Over the past week I was able to work with my eldest son (17) and install a a bunch of new components on my 2023 Sport-Tech.

\- STi Short Shifter

\- COBB Shifter Stop

\- STi Shift Knob

\- COBB Shifter Bushing

\- STi Transmission Mount (Group N)

\- Whiteline Transmission Crossmember Bushings

\- STi Pitch Stop (Group N)

Installation of all of these was pretty straightforward, and I immediately noticed significant improvement with shifter feel with the STi Short Shifter and COBB Shifter Stop. Much tighter to cycle through gears, and notchy in a good way. I’m very happy with this upgrade.

With the Group N components and Whiteline Bushings, NVH did noticeably increase for me. I think once things “break-in” it should improve a bit in that regard, but will say the added “stiffness” seemed to take away any rocking, particularly going 1st to 2nd. I have plans to do sound deadening in the future (doors, trunk, floor), and assume that will help reduce some of that added NVH.

I installed a bunch of other parts to amp up comfort and convenience in the car, stuff I probably would have added had I bought the car new (I got this one in August 2025 as a CPO with 12,000kms on it).

\- LED Lightbulbs (Diode Dynamics) throughout

\- Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and HomeLink

\- Auto-dimming Sideview Mirrors with Approach Lighting 

\- Illuminated Side Sill Plates (WRX logo)

\- Door Sill Protectors (WeatherTech)

\- Cargo Liner

\- Rear Seat Back Protectors

\- STi Door Cup Protectors

\- Door Scuff Protectors

Install of all of these things went very smoothly, and without issue. LED bulbs make a huge difference for my aging eyes, and the Homelink Mirror is one of those features that makes a lot of sense if you have a garage door opener or other device you need a remote of fob to open. The other “durability mods” are  mostly to satisfy my OCD, with the WeatherTech Door Sill Protectors being a very nice fit that appears OEM. 

Still a lot of snow, sand and salt in the roads here where I am, and since I had the car parked for the winter this year, I’m just going to wait a few more weeks before getting it out full-time.

Cheers folks!

Drivetrain Upgrades Completed, and other things