Subaru WRX Forum banner

My evil plan(build thread)

33K views 94 replies 10 participants last post by  titter 
#1 ·
Why is my plan evil?>:D I live in a hotbed of tree hugging liberals that would cringe at the fact that I'm now running "catless". "Phew"! (It smells like 1973 around here!) And I'm doing it without a wide-band 02 sensor or Cobb AP!!! In fact,right at this moment I don't have any EM at all!!! MUHUHahahahahahahah!!!>:D

Ok, so here it goes. This spans 11 years and I have lots of pics. I'm gonna start from the first mod to where I am now and what's next and why. I will also tell you what I have learned along the way. I can't do it all in one whack so I'll just keep adding to this thread. All comments,questions and suggestions are welcome and encouraged.

Ziebart rustproofing: Christmas 03, present from brother. Steam-cleaned and touched up every year.

Kartboy SS&bushings: Christmas 04, present from brother. I installed the SS Christmas eve Below freezing! Bushings Christmas night below freezing with light snow at 4;00am. Guess what I did next? Let's see, collage town deserted for X-mas break,4:00am on a holiday eve, cops on a skeleton crew,1"of fresh powder, snowplows won't be out until 6:am? Hmmmmm.....Let's just say YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

Rims&tires: ASA AR-1 17x7 rims with Kumho MX 225/45/17s (summer)
Blizzak WS-50 205/55R16s (winter)


Spring 05
<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/newrimsamptires-392_zps91832141.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/newrimsamptires-392_zps91832141.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo newrimsamptires-392_zps91832141.jpg"/></a>
The stock tires weren't just poor they were unsafe!!! I'm surprised nobody filed a class action lawsuit!
 
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: boo-key
#3 ·
Lots of torque low down grunt.Fast spool. Redline comes up so fast I have to shift sooner.It kind of messes me up.But in a good way. I just gotta'git outta' 1st gear quicker. Throttle response is much better at lower rpms now. Power SEEMS to keep coming on all the way to redline. But I could be just freakin' out.:eek:
 
#4 ·
Whiteline steering rack bushings:
Not long after I got my sticky tires I started wearing out steering rack bushings. The first set wore out in about 12,000 mi so under warranty they put in some new ones. I wore them out in about 7000mi. Then they took the wore out ones and put them on over some new ones to try to get a tighter grip on the steering rack. This worked for a while but it soon failed too.

Finally I went aftermarket. I got a set of Whiteline steering rack bushings and took them to the dealership to be installed. When I set them on the counter the mechanic snatched them up and said," 'Bout time!" they couldn't tell me about them because of some warranty/liability issue or something. Bottom line, never a problem again.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Random do-dads...

Window tint:rear windows only. Visor strip too.
Hard-wired radar detector:

Passport 8500 X50 w/blue LEDs

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/cc768f11-6ab1-4d7a-91ca-887c9c964879_zps0cc20ec5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/cc768f11-6ab1-4d7a-91ca-887c9c964879_zps0cc20ec5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo cc768f11-6ab1-4d7a-91ca-887c9c964879_zps0cc20ec5.jpg"/></a>
Rally armor mud flaps:


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/12ea266d-e7d9-43b8-9029-2665c6207400_zpsafcc7c44.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/12ea266d-e7d9-43b8-9029-2665c6207400_zpsafcc7c44.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 12ea266d-e7d9-43b8-9029-2665c6207400_zpsafcc7c44.jpg"/></a>


AKA worm flaps. In some parts of Iowa in the spring when it rains every worm in the world wants to cross the street at the same time.

Custom vinyl seat covers:

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1110_zpsc4d0674a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1110_zpsc4d0674a.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1110_zpsc4d0674a.jpg"/></a>

After grinding chocolate and snagging Velcro pocket flaps on them I went with seat covers I ordered at a NOPI show. Remember NOPI shows? Leather was too expensive,cold and slippery. Besides they look great! Fit TIGHT!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MisfittedGal
#6 · (Edited)
Hella horns:Christmas 05, you guessed it,from brother. I had a hard time Finding a spot under the hood that never gets wet to mount the relay.The contact points inside the relay were always getting corrosion from getting wet. fianally, I found a spot near the battery.I wrapped it in black tape,mounted it and called it good.

Modding is going slow. Still paying for those rims & tires plus 3 summer trips to Calli (Got to hone my skills on those twisting mountain roads,US 299 will always have a special place in my heart.)with Car payments rent and such,on a $15.60hr factory job making car components, mostly radiator frames.

This went on until the car market started to take a downturn. in the summer of 06. The rest of the world didn't feel it until 08. I got laid off and took a 12hr day job at a shampoo bottle factory as a "pack lead" for $11.00hr. Believe it or not this was not my darkest hour. Still making payments at this point. I was living off raman noodles and PB&J. I could only take those 12hr days for 9months. A lot of those days turned to 15hr days as "pack lead" I was the guy in charge of temps who were only making $8.00hr. So I did the cheapest mod that did the most good. The intake silencer delete with the velocity stack in the fender and a K&N drop-in.
http://www.scoobymods.com/showthrea...moval-113.html?t=113&highlight=velocity+stack

As soon as I heard of a job opening at a factory just down the street for $13.30hr making car components again and 8hr days I bolted. After A year and a half I'd worked my way up to almost $14.00hr.

The car finally got paid off!!!

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/newcamera020_zps710ad882.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/newcamera020_zps710ad882.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo newcamera020_zps710ad882.jpg"/></a>

Things were lookin' up! My battery went Kaput so I got me an Optima red top; I started to get that modding bug again.

Now for my darkest hour... I gotta' one/two punch to the gut and groin. The bottom dropped out of the auto industry, I got laid-off again and my Mom, the woman that got me into Japanese cars and changed her own oil until she was 70 was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She didn't make it.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Well,it doesn't rain every day. Life goes on,and so did I. Fast forward to 2012. I got a job making refrigerators. I moved into the house Mom left me with my cat and my long time girl friend and her '95 Mitsy 3000GT (money pit). Everything settled down and I was making money again.

Time to start looking at the Subie Rex again. By now the Kumhos are thread bare and I was riding on the snows.<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/Picture006.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/Picture006.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Picture006.jpg"/></a>
Baby needs a new set of shoes. I got her some high-heels from Dunlop. Direzza Z1 Star Specs to be exact.

Every time I get a new set of tires I get an alignment. I asked my alignment guy to look for what was "clunkin' and bunkin'" in the back. Time for new end links. There was wear in holes of the rear ones and one of the fronts was just plain snapped!

Whiteline end links

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1871_zps11b91560.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1871_zps11b91560.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1871_zps11b91560.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/SDC11466_zps3ba8e3a3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/SDC11466_zps3ba8e3a3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo SDC11466_zps3ba8e3a3.jpg"/></a>
 
#11 ·
Actually they are brand spankin' new! As of 03/24/14. What you're seeing is a waxy coat of mold release. They spray the mold with it like Pam cooking spray so they can get the part out of the mold. The weather just hasn't wore it off yet.

DANG! I've been working these factorys too long.
 
#12 ·
The next thing that needed help was my headlights. Back in April 03 I had just made my 1st payment so I did some overtime. It hailed that day at the factory (not at home) doing $1,800 in damage to my car.

I hadn't even switched over my insurance to State Farm. It still had the El-Cheapo insurance the dealer makes you get just to drive it off the lot. The brainless adjuster quoted $800 to repair thinking he could use PDR (paintless dent removal) to get out the dents.

Trouble is you can't use PDR on aluminum. $800 bucks barely paid for the hood. I had to come up with a grand to get it fixed. When I got the money together I took it to the worst body shop the world has ever known.

One of the many things they did wrong was get over spray on the headlights then clean them off with something that doesn't play well with plastic making them cloudy.
 
#13 ·
So now I got cloudy headlights. Yea,I know...There are a million products and methods that work very well at clearing your headlights. None of them worked,some made it worse! These products and methods were designed to clear headlights that are oxidized from age or wear and tear,not 'cause some Bozo wiped them down with mineral spirits. Trust me,after ten years of trying everything nothing worked but THIS!!!

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_2411_zps2d836b7a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_2411_zps2d836b7a.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2411_zps2d836b7a.jpg"/></a>

MEGUIARS #17 & #10 Auto Plastic Cleaner & Plastic Polish: , Mothers PowerBall Mini (Even the companies own kit wont do as well) No wet sanding or any of that BS. Use the ball for the cleaner, a micro fiber towel and some elbow-grease for the polish and be on your way.However...This is not a permanent solution. It will gradually need to be done more the more you use it. After ten years of this I was doing it every few months. Time for new headlights.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MisfittedGal
#14 · (Edited)
New headlights. What I REALLY wanted was JDM projectors. But I couldn't come up with the 2,000 bars of gold pressed latinum needed to buy them. Most of the used ones look like junk and I just don't trust them. Also there is the rhd/lhd thing to deal with and you need a degree in astrophysics to install them.


So I went cheap. Spec-D $262.00 shipped.
<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/NewLights022_zps1396eb01.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/NewLights022_zps1396eb01.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo NewLights022_zps1396eb01.jpg"/></a>


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/NewLights006_zps54f06c06.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/NewLights006_zps54f06c06.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo NewLights006_zps54f06c06.jpg"/></a>


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/NewLights005_zps28b566e0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/NewLights005_zps28b566e0.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo NewLights005_zps28b566e0.jpg"/></a>

I got these in October 2012.The fitment was very good. A bead of closed-cell foam around the edges was a nice touch and I thought they looked great. THE LOVE STOPS NOW!!! More on this later I have to get ready for work.:|
 
#15 · (Edited)
These lights used vampire clips and cannibalized parts from the stock lights. If they worked out I was going to replace the clips with proper soldering. They didn't work out. I couldn't adjust the lights to match each other. So I did the best I could. The high beams were a sick joke! I put the best bulbs I could get my hands on in them and started to look for something else.

Spec-Ds
<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/New%20Lights/NewLights020.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/New%20Lights/NewLights020.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo NewLights020.jpg"/></a>
Too bad, I thought they looked pretty good.

<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/New%20Lights/IMG_0929_zpsb459383f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/New%20Lights/IMG_0929_zpsb459383f.jpg" border="0" alt="Spec-D brights photo IMG_0929_zpsb459383f.jpg"/></a>
High beams? are you frigging kidding me?

<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/New%20Lights/IMG_0928_zps13d7ab1b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/New%20Lights/IMG_0928_zps13d7ab1b.jpg" border="0" alt="Spec-D low beam photo IMG_0928_zps13d7ab1b.jpg"/></a>
Low beams? Please...

Something else. Depo halogen projector JDM replicas.

<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/JDM%20headlights/IMG_1161_zps57ceed02.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/JDM%20headlights/IMG_1161_zps57ceed02.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1161_zps57ceed02.jpg"/></a>
PIAA Plasma Ion Yellow H3 55W In the fogs.

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1151_zpsdf8973ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1151_zpsdf8973ca.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1151_zpsdf8973ca.jpg"/></a>
Depo JDM replicas. Low beams. That's better!

<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/JDM%20headlights/IMG_1147_zpsd0ed0f32.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/JDM%20headlights/IMG_1147_zpsd0ed0f32.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1147_zpsd0ed0f32.jpg"/></a>
Depo JDM replicas. High beams. That's more like it!

I actually aimed them a bit higher but I am very satisfied.

I got rid of the DRLs like so...How To: Disable DRL 02-03 WRX - NASIOC And to get the lows to stay on with the highs (just like real JDMs) like this...How To: Easy 2002/03 Subaru WRX 4-HI Mod

Then I gave them a 12mm layer of Lamin-X protective film. I went with the sheet instead of the pre-cut ones 'cause ya' got'ta be purfect wit' te pre-cuts and I ain't. Also you got'ta wet down all around the area your working or you will get this.

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1623_zpsb2e6c514.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1623_zpsb2e6c514.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1623_zpsb2e6c514.jpg"/></a>

It stuck to the clear-coat and pulled it off like nuthin'.

I know...Everyone has a stiffy for HIDs but not me. Too complex,too expensive and too obnoxious to other drivers. I'm quite happy with my halogen projectors.:D
 
  • Like
Reactions: sleepr
#16 ·
I know...Everyone has a stiffy for HIDs but not me. Too complex,too expensive and too obnoxious to other drivers. I'm quite happy with my halogen projectors.:D
Brother - If I could hug you :D Good Lamps in Good Projectors are a beautiful thing, and thanks for not HIDing everyone you drive by on the Highway.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Next up, car stereo. Around this time is when I skinned off my mirror on my tinny garage door. DOH!!!

<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/broken%20mirror/IMG_0766_zps61fa8680.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/broken%20mirror/IMG_0766_zps61fa8680.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0766_zps61fa8680.jpg"/></a>

There was a very stubborn screw that needed to be drilled out. What the heck does this have to do with car stereo? Well, some metal shavings got down into the door and around here that is like rust "seeds" in my door. Now I gott'a take the door apart and get that outt'a there.

I got the door card off and I saw the lamest excuse for speakers Ive ever seen in a modern car. They were rusty and stained. The paper cones were as delicate as butterfly wings.It's a miracle they worked at all. On the plus side, the magnet from the speakers caught every bit of the metal shavings.

After I pulled the speaker out to clean off the shavings I just couldn't bring myself to put that garbage back in my car. So it was Crutchfield to the rescue!!!

With these speakers up front.Pioneer TS-A1305C 5-1/4" component speaker system at Crutchfield.com

And these speakers in the rear doors.Pioneer TS-G1044R 4" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com

After crusin' around sportin' my new speakers I came to realize my head unit was woefully antiquated. I was using an I-pod plugged into a tape adapter that went into my cassette player to play Mp3s.:laugh:

Sooo...BAM!!!
Pioneer FH-X700BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/New%20Lights/Interior%20shots%202013/IMG_1138_zpsbc3f83a8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/New%20Lights/Interior%20shots%202013/IMG_1138_zpsbc3f83a8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1138_zpsbc3f83a8.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/New%20Lights/Interior%20shots%202013/IMG_1121_zps41c5550e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/New%20Lights/Interior%20shots%202013/IMG_1121_zps41c5550e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1121_zps41c5550e.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s135.photobucket.com/user/fidrat/media/New%20Lights/Interior%20shots%202013/IMG_1113_zpsaded31cb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/fidrat/New%20Lights/Interior%20shots%202013/IMG_1113_zpsaded31cb.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1113_zpsaded31cb.jpg"/></a>

I wanna' tell ya' right now I'm not one of those people that goes around town bumpin'& buzzin' along. I think excessive vibration causes damage to the car and me. I just enjoy good tunes and turn up the Ozzy or Zep once and a while.:rocks: This $300 set-up suits me just fine. I really like the hands-free phone coming from the speakers as well as GPS commands. This thing will play music from just about any source you can think of. Also I HATE DJs (especially ones that laugh at their own jokes) and commercials! This unit solves that. I put all the CDs I own (minus the songs I don't like) in WAV form and about 300 Mp3s on a memory stick. Plugged it into the front of this unit,hit random and TA-DAAAA!!! I have my own radio station! BIG DEAL right? Any decent head unit will do that. But wait...there's more. It seems Pioneer hired a club style DJ and crammed it in this unit and called it MIXTRAX! Go to the linkFH-X700BT - 2-DIN CD Receiver with MIXTRAX, Bluetooth®, USB Direct Control for iPod®/iPhone®, and Pandora® Ready | Pioneer Electronics USA Click on videos/Mixtrax to see how this works. It gets the beat,mixes into the next song and has a sound and light effects show. :DTIGHT!!!:D

Installation was a snap! I think it took like 20 min. Crutchfield is top notch In customer and tech support. They included for FREE all the wiring and such with VERY detailed instructions,live chat,FREE shipping and so on. Quick,cheap,upgradeable,compatible with everything, What more could I ask for? How about a dimmer switch that worked? Or better, a lead that uses the factory dimmer with the other dash lights? Not really a big deal. Nothing is perfect at this or any price.
 
#18 ·
Same head unit here and from crutchfield also. Its a really great one for the price. My only complaint would be that I use my android phone via Bluetooth to listen to music. If I have it plugged into the usb port in the radio for charging purposes it automatically switches from BT audio mode to ipod mode and does it again with the slightest movement of the cable. Not really a big deal though. As I said, great head unit!



Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
#20 · (Edited)
My science officer says "For music you should be fine charging your phone from the USB port on the radio but to get away from that quirk use the cig lighter to recharge and let the blue tooth handle the connection." If you use it for GPS it won't keep you charged for long trips. So you kind'a have'ta use the cig lighter.

Like this...

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_2511_zps8792f024.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_2511_zps8792f024.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2511_zps8792f024.jpg"/></a>

I usually do the plug with the light down like this...

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_2517_zps4a5ee251.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_2517_zps4a5ee251.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2517_zps4a5ee251.jpg"/></a>

a closer look...

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_2515_zps214c9d83.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_2515_zps214c9d83.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2515_zps214c9d83.jpg"/></a>

This is the kind of charger I use.

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_2514_zps2f86d824.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_2514_zps2f86d824.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2514_zps2f86d824.jpg"/></a>

I hope this helps. Not a fix just a different way. Besides my USB port is usually full of memory stick. Also not all cords will work.
 
#22 ·
check out the Scosche website (use "usb charger" in their search field). They have all kinds of quality 12V adapter usb chargers with a variety of power ratings to suit your application. Lots of good info even if you don't buy their product. :)
 
#23 · (Edited)
Now it's spring 2013. I'm leading up to something big so I get my oil analyzed.


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/Blackstone_zps8eb63991.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/Blackstone_zps8eb63991.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Blackstone_zps8eb63991.jpg"/></a>

Nothing out of the ordinary here. Near as I can tell anyway. If you see something else let me know. She has about 95,618mi on her at this point.
 
#24 · (Edited)
All summer I was happy with my new JDM replica headlights and new car stereo. By Fall it was getting close to the time to get my timing belt change. I figured I could squeeze one more winter out of it and get it done in the spring.

I'm terrible at saving but pretty good at paying bills,so I got a low interest credit card with a $3,000 limit for car maintenance and repair...and such;) Subie Rex got a credit card for her 10th birthday!!!:x

She needed it too. Winter is hard on cars around here. A godzillian below zero is normal as well as umpteen feet of snow that wont melt until May! Not to mention the s**t ton of sand and salt they pile on the roads around here. Plus all the people who don't have the advantage of the beauty of Subaru all-wheel drive gettin' in my way:D

I got off pretty easy this year. Only a shattered under engine cover (no body work this time) and a C-clip on my waste gate actuator arm rusted off. Both came off the card.
 
#25 ·
Ok, So I got through another Iowa winter relatively unscathed. That's #11. I haven't always been so lucky in the past. One of the first years daddy "snap over-steer" made me his bitch!

Now it's spring of 2014. I found a very good shop called White Dog Imports, that specializes in VOLVO, SUBARU, BMW, AUDI, SAAB, JAGUAR, ACURA and the like. Above all they are honest! They had many opportunities to screw me over and they didn't. And they do very good work.

I picked them for my timing belt change. Before I take it in for major service I like to look things over first to see if it needs anything else. Good thing I did. I found I blew both CV-boots on the inboard side of both front axles.:( There goes my hope for an upgraded turbo:crying:

Oh well, I'll just settle for a Cobb lightened crank pully While they're in there.

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1949_zpsbc394b1d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1949_zpsbc394b1d.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1949_zpsbc394b1d.jpg"/></a>

And with the timing belt change.

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1972_zpsdbf2212e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1972_zpsdbf2212e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1972_zpsdbf2212e.jpg"/></a>

All together the bill was $1300 :eek: Bigger intercooler is now in jeopardy.
 
#26 ·
Right before I took her in for the timing belt I started to gather(in no particular order) a few nick-knacks for a bolt-on engine build.

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1823_zps9fdff19d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1823_zps9fdff19d.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1823_zps9fdff19d.jpg"/></a>

OOH,he's finally gonn'a add some power! Woh!!! hold on there Sparky,I got'ta lot'ta ducks to get in a row before I start adding parts willy-nilly.
 
#27 ·
*sniff sniff* You smell that? Smells like 1973...Man those were the days, leaded gas, glass beaded radial tires and cheap gas....Well up until the gas crisis, then they went to crap for a short time...
Build looks great sir, hope it turns out to be what you want from it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fidrat
#28 ·
Thanks man. I grew up with all the famous muscle cars swirling around me. Imagine seeing a Plumb crazy Purple 'Cuda Hot off the showroom floor! There was a '70 Judge within eyesight of my bedroom window as a kid. Just down the block was a yellow Superbird!!! I love the smell of raw gas and burnt rubber.>:D:D

The WRX with its cartoon wing,big ole' functional hood scoop,sweet sounding bub-bub-bub, takes mods well and race on Sunday-sell-on Monday attitude, it was a no-brainier for me.
 
#30 ·
Originally, my "evil plan" included,750cc injectors,Grimmspeed intercooler and a Bloush upgraded stock turbo.

S**t happens and my budget was whittled down to less than half of what I wanted. I couldn't turn back now! This was the year to nut-up or shut-up! So I put my big boy panties on, cracked my knuckles and got to wrenchin'

Like I said I has some house-keeping things to take care of before I put my daily driver up on ramps for a few days.

First up is bring the beater up to the task. An 01 Camery needed a outside door handle and mirror and tires. That door handle was a bitch!!! Damn thing took all day! It's STILL not right!

Next up was to get my girlfriends Mitsy money-pit '95 3000GT going. No 1st gear since last fall (yes it's a 5-speed)then she dove on a new flat snow tire destroying it!

She refuses to get rid of it because of its "sex appeal". I got'ta admit...Shes got me there!

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_2540_zps94bd2401.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_2540_zps94bd2401.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2540_zps94bd2401.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_2542_zpsa9b2f89c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_2542_zpsa9b2f89c.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2542_zpsa9b2f89c.jpg"/></a>
 
#34 ·
I hear you on the budget thing. I have a new project in the works and I am basically doing it on a "beer budget":D That is a nice looking 3000 though. They are becoming collector cars these days...
How do you like the sound of that Borla?
 
#31 · (Edited)
For the past few weeks I've been buying parts. Before I can start putting on power mods I had to address my warped front brakes. I went with this...

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1977_zps58d73ccb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1977_zps58d73ccb.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1977_zps58d73ccb.jpg"/></a>



Note my expert application of the grease? Here neatness counts. Lesson learned.



<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1983_zps0bbe8bdf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1983_zps0bbe8bdf.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1983_zps0bbe8bdf.jpg"/></a>


These rotors have a rust inhibiting coating that will wear off the friction surfaces during break in.



BEFORE BRAKE-IN

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1985_zps56bd5d0b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1985_zps56bd5d0b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1985_zps56bd5d0b.jpg"/></a>



AFTER


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_2024_zps993ae830.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_2024_zps993ae830.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2024_zps993ae830.jpg"/></a>


No more wobble. Wet breaking greatly improved. I went with Hawk Quiet Slot Rotors because cross-drilled tends to crack and are mostly for show unless you track it daily. Ive used Hawk HPS Brake Pads before and they've never let me down. Low dust too. Just look at those rims. I haven't had to clean them in a very long time. They stop on a dime and give you 9 cents change.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sleepr
#32 ·
Now I'm into what I call "Subie week". It actually started with the Timing belt change. While White Dog was doing my timing belt they also put on my new under engine cover (the old one was a duct tape masterpiece)new front axle shafts and lightweight pulley. meanwhile I was doing the Camery/mirror/door handle thing.

On the second day I did those brakes,oil change (Redline 5W-30),Red Line SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner and Uncle Scotty's cocktail in the tranny.

Here is my tranny plug after 42,000mi. WA'DA'YA' think? Good or bad?

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1832_zpse97874da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1832_zpse97874da.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1832_zpse97874da.jpg"/></a>

Look Ma', I can change my own oil too!


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1869_zps35c6f019.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1869_zps35c6f019.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1869_zps35c6f019.jpg"/></a>



On the third day I slapped on the Borla.
 
#33 · (Edited)
As read from the Borla instructions; "Place the flared front pipe/flange assembly in position as shown in fig 3 securing it using the supplied hardware and the WTFORIGINAL GASKET"WTF


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1872_zpsb48924d1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1872_zpsb48924d1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1872_zpsb48924d1.jpg"/></a>


Ok, in Borlas defense the pic shows a 02-03 WRX and the instructions were written in '06 so I guess a 3 year old gasket could be reused. But 10 Iowa winters? Not a chance!!!

Safety tip; WEAR YOUR SAFETY GLASSES!!! Shortly after I took this pic that rusty sprung bolt was sent hurling towards my science officers face with enough force to dent the floor pan sending him scrambling for his glasses!:nerd:

After a lot of picking and scraping I found some metal I could use.


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1882_zps3317853c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1882_zps3317853c.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1882_zps3317853c.jpg"/></a>


And a doughnut gasket for a Toyota pick up from Auto Zone.


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1885_zps5846781e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1885_zps5846781e.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1885_zps5846781e.jpg"/></a>

Other than that the install went pretty smooth see'uns I was all by my lonesome. (my CSO was there briefly to take pics and pump the jack once in a while.)


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1898_zps3bb4a3b0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1898_zps3bb4a3b0.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1898_zps3bb4a3b0.jpg"/></a>


Stock hangers

<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1897_zpsbe6547b5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1897_zpsbe6547b5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1897_zpsbe6547b5.jpg"/></a>


<a href="http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/fidrat24/media/IMG_1891_zpsc43d470f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag309/fidrat24/IMG_1891_zpsc43d470f.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_1891_zpsc43d470f.jpg"/></a>


That will hold her until I get a down pipe in a month or so.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top