BOXERFEST 2016

As we passed signs for Owings Mills, MD off of interstate 695, I recalled the last time I was in this general area for a Subaru meet. It was some 17 years prior for the infamous "22B Motorweek" meet, when Subaru of America graciously allowed the automobile review show, Motorweek(located in Owings Mills), to do a review on their own Impreza WRX STi 22B. But, not only did they allow the show to test what many consider to be the Holy Grail of Subarus, they invited a bunch of us Subaru enthusiasts to come see the car in person. There were probably 30 of us there, quite a large meet for that era,  most driving the still fairly new Impreza RS, me in my 1991 Legacy Sport Sedan. We were just a few young guys passionate about our Subarus.

I never left the Subaru scene, but scouring the internet for all the newest and coolest parts and swapping turbochargers and suspension pieces had been placed way on the back burner for raising kids, building a house, and commuting back and forth to school and sporting events throughout the years. But somewhere along the line, my now 14 year old son became a car nut. Credit Gran Turismo, credit the endless car shows on tv nowadays, credit youtube, credit whoever, but he loves his performance cars, particularly Subarus. While we have been to a few local car shows, he hasn't seen many of the jaw dropping "internet" cars up close and personal. This year, Boxerfest, one of the country's largest all-Subaru gatherings, was moved to Sunday, May 1st, which was perfect since I work most Saturdays. A quick check on Google Maps showed less than a three hour trip from central PA so we were set! My wife and I packed up our 10 and 14 year old boys, grabbed some snacks and off we went to Boxerfest 2016!

The weather report looked pretty lousy all week for FedEx Field in Landover, MD, site of the event. But, no matter. We all had rain gear and umbrellas and it was on a paved parking lot so no worries of walking through mud all day. The entire way down, it rained, but our boys had fun watching for "modded" Subarus coming up behind us and watching and listening to them drive by, as there were plenty enthusiasts taking the same path to Boxerfest from PA as we were:

 "Wow, did you see that one?!" 

 "Here comes another one! Put your window down so we could hear it!",

 "Go faster, Dad, so we can follow him!"

Ummm no, we're good.

Upon arriving at FedEx Field, we saw a group of 30 or 40 Subarus sitting to the right of the entrance road. My kids were amazed at all of the Subarus in one place, but I thought, "Surely, there is more to Boxerfest than this". We turned around and canvased the area and that is when we saw the "main" parking and show area. Speechless is the only word that comes to mind. As we drove into the parking lot, our heads couldn't turn fast enough and our eyes couldn't focus quick enough on the hundreds and hundreds of Subarus lined from one side of the lot to the next. Everywhere you looked, one more modified than the last. Bugeyes, Hawkeyes, Legacies, Bajas, Crosstreks, GCs, GRs, narrow bodies, Hyper Blues, Launch Editions, you name it. If you were a Subaru enthusiast and you were within driving distance, you NEEDED to be at Boxerfest.

While my wife and kids were excited to get to the show and vendor areas, honestly, I could have walked up and down the lanes of the parking lot for hours just seeing all of the different variations of Subarus that were in attendance. Boxerfest put together a great "goody bag" with tons of stickers, calendars, coupons, pens, keychains, and all sorts of trinkets. Subaru of America was there with the STi Concept BRZ and plenty of freebies they were handing out as well, including a super cool Boxerfest Badge of Ownership icon for attendees as well. They also had a Subaru Rally Team walk-through trailer with lots of pictures and free posters and such and a "Super Production" class STi rally car that my boys got to sit in which was a highlight for both! 

The big names in the Subaru aftermarket were on display as well with companies such as Cobb Tuning, IAG, Grimmspeed, and KillerB Motorsports to name a few and the car show and autocross gave the audience hours of viewing pleasure. There were some fully built cars there that were jaw-dropping. The amount of detail in every aspect of the car and the time and money that the owners put into them would have been absolutely unthinkable 17 years ago when a 20mm rear sway bar was THE upgrade to have. The Subaru scene has grown exponentially over that time, in ways most of us who were involved in the 1990s would have never dreamed of.

But, despite it's growth, the core of the Subaru enthusiast remains the same. As neat as it is to see the fully built "Gran Turismo" cars, the vast majority of the hundreds of Subarus there were simply the daily drivers of the owners who remain passionate about his or her Subaru, where upgrading a rear sway bar or installing a new set of springs over the weekend with some buddies still makes for some of the best times a car guy can have. It's what makes us Subaru enthusiasts. The desire to make the car we love a little better in our own unique ways. Yet I'm sure the question still gets asked from time to time, "Why would you do that to a Subaru?" Simply put, it's a "Subie thing", and if you have to ask, as the saying goes,  you really wouldn't understand.

There is one other constant that has been with the Subaru enthusiasts throughout almost two decades and that is Subaru of America themselves. I have been an enthusiast since before it's infancy here in the US and I watched Subaru of America's view of us grow and accept us as a legitimate customer base of their company. They have reached out and have been a part of virtually every aspect of the Subaru performance market in this country from rallying to road racing to drag racing to autocross, to meets with thousands of Subaru fans at giant venues, they have treated us the same way they did when it was only 30 of us in a parking lot 17 years ago, and for that I thank them.

As for my gang, our road trip to Boxerfest was a success! We talked about and scanned through pictures the whole way home, each "building" our dream Subie out loud with what wheels we would have, what color it would be, what year and what style we would want...it was a fun ride back to central PA. My 14 year old already plans on saving up for a 2002-2003 "Bugeye" WRX, maybe some JDM projector headlights, a nice set of wheels, a decent exhaust to let out the rumble a little. I mean...

it's for the kid...

really....

it is.

It's not my fault he has good taste in cars.






 

For more central PA Subaru news and info, like us on facebook at Subaru Fans of Central PA !

Let Your Subie Breeeeaaathh!

Springtime in central PA can be beautiful. Everything begins to bloom and add color back into the outdoors. The temperatures begin to climb and the days are staying lighter much longer. Good times! But, for some of us, the usual spring arrivals such as pollen, fresh cut grass and other organic debris, and lots of flying bugs begin to make an appearance all over and make things a bit of a pain.

You know who else thinks all of these things are a pain and keeps it from performing it's best? Yes, your dog too, but that's not the answer I was looking for...

Your Subaru!

Specifically, your Subaru's engine. Gas engines are nothing more than an air pump. The air mixes with fuel and combusts, thus making power to push pistons up and down and eventually move your wheels. But, your engine is a fickle chap. It likes operating within its parameters given to it by our Subaru engineers in Japan and it HATES dirt. HATES IT!  Solution?  A filtering device to rid the air of all the foreign debris before your engine ingests it. An air filter! Perfect! 

Yes, an air filter is a must on virtually any gasoline powered engine, even your lawnmower has one(great, now you're going to have to change that one, too. You're welcome.). But, an air filter will filter enough junk out of the air to the point where it is "filled up", and less air will be able to be ingested into your engine. Remember those parameters I mentioned a minute ago? Yes indeed. Your Subaru likes its parameters. You see, among thousands and thousands of formulas and ratios and percentages your Subaru's computer is computing every nano-second, the amount of air being sucked in by the engine is one of them. Your Subaru knows if you step on the gas pedal "this much", then "this much" air will be coming into the engine and it needs to provide "this much" fuel to keep everything running smoothly. Now, the computer can compensate for slight variations due to many factors, one being...you guessed it, a dirty air filter. But, by compensating, your computer says, 

"I'll keep this motor runnin' for ya, but I gotta kick the power back a little, and your gas mileage might take a bit of a hit, too. Hey, what do ya want from me? Change the air filter, rockhead. It ain't that hard!"

 So, yes, your car will run with a dirty filter, probably good enough that you really don't notice it on a day to day basis. But little by little, you may start noticing a drop in mpg or a little loss in power on some of the hills on your daily commute.

Thankfully, changing your air filter is inexpensive, is a relatively quick job, maybe 15 minutes of your first time, and it will have your Subie running back at its peak performance. Now, chances are because your car will compensate for a dirty filter, when you replace your dirty one with a fresh filter, you are not going to notice some incredible performance increase or start getting 70 mpg, credit those Subaru engineers for keeping the engine running good under all conditions. But, take comfort in knowing that your Subaru's engine will indeed run better and more efficient by being maintained properly, including a fresh air filter.

So, now you are asking yourself, "OK, so how long does it take for a filter to call it quits?". Good question. Now, Subaru says every 30,000 miles. But...and that's a big but...they also say you should replace it more often under dusty conditions. Kind of a round-about way of saying replace it every 30,000 miles if you drive in a bubble, but you might want to check it more often. Have a look at this air filter at 15,000 miles:

A lot of  junk can accumulate in 15000 miles!

It's had it. And don't be a cheapo and try to clean the bugs out. Replace the filter.

The cost of an OEM(Original Equipment Manufacturer) Subaru air filter is usually less than $30. I don't think it's out of the question, especially around here in central PA, to just make a point of replacing it every year. We all probably spend $30 a year on stuff that is meaningless, so at least this is actually going to something well worth it. And considering that the $30 air filter is protecting an engine worth thousands of dollars, its a no brainer.

Now, what air filter to get and where to get it, and what about those air filters that you just clean and they give you more power and more gas mileage and more.....Easy kid. One thing at a time. First off, my opinion will never waiver from this...nothing fits as good as OEM. I would always recommend paying a bit more for OEM Subaru parts whenever possible. There are some exceptions from time to time, but they are just that, exceptions. Can you go to one of the big box stores and grab a filter made to fit your car and save a few bucks? Sure you can. But, be aware that those aftermarket filters do not make a different size filter for every single car on the road. The filter for your car may be a fraction of a millimeter off in exact size due to that filter being able to fit 15 other cars if they make it a touch smaller or larger. That could mean the difference between a perfect fit and trouble free install, or not. But, the choice is yours.

The "renewable" air filters that claim an increase in horsepower and mpg, well, I revert back to the parameters set in the factory computer. Even if the filter does allow more air in, the computer will only compensate for so much. There are countless performance shops that have dyno'ed Subarus before and after hi-flow air filters, and on an otherwise stock Subaru, gains were virtually nothing.

Toss in the fact that you need the cleaning kit, then you must wait for the filter to dry completely before re-oiling and suddenly the oem filters don't look so bad. But again, the choice is yours.

Regardless, keeping your Subaru's engine breathing as free as possible with a clean air filter is one way to ensure endless miles of problem-free driving, and you won't have your car's computer calling you names under it's own breath!

For more posts about local Subaru stuff, like us on facebook at Subaru Fans of Central PA

Our Subarus and Snow Tires.

Yes, you own a Subaru, or you are thinking about owning a Subaru, right? You have fantastic taste in automobiles! Winter is right around the corner and we live in central PA, so one can argue that you have, arguably, the best vehicle for the next four months you could possibly have.

But....while the Subaru engineers perform wizardry with their AWD system, it ultimately starts with traction, and that is literally where the rubber meets the road...as in tires.

Virtually all car manufacturers choose an all-season tire to equip their vehicles. These tires are adequate to use all year around in rain, light snow, hot summer heat and everything in between. However if there is one figure of speech that could best describe all-season tires, its, "Jack of All Trades-Master of None". Tire performance is based off of many different criteria and it is just impossible to compose an all-season tire to handle as well in the summer as a true summer tire or deal with ice, slush, snow, and arctic-like temperatures in the winter as a true winter tire. Impossible. With a true summer tire, while offering superior traction and handling characteristics over an all-season tire, its benefits are not so apparent to most of the driving masses and are usually reserved for performance cars. But a true winter tire's benefits can be seen by anyone who has driven a car through a central PA winter. The problem? Most drivers have never done so. All-season tires have gotten them by...until they don't.

When many think of winter tires, they think of big, hunky, tires on the rear wheels of most cars from the 50's and 60's when there was snow on the ground from November until April. But, as virtually everything has changed in the last 60 years, so have snow tires. Front-wheel drive's popularity rise in the 70's and 80's and the convenience of only having to use one set of tires all year long had hid snow tires in our memory in the category of  "things our grandparents used" next to wash boards and black and white TVs. The truth is winter tires have made huge advances in technology over the last few decades. They are quieter, handle, and perform better than ever before. Thankfully, more and more drivers are becoming educated on the importance of winter tires, whether they are going on a front, rear, or all wheel drive vehicle.

A General Altimax Artic(Left) next to the OEM Dunlop
summer tire(Right) from a 2015 WRX

A winter tire's magic lies in it's compound. There are plenty of sites that go into great scientific detail about what makes a winter tire a winter tire, but we are going to make a very long story short(er). As the temperatures fall in the 40's and below, the rubber compound in your tire begins to harden. The colder the temps drop the harder the tire gets. As your tire hardens, it's ability to "stick" and conform to the road decreases greatly and you ultimately begin to lose traction. Now, throw in some snow and your loss of traction becomes amplified until your Subaru, no matter how fantastic it is, is unable to accelerate, turn, or slow down and stop. In fact, it's isn't just snow that is a danger. A cold November rain with temperatures hovering around freezing can be equally as troublesome as your all-season tires continue to harden into hockey pucks. As previously mentioned, winter tires will stay softer longer in sub-freezing temperatures and continue to maintain traction when you need it most. The tread patterns are also designed for snow/slush and channeling water away, which is extremely important because with all of the plows and salt agents that PennDot uses in our area, we actually spend much more time driving on wet, slushy roads in the winter than we do on completely snow covered roads. The tire companies know this and design their tires accordingly. Simply stated, a proper winter tire will enhance every single drivetrain safety feature of your Subaru, from the anti-lock brakes, to the all wheel drive system, to the precise handling, all to keep you and your family safer.

A Subaru Forester on a dedicated winter wheel/tire combo(photo courtesy of subaruforester.org)

All that being said, there are a few drawbacks to winter tires. You cannot drive them all year long. I mean, you could, but due to their softer compounds, they would wear very very quickly in the summer months. They would not handle as well or be quite as quiet as your normal all-season tires. So, with that, you have two options: 1. Have your winter tires mounted every November and unmounted come spring time, or 2. Purchase your winter tires already mounted and balanced on dedicated "winter" wheels(as shown above), then just swap the wheels out come fall and spring. Both are added expenses, but since you will be using winter tires for 5 months out of the year, your normal summer or all-season tires will last twice as long! If you currently own a 2011 or newer WRX or any WRX STi, they came equipped with summer-only tires which, to put it bluntly, are absolutely dangerous to drive in winter conditions and would be a mistake if dedicated winter tires are not used in their place.

In the end, it comes down to how much driving you do during our winter months and how confident you are in your current tires abilities to give you the best and safest option of getting you where you need to go this winter. But, I can say from personal experience, it only takes one time of all-season tires not being able to perform as they should to realize just how fantastic a true winter tire works on your Subaru to make any drawbacks seem incredibly irrelevant.

Contact your local Subaru parts department for more information on purchasing and installing winter tires. Many of the Subaru dealerships also work with bigger tire suppliers such as Tire Rack( www.tirerack.com ) so if you should find a tire you like, chances are your Subaru dealer can get it for you. Expect to pay around $130-$150 a tire plus installation costs. But when you spread the cost over the life of the tires, it is a very small price to pay for the added safety and security your Subaru and your winter tires will now give you and your family this season!

Stay connected with other Subaru owners and dealerships in central PA at Subaru Fans of Central PA on Facebook!

Check Your Battery Lately?

That time is upon us, central PA Subarites; Winter time!  Uggghhh. Even though I've been driving a Subaru forever, I hate the snow and cold, absolutely hate it. Sure the first part of "winter" is exciting; We get Halloween, then a few weeks later Thanksgiving rolls around, and then in another month? Christmas!!! And a week later, New Years Eve which is always a fun time or at the very least, a day off on New Year's Day. Then.....three months of blah! Cold, snow, ice, sleet, go to work in the dark, come home in the dark, layers upon layers upon layers of clothing, spending 30 minutes to dress your kids to play outside or go sleigh riding, only for them to come back in five minutes later because it's too cold, no t-shirts out in the sun to warm our skin. Yes, central PA is not known for being forgiving during winter.

But, one thing that will make all of those things even worse? Hearing the dreaded "click-click-click-click" when you go to start your Subaru. And depending on the weather and situation, could be down right dangerous!

If your battery is five years or older, consider purchasing a new one. While cold temps put a very big drain on your battery and is most likely where a wearing battery will start to show it's age, a battery is slowly being used up all year round. Hot temperatures as well as long periods of time between use will also take it's toll. So, take no chances and keep your Subaru fully charged with a healthy battery!

Now that we know a new battery is in order, which one should we buy? Should we just go to the local garage or "Super Center" grocery store that has an automotive department and trust they know what's best? Surely they are "cheaper" than buying a genuine Subaru battery from a dealership, right? Right?

Not so fast my friend! First off, there are literally hundreds of batteries to choose from, but what is worse, in many cases, an incorrect battery could actually be fitted and hooked up...incorrectly...without you ever knowing it, until more problems arise that is! Cranking amps, dimensions, location of the positive and negative posts are just some of the things to consider when buying the correct battery. And, chances are one or both of your battery terminals could also be ready for a change. The terminals are genuine Subaru parts. Most garages and service centers will use a "one size fits all" generic terminal to replace the original Subaru ones your car came with. Again, it's possible these will work, but anything from dangerously stretched battery cables to loose/sloppy fitting terminals have been seen with aftermarket terminals. Changing a battery could be a real drag.

But you know who can make fast, safe, affordable work of changing your battery? Your local Subaru dealer!!! One quick trip to the Subaru dealer will not only get you the EXACT, perfect fitting, correct specification Genuine Subaru battery, but should they see any other problems while in there such as the previously mentioned battery terminals, they will have the genuine Subaru terminals on hand to make sure you get the most out of your new battery AND it is installed safely and correctly!!! In most cases, a battery installation could be done in under 30 minutes.

But the dealership is soooo much more expensive!!! Really? Have you been there lately? Subaru OEM(Original Equipment Manufacturer) Subaru parts are VERY comparable to even the big chain automotive stores. Plus, there are zero questions if you got the right parts or not. Absolutely no aftermarket parts, even the best ones, can match the factory fit and finish of Genuine Subaru parts for your Subaru. None.

So please do yourself and your Subie a favor and stop down at your local dealership for a new Genuine Subaru battery before it's too late. Aftermarket batteries are NOT the same, nor is anyone as qualified to work on your Subaru like the factory trained Subaru technicians and your dealership. There are plenty of other things to worry about this winter, your Subaru starting each and every time you need it to should not be one of them!