How To: VA Swap Trunks

So I had the stock WRX trunk and bought a STi trunk.

1) Remove lock from trunk
Remove the glow in the dark release handle. Once this is done you can get to the lock. Simply twist the orange thing around, and pop the metal rod. Take a screw driver (you also might need a hammer as well) and pry that black clip off. Its really tight on there so you will need to use some force (this clip is exactly like the clip securing the brake lines).

2) Remove latch from trunk
Remove the 2 bolts, twist yellow thing around and pop out that metal rod. You will also need to pop out the cable from that glow in the dark handle.

3) Remove trunk
Remove the 4 12mm bolts that secure the trunk to the trunk arms. Beware that the STi trunk weighs a TON (something like 50+ lbs). You will also have to unplug the 3rd brake light and clip all the wire retainers off the sti trunk arm to get the trunk off.

4) Install trunk
Same 4 bolts and remember to check that the trunk fits right before you try to close it.

5) Install Latch
Just reverse the steps from taking it off

6) Install Lock
Again just reverse the steps.


If I had taken the pics I would have them on here. Just look at my build thread and you can see the WRX Wing and the STi wing.

I'd like to add, dont forget to swap trunk springs. They dont look like "springs" but long rods that curve into an "s" on one and and do a "u" near the other. The STI springs may turn your new trunk into a catapult, and the wrx springs may not quite lift the STI trunk.

Removing the old set is super easy. I just pounded the "s" end with a mallot and they SHOT out (watch yourself). Installing is straight forward, but not "easy." You have to get the "s" in place then use a long screwdriver/prybar to force the "U" into place. My longest screwdriver wasnt very long, so it took kind of a lot of force.

I took the wing off of my factory trunk lid and did not replace, let alone even touch the springs.
I was super paranoid about opening the trunk with the in cabin release, where I couldn't be there
to catch it as it catapulted up in the air. People have said all kinds of crazy stuff like "it'll fly up
and hit your rear windshield" etc...

I then had a friend release it from the inside while I was back there to catch it and prevent damage
if need be. No worries, it looks like it comes up pretty quickly, but it doesn't hit anything or do any
kind of damage.

I've been rolling around like this now for over a year and I haven't had any issues. Just my $0.02...