Mighty Car Mods has always been a top choice of mine when it comes to YouTube channels. Renowned for transforming various vehicles in an exceptionally educational and fascinating manner through video content, these individuals have made significant advancements since their debut clip in 2008. Their most recent project is arguably their most impressive one yet: a Subaru Impreza WRX STI modified Subaru Levorg, the wagon edition of the Impreza that was never officially available in the USA.
Martin Mulholland and Blair Joscelyne, known by Marty and Moog on the program, have constructed numerous impressively tasteful and well-crafted automobiles. In Australia, where vehicular culture and modifications are stringently regulated, there exists a relatively generous scope for customizing vehicles, provided that the correct protocols are adhered to. Previously, they undertook fully road-legal projects such as an RB26-swapped Datsun Fairlady Z and an all-wheel-drive turbo three-cylinder-swapped Daihatsu Mira Kei car. They also produce feature-length movies documenting their journeys to Japan, Germany, and throughout the Australian Outback.
However, the projects that truly resonated with me were those led by Marty, who harbors a profound affection for Subaru station wagons. Commencing with a first-generation Subaru Legacy RS Turbo wagon, he has documented his wagon enthusiasm for over a decade on the platform. Standouts include the original Gramps and Super Gramps transformations, where a second-generation Legacy wagon was fitted with a 3.6-liter flat-six engine from a Tribeca and equipped with a Garrett GTX3576R. Following an unfortunate incident during a repaint that left the vehicle flooded, he transferred the drivetrain to a fourth-generation Legacy wagon named Super Gramps. This car was the inspiration behind my ownership of a 2008 Legacy Spec.B for a year.
The most recent addition to the MCM legacy is a relatively small Subaru Levorg that Marty procured specifically for customization. Viewers familiar with MCM will note that all recent Subarus are akin to extensive construction sets, where components are interchangeable across various models. In the case of the Levorg, it shares the same universal underpinnings as the current-generation WRX STI. In essence, components from the STI can seamlessly integrate with the Levorg, and the electrical connections can be easily established.
Consequently, MCM procured a totaled 2018 STI as a donor vehicle for executing a complete overhaul of the Levorg. Following their established practice, they systematically disassembled and reassembled the vehicle as per factory standards, extracting major subsystems such as the front subframe and engine from the STI before effortlessly transplanting them into the Levorg. True to their hypothesis, all components fitted perfectly into place. Remarkably, the Levorg already featured pre-cut apertures in the firewall to accommodate a clutch pedal and hydraulic cylinder, indicating potential commonality in firewall design across the Levorg, Impreza, WRX, and STI models.
With assistance from their adept group of friends, following some meticulous rewiring, the Levorg now operates and handles akin to a standard 2018 WRX STI, complete with a six-speed manual transmission. As a fervent long-term fan of MCM, this project and series evoked nostalgia for their finest content. Witnessing Marty and Moog engaging in daring drifts and executing precise donuts in the Levorg is undoubtedly an emotional experience for any viewer.
The duo intends to enhance the vehicle further and elevate its performance beyond its current state. I look forward to tracking the progress of this vehicle and am undoubtedly envious of Marty’s workshop. Delve into the series spanning four thrilling episodes, and join me in envisioning the possibility of owning our very own Levorg STI.
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