Khellen's '04 WRX: Best mod....seat time.

[Khellen]

Finally going to start a journal after being on TST for a while. This is a work in progress and hopefully I'll have this looking less cluttered and with more information over the course of the next week.

2004 Subaru Impreza WRX
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4997240339_60e477c348_z.jpg

Engine:
-Blouch PNP'd & ceramic coated 8cm 18g w/ billet wheel
-Area1320 tuned turboxs UTEC w/ map switch
-Area1320 PNP'd intake manifold w/ custom powercoating
-Area1320 TGV deletes
-ACT Streetlight clutch
-ACT streetlight flywheel
-Perrin lightweight crank pulley
-HKS downpipe / mid pipe (1 piece)
-HKS carbon TI catback
-Cobb SF short intake
-Hallman RX manual boost controller
-SSAC fmic w/ area1320 welded HKS bov flange
-HKS SSQV v2 bov
-Walbro fuel pump
-Witchhunter 830cc stock modded injectors
-Carbon fiber radiator cooling plate
-Samco after-maf hose
-Gimmick turbo inlet
-Grimmspeed ceramic coated up-pipe w/ 44mm tial EWG
-Grimmspeed ceramic coated crossover pipe
-Crucial racing PNP'd stock exhaust manifolds
-Grimmspeed 8mm intake manifold spacers
-Group N polyurethane motor mounts
-Group N polyurethane tranny mounts
-Kartboy polyurethane tranny crossmember mounts

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5012962225_90207f091d_z.jpg

Drivetrain:
-TIC rear differential mount buhsings
-TIC outrigger bushings
-H6 rear rotor upgrade
-Perrin master cylinder brace
-18x7.5 Work Emotions
-BC racing inverted coilovers w/ 10k / 8k spring rates
-BC racing front and rear camber plates
-Perrin front end links
-Whiteline rear end links
-2004 STi front brembo calipers w/ custom powdercoating
-Stainless steel front brake lines
-Stoptech front slotted rotors
-Whiteline front and rear 27mm adjustable swaybars
-Whiteline race anti-lift kit
-Cusco rear strut bar
-Kartboy short shifter
-Kartboy front and rear shifter bushings

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5013201333_da213e9d6c.jpg

Exterior:
-Seibon CW style hood
-Seibon hoodscoop delete
-Seibon Syms style front lip
-Custom grill badge delete
-JDM fog covers
-Custom front bumper trim delete
-Chargespeed V2 sideskirts
-Rear taillights "JDM mod"
-JDM rear aprons

Interior:
-Viper alarm
-DDX512 touchscreen headunit
-Defi BR guages (EGT / Oil pressure / Boost)
-Alpine type R speakers
-Bazooka tube

Currently installing:
-Ebay H brace
-Rear diff service
-Rear subframe lockdown bolts
-Goodridge rear stainless steel lines
-EGT sensor

Future plans:
-Mishimoto radiator
-Mishimoto radiator hoses
-Battery relocation to trunk
-Whiteline roll center adjustment kit
-PPG tranny gears (straight cuts?)
-2.5L hybrid setup

[Khellen]

2005
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5013537676_a7beb8f3e0.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5013527820_c2ea7ae9b7.jpg

2006 to 2007
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5013538514_19bb8cbf0e.jpg

2008 to 2009
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5013659482_d8da10901d.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5013661278_122ee296c0.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5013662290_acb0ca1ce9.jpg
http://www.codyace.com/albums/nove/walterdam112309_073.sized.jpg

2010
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1348/4593906667_4448362307.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/4593907479_35be343b8f.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/4593907143_4cf5f6ec5c.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4710721572_25d5ccf93e.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4890229204_5222d25052_z.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5013665734_84b6a3b8b5.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5013806082_7b78228856_z.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4997240339_60e477c348_z.jpg

2011
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5524389231_c0b2bede75_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5674617342_dc14ac999e_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5779215701_8cdf363dc7_z.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/5807511946_11f205d71a_z.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6183768203_c95b5d3bac_z.jpg

2012
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/7034009925_f3245347ba_c.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7033430195_890df51485_c.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7033415217_c01630fcfa_c.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7033360317_f9fff471fe_c.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/6887132500_b6c0e5b76f_c.jpg

2013
http://pressthebuttons.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/delorean.jpg

[Khellen]

Car biography:

2004:

In need of a reliable daily driver for my hour trip, both ways, to college everyday I weighed my options and decided I wanted to pick up a WRX but unfortunately it was just shy of what I wanted to spend. After much searching I was able to find a leftover WRX brand new for 20k instead of the 23-25k msrp.

2005-2006:

Using the WRX as a daily driver and being a poor college student limited my ability to really do the things I wanted on the car but I managed to get a taste of modding by picking up a few parts. The first mod I picked up was a cobb accessport and did a stage 2 generic map tune. Shortly after I did the snorkus box delete and added a cobb short intake. For daily driving it was great and the WRX continued to be insanely reliable.

2007-2008:

After college I decided that the first thing I'd work on would be the suspension. I started out by installing tokico d-spec struts, crucial racing springs, and group N strut tops out of my garage at home. I really loved this setup because it provided great handling while still being comfortable enough for daily driving. I also managed to pick up an HKS carbon TI exhaust for some nice subaru burble. As 2008 came to an end I landed a new job and picked up a 2008 accord for a daily driver which allowed me to turn the WRX into a weekend car....it was open season for modding!

2009:

Now that the WRX had been retired to weekend driving I decided to start buying some serious suspension parts regardless of the NVH. Adjustable end links, swaybars, brembos, and coilovers were soon to follow. Anti-lift kit also found it's way on the to car since I was getting a bit obsessed with suspension bits. As the 100k mile mark started inching closer and closer over the course of the year I started putting some thought into what I wanted to do power wise since the car would already be in the shop for the 100k maitanence. During the last quarter of year I started collecting things such as an EWG, up-pipe, guage sensors, crank pulley, clutch, flywheel, and other parts in prepartion for the install.

2010:

At just shy of 100k miles the car makes its way to area1320. Ditched the cobb accessport and switched to a utec so area1320 could tune my car. As the car was at area1320 I grabbed a few more parts and made a few more additions to the car. A few months go by and the car returns home a completely new beast. Going from stage 2 to an 18g setup is phenominal. The power now compliments the amazing handling. It feels perfect on backroads. It's a bit rough on the highway due to the stiff spring rates on the coilovers. The car just hit 100k this week with 1000 miles on the new build and judging by the feel / finish of area1320's work I'm looking forward to enjoying this car for the next 100k miles.

2011:

????

[JDMTyler3326]

Ricer !

[Khellen]

Ricer !

Says the Bieber clone with a camo forester as his avatar haha

[schaffer]

mmmm that engine bay looks great.

[Qwibby]

schwing

[dsm4life04]

Pretty sweet dude.

[ambitiousCK]

FINALLY! car looks great man, love the CF parts and powder coated brembos. GL with everything

[Ej6Mike]

Awsome timeline
Awsome car
awsome parts list

.... just a ton of awsome all around!

[JDMTyler3326]

Says the Bieber clone with a camo forester as his avatar haha

HAhaha way I do ! No but really car looks good.

[jesse096]

Love it! Looks good man, I like all the CF!

-Jesse

[Got Insulin?]

I think the lip looked a bazillion times better painted, but overall the car is totally hawt.

I was rolling when I saw the Hulk Hands.

[RyanG]

remember..

rice = Race Inspired Cosmetic Enhancements

[Khellen]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone!

I think the lip looked a bazillion times better painted, but overall the car is totally hawt.

I was rolling when I saw the Hulk Hands.

I'm going to have to agree with you. I've been really considering getting my front lip painted and swapping my hood out for a stock hood w/ the scoop delete painted. I like the agressive look but eh...I must be getting old.

remember..

rice = Race Inspired Cosmetic Enhancements

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5017623566_877a41985d.jpg

[vanishingpointt4]

Daddy look!! That's the car from need for speed!!!

[ambitiousCK]

any chance your selling that cf lip =)

[Khellen]

any chance your selling that cf lip =)

I'm still trying to decide what I want to do about the lip. I could just sell it and buy a cusco replica and paint that or get this one painted. I like that the Syms lip (its a seibon but its a syms style) is so rare nowadays but I'm having a hard time finding shops that will paint a carbon fiber part. Ah well, I'll figure it out within the next month or two.

[Got Insulin?]

I'm still trying to decide what I want to do about the lip. I could just sell it and buy a cusco replica and paint that or get this one painted. I like that the Syms lip (its a seibon but its a syms style) is so rare nowadays but I'm having a hard time finding shops that will paint a carbon fiber part. Ah well, I'll figure it out within the next month or two.

Really? Have you tried LIP Collision? Site vendors and great guys.

[ambitiousCK]

I'm still trying to decide what I want to do about the lip. I could just sell it and buy a cusco replica and paint that or get this one painted. I like that the Syms lip (its a seibon but its a syms style) is so rare nowadays but I'm having a hard time finding shops that will paint a carbon fiber part. Ah well, I'll figure it out within the next month or two.

alright let me know then

[Honest_Bob]

This thing is slow, I've seen station wagons bow by it.

[probevette]

FIXED


"2004:

In need of a reliable daily driver for my hour trip, both ways, to college everyday I weighed my options and decided I wanted to pick up a WRX but unfortunately it was just shy of what I wanted to spend. After much searching I was able to find a leftover WRX brand new for 20k instead of the 23-25k msrp. Then after forcing Probevette to lend me money the car was purchased which he had to drive to Vermont in search of the park bench wing to put the first 1,000 miles on it because I Khellen sucked at driving teh stick shift."


:)

[Khellen]

FIXED


"2004:

In need of a reliable daily driver for my hour trip, both ways, to college everyday I weighed my options and decided I wanted to pick up a WRX but unfortunately it was just shy of what I wanted to spend. After much searching I was able to find a leftover WRX brand new for 20k instead of the 23-25k msrp. Then after forcing Probevette to lend me money the car was purchased which he had to drive to Vermont in search of the park bench wing to put the first 1,000 miles on it because I Khellen sucked at driving teh stick shift."


:)

You know who dosent suck at driving stick? Your mom.

[probevette]

You know who dosent suck at driving stick? Your mom.

Thats fine... im poking your mother right now... on facebook

[Khellen]

Thats fine... im poking your mother right now... on facebook

Touche salesman.

[JDMTyler3326]

Love this car even looks better with a short bold guy driving it !

[Khellen]

I think this spring I'm going to change it up. I'll pick up a cusco lip and install my chargespeed V2 skirts that are sitting in my garage. Not sure if I'll keep my hood or not. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up a new bumper too and the car will end up looking like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/calirti45/Lances_STI_shoot_-18.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/calirti45/fatlace-4.jpg

[ambitiousCK]

does this mean your seibon lip is F/S =)

[Khellen]

does this mean your seibon lip is F/S =)

Yea I'll probably end up selling it. I did have to cut it to fit the FMIC but I probably won't sell it for much since it is scraped a little on the bottom. If you want some close up pics I can take some this weekend.

[ambitiousCK]

Yea I'll probably end up selling it. I did have to cut it to fit the FMIC but I probably won't sell it for much since it is scraped a little on the bottom. If you want some close up pics I can take some this weekend.

yes please and we can talk on a price, i do want to see it though. Send pics to ambitiousck@gmail.com

[Khellen]

Mmmmm:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/calirti45/ill-1.jpg

[vanishingpointt4]

Those side skirts are going to look sweet on your car.

[Khellen]

Those side skirts are going to look sweet on your car.

Yes they will! I just need to get color matching bodyparts as well. :)

[notanevo]

Its come a long way from the looks of it. nice

[Khellen]

Want.

http://img432.imageshack.us/img432/175/201yv.jpg

[Khellen]

Quick shot from my del water gap trip today:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/5076984365_5bb636bce3.jpg


...and one from yesterday:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5070431246_e34e9a9e87_z.jpg

[ambitiousCK]

I want that lip! lol car looks great man

[Teku18]

Car looks awesome dude.

[JDMTyler3326]

Looking good little homie.

[Khellen]

It's been an exciting week for the car!

First off, the car finally hit the 100k mile mark and 3k since leaving area1320. Still running strong! Extremely happy with their work and I'm definitely going to be visiting them in the future for any and all motors work / maitenance I can't perform myself.

Second, I competed in my first autocross this weekend! It really changed my whole view of where I wanted to go with the car. The car handled beautifully and the only place it was lacking was driver skill. The course was very small and the car didn't get to strech its legs very much but it was exactly what I needed to get some experience.

I'm thinking over the winter I'd like to do the H6 upgrade on the rear brakes, install the roll center adjustment kit, and maybe start looking into bracing.

As for getting my sideskirts installed and my front lip painted....I'm not sure if it's even going to be worth installing them since I'll be bouncing cones (hopefully not) off of them. To sell my new skirts and lip or to keep them? Decisions, decisions.

[Honest_Bob]

$29 H6 caliper brackets
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2010999

Be aware that your going to need the bigger rotors and you'll also be switching to an earlier rear brake pad. 02 or 03? Its in the thread somewhere.

[Khellen]

$29 H6 caliper brackets
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2010999

Be aware that your going to need the bigger rotors and you'll also be switching to an earlier rear brake pad. 02 or 03? Its in the thread somewhere.

Thanks Ben, going to order those brackets this weekend!

[Khellen]

Ordered the bracket today from autozone. Part number was 14-1605 and only cost $19.99 per bracket. Hopefully I'll order the 290mm rotors and 2003 (d770?) WRX brake pads tonight.

I'm hopeing with these bigger pads and rotors it'll throw my brake bias a little more to the rear like it would be with the rear brembo calipers. Right now my brake bias must be way off since I'm still running the wussy wrx rears with brembo fronts. For how cheap this mod is I'm willing to give it a try.

Still up in the air about the front lip. I'd really like to lower the car a lil bit more and leave the lip off but only if my camber would still be correctable. I'd really like to keep my negative camber around where I am at the moment (-2) to keep the car streetable on the weekends without butchering the tires......especially since I'm going to start doing autoX once a month.

Totally forgot I had a spare transmission down at secondgear performance....went down and picked it up this week. Can't wait to get this built eventually. Maybe in the spring? Guess we'll see how my bonus goes this year.

Next month I'm going to try and pick up the roll center adjustment kit and fender braces. It's going to be a fun winter. :)

[Khellen]

Lipless again....after the autoX:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1174/5131475793_53ee6a677d_z.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/5131482383_9773f97d37_z.jpg

[Khellen]

Caliper brackets came in today! Now I just need to pick up the rotors and some new pads.

Ran into a bit of a problem this past weekend. Went to start the car on Sunday and the fuel pump isnt turning on. The starter is cranking but when I turn the key to ignition it's just dead silent....which never happens. Kinda stumped at the moment. Checked my map switcher button and everything appears to be fine. Guess I'll check my fuel pump relay tonight and hopefully it'll be that. If not...I'm really at a loss as to why my fuel pump with 3k on it suddenly died without any warning?

Oy. :(

[RyanG]

Is the check engine light lighting up when you turn the key forward?

[Khellen]

Is the check engine light lighting up when you turn the key forward?

Sorry I didn't respond sooner. The check engine light dosent come on at all. Checked the ignition fuse #11 and it's perfectly fine. What's left to check? The fuel pump relay? Ben suggested I check the cable on the UTEC too.

[Khellen]

Guess I'll go through all of this next:

http://imgur.com/RHR6L.jpg

http://imgur.com/DZU2R.jpg

[EklipzGSXkid]

If your CEL is not coming on , on the key ''on'', That means your ecu is not getting power. Did you check the fuse inside the car, Behind the one dash panels right to the lower left of the steering wheel under your few accessory switches on the dash?

[RyanG]

Exactly. If the cel doesn't come on no ecu power. A few things will cause this. Fuse under the dash. Main relay failure. Dead ecu. Hopefully it's just the fuse

Edit: just read that you checked the fuse. Jiggle the utec around. Remember you didn't have the stand offs so that maybe causing your issue. See if there is a red led light on in the utec. If not unplug it and run just the ecu and see if it fires up. I'm willing to bet your utec grounded itself out on the ecu :-/

[Honest_Bob]

Especially since when you first mentioned this to me it seemed like you had a passenger in the car. They may have stepped on the utec. :wink:

[Khellen]

If your CEL is not coming on , on the key ''on'', That means your ecu is not getting power. Did you check the fuse inside the car, Behind the one dash panels right to the lower left of the steering wheel under your few accessory switches on the dash?

I checked the ignition fuse in that area and it was perfectly fine. Is that the fuse you're referring to?

Exactly. If the cel doesn't come on no ecu power. A few things will cause this. Fuse under the dash. Main relay failure. Dead ecu. Hopefully it's just the fuse

Edit: just read that you checked the fuse. Jiggle the utec around. Remember you didn't have the stand offs so that maybe causing your issue. See if there is a red led light on in the utec. If not unplug it and run just the ecu and see if it fires up. I'm willing to bet your utec grounded itself out on the ecu :-/

You're probably right, it's probably the UTEC again. I'll pull off the cover and mess around with it when I get home tonight.


Especially since when you first mentioned this to me it seemed like you had a passenger in the car. They may have stepped on the utec. :wink:

Negative. I didn't have anyone in the car but I was transporting stuff in the passenger seat. It's quite possibly something did bump the UTEC/ECU cover as I did end up making a hard stop on the way home that night.


Thanks for all of the help everyone. I'll pull the UTEC out tonight and see if that's the problem.

[EklipzGSXkid]

That is the fuse I was talking about. If you need another turboXS utec, I have one I'd sell. No idea what they are worth currently.

[Khellen]

That is the fuse I was talking about. If you need another turboXS utec, I have one I'd sell. No idea what they are worth currently.

Lets hope that's not the case. Does yours have the standoffs that it sits on over the ECU?

[Ender81]

Get this fixed and come to the Toys for Tots meet. Actually just come to the meet anyway hehehe

[Khellen]

Get this fixed and come to the Toys for Tots meet. Actually just come to the meet anyway hehehe

Will there be punch and pie?

[Ender81]

I'm not up on all the places to eat in the area but I would say it's possible lol.

[Khellen]

I'm not up on all the places to eat in the area but I would say it's possible lol.

I wish my electric all terrain cooler was done by then....but I still need some more go kart steering components to finish it off.

[Khellen]

Exactly. If the cel doesn't come on no ecu power. A few things will cause this. Fuse under the dash. Main relay failure. Dead ecu. Hopefully it's just the fuse

Edit: just read that you checked the fuse. Jiggle the utec around. Remember you didn't have the stand offs so that maybe causing your issue. See if there is a red led light on in the utec. If not unplug it and run just the ecu and see if it fires up. I'm willing to bet your utec grounded itself out on the ecu :-/

Well....I definitely could see a red light inside the UTEC. Moved the UTEC around, checked the grounds, and still no luck. I guess tomorrow after work I'll unplug the UTEC and just plug in the ECU to check that.

I am noticing a relay clicking sound, from what sounds like the engine bay area immediately after I turn the key to ignition....would that possibly be the main relay? I hear it click but havent tested that yet.

I'm starting to think the worst here. :(

[Khellen]

Tonight I unplugged the UTEC and plugged in the ECU....still no check engine light. Guess next up I'll check the relay I can hear clicking when I turn to ignition.

So this is what I know so far:

-No check engine light
-UTEC is not the problem
-With the UTEC removed and the ecu by itself....still no check engine light
-Ignition fuse is OKAY

Going to try to rule out everything else that I can this weekend. Ugh. I hope my ECU isnt dead.


Edit:

Sounds very similar to my problem, hopefully it's just a random fuse or something.

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/general-maintenance-troubleshooting-accidents/134324969-ecu-fried.html

[EklipzGSXkid]

In these cars, Do you need to ''flash'' the ecu to your key? If not, I'll give you an ECU to test.

[Honest_Bob]

Nah, thats only certain year STi's. WRX's dont have the immobilizer.

[EklipzGSXkid]

Thanks for the info!

If you need an ECU, I have one you can test, But i'm not sure how we would go about testing it or you picking it up being your a bit away from me (Hazleton PA, 18201). Either way, I still don't mind you testing it even if you had to take it with you and then mail it back or bring it back if it turned out that was your problem.

[Khellen]

Thanks for the info!

If you need an ECU, I have one you can test, But i'm not sure how we would go about testing it or you picking it up being your a bit away from me (Hazleton PA, 18201). Either way, I still don't mind you testing it even if you had to take it with you and then mail it back or bring it back if it turned out that was your problem.

Wow thanks I really apreciate that. I'm going to go over all of the fuses and relays tomorrow and if that dosent fix anything I'll definitely be considering this.

If I take you up on this I'll probably end up drving up to you to pick it up and then I'll drive it back the following day.

I have an 04 WRX...what year / model ecu do you have? Thanks again!

[EklipzGSXkid]

I have an 02' ECU, And I also have an 04' ECU :) IF you borrowed the 02' ECU, You can use that for awhile until you get a new ecu. If you try the 04' ecu, I will need it back as soon as you could get it back to me. I'm open to leaving you try either of the two, Though! If you need one, Just give me a call: (570)926-5493 !! As I said, It won't cost you anything except the fuel to drive here. You don't even hafto drive it back, It would cost $5.00 to ship it back :)

[Khellen]

I have an 02' ECU, And I also have an 04' ECU :) IF you borrowed the 02' ECU, You can use that for awhile until you get a new ecu. If you try the 04' ecu, I will need it back as soon as you could get it back to me. I'm open to leaving you try either of the two, Though! If you need one, Just give me a call: (570)926-5493 !! As I said, It won't cost you anything except the fuel to drive here. You don't even hafto drive it back, It would cost $5.00 to ship it back :)

Awesome! I'll let you know what I find out today. Thanks!

[Khellen]

Eureka! Got the car fixed tonight. Apparently the tranny I had in the backseat area (my backseats are removed) pulled some wires from a connector for the fuel pump....hence why it wouldent kick on. Not sure why that'd kill the check engine light but that was the culpit. Once I got the car running it was burning some crazy oil....maybe from trying to turn the car over for 2-3 weeks? After it warmed up and I drove it around it seems to be running great.

Thanks Ryan, Ben, and eclipsegsxkid for all the help. I'm glad it wasnt the ECU....ugh that would have sucked.

Now back to installing the H6 rear brakes!

[Khellen]

Car's been running great ever since I figured out the problem. Still havent gotten around to picking up the rotors or brake pads...ah well.

AutoX tomorrow with all the subaru guys....it's going to be a blast!

[ambitiousCK]

Car's been running great ever since I figured out the problem. Still havent gotten around to picking up the rotors or brake pads...ah well.

AutoX tomorrow with all the subaru guys....it's going to be a blast!

Glad to hear it wasnt a big deal

[Khellen]

Glad to hear it wasnt a big deal

Me too...I was getting a bit scared it was something serious.

Did the autoX today with all of the local subaru guys and it went great. Ended up beating my goal for the day but I think I can do a lot better. Best time of the day was 63.33 and last month my best time was a 68...not a bad improvement. Devon with his stock 2006 STi (58s) and Jack with his 2006 modded 2.5RS (60s) definitely have a MUCH better powerband for the short course we are doing...makes me wonder if I shouldent have went with a 16g. I guess we'll see where I'm at once I get my tune done in the spring.

I'll post pics and vids of the autoX as soon as I get them up!

[Khellen]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5197080808_82d44c51d5_z.jpg

[Khellen]

I <3 black friday. Just ordered a Perrin master cylinder support brace since they were 10% off:

http://www.jscspeed.com/images/products/dc476a60a5c8cf34.jpg

Probably going to go ahead and order my turn in concepts fender braces later this week and I still need to install my "Unibomber's sexy rear end kit", ladder brace, and EGT sensor.

I'm excited to see if I can feel any difference between all of these little upgrades plus the H6 rears when we start doing autox's again in the spring. :)

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

[Khellen]

I've always wanted to see how my car would look wingless but couldent justify spending $200 to $300 on a wingless trunk to find out. Well, this week I managed to pick up a wingless trunk for $25 off another TST member....thanks again Sincere! I'm still not sure if I want to go wingless but at least I now have the option if I decide to have the holes welded (keyhole included) and the trunk repainted.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5399179433_6340863dbd_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5399826986_58d8d18de6_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5399816760_43a83b0f7b_z.jpg

[Rally Sport]

Good deal! I've been thinking about going wingless too, it looks so clean.

[Khellen]

Good deal! I've been thinking about going wingless too, it looks so clean.

It's definitely a nice change of pace as I've had the wing since the first week of owning the car. I've been thinking about it a lot for the last few months and I think I want to get rid of, or paint, most of the carbon fiber. The whole super agressive boy racer thing is getting old. Plus carbon fiber is super ghey to take care of....all my **** is cracking.

Oh well. I guess I'm getting old....lol

[ambitiousCK]

Looks good, I'm kind of biased though lol

[Rally Sport]

It's definitely a nice change of pace as I've had the wing since the first week of owning the car. I've been thinking about it a lot for the last few months and I think I want to get rid of, or paint, most of the carbon fiber. The whole super agressive boy racer thing is getting old. Plus carbon fiber is super ghey to take care of....all my **** is cracking.

Oh well. I guess I'm getting old....lol

Yea the whole boy racer image gets old pretty fast, you'll get less unwanted attention without the spoiler too, only the actually knowledgable people will know what's really going on lol

[Honest_Bob]

Looks good other than the paint not matching. :(

[Khellen]

Looks good, I'm kind of biased though lol

Wasnt it insane how much the STi wing weighed?! It must have been at least 10-20lbs heavier then the wingless trunk. Plus I had sound deadening material on the the STi trunk. I'm interested to see how the car feels at the next autoX after I relocate the battery to the trunk and run this lighter wingless setup.

Looks good other than the paint not matching. :(

That's a good thing! Now it matches my sideskirts, hoodscoop, and front lip! hahaha

[ambitiousCK]

Wasnt it insane how much the STi wing weighed?! It must have been at least 10-20lbs heavier then the wingless trunk. Plus I had sound deadening material on the the STi trunk. I'm interested to see how the car feels at the next autoX after I relocate the battery to the trunk and run this lighter wingless setup.



Omg yes, I put the stock trunk back on by myself the day before I sold the cf one and it was a serious workout lol the oem sti trunk without the wing weighs more than the rs trunk I currently have though. It must have some weight in it from the points where the wing mounts. The cf trunk was insanely light though, much lighter than my rs trunk

[Khellen]

Omg yes, I put the stock trunk back on by myself the day before I sold the cf one and it was a serious workout lol the oem sti trunk without the wing weighs more than the rs trunk I currently have though. It must have some weight in it from the points where the wing mounts. The cf trunk was insanely light though, much lighter than my rs trunk

Much lighter? Really? I would have guessed it would have been about the same situation as the hood. The CF hood was barely lighter then the aluminum WRX hood.

[ambitiousCK]

Much lighter? Really? I would have guessed it would have been about the same situation as the hood. The CF hood was barely lighter then the aluminum WRX hood.

Nope two totally different worlds, if i had to guess id say it weighed 10lbs if that. I was really amazed at how light it was. :eek:

[Khellen]

Nope two totally different worlds, if i had to guess id say it weighed 10lbs if that. I was really amazed at how light it was. :eek:

Hmmm...you're making me want a CF trunk now. Ugh.

Wingless is really starting to grow on me. I just need to figure out what I want to for a front lip / rear lip and then get it all painted. :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5399793918_b5ec394437_b.jpg

[sleeper15]

looks good wingless, though, its screaming for a c/f rear diffuser

[ambitiousCK]

Hmmm...you're making me want a CF trunk now. Ugh.

Wingless is really starting to grow on me. I just need to figure out what I want to for a front lip / rear lip and then get it all painted. :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5399793918_b5ec394437_b.jpg

Its where us subi owners can save the most weight aside from CF doors, on another note the car really does look great.

[Honest_Bob]

Yes your going to loose weight but your also going to move even further away from a 60/40 weight distribution than the sedan already is. Taking weight off the rear end is going to increase your understeer.

[Ender81]

Ben knows all about things that have a lot of weight in the ass.

[jspek]

looks good wingless man.

[Honest_Bob]

Ben knows all about things that have a lot of weight in the ass.

hahaha, sure do! :mrgreen:

[Khellen]

Yes your going to loose weight but your also going to move even further away from a 60/40 weight distribution than the sedan already is. Taking weight off the rear end is going to increase your understeer.

Even more of a reason to move the battery into the trunk. :)

Its where us subi owners can save the most weight aside from CF doors, on another note the car really does look great.

Thanks! ...and CF doors..oh jeeze....maybe if I saved up for a decade I could afford them. I wonder how they hold up over time. If the epoxy in the hood cracks over time I'd imagine you'd have the same problem with the doors. Dosent seem worth the hassle. CF is a pain.

looks good wingless, though, its screaming for a c/f rear diffuser

I'd love to do a diffuser but unfortunately the only one I really like is the HKS kansai but $1000 is a bit steep for a diffuser. I might try my hand at creating one. Dosent look too hard.....just time consuming.

looks good wingless man.

Thanks! It was nice meeting all of you guys the other day. Hopefully I'll be stopping by again soon to pick up some more parts from your "warehouse" haha.....btw, the S2k looked pretty bad ass in person.

[jspek]

Eh its beat up and in winter mode but thanks haha. Sorry I wasn't more sociable, had a major neck muscle strain and wasn't too happy lol.

[Sberk06]

I would strongly consider keeping it wingless, it looks so good that way.

[Khellen]

Eh its beat up and in winter mode but thanks haha. Sorry I wasn't more sociable, had a major neck muscle strain and wasn't too happy lol.

No biggie, I was pretty blah that day as well after the long drive down there and working all day.

I would strongly consider keeping it wingless, it looks so good that way.

Thanks! We'll see how it looks once I get my new lip kit and get everything painted.

[Khellen]

Vdcoff, honestbob, and I went out to take some pics Sunday night. I can't wait until I get everything painted and cleaned up in the spring.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5408523784_c353172256_z.jpg

[Khellen]

The car looks akward without a lip in the front.... :(

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/5409091559_e2fe8356be_z.jpg

[ambitiousCK]

The car looks akward without a lip in the front.... :(

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/5409091559_e2fe8356be_z.jpg

Still a great looking car :lol:

[Khellen]

....still in the process of editing photos from the other night. Mmmmm wingless.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5409977072_f63af3e122_z.jpg

[bugeye1257]

i have to agree i do like it wingless
lol i have my area1320 sticker in the same place :-p

[ambitiousCK]

Looks great man

[Khellen]

i have to agree i do like it wingless
lol i have my area1320 sticker in the same place :-p

Looks great man

Thanks guys!

I'm in the process of going around and getting quotes to have the holes all shaved and everything painted. From the feedback so far....it sounds like it's going to be a lot more expensive to have the holes filled then I originally thought. It may be cheaper in the long run to just get a wingless trunk....but then my keyhole won't be shaved. :cry:

Me and Nick (Vdcof) took some videos / pics of both of the cars on Sunday so I'll post them up when I get home.

[ambitiousCK]

Thanks guys!

I'm in the process of going around and getting quotes to have the holes all shaved and everything painted. From the feedback so far....it sounds like it's going to be a lot more expensive to have the holes filled then I originally thought. It may be cheaper in the long run to just get a wingless trunk....but then my keyhole won't be shaved. :cry:

Me and Nick (Vdcof) took some videos / pics of both of the cars on Sunday so I'll post them up when I get home.

Depending in your quotes you could buy a new rs trunk for about 350 and keep your eye open on nasioc, I saw a obp trunk for sale

[Khellen]

Depending in your quotes you could buy a new rs trunk for about 350 and keep your eye open on nasioc, I saw a obp trunk for sale

It's going to cost more then that just to get the trunk shaved....that's not even including paint.

[ambitiousCK]

It's going to cost more then that just to get the trunk shaved....that's not even including paint.

Maybe you want to look into just buying a RS trunk then, sell the sti trunk w/ wing and then you dont have to deal with the holes on top, just about the keyhole and paint.

[Khellen]

Maybe you want to look into just buying a RS trunk then, sell the sti trunk w/ wing and then you dont have to deal with the holes on top, just about the keyhole and paint.

....but, what if I ever need mad downforce? I wanted to keep my STi wing. :(

[ambitiousCK]

....but, what if I ever need mad downforce? I wanted to keep my STi wing. :(

lmao...um....uhhh....

[Khellen]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5436977307_07e0748f8a_z.jpg

[vdcoff]

hey that car looks familiar

[Khellen]

hey that car looks familiar

Good news! My trunk will be without holes very soon. :)

Now...what do I do about a lip / sideskirts / rear lip? I'm tempted to try the STi splitters and a V limited...like this:

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3241/1001/33100500019_large.jpg

Or...should I do something clean and simple like this? (minus the crazy offset)

http://aclassblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/timeless_02.jpg?w=450&h=300

[vdcoff]

Clean and simple....thats how I like my cars, thats how I like my women...




Good news! My trunk will be without holes very soon. :)

Now...what do I do about a lip / sideskirts / rear lip? I'm tempted to try the STi splitters and a V limited...like this:

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3241/1001/33100500019_large.jpg

Or...should I do something clean and simple like this? (minus the crazy offset)

http://aclassblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/timeless_02.jpg?w=450&h=300

[R22B]

Here's my car so you know my vote...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4826771581_687a446b3e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/r22b/4826771581/)
DSC01494 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/r22b/4826771581/) by JamesHenry (http://www.flickr.com/people/r22b/), on Flickr

[Khellen]

Here's my car so you know my vote...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4826771581_687a446b3e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/r22b/4826771581/)
DSC01494 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/r22b/4826771581/) by JamesHenry (http://www.flickr.com/people/r22b/), on Flickr

Loving that setup on your car James. Definitely looks clean.

At this point, I'm trying to spend as little money as possible on the exterior while returning it to a "clean" look. Hopefully by spring I'll have it all done up and can focus on finally getting the car dyno tuned. :)

[R22B]

Loving that setup on your car James. Definitely looks clean.

At this point, I'm trying to spend as little money as possible on the exterior while returning it to a "clean" look. Hopefully by spring I'll have it all done up and can focus on finally getting the car dyno tuned. :)

I've been purchasing parts from http://subaruwrxparts.com/ for years. That's where I got the STI corner splitters (factory painted WRB). I picked up the v-limited lip for a steal on iwsti.com. I paid less than $200 for the entire setup.

[Khellen]

I've been purchasing parts from http://subaruwrxparts.com/ for years. That's where I got the STI corner splitters (factory painted WRB). I picked up the v-limited lip for a steal on iwsti.com. I paid less than $200 for the entire setup.

I'll check that out. I was looking at buying the lip from baysonR if I go that route since I've bought products from them in the past and was very happy with the fit / quality.

Just finished editing another photo from earlier today:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5437950556_851e85bd9f_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5437929462_60bc2da271_z.jpg

[Khellen]

Picking up some new toys from the post office tomorrow, pics soon to follow. :)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5484314897_66c2395c91_z.jpg

[Khellen]

Just picked up some stock 5x100 STi BBS's today! Possibly my new autoX wheels? Still trying to decide if I want to rock these this year.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5497906307_7f79b02069_z.jpg

....and a shot from last weekend.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5483927385_cd175b8675_z.jpg

[RyanG]

You need to sell them to me for my legacy :)

[Khellen]

You need to sell them to me for my legacy :)

Trade for a hybrid swap?!











.....it was worth a try. hahaha

[RyanG]

Lollers

[DaveSTi]

Nice picture. One of these days, we'll have to do a photoshoot with our cars.

[Khellen]

Nice picture. One of these days, we'll have to do a photoshoot with our cars.

Yessir, I strongly agree. Anytime you're up in the area just let me know and I'll be glad to do some photos!



....sooooo. I may have dropped off my front lip, new sideskirts, jdm fog covers, and rear spats this week to be painted.

....and I may have bought the rotors & pads to complete the H6 rear upgrade today.

....and I may be gitty, like a school girl. Maybe.

[probevette]

and you drive a kia

[Subie_sleeper]

You need to sell them to me for my legacy :)
When did you get a Leggy ???

& I'd love to test fit one to see if they clear my Wilwoods. I HAVE to get rid of these Rota SVNs LOL.

[DaveSTi]

Yessir, I strongly agree. Anytime you're up in the area just let me know and I'll be glad to do some photos!



....sooooo. I may have dropped off my front lip, new sideskirts, jdm fog covers, and rear spats this week to be painted.

....and I may have bought the rotors & pads to complete the H6 rear upgrade today.

....and I may be gitty, like a school girl. Maybe.

Really digging how your car is turning out. It's the best looking wingless GD I can remember.

I'll be up in PA later this month...around the 25th-27th.

[Honest_Bob]

Yay for your car being one shade of silver. :wink:

[Khellen]

and you drive a kia

You're just mad that you had to drive to Vermont for that wing...haha

& I'd love to test fit one to see if they clear my Wilwoods. I HAVE to get rid of these Rota SVNs LOL.

Mmmmm SVN's!

Really digging how your car is turning out. It's the best looking wingless GD I can remember.

I'll be up in PA later this month...around the 25th-27th.

Thanks! That means a lot coming from you Dave! I'll have to make sure those days dont conflict with my vacation. I'm going to the DR the first week of April and I'm not sure if I'm leaving that weekend or the next....but if all works out we'll definitely meet up.

Yay for your car being one shade of silver. :wink:

Agreed. I feel like such a bum every time I look at my sideskirts.

[redlegacygt]

very nice looking. clean and simple. Keep up the great work!

[fitftw]

your wrx looks awesome. If I had one it would look very similar, just black ;]

[Khellen]

very nice looking. clean and simple. Keep up the great work!

your wrx looks awesome. If I had one it would look very similar, just black ;]

Thanks guys! If I ever do a repaint the car it's either going aspen white or flat black!

[Khellen]

Finally got the lip, new sideskirts, fog covers, and rear strakes back from the body shop! Terrible picture but here is a sneak peek until I get some decent pics:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5521409831_e418752c57_z.jpg

[boostedfury]

looks damn good Khellen

[Khellen]

looks damn good Khellen

Thank you good sir!

Got an interesting offer this week! A gentleman contacted me about trading my 5x100 stock STi BBS wheels (without tires) for his Work CR Kai's (w/ tires)....naturally I couldent pass up some sweet wheels and free tires. Just installed them today! I'm not sure if I'll keep them but they don't look too bad!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5523898599_1068ec9639_z.jpg

I've still got sideskirts and rear spats that need to be installed. I'll hopefully have them installed next weekend.

[Khellen]

<3

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5524389231_c0b2bede75_z.jpg

[ambitiousCK]

Car looks great man

[Khellen]

Car looks great man

Thanks! I really like the new look. It's wild but it's growing on me. I definitely think it looks unique.

[Ender81]

Thanks guys! If I ever do a repaint the car it's either going aspen white or flat black!

I was going to paint mine white but Liz wants me to paint it a gunmetal grey.

[nissamax]

did you get actual jdm fogs or just the covers? either way full of win

[jen.]

This car looks so mean! I'm loving the front lip. Also, wingless STi's have totally grown on me. very clean!

[Nick Merrone]

really different from other sti's for sure...this one looks angry as ****

[Khellen]

I was going to paint mine white but Liz wants me to paint it a gunmetal grey.

Mmmmm aspen white. I'd go with the white.

did you get actual jdm fogs or just the covers? either way full of win

I've only got the covers atm but I'd like to get the fogs. The only problem with that is I butchered my bumper to fit the front mount...so I'll have to pick up a new bumper. When I have some extra cash I'm gonna make it happen but $650 for a new bumper ($200), paint ($200), and fogs ($250) is a bit excessive just to install fogs. Definitely in my future plans though.

This car looks so mean! I'm loving the front lip. Also, wingless STi's have totally grown on me. very clean!

really different from other sti's for sure...this one looks angry as ****

Thanks! I wasnt sure how the lip would turn out once it was painted since almost nobody runs a painted Syms style lip but I'm pretty happy with it! It's a really rare / expensive lip that Seibon made a carbon fiber replica of...so it's not a legit Syms but oh well. It looked okay CF but I want to eventually get away from the CF look and go all painted. Not sure if I want to paint the hood yet though.

High res! This pic looks amazing on my desktop...haha.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5524389231_c0b2bede75_b.jpg

[sleeperSL2]

Car is awesome. As always, your photos are great!

[Khellen]

Car is awesome. As always, your photos are great!

Thank you good sir!

[probevette]

what an ugly kia!

[Khellen]

I'm having a very hard time deciding what wheels to use this year. Right now I have 18" CR Kai's on the car and 18" Rota tarmac 2's sitting in the garage. I've debated selling both sets of wheels and getting some 18x9 or 17x9 for some meaty 255 tires but I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble. I'm sure 255's would be a blast in autoX though...:). Any thoughts?

Work Emotion CR KAI's in steel grey:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5538571119_5e3959ceb2_z.jpg

Rota Tarmac 2's in bronze:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5216/5436977307_07e0748f8a_z.jpg

[sleeperSL2]

I'm a fan of the CR Kai's. Although, some meaty tires would be a blast!

[ambitiousCK]

Cars looking great, you know where my view of 255s is lol

[Khellen]

I'm a fan of the CR Kai's. Although, some meaty tires would be a blast!

I like the CR's too. I've debated painting them bronze though. These Works came with 235's and I've been driving on 225's forever. Just going from 225's to 235's was a noticable difference...so it's got me itching for some even wider tires haha

Cars looking great, you know where my view of 255s is lol

Thanks! Congrats on the new car! Definitely a nice upgrade. I'm interested to see what wheels you end up going with on your Z!

[ambitiousCK]

Thanks! Congrats on the new car! Definitely a nice upgrade. I'm interested to see what wheels you end up going with on your Z!

Thanks man, i already have them picked out :lol:

On topic: I'll leave this here as something for you to ponder :mrgreen:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h62/smlhops21/wash001.jpg

[Khellen]

Thanks man, i already have them picked out :lol:

On topic: I'll leave this here as something for you to ponder :mrgreen:



Looks meaty! I'm definitely going to go in that direction once I stop being cheap and spend some more money on the car.

A picture from this past weekend:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5674617342_dc14ac999e_z.jpg

I'm definitely digging the lip being painted. I'm going to try to find a stock PSM hood as well to see how that looks. The rear aprons should be going on this weekend now that I got them back from the body shop.

[Khellen]

Rear aprons installed today. Next weekend....new sideskirts!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5725215308_5e9ed8ef4c_z.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/5724631439_eebea4db20_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5724751285_c694f3b670_z.jpg

[nissamax]

looking fresh i like it everything flows so perfectly now

[Honest_Bob]

At least it looks fast now... :-p

[Khellen]

looking fresh i like it everything flows so perfectly now

Thanks! Still not 100% happy with it. Something is still a bit off. Not quite sure what it is yet....

At least it looks fast now... :-p

My fast car has I-VTEC...this one is just for Sunday cruises to the farmer's market.


AutoX is starting! Gotta get everything ready so I can take the car out. Still have to finish putting on the H6 rear rotors on, lower H-brace, master cylinder support brace, fenders braces, RCA kit, rear diff bushings, rear diff fluid, and tune. I also want to lose the HKS BOV and go recirc this year.....the BOV is driving me nuts.

Spring is here....woot!

[Teku18]

Kinda needs something to fill in the rear more but other wise very nice! Also I might just be biased due to the fact that my type x rear has a center piece.

[vdcoff]

Kinda needs something to fill in the rear more but other wise very nice! Also I might just be biased due to the fact that my type x rear has a center piece.

yea the rear doesn't look complete, do they make a rear diffuser you could put on?

[Khellen]

Kinda needs something to fill in the rear more but other wise very nice! Also I might just be biased due to the fact that my type x rear has a center piece.

yea the rear doesn't look complete, do they make a rear diffuser you could put on?

That was actually what I was thinking as well. I'm thinking of building my own diffuser just for fun. It can't be that hard. Diffuser build thread incoming! haha

[Khellen]

Naked...no skirts!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/5744973943_9f3d49ccc3_z.jpg

Putting the new ones on tomorrow!

[Jackolafedon]

They better be on in time for the meet!

[Rally Sport]

no skirts! looks like my car lol

[probevette]

nice KIA.

[Khellen]

nice KIA.

At least it now looks like a Kia with painted sideskirts!

New painted skirts are on! Woot! Also had time to install my master cylinder brace. Holy crap is that amazing for the cost of admission. I can't believe I drove 100k without one. Really firms up the brake pedal under hard braking. If you own a impreza and don't have one....you're missing out! It's a 15 minute install and anyone can do it.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5779215701_8cdf363dc7_z.jpg

[Ej6Mike]

Looks great! I want those wheels lol

[Honest_Bob]

I've wanted a master cylinder brace for a while. What brand did you get?

[vdcoff]

I may have to get a master cylinder brace

[JSCspeed]

Master cylinder braces do make a big difference on Subarus, you can watch the firewall flex without one!

[probevette]

At least it now looks like a Kia with painted sideskirts!

New painted skirts are on! Woot! Also had time to install my master cylinder brace. Holy crap is that amazing for the cost of admission. I can't believe I drove 100k without one. Really firms up the brake pedal under hard braking. If you own a impreza and don't have one....you're missing out! It's a 15 minute install and anyone can do it.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5779215701_8cdf363dc7_z.jpg

15 min install if you dont keep dropping the washers...

[Ender81]

Sounds like Jeremy was doing the automobile equivalent of dropping the soap lol

[Khellen]

Looks great! I want those wheels lol

They are for sale. :)

I've wanted a master cylinder brace for a while. What brand did you get?

Your favorite brand....Perrin! It was on sale at JSCSPEED on black friday!

Master cylinder braces do make a big difference on Subarus, you can watch the firewall flex without one!

Speak of the devil!

I may have to get a master cylinder brace

Doooo it. Super cheap mod that increases performance without increasing NVH! You can never go wrong with that.

15 min install if you don't keep dropping the washers...

Or the instructions.....LOL

Sounds like Jeremy was doing the automobile equivalent of dropping the soap lol

I hate you.

[Khellen]

I really wanted a painted hood. :(

It's ridiculous how hard it is to find a stock silver hood for sale.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/5807511946_11f205d71a_z.jpg

[quickline2]

u could always trade me your hood for my hood its painted silver with a sti carbon fiber style scoop!!!

[RyanG]

have tucker paint that one :)

[Khellen]

u could always trade me your hood for my hood its painted silver with a sti carbon fiber style scoop!!!

I would but I'm not sure I want to part with it yet. If I do get rid of it I'll let you know!

have tucker paint that one :)

Hmmmm, that's a good idea! I'll have to ask him what he thinks it would cost and if he has the time.



Made a camera dolly this week and tested it out on the WRX. I only put this together to show the smooth panning of the dolly so it's not amazing or anything. I'm hoping to make a real video in the next few weeks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhxVGA3ED1Q&feature=channel_video_title

[boostedfury]

panning in the vid looks good dude...any info or link on the DIY dolly?

[Khellen]

panning in the vid looks good dude...any info or link on the DIY dolly?

I used the Jay-Boy DIY dolly tutorial video on Vimeo. I'll post up a link for you sometime tonight if I don't forget.

Wasn't too difficult to make and only cost about $100 in parts. The hard part was finding rollerblade wheels which apparently are insanely hard to find around town. I ended up ordering the 8 wheels + bearing combo off ebay for $30.

[Khellen]

Installed my rear diff mount and outrigger bushings this weekend. Wow. Such a huge difference. It's amazing to think the car didn't come with these. You really don't realize how much your diff moves around during everyday driving until you do this mod. Under hard acceleration the rear stays planted and dosent move around. Really smooths up throttle transitions. Totally worth the cost and effort. I picked up the race version of the kit....that might be too much NVH for most people. My rear diff is so loud when I let off the throttle in 2nd and 3rd gear but I love it. It sounds amazing.....haha

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5822637311_908ebd3269_z.jpg

Also finally installed my H6 rear brake upgrade. Pretty smooth install. Taking the dust shield off was annoying as hell though. You have to chisel the tack welds off to remove it and that can take a while if you don't have an air chisel. My brake pedal is so insanely stiff now....it feels great.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5200/5826895285_543af20ca0_z.jpg

Next up on my list is fender braces, roll center adjustment kit, finish installing my EGT / oil pressure gauges, and decide what to do about my fenders.

[Honest_Bob]

Tune??? :-p

[Khellen]

Tune??? :-p

Hopefully this week if the weather isn't too ungodly hot and Ryan has some free time.

[Ender81]

I have the fender braces I've just never gotten around to putting them on. They say you can do it without take off the fender but hell if I know how lol.

[Honest_Bob]

Its possible on the sedans. If I remember correctly I think you have to take the fender liner out. A ratcheting wrench works really good on that project.

[Ender81]

After things calm down I think I am going to put them in.

[RyanG]

if you can get it here tomorrow I can tune it

[Khellen]

Its possible on the sedans. If I remember correctly I think you have to take the fender liner out. A ratcheting wrench works really good on that project.

That shouldn't be a problem since my inner fender liner on my passenger side got ripped out on the highway....I'm already halfway done with the install! LOL

if you can get it here tomorrow I can tune it

Sounds good! I'll be out of work by 2pm tomorrow. I'll stop by one the way home.

[Khellen]

Road tune is completed! Cars runs fantastic. Ryan also found a pretty big boost leak coming from one of my FMIC couplers. It's like a whole different car now. So much more pull and throttle response then before. I may have another little leak somewhere that I'll have to find with a smoke tester but I'm sure I'll be quite content with my new found power / driveability. :)

Also picked up my rear diff fluid today....going to service that this weekend.

Short clip of Ryan taking my car out to tune it. My car is obnoxiously loud...in a good way. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVZQmyeNU44&feature=player_embedded

[RyanG]

needs more 2.5

[Khellen]

needs more 2.5

Agreed! Got a spare laying around? :)

[Honest_Bob]

****in sweet! :)

[Got Insulin?]

Why do you need to brace the fenders? haha

[Khellen]

Why do you need to brace the fenders? haha

I pull mad hard G-forces yo!

Seriously though, apparently the front flexes quite a bit on these cars. I've heard good things about the beefier fender braces in GD subarus. It really tightens up the front end of the car and doesn't cost much money. I'm all for anything that costs me $75 and makes a noticeable difference in handling. Plus I have to swap out my dented fender anyways. I've had a band-aid covering my dent for months now....haha

Besides, I'm a suspension junkie...I need my next fix! :)

Little update on the tune:

So far I've driven on the tune for two days now...what a night and day difference. The car is running smooth and feels a lot more powerful. No more hickups at idle. I'm a happy camper. Another great experience from visiting area1320!

[DaveSTi]

fender braces are easy, no need to remove the fender either. just the top few bolts will give you enough clearance to get the job done. :)

you'll notice a difference for sure.

[Khellen]

fender braces are easy, no need to remove the fender either. just the top few bolts will give you enough clearance to get the job done. :)

you'll notice a difference for sure.

Did you notice a huge difference even on your STi dave?

Started installing my rear swaybar mounts yesterday! Decided to tackle the difficult one on the passenger side. What a pain in the ass. All due to one bolt. One of the rear swaybar mount bolts is located about 1" from the gas tank filler tube. Finally got the stupid thing on and I'm hoping to finish the driver side saturday. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if my stock mounts were flexing under the strain of the 27mm bar....they looked pretty beat up. I'll post pics when I get home.

Well....it's payday and I'm itching for new suspension mods. Fender braces or the RCA were next on my list but I'm very tempted to redo all of my trailing arms / lateral link bushings with this TIC package.

http://turninconcepts.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_9_7_480_490_1330&products_id=1171

http://turninconcepts.com/images/ll_2_big.jpg

Recent mods update:

Area1320 tune:
Car is running great! Still smooth as ever and tons of power to boot.

Rear diff mount bushings:
I love the feel of the car under 1-2 or 2-3 shifts now. No bouncing up and down....very solid. The NVH from the race diff mounts is pretty insane though. I definitely wouldn't recommend them to anyone who is dailying their car. I'll try to get a video of the hilarious sounds the car makes when I get some time.

Master cylinder support brace + H6 rears:
The brakes are amazing now! The pedal is much stiffer under braking. I'm hearing a little rubbing around turns on the passenger side rotor...so I'll have to figure out what's going on back there.

[DaveSTi]

STi uses the same fender braces as the WRX so you'll notice the same difference. It's night and day when you're going over bumps. The bumps used to come into the cabin, but with the braces, those forces are reisolated to the a pillar of the car back into the suspension where it belongs. it's a pretty effective cheap mod, although i didn't notice any real differences in steering or handling.

[sleeperSL2]

Spotted at Daisy Dairy Bar around 4:15 haha car looks good, kind of drove off the road a tad looking at it lol

[Subie_sleeper]

Congrats !!!!

I'll have the Baja on Wednesday,

THEN it goes under the knife again at Area1320,

STi master cylinder....

Area1320 Baja-proof-up-pipe-from-hell.....

Hybrid Deadbolt/Blouch 18g XT/HTA.....

TUNE....

Photoshoot with the Area1320 OG vehicles.....

:devil:

[Khellen]

STi uses the same fender braces as the WRX so you'll notice the same difference. It's night and day when you're going over bumps. The bumps used to come into the cabin, but with the braces, those forces are reisolated to the a pillar of the car back into the suspension where it belongs. it's a pretty effective cheap mod, although i didn't notice any real differences in steering or handling.

I think you've sold me on them. I'll probably pick up a set this week. :)

Spotted at Daisy Dairy Bar around 4:15 haha car looks good, kind of drove off the road a tad looking at it lol

Someone from TST finally spotted me! Woot! Thanks! Yea...I had an urge for a daisy burger and a strawberry milkshake. While I was sitting in their waiting I was wondering if anyone was going to spot me since their was a ton of traffic driving by.

Congrats !!!!

I'll have the Baja on Wednesday,

THEN it goes under the knife again at Area1320,

STi master cylinder....

Area1320 Baja-proof-up-pipe-from-hell.....

Hybrid Deadbolt/Blouch 18g XT/HTA.....

TUNE....

Photoshoot with the Area1320 OG vehicles.....

:devil:

Anytime you want photos Rob...all you have to do is ask!

[sleeperSL2]

I actually spot your car all the time lol, i just forget to post haha

[Khellen]

So...the Area1320 swap meet was pretty constructive today. Made some money and got a new set of wheels (kinda..only 3). Traded my rotas to a fellow TST member for some silver BBS wheels! I'm really liking how they look on my car.

What do you guys think?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5031/5875428266_b60441cecd_z.jpg

[Khellen]

I actually spot your car all the time lol, i just forget to post haha

Yea....I think that's the case with anyone local who sees me. That or they just text me. Did you get a Subaru yet?? I remember you saying you kept talking to Don about possibly getting one.

[sleeperSL2]

haha funny you ask. Looking at one this week! Also, the wheels look good!

[Reds82]

looking good still love how bbs look always one of my favorite rims

[Khellen]

haha funny you ask. Looking at one this week! Also, the wheels look good!

Thanks! What model are you looking at?

looking good still love how bbs look always one of my favorite rims

Agreed! Hope you enjoy the tarmac 2's. They were great wheels and I always loved how they looked on my car. They looked pretty bad ass on your car when you drove off. Btw, you're car is hilariously loud...haha

[sleeperSL2]

a 96 legacy wagon:-p haha

[Reds82]

Yes it makes a lot of noise but I kinda like it has a much better sound compared to the biltz that was on it

[Khellen]

a 96 legacy wagon:-p haha

That's how it starts. It's "just a 96 legacy wagon"....until you end up deciding it's a good idea to buy every bolt on imaginable for it. In the end you'll say "Wow, I guess I should have just bought an STi."....or at least that's what every Subaru owner I know ends up saying...haha

Yes it makes a lot of noise but I kinda like it has a much better sound compared to the biltz that was on it

Sounds awesome! People with sensitive car alarms must hate you though.

[sleeperSL2]

Haha we shall see how things go.. With the track record of Ben, don and rob and how far they've gone i feel I may end up on the same path lol

[Reds82]

Sounds awesome! People with sensitive car alarms must hate you though.

Yea I work second shift which makes my neighbors love me Owell it makes up for my house shaking from the sounds of Reggaeton

[Khellen]

Picking up my 4th BBS wheel tomorrow! Now I just need to get my hood painted or possibly pick up a WRX hood. :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5956443318_c906993fe3_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5956454050_d66ea3c349_z.jpg

[Khellen]

Went to the local autoX with a few TSTers yesterday and had some pretty amazing results.

Last year I ran a 225/40/18 summer tires on my rota tarmacs and my personal best was a 63 seconds flat.

This time around I had a few improvements to the car which included dropping at least 100lbs, finishing my tune, and changing a few bushings. I decided to run yesterday with my 17x7.5 BBS wheels and 225/45/17 all season tires. I'm happy to announce I ran a 61.7!

Better yet, I let Jack Fedon drive my car for the first time and he ran a 61.4! This definitely shows I still need to brush up on my driving technique but I'm improving AND the car is getting quicker! Considering this was on all season tires I think I can pull a 60 second pass next time. Once you drop into the 50's your hanging with the big boys at our event. :)

Next autoX in September I plan on running my WORKS with the 235/40/18 Falken summer tires and see if my time improve at all. Next year though, once I've decided which set of wheels I'm sticking with I'm getting some star specs!

I'll have video and pics up soon! The 1st gear pulls with the wastegate open at full throttle sounds hilarious.

[Khellen]

Oh, also, for those of you who have an SSQV BOV and it's driving you crazy.....remove the insert. Sounds so much better. Makes no sounds until you are at full boost and it's not the high pitch bird call.

[Reds82]

Nice time how much did you find the last rim for or do I even want to know?

[Khellen]

Nice time how much did you find the last rim for or do I even want to know?

I took a lot of searching but I found a guy in California that had a badly dented rim for $100. Wheel collision center in Bath repaired it for $150. They did an amazing job repairing the dent and it rides smooth! Even autoX'd on the wheels this weekend. So all in all it worked out great!

[Reds82]

I seen that rim wasn't sure if it could be straightened and didn't want to chance it that's great that it worked out for you

[Khellen]

I seen that rim wasn't sure if it could be straightened and didn't want to chance it that's great that it worked out for you

It was pretty bad. When I brought it to the wheel collision center they didn't seem to opptimistic about repairing it. The biggest problem with the wheel, according to them, was that it had two dents in a row...which is very hard to straighten. Either way, they worked their magic and it's 100% minty now! The repair was done on the back of the wheel and the front of the wheel looks mint!

Btw, how are you liking E85?

[Reds82]

Enjoying it still need a clutch

[Khellen]

Enjoying it still need a clutch

I want a ride in it eventually! Maybe you can come out to our autoX in Septermber and we can see what it can do!

Here's a video my car at the autoX from this weekend. Jack Fedon who also is a TST member was driving my car in this video. Prior to this I had done 7 or 8 runs and was running consistently pulling off 61 and 62 second passes. Jack being much more experienced at autoX then me was curious if he could run an equal or quicker time. This is his 61.4s lap that beat my personal best of 61.7....haha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_OQxhX712I

[Khellen]

Haven't updated this in a while....

Nothing to amazing going on with the car lately. Managed to get a good deal on some lightwerkz headlights so now I have projector retrofits. Other then the headlights I've held off buying parts lately. Instead, I've been trying to get as much seat time as possible at local autoX's. I participated in my first NEPA-SCCA event this month and it really gives you some perspective on how a good driver with a slow car can easily out perform a mediocre driver with a fast car. As an example, a stock miata with race tires was beating my times by 5-6 seconds. This just motivates me more to keep coming out, learn how to prep my car properly, and drive the car to its limits.

On the upside I did our local fun autoX yesterday and got down to a 58.3! My previous best was a 61. The 58.3 was .3 away from my friend's time who at previous autoX's was consitently running 2-3 seconds ahead of me. For some perspective...the car with the fastest time was a 550whp Z06 with R comps and he ran a 52. Still a long ways off from that but with wider wheels and R comps I'm sure I could pick up a second or two.

I've got a 12lb Deca battery on the way this week and I'm hoping to take the AC out this winter for a little bit of weight off the front end of the car.

Future plans? I'll definitely be picking up some better tires this summer. I think I'll stick with my teeny 17x7.5 or 18x7.5 wheels against this upcoming year since I haven't hit their limits yet. I keep improving my times so clearly their is some room left for me to improve on my current setup. I'm sure I'll be buying some bushings and possibly the RCA kit this winter as well.

From yesterday:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6183768203_c95b5d3bac_b.jpg

[ambitiousCK]

Haven't updated this in a while....

Nothing to amazing going on with the car lately. Managed to get a good deal on some lightwerkz headlights so now I have projector retrofits. Other then the headlights I've held off buying parts lately. Instead, I've been trying to get as much seat time as possible at local autoX's. I participated in my first NEPA-SCCA event this month and it really gives you some perspective on how a good driver with a slow car can easily out perform a mediocre driver with a fast car. As an example, a stock miata with race tires was beating my times by 5-6 seconds. This just motivates me more to keep coming out, learn how to prep my car properly, and drive the car to its limits.

On the upside I did our local fun autoX yesterday and got down to a 58.3! My previous best was a 61. The 58.3 was .3 away from my friend's time who at previous autoX's was consitently running 2-3 seconds ahead of me. For some perspective...the car with the fastest time was a 550whp Z06 with R comps and he ran a 52. Still a long ways off from that but with wider wheels and R comps I'm sure I could pick up a second or two.

I've got a 12lb DeKa battery on the way this week and I'm hoping to take the AC out this winter for a little bit of weight off the front end of the car.

Future plans? I'll definitely be picking up some better tires this summer. I think I'll stick with my teeny 17x7.5 or 18x7.5 wheels against this upcoming year since I haven't hit their limits yet. I keep improving my times so clearly their is some room left for me to improve on my current setup. I'm sure I'll be buying some bushings and possibly the RCA kit this winter as well.

From yesterday:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6183768203_c95b5d3bac_b.jpg

Great to see your enjoying your car! Had to fix that spelling though considering i work there lol.

[02vwgolf]

woah you work at deka? is it in the industrial complex off cetronia in trexlertown...trying to hook a TST member up haha?

[ambitiousCK]

woah you work at deka? is it in the industrial complex off cetronia in trexlertown...trying to hook a TST member up haha?

I work at the one in lyons, just apply we're always hiring.

[Khellen]

I work at the one in lyons, just apply we're always hiring.

I didn't even realize Deka was in the area or else I would have just drove down to the storefront. Lame...haha

[Simmons-Racing]

Seat time is the Number 1 thing everyone needs.

If we are ever at the same event I can ride with you, and drive your car to help you out.


Simmons

[Khellen]

Seat time is the Number 1 thing everyone needs.

If we are ever at the same event I can ride with you, and drive your car to help you out.


Simmons

I'll definitely take you up on that! I'll probably see you out at an SCCA event sooner or later. I'll be at the one in Williamsport coming up in a week.

Anyone know of any really good quick disconnect battery terminals?

[Khellen]

Haven't updated this in a while. The subaru has become the poor step child that sits in the garage while I drive the Miata around 99% of the time. I did have a chance to take it out to the LVSE Daisy meet this weekend though!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6959178227_fc5722a8ca_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6813067586_e27259236a_b.jpg

[boostedfury]

clean as always mang!

[Khellen]

clean as always mang!

Thanks!

[Khellen]

It's almost spring.....that means it's time to start working on the WRX again. :)

Cut the AC belt and I'm planning on removing the AC pump whenever it decides to get a little warmer out. Why? Because racecar.....and because I haven't used AC in the last 3 years due to a large top mount bashing one of my AC hard lines.

As for plans this summer...I'd like to dial in the suspension a little bit better. After driving my miata that I picked up in November....my WRX feels incredibly awkward. Going from a car with infinite oversteer to another car with mild understeer sucks. I say mild because the suspension is setup very neutral right now and understeer only rears its ugly head while driving at the limit (autoX). Last year I also noticed that on occasion I'll lift the inside front tire around some corners at autox's and with the WRX's open diff I'm spinning my tire in the air. This leads me to believe my car is way to stiff in the front....so I'm going to try a smaller bar and see if that doesn't fix my problem. It may help me exit a corner faster if I actually have my front wheels on the ground....hahaha. On top of that...the steering rack on the WRX is terrible. I'd really like to get a quick rack. When I jump into the WRX after driving the miata or the Porsche I feel like I'm driving a truck.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7033430195_890df51485_c.jpg

[Khellen]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/7034009925_f3245347ba_z.jpg

[Khellen]

Beautiful day out today! I needed an excuse to be outside......so I started removing my AC. :lol:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6900433680_be4afceaf5_b.jpg

[Got Insulin?]

I've never understood why A2W intercoolers aren't more prevalent in the Subie world. Seems like the perfect compromise between that awful TMIC (same as the MINIs) and all the piping of a FMIC. You saying about the TMIC giving you some trouble just made me think about it some more.

[Khellen]

I've never understood why A2W intercoolers aren't more prevalent in the Subie world. Seems like the perfect compromise between that awful TMIC (same as the MINIs) and all the piping of a FMIC. You saying about the TMIC giving you some trouble just made me think about it some more.

I'd love to run an A2W but I can't imagine the gains of going from my current setup to A2W would be worth the cost. If I was trying to eek out every little bit of power and cost wasn't an issue I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

The only local Subaru I know of that runs an A2W intercooler is Rob's baja and I haven't got the chance to see it in person yet. I definitely would consider one in the future if I could see one in action. Especially if it helped eliminate the insane amount of piping we have to run.

[Chris B.]

Especially if it helped eliminate the insane amount of piping we have to run.

With the proper arrangement of components, the total piping from the turbo to the intake manifold could be only a few feet not including the intercooler.

[Khellen]

With the proper arrangement of components, the total piping from the turbo to the intake manifold could be only a few feet not including the intercooler.

Reverse manifold? :)

I decided to fix my low beams this weekend. A few weeks ago they randomly stopped working and I was to lazy to fix them. Being that I only drive the car on the weekend I didn't have a lot of motivation to fix them so I put it off for a while.

The relay for my HID low beams has definitely seen better days!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6913164116_878d02e0a3_b.jpg

[Honest_Bob]

oh ****!! :eek:

I forget, do you have the STI hids?

[Khellen]

oh ****!! :eek:

I forget, do you have the STI hids?

No sir. I believe it's some other balast. The projectors are a lightwerkz retrofit but I'm not really sure which car the projectors came out of.

The previous owners car was flood damaged but the water never reached the lights. What he failed to mention is that the water must have reached the harness's relay. Thank god it wasn't a stock headlight relay....the price on one of them was insane.

[Honest_Bob]

ohhh right! Luckily it looks like an autoparts store relay. :)