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Ernest's Flex-Fuel, FBM Stage 2 Turbo, Built FA20-V161 Driven BRZ - PHOTON
Hey guys, I just want to start off by thanking all the members. I am sort of new to the car world and modifying in general. This has been the first car I have ever owned as well as modified. I've been trolling around the forums for a while now, and you all have provided so much helpful information that has strongly guided my build and confidence in building this car. SO THANK YOU. I've been building this car for a little over a year now, so I figured it was about time I get to posting a build thread. So anyways, without further adieu, I give you my build, Photon. For those of you who don't know what a Photon is, it is a particle of light, travels 3.0X10^8 m/s blah blah blah, you get it. Also, one more thing, this thread will be under construction for a bit, as I am an engineer who works 12+ hours a day, 5-6 days a week, and mods the car on the weekend. So I have very limited time to add meaningful and constructive posts to the thread, so please bare with me!
To sum it up real quick for anyone who doesn't want to read through the entire build thread, here is what I have done so far in a quick list: Exterior: -Rally Armor Mudflaps -Beatsonic Sharkfin Antenna -Clear Side Markers -Diode Dynamics STG 2 LED All Around -Kenwood CMOS-210 Back-Up Camera -BuddyClub Tail Lights -Rexpeed Carbon Fiber Lip Kit (Side Skirts, Rear Spats) -Rexpeed Convex Polarized Side Mirrors -Seibon Carbon Fiber Roof Spoiler -Password JDM Carbon Fiber Canards (Inner + Outer) -WedsSports SA-15R (18x8.5/18x9.5) -Michelin Pilot Super Sports (245/35/18, 265/35/18) -H&R 15mm Spacers (Front Wheels) -McGuard Spline Lugnuts -VIS Racing AMS Carbon Fiber Hood -VIS Racing AMS Carbon Fiber Trunk -Rexpeed Carbon Fiber Fender Garnish -TirePenz Sleek Silver -FT86SpeedFactory/Velox Rear Diffuser -FT86SpeedFactory/Velox Front Race Splitter Interior: -Escort Passport 9500ci w/ Laser Shifters (Display custom located in rearview - message for DIY, its easy, took all of 20 minutes) -P3 Cars Vent-Integrated Digital Gauge -Full Diode Dynamics LED STG 2 -Perrin Shift Knob -WeatherTech Floor Mats -Blackvue DW-550 Dash Cam -GT86 OEM Armrest -Custom JCS Pods Triple Pillar Pod -STM Fire Extinguisher Bracket w/ Badger Extinguisher -AEM Wideband AFR/Boost Gauge -AEM Failsafe H20/Methanol Flow Gauge (Ptuning Kit coming soon) -Moto-East Flex Fuel Kit (ECA-2) Under the Hood: -Element Tuning Built Engine (Bottom + Heads) -FBM Stage 2 Turbo Kit -FBM Oil Cooler -Fluidampr CP -Perrin LW Pulley set (Alternator + Water pump) -Perrin Master Cylinder Brace -Perrin Strut Tower Brace -Radium Dual Catch Cans -Nameless 3" Resonated Over/Front pipe combo -Perrin 3" Resonated Catback -Koyo Radiator -Getrag V160 + FBM Conversion Kit -Perrin Oil Cap -ID 2000cc Injectors -FBM Walbro Fuel Pump Kit + FBM Return Style Fuel System -Password JDM Engine Bay Carbon Fiber cooling Plate (Custom Fit) -STI Blue Engine Cover -Perrin Control Arm Brace -Perrin Motor Mounts -Perrin Steering Rack Lockdown -FBM Oil Cooler w/ TRD Sandwich Plate Suspension: -KW V3 Coilovers -Vorshlag Camber Plates (Front) -SPL Rear LCA's -SPL Adjustable Toe Arms w/ eccentric lockout kit -SPL Rear Endlinks -Whiteline Front Endlinks -Pro Alignment and Corner Balance Current Look/Modifications: http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g4...pswrsj49sk.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g4...ps3u7pzuta.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g4...psjihecmfe.jpg |
Two weeks prior to June 2nd, 2012, I started looking for a car to purchase as I had just graduated from Emmanuel College as a Chem major and finally had a real job. My college roommate has always been obsessed with STi's, so I figured I'd look at a STi or the WRX. Well, I got on the Subaru website and saw the BRZ. As soon as I saw it, I KNEW I HAD TO HAVE IT. So I went to the dealership to look/test drive it. Unfortunately, they had not even arrived at the dealership yet. They told me they had a few coming in the beginning of June. So I waited, and waited, and waited until I couldnt take it anymore. I went to the dealership and put $1000 down to hold on to one of the only ones they were getting. So I waited even more. Finally, it arrived, I went and test drove it (even though I didn't need to), it was perfect. So I bought photon on June 2nd 2012 and have been in love with the car ever since.
Here is Photon the day I picked it up, bone stock. Damn. https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...70581937_o.jpg I started doing the basic, easy mods. First thing I did was 20% tints all around: https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...50728703_o.jpg |
That radar display install is amazing!
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Always wanted to do it, so I just winged it on one of my days off from work. Took me all of 20 minutes to figure it out and get it put together. The nice thing is that there is a carved out circle where the rest of the wires run into the back of the mirror, as if it is meant for another wire to be ran into the mirror. So it worked perfectly! |
You should do a DIY on the radar display
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Hey guys. I need your opinion. I think I have too much cosmetic mods on the car, it's almost too much to be "clean". I'm thinking I may replace the limited wing with the carsmo ducktail spoiler and remove the rally armour mudflaps. What do y'all think? Should I remove anything else?
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If it were me, I'd for sure change out the limited spoiler, but I'm not a huge fan of spoilers in general, I'd just go with a stock trunk. I'd get rid of the flaps too, flaps on sports cars just don't look right to me.
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Decided to finally debadge/rebadge the BRZ yesterday. Also removed my Faux CF vinyl emblem wraps. Here's how it came out.
Before: https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...95&oe=54DF3A2F After: https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...f9&oe=54DA1BFB Some close ups: https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...ffc26889154fe4 https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...9767ed13c76eb9 |
Looks good! I like the RWD sticker, I got one too!
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Just took possession of my wife's new Legacy, FINALLY. We are officially a Subaru family! :D
Just gotta start modifying it.... :burnrubber: https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...dd&oe=54EB364A |
Received the Carsmo spoiler the other day. Finally got a chance to mock it up before I have it painted. Should have taken a picture. I can't wait to have it painted so I can install it. It looks awesome!! Will post pics when it's installed as well as a DIY.
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Dang, first snow... I wonder if the canards will help plow snow during the winter...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...7b7326c84d3ed6 |
Ahh just came across this photo from my wedding. BEST, CAKE, EVER.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...e17844e5579afd https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.n...b6f3d5122f1bb1 If anyone can't tell, it's a BRZ. :D And don't worry, it wasn't the real wedding cake, the wife would have killed me....:scared0016: |
Carsmo spoiler dropped off for paint today. Can't wait!
FYI, as soon as the Carsmo spoiler is installed, my limited wing with the STi gurney flap will be up for sale. Look out for the FS thread. I will link it here if anyone wants. |
Haha, I love that cake! Plus it's got minty frosting, so that makes me like it even more.
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Gave my buddy a hand changing the oil on his 1999 V-8 540i. A 20 minute oil change turned into a few hours after we discovered this beauty:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...e2d88017595f63 The last person who changed his oil stripped the threads on the bolt and the pan. Left us with a bolt that just kept spinning in the pan. So lucky we were able to get it out without dropping the pan, and HE was lucky his oil hadn't been leaking. There is just something about having to tap out the oil pan threads on a Sunday evening that gets me so excited. :mad0260: |
car looks good!
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Looking good! We have similar engine setups! I like the triple pillar gauge pods!
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Firstly, this is looking awesome, great job! Secondly, where did you get the emblem wraps?
Thanks for any help! -Carlos |
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I got the emblem wraps here: http://www.jdmfanaticvinyls.com/12-13-brz/ There is a ton to choose from. Quality is pretty good too. Once applied, they are pretty durable. When I removed them, they preferred to rip into many pieces before they would come off clean. They were on there good. |
Carsmo spoiler finally installed! Looks great! I will post up a DIY very soon!
EDIT: Some crappy iPhone pics for the time being. As said, a full DIY coming soon! https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...19&oe=5517890D https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...10&oe=550676E2 https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...5d28368cca5654 |
Stayed tuned guys. There is big plans in the works for this winter. I will be upgrading most of the drivetrain between this winter/early spring in preparation for the Vortech 2.87" pulley and water/meth injection next spring/summer.
I already have the carbon fiber driveshaft from DSS and water/meth PnP kit from Ptuning. Planning on throwing in some DSS 1000hp axles, an upgraded clutch (Not sure which yet), a Kaaz Super Q 2 way LSD, and a 4.56 final drive (both being installed in a spare used rear diff). This is gonna be fun.... Also, if anyone has any recommendations on clutches based on my set up, throw em out there. I know there are plenty of threads on this, but I figured I'd ask, can't hurt! Thanks guys! UPDATE: Spare used rear diff assembly and Kaaz 2 way Super Q diff ordered. UPDATE #2: Clutch and 4.56 final drive ordered. Bought the final drive from Weir Performance, heard nothing but good things - very excited for this. Ended up going with the ACT XT Street Clutch Kit Normal, this is with the slightly heavier flywheel (11.8lbs) as compared to the pro-lite (10.2lbs I think). Can't wait...lightened flywheel, lightened drive shaft, shorter final drive... :drool: :burnrubber: |
Carsmo Spoiler DIY
OK. Here is the Carsmo spoiler DIY as promised!
Tools Required: -1/4" Ratchet -1/4" Small Extension -8mm Socket -Small screwdriver -Very Sharp Scissors/Razor Blade -Electrical Tap/Vinyl/Vinyl Tape -3M Automotive Grade Double-sided mounting tape (Provided with spoiler) -3M Adhesion Promoter (Provided with spoiler) -Automotive Soap -Wax and grease remover -Microfiber Towels -High Quality Wax I don't have any pictures of the spoiler as received, but it was just straight white. Very good quality, and fit perfectly when I mocked it up before paint. So, first things first. Either have it painted, or paint it yourself. I chose to have mine color matched to my car - dark grey metallic (61K I believe). https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...3297059da222cd https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...528f23e2220828 OK, now that the spoiler is painted, lets get to installing! If you have the limited wing, like I do, start by removing it. Open the trunk and remove the trunk lid liner. Remove the 6-7 pop clips holding it in place, and put it aside. https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...7b&oe=5500996A Next, there are 4 grommets that conceal 4 bolts securing the wing to the trunk, 2 on each side (Forgot to take a picture, I will throw it up soon). Find the grommets, remove them. Next, grab the 1/4" ratchet, 1/4" extension, and 8mm socket. Begin removing one bolt at a time. **ONCE YOU KNOW THE BOLT IS LOOSE, DO NOT TRY AND PULL IT OUT YET, YOU WILL BUMP THE EDGE OF THE LID AND LOSE IT IN THE TRUNK LID, ASK ME HOW I KNOW** While applying light pressure on the bolt into the wing, slowly lower the trunk lid until it is almost closed and crushing your hand (within reason), then slowly lower the bolt out of the lid. If you have a magnetic socket (if they even make this), that would be IDEAL. Repeat for all four bolts. Once the bolts are removed, now we move onto the clips. There are 3 pop clips with no tabs (blue and green), and 2 pop clips with tabs (white/clear). Make sure you remove only the white/clear clips first. If you loosen the green and blue first, when you remove the last white/clear clip, the opposing end of the wing will fall down and strike the rear panel. Again, ASK ME HOW I KNOW. Begin removing the white pop clips using the small screwdriver, applying pressure to the tabs and the end of the wing simultaneously. Put some tape on the end of the screwdriver so you do not damage the paint. Repeat for the other side making sure that the white clips do not pop back into place. Now that the white clips are unsecured, lower the trunk, apply medium pressure from both ends lifting the wing. It should just pop right off once the green and blue clips pop free. OK. Now that the wing is removed. Wash the trunk lid. Ideally, you would have already washed the car prior to the installation so that the trunk isn't that dirty to begin with besides what is underneath the wing. I just used some rinseless car wash solution to clean the trunk. I then used the wax/grease remover to prep the surface for adhesion. Next, apply the adhesion promoter to the spoiler underside. Follow the instructions on the tube. Crush the dot, apply liberally to all surfaces where the 3M double sided mounting tape will be applied, and wait 5 minutes. https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...5a960429a1ca6b https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...7d&oe=55023262 While waiting for the adhesion promoter to dry, start to apply your vinyl tape over all the exposed holes, inside and out. It is pretty straightforward. I also covered up some chips to prevent corrosion that would be hidden underneath the spoiler. https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...5c327d7b3a525d https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...0b&oe=55186688 https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...7e3c43b658b5e8 https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...64&oe=5516FEA5 https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...b8cdd1affd2634 Now, go back to the spoiler and apply the 3M double sided tape to appropriate areas of the underside of the spoiler. TAKE YOUR TIME, THIS STUFF IS PRETTY MUCH PERMANENT FROM HERE ON OUT. Try to mate the strips in the corners the best you can as to form a seal when applied to the trunk lid. Once you are done applying the double sided tape, mock it up to the wing. See what you think and get and idea of how you are going to lay it down, whether you are doing it by yourself or with some help. Remember, we are taking our sweet ass time now. https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...2e&oe=55194218 https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...73170b607d6a6c https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...6f1f839329b341 Once you're happy, and you have a really good idea of how you are going to lay it down/make sure it is square/even with the rest of the body, start peeling the ends of each strip to form "tabs". https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...af6a532816e645 https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...04d568012f1a19 Now, carefully apply the spoiler as you had planned making sure it is square/even with the body/trunk lid. Apply a little pressure, then start removing all the tabs, pulling slowly as to not tear them (reason for making one on each end). Once all the backing is removed, apply firm pressure to the entire spoiler for a 15-30 seconds ensuring it is on there good. Once completed, wash the spoiler and apply your quality wax, and presto, your done! https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...19&oe=5517890D https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/...10&oe=550676E2 https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...5d28368cca5654 |
OK, update. ACT XT Street Clutch Kit installed as well as the DSS carbon fiber driveshaft. Still breaking in the clutch, but everything feels awesome. Much more responsive.
Did the install with the help of my brother Steve. Two people makes this process much, much easier. Big thanks to @Supermassive for the DIY. It was INCREDIBLY helpful. Never would have attempted this had I not seen his DIY. Thanks again! https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...0f855c5b5808e6 https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...19&oe=55413E63 https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...79daf6739ed9c3 https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...78&oe=553DD268 https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...9d&oe=55461DAF https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...ea580a8db5a929 |
Well, I've been in the market for an oil pressure gauge recently, figured it would be a good idea to monitor the pressure, especially with the tendency of the oil temps to rise so easily in this vehicle. So I picked up an AEM digital oil pressure gauge and mounted it in the CravenSpeed flexpod mount after seeing the flexpod in @Dezoris and @Tye300's 86's. So here are my thoughts on both.
CravenSpeed Flexpod Mount: I found this pod set up to be excellent overall. The adjustable pods allow the gauges to be right where you need them to be visible, and out of the way of vital instrumentation on the cluster (depending on your steering wheel height). The mount is stout and made out of aluminum which has a black matte finish (very clean in my opinion). I had two small issues. 1. The bolts they supplied were too long and allowed the pods to be loose when the bolts were fully tightened into the mount (I ended up sourcing my own shorter bolts). 2. When properly tightened, the steering would hit the bezel on the AEM gauge, there was not enough clearance (I found some small washers and placed them on the bolt in between the pod and mount to set the gauges back a bit farther). As I said though, I am very happy with the flexpod mount, solid mounting solution. https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...76&oe=55345D7C https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...69&oe=553A5FEF AEM Oil Pressure Gauge: I'm not really sure what to think yet. I love that it is digital. However, my oil pressures seem to be pretty jumpy, it is never just on a number. It is constantly changing numbers with a range of +/- 10psi from the ideal pressure. I can't imagine my pressure is ACTUALLY fluctuating this much. I am wondering if this is due to having the sensor mounted in the oil galley plug, or simply because it is a digital gauge, or bc it is a POS. Not sure. I sourced the proper extension bolt to use the TRD sandwich sensor plate in conjunction with the mocal thermostatic sandwich plate. I will try moving the sensor to the sandwich plate and see if that helps. I will report back. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...07945125781915 **I will post pictures up later, no pics, no proof** |
Ah, so I forgot to post this up. With the help of my brother and @Dustin's thorough Diff + Ring & Pinion DIY, I started building the differential.
So far, we have the old diff out of the housing, and the new ring gear installed on the new KAAZ 2-Way diff. Now, I am just waiting for more parts to come in from the Subaru dealership as they messed up my first order. Will post more updates as it progresses. Enjoy! My brother giving me a hand: https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...2afc8f20a1afc0 https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...2f&oe=553CF815 Massive help to have a bearing heater: https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...7e27b62e906079 And a maintenance department to use: https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...57de56c8c59fb6 |
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Ahhh, it sounds like you might have had more fitment issues than I did. Mine wasn't too too bad. I did consider dremeling the steering wheel a bit to add clearance before I thought about sticking the washers in there. Glad to hear you made it work though. |
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Here is a pic of how the pod should be, kind of hard to see but you get it http://www.ft86club.com/forums/attac...1&d=1401834481 |
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It's funny, here I am thinking I'm clever putting the washers there to make it work....nope, just have it backwards! :bonk: |
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Driveshaft shop axles, and Kaaz 2 way Super Q diff installed along with the Weir Performance 4.56 final drive. Still in the process of breaking in the new gears. It's so hard not to get on the gas...especially when I am only going 58mph on the highway. The assembly of the differential went pretty smooth. As mentioned earlier, I followed @Dustin's DIY. I ended up with 0.051" of pinion shimming, and 0.237" of carrier shimming. My backlash was approximately 0.006 - 0.0088". The FSM states a required backlash of ~0.005 - 0.007". The Weir Performance instructions states a required backlash of 0.008 - 0.010". I went with a happy medium as suggested by Spence at Weir. No whining so far, so it seems as though the backlash was OK, time will tell however. I don't think I will have any problems, but will report back after break in. My final numbers while checking the torque at the pinion nut was ~32-34 in*lbs. This was in the range for all new bearings. After checking the contact, it seems the pinion could have been a bit deeper, however, I did not have the proper shims to adjust the depth. At the end of the day, I was fairly happy with the contact, especially after checking it against multiple pictures of acceptable contact patterns. FYI, the pinion nut torque values @Dustin has listed in his DIY are for USED bearings, just be aware. I was going off his values, and when everything was preloaded, I was getting numbers way higher than his, I started to worry. I then checked the FSM and found I was within the range for new bearings. So again, just an FYI. https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...50&oe=5568761D https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...cc0d3147aa2665 https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...38&oe=5531A03B https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...50953fe3b1b930 https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...68&oe=5560611F Now, installation of the diff into the car was a bit more difficult in my opinion. Ran into a few snags during. First, for whatever reason, someone did not lube the axle splines that interface with the hub on the drivers side - had to beat the axle out. The biggest issue though, was the fact that my perrin 3" cat back had issues clearing the larger MAP rear diff cover. We had to heat up the exhaust pipe and beat a good 1/4 - 1/2" radius into it as well as dremel some of the fins off the back left corner of the cover. Still, at the end of the day, it all got put together and I couldn't be happier. https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...72&oe=552B4BE9 https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...839273a3d454aa https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...5fb7cf8a98ae7b |
Sorry, haven't updated in a while. But, in short, there has been much going on with the car. I will post a more detailed update soon, but for now, here's what we have. I recently added the Ptuning water methanol kit, soon to be tuned by moto-mike. I threw on the 3.15" vortech pulley and had moto-mike tune the car, finally adding in my flex fuel kit from him. Damn, this car PULLS on E85. I cant wait to see how it does with the wmi. I also added the VIS vented hood. Love it, will post pics soon. Also plan on switching out the trunk for the VIS AMS carbon fiber trunk soon. More to come!
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OH! And I am installing KW V3's today along with Vorshlag camber plates in the front, and SPL LCA's and Toe Arms in the rear. Will post pics!
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are the toe arms necessary in the rear with lca's? Looks good man, although many of the pictures do not work.
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Again, sorry for very little posting lately. Again, much going on with the car. Finally got the VIS Racing AMS carbon fiber trunk installed, changed the spark plugs out for the HKS super fire plugs (same heat range as stock), swapped my perrin oil cooler for the FBM version, swapped my perrin shift knob for a Raceseng one, and bought a couple 55 gallon barrels of E98 (actual E85, when you can get it, is INSANE).
In the works: Front and Rear STi Brembo swap with DBA T3 5000 series lightweight rotors (next month or so), built motor and heads from element tuning (winter), and sadly, swapping the vortech kit for FBM's stage 2 turbo kit (winter). Going for high HP/torque next spring, stay tuned! |
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