From bouncing off logs to making huge air-grabbing jumps, a rally car's suspension needs to be stout. The L and E Impreza is loaded with all sorts of suspension goodies, including a DMS 50mm inverted rally-spec coilover suspension, STI Group N strut tops, STI aluminum front lower control arms and a 20mm rear anti-roll bar. Whiteline Automotive was tapped for an anti-lift kit and rear anti-roll bar end-links. L and E fabricated a custom aluminum strut tower bar and welded a 1.5-inch tube across the rear struts to box everything in. SuperPro bushings were used in both the front and rear control arms, as well as on the anti-roll bars. One of the most interesting pieces is the L and E quick steering column. Using a stock steering column, L and E modified the part with a quickener, lowering the Impreza from three to two turns lock-to-lock.
Stopping power is supplied by Subaru STi four-piston fixed brake calipers up front and stock 2002 WRX brakes in the rear. These are coupled with DBA front slotted rotors, StopTech stainless steel braided brake lines and Carbotech Bobcat brake pads. The rear brakes are run through a bias valve to control rear brake pressure and a CNC-machined hydraulic handbrake disengages the center differential when the rear wheels lock.
Schmidt has two sets of wheels, the choice dictated by a course's surface. For gravel, he runs 15x6-inch Speedline 2118 wheels. For tarmac, he'll use stock 16x6.5-inch wheels from a Subaru 2.5RS. Michelin rally tires are used on both surfaces.
All these upgrades are impressive, but it's the results that matter. Over the past two years, Schmidt and co-driver Randy Morris have never had a mechanical DNF (aside from slamming the car into stationary objects). That's a testament to this project's planning and execution.
And the Schmidt men aren't done yet. The exhaust manifold is currently in the process of being ported and coated and Schmidt is thinking of moving to a front-mount intercooler-if the intake temperature can still be kept low enough. Review the specs on this car and you have to conclude that this project has not been cheap. When asked how much money has gone into his rally monster, Schmidt replies: "You don't add up the price of a rally car." Badass.
1995 Subaru Impreza L
Engine
Engine Code: EJ20
Type: 1994cc horizontally opposed four, DOHC, aluminum block and heads, turbocharged and intercooled
Internal Modifications: Stock
External Modifications: L and E Fabrication Garrett GT28RS turbocharger kit, intercooler, air intake, downpipe, up-pipe, oil cooler kit, exhaust, modified WRX BOV, three-inch high-flow catalytic converter
Engine Management Modifications: Haltech E11V2 ECU, L and E Fabrication ECU harness, Walbro fuel pump, STI 'pink' fuel injectors
Drivetrain
Layout: Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
Drivetrain Modifications: Clutch Net six-puck clutch, Exedy flywheel, STI Group N engine mounts, STI transmission mount, KAAZ 1.5-way clutch-type front LSD, STI 1.5-way clutch-type rear LSD, Subaru DCCD with programmable computer control, PPG first through fourth straight-cut gears, STI short-throw shifter, STI shifter bushing, Kartboy rear shifter support bushing, Super Poly Pro rear differential bushings, 2003 WRX axles
Suspension
Front: DMS 50mm inverted monotube rally coilovers, STI aluminum control arms, SuperPro urethane bushings, L and E Fabrication quick steering column, 2001 Impreza 2.5RS hubs, Whiteline Automotive anti-lift kit, STI Group N upper mounts, Cusco four-point chassis brace
Rear: DMS 50mm inverted monotube rally coilovers, L and E Fabrication control arms, SuperPro urethane bushings, 2001 Impreza 2.5RS hubs
Brakes
Front: STI four-piston brake calipers, Carbotech pads, DBA 11.6-in, slotted rotors, StopTech stainless steel lines, custom master cylinder support bracket
Rear: Subaru WRX rear brake calipers, Carbotech pads, StopTech stainless steel lines
External
External: 1997 Impreza OBS front bumper, WRX STI aluminum hood, 2007 STI hood scoop, Evo Roof Scoop, STI Ver. 6 rear spoiler, L and E Fabrication front bumper beam, aluminum skid plate, rear control arm guards
Wheels: 15x6 Speedline 2118
Tires: Michelin rally 17/65-15
Interior: Racetech 4009HR seats, six-point safety harnesses, Sparco steering wheel, full Rally America-spec roll cage, Terratrip 303 Plus rally odometer