A Subaru Impreza WRX STI unlike any other is currently coming to life in Ontario, Canada and is shaping up to be one of the most remarkable engine swap projects we’ve seen in quite some time.
This 2009 Impreza WRX STI started out life just like any other but at some stage, John Proulx removed the standard engine and slotted in a Toyota 2JZ made famous by the Supra MkIV. However, driving a Supra-powered Subaru apparently wasn’t exciting enough for Proulx, so he has now removed that engine and is working on installing a twin-turbocharged V12.
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Proulx recently spoke with GTspirit about the project, revealing that this will be the world’s first Subaru WRX STI equipped with a V12 engine. The engine in question comes from a Toyota Century and was imported from Japan. Toyota’s 1GZ-FE V12 was built from 1997 to 2017 and produces 276 hp as per Japan’s gentlemen’s agreement. However, Proulx has installed forged rods, pistons, and valve springs, and slapped on a pair of G30-770 turbochargers and 1000 cc Bosch fuel injectors.
While the Century’s V12 is typically mated to either a four-speed or six-speed automatic, the man behind this project is using a dual-clutch transmission from a 2009 BMW 335i that will power the rear wheels through a Ford 8.8 diff.
While work on the car is still ongoing, Proulx is aiming to hit the magic 1,000 hp mark with the heavily-modified powertrain. Moreover, hge wants the Subaru to serve as a car that can be driven comfortably on the street while still being able to run 9-second times down the quarter-mile.