Tomm's LS/FRS Project
 

Hey All,

I figured I'd finally post my DD project as it starts to take shape. I started modding with my first project an RSX Type S (pic and mod list below) back in 2003 and that was my gateway drug. I got a little older and tired of FWD and transitioned to a 350Z Track Edition (pic and mod list below). I got an 06 Honda Ridgeline and lifted it and used that as my work truck/van. Then I bought an 06 Yamaha R6S and decided I wanted to live longer. So naturally I joined the Air Force and got rid of all my toys. First two years of training in the AF I had no cars. Then met my wife and babies came along. Got another Ridgeline and lifted it. Then moved to DC area and realized that everywhere I lived I would be a commuter and needed something more economical. Bought a 2013 Passat 2.5L and realized I hated my commuter. Then I moved to WV and my wife gave me the green light to get a 'toy'. Insert the R53 MINI Cooper S (2003 - pic and mod list below) - It was fun but I was close to 150k miles and everything was starting to fail. At the time I was balancing a full time job, Reserve duty, and my grad school (not to mention husband and father of three) - so I had no time to wrench on it. The MINI needed attention that I couldn't give it. So it had to go.

About a month ago I picked up the FRS. Its a 2013 Argento 6MT Base and had only 43k miles on it. Perfect for the DD commute (140 miles round trip). Wife again gave me the green light to mod. The car was certified pre-owned so I'm slowly voiding 100k warranty... Good times.

As she sits right now:
https://i.imgur.com/FAcn3Ci.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/phTCQEL.jpg

Her current mods list:

Lighting:
RS / Monogram Headlights with LED bar/HIDs
Diode Dynamics Always on Module
BuddyClub Sequential Tails V2
VERUS CF Sidemarker Delete
Diode Dynamics Switchback turn signals
Diode Dynamics Hyper Flash Module
Diode Dynamics LED Reverse Lights
Winjet Yellow Foglights

Exterior:
Stubby antenna
Dry Carbon Fiber Side Mirror Overlays
IKON Side skirts
Volk Racing ZE40s 18x9.5 +44
General Tires G2Max 255/35s
Project Kics R40 Lugs
TK Style Front Lip
DBA T2 Rotors
35% tint
SEIBON Carbon Fiber Type CSL Trunk Lid
SEIBON Carbon Fiber Type TS Hood
SEIBON Carbon Fiber 10mm wider Fenders
TRD Fender Garnishes

Drivetrain:
SuperTek Transmission Support Mount
Whiteline Transmission Mount Insert
Whiteline Diff Cradle Bushing Inserts
Exedy Flywheel OEM
Exedy TOB
APR Flywheel Studs
South Bend Clutch Stage 2 Daily (315 tq rating)
VERUS Forged Clutch Fork
VERUS Billet Pivot Ball
VERUS Bell Plate
IRP Short Shifter

Powertain:
Nameless Stage 0.3 4-2-1 'Longtubes' EL header (heat wrapped)
Motiv Overpipe
Tanabe Front Pipe
HKS Hi Power Spec L catback
GReddy Intake Duct
HKS drop in air filter
Mishimoto Intake tube
OFT Stage 2+ (93 tune)
Greddy Magnetic Drain plug

Suspension:
Carbing Rear Strut Brace
APEXi N1 ExV 32 way adj coilovers w/ camber plates and front endlinks
Buddy Club P1 adjustable LCAs
SPC Performance Rear Toe Arms

Interior:
Cusco Accelerator Pedal
Touch Screen head unit



The old projects ------------------------
RSX Type S:
https://i.imgur.com/0yuHhtB.png
(Sorry for the grainy pic - had to dig real deep for this pic)

Authentic JDM Type R body kit (hood, fenders, front and rear bumpers and lips, side skirts, spoiler)
JDM Sidemarkers
15% tint
JDM Type R Shift Knob
MOMO Pedals
17x7 Rota Circuit 10s
Rotora slotted Rotors
Hawk HPS Pads
Hotchkis adjustable Sways
TEIN S-Techs
Koni Yellow Adjustables
Megan Strut Tower braces (F&R)
Cusco C Pillar Bar
Cusco B Pillar Bars
Custom subframe Double X Brace
Progress Rear Tie Bar
Carbing Rear Tie Bar
Buddy Club Lightweight Battery
Injen CAI
AEM Pulleys
Energy Suspension Motor Mounts
Torque Dampener
F20C valve springs
J's Racing 4-2-1 Race Header
Fujitsubo Power Getter Exhaust

350Z Track Edition:
https://i.imgur.com/HvtTnf9.png
(sorry for this grainy pic too)

Work Emotion XD9s 18x9 (+20) & 18x10 (+18)
RAYS Lightweight Lugs
DBA 4000 Series Slotted and Drilled F&R Rotors
Hawk HPS Pads F&R
Hotchkis Adjustable Sways
Buddy Club Racing Spec Dampers
Battle Version Adjustable RCAs
SPC
Cusco Front Strut Brace
Jim Wolf Tech Pop Charger (intake filter)
Kinetix Plenum
APEXi AFC Neo (Tuned By Jack at P1)
Stillen Test Pipes
Greddy EVO2 Exhaust
Nismo Shift Knob
Stillen Front Lip

R53 MCS
https://i.imgur.com/S9LRaRv.jpg
Sparco Assetto Gara 15x6 wheels
Stick on Front lip lol
15% tint
8000k HIDs
3000k Fogs
TEIN S-Tech Springs
DSS Axles
PowerFlex LCA bushings
Megan/K&N/DDMWorks Intake
DDMWorks Intercooler Air Diverter
MINIMania 15% reduction pulley
Milltek Non-Resonated Exhaust

FRS:
https://i.imgur.com/Lu3IkX0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/w6iUfbL.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/0CNPyAc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/P2CpYoQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qtlQKBV.jpg


I really liked my RSX Type S because of the ease to mod. Similar to the FRS/BRZ/86 community the RSX community was huge. You could pick up used parts for nothing all the time. If you ever had something go wrong you could just search for it on the forums and more often than not someone has had a similar issue. This community is very similar and the vast amount of aftermarket companies targeting this chassis make modding enjoyable because no two are the same. Also modding these cars are not going to break the bank - good for guys like me trying to put money aside for kids' college funds.

Anyway, thanks for looking. More pics to follow.

Tom

Last weeks additions...
Agency Power catback:
https://i.imgur.com/SWRfzZl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hap1q4I.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kkRAoki.jpg

HKS Drop-In (not wanting void the warranty just yet):
https://i.imgur.com/HZ8PQgl.jpg

So I've done some things...
OFT Stage 2...
https://i.imgur.com/zdGoxhE.jpg

Picked up a second or third gen Nameless long tube header...
https://i.imgur.com/zDeb26v.jpg

Had a Tomei OP but didn't match up well to the huge collector on the header so I went with Motiv - apparently I buy new parts to sell them at a loss.
https://i.imgur.com/CWD84Kr.jpg

And my horrible attempt at exhaust wrap oh and added Mishimoto Intake tube and Greddy Induction vent:
https://i.imgur.com/GvfdEZH.jpg

Added a cheap lip kit and painted the wheels silver - no more two tones also added carbon fiber side mirror overlays (gift from wife)...
https://i.imgur.com/Q5VsYDn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/45a8352.jpg

Proceeded to hit roadkill (immediately happy I went cheap lip kit and not CF):
https://i.imgur.com/jS9m4Zq.jpg

Add some small bits, Cusco accelerator pedal and Greddy Magnetic Drain Plug:
https://i.imgur.com/JYUnftd.jpg

I love snow (said no car enthusiast).
https://i.imgur.com/DIB9imG.jpg

So heres the updated mod list:
Valenti/Helix Sequential Tails clear/red
Stubby antenna
Grimmspeed Weighted Knob
Swift Sport Springs
KV 25mm Spacers
ES Manual Shifter Mount Bushing
SuperTek Transmission Support Mount
Whiteline Transmission Mount Insert
Tanabe Front Pipe
Agency Power catback Exhaust
GReddy Intake Duct
HKS drop in air filter
Carbing Rear Strut Brace
Open Flash Tablet Stage 2
IKON Lip Kit
Dry Carbon Fiber Side Mirror Overlays
LED side Markers
LED turn signals
XDE headlights
Greddy Magnetic Drain plug
Cusco Accelerator Pedal
Nameless Stage 0.3 4-2-1 Exhaust Manifold
Mishimoto intake tube
Motiv overpipe
ARTR exhaust heat wrap

Wheels are next..... I am pretty set on it but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Update...

So the old front lip was taken from me by some road work between DC and Bmore... Ended up ordering a new, different, one from 86worx. Never heard of TK Style but I really liked the lines of it so I took a leap. Also got the wheels from a guy on here, when I just happened to be in the market for them - worked out well. OFT was giving me some weird LTFTs so updated the off the shelf tunes and loaded up 2+. Car seems 10x's better and mid range feels even better.

Bought some wheels:
Volk Racing ZE40s (18x9.5 +43) on Nitto Invos 255/35s held down with Project Kics R40 lugs
TK Style Front Lip
https://i.imgur.com/XnsGUhX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SixYNpg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5nc2roL.jpg

Also got some DBA T2 slotted rotors
https://i.imgur.com/NXOgI4X.jpg

Had to ditch the 25mm spacers

So heres the updated mod list:
Valenti/Helix Sequential Tails clear/red
Stubby antenna
Grimmspeed Weighted Knob
Swift Sport Springs
ES Manual Shifter Mount Bushing
SuperTek Transmission Support Mount
Whiteline Transmission Mount Insert
Tanabe Front Pipe
Agency Power catback Exhaust
GReddy Intake Duct
HKS drop in air filter
Carbing Rear Strut Brace
Open Flash Tablet Stage 2+
IKON Side skirts
Dry Carbon Fiber Side Mirror Overlays
LED side Markers
Diode Dynamics Switchback turn signals
Hyperflash Module
XDE headlights
Greddy Magnetic Drain plug
Cusco Accelerator Pedal
Nameless Stage 0.3 4-2-1 'Longtubes' Exhaust Manifold
Mishimoto intake tube
Motiv overpipe
ARTR exhaust heat wrap
Volk Racing ZE40s 18x9.5 +43
Nitto Invo 255/35s
Project Kics R40 Lugs
DBA T2 Rotors
TK Style Front Lip

Next, I'm looking at motor mounts, diff bushings, and switchin to coilovers.

That's a lot of rubber for an NA powered car. Otherwise clean looking build. Keep it up

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

Yea, I bought the wheels with the intentions of not swapping them out while also considering future mods. I have a direction I would like to go but I'm waiting until this is not my DD. The great part is this wheel/tire combo is still lighter than the stock setup.

There is no way that combo is lighter than stock...[emoji23]

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

Factory wheel is around 20lbs
The volks weigh around 18lbs

I haven't weighed them with tires but I think you'd be surprised.

Wow so I haven't updated this in quite a bit...
Earlier this year around March my struts were blown to the point of wtf is happening. It was time. I opted for the Apexi N1 ExVs - why because I got a great deal and I trust the name - also came with new front end links and camber plates. So then I needed to get adjustable LCAs and toe arms - went with Buddy Club P1 lcas and SPC toe arms - not my first choice but they do the job. It was also at this time that I realized my tires were dunzo - I opted for General G2 Max tires mostly because of how impressed I have been with them on my other vehicles. They will have my business for the foreseeable future. Also alignment happened.
https://imgur.com/a/gxLAAJU
https://imgur.com/a/GLaaFlY

My throw out bearing ate it early this year so I went ahead and did an overhaul on the transmission while I had it out. I opted for the South Bend Clutch Stage 2 Daily because I drive the car 150 miles a day and wanted something close to stock feel but be able to accommodate for future plans- also why I got a stock exedy flywheel and APR studs. I ditched the factory clutch fork for the VERUS forged fork and while I was there figured I might as well do the VERUS billet pivot ball to and hell why not the VERUS bell plate too. While I had it out I figured I would change out my shifter as well so I went with the all black Individual Racing Parts short shifter. This meant I lost my shifter bushing but this short throw is a game changer. I love it. Also went with Motul trans fluid. Also I have a Grimmspeed weighted shift knob up for sale.

Updated mod list:
Valenti/Helix Sequential Tails clear/red
Stubby antenna
Swift Sport Springs
SuperTek Transmission Support Mount
Whiteline Transmission Mount Insert
Tanabe Front Pipe
Agency Power catback Exhaust
GReddy Intake Duct
HKS drop in air filter
Carbing Rear Strut Brace
Open Flash Tablet Stage 2+
IKON Side skirts
Dry Carbon Fiber Side Mirror Overlays
Helix LED side Markers
Diode Dynamics Switchback turn signals
Hyperflash Module
XDE headlights
Greddy Magnetic Drain plug
Cusco Accelerator Pedal
Nameless Stage 0.3 4-2-1 'Longtubes' Exhaust Manifold
Mishimoto intake tube
Motiv overpipe
ARTR exhaust heat wrap
Volk Racing ZE40s 18x9.5 +43
Nitto Invo 255/35s
Project Kics R40 Lugs
DBA T2 Rotors
TK Style Front Lip
Exedy Flywheel OEM
Exedy TOB
APR Flywheel Studs
South Bend Clutch Stage 2 Daily (315 tq rating)
VERUS Forged Clutch Fork
VERUS Billet Pivot Ball
Verus Bell Plate
IRP Short Shifter

Early summer my neighbors all knew what time I was leaving from work and coming home due to my exhaust so I decided to tone it down a bit - I ditched the Agency Power catback and opted for the much quieter HKS Hi-Power Spec L catback w/ Titanium tips. My neighbors were happy and now people could actually hear me talk on my speaker phone.

Whiteline Rear Diff Cradle Bushings Happened. Also on my 4th pair of side markers now which is just nuts. Wife got me a couple (carbon fiber) birthday presents that are scheduled to arrive in early December.
https://i.imgur.com/8k9DPgI.jpg

End of summer hits and my headlights have a severe case of cataracts on both sides. My wife told me they looked hideous which I translated as permission to buy car parts so I hollered at some IG friends and one of them managed to have a set of Monograms that we swapped for (great deal). Sad to get rid of my Diode Dynamics LED headlights but now I have OEM HIDs so, it was worth while. The wiring was pretty easy, I also added the always on module from DD for the LED bar.

Pic here is one side with always-on and the drivers side without.

For what it's worth, I super glued my side markers to the bumper. They've been through a lot (including my bumper being ripped off the car by plowing snowing) and haven't budged