Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB - BLUESLATE's BRZ Build Journal [VERY, VERY LONG]

Hello Everyone, my name is Alan and I reside in the sunny Southern California. I've been meaning to get a thread started and going ever since I purchased my BRZ back in January 1st of this year, but with time constrains and, mainly, my lazy ass, I have been pushing this back almost a year.

Now, it wasn't easy to get this car although I did get a fantastic deal on it. One of my daily driver's tire blew out on the way to Arizona to pick up this car, registration was delayed 5 months due to some mistake made at DMV, dealership made a mistake on loan application and Subaru almost took my car back, and etc. Still, I patiently waited and took care of problems one by one everytime something surfaced. And this car made all these incidents and hard work all worth it in the end.

Enough talking, let's get to some visuals.

January 1, 2013 - Delivery of the brand new BRZ
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psc1c32237.jpg

Unfortunately, lost in my own excitement, I've forgotten to take a photo at the dealership nor the odometer. But, when I pick it up, it had shown 5 miles on the odo. This photo was taken at the gas station after taking delivery of the vehicle right before heading back home to California.

First time tucked away in the garage.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psc3ea4f11.jpg

January 23, 2013 - Modbugs
Not even a month passed by, the modbugs had come looking for me. First round of mods were typical boring intake and accessory stuffs.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps62ed8c49.jpg

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps20903ccf.jpg

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps3f17d958.jpg

Magnetic oil plug wasn't installed at this time, yet.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb7d3c815.jpg

And I transferred my mirror mount for the V1 from my other car.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps324952be.jpg

January 25, 2013 - First Lakers Game
Of course, being a Lakers fan, I had to take her to her first game. :)
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse7ff4a4a.jpg

January 28, 2013 - First Meet
And... her first KBBQ meet. I've decided to meet with couple of my friends with FRS. @CSG Mike and @D1cker.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb1199da8.jpg

February 6, 2013 - Getting Serious
Barely over a month of ownership, I've decided to get a little bit serious with modding. I ended up picking up a set of Tein SRC from @CSG Mike. Such an AWESOME set of coilovers. At this time, I decided not to install them... just yet.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psda257166.jpg

February 8, 2013 - Paint Protection
At this point, I decided to apply some Opti-Coat Pro on the BRZ. Showcardetaling.com was commissioned for this duty as I have been a customer of this superb auto detailing establishment for past few years. Richard took a great care of my BRZ and had applied the Opti-Coat throughout the entire car.
Below is a cool photo of the car being sprayed with a foam gun.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psd44f9f27.jpg

March 23, 2013 - Gettin' Low
Finally, I've decided to get my lazy butt up and installed the Tein SRC. Build quality TOP NOTCH! Again, thanks to @CSG Mike. :thumbsup:
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps41c519e1.jpg
All assembled and ready to go...
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psf78b8116.jpg
All done!
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psd098f160.jpg
Also, on the same day, I've decided to laminate my window sticker!
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse36648da.jpg
And put on the Grimmspeed License plate relocator.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps855d23c3.jpg

March 26, 2013 - Sound Generator? LOL
On this day, I paid a trip to a local Home Depot to buy this plug below:
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psd1651f22.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps34d82193.jpg
This basically plugs the hole left behind when I removed the sound generator from the fire wall side. *Note: it didn't come with rubber O-ring so I bought correct size to put on there for extra tight seal.

April 6, 2013 - Aerodynamic or Aesthetic?
I purchased a knock-off/replica BRZ OEM style rear diffuser and decided to give my BRZ a little styling. Not really aerodynamic this piece... lol
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps83f2b131.jpg

April 12, 2013 - Shoes on Fire
This is a VERY exciting day! New wheels and tires arrived simultaneously! Volk Racing TE37RT (1st 17" set and commercially available set in the U.S.) and Bridgestone RE-11A 255/40/17! Waaaay early Christmas!
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psfd447bac.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps2505831d.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps9556c100.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps7ccf1df8.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps5e095655.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps0425875a.jpg

April 13, 2013 - Going Synthetic
Since my BRZ just hit 5000 miles, I've decided to do fluid overhaul. I also replaced the OEM oil drain plug with the Greddy neodymium one I posted above.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1bd9c4ef.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psd78aa59d.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps10e52d4d.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psc0f21825.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb39f777d.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps86bdf65b.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8fddd446.jpg

Few random shots I took between the days.
OEM vs. 255 RE-11A
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psbf4ddeb6.jpg
Both of my cars chilling after a wash.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps673adee5.jpg
Clearbra'd the headlight
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1fbe97fd.jpg

April 19, 2013 - Cambered Gang
I was sitting on the Cusco LCA for quite some time at this point so in preparation of getting a proper alignment at WestEnd, I decided to just throw them on.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps0545b55f.jpg

April 24, 2013 - Roll Those Fenders Flat
A great buddy of mine is a VERY skilled fender roller/PDR'er so I hit him up for a fender roll job... and he fixed a few dents as well. :P
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1e81a804.jpg
For those of you who needs a GREAT fender roller or PDR'er in LA County (or even OC since he can come to you!), hit up Shane Rosas at Allout Dent. You can look him up on Facebook!

And on the same afternoon, I decided to adjust the ride height one last time before the alignment appointment the next day.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps6d35bf3e.jpg

April 25, 2013 - Because Race Car
I paid a visit to Darin at WestEnd for some much needed alignment. Darin came in at the very last moment so his son, Chris, worked on my car most of the time. Darin came over to check everything one last time in the end. Since I was inside my BRZ while they were working on it, I only had this pic I snapped while I was just goofing around. lol
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps493907fe.jpg
That EF hatch tho'.... :eyebulge:
And the result after I got home.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psa43a6b34.jpg
-3.0 degrees of camber in the front with 0 toe and -2.5 degrees of camber in the rear with 1/16 toe. Came out PERFECT. WestEnd is definitely one of the BEST alignment shops in SoCal.

April 26, 2013 - Backing in with Ease
Rydeen Duo...., how I adore thee. I love this back up camera. Took me a couple hours to install because I wanted to align it perfectly, but it's worth EVERY DAMN PENNY. I have never had such an easy experience backing into my garage spot. lol
That PRO looking installation... :thumbup: lol
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psaf1a7985.jpg

April 28, 2013 - Some Place to Rest Your Tired Arm
Not sure why, but I don't have any other photos of my EDM armrest... fail. :thumbdown:
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8bdf9793.jpg

May 21, 2013 - Ortega Highway
I hit up Ortega with my GF and she snapped some pretty cool photos while I was blasting down towards 15Fwy. I wonder how she was able to hold on to the camera. lol
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps9f5a8b2c.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps5fa5687d.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse0d7b470.jpg

June 25, 2013 - Aerodynamic is a Serious Business
I paid a visit to my friend @CSG Mike and picked up a APR CF front lip. He was kind enough to surprise me with a set of CSG light weight lugnuts as well. At this time, we also installed the JDM underbody trays since they were just sitting in the garage. And then we hit up the weekly meet held in Irvine. I believe this was my 3rd time at this particular meet.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8430b4e7.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps331a00c7.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psdebab2a5.jpg

Been in and out of time after this so I just took photos whenever I had a chance. Some random photos below.
Big stickers add 5 whp. Not just HP... it's whp.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psa051ba09.jpg
Mike also let me borrow his AP brakes while his BRZ was down. (I ended up loaning him my BRZ for a few weeks)
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psf03308bd.jpg
Then this guy takes my car to the track... lol
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1bbc8baa.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps48bab1e1.jpg
Chipped up already. :(
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps37f9b805.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps7ee2b1ff.jpg

August 9, 2013 - More Aero. Aero is good.
Oh man... this was single most exciting moment of my BRZ's ownership. CLEiB CF Diffuser was finally arrived after waiting for months! I believe this is the very FIRST piece in the US. The craftsmanship is absolutely amazing.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps4e747dbd.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1c3d6c41.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8e9f0b34.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps65565b01.jpg

August 30, 2013 - WTF
This was a sad day. Horrible day.
It was a typical day... at least until the early afternoon. I got my BRZ a spa day at Showcardetailing.com in the morning, and on my way home, I hit a HUGE blown tire in the middle of the freeway. I got so angry that I just parked the car in the garage and didn't drive it or even look at it for a month. See below to see what happened.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psb424b5c1.jpg
BTW, SONAX is amazing. :thumbsup:
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psd1a7d1fd.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psa770099d.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8648186f.jpg

Ouch. The aftermath.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...pscc6d9c32.jpg

September 28, 2013 - Phoenix Arises from the Ashes
After not even paying attention to my BRZ for a whole month, I decided to get a new lip and just get over this slump. Besides, I had to attend the annual G35 sedan GTG... and I wasn't about to show up in my parted-out and bone-stock G35. When I pulled off the front bumper, this is what I found out about the broken lip.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psf01dfc24.jpg
I also installed the front canard while the bumper was off. This was at the G35 Annual GTG.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps3e11eb44.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse2037f99.jpg

At this point, I was pretty satisfied with where I was in terms of direction of mods I had.

November 1, 2013 - I've Been Waiting for this Moment
I literally have been waiting for Tomei full Ti exhaust ever since I bought this car. They were supposed to be released back in July but got delayed until just few weeks ago. I was luck enough to obtain a 80R at an incredible price!
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8f5ebeec.jpg
Super incredible Japanese weld quality. JDM, yo.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psbe71aa7a.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps4cd2edd5.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse2fd50b4.jpg
I had to trim my CLEiB diffuser to make this beast to fit.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps9fdb7bc4.jpg
Result
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps6db76da8.jpg

And this is where my BRZ stands right now.

November 4, 2013 - Everything Ties In
Did a quick shoot with my old point and shoot camera this morning and quickly did some simple touch up with the PS. Enjoy.
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps2b34a07a.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psa0da958c.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps0d49b221.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...pscda3b33e.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps690d0a73.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps7fb76a93.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps64d17bd8.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps85e7c838.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...pseba261b7.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...psf5086f1f.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps1ba5fd37.jpg

That's the end! Whew... one year worth of posting is quite diffucult... If you have read this entire thread through, I applaud you for your patience and really appreciate you stayed the whole way through. Hope you enjoyed it. There will be more updates when I have more things to show so tune in!