JDM Conversion of an Impreza WRX

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Automotive enthusiasts around the world always seem to love what they cannot have. For example, gearheads in Tokyo just love classic muscle cars, in the same way that gearheads in Toronto love JDM cars.

That acronym, of course, stands for Japanese Domestic Market; cars only available in Japan, or special Japan-only versions of cars sold over here. For example, the ‘Bugeye’ Subaru WRX STi went on sale in Japan in late 2000, and continued until 2003 but was never sold in North America.

The JDM version of the Bugeye had unique trapezoidal bars in the grille, and projector headlights, similar to what the WRC rally cars used. And since such a model was never available here, a JDM front-end conversion is a highly sought after modification.

We were lucky enough to find the front-end of a silver 2001 Subaru WRX STi at local importer Japan Direct. We scavenged the grille, grille surround, fenders, hood and fenders from the car. For the most part, the half-a-car was straight and rust free. But we learned along the way that few parts were universal. For example, all the hardware for the hood latch was on the wrong side of the car.

Unfortunately, the projector lights were badly yellowed and scratched up. They were the right look, and were original, but at more than 20 years old it wasn’t worth trying to restore them when aftermarket versions are available with newer LED technology.

So, a brand new set of dual-halo Bugeye projector headlights were ordered from Spec-D Tuning in City of Industry, California. They took a while to arrive, but were plug-and-play.

With an EJ257 engine, plus shocks, struts and springs from an STI, the Bugeye has the heart to run with the big dogs on the race track. Now, with this front-end conversion it has the JDM looks of a Subaru WRX STI in left hand drive, which never actually existed. A unique ride.

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