Location: Nokia, Finland
Car: Rare Two-Door Subaru, Stroked 2.15L Forged Engine

Tero Greus has always had an appreciation for Japanese cars. Growing up in Finland, his fascination started when he was a kid playing Gran Turismo on PlayStation. Subaru was really one of his favourites. As he reached his teens, this interest blossomed further as he browsed car sale websites.

Among all the Supras, Skylines, and Lancer Evos, this would be the elusive two-door Subaru that stole his heart. Years later, during the pandemic when everything was on hold, Tero finally made that dream a reality and got his own two-door Subaru.

 

The Journey: From Challenges to Triumphs

Owning this rare vehicle wasn't a straightforward experience in the least. When he first bought the car, Tero says it was a heap of problems.

Most of the time, it sat in the workshop, and then it finally lost oil pressure. The engine didn't seize, but it was beyond repair, nonetheless. The only parts that could be reused were the connecting rods, and Tero had to order a brand-new set. He knew exactly what he wanted: to have the car up and running again by 2024 and ready to hit the roads by spring 2025.

Everything changed for Tero when a recommendation via Facebook came through—the introduction to HCR was about to become a turning point. There, a fellow car enthusiast mentioned the name of a workshop, HCR, that pre-built blocks and did not require the hassle of sourcing parts. It was then that Tero decided to partner with HCR to relaunch the car.

The Build: OEM+ with a Heart of Steel

Tero wanted his Subaru to have an OEM+ look but with a serious performance upgrade. HCR fabricated a stroked 2.15L forged engine, engineered for both strength and improved performance. Regular updates and smooth communication over WhatsApp kept Tero confident along the way. In fall 2023, it fired up for the first time—a major milestone in his journey.

 

Results: New Lease on Life

Although Tero hasn't done extensive driving with the car, the change is real. The fact that it survived the tuning process said something about the quality of the build. "It feels like a completely different car compared to the one I bought," he says. Although he has further track-oriented plans for it in the future—enhancements to the brakes, oil pan modifications, and eventually repainting the car—he can have some peace of mind now that the engine is no longer a problem.

Building for the Future: Track Ready and Beyond

Tero's plans for his rare Subaru go far beyond just making it more reliable. He is planning to make changes in the near future that will better prepare it for the track. Changes will include upgraded discs, pads, and brake lines, as well as a better splash plate or even a new oil pan. These changes will make the car as ready for the track as it has proven to be for the road.

And one day? A new coat of paint to make it look the way its mechanical perfection deserves. While this paint is getting old, Tero's ultimate vision balances both the aesthetic and performance aspects.

 

A Dream Realised

From his childhood fascination with Japanese cars to overcoming numerous obstacles, Tero's journey with his Subaru is the embodiment of perseverance and passion. His determination to restore this rare two-door gem—through partnerships with trusted professionals like HCR—has transformed what might have been a forgotten relic into a car brimming with potential.

The most valuable advice that Tero can give for all those taking on similar projects is to trust the pros. Be it rebuilding an engine or overhauling components, input from a skilled team does wonders. For those looking to have a reliable partner in working with, the review by Tero for HCR says it all: "They were easy to work with. Fast."

Ready for the Road Ahead

While Tero's Subaru is already quite special, the road that still lies ahead promises so much more: plans to hit the track and further refinement of the car herald a whole new chapter in the automotive life of Tero. What had started off as a quest to get the car up and running had quickly transformed into one of unflinching determination, craftsmanship, and dreams realised.