WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR FRS TODAY?

[cmiovino]

I realized the other day how gritty the paint felt on my 2017. When I got it in 2019, over that winter I did a full claybar, polish, carnuba wax, then (SiO2) ceramic-ish coat. I remember how smooth the paint felt.

Well, I guess that was 5 years ago now and it wasn't even beading up during the last wash. Car's only driven in spring/summer/fall.

Washed it then used a light claybar (which did the most to smooth out the paint again). Mother's Cleaner Wax - which is some good stuff actually, by hand. Now I'm working on two top coats of the Meguiar's Ceramic Wax by hand.

Paint's not perfect, but it's really improved. No DA polisher and it's taken a bit of elbow grease, but I'm glad to have it fixed up a bit. It's been a while since I've taken a bunch of hours to really get down and do something like this rather than just autocrossing the crap out of it every week. It's oddly satisfying.

[Stephen W.]

Originally Posted by cmiovino

I realized the other day how gritty the paint felt on my 2017. When I got it in 2019, over that winter I did a full claybar, polish, carnuba wax, then (SiO2) ceramic-ish coat. I remember how smooth the paint felt.

Well, I guess that was 5 years ago now and it wasn't even beading up during the last wash. Car's only driven in spring/summer/fall.

Washed it then used a light claybar (which did the most to smooth out the paint again). Mother's Cleaner Wax - which is some good stuff actually, by hand. Now I'm working on two top coats of the Meguiar's Ceramic Wax by hand.

Paint's not perfect, but it's really improved. No DA polisher and it's taken a bit of elbow grease, but I'm glad to have it fixed up a bit. It's been a while since I've taken a bunch of hours to really get down and do something like this rather than just autocrossing the crap out of it every week. It's oddly satisfying.

Any before and after shots?

[RickyBobby]

The AC vent air has not been as cold as it should be for a couple of years. Slight leak? My car is 12 1/2 years old so probably. Not sure how much longer I'm going to keep it, so instead of taking it to a mechanic I bought a R134a recharge kit from Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/A-C-Pro-A...R&athbdg=L1300

The low pressure port is close to the back firewall and it's a snug fit getting the kit's connector on.

Followed these instructions: https://acprocold.com/au/help-and-advice/instructions/
Gauge read between 10 and 20 when I connected the hose. Added enough R134a to bring the gauge up to almost 40. Still have more left in the can if I need it.

The ambient temp was 85F and 55% humidity. Drove my car a couple of miles and the temp from the top left vent was 47F. The fan was on the number 2 setting and on recirculate.
According to this chart the temp looks good.

[RToyo86]

Originally Posted by cmiovino

I realized the other day how gritty the paint felt on my 2017. When I got it in 2019, over that winter I did a full claybar, polish, carnuba wax, then (SiO2) ceramic-ish coat. I remember how smooth the paint felt.

Well, I guess that was 5 years ago now and it wasn't even beading up during the last wash. Car's only driven in spring/summer/fall.

Washed it then used a light claybar (which did the most to smooth out the paint again). Mother's Cleaner Wax - which is some good stuff actually, by hand. Now I'm working on two top coats of the Meguiar's Ceramic Wax by hand.

Paint's not perfect, but it's really improved. No DA polisher and it's taken a bit of elbow grease, but I'm glad to have it fixed up a bit. It's been a while since I've taken a bunch of hours to really get down and do something like this rather than just autocrossing the crap out of it every week. It's oddly satisfying.

I find detailing therapeutic to an extent. Good way to relax/unwind.
Highly recommend this clay towel for semi regular maintenance. It is a lot less abrasive than traditional clay, and has the advantage of being reusable dozens of times.

[RToyo86]

Some goodies starting to show up. Toda ojisama clutch/flywheel combo. Also have a JXB Support Bearing Carrier Upgrade coming and some subframe inserts from @Racecomp Engineering

[cmiovino]

Originally Posted by Stephen W.

Any before and after shots?

No before shots, but here's the after:

[RToyo86]

This wasn't planned at all but a local was telling one for a price I couldn't refuse.
Ace A250

[Stephen W.]

Originally Posted by RToyo86

This wasn't planned at all but a local was telling one for a price I couldn't refuse.
Ace A250

Ya gotta luv it when you find something you weren't looking for and then realize that at the price you just have to have it!

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by RToyo86

This wasn't planned at all but a local was telling one for a price I couldn't refuse.
Ace A250

Am I misremembering or didn't you have a JDL 4-2-1 already?

[RToyo86]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

Am I misremembering or didn't you have a JDL 4-2-1 already?

You would be correct. Plan it to try it and keep whatever I prefer.
Price was so good I'll make money selling whichever I decide to unload.

[Teseo]

Originally Posted by RickyBobby

The AC vent air has not been as cold as it should be for a couple of years. Slight leak? My car is 12 1/2 years old so probably. Not sure how much longer I'm going to keep it, so instead of taking it to a mechanic I bought a R134a recharge kit from Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/A-C-Pro-A...R&athbdg=L1300

The low pressure port is close to the back firewall and it's a snug fit getting the kit's connector on.
Attachment 227344
Followed these instructions: https://acprocold.com/au/help-and-advice/instructions/
Gauge read between 10 and 20 when I connected the hose. Added enough R134a to bring the gauge up to almost 40. Still have more left in the can if I need it.
Attachment 227345
The ambient temp was 85F and 55% humidity. Drove my car a couple of miles and the temp from the top left vent was 47F. The fan was on the number 2 setting and on recirculate.
According to this chart the temp looks good.
Attachment 227346

Mine has a leaked in the compressor. Was some o- rings. But now is blowing hot again.

[orz]

Got the 2020 headunit installed in the 16frs. The custom harness didn't blow anything up and everything works like it's suppose to. The amp pumps. I tested the factory mic too. nephew says clarity is a 9 or 10 (engine off). Back up camera now outputs to the headunit; unlike the 2020 toyota 86 models, the backup camera outputs to the rear view mirror. (no guidelines). The 2016 frs didn't have guidelines either. usb fat32 mp3's work as it did stock. bluetooth connectivity is improved. no issues with disconnects after cold starts. car play works in wired mode only. wish it was wireless so it wouldn't take up the slot for my usb mp3 source. didn't test the aux port yet. but i hear it doesn't work unless you upgrade the usb/aux port to part number 86190-0D060. its 100usd+ at the dealer so im not going to bother with something i won't ever use now. the voice command button works for my iphone 13. I couldn't get siri to work on the 2016hu.
Final thoughts. RIP volume knob.


Quick and dirty pics enjoy. sunny day, sorry for bad lighting.

[SuperTom]

Today completed the Aluminum Knuckle conversion these are stock on the 22'+BRZ. I mostly used the instructions here just convert to English https://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid...4954/note.aspx
-Few changes on mine the newer Tie rod ends OEM are on backorder right now so I ordered RacerX ones for 22+ BRZ
- I didnt use dust shields, didn't on my old setup.
-Many have problems with BBK kits. My lightweight Wilwood kit fit perfect
- I believe the Knuckles are also on backorder. I found a used set with Wheel bearings already installed.



Weight savings I weighted with the Bearings on no shields
IRON - 18.5 lbs
ALuminum - 15.1lbs so good for aprox 3.5lbs per side!




RacerX Tie rod ends gave a total of .25 lighter total wasn't looking for weight savings here just proper fitment



Installed with no problems. Didnt take pic with wheel speed sensor like instructions say it is a tight fit. Used knuckles came with a longer sensor wire which I may try if I have problems later.




Took me about 2 hours per side would've been much less both Tie rod jam nuts were seized up. Had to use PB, Torch, Crow foot on breaker bar contraption to get free. Otherwise straight forward

Cost was about $500 for both knuckles used but had most parts included. The RacerX Tie Rods were about $300. This conversion will be much cheaper if you can find 22+ OEM ones somewhere

Weight Loss about 7lbs total off the front suspension!

My new weight back down to approx 2374lbs

[SuperTom]

More mods today for weight reduction Racer-x Rear upper control arms

Took off 8.5 lbs from the rear suspension!




Install again is pretty straight forward. Had to pry off the stock control arms from the knuckle hence all the grease.



Was disappointed when I read the directions there was a mounting point for the Speed sensor wire brace. Mine came with zip ties instead. This is a time when I would have preferred those mounts at the expense of a some ounces


Also thought I matched up the dimensions to my stock arms, when I lowered the car down had alot of negative came so Ill be playing with the adjustment on my next day off