When you think of cool Subarus, the Impreza probably the first car that comes to mind. If not the Impreza, perhaps the Legacy or maybe a new BRZ. What you probably don’t think of is the Subaru Leone, and that’s why we were excited to see Nico Posteraro’s ’86 Leone show up in the #FeatureThis inbox.
If you aren’t familiar with the Leone, it’s the predecessor to the Impreza and a car that also saw its fair share of WRC action during the 1980s. Located in Ontario, Canada Nico’s project started off as a very clean if unremarkable GL-10 Turbo front wheel drive model but, it didn’t stay that way for long.
Having a fair bit of experience building fast Subarus, Nico quickly got to work assembling parts for his project.
The motor setup he pieced together features and EJ22 block with a built bottom end and JDM STI version 8 Type RA heads. Boost comes from a Full Race twin scroll turbo kit.
He also got to work converting the front wheel drive Leone into a proper AWD subaru with an R180 rear differential and all the required supporting fabrication. The transmission is an STI 6-speed.
He also began to assemble other parts for the build, including a set of 16″ RAYS wheels from a JDM model GC8 STI.
In it’s current from the car put down 311 horsepower to the wheels, but by next summer Nico plans to have the car making at least 400 to the wheels.
For now though, the car is put away for the winter as he doesn’t the want the road salt to destroy the pristine vintage Subaru.
I can only the imagine the kind of unsuspecting fun that could be had with a car like this. If you’d like to see more details on the build, check out the thread over on NASIOC.
If you have a cool car or build story that you think is worthy of being featured on Speedhunters, drop us a line at featurethis@dev.speedhunters.com . Please make sure to include your name and location, as well as some basic details and specs, along with at least 5-10 photographs. Photos should be no less than 800 pixels wide and in .JPG format.
Of course you can also join in by using the #FeatureThis hashtag on your favorite social media service and keep track of what’s happening in the #FeatureThis department by visiting http://featurethis.dev.speedhunters.com/ .
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-Mike
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Looked through the build thread the other day. I am absolutely FLOORED by this car and how clean it is, and how well the swap was done! Excellent job!
What a clean build, love it! I've seen a few 4WD Turbos here in Sweden and always thought that it would be a cool sleeper. Should be really fun in the snow too
The rust would eat it pretty fast though. Btw, is that a Volvo P1800 in the fourth picture?
Where's the japanese girls car model here?
A really nice engine build Nico. You need a japanese girls car model here!
@Corey K link to the build thread? Its a really cool build!
I like this all over! It's a breathe of fresh air compared to the disappointment and of someone putting a GM V8 in it. Putting an ls1 in just any ol' car now days is a tired, unoriginal, and a lame idea.
And praises for using authentic, real wheels!
I love this car.
I want that for my car. It will work!!!! Im freakin pricing stuff in my head.
@Dusty Monkey @Corey http://www.toronto-subaru-club.com/forums/member-journals/160929-leone-turbo.html
Verrrrry Original..LOVE IT!
There's a Volvo 1800 in the 4th picture, I guess no one noticed it cause it wasn't a 2JZ swap and lowered with Work rims on it.
Don't worry Von, I noticed. That looks like a Spridget back there as well. This dude has good taste in quirky cars.
@eccramer ** Trimuph TR6.
@eccramer A correction to my correction, "Triumph TR6"
and then there is that Pontiac Grand Am GT.... serious business... ;d
@chopstickhero @Corey thanks mate!
Very nice build. Engine bay is pristine!
Link doesn't work :/
That. Is. Amazing.
So it is. Damn you fellow Evan! (my name is Evan too)
This has been my favorite feature by speedhunters in the last couple months. This would be extremely fun to drive.
Awesome build. I love the boxy lines with a beast if a motor underneath. Far cooler than the millions of imprezas running around, keep up the good work buddy.
@S30z The funny thing is that my eyes went straight to that Grand Am thinking "that sure looks out of place" Normally I am on alert for cool and different cars, but in this picture the "normal" car got my attention lol
The sleeper is sleeping....
^OHH!!!!!
@SPEEDHUNTERS nice
@SPEEDHUNTERS nice
@SPEEDHUNTERS nice
to turn such a Peice of shit into a hustler is indeed commendible. I am impressed with the quality of work and the power output. that thing is pretty slick....i couldnt own one and look at the crude dash or shitbox interior but all in all its awesomeness. Streethustler.shitbox.Str8thug. nohashtag
to turn such a Peice of shit into a hustler is indeed commendible. I am impressed with the quality of work and the power output. that thing is pretty slick....i couldnt own one and look at the crude dash or shitbox interior but all in all its awesomeness. Streethustler.shitbox.Str8thug. nohashtag
to turn such a Peice of shit into a hustler is indeed commendible. I am impressed with the quality of work and the power output. that thing is pretty slick....i couldnt own one and look at the crude dash or shitbox interior but all in all its awesomeness. Streethustler.shitbox.Str8thug. nohashtag
i saw it. Im sorry. its SH that shits gonna happen around here.....
i saw it. Im sorry. its SH that shits gonna happen around here.....
i saw it. Im sorry. its SH that shits gonna happen around here.....
that box---is that a water to air intercooler??
that box---is that a water to air intercooler??
that box---is that a water to air intercooler??
No it's a spare tire, don't you see the wheelwell.
No it's a spare tire, don't you see the wheelwell.
No it's a spare tire, don't you see the wheelwell.
This car deserves a proper Speedhunters shoot when its finished
This car deserves a proper Speedhunters shoot when its finished
This car deserves a proper Speedhunters shoot when its finished
Any Ej22's out there?
Dope license plate.
@JoshAlicea Rather a late model standard car that's "refined" to begin with that you don't do any work on? lol
This is really cool! Is that an Airwerks S200? Also how much does it weigh?
nice to see some decent cars coming out of onterrible
Its so good to see some local appreciation! I've seen this car at pitstop, increadible in person.
This Guy tried to race me but I wasn't going to and then did! Car hauls ass and sounds mint! I was in an eagle 2000gtx AWD (gallant twin), 4g63 T swap. Crazy random to see him here. Glad I saw this because I didnt get a good look at what it was.
This Guy tried to race me but I wasn't going to and then did! Car hauls ass and sounds mint! I was in an eagle 2000gtx AWD (gallant twin), 4g63 T swap. Crazy random to see him here. Glad I saw this because I didnt get a good look at what it was.
Woow. I have a Volvo S60R and I'm thinkink on buying a second cheaper car. The Subaru GL has both turbo and AWD. I would install a high flow exhaust and unequal headers to get that sweet wrx sound =) The volvo p1800 in the pic is just a piece of art. It is on sale??
Subaru and Volvo has some things on common. Both are reliable, fast, safe and use turbochargers and AWD