The daily grind of car and lifestyle forums arguing back and forth about Flushness vs. Function has been going on for quite sometime now, but I think individuals are forgetting the fundamentals of where these roots were formed.

The racer inspiration of our hero’s cars has sweep through all of our dreams and in many cases we have tried to implement these inspirations to become reality on our own cars. Whether it is an F1 champion, a touring car champion, rally champion and of late, drift champion, we push our cars to become closer to that inspiration.

Increasing the width of wheels to increase the tracking of a car is something that has been around since the eve of car racing. The next point is to improve the handling and dropping of the car to make it more rigid and keeping it closer to earth. As the tracking width and traction increases, the world has now become that little more closer to your undercarriage and each guard becomes threatened with every turn of the wheel. Now…a small part of your idol has come to life.

Now I realize these comments may ruffle some people’s opinions, but to me flushness and function can work together. I feel that the only thing different in being low and flush and having function is that the world has been modified to stop us. However, Harris’ STI brings both of these to reality by being driven daily and rolling solidly in both worlds.

The Subaru’s guards hold their breath on each bump and turn as the 18×9.5 Rotas all round keep it going to its destination. The Racing Logic coilovers make it all possible for this ride to exist in both dimensions.

The rest of the body remains somewhat untouched. The classic body lines and STI extras have remained on the car to keep it close to the cult classic it is.

The function of driving this car daily in our part of the world is always an adventure. We have thousands of speed humps, potholes so big that a second installment of Alice in Wonderland could actually happen, our properties’ kerbs hate anything lower then stock, and a trip to the local shopping centre could mean parking out on the street. Even a visit to the fuel station is always planned by only the entry and exit. Like I said, at times if feels that the world has been modified against us.

The daily grind to the office and then home is always quick for RYD35 though. Blue tac in your cup holders to hold that morning coffee in place is required with the increased power delivered by the 650cc injectors, 600hp Fuel pump and SARD regulator and fully optioned Autronic ECU with launch control. The temperature is kept down by the GReddy front mount and the engine is monitored by a full set of Defi Gauges. The morning sleepy red eyed car commuters snap there necks and are rudely awoken from there comatosed state by the Full 3 ½ inch custom made turbo back exhaust. As they say, just another day to the office.

It was a sad day shooting the STI for Harris as it was getting picked up by the new owner the next day. There were plenty of adventures in this STI and we all hope that the new owner continues to roll the same.

:. Byron Hayes

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