mfbmike's FR-S thread

[mfbmike]

Sonax polymer net shield holding up beautifully after 3-4 months.





Just did a topside oil change for the first time. This thing works amazingly well. First engine mod going in.

[mfbmike]

My old Enkei NT03's in SBC finish finally sold. lol. First set of wheels I ever bought new. They'll hold a special place in my heart.

Time to get back to this thing. Looking for an inexpensive cat-back/axle-back to fill the exhaust cutouts and give myself something to listen to, to hold me over until FI.

I've gotten a crazy porsche itch but realize I'm still a few years out if I really want to get the 996 turbo I'm lusting after. So, the FRS will have to do for now. Boosted preferably sooner than later.

[mfbmike]

The guy who bought and picked up my old wheels lastnight sent me this picture today shortly after mounting them. looks so good on a 10 series.

[mfbmike]

This is on its way to me. Hope I like it.

[mfbmike]

WC Lathewerks Titanium Sphere ftw.

At first my OCD was driving me insane as the H pattern engraving wasn't sitting straight. I loved the feel of the knob going through the gears and in my hand in comparison to the stock knob but knew I had to get that engraving on right.

Came to realize there is an allen key hole inside where you can adjust it. After a few tries, got it to sit right and all was well in the world. Very happy with it.

Finally managed to get my hands on an exhaust to get rid of the puny stock tips and fill in the exhaust cutouts better and to add to the driving experience. Coming from my relatively loud R32...sound was definitely missing. lol.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Qt83sxBQA18[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YiNIi5GTPfQ[/ame]

[mfbmike]

Finally found some time (after working 12 straight days ugh) to install the Invidia N1 cat-back I recently got as well as the Perrin Performance Steering Rack Lockdown I purchased some time ago.

So nice to not be driving a prius anymore and actually having some sound back there. Was very pleased with the fitment and craftmanship of the N1 considering how well priced they are. Car sounds infinitely better now, nice gurgle as the revs drop. I could see how some might think the exhaust is loud and/or drones inside the cabin but it's not particularly an issue for me. In 6th gear and cruising, the exhaust becomes very quiet depending on speed/rpms.

Also very happy with the steering rack lockdown. The already very impressive steering feel and input of the FRS is improved even further. The communication and feel from the front tires is direct and amazing. Steering inputs are crisp. There is some slight NVH from the steering wheel but again, not particularly bothersome to me. The feel far outweighs the very trivial "vibrations" in the steering wheel. The install was very easy as well, not taking any more than 15 minutes really.

Both mods have me falling in love with this car all over again.

[mfbmike]

So, it's been just over a year since driving the FR-S off the lot.

First time I parked it in my driveway:



Didn't take long to get here:





Here's how it currently sits (minus the recently installed cat-back):





How do I feel after a year of ownership. I suppose a mixed bag of sorts. I've logged 15k miles in a year, a majority of those miles coming from trips to North Carolina and Tennessee to drive the dragon and also to Georgia for Southern Worthersee.

I've been able to meet some pretty cool local 86 owners through the car. The car itself is still a blast but hindsight is 20/20. A few months after purchasing the FRS, I got bit by the Porsche bug and have been lusting over a 996 turbo as of late. Unfortunately, the bug didn't bite me soon enough and I ended up in the FRS as opposed to just getting a Porsche.

Now, I'd like to think I make sound financial decisions (already looking for 3rd set of wheels for the frs, may make you think otherwise lol) so looks like I'll be sticking with the FRS for a wee bit longer.

I'm still unconvinced I'm signed on as a driver enough to want to take the FI plunge, largely in part due to my strong desire for a P-car. I'm absolutely convinced that turbocharging this car will absolutely make it "perfect" and that much more fun to drive but if I'm not in it for the long haul, do I really want to put forth the effort, time and most importantly the money towards a turbo setup? Hard to tell at this point. I really need to find a screaming good deal on a kit - that would make the decision that much easier. lol.

Either way, no regrets and I absolutely would do it all over again, given the opportunity. Although, I have learned through this car that I will probably never, ever buy new again though. Depreciation sucks!

[mfbmike]

Signed up and participated in my 1st track day ever yesterday. Absolute fucking blast.



It was at Palm Beach International raceway using their road coarse. Got quickly bumped up to intermediate class after starting the day as a novice with an instructor. I was for the most part very pleased with how the car performed, although I realize even for as awesome as they are, Pilot Super Sports certainly aren't the stickiest tires out there. lol.

Even so, huge fun tossing the car around and making other arguably faster cars (couple vettes, etc) look silly in the turns was incredibly gratifying. As it becomes available, I'll post more photos and go pro footage of the event.

Went back to Motul 300v 0w-20 before the track day. My subjective opinion, engine response seems better than with Eneos Sustina. Worth the increased price? Arguable. I still think the Eneos is the better choice for a daily driven car that isn't ragged on all that often. But for track days or very spirited driving on a regular basis, I give the nod to the Motul stuff.

[mfbmike]

Track day bro!










@Sportsguy83

[mfbmike]

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by mfbmike

Track day bro!


@Sportsguy83

BRUH!!!!!

[mfbmike]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75768

Selling my TE37SL's!

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by mfbmike

@Sportsguy83

I hope he gave you a point by.

[Sportsguy83]

Originally Posted by King Tut

I hope he gave you a point by.

I did