I love wagons. Like, I REALLY love wagons. I don’t know, but there’s just something about wagons that really tickle my fancy. Oddly enough, one of my favorite wagons is the 2005 and newer Subaru Legacy/Outback. The lines, the aggressive front end, it just has that classic, Subie wagon look just modernized for the 21st century. Then there’s the owner of this particular one, Jay Stellato from Pennsylvania. He’s the type of enthusiast that I would get along with easily. You see, he’s not in the game for the competition or to to one-up someone. He built this car because he wanted to try something different and have fun since that’s what this whole hobby is about, having fun (since a lot of people seem to have forgotten that). The result of Jay’s fun is probably one of the most shared Subaru Outbacks ever, and the car that won Best Static Fitment at First Class Fitment last year. Now we’ve bagged (haha, see what I did there?) a feature to share with you of his new setup for 2013. Keep reading, it’s worth it.
Photos By: Eric Dowd exclusively for StanceNation.com
Now, when most people think of Subaru, they think of the rally heritage. On the coasts, that has changed a bit with slammed Subarus being aplenty, but where I’m from, the frozen-tundra commonly called Minnesota, Subaru enthusiasts are pretty stuck to their ways of their cars’ rally-bred pedigree. So, a car such a Jay’s would create quite a stir here, but Jay’s car has created a stir everywhere. Whether it’s because someone thinks he ruined it, or made it the coolest wagon ever, it doesn’t really matter to Jay because he’s just having fun with his car. What really struck me when I was reading the notes about this feature was Jay’s attitude. When asked what his favorite thing about the car was, he responded,
My favorite aspect of this car is that I know it’s different in itself. I don’t really have to worry about going to meets or shows, and having someone pull up next to me with the same look. It’s just a really good way for me to express myself individually. I’ve never agreed with building cars for the competition — to be better than someone else. That being said, I’ve never done anything with this car to get “ahead” of anyone else. Because the Outback is an unusual and very uncommon platform, I like to think of it as setting myself — “aside”
Those are the words of a person who “gets it.” I really think that a lot of people in today’s scene are in it simply to out-do someone or are just too competitive about everything. There’s a fine line between using someone else’s car as motivation to just trying to one-up them to be lower, or have more aggressive wheels, or some other stupid reason. It’s nice to see that someone still remembers that he got into this scene because he loves cars and wanted to do something different. There were no build threads Jay could call upon to help through his build, and no, “fitment OGs,” to coach him through it. “In my opinion, that’s more than half the fun,” comments Jay.
Okay, enough of my ramblings about the scene and such and onto this beautiful car. As mentioned, Jay picked the Outback to set himself apart from the typical Subaru choices, and boy does this car stand out. We all like low cars and this Subie wagon gets down with the best of them. After initially running coils, Jay has recently switched to air, but he has an interesting take on why he switched.
My choice from moving from static to air suspension may be a bit controversial, so I will elaborate on that. I’ve always enjoyed wildly-fitted static cars, but craved the convenience of air suspension. However, I’ve always considered air to be a privilege, for whatever reason. For me, personally, I told myself I had to go through that painstaking stage of driving an impractical, and sometimes impossible, static-low car, before bagging it. Doing that helped me develop a genuine appreciation for the wheel-fitment scene and all the enthusiasts that really push the limits. There’s an unmatchable sense of accomplishment in driving your car hours to shows/events, parking it at the same height, and having people ask if you’re on air, if you’re not.
Some strong, interesting words indeed, but then again, Jay is definitely an enthusiast that understands what’s going on, and has an open mind and genuine appreciation for the different schools of low. After ‘paying his dues’ rolling static, Jay called upon the air-ride gurus at BagRiders to sort out a solution for the uncommon Outback platform. After lots of brainstorming and prototyping, the fine gents over at BagRiders delivered in spectacular fashion. Air Lift bags sit on GR Impreza front and rear air struts while Legacy top hats and lower mounts ensure everything stays bolted to the chassis. Autopilot V2 management controls the ride-height while a single, Viair 400cc compressor, 5-gallon tank, and 1/4″ lines keep the air supply steady and consistent. Other suspension goodies to tighten up the chassis and provide some more adjustment come courtesy of Whiteline performance.
Last year at First Class Fitment when his car was still on coilovers, Jay was sporting a set of Work Equips that looked absolutely amazing on the car (enough to wow the judges and pick up Best Static Fitment). When he switched over to air, Jay decided it was time to change up the wheels even though it would require a pretty stunning set of wheels to best the Equips. Jay called up VIP Modular Wheels to sort out a new set, and like usual, they delivered.
The VXS-210 is an inspired design, but one that I like a lot. I’m a big fan of full-face wheels and Jay’s Outback pull off the wheel very well. Spec’d out with brushed centers, 4.5″ stepped lips, and chrome bolts, and coming in at 18×9.5 all around with offsets in the negative ET range, they fill up the Subie’s fenders nicely and achieve that “perfect fit” fender-on-lip fitment when aired out.
The interior and exterior remain fairly untouched to keep with the car’s subtle appearance. Although, Jay doesn’t really need to do much to make this car stand out than he already has. On the outside you will find a S204 front lip, painted grille center, and painted headlight housings. Inside, things are just as simple with an ’06 black leather interior swap, Blox shift knob, leather wrapped trunk liner, and LED lighting. An important note to make about the car that most will over look is the fact that this Outback is already pretty limited to begin with being a 5spd, turbo, Limited model. Like this car needs any more to make it stand apart from the rest, haha.
Jay really has done a fantastic job of taking an already rare wagon and making it entirely his own (and spawning a few more people to go down the wagon route). Despite there being more Subie wagons out and about, Jay isn’t concerned with staying ahead of the curve. He’s just in it for the fun and because he likes his car. It’s his car. There may be some like it, but none quite like his. He’ll just keep on doing his thing and enjoying his car and showing it around. Jay definitely gets it, and more people should take note and remember; we’re all in this because we love cars. Have fun.
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[toggle_item title=”Wheels/Tires/Suspension” active=”true”]Wheels/Tires:
VIP Modular VXS-210 // 18×9.5 -ets
Brushed Centers, Polished 4.5″ Stepped-lips, Chrome Bolts
Falken Ziex 912 // 215/35/18
Muteki SR48 Black Open Ended Lugs & Locks
Suspension:
Custom Airlift Kit via BagRiders
GR Impreza Front Air Strut
GR Impreza Rear Air Strut
Legacy Top Hat & Lower Mount
AutoPilot V2 Management
Viair 400C / 5 Gallon Tank / 1/4″ Line
Whiteline Roll Center Kit
Whiteline Anit-Lift Kit
Whiteline Rear Toe/Camber Arms
Legacy GT Lateral Links[/toggle_item]
[toggle_item title=”Exterior” active=”false”]S204 Front Lip
Painted Grille Center
Painted Headlight Housing
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[toggle_item title=”Interior” active=”false”]’06 Black Leather Interior Swap
Blox 490LE Shift Knob
Leather Wrapped Trunk Liner
White LED Interior Lighting[/toggle_item]
[toggle_item title=”Shout-Out” active=”false”]Definitely want to give a huge thanks to the guys at Bag Riders. Their dedication and patience really made this phase for my car possible. If anyone’s interested in seeking air suspension, feel free to contact me (or BR) directly, and I’ll personally have Bag Riders take care of you. Also VIP Modular for hooking it up with these wheels! They kill it — awesome product and customer service — I couldn’t be any happier with my experience there. My good homie Zack from Sudz Auto Spa killed it on this detail, he does awesome work. Eric Dowd’s a magician behind a lens, thanks for these photos, and Stancenation for this opportunity! WFC and Dapper Fam! Most importantly I’d like to thank my friends who’ve willingly lent a helping hand on the car, and my family and girlfriend for putting up with me throughout this process! Thanks all![/toggle_item]
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