Chad Need Taylor didn’t set out to build the typical Subaru STI. His 2013 model once ran big power through a built four-cylinder, but when that setup gave out, he went in a new direction. The car now runs a turbocharged LQ9 V8 and a six-speed TREMEC, with a plexiglass hood showing off every detail. And in case you thought a clear hood only existed in Grease’s “Greased Lightning” scene, Chad built one for real to show off his LS Subaru.

Moving From Boxer To LS Power

Chad’s Subaru was not stock when the idea of a swap began forming. With a built four-cylinder and all-wheel drive intact, the car had already laid down 634 horsepower to the wheels. In Subaru circles, that number is considered a serious achievement. Building that level of power required upgraded internals, fuel system improvements, and careful tuning. The engine was reliable for a time and gave Chad the thrill of competing with cars few Subarus dared line up against.

Unfortunately, high power and high stress eventually caught up with the platform. “It popped,” Chad admitted without hesitation. Rather than rebuild another four-cylinder, he turned to a proven alternative: the LS family. He sourced an LQ9 6.0-liter V8 from a 2005 Cadillac Escalade, an engine known for its strength and availability.

The LQ9 iron block received a mild cam upgrade, specifically a 226/237 grind, to give it stronger breathing without compromising drivability. He paired it with a VS Racing 78/75 turbocharger, a cost-effective unit that delivers serious airflow. The combination promised a wide powerband and reliability far beyond what the previous setup could offer.

Fabricating A Clear Hood

Before even considering what lived under the hood, Chad wanted people to see it. Transparent hoods are not exactly off-the-shelf items, and when he reached out to a company that offered something similar, the quoted price came back at $7,000. Rather than pay, he decided to build his own.

He spent a year and a half experimenting with materials and techniques, eventually constructing a giant oven to heat plexiglass sheets. Using the stock hood as a mold, he learned how to vacuum-form the clear panel into shape. The final product is seamless, strong, and eye-catching.

The hood generated so much attention that Chad turned the process into a small business. Under the name Pop Your Hoodz, he now offers plexiglass hoods to other enthusiasts. The company is still in its early stages, but the demand is real, and his own car remains the perfect advertisement. Each time someone stops him at a gas station or pulls him aside at a meet to ask where they can buy one, it reinforces the decision to take his solution public.

Haltech Engine Management

A modern swap requires more than just mounting an engine. Electronics and management can make or break the experience, and Chad wanted a solution that would keep the car’s original gauge cluster alive.

He turned to Haltech for engine management for the LS Subaru swap. While others might have offered a more affordable package, Haltech provided the flexibility to integrate with Subaru’s systems. As a result, the car retains working air conditioning, power steering, and even cruise control. It feels like a complete vehicle rather than a stripped-down race car, which is exactly what Chad envisioned.

For Chad, the decision went beyond convenience. A car with functioning electronics and factory systems is easier to live with day-to-day. It means he can drive it in the heat without worrying, enjoy long stretches on the highway, and still use it in a way that feels practical. That balance between comfort and capability makes the build even more impressive.

TREMEC Power And Proven Rearend

Behind the LS, Chad installed a TREMEC Magnum F six-speed transmission. The gearbox is a favorite among builders for its strength and precise shifting, and it was the natural choice for this application.

At the rear, Chad chose to keep the Subaru differential. It might sound surprising, but his reasoning was simple. The diff had already survived more than 600 wheel horsepower in the previous all-wheel-drive setup. If it held together, then he figured it could handle the new configuration.

That practical approach reflects his build philosophy. He invested time and money where it mattered most, but kept proven parts in place when they continued to perform. It also shows his confidence in Subaru’s engineering, acknowledging that not every factory component needed to be replaced just because an LS now powered the car.

Suspension And Street Use

The LS Subaru rides on coilovers from AMR, a company that went out of business years ago but left behind quality parts that remain reliable. Combined with wide rear tires, the setup gives the car both stance and grip.

Chad built the car for the street. While it draws crowds at shows, its true environment is on real pavement where the combination of turbo LS power and rear-wheel drive comes alive. “Street racing, that’s what I like,” he explained. The Subaru delivers exactly that experience.

Custom Turbo Fabrication

The turbo system showcases Chad’s ingenuity. On the passenger side, he used a factory LS2 manifold, routing it around to connect with the crossover. The driver’s side uses a log-style manifold from an aftermarket company. He then fabricated the piping himself, creating a setup that balances cost with performance.

The exhaust system is loud and unapologetic, announcing the car’s presence before the plexiglass hood even reveals what is hiding underneath. It is another detail that demonstrates Chad’s ability to blend factory parts with custom solutions.

Subframe And Mounting Solutions

Mounting an LS engine into a Subaru chassis is no small feat. Fortunately, Chad was able to secure one of the last LS-swap subframes produced by VAWX before the company shut down. That piece simplified the process, allowing the LQ9 to sit properly in the engine bay without endless trial and error.

Everything else came down to his own hands and creativity. From making adjustments to routing lines, Chad ensured the swap looked and functioned like it belonged there.

Reaction At LS Fest

When the car rolled into LS Fest, it stood out immediately. Surrounded by Camaros, Chevelles, and classic trucks, a Subaru with a plexiglass hood covering a turbocharged 6.0-liter V8 was impossible to ignore.

Most attendees did a double-take, drawn first by the transparent hood and then by the shock of seeing an LS engine inside an STI. Chad laughed when asked about it, admitting that the hood is often the reason people stop. Once they look closer, they realize the build goes far deeper than just a clever panel.

The car’s reception also highlights the diversity of the LS community. What began as a platform for Camaros and Corvettes has now expanded to everything from Volvos to Porsches. Chad’s Subaru fits neatly into that spectrum, showing how far enthusiasts are willing to go when combining reliability and power with unique chassis choices.

A Builder’s Spirit

What makes the car so compelling is not just the parts list but the approach behind it. Chad is a jack-of-all-trades who refuses to accept limits. If a part costs too much, he finds a way to make it. If a component breaks, he replaces it with something stronger. If integration seems impossible, he figures out how to make it work.

That mindset is why his car resonates with enthusiasts. It is not a project that follows a catalog or a kit. It is a one-of-a-kind machine shaped by resourcefulness and passion.

Even with the build at its current stage, Chad still has ideas. Cruise control is on his short list of upgrades, bringing even more practicality back to the car. As Pop Your Hoodz continues to grow, he also sees potential to expand his hood fabrication into new markets. For now, this LS Subaru is both a personal project and a calling card, representing what happens when innovation meets determination.

Defying Expectations

At first glance, Chad’s 2013 Subaru STI could be mistaken for a cleanly modified street car. Once the hood comes into view, everything changes. The combination of plexiglass engineering, LS power, turbo boost, and do-it-yourself craftsmanship ensures that no one walks away unimpressed from this LS Subaru.