wrx

Interested in picking up our 2008-2014 WRX/STi overflow tank? Check out our discounted pre-sale linked below.

2008-2014 Subaru WRX aluminum overflow tank pre-sale!

We last left you with some details of our initial design and a hint of an upcoming pre-sale for this overflow tank. Unfortunately, since that initial test fit we hit a few snags in the design process. Our goal with this product is to provide compatible fitment with all our other 2008+ WRX and STi components. This required numerous stages of test fitting, one of which revealed an issue. With our larger 3-row X-Line aluminum radiator installed, our sight tube on this expansion tank design ended up too close to the belt drive system on our Subaru.

We decided a revision was necessary. Although the two components were not physically touching, the clearances were just too tight for our comfort. Luckily, our team had an alternate means of measuring fluid within the tank. This comes in the form of a dipstick!

Check out a few 3D models

We're back with another quick update on our TGV delete project for the 2015+ WRX. After designing our initial models and then 3D-printing a prototype for test fitting, we worked up a couple functional prototypes for on-car testing.

First Prototype Images

Check out a few images of our functional prototype deletes!

Mishimoto's 2015 WRX TGV delete prototypes

Mishimoto's 2015 WRX TGV delete prototypes

As you can see, we have two different prototypes. Although the shape and design are the same, these prototypes are composed of different materials. The polished unit is a CNC-machined aluminum piece. The black prototype is machined from Delrin, a thermoplastic material.

We want to explore any differences in intake temperatures provided by the alternate materials. As you can imagine, thermoplastic has very low thermal conduction properties, meaning it is less likely to heat-soak and is more resistant to heat transfer. That said, the surface area that actually comes into contact with the internal

3D-Printed Prototypes

To confirm the dimensions and design of our prototype, we decided to utilize some of our rapid prototyping tools. We fired up our 3D printer and loaded the model. Check out a couple images showing the progress of the print.

3D-printing 2015 WRX parts

3D-printing 2015 WRX parts

Once the printing process was complete, we cleaned up the prototypes and installed them on our 2015 WRX to verify fitment.

3D-printed 2015 WRX parts

3D-printed 2015 WRX TGV delete installed

You will notice these prototypes include a rear flange to attach to the TGV solenoid. We experimented with a design that retains the flange, in order to bolt the stock solenoids in place for visual inspection purposes. After evaluating this setup, we decided the flange was unnecessary and removed it from the design. Our two functional prototypes will be more similar to our original 3D models.

Coming up - Functional Prototypes

With fitment confirmed, we began working up a couple functional prototypes for product

It's been nearly two years since our first 2015 WRX development vehicle rolled into the shop. We've had a lot of fun with the car, and our team has developed a multitude of awesome components to aid in cooling, elevate power, and improve styling. Our product line is essentially complete, meaning we are done wrenching on our WRX. This is bitter sweet, as we will be picking up another vehicle to start the process once again. Before shipping out the WRX, we had one more project up our sleeves to extract a touch more power.

With our existing modifications, including our downpipe, intake, and cat-back exhaust system, most customers are making in the neighborhood of 290 whp and 310 wtq. Not bad for some simple bolt-on modifications and ECU tuning. We've been eyeing TGV modifications and have seen the impressive effects on Subarus from previous model years. We decided to open up the intake system on our 2015 to see if we could design a delete system that would deliver a few extra ponies.

Stock

It has been a while since we have updated this project, but we now have something for our WRX community!

The brief data report below shows our gains with this race intake project and our baseline was a fully stock 2015 WRX with no upgrade or aftermarket tune. The numbers are quite high due to the upgrades already installed on the WRX during testing. These upgrades included our Mishimoto:

• Downpipe
• Cat-Back Exhaust
• Front-Mount Intercooler
• Custom Engine tune

WRX intake dyno testing

WRX parts - dyno results

The graph above shows that the race intake coupled with the Mishimoto upgrades netted peak gains of about 77hp with 88ft-lb of torque, and max gains of about 86hp and 98ft-lb of torque against a fully stock WRX. Considering the vehicle's bolt-on additions and custom tune, we were expecting big gains. Of course, such large gains are possible only with the installed upgrades, but our intake and a proper tune contributed as well.

Regardless of any bolt-on upgrades, it is important to note that

Interested in purchasing one of our new shift knob designs? Check out more product details at the link below!

Mishimoto Shift Knobs

We've brought you two prototype designs thus far, and now we have one more weighted shift knob ready to pull from our knapsack and present to the public. These three designs are displayed in order from wild to mild, with our third design representing a more traditional shape. Hopefully, one of our new designs is something you could see yourself grabbing ahold of while ripping through some gears.

3D Models

As with our other designs, this life also began as a 3D model. Our Solidworks wizards went to work and quickly transformed an idea from sketches to a rendering. Check it out!

Prototype weighted shift knob rendering

Prototype weighted shift knob rendering

As indicated by the name, the general shape is in the form of a teardrop, which provides a nice ergonomic feel.

Check out the Mishimoto logo laser etched on top!

Prototype weighted shift knob rendering

This

Interested in purchasing one of our new shift knob designs? Check out more product details at the link below!

Mishimoto Shift Knobs

We promised there would be more! Our first design presented Wednesday was pretty slick, and this next design is all about ergonomics and comfort. Not only did the design team work on the aesthetics, but we also spent some time ensuring that the feel of this knob would be ideal for slamming into gears while keeping your eyes pinned to the road.

Initial Design Rendering

As with our other weighted shift knob, this one also started in the 3D world. Check out a couple SolidWorks models showing the initial shape.

Mishimoto pistol grip shifter knob rendering

Mishimoto pistol grip shifter knob rendering

This design is not quite as bold as the last one, but it still certainly makes a statement.

Mishimoto pistol grip shifter knob rendering

3D-Printed Prototype Testing

Testing? What are we testing with a shift knob? We put together a few different grip styles with differences

Interested in purchasing one of our new shift knob designs? Check out more product details at the link below!

Mishimoto Shift Knobs

Not all our projects involve in-depth data, heat-transfer calculations, or metal fabrication. From time to time our engineering team collaborates with our talented creative team to develop awesome accessories for your ride. These upgrades might not add power or drop temperatures, but they can surely improve the driving experience and offer an improvement in styling.

In addition to the collaboration work, each design was created by a different member of our team. If you know any of these people, you might see where the designs reflect their personalities quite a bit.

Weighted Shift Knob

Our first unique design is likely to find its way into the vehicle of someone seeking a bolder look. This design started life in the 3D world as a SolidWorks model.

Mishimoto Weighted Shift Knob 3D rendering

Keep in mind, the design above represents numerous revisions and adjustments