"Everything posted here is my opinion, and if you don't like it or agree... please move on"... 
Hi All,
I've always wanted to start a journal/build thread. So here goes.
I'm located in Chicago (north burbs, Glenview) and bought my BRZ on March 14th. I didn't even know what a BRZ was to be honest. I've always been in to European cars and had my fair share.
1997 - VW Jetta VR6 - silver
2001 - B5 Audi S4 sedan STG 3 - nogaro blue
2004 - B6 Audi S4 wagon - artic white w. sport package
2008 - EVO 8 - black
2001 - B5 S4 wagon - by far one of my favorites - nogaro blue w. sport package
2008 - BMW 135i Stg 2
2008 - BMW 335i Stg 2
2014 - Subaru BRZ - satin pearl white
Why I choose the BRZ.
I have 2 kids, and more on the way... I don't need another car to fit the family, so I wanted something that I could take a kid if needed and also fit another one if I really had to (emergency). A car to daily drive that has some feel and track day or 2 per year. Even a occasional drift event if I wanted to.
Now to the car. I drove a friends BRZ with a unichip and exhaust... nothing else. The car blew my away from the driver feel, shifting, low center of gravity, road feel, and engine sound. I was on the fence with getting a S2K AP1 and a another 135i. But after the test drive, this car just feel so good and had a decent rear seat if needed. I actually have a huge ass Britax car seat for my 4-yr old and it works great for short trips. It definitely is not roomiest car, or the fastest car by any means, but it is just a great car to drive! Plain and simple...
Long story short... I pulled the trigger and couldn't be happier. I tell my family and friends all the time... this is by far one of my favorite cars I've ever owned for the price, drive factor, gear box, feel, etc...
March 14, 2014 - Purchase day
My Plan
I've always wanted to build a car with high quality parts and keep a clean look. At the end of the day for me it's a balance act between cost and quality. I was able to get great deal a slightly used Vortech kit, so I pulled the trigger. The kit should arrive the week of May 5th. I only have 480 miles on the car and will most likely wait till I hit 1k to install. I wasn't planning on purchasing or going FI this quick, but I couldn't pass up the deal. The car is so under-powered, so the 1st thing I wanted to do is go FI. Besides the deal I got, I was going to choose Vortech for 1 reason alone. The company. They've been around for ages, and if you start modding, you want to buy expensive products from vendors who have been around so you can rely on them in case of issues. I wanted to be able to purchase replacement parts, upgrades, etc. And if one day I decide to sell the kit, I can easily re-market the kit and the new buyer can easily by new/replace or by upgraded parts. Another reason I went this route is because they offer hardware kits and part replacement if needed. Always a PITA to run to Home Depot to look or rig up something because you can't find that one bracket or screw. Anyway.. that's why I purchased this kit... Price and the Vortech name. Maybe more of the price... LOL!
What tuning?
The great thing about this forum. There are vendors,... I've been in communication with most of them and have narrowed it down to a couple... 93oct and E85 with flex fuel kit is where I'm heading. I don't want to worry about switching maps and making sure I'm almost empty. Haven't made the purchase yet... got some time 'till I hit 1k miles.
Quick Log
March 14 - Purchase day
March 25 - Grimmspeed Front Plate relocator
March 28 - Detail Image Products purchased - Foammaster, chemical guy suds, poorboys wax and sealant, lake country pads, grit guard, Porter Cable 7424xp
April 8 - Lumar 35% Ceramic tint - Installed by Umbra in Schaumburg. Best tint guy in Chicagoland area!
April 30 - Vortech Kit purchased
July 4 - Vortech installed w/Moto-East tune
July 14 - DIY Red Tails with Blinker cut out
July 17 - 1st tank of e85 @1280 miles
July 24 - Full exterior detail with Poorboys Wax and Sealant
Aug 8 - 1st Vortech oil change - @1528 miles, 4500 miles on used kit
Aug 11 - Purchased; Royal Purple 0w-20, bulk OEM filters, FUMOTO F-108 drain valve, LED plate and reverse lights
Sep 29 - 1st oil change - @1800 miles
Sep 13 - 2000 mile mark
Sep 14 - 6 month birthday
Nov 26 - Supercharger rebuild (shaft seal and 1 bearing)
Dec 14 - Saikou dual catch can installed
Feb 13 - T-bolt clamps installed, upgraded Flash from Moto-East for cold weather bug (under 20deg).
Feb 28 - Red Line 0w-20 oil change with OEM filter @ 3560 miles
- Added remaining T-Bolt clamps to Vortech Kit
- Added worm clamps to Saikou catch cans and check valve removing black zip ties
Apr 18 - RS*R Superdown springs installed
Mod List
Engine/Exhaust
Vortech V3 kit w/ 3.12 pulley
Moto-East 93oct/e40-50/e85/valet (4 maps)
4-bar Omni
Saikou dual catch can
FUMOTO valve
T-Bolt clamps
Suspension/Drivetrain
RS*R Superdowns
Exterior
DIY Red Tails w/blinker cut out
Interior
Llumar 35% tint
Wheels and Tires
Stock
Past Mods
None
Future Mods
Oil cooler
Spacers
SBC 18x9.5
Toms USDM