Billetworkz Builds – 2012 RB26 Subaru WRX

At Billetworkz, we don’t just make performance parts—we live for them. And nothing embodies that passion better than our owner Austin Barnett’s personal build: a one-of-a-kind 2012 Subaru WRX swapped with a Nissan RB26DETT engine.

Nicknamed the "Heavy Mental Machine" by PASMAG and featured on multiple media platforms including Hoonigan, Gears & Gasoline, and the Philadelphia Auto Show, this WRX is anything but ordinary.

From Flat-Four to Monster Inline-Six

The factory 2012 WRX comes with Subaru’s signature 2.5L turbocharged Boxer engine, putting down a respectable 265 hp. But for Austin, “respectable” wasn’t going to cut it.

Instead, this WRX now roars with a Nissan RB26DETT inline-six twin-turbo power plant—originally from the legendary R34 Skyline GT-R. Built by FAST of West Chester and Schmuck Built, the swap involved a completely redesigned engine bay, subframe, wiring, and drivetrain integration to house the larger engine while retaining all-wheel drive.

Power and Precision

This isn’t your average RB26 swap. The engine has been:

• Stroked to 2.8 liters
• Outfitted with a Borg Warner EFR 9174 twin-scroll turbo
• Tuned to run on E85 race fuel
• Fitted with Injector Dynamics 2,000cc injectors
• Built with stronger internals and a dry sump oiling system

Current output? 713 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, spinning to 9000 RPM. And that’s with a turbo that’s limiting peak performance. With a bigger turbo setup, the sky’s the limit.

Watch it on the dyno: YouTube Dyno Pull

AWD, RWD—Your Choice

Thanks to the R34 GT-R Getrag 6-speed transmission, R33 GT-R rear diff, and Full Race Motorsports center diff controller, this WRX can switch from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive at the flip of a switch. Want drift-mode? You got it.

It grips hard with 315-section Toyo Proxes R888s wrapped around custom 18x12 Nessen Forged 3-piece wheels. Behind those wheels are Runduce big brakes—8-piston up front, 6-piston out back.

Styled to Kill

The exterior is equally wild:

• Custom tri-stage white with gold pearl flake paint
• MNT Rider Designs widebody kit
• Carbon fiber fenders, flares, splitter, and Viper-style diffuser
• APR and Blacktop Aero aero pieces
• Custom angel eye HID headlights and taillights

Inside, it’s all business (with style):

• Billetworkz shift knob & steering hub adapter
• Exact Art Alcantara & carbon interior
• AIM MXG dash, iPad for air suspension control
• Takata seats, 6-point roll cage, relocated steering column

And yes—this WRX was on the cover of PASMAG Issue #145.

Featured On

This build has caught attention everywhere:

• Hoonigan Build Breakdown

• Gears and Gasoline Feature

• Facebook Videos | Video 2

• PAS Magazine Article (Oct/Nov 2017)

Build Highlights

Engine & Turbo Setup

• RB26DETT stroked to 2.8L
• Borg Warner EFR 9174
• Schmuck Built V-mount intercooler, exhaust manifold, hood-exit exhaust
• Plazaman intake + throttle body
• Haltech ECU, Zeitronix flex fuel system

Fuel & Oil

• Dual AEM 320 E85 pumps
• ID 2000cc injectors
• Ross Tuffbond Stage 4 dry sump
• Turbosmart Comp40 wastegates (x2)

Drivetrain

• R34 GT-R AWD 6-speed
• R33 GT-R diff
• Nismo LSD
• ATS triple carbon clutch

Suspension & Chassis

• Air Lift 3P system
• Whiteline sway bars
• FAST custom subframe & diff mount

Interior

• iPad dash for suspension control
• AIM MXG digital dash
• Tanabe gauges
• OBP Racing pedal assembly
• Carbon Fiber Element steering wheel

Final Thoughts

This RB-swapped WRX isn’t just a shop car—it’s a rolling statement of what Billetworkz is all about: performance, innovation, and attention to detail. Whether it’s custom work or billet shift knobs, we believe in building machines that move people—literally and emotionally.