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STI Steering Rack Bushings, Nuts, Bolts, and Spacers went in tonight, along with the STI Flexible Draw Stiffener and Perrin Steering Rack Lockdowns.

I have to say, I have been renting a lift lately and doing the bushings was a real PITA. I'm going back to the lift for the rest of this stuff, with the exception of the JR oil cooler.

In the first picture, you can see the empty steering rack hole where the bushing was. More interesting though - there's a shaft in the front subframe where the super long STI bolt passes through and exits on the other side. Its literally a tunnel for the bolt, which means we just got crummy bolts from the factory while they planned on the good stuff later. Hooray!

http://i.imgur.com/xWMsBuN.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/6lhkBwO.jpg

I tried installing the draw stiffener in conjunction with the Cusco front end powerbrace, but these items won't work together. Although they share only a two bolt holes, which although tight, would have worked - the other two bolts (in the center of the steering rack/subframe area) unique to both options have mounting hardware that conflicts.

Since I already have (positive) experience with the Cusco front end powerbrace, I thought I would leave the STI ones mounted. Pics installed:

http://i.imgur.com/mPZqzGk.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/8sYw2ep.jpg

I did my usual run to get E85 and took a detour of another 10 miles or so. My initial impressions of the STI hardware and draw stiffener in combination with the Perrin lockdowns is that they're a step above stock, certainly in terms of general "tightness" like turn in, and stability while I was powering through onramps at 3am. However, they are probably too "cushy" for me. Maybe "compliant" is a better word for it...? Either way, it seems like it "dulled" the car or my senses, but I'm going to leave them in for a week and then make a final review of Cusco front end powerbrace vs. the STI flexible draw stiffeners.

While these were steering related, the next batch of parts I'll be tackling are shifting related:

MTEC Shifter Spring
MTEC Clutch Spring
STI Shifter
STI Mission Mount
TRD Quick Shifter (shoutout to @DustinS for the heads up, thanks!)
Perrin Reverse Lockout

I'll need to transfer the STI shift knob over, remove the Whiteline bushing and stock transmission mount, and if the TRD winds up working, remove the Perrin shifter bushing.

Had a chance to install some additional parts from the list:

MTEC Clutch Spring
STI Transmission Mount
STI Series Blue Wheels

http://i.imgur.com/PU6fBFF.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/vTy4sec.jpg

The STI rims are just an in-between, a look change before the rims I'm really after. Thought I'd like the look change.

The STI mount is a nice piece. It isn't filled in the bottom portion, but it doesn't have play in it like the Whiteline bushing because its supports are wider/thicker and from some completely un-scientific presses, feels more firm.

The MTEC Clutch Spring was a PITA to install. I forgot how much I hate contorting in the footwell of this car. I even lost the E clip because it flew off somewhere, but worse, the zip ties kept spinning on the greasy-as-hell-spring that I cleaned off several times. All said though, the difference in pedal feel is nice. It feels more like a clutch, albeit still a clutch that is way, way too light.

Also, got a tune at Church Automotive and made 370whp on the Dynapack. Feels good! :thumbup: Dyno graphs to come, I still have some changes to make, namely swapping headers, Flex Fuel kits, fuel pump, some map changes and small driveability refinements after the upcoming clutch install.

http://i.imgur.com/OTlLLJx.jpg

This build is one of my favorites, keep up the good work!

What kind of clutch are you using right now? I don't think I see an aftermarket one in your mod list on the first page.

I'm using the stock clutch - I never changed it. Its not slipping, and it only ever did when I was WOT shifting with the C38. I have plans for the STI clutch though, depending on how the clutch performs when I start beating on it regularly at the track. I fully expect it to give up there.

Are you ever going to run pure 91 octane with Shawn's tune when e85 isn't readily available? Did he mention any restrictions when on 91 on his custom flex fuel tune on the HBP?

Also curious which fuel pump are you going with?

Keep up the great work on your build. Really enjoying the progress!

Finally got the car back. Front bumper repainted, new headlight brackets installed, new fender liner plastic because mine were ripped, and painted the entire STI lip kit at the same time. Raised it back up since the front is so much lower now.

Pic of the front from work.

http://i.imgur.com/TD2x4RK.jpg

Rear spats are mounted, I'll post a pic of those later. I might do the sideskirts next weekend with @BRZtoni, who also has a painted STI lip kit, and maybe a photoshoot if @guslucatero is up for it.

IMO, the kit doesn't seem OEM out of the box, so I'm really happy with the way it's turned out and will complete the car.

I'll probably take off the non-genuine STI diffuser and replace it with the Velox non-aggressive rear diffuser.

Try feeling out ACT XT before making any decisions :)

Looks good!, yeah im free next weekend to help you out PM ME

How's the opening diameter of the STI shift knob? I'm using a Raceseng reverse lockout and have found that certain shift knobs don't have a wide enough opening to accommodate the Raceseng reverse lockout (which is larger than the stock lockout).

Yes lets do a photo shoot ASAP!!

Rear day shot in parking garage

http://i.imgur.com/7I47GdS.jpg

Rear night shots

http://i.imgur.com/ZQlWex2.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Qs8Q6fg.jpg