A BRZ and a welder walk into a bar...
 

Thought I would make a thread about my BRZ and my antics. Photos and comments are in rough chronological order. Sorry for cell pics I don't own a better camera.

Ive put 20k on the car so far and Ive been evolving it as things come up, no rush.

The day I picked it up, happy day

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...psb55b1fc4.png

Decided it needed a better sound so I started with a straight front pipe. Made of 304L stainless TIG welded and back purged.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps57f796cd.jpg

Over pipe was next,

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps2edf33ae.jpg

Sound Tube was annoying so rubber caps took care of that, over pipe in the background

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...psd86a731d.jpg

Overnight parts from Japan, (corny reference I didnt actually pay for overnight) STI engine and trans mounts

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps9b992d19.jpg

I have a thing for big brakes so StopTech filled that need, there front 328 kit is a great upgrade.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...psa1b2e58a.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps0d92bd46.jpg

I can tell you put a lot of love and hard work into it. Keep it up and keep us updated.

Jacky

Next up is the suspension, Konis and Swift Sports

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps8012d9ae.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps4441a246.jpg

Also Team Dynamic wheels

This car is really about the handling so I made some front strut tower braces, once again 304 and TIG welds

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps4a9a26e9.jpg

Also decided if the front is braced then the rear should be as well. This brace is designed more to reinforce the unibody and not the suspension points. Im in love with this brace, I don't like to drive with out it. It does allow full function of the rear seat.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...psea327f02.jpg

For the love of fab I have made the call to build my own turbo kit, here is a t04e turbo loosely mocked in. You can also see me first version strut brace.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps5ed9b718.jpg

Boost needs an intercooler, this is an Evo X intercooler that fits pretty nicely, may use it for a while. Replacement bumper beam retains maybe a bit of safety.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps91800bb3.jpg

Hood latch kept getting in the way so I made a low profile replacement

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps614ae48e.jpg

much better

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps5cfac6aa.jpg

Playing with plasti dip, red mirrors

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...psfada3f56.jpg

And thats how the car sits right now, FI plans are in the works. Will be a little slow since I make everything by hand.

Shameless plug of some of my last cars

'08 STI
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...hotos/side.jpg

'87 BMW race car
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...s/photo4-5.jpg

DAMN.... Impressed!

Very nice, love to see some self-fab being done on these cars. Would love to see more of that rear seat opening brace. Looks mighty fine!

Thanks, I don't know what else to show on the rear brace. The rear seat can be installed and folds like normal. I usually leave just the seat bottom installed so my dog can sit on it. I like being able to see it.

I do have to admit I am a professional fabricator with a work shop so this isn't exactly DIY fab. That rear brace has gone through about 3 variations and the end plates are CNC laser cut and machine bent. If there is interest I would certainly do a production run.

My exhaust pic didnt make it up some how but here is my latest 2.5" exhaust. I also have made a similar 3" that uses a double slip fit instead of the 2-bolt flange.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps7aa61d79.jpg

Those BBK!:bow:

when they are up to temp its addicting, and they over whelm the stock tires very quickly, keeps things lively. Currently have the stop tech street pads and I have no complaints.

Awesome!

Looks awesome! Love to see this stuff!

This makes me want to learn how to weld!

Damn, that it too sweet! If i only had the talent... makes me want to get "creative" with my car but I know how it would end up (and wouldn't look anything like this... would probably end up as a "nailed it" post on ifunny)!

Did you only do the front pipe of the exhaust? Did it create a bit more exhaust noise? Im interested in doing this w/ stock cat back.