SP Rides: Racing Rocket
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Ryan Schuman
Age: 22
Occupation: Navy
Hobbies: Football, Cars, Hiking
Year, Make, Model: 2017 Subaru WRX STi
Color: Pure Red
Engine: Cobb access port V3, Extra 02 bung, Cobb 3-inch catback exhaust, GrimmSpeed top nount intercooler, (Black) ETS cold air intake, Grimmspeed three-port electronic boost control solenoid, Grimmspeed 44/45mm up-pipe paired with a Tial MV-R 44MM external wastegate, Injector Dynamics ID1050x injectors, AEM 320lph fuel pump, Perrin fuel pressure regulator
Exterior: Vis carbon fiber hood, Seibon carbon diber fenders, JNA performance front lip, Aeroflow Dynamics front carbon fiber splitter with rods, Aeroflow Dynamics side skirt extensions, Aeroflow Dynamics V1 rear diffuser, Subispeed V2 Redline sequential headlights, Subispeed TR style sequential tail lights, Seibon OEM style carbon fiber trunk, APR GTC-300 67-inch wing Cobb, License Plate Delete Cobb license plate holders, Grimmspeed license plate relocation Kit, gloss black wrap by Xero Graphics on front lip, front grill and roof Subispeed decal overlays, front and rear Subispeed STI logo red with black border, Subaru window visors tinted 35 percent all on four windows, rear windshield Aeroflow Dynamics sunshade banner .
Interior: Sparco Fighter universal seats (driver and passenger), Subispeed steering wheel emblems (carbon fiber and red), Subaru footwell illuminator kit, (red) ATI bezel dual gauge pod, 60mm AEM UEGO X-Series wideband controller, 52mm Defi Red Racer boost gauge, Imperial 60mm 30psi
Suspension, wheels and tires: Airlift 3P air ride suspension, Volk TE37 super laps (18-by-9.5 +40) in double pressed graphite with Rays center caps, Toyo Proxes T1 Sports (245/40R18)
While growing up in high school, Ryan Schuman’s first encounter as an enthusiast was with his friend’s 2006 STi. Every day after school, he’d spend cruising with his two best friends in that car. At first, he found the car unattractive — “Look at this big wing” — however, the car soon began to grow on him. At the time, he drove a Honda Civic but secretly he began to feel the need for speed that an STi could provide.
After joining the military and serving on several deployments, Schuman soon had the means to purchase the car of his dreams. For months, he had prepared himself for the day when he would be able to afford this 2017 Subaru STi. That moment soon came and although it happened to be April Fools’ Day in 2017, this was no joke. Schuman walked in and then walked out with this stunning 2017 Subaru WRX STi in Pure Red.
Originally, the plan was to purchase a white copy, but the only one available was this shockingly noticeable red model. Although he was initially hesitant and upset at choosing such a visible color (he had his first encounter with a police officer three days later), once he began modifying the vehicle, the color choice became more than appropriate. “White is clean, red is mean!” said Schuman.
And it truly is in this excellent example. This track-ready rock star looks incredible, thanks to the addition of a VIS carbon fiber hood, trunk and accompanying Seibon carbon fiber fenders. The contrasting dark CF looks incredible along side the red body lines. The inclusion of a hugely impressive APR GTC-300 Wing really sells the track look. Additional mods include stunning Subispeed head- and tail-lights with hints of red among the black matte material.
Aeroflow Dynamics just so happens to be one of his sponsors, which has provided a sexy CF splitter with included rods, side skirt extensions and a V1 rear diffuser that looks so very “race” out the back. The interior also features a nice selection of components such as the Sparco seats and Subispeed steering wheel emblems. Performance is monitored thanks to a 60mm AEM UEGO wideband controller and a 52mm Defi Red Racer Boost gauge while a sharp Cobb Access Port V3 is smartly placed.
With such expansive body modifications, being able to protect his investment became a concern. Riding static wasn’t doable thanks to the potential for damage, so an Airlift 3P Air Ride suspension was installed. This allows Schuman to drop it flush over the race-worthy Volk TE37 Super Laps set in 18×9.5 all around, also encased in Toyo Proxes T1 Sports.
Of course, you must have the go with the show, and this racing red beauty has everything necessary to take it to the track. All the bolt-ons are included, while the fuel system has been upgraded with Injector Dynamics ID1050x injectors as well as an AEM 320lph fuel pump and Perrin fuel pressure regulator.
You might be surprised to learn that Schuman was a complete novice when it came to tuning. The purchase of this ride introduced him to a whole new world of friends who became a part of the build, helping him along the way with advice and influence. In the end, Schuman is just thankful for the friendships that he’s made while crafting this race-ready rocket.
