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Old 12-05-2013, 02:59 AM   #113
mfbmike
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Old 12-10-2013, 08:46 PM   #114
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I just installed my Grimmspeed strut bar and master brace cylinder.

The install for the master cylinder brace itself was not particularly difficult using this DIY: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21238

The biggest challenge was retrieving the red stopper after dropping it into my engine bay and after a few futile attempts, realizing that the fuel line bracket had to be taken out and installed on top of the brace instead of over it. Other than that, relatively simple - easier if you have smaller hands.

I followed this video DIY for the strut bar. Very, very self explanatory.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YrchyZDwiQ"]GrimmSpeed BRZ/FR-S Strut Tower Brace Install Guide - YouTube[/ame]

I did both installs in unison. Removed the drivers side "triangulation" bar for the master cylinder brace. Once that was done, replaced that bar, and then proceeded with putting in the strut bar.

Decided to take the car for a quick rip around a nearby secluded area (cement plant, factories) not far from the house.

Immediately you can feel the improved braking response. Definitely more confidence-inspiring getting on these stock brakes now. I stood on the brakes a few times from 60 MPH and it was easily apparent just how much of an improvement this piece does for reducing the flex that occurs under heavy braking scenarios. What's that smell?

The strut bar is also very noticeable significantly reducing body roll and stabilizing the car during cornering. I've seen some people post about it potentially inducing some understeer qualities. I can see that, less body roll will always lessen the "tossability" of a car to an extent. Understeer wasn't particularly noticeable in my very short drive post-install but the rear end might be harder to kick out now (even with 265/35 Michelin PSS that I have managed to break traction on before )

This car seemingly goes where you want, before the strut bar. After the strut bar, it goes where you want, but with more intent. The rear of the car is less "along for the ride" and more ready to travel along with the front of it, as a cohesive unit, if that makes any sense.

I have one particular on-ramp that I like to take relatively aggressively on a daily basis. I'm anxious to see how the car reacts to that curve with the strut bar in and even more excited to drive the car on the Dragon come April.

@GrimmSpeed I applaud you guys methods. As much of an OEM+ guy I claim to be, the TRD strut bar really looked like nothing more than a bling piece and didn't seem to offer as much function as you guys strut bar did. You guys reputation for designing and fabricating awesome products for our cars is well deserved.

I bought these pieces used so got a great deal on them. Regardless, great bang for the buck mods that I wouldn't hesitate to buy new and really improve the feel of this car and for me, that's what it's about through my mod process, the driving feel.

I have a limited edition GS battery tie down and engine oil cap that I also managed to scoop up used, those will be going in when I receive them on Thursday.

I do have a non-limited edition GS engine oil cap for sale now if anyone is interested. lol.

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Old 12-12-2013, 03:30 PM   #115
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Excellent review and thank you very much for the kind words and support! We always do our best and being enthusiasts ourselves, if something doesn't seem quite 'right', it never sees the light of day!

Enjoy the parts and, of course, if you ever have issues/questions/jokes, feel free to give us a call or shoot an email our way!

Matt Beenen
Engineering

P.S. LOVE the wheel choice. I've got my eye on a similar setup for my own personal car.
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Old 12-13-2013, 03:08 AM   #116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrimmSpeed View Post
Excellent review and thank you very much for the kind words and support! We always do our best and being enthusiasts ourselves, if something doesn't seem quite 'right', it never sees the light of day!

Enjoy the parts and, of course, if you ever have issues/questions/jokes, feel free to give us a call or shoot an email our way!

Matt Beenen
Engineering

P.S. LOVE the wheel choice. I've got my eye on a similar setup for my own personal car.


Thanks Matt.
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Old 12-18-2013, 07:47 PM   #117
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Received my Motul goodies, OEM filter and washers from @No Limit Motorsport today in preparation for my FR-S' first oil change as well as changing out the factory fill in the transmission and rear diff. Thanks for the toy plane Adam!

Also picked up a Mityvac 7201 and an Assenmacher Subaru oil filter that threads onto our cars. Looking forward to easy, quick and no-mess oil changes.




And washed it.

I recently picked up a Fuji X E-1 for Christmas so expect better pictures in this thread in the near future.
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Old 12-24-2013, 12:28 PM   #118
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Foam cannon?
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Old 12-25-2013, 01:16 PM   #119
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Originally Posted by AspenItIs View Post
Foam cannon?
Nope.



I do use this stuff though. I love Adam's Polishes products but I must admit, I do think I prefer this car soap over Adam's shampoo. Funny thing, the only reason I ordered this shampoo was because the large gallon Adam's shampoo was sold out on detailersdomain.
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Old 12-25-2013, 01:17 PM   #120
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Got a new camera. Fuji X E-1. This thing is amazing. Much better pics from here on out.



Merry Christmas!

Last edited by mfbmike; 12-26-2013 at 04:32 PM.
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Old 12-25-2013, 10:00 PM   #121
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Last edited by mfbmike; 12-26-2013 at 04:31 PM.
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Old 01-04-2014, 09:47 PM   #122
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Changed out the fluids in the FR-S today. Much, much easier job thanks to a buddy of mine who happens to have a lift.

Changed out engine oil with Motul 300V 0W20. Transmission and rear differential got Motul Gear 300. OEM Subaru oil filter.

This DIY covers all the basics: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19218

I accidentally removed the silver underbelly pan before realizing all I had to do was remove the black fiberglass underbody panel. Either way, got a chance to see how our cars and engine look from the underside.

Changing out all the fluids from start to finish took me about 2-3 hours while shooting the shit with my buddy, allowing all fluids to drain almost completely as well as letting the fluid I was putting in to weep out. My fluids were warm at the time of drainage. I'd recommend that.

Word of advice, when removing the drain plug for the tranny fluid, it's going to come out fast and shoot pretty far in the direction the drain bolt itself is facing. lol.

Shifts are much, much smoother and less notchy now. The car itself feels great. Props to Adam at @No Limit Motorsport for the motul fluids and washers. Great price and fast shipping.

My magnetic drain plugs were not nearly as bad as some of the other pictures I have seen of others on this forum who have changed out their rear diff fluids.

Also, for engine oil changes, I'd highly recommend this:

http://asttool.com/detail_page.php?f...nf&manf=Subaru

It threads right on to where the engine oil cap goes and makes pouring oil in very easy.

From here on out, I will be doing my oil changes from the top side, using a Mityvac pump to remove the oil. I did want to do the first oil change from underneath in hopes of getting more of whatever shavings out.

I'm contemplating picking up a set of front fog lights next for the car, as far as cosmetic mods go anyway.

I'm definitely investing in a set of pads, and upgraded fluid (might add rotors and SS lines, not sure) before my trip up to the Dragon in April. Leaning towards a set of Project Mu's along with Motul RBF brake fluid.
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Old 01-10-2014, 05:13 PM   #123
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Old 01-10-2014, 05:14 PM   #124
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Old 01-11-2014, 01:32 AM   #125
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Old 01-11-2014, 01:40 AM   #126
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forget project mu, get a hawk ups or hp+. or stop tech street pads, thats what i have on my brz and they are Great.
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