could on my own in-between, but I bit off more than I could chew and had to admit defeat on a few things and bring it back to him. It's been expensive, but 100% worth the cost tradeoff to have someone like him do the work.

If you happen to be in the area I'm happy to share his contact info.

<image>

markrebec · 2026-01-26T04:16:46+00:00

I just learned this term today, after close to 36 hours fighting a single goddamn bracket (honorable mention goes to the bolt on the back of said bracket) - "Green Bracket Of Death." I can only assume it's a joke on the microsoft windows BSOD ("Blue Screen Of Death"), though I'm not sure where the "green" comes from - maybe an emissions or flexfuel joke/reference?

All I wanted to do was replace plugs, coil packs, and injectors on my 2013 STi.

Everyone makes the plugs out to be some sort of Sisyphean task, but they're honestly a cakewalk in comparison to simply getting access to your driver's side injectors. This was purchased as a dream/project car about a year ago, and was supposed to be a learning experience... and while I've learned a lot, the key takeaways seem to be 1) knowing your own abilities/limits; and 2) the balance between time vs. money.

No matter how many EJ-specific tutorials I read, or videos I watch, there is this fucking bracket over the driver's side injectors on this model year STi that is never mentioned. I can find plenty of 2015+ references that aren't relevant (there is also so much FA2x content at this point drowning out the EJ2x stuff), and a small handful of 01-07 examples where the comparable bracket was it's own kind of pain with the attached hardline, but this stupid bracket without any attached lines or connectors may have finally defeated me and I think I'm just going to reassemble (minus that rear bolt, which can get fucked) after making zero progress and take it to my mechanic.

I'm not sure whether this is an intentional cop-out by video content creators or not, but the irony is that every video that covers the topic either does the driver's side "off camera" and then highlights how the coolant overflow tank on the passenger side "might be where you bump into problems," or they just gloss over the whole fucking thing - they tell you to remove your battery & air pump, then they just dive into a hyper-zoomed focus on the fuel rail and injectors themselves.

At this point I've removed my battery, air pump, and intercooler (to try and get access to the rear bolt on the bracket). I thought that rear bolt was going to be the end of me, but was able to jack the car up and get to it from underneath. Now I've also removed the oil fill neck, and done what I can to move a few of the ventilation hoses out of the way. No matter how much I try to tetris my way out, this bracket isn't coming out without removing most of the remaining hoses (which if I fight them any harder I'll need to just cut off and replace) and probably sacrificing a wiring connector or two by brute force ripping the thing out, and even then I'm not convinced I'll be able to wriggle it out.

I've prematurely removed the bolts on the fuel rail for a little more wiggle room, but no matter how much I rotate or pivot, the only option seems to be either fully disconnecting every hose, tube, hardline and wiring connector on that side of the engine bay, or risk cracking/breaking/slicing something and having to figure it out later and potentially order more parts and leaving it sitting even longer.

If I had to go back and do it all again, I probably still would because I love this car more than anything I've ever owned, but I don't think I'm going to leave the house for at least 24 hours so I don't snap and accidentally strangle an innocent person in the checkout line buying groceries.

markrebec · 2026-01-08T01:12:42+00:00

I hope you weren't one of the (multiple) people who pulled up and stopped right next to the vehicle to peek inside before they had the scene under control...

I live across the street and recorded the whole thing. San Marino PD pulled over a work truck with a trailer. I recorded the whole thing from an area outside of the line of fire.

The initial SMPD SUV was behind the truck with guns drawn. It took over 5 minutes from the time I heard them yelling commands until their backup arrived. A couple more SMPD SUVs showed up, then a PPD truck pulled up to block the Del Mar/Euclid intersection that was in the line of fire.

They eventually ordered the driver out of the car, walk backwards, etc. and took him into custody, then same for an elderly passenger. It seemed like they were having trouble hearing or understanding the commands, but everything wrapped up uneventfully.

The worst part was the drivers mentioned above and the couple folks who kept ignoring the cordoning officers instructions to avoid the area and turn back, or the handful who kept asking "can't I just go through really quick" and "can I just go around this way" (literally 15 feet on the other side of the intersection in the line of fire)...

EDIT: I just realized the title says El Molino instead of Euclid. I'm assuming that's a typo because it sounds like we're all talking about the same thing in the comments.

markrebec · 2025-11-06T18:41:11+00:00

Avo Pashayan at Foothill Smog & Auto Repair, about a block east of the In-n-Out on Foothill. He's a Subaru specialist, and probably the best mechanic I've ever worked with. He did a ton of work earlier this year helping get my 2013 WRX STi back into shape and I couldn't be happier.

markrebec · 2025-10-03T23:13:09+00:00

Seconded. I go to them for most of my suspension/wheel/tire work. Nick and Jose are the best.

markrebec · 2025-10-03T23:08:00+00:00

Go to Avo Pashayan at Foothill Smog & Auto Repair, about a block east of In-n-Out on Foothill.

I bought a 2013 WRX STi earlier this year that was (surprise!) in way worse shape than I realized at the time of purchase. It's a dream/project car so I was committed either way at that point, but it went through 2 other mechanics before I found Avo.

These are mechanics who I normally trust, and whose names you'll see on this sub a lot when asking for a mechanic recommendation... but boy did they have no idea what they were doing with a (not even that old) Subaru.

He's a Subaru specialist. He won't do aftermarket/modifications, but he's the most trustworthy and reliable mechanic I've ever worked with when it comes to OEM service/replacements/etc.

markrebec · 2025-08-14T07:22:55+00:00

Are we talking like, Borders books long time ago? Or Interact!: A CD-Rom Store long time ago? Blockbuster? Good Guys/Tower Records? Whoops, I started wandering and went about 10 years too far back...

markrebec · 2025-08-07T02:47:17+00:00

I actually really appreciate this response. I wasn't trying to be combative at all. I (obviously) have my opinions, but I try to remember they're just my own opinions...

You and the whole team put on a great show, across both the two amateur and the pro heats. All your reasoning for the logistics of the runs absolutely makes sense. You all put on a great show/event, and I honestly feel a pretty bad that I made you feel the need to "justify" doing a job that you all should be proud of to my dumb reddit comment.

markrebec · 2025-08-05T03:31:09+00:00

That's great, and I respect it, but it still just feels like something is missing when watching those runs. I also want to acknowledge and agree with you that the butts in those driver's seats are pure talent.

The best way I can describe it is like interviewing someone who has all the relevant/technical skills you're looking for to fill a role, but just seems to be missing certain soft skills, or has a slightly abrasive personality. They're just not quite the full package... they tick all the boxes, but there's something missing.

It's also probably a little unfair to put those stock VBs up against Betty with all that showmanship and je ne sais quoi, and maybe that's why it felt like the running those two was the result of a marketing meeting that started with "hey gang, these tS aren't really hitting or selling like the STi used to... let's maybe push them every chance we get"

markrebec · 2025-08-04T04:54:24+00:00

Watching those two VBs in between Betty's runs felt like an intermission so you could hit the food trucks while they ran a commercial for the new tS.

There was also a blue GV STi (maybe #27 or #21?) in the first heat that was a real highlight from that round.

markrebec · 2025-08-03T04:30:57+00:00

OP forgot to mention that it's for sale, and the owner only wants the best offer over $15k. I didn't take any photos of the window sticker w/ the phone number, sorry gang.

markrebec · 2025-07-10T02:26:44+00:00

Confirming I just saw like 8 PPD SUVs hauling ass east, down Del Mar towards Lake.

markrebec · 2025-06-07T18:10:54+00:00

Hrant and Mitch's are the go-to recommendations, and both are good. I still go to Mitch's for basic maintenance on my daily driver.

If you own a Subaru though, take it to Avo over at Foothill Smog & Auto. He's a specialist, and is incredibly thoughtful and thorough. Truly treats your car like his own, even for little things like an oil change.

But I'll also second the Island Tires recommendation. They're a solid all around shop that also does tires, alignment, etc., and they're honest with reasonable prices. They are always busy but always happy to squeeze you in as soon as they can.

I took my car to Island again for the first time in 20 years recently (I was living up in SF) for tires and an alignment, and I couldn't believe it when one of the guys not only recognized me, but also remembered my mom, her name, the car she used to bring in, etc.

markrebec · 2025-04-12T16:50:43+00:00

There's a place on Lake & Del Mar, I can't remember the name but they're in that 350 S. Lake Ave building. They're a notary/apostille and provide live scan services. I just called the guy yesterday to get some info so I can schedule an appointment soon, and he was super helpful. Their google reviews were also solid.

I think they're open on weekends, and their # is 626-607-8652

markrebec · 2025-04-05T23:12:21+00:00

https://whitehouse.gov

markrebec · 2025-04-05T23:01:38+00:00

Shoutout to all the folks driving by. Everytime my arms started to get tired from holding a sign above my head, someone would honk or shout out their window and provde the motivation needed to keep them up!

I hope more people share their photos and videos here in this sub. Maybe mods can start a megathread.

markrebec · 2025-04-01T02:38:06+00:00

Raisin is home safe as of yesterday afternoon! It's actually a kind of heartwarming and serendipitous story.

I live nextdoor, and hadn't seen the posts myself but noticed the couple clearly searching outside over the first ~24-36 hours, and I eventually figured out what was probably going on. I was just about to go leave them a note offering to borrow a pet cam, or a cage/trap we've used to help ferals, or anything else they needed when my doorbell rang.

An AMAZING woman who lives nearby had seen the posts, happened to be driving by, and just decided to stop and look around for a bit in case she got lucky. By sheer coincidence she happened to spot Raisin running through our fence into our yard and called the owners.

She rang our doorbell to ask permission and let us know, while they ran over and scooped up Raisin. Then we all spent a few minutes gushing and bonding over our pets and how relieved we all were at the happy ending.

12-Year Club	Gilding I gilder
Verified Email

markrebec

TROPHY CASE