Rinzler: 2013 BRZ GtS Limited in Alaska

[chanomatik]

Figured I'd just make a build thread finally to keep track of what's been done to the car. Still waiting for a couple of major projects to finish up, but for now the car is fine as is. Rinzler was going to get some Bilstein B14 coil overs because I've been trying to keep him OEM+ and Bilstein was the reason for the spec B Legacy. However, since that decision, I also made the firm decision to move away from Alaska to Mahwah, NJ, by mid-May of 2015, so I've put coil overs on hold. Plus, living in Alaska, even at stock height I scrape things, so I'm definitely not in a rush to ram into things. The wheel gap doesn't bother me THAT badly.



So I've been gradually building my BRZ to have most of the JDM Toyota GT-86 (or Toyota 86 GT or Toyota 86 Limited... whatever) and JDM BRZ tS bits that are made available. As of 7/22/2014 I have yet to purchase the red e-brake handle and armrest. I'm working with Japanparts on getting these for a reasonable price. Nigel-JDMParts seems to be the best place to get these for now.



As of 7/22/2014, Rinzler has 42k miles and is 21 months old. Despite living in little big Alaska, I've put a lot of miles on Rinzler. In May of 2013 I drove from Anchorage down through Canada and met coworkers, friends, family and FT86Club/NASIOC member in: Victoria, Seattle, Portland, Monterrey, Ukiah, San Diego, Chandler, Denver, Montana and Edmonton. So yeah, I put on a lot of miles. I'll put on more miles when I drive from Alaska to New Jersey by way of Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Colorado Springs and Perryville (Missouri).



Every mile has put a smile on my face. Rinzler and I have been through a lot together. We've dodged many wildlife, debris and human beings. Rinzler has dodged cones on a closed course while I have not, but together we've slalomed traffic cones in the neighborhood. Rinzler hasn't been my fastest Subaru, but he has gotten me in the most trouble. Including fix-it tickets we've received 6 tickets together.







Because of Rinzler I was inspired to pick up photography and take it more seriously. Before my road trip I picked up a sweet deal on a Nikon D5000 DSLR. I was inspired by @Jive Turkey and all the pics he took of his 2011 STI when I had my 2011 WRX. I've learned SO much since May of 2013 and now take many different types of pictures. Initially I just did landscape, but now I've been recruited for weddings, birding pics, Senior pictures, family portraits, graduation parties, car photos, and kid pics. It's been a blast! There are a few photos in here that aren't mine, and you'll either see their watermark or I'll just state it.



I'm not positive on how I want to layout information on this page. I generally go for an honest, organic approach. I figured people react better to pics and I'll keep my mod list at the bottom of the page and updated. There are a ton of people I will be thanking, some of them fallen soldiers banned for silly reasons on this very forum. That's okay though. They still live on in real life, and that's all that really matters!

[IMG]https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9564340028_6d9***0c30_b.jpg[/IMG]
(Photo by John Casquejo)

I don't have any plans to go forced induction ever. I owned a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, 2008 Subaru Forester XT Sports and a 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Limited sedan. I'm done with turbos for sure, but not sure if I want to deal with a supercharger. That doesn't mean I don't think this car could use a LITTLE more oomph, though, so I will eventually do full exhaust and tune and such.

Okay, now on to the car itself! I'll fix up links and mentions as needed.





Rinzler On A Road Trip!
Canada, Yukon Territory


Monterrey, CA


Montana


Arizona


Calgary, Canada


San Diego, CA


BC, Canada


Seattle, WA


Portland, OR


Beluga Point, Anchorage, AK


At home in Anchorage, AK










Exterior
- Bayson R STI Replica Front Lip, Side Skirt and Rear Spats (Bayson R off eBay)
- JDM STI "tS" Paint-Matched Fender Garnish Replacements (Japanparts.com)
- TOM'S U.S.-spec Clear Taillights @86_Industries, formerly @86_ZN6)
- Front Mustache Filled, Shaved and Painted Gloss Black (Chris at CCA Motorsports, then redone by Kevin's Customs, both in Anchorage)
- JDM "STI" Clear Side Markers (@RallySportDirect)
- LED Side Mirror Turn Signal Caps (@diodedynamics and @Furtive)
- Speedline Convex Blue Wide Angle Side Mirrors with Defrosters (@Phasteksport)
- JDM STI Gurney Flap for Limited Spoiler (Japanparts.com)
- JDM 86 Exhaust Tips (eBay, accidentally, recommend Japanparts.com)
- Beat Sonic Shark Fin V1 Paint-Matched (@Beat-Sonic)
- USDM Rear Under Spoiler (ordered with car)
- USDM Gas Lid Sticker (ordered with car)
- STI Badge Large (placed on under spoiler, ordered from eBay accidentally)
- USDM Chrome Fender Garnish Overlay (ordered with car, in most pictures, but since sold)
- "Symmetrical RWD" Sticker for Back Window (Underground Graphix/Greg Lilly/glilly)
- Window Tint: 20% Rear Windows (since removed 30% side windows and 40% front windshield)
- LED Amber Turn Signals Front (@Diode Dynamics)
- LED Amber Turn Signals Rear (@Diode Dynamics, taillights given to @Kostamojen)
- LED White Reverse Lights (@PhastekSport)
- LED White License Plate Lights (@phasteksport)
- LED White Side Marker Lights (@phasteksport)
- STI Black License Plate Frame (Continental Subaru, since sold)

Wheels
- 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Limited BBS Forged 18x8.5 5x114.3
- Project KICS 15mm Spacer Adapters 5x100 to 5x114.3 (on shaved studs)(@EvasiveMotosports)
- McGard Spline Drive Lug Nuts Black (@mach v dan)
- JDM STI Valve Caps (Japanparts.com)
- 245/40R18 93W Dunlop SP Sport 600 Summer Tires ($50 local pick up, super worn)
- 245/45R18 Hankook iPike Studded Snow Tires (since sold, rubbed lock-to-lock)

Interior
- JDM Toyota GT-86 Limited Steering Wheel (@tbox)
- JDM Toyota GT-86 Limited Rear Passenger Armrest (@nigel-jdmparts)
- JDM Toyota GT-86 Limited Door Sill Trim (@nigel-jdmparts)
- JDM Toyota GT-86 Limited Door Handle Inner (@nigel-jdmparts)
- JDM Toyota GT-86 Limited Knee Pads Center Console (@nigel-jdmparts)
- JDM Toyota GT-86 Limited Knee Pads Speaker Cover (@nigel-jdmparts)
- JDM STI "tS" Door Handle Outer (Japanparts.com)
- JDM STI Duracon Shift Knob (Japanparts.com)
- Billet Jet Black Reverse Lockout Ring (@Mach V Dan)
- JDM tS Shifter Trim (Japanparts.com)
- Cardinal Sin Weighted Shift Knob (@Anarchy Motive)
- European BRZ Floor Mats with Red Stiching and Logo (@Guillaume)
- STI Push Start Button (Japanparts.com)
- "STI" Pink Logo Seat Belt Strap Pads (eBay)
- Cusco Red Spin Turn Drift Knob (@RallySportDirect)
- Leather Armrest with Red Stitching (@sutty, since sold)
- Leather Gauge Cluster Hood with Red Stitching (@redlinegoods)
- Leather Shifter Boot with Red Stripe (@redlinegoods)
- Leather Brake Boot with Red Stripe (@redlinegoods)
- "STI" and "BRZ" Labeled Door Silly Plaques (@yospeed)
- "STI" Center Console Switch Cover (@yospeed)
- Red LED Strip Footwell Lighting (@phasteksport)
- WeatherTech Floor Mats (@Mach V Dan)
- STI Logo Plate for WeatherTech Floor Mats (@diode dynamics)
- STI Logo Plates for Cup Holders and Coin Holder (@diode dynamics)
- LED White Dome Light (@Phasteksport)
- LED White Trunk Light (@phasteksport)
- Subaru Cargo Trunk Tray (Continental Subaru)
- OEM Subaru BRZ Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror (eBay)
- "STI" Magento Logo Steering Wheel Center Sticker (@Underground Graphix/Greg Lilly/glilly, since removed)
- (Forget which door speakers I have now, but I had MB Quart, then bought new ones at Best Buy...)
- Customized STI Logo Start-up Screen

Suspension
- Front Strut Bar Black (@GrimmSpeed)

Engine/Bay
- SAA Blue Squid Engine Cover (Japanparts.com)
- Hood Dampers (@GrimmSpeed)
- Pulley Cover with Tool Tray Black (@Grimmspeed)

[WhiteFRS69]

clean car

*knock on wood*
i havent been pulled over yet in the FRS since ive owned it

[chanomatik]

Thanks!

And keep it that way! I've been pulled over about 3 other times that I didn't get tickets for, so you're doing good. I've been pulled over and ticketed more in <20 months than I have in my near 12 years of driving!

[AKBrrrrrrrrZ]

Well done Sir. Great photos!

[chanomatik]

Thanks! Where the heck did you come from?!

[superleggera]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

Thanks!

And keep it that way! I've been pulled over about 3 other times that I didn't get tickets for, so you're doing good. I've been pulled over and ticketed more in <20 months than I have in my near 12 years of driving!

Yikes. What were the fix-it tickets for? The car appears to be reasonably stock-ish looking (at least, to the non-86 aficionado).

[tbox]

Excellent build & photos Chano! I'm glad to have been a part of your journey with Rinzler (Tron reference?), and it's always great to see an OEM+ build. The interior picture makes me regret selling that steering wheel...

May I ask what lens did you shoot the watermarked photos with?

[2point0]

TL;DR

[AKBrrrrrrrrZ]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

Thanks! Where the heck did you come from?!

What do you mean? I've been here....lurking in the shadows.
BTW I'm glad you finally posted pics with the new side mirrors. I remember seeing you place the order in the group buy months ago and wanting to see what they would look like. They look great, how do you like them?

[chanomatik]

Originally Posted by superleggera

Yikes. What were the fix-it tickets for? The car appears to be reasonably stock-ish looking (at least, to the non-86 aficionado).

Side window tint, front windshield tint and no front plate. Most of them I got away with for a long while, but each time I was caught after I let my guard down. I've got the front plate worked out, but I think I'm gonna tint the sides soon and do the front windshield right before I leave Alaska next year.

Originally Posted by tbox

Excellent build & photos Chano! I'm glad to have been a part of your journey with Rinzler (Tron reference?), and it's always great to see an OEM+ build. The interior picture makes me regret selling that steering wheel...

May I ask what lens did you shoot the watermarked photos with?

Thanks for helping me fulfill my dream of having the steering wheel! I had almost given up until I just casually searched for someone selling one and you had yours up! THANK YOU!

The RMB Photo pictures were taken by my buddy Robby using Canon EF 50mm f1.4 and Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 lenses on a Rebel T2i. I generally shoot with a Nikkor 35mm on my D5000. Once I get a proper zoom lens (I busted my 18-55) and work more with post-processing then I plan on taking my pics to a more professional level. I'm more of a landscape guy, but have been having more fun with portraits, too.

And yes, definitely a Tron reference!

Originally Posted by 2point0

TL;DR

WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN

Originally Posted by AKBrrrrrrrrZ

What do you mean? I've been here....lurking in the shadows.
BTW I'm glad you finally posted pics with the new side mirrors. I remember seeing you place the order in the group buy months ago and wanting to see what they would look like. They look great, how do you like them?

haha The fact that you haven't seen my side mirrors means you've gone too far underground!

I'm loving the side mirrors. They're not overly bright and I think they make the car look like a true Limited. I couldn't tap in the driver side puddle light connection tightly enough, so it fell out a while ago. Also my dome light doesn't automatically come on after I open the door. I need to get my wire guys to clean it up, but I've been spending my time and money on other projects. It'll probably be a mid-winter project.

[D_Thissen]

Such a clean build.. Love it! Keep the pictures coming!

[chanomatik]

Originally Posted by D_Thissen

Such a clean build.. Love it! Keep the pictures coming!

Ask and ye shall receive!



























(Photo by John Casquejo)

[chanomatik]

I apparently need some assistance in mentioning people on my list because most of them aren't popping up, like Rally Sport Direct, Mach V Dan, PhastekSport, Nigel-JDMParts, etc. etc. etc.

[superleggera]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

Side window tint, front windshield tint and no front plate. Most of them I got away with for a long while, but each time I was caught after I let my guard down. I've got the front plate worked out, but I think I'm gonna tint the sides soon and do the front windshield right before I leave Alaska next year.

ahhh, that's annoying. Keep up teh good work though, the car is looking great