The Element of Tuning: Philip Grabow’s 2006 Subaru WRX STI

Vehicle Features Adam Gordon

Photography by @snapsstudio, @mariomartinfotos, @mcv_imagery, @elementtuning, @poweredbysnail24

Philip Grabow has been a Subaru WRX STi loyalist since he was on the waitlist to get one back in 2001. Having already developed an addiction to boost with previous FWD platforms, the massive improvements in traction from the Subaru AWD system was immediately appreciated. After building, racing, and retiring a 2002 Subaru WRX racecar, Grabow and his team moved on to greener pastures in the form of the updated 2006 WRX STi you see here.

Eventually, Grabow went on to start Element Tuning, his own tuning company where he has continued to develop, prototype, and fabricate components for his racing campaign. When you’re fighting for the front spot in the Unlimited Class in Global Time Attack, there isn’t much you can get off-the-shelf that will push your build further than it is already. These days, you can find Grabow and Element Tuning’s team battling for, and frequently achieving podium finishes in Global Time Attack’s Unlimited Class.

ESSENTIALS

Owner: Philip Grabow
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Vehicle: 2006 Subaru WRX STI
Engine: Subaru EJ257 2.5L Turbocharged H4
Horsepower: 600 whp
Club: Element Tuning / Nemesis EMS
Competition: Global Time Attack

SOCIAL

Facebook: /element.tuning
Instagram: @elementtuning

ENGINE

Element Tuning (Pro Comp CNC closed deck 9k RPM engine, custom charge piping, custom 3L surge tank, Hydramist water/meth injection)Big valve heads
280 cams
Perrin Performance (GTX35R rotated turbo kit, FMIC)
2200cc injectors
BDL fuel rails
Aeromotive (fuel pressure regulator, A1000 fuel pump)
Subaru Impreza NA intake manifold
Custom 4-inch intake
Turbosmart (Comp 40 wastegate, E-boost)
Nemesis EMS stand-alone ECU

EXHAUST

Perrin Performance (big bore header, downpipe)
Element Tuning custom oval side-exit exhaust

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch Masters 6-puck clutch
Cusco rear differential

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

18x11 -20 wheels
Hoosier A7 tires - 315/30/18 (f/r)
StopTech ST40 355mm front rotors
Element Tuning custom 350mm rear rotors

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

Fortune Auto 510 coilovers
Whiteline (rear lateral links, sway bars)
JIC rear trailing arms

EXTERIOR

Fulcrum Aeroworks rear spoiler
Element Tuning custom frame-mounted front splitter

INTERIOR

Autopower 6-point bolt-in roll cage
Sparco (6-point harness, EVO 2 seat, steering wheel)
Perrin Performance short shift kit

SPONSORS

Element Tuning
Nemesis EMS
Perrin Performance
Fortune Auto Suspension

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