The Proving Ground - Roo Racing Motorsports

Proven on the Stage. Built for the Street.

At Roo Racing, we believe the best R&D doesn't happen in a lab. It happens at redline. We proudly support local drivers who push the Subaru platform to its absolute limits. From the dust of gravel rally stages to the precision of tarmac hillclimbs, our ambassadors provide the feedback that shapes the parts we provide.

Liam & Brett – Gravel Rally

Vehicle: 2001 Subaru Impreza RS
Discipline: State & Club Level Gravel Rally

Rally is the most brutal environment for a chassis. Liam and Brett take their 2001 Impreza RS into the heart of the forest, where suspension, cooling, and hardware reliability are the difference between a podium and a DNF.

Jade – Tarmac & Hillclimb

Vehicle: 2007 Subaru WRX (GD/Hawkeye)
Discipline: Tarmac Rally & Hillclimb Events

On the tarmac, precision is everything. Jade’s Hawkeye WRX is built for high-G cornering and late-braking performance. Competing in hillclimbs requires a cooling system and braking setup that can handle extreme heat cycles in short, intense bursts.

Aoi Tori

“Built for an audience of one.”

In the Subaru world, it’s easy to get lost in the noise of big numbers and public approval. But for Matt, the individual behind the enigmatic Aoi Tori (@aoitoriwrx), the 2010 MY11 WRX in World Rally Blue isn’t a status symbol—it’s a tangible representation of personal growth and meticulous intent.

The Q&A: Inside the Cockpit

What is your favorite thing about the car? "The cabin. It’s your workshop when you’re driving; your connection to the car. Every touchpoint matters—from the DamD steering wheel and Defi gauges to the specific shifter feel. Outside, it’s the details: the chrome SSRs that brought new life to the build, and my discontinued JDM Valenti tail lights. I’m 90% sure Valenti bought OEM housings and retrofitted them, leaving a clean, 'stock-esque' look that’s incredibly rare. I only know of about three other sets in Australia."

What part of the build makes you most proud? "It’s not a physical part; it’s the journey. Aoi is a representation that you can shape your reality. Over four years, this car has changed as I have changed. Seeing how far we’ve both grown is what brings me the most pride."

What has been the most challenging aspect? "The learning curve. I didn’t know much about cars when I started. Being completely out of my depth led to a great deal of knowledge. Getting my hands dirty has been a wonderful challenge, though I always leave the critical jobs to the professionals."

What does the future hold? "Refining. After the 2025 engine build, it’s about supporting changes. I recently added 2018 STi Brembos—not because I 'needed' them for the power, but because safety is paramount. If you have more 'Go,' you need better 'Stop.' Now, I just want to re-engage with the experience of driving and maybe explore some casual track days or roll racing."

The Story: From Overheating to Overcoming

By late 2024, the signs were there. Head gasket issues were worsening, and Aoi had become a "no-boost" daily driver just to stay alive. In early 2025, the inevitable happened: the coolant temps spiked to 109°C and kept climbing.

Matt had already seen the writing on the wall and booked a build with Ichiban Imports in Ingleburn. While the car sat idle for three months, Matt lived the "bus and Uber" life, all while parts slowly began to pile up in his room.

"The goal was clear-cut: A no-frills, effective, healthy EJ that made relevant power for what I needed."

The Heart of the Build

Matt relied on Ichiban’s expertise and a curated list of high-performance hardware to ensure this EJ257 would be "happy and healthy."

  • The Core: New EJ257 Short Block with ARP2000 Head Studs and MLS Gaskets.

  • The Cooling & Reliability: Fuji Racing Cylinder 4 Cooling Mod, Oil Baffle Plate, and a Roo Racing Clear Timing Belt Cover.

  • The Power: GtPumps 3.5 Turbocharger, UEL Headers, and ID1050X Injectors.

  • The Style: Roo Racing supplied the finishing touches, including STI S206 Fender Garnishes, Bumper Repair Plates, and custom-stitched gear boots.

The Birthday Gift

On August 13th—Matt’s birthday—the call came. Aoi was ready. "Standing there at the open engine bay with Scott (Ichiban), Elliot (Roo Racing), and my partner, chatting about the build... that’s the level of respect you get from a shop like Ichiban. I felt like a small-fry compared to some of their builds, but I still got the time of day from the boss himself."

The Result

After a disciplined run-in period, Aoi returned to the dyno. The result? A punchy 230kW (up from 183kW). "Power was never the goal. I didn't care about the number; I cared about how it drove. We drove home with a happy, healthy engine. Smiles all round."

The Aoi Tori Build List

  • Engine: EJ257 / GtPumps 3.5 / ID1050X / AEM340

  • Reliability: Fuji Racing Cylinder 4 Mod / Oil Separator Plate / Group N Mounts

  • Handling/Safety: 2018 STi Brembos / SSR Wheels

  • Interior: DamD Steering Wheel / Defi Gauges / Roo Racing Stitch Boots

  • Exterior: Discontinued Valenti Tail Lights / STI S206 Fender Garnishes

How To Install Stitch Boots Gear Shifter Boot