GT86's Firestorm 86

[GTHachiRoku]

Greetings everyone

For those of you who know me, I've been somewhat obsessed with cars my whole life. This obsession has led
to me owning a total of 14 cars over the last 10 years. Some good, some horrible, others mediocre.

In short, I've ended up just about where I started...

My car progression... :

2000 Pontiac Grand AM GT
2003 WRX - STI conversion - 500+whp (pre-kids when I could dump 15k into a car build )
1981 Datsun 280zx
2005 VW GLI
2006 Subaru Legacy
2013 FR-S
2014 Evo X MR
2015 VW GTI Mk7 - APR stage 2
2015 BRZ Limited

Just like with the FR-S, my goal is to improve the braking and handling of the car, but this time I want to add some additional power.

I still hope to instruct HPDEs some day soon (It's a matter of bravery at this point ).
So, I want a car that can not only be a blast on the track but can also provide a great platform for learning and teaching.

Mod List

Cosmetic:
-Valenti tail lights

Aerodynamics:
-Velox Motorsports Front Race Splitter

Engine/Exhaust/Trans:
-Velox Motorsports cam plate
-Custom GTX3076R turbo kit - open dump, Tial WG, water to air IC
-Tanabe OP & Catless FP
-Oil Cooler

Suspension/Chassis/Brakes/Weight Reduction
-Tein Mono Sport Coilovers
-SPC Adjustable rear lower control arms
-Project Mu Club Racer Pads and Brake Fluid

Wheels & Tires:
-17x9 Enkei RPF1 +38 in Gunmetal w/ Hankook RS3 v2's in 245/40/17

Next Up Mods
-Most of Velox Motorsports' catalog for aero
-Some sort of seats - so I don't have to hunch with a helmet



2017 Track Day Schedule

Death of Winter Atlanta Motorsports Park with JZilla

Atlanta Motorsports Park with JustTrackit

Others - TBD


My old FR-S

[GTHachiRoku]

Sadly these will have to wait till tomorrow.
Went ahead and set up the adjusents according to the Tein specifications.

I guess well see how they are once installed.

[GTHachiRoku]

Adjusted a bit further and everything is on spot with Tein's recommended specs.
This should look and more importantly feel great once the 57Xtremes and RE11A's are mounted.

Front


Back


Won't be messing with camber until alignment and new wheels mounted.

[GTHachiRoku]

Items incoming!

GramLight 57Xtreme Semigloss Black 17x9 - ordered
Bridgestone RE11A tires 245/40/17 - ordered
Tein StreetFlex Coilovers with tops - ordered

[GTHachiRoku]

After about three hours of tinkering ... Out with the old and in with the new.





There were some frustrating moments and some tips I'd like to share... When I'm more awake lol.

[GTHachiRoku]

Thanks @GrimmSpeed and @DarrenDriven for the excellent write ups.
Between the two of your guides I was covered!

Also a big thanks to Jacky at @vividracing for the great sales & support.
I had great experiences back in 2003 with them when building my WRX and it looks like they're still doing a great job.

The new wheels and tires should look great now!


Some notes & tips on my install:

If you're limited on jack stands or don't have a flat area to work, lifting just the front works great for removal and install.

As noted in the GS DIY, in order to reattach the end links in the front you must have undone both sides.

You don't have to remove the ABS cable from it's clip. Both clips will pop out of the strut fairly easily. Just be gentle.

Rear is harder than it looks. I had to remove the rear hub bolts as noted in DarrenDriven's guide as the strut wouldn't budge otherwise.

It indeed takes a lot of strength to push the LCA down to fit the strut.

Using the little scissor jack to reposition the LCA as well as the rear hub helps!

[V3rtigo]

Too late now but its easier to install the bolts into the lca starting with the hub side and working inward to the subframe mount. You have more leverage to push the inside end up and the bolt through the subframe and lca. I did it without any assistance from a jack on my sti when I installed my cusco lcas on my sti which shares the same rear suspension setup.

[GTHachiRoku]

Yeah, I accidentally figured that out on the 2nd rear install.
I still had to man handle the crap out of the hub to get it in place.
Will be great to know when I put on the LCA's eventually. Thanks!

[GTHachiRoku]

Some photos today

[GTHachiRoku]

Look what showed up !



My cat approves!

[Herndon]

[*KID*]

Cool were going to be twins. Same wheels I got. Its going to look beautiful

[GTHachiRoku]

Yours does look great! Can't wait to get mine on. Will be next weekend probably.

[ATL BRZ]

Can't wait to see the new shoes! Your car is going to be a completely different animal on track next month. You're gonna love it!