08/17/2026
FLAT 4 SOCIETY // FEATURED BUILD INTERVIEW
Owner: Marnie Nocon
Vehicle: Custom Subaru WRX/STI Wagon
F4S: First off, thank you for sitting down with us, Marnie. Take us back to the beginning—what was the origin story for this build, and what kicked off the main transformation?
Marnie: First off, thank you for this opportunity! As far as the build, I started with JDM HID headlights, a GREDDY front bumper lip, and off-brand coilovers until the car got hit with hail 7–8 years ago. That’s when I decided to make big changes. Besides fixing the body and repainting the car, I decided to upgrade the engine. Back in 2019, I had a local engine builder build me a new block with STI internals—paid half the price of what a built engine costs now! It’s running strong with a mild tune, 20g turbo, 700cc injectors, and FMIC. I don’t want crazy power; I wanted it reliable. It’s built for show with a little bit of go.
F4S: Sourcing parts for custom builds is rarely smooth sailing. What was the absolute hardest challenge you faced getting this Wagon to where it is today?
Marnie: The biggest challenge was getting rare parts. It was during the pandemic, and a lot of the rare pieces were coming from overseas and across the US. I sourced Prodrive and Morette headlights from the UK, a Jun Auto style front bumper from Japan, and C-West side skirts and rear bumper lip from California. Luckily, they all arrived without issues. Painting them was the next hurdle because the whole country was shut down, but luckily my friend set up a mini paint booth at his house and painted all the parts for me.
F4S: If you had to pick one modification that defines your car’s personality, what would it be?
Marnie: That’s a tough one! I can’t pick just one—it’s the entire build. Every show I go to, people recognize the car. I’m not trying to flex, but people always tell me my Wagon is one of the cleanest they’ve ever seen and probably the only Wagon they’ve seen built this way.
F4S: What’s a hidden detail or custom touch most people pass by, but you’re secretly proud of?
Marnie: The custom touch people don’t see unless they’re riding with me is my Shiftview digital gauge made by Rendition Design. It’s not quite perfect yet, but it’s working pretty well so far—it displays what gear you’re in just like a sequential transmission.
F4S: If money wasn't an issue, what’s the next evolution for this build?
Marnie: I can always make time, but if money is no object, I’d carbon fiber the entire car. I already have a carbon fiber hood, fenders, rear doors (not installed yet), all interior pillars, door sills, center console, dash trim, windshield cowl, and top door cards. I’d also love to complete the rear wide-body conversion using the kit I already have in hand.
F4S: Before we wrap up, any shoutouts or sponsors you want to throw love to?
Marnie: I couldn’t have done this without the support of my wife and kids—especially my son, who’s been helping me put this car together since day one. Big thanks to my sponsors: RPG for supplying all the carbon fiber parts, Mishimoto for the FMIC and radiator, and VVash Car Care for keeping the detailing supplies stocked.
Marnie is a true enthusiasts building his dreams from the ground up. No corner was cut in the process of building this amazing machine. He encourages people to sit in his car and take pictures because he feels everyone should have the opportunity to be behind the wheel of something he worked so hard on . Thank you for sharing your story with all of use
