follow ft86club on our blog, twitter or facebook.
FT86CLUB
Ft86Club
Delicious Tuning
Register Garage Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB > FT86CLUB Shared Forum > Member's Car Journals

Member's Car Journals Car journals by our members.


User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 04-18-2020, 08:04 PM   #1
BAT_BRZ
Member
 
BAT_BRZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ "sti"
Location: Orange County
Posts: 35
Thanks: 31
Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
From a Craigslist STI to my TS

Current Car Pics
Below the photos is the story!
TLDR is below and my mods list. But first, here are the current pics of the car!








My overly long background on how I purchased it:
My love for this car began in college, 2013. When this car was announced, I didn’t really hear much about it until I saw the Chris Harris review on youtube. I can’t say it was love at first sight but it piqued my interest.

Before graduating I saw the STI concept car, second concept car I think, and it took my breath away. I had to have it. I made a proclamation about it on Facebook how I’d own this car someday but didn’t quite know when. And certainly not realizing I’d have to build it!

Graduated and my Grandma’s hand-me down 1992 Subaru legacy beater was mine! All wheel drive, automatic seatbelts (that confused everyone, it was great), but most importantly, it was free. And it allowed me to save some cash as I watched all those early youtube videos from Crawfords Turbo BRZ, TJ’s BRZ build, and others. I pined for this car.

About 9 months into working, my Legacy at ~150k miles start to have issues. The clutch cable snapped on my way to work. The engine started to die while idling and cornering. The AC was pushing out its last breeze. One day it died while accelerating onto the freeway, frantically I popped the clutched and got the engine going but I knew it was time. I had a blast in this car, new city, fresh graduate, I was doing okay. Well getting by. No one told me how expensive the Bay Area in CA was! I wanted to hold out until the STI version came out or some variant of it. I wanted to buy it new. Off the lot and keep it.

Well step one was telling myself it was going to be used. I swallowed that pill rather quick.
Step 2 was accepting there was no STI version available for this car. Why STI? Probably the early thousands of seeing the WRX mop up the field in the WRC. Blue with gold rims. I liked the BRZ, and I liked the STI brand.
Step 3 was browsing craigslist and the used inventory at every car lot in the area.

I will say my experience at Stevens Creek Subaru was crap. Trying to walk in, young, and not having enough money for a new car got me the short end of the stick with trying to get a test drive. Super odd. I remember my aunt and I going in to look at used WRX’s and BRZ’s and the Sales rep asked me if I even had the money to buy one. Jokes on him. I’ve bought 2 Subaru since and own an FFR GTM. Rude.
Shout out though to Fremont Subaru for being kind and having good customer service.

Back to the buy. I was browsing craigslist and saw this post for a, “sti brz”. Totally peaked my interest. But was asking more then I could afford at like 25k. Tons of mods. Like, jump to the end to see all the stuff I bought the car with done for it. Its 3 pages long. But man did I think it was hot. But too much for me.

Car disappeared off craigslist and I kept browsing. About 2 weeks later the car pop’d back up for sale. But this time for 20k. Asking for someone to please buy it. They seemed desperate to sell it. Just over my mental number of 18k to buy. But hey I’ll go take a look and offer 18k. Sleep on it first.

Next day, getting ready to go to the gym, preworkout in hand. And it was still on craigslist. But this time for 18k. Called the number and said I was on my way. They were about 40 minutes up the freeway. And the Legacy must have known what I was doing because it acted up along the way.

Get there and find out the story. Seller had a buyer agree at the old price. Seller was relocating back to Taiwan to take care of parents. Buyer knew this, and they agreed for the deal to go down like right before the sellers flight out (last thing he needed to get rid of was the car). Buyer called and says they test drove other BRZ’s and would only offer the seller 16k instead. You know, I get that it’s a free market and there are negotiation tactics but I felt bad for this dude. The seller was an over sharer but so am I, clearly from this post, so I sensed some genuineness behind him. So the Seller told the buyer to pound dirt and was trying to unload the car before his flight out the next weekend. So rather then haggle over a few hundred bucks I offered the 18k. We agreed, right before someone texted the seller saying they would bay 19.5k for the car. But we already shook hands and I had the money ready to go!

Not only did I get this awesome car, but the seller also gave me an extra set of rims and TONS of extra stuff. An OFT, new sensors, tons of replacement LED lights, the original drive shaft (car currently has a Carbon fiber one!) and just throngs of interior trim pieces to change it however I wanted. It felt awesome getting it but I also understood it was because of a shitty reason. The seller was happy I didn’t haggle with him too as he was expecting some kind of back and forth. I didn’t care. I just got a deal. 18k with 18k miles. 3 years old. Not bad.
So here she is. In all her glory from that day!
TL;DR Scooped up a great deal.

Day 1



This was the parts list I was given upon purchase. I was stunned. The seller kept meticulous records.
And a full maintenance history. I was so happy I found a car someone had babied like I might have.

Maintenance

1. Followed service schedule by the user manual and do the service at Subaru
dealer
ex. (a)Keep RPMs under 4000 rpm for the first 1000 miles.
(b) First oil change at 3000 miles and every 7500 miles do the oil
change.

2. Do the Opti Coating 2.0 right here purchasing the car and do the regular
profession detailing and car wash from the shop.

3. Used for daily drive only.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronics

1.OEM Audio Plus Reference 400CF Audio Package with red Subwoofer
2. Beat-Sonic BCAM7 Rear Backup Camera with install hardware
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engine/Drivetrain

1.Customer Tuning (OFT)
2. GO FAST BITS 3PC LIGHTWEIGHT PULLEY KIT
3.TRD PERFORMANCE AIR INTAKE (Scion FRS Twin car dealer accessory)
4. HKS AIR INTAKE DUCT
5. Revolution BIG THROTTLE 70 mm KIT
6. PERRIN SLASH CUT EXHAUST TIPS
7. Automatic 2.75'' Carbon Fiber 1-piece Driveshaft
8. APR Radiator Cooling Plate Carbon Fiber w/ TRD Intake
9. Subaru BRZ SPT Battery Hold Down- Gray (USDM Subaru dealer accessory)

10.Subaru BRZ SPT Oil Cap- 0W/20 Gray (USDM Subaru dealer accessory)
11. Red Nameless Performance Alloy ECU Bracket
12. Grimmspeed Hood Struts
13. Red Grimmspeed Puley Cover W/Tool Tray
14. Perrin Silver Oil filter cover
15. Perrin Red Cam Solenoid Guards
16. Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Fuse Box Over-Cover (Type II)
17. Modellista Toyota 86 Red Engine Cover
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chassis/Suspension

1.STI Pink Coil spring front& Rear (AUDM Subaru dealer accessory)
2. Red Grimmspeed Strut Tower Brace
3. TRD SWAY BAR KIT (Scion FRS Twin car dealer accessory)
4. Monster MEMBER BRACE/FRONT
5. Upgrade 2015 suspension bolts (installed by Subaru dealer)
6. STI Steering Rack Bushings + STI tS Steering Rack Assembly Hardware
7. STI tS Rear Subframe Assembly Hardware (Subaru JDM BRZ STI ts
standard equipped)
8. TRD DOOR STABILIZER
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wheels/Brakes

1.Grimmspeed Master Cylinder Brace
2. STOPTECH STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE LINES (FRONT AND REAR)
3. Genuine USDM Subaru STi Chrome Valve Stem Caps
4. Customize CENTER CAP COVERS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exterior
1.Bayson R STi Style Front Bumper Lip (Polyurethane) w/ STi Emblem
2. STI GURNEY FLAP (JDM Subaru Dealer accessory)
3. TRD Side Skirt painted
4. GT86 (Twin car) OE Style Rear Bumper Aprons painted (Polyurethane)
5. Subaru Rear Diffuser ( USDM Subaru dealer accessory)
6. Stillen Roof wing
7. Beat-Sonic FDA9 Functional Shark Fin Antenna
8. APR Front Bumper Canard Set
9. TRD AERO STABILIZING TRUNK COVER w/ STi Emblem
10. SUBARU STI FENDER GARNISH with customize chrome trim wrap
(Subaru JDM BRZ STI ts standard equipped)
11. SUBARU JDM 86 AERO UNDERPANELS (Subaru JDM BRZ standard
equipped)
12. Toyota AERO STABILIZING FIN (JDM Toyota 86 (twin car) dealer
accessory)

13.Window tint side& rear 35% Johonson's window film (Life time warranty)
14.BRZ Chrome Front Bumper Moulding (EDM Subaru dealer accessory)
15.BRZ Chrome Rear Boot Moulding (EDM Subaru dealer accessory)
16.BRZ Decoration Foil (Window) (EDM Subaru dealer accessory)
17. Fuel Door Cover (USDM Subaru dealer accessory)
18. Front License Plate Frame Black Stainless (USDM Subaru dealer
accessory)
19. Rear License Plate Frame Silver Stainless (USDM Subaru dealer
accessory)
20. CARBIGN CRAFT CARBON FIBER TRUNK GARNISH (with customize trunk
release button opening)
21. Modellista 86 Headlight Cover with customize paint (Gun metal)
22. Dry Carbon Door Handle Base Cover
23. Grazio&Co. WINDOW FRAME GARNISH CHROME
24. Grazio&Co. COMBI DOOR HANDLE UNIT CHROME
25. REAR BUMPER PANEL (JDM &AUDM Subaru dealer accessory)
27. STI BRZ FRONT GRILLE EMBLEM (Subaru JDM BRZ STI ts standard
equipped)
28. S-CRAFT Carbon fiber NOSE COVER
29. REXPEED WIDE MIRRORS (HEATED)
30. TRD FUEL CAP COVER
31. Remin Exterior Kit, 8 Pcs (Real Red $Black Carbon fiber) (only installed 4Pcs)
32. CHROME ROOF TOP TRIM CHANNEL MOLDING KIT
33. Customize racing flag decal
34. STI Rear trunk Emblem
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIGHTING:

1.HID Powerhouse BACKUP / REVERSE 6000K SUPER WHITE LEDS (STAGE 2)
2. HID Powerhouse FRONT TURN SIGNAL LEDS (FB5 TURN SIGNAL LEDS
(AMBER)) WITH HFR FLASHER
3. GENUINE TOYOTA JAPAN CLEAR SIDE MARKER LENS / HOUSING (JDM
Toyota 86 (twin car) equipped) with HID Powerhouse LP6 Samsung LEDs
4. HID Powerhouse LICENSE PLATE SUPER WHITE LEDS (LP6 ULTRA WHITE
SAMSUNG LEDS)
5. DIODE DYNAMICS Fog Light HID Conversion Kit (3000K)
6. DIODE DYNAMICS Always-On™ Module
7. TOM'S CLEAR DOT LEGAL TAIL LIGHTS WITH CUSTOMIZE SMOKE PAINT
8. F n' A Automotive Rear Foglight Kit (kit2 with High Power Bulb)
9. Precision Leds (Customize door projector)
10. HID Powerhouse K-SPEC 9 HIGH PERFORMANCE SUPER WHITE LEDS


11. HID Powerhouse K-SPEC 15 HIGH PERFORMANCE SUPER WHITE LEDS
FOR DOMELIGHT
12. HID Powerhouse K-SPEC 15 HIGH PERFORMANCE SUPER WHITE LEDS
FOR TRUNK
13. HID Powerhouse VANITY MIRROR SUPER WHITE LEDS
14. F n' A Automotive Footwell lightening (red) with switcher ($50)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interior

1. STI PUSH TO START BUTTON
2. TRD AUTOMATIC SHIFT KNOB
3. STARK AUTOMATIC SHIFTER PADDLE SHIFTER EXTENSIONS WITH RED
PAINT
4. TOM'S BLACK / RED LEATHER STEERING WHEEL
5. Customize Armrest
6. JDM Toyota 86 (twin car) OEM Rear Seat Arm Rest with customize add
additional paddle from JPM coachworks.
7. JDM Toyota 86(twin car) OEM Red Door Handle
8. JPM Coachworks CLUSTER HOOD IN ALCANTARA
9.JPM Coachworks 6AT SHIFT BOOT IN ALCANTARA
10. JPM Coachworks HANDBRAKE BOOT IN ALCANTARA
11.JPM Coachworks KNEE PADS IN ALCANTARA
12. JPM Coachworks SPEAKER TRIM PANELS IN ALCANTARA
13. MODELLISTA INTERIOR PANEL SET (METAL MONOGRAM)
14. Black Carbon Fiber Climate Control Panel with 2X2 weave (Made in Japan by RSW Ltd.)
15. Silver Carbon Fiber Trunk Release Panel with 2X2 weave (Made in Japan by RSW Ltd)
16. Customize black carbon fiber engine start panel with 2X2 weave ($220)
17. Auto Dimming Compass Mirror (USDM Subaru dealer accessory)
18. Sunshade (USDM Subaru dealer accessory)
19. Lloyd® - Rubbertite™ All-Weather Protection Trunk Mats (red)
20. Remin Full Dash Kit (Brushed Aluminum)



So what have I done to my car?

Not babied it like I thought I would. But in terms of mods, not too much. I’ve driven he hell out of her and enjoyed every second but here is my list:

1. E85 Flex fuel kit
2. Nvidia R400.

3. STI battery Tie Down
4. Mishimoto FOG LED lights


5. Jackson Racing V2 oil cooler (install progress pic)

6. Winmax W5 Brake Pads

7. Motul RBF 600 brake fluid

8. Front and Rear Raceseng Tow Hooks

9. WRX S208 Spoiler (replica)

10. Roll cage.
a. Why? Because my first day out I saw a car flip on track. Yeah nothing scares you like being behind an FRS that is cartwheeling in front of you.
b. But also, racecar.

11. Two accidents while the car was parked.
a. Welcome to CA!
12. Versus Front splitter (2 piece)

13. Dyno Mat the floor & Sprayed the cage red.

14. Put the interior back in



Future Plans?
1. Harrop Supercharger when SMOG day comes. (T-minus 1 year)
2. Suspension (Going with Annex and their new club sport for the BRZ/FRS platform).
I saw them develop the suspension while at all the track days in norcal last year.
They set lap records, improved handling etc etc. That sold me pretty quick.
And they are fun people.
3. Rims (Titan TS-5 are in the lead. Question is, what color?)
4. Maybe a seat upgrade.


Other cars I’ve picked up along the way.
1. My daily, a 2019 Subraru Imprezza (Also has an engine recall, come on Subaru!)
2. FFR GTM kit car. I might do a build log on this. Almost done with it for 3 years…
3. Taking over the family tow vehicle. 2004 Chevy Tahoe + Trailer.

Thanks for reading!
BAT_BRZ is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to BAT_BRZ For This Useful Post:
Dave-ROR (04-19-2020), juenedgi (04-21-2020), p1l0t (04-18-2020), spike021 (04-19-2020), Thefalls (04-28-2020)
Old 04-18-2020, 10:35 PM   #2
DarkSunrise
Senior Member
 
DarkSunrise's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Drives: 22 BRZ (Previously 13 FR-S)
Location: USA
Posts: 5,794
Thanks: 2,164
Thanked 4,242 Times in 2,220 Posts
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by BAT_BRZ View Post
10. Roll cage.
a. Why? Because my first day out I saw a car flip on track. Yeah nothing scares you like being behind an FRS that is cartwheeling in front of you.
b. But also, racecar.
Completely understand this. At one of my track days, I saw a BRZ in front of me spin out at 90 mph and hit a tire wall head-on. Took a while for me to get that image out of my mind, especially going through that turn. Can never have too much safety equipment!

Car looks great. Good luck with the build.
__________________
"Never run out of real estate, traction, and ideas at the same time."

2022 BRZ Build
2013 FR-S Build
DarkSunrise is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to DarkSunrise For This Useful Post:
BAT_BRZ (04-18-2020)
Old 04-19-2020, 12:27 AM   #3
Kiske
Senior Member
 
Kiske's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Drives: RX-7 / BRZ
Location: USA
Posts: 2,342
Thanks: 1,025
Thanked 2,501 Times in 1,081 Posts
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Is that an autopower roll bar? If so could you share a picture of how well the main hoop snugs the roof and quarter panels?
__________________
//2013 World Rally Blue BRZ Limited FBM Turbo--gone
//2018 Crystal White Pearl BRZ Ts 2.2l Harrop Supercharged
Kiske is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Kiske For This Useful Post:
BAT_BRZ (04-28-2020)
Old 04-19-2020, 04:55 AM   #4
spike021
Senior Member
 
spike021's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Drives: '17 Limited BRZ CWP w/ PP
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 5,770
Thanks: 14,041
Thanked 6,466 Times in 3,205 Posts
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Ooooh finally a build thread, sweet!
__________________
Instagram: @spike.brz
Quote:
Originally Posted by humfrz View Post
It sounds to me like the delicate, metallic sounds of piston skirts slapping against the cylinder walls
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tcoat View Post
Now, if it was three feet long and you were using all that leverage
spike021 is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to spike021 For This Useful Post:
BAT_BRZ (04-19-2020)
Old 04-19-2020, 03:30 PM   #5
BAT_BRZ
Member
 
BAT_BRZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ "sti"
Location: Orange County
Posts: 35
Thanks: 31
Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiske View Post
Is that an autopower roll bar? If so could you share a picture of how well the main hoop snugs the roof and quarter panels?
It is not. It is a custom race cage from TC Designs in Campbell, CA. The local 86 drive challenge club does a group buy ever couple years so I got in on the last one.

I did have to cut the headliner to get it to fit. Here is some photos showing with and without interior-
No Interior



With Interior



I would say my cage is closest to the Race Roll bar, but there is an extra element you can see going from the top of the hoop passenger side to the back left driver side.

Cutting the headliner was easy but on the driver side I did have to cut the plastic which was a pain.
BAT_BRZ is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to BAT_BRZ For This Useful Post:
Kiske (04-19-2020)
Old 04-19-2020, 03:32 PM   #6
BAT_BRZ
Member
 
BAT_BRZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ "sti"
Location: Orange County
Posts: 35
Thanks: 31
Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by spike021 View Post
Ooooh finally a build thread, sweet!
I know! I have enough done to it I think I could justify a build thread. And because quarantine life lol.
BAT_BRZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2020, 03:58 PM   #7
Thefalls
Senior Member
 
Thefalls's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Drives: Corolla GT
Location: Sunny place.
Posts: 208
Thanks: 371
Thanked 117 Times in 89 Posts
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
That was a nice deal and good luck with the future upgrades.

Makes me say, good things come to those who wait....add passionate to the mix as well.

Any improvement you saw after application of the dynamat sound deadening stuff?

Thanks.
Thefalls is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Thefalls For This Useful Post:
BAT_BRZ (04-28-2020)
Old 04-28-2020, 10:59 PM   #8
BAT_BRZ
Member
 
BAT_BRZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ "sti"
Location: Orange County
Posts: 35
Thanks: 31
Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thefalls View Post

Any improvement you saw after application of the dynamat sound deadening stuff?
I did the roof, which seemed to help the most. Any rocks that hit in on the highway don't make that annoying pinging noise anymore. And it has substantially helped with the heat on a summer day. So 10/10 would do again.

In the back of the car, it was minimal. The reason the Dyno mat in the back didnt work as well was because I had to cut the plastic passenger pieces to fit it around the cage. Right where I cut is where it goes down into the wheel well, and there is a lot of noise that leaks in that way. So if you don't cut the plastic like I did, probably will fair a lot better. 5/10, might do it again might not.
BAT_BRZ is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to BAT_BRZ For This Useful Post:
Thefalls (05-01-2020)
Old 05-01-2020, 08:42 AM   #9
Thefalls
Senior Member
 
Thefalls's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Drives: Corolla GT
Location: Sunny place.
Posts: 208
Thanks: 371
Thanked 117 Times in 89 Posts
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Yeah i saw that when it rains heavily, the rain drops do resonate in the cabin when hitting the roof.
When cruising on the highway i have also noticed that its not really quiet inside. I put on some music to dampen the cabin noise [stock exhaust for now].
Sure, you can't have it all.

Overall its a good package as a daily ride. The rest is up to us to further improve according to taste.
Thefalls is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Thefalls For This Useful Post:
BAT_BRZ (05-04-2020)
Old 05-03-2020, 09:59 PM   #10
ItsReiko
Member
 
ItsReiko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Drives: 2017 subaru brz
Location: Cali
Posts: 85
Thanks: 13
Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
That's an incredible find with a handful of mods. Seems fairly cheap as well for such low mileage. Do you find the winmax w5 make a lot of noise? I ordered some W2's, but they are out of stock for weeks, thinking if I should just upgrade to higher specs.
ItsReiko is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to ItsReiko For This Useful Post:
BAT_BRZ (05-04-2020)
Old 05-04-2020, 09:58 PM   #11
BAT_BRZ
Member
 
BAT_BRZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ "sti"
Location: Orange County
Posts: 35
Thanks: 31
Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by ItsReiko View Post
That's an incredible find with a handful of mods. Seems fairly cheap as well for such low mileage. Do you find the winmax w5 make a lot of noise? I ordered some W2's, but they are out of stock for weeks, thinking if I should just upgrade to higher specs.
I love my W5's but they do make a lot of noise during/after a track day. It dies down after and squeaks here and there.

Someone in our local 86 club got some W3's and mentioned they loved them but they wore out quickly (mainly daily driving and canyon runs). I've been running my W5's for over a year and a half and have about 6 or 8 track days on them. Still some good pad material left as well!

If you plan on tracking your car, I say go for it! Its insane how hot they get and continue to not fade.
BAT_BRZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2021, 10:33 PM   #12
BAT_BRZ
Member
 
BAT_BRZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ "sti"
Location: Orange County
Posts: 35
Thanks: 31
Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Done some upgrades since the last post:

1. New Annex Club Spec Pro suspension
2. CSG C2 brake compounds



On the way:

1. JDL UEL headers (None-catted) - silver finish
2. JDL Front pipe/over pipe combo (dual resonated)

The goal right now is getting the absolute max out of the car and drive the snot out of it on the track. I have floated the idea of a supercharger but I haven't quite gotten the most out out of the car yet without the FI. To do so, I need to get the headers on and see how much better it feels with the power gains.

This is where I need to do a little research. I want to buy an ECUtek programable dongle kit, but I need to figure out how I can get my original license when I got a delicious flex fuel tune on the car etc etc-

More progress pics once I get the exhaust and do my first skid pad day! Whole drift day coming up in ~2 weeks.
BAT_BRZ is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to BAT_BRZ For This Useful Post:
Thefalls (01-02-2021)
Old 06-07-2022, 01:04 AM   #13
BAT_BRZ
Member
 
BAT_BRZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ "sti"
Location: Orange County
Posts: 35
Thanks: 31
Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
A little small update

It’s been a while!

Took the week of work to recharge and relax by finishing all my half-completed car projects! This will definitely be the way I can relax and recharge.

So whats new?

JDL headers/Overpipe was installed last year after I got the car through smog. It was nice to get it on and tuned with e85. Little jump in power, got that sweet subie rumble but god damn was it loud. I did the most logical thing next. Bought a supercharger!

Side quest here: I tried to do a paint correction. I say try because I got 80% of the way through it. Bought this paint pen light from AmmoNYC and noticed I did not quite get the scratches out I thought I did. The buffing did WONDERS for the paint shine. WIP photo below.



However, I wanted to do a ceramic coat and like all coatings – proper surface preparation is critical for the longevity of the coating. Whether it be painting a house, your car or even that night table. Going down to the substrate, prepping it properly, primer, adhesion promoters whatever it is, then work your way up is the right way. I painted homes for a few summers and the ones that paid for stripped, sanding, priming and multiple coats – looks heads and shoulders better. And they last longer. So for a silicon dioxide coating I’m doing the best I can - and that wasn’t enough so I paused that for now. Back to the main quest.

I wanted a Harrop Supercharger and had the cash in hand but kept getting flakes to buy in person and Harrop hadn’t released another run of kits. I compromised with my wants and then I picked up a Edlebrock with low miles from a trusted person. Which was not a random person on FB marketplace…. Okay it was. But the kit was installed by CSG and they had the kit uninstalled by another shop. All the parts were retained in most of the labelled bags too, so it was easy to audit what I was missing. Which was nothing! Was it worth the risk? *shrug* They also provided the CARB sticker which was never installed so I was very happy.



Just before I got the SC, I did a car control clinic a few months ago (ended up missing the one last year because of a burned hand). It was a riot of fun, and then picked up my SC the next day. I almost didn’t want to install the supercharger because I finally felt what it was like to turn off Traction Control and see what the car could do.



It was insane to feel, control, and predict what the car was going to do. But I have had the car for years. I did headers/overpipe 8 months ago which was a nice bump in power but not enough to prevent me from still gazing at buying another car. I wanted a new Supra, Hell - I was even looking at buying a 09-11 Cayman and doing a rocket bunny build with a LS swap – but with a wedding to pay for this year the fun money is going to that and a kick ass honeymoon instead. I need something to keep me satisfied for at least a few more years. The super charger was go. Mind was made up and the car went up on jacks.



And has stayed there.

For about 3 months.

Ended up doing some international travel for work the moment I got the car up on jacks, house had a pipe burst soon after return, and I am still waiting for contractors to show up 1.5 months after the whole ordeal. I did get the injectors removed a few weeks back and sent them out for cleaning (Direct injectors) – but have not had the motivation or time to get back into finishing this install.

I’m sure like most others, we get project scope creep. When removing the intake manifold, I noticed some things the dealers hadn’t replaced since the engine was removed for the recall. Small clips here and there that were broken. Missing tie downs. Crumbling plastic wire shroud covers etc. I ended up working for 30 minutes here and there, find more parts to order, rinse and repeat.

Side quest two: When installing the Headers I noticed that I had a lot dirt underneath the engine. Found the gasket had failed from when the dealer re-installed the factory exhaust headers. See the photos!

Good


Bad


Problem


Finally getting the drive to get my weekend warrior of the jacks, I took the week of work so I could wrap up this install and get the car on a dyno. I went to reassemble the injectors and then screwed up. I dropped one of the injectors as I was preparing to press the injector into the fuel line. It fell right on its tip. And clogged it up.

Bad




Good Injector



Why do car projects always go this way?

I have some high-power scopes in my possession through work and was able to diagnose what I did. I removed most of the debris that had forced itself into the injector. But I couldn’t get this last little bit out of the injector. So I bought a new injector that Saturday. Got the notice from SubaruPartsDirect that it was supposed to ship last Friday which would have kept me on schedule, but no. Customer service updated me that it will ship to me this coming Friday (6/10/2022) when it missed the first ship date. I do enjoy buying from them – never really in a rush to complete car stuff when I do though. But this time it stung a little bit.

Back under the car I went. Continued the install of all the other items. Exchanger, water pump pluming, etc. But really spent the whole day just cleaning off the oil which is caked up all along the driver side of the engine bay from a previous oil cap failure a few years ago.

I did get a set of STI Ts Bronze rims instead of the Titan rims I wanted. Mainly due to the fact I love the bronze/red combo or Subaru Blue/Bronze rims from the 00’s WRC car days. Plus they have STI engraved on them and my whole theme of this car is a red TS with an OEM+ feel.




While I continue to get everything on the car ready for the injector so I can drop the manifold on – I will also be installing some switches to go with my Tracbox I got for Christmas. Like I said, lots of half started projects! 4 switches, Traction Control on/off – TMPS for track rims – Harness Chime for when I get a harness – and a switch for the fans to help cool the car when I am sitting between run groups at the track. Mostly excited to do something fun with the little pocket in the dash.
So there it is! Sorry for the essay but I hope some of you enjoy my elementary writing style as I get this car done!



Next mods to consider are painting the spoiler red (to match obvi)

Paintless dent removal

Seat + harness

Maybe some underfloor panels for improved aero if I really get into the track scene. But at this that point I might just get a truck – LS swap the BRZ and then keep it a dedicated track car. That’s next year(s)+ problem!
BAT_BRZ is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to BAT_BRZ For This Useful Post:
Dzmitry (06-07-2022), soundman98 (06-07-2022)
Old 06-10-2022, 11:47 PM   #14
sato
Senior Member
 
sato's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Drives: Dodge Patitas
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 973
Thanks: 1,823
Thanked 371 Times in 265 Posts
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Garage
Not sure on which one (or both) was your exhaust leaking, but I had the small hose fail on me. This small hose:


I'd recommend replacing that inexpensive hose, rather than it blow like it did to me. Almost completely emptied coolant before I noticed and stopped. No engine damage, thankfully, since I was coasting, but the Check Engine light and temp. gauge pegged to high scared the shit out of me.

Don't risk it. Change whatever is nearby. The one that failed on me is the one with 90deg bend.

Last edited by sato; 06-10-2022 at 11:48 PM. Reason: Forgot detail
sato is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to sato For This Useful Post:
BAT_BRZ (06-12-2022)
 
Reply

Tags
brz, brz ts, lightning red, racecar, sti

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Craigslist find |-Goku-| Scion FR-S / Toyota 86 GT86 General Forum 78 01-04-2014 04:01 PM
$13,200 fr-s on craigslist cartmanisnumber1 Northwest 35 12-04-2013 06:23 PM
craigslist fatoni BRZ First-Gen (2012+) -- General Topics 33 09-11-2013 11:25 PM
My $600 craigslist find davtbaum Other Vehicles & General Automotive Discussions 14 06-17-2013 07:19 PM
BRZ on Craigslist mrha Southern California 45 06-02-2012 01:09 AM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:54 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.

Garage vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.