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About MSR
 How it all began I started out as an apprentice Fitter Machinest working for an engine reconditioning workshop. I spent a lot of time building Chevy & Holden engines for racing purposes, along with all my own cars. During the 10 years of working here, I owned an XU1 Holden Torana, a VL Walkinshaw Commodore and a Holden VL turbo. I also obtained a trade certificate as an Engine Reconditioner/Engineer. Engines that I built myself were winning combos for sprintcars, modified rods, HQ racing, Group E racing, formula Ford, rally cars and many quick street & drag cars.
Back in the days, I was truely a Holden man. Even though I loved my muscle powered Holdens, I always thought that the idea of a turbocharged engine was good. It was easy to obtain power and torque while keeping the car as a good daily driver. A mate of mine let me take his MY94 WRX wagon for a spin one day. I was absolutely blown away by the traction it had in the wet. It truely was amazing!
Not long after, I bought my first Subaru. It was an MY97 WRX Club Spec. During this time, I was working an hour's drive away so I was reluctant to do too much to it. After a while, I boosted it up a little and added a rear muffler. This kept me happy as most of my driving was highway driving.
In 1999, Subaru Australia released the Version 5 Impreza WRX STI and I just knew that it was the car that I had to have! You guessed it, I snapped up a Version 5 STI Type R in a heartbeat and joined the NSW WRX Club. This was the beginning of my WRX research & development. I started with a full exhaust system. I felt that this modification did not do much for improving torque. Sure it revved well, but I love torque - the push in the seat. I then set about testing and playing with different exhaust setups with particular attention to the dump pipe. After 2 years of researching, developing and testing 30 different variations of exhaust systems, I was able to come up with the best exhaust system for horsepower, torque and off-boost drivability. I had also tested other modifications such as cold air intakes, intercooler (IC) tilting, different IC air splitters, larger bonnet scoops and waterspray.
In the NSW WRX Club, I started with super sprinting events. After the first year, while I missed the first 4 events, I was still in with a chance of winning my class. During this time, I focused on improving the car's handling and power. I had tested all types of suspensions settings by adjusting camber, toe and ride height, all while developing my exhaust system and cold air duct in order to maximise efficiency from the standard turbo and intercooler. All the hard work and effort seemed to have paid off as I had won the class. I was more than happy with that result.
The following year, I competed in the class above and set about learning how to set up the car for dirt as well. I had won all 7 tar events and broke all lap records on the way. The NSW WRX Club also held an event with the VIC WRX Club. I also won the class I was competing in. I had also won 2 of 3 dirt events (2nd place in the other). This was more than enough to win the club championship. Today, I continue to research, develop and test ways to improve Subaru turbocharged vehicles including my own street and rally cars. I am always willing to help others by offering what I have learnt over time and advice about Subaru cars and the best way to modify them. I will continue to expand my horizons to achieve the best result possible. I also compete in rally events. Subaru cars and rallying are my passions. As a result, this is what makes MSR what it is today.  Michael South Engineering (MSR) |
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