Draco-REX's BRZ "Ghost" - Page 5 - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Draco-REX · 06-02-2012, 03:12 PM

Reverse Impressions.

So, it's one thing to go from one car to a new one. But it's very different going from the new one back to the previous car. The BRZ "Ghost" feels quick and tight and seems to be getting faster and faster as I drive it.

But how much of that is the car and my ability to use it improving, and how much of it is just a shift in perception?

In this case, I took my STI "Grip" out for a spin today.

I've had Grip since new. Power wise it's nearly stock with only a Stage 1 tune. I want to go Stage 2 eventually, but just haven't gotten around to it. Where Grip shines is in handling. There isn't a single piece of the suspension that I haven't had my hands on at one point or another. I'd put this car against almost anything when it comes to on-road handling.

I've AutoXed, "canyon" carved and done quite a bit with this car, so I know it inside and out. It has been a long time since Grip has scared me.

It scared me today. But I'll get to that in a second.

First off, the clutch. I thought Ghost's clutch was getting heavier as I broke it in. I've gotten better at feeling the engagement and I've been feeling better with the clutch. In this case, it's all perception. When I first went to start Grip and push the clutch in, I had to double check that I wasn't pushing in the brake. The stock STI clutch has never really been called too-heavy and I've never felt that way. But compared to the BRZ clutch, it's like exercise equipment. I was amazed at the difference and thought something had failed in the clutch since I last drove Grip.

Handling. While Ghost eagerly turns in and carves nice arcs through corners, there's still a slight feeling of effort. It's probably the Michelins scrubbing a bit. Grip on the other hand slices through corners so effortlessly. There's room to improve the BRZ suspension. However, while Grip changes direction quickly and with accuracy, it doesn't have the sense of eagerness that the BRZ has. Grip feels like it's following my commands to the letter like a soldier. Ghost feels like its eager to please and anticipates my steering inputs. Both are excellent aspects to have.

Throttle response. The BRZ's N/A engine is very responsive. Keep it out of the torque valley and the power is there instantly. Even with the tune on Grip, the throttle response is nowhere near as direct. Throttle inputs are soft and I just don't get the feeling that it wants to leap ahead like I get from Ghost. But that's the downfall with turbos and why I don't think turbocharging, no matter how little lag, is not the choice for the BRZ chassis.

Then I put my foot down. HOLY $#!+. I haven't feel that tossed back in my seat for a very long time. While Ghost is responsive and peppy with adequate acceleration, Grip is on a whole other planet. I put my foot down and wound Grip out and it frightened me for a moment because I wasn't ready for it. Driving Ghost has shifted my perceptions some. Is it a bad thing? I don't think so. It makes moments like above in the STI new again and a lot of fun.

So driving Grip after nearly a week only driving Ghost has really put a perspective on things. Ultimately, my STI, "Grip", feel like a weapon compared to the BRZ. It's sharp, precise, and efficient. Kind of like the vehicular equivalent of a rifle. Ghost on the other hand feels more like a martial art. It has flow and form. Responses are more organic and natural feeling.

If you want to stick with weapon analogies, Grip is like a broad sword, and Ghost is like a stiletto. Both will kill a man, but each in a different way.

Do I regret my purchase? Not at all. Ghost is still a lot of fun, and has a lot to teach me as well. It will make a great daily and enjoyable AutoXer.

fernan2 · 06-02-2012, 04:41 PM

^^^^^ and this is why im getting an STI

Partial Stall · 06-02-2012, 04:53 PM

Very nice write up. I get the same feelings of distiction when I drive the evo. It will be sold soon, but I drove it recently and it's hard to understand turbo lag until you jump back into a turbo car from NA.

Draco-REX · 06-02-2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Partial Stall

Very nice write up. I get the same feelings of distiction when I drive the evo. It will be sold soon, but I drove it recently and it's hard to understand turbo lag until you jump back into a turbo car from NA.

As well as transitional response.

blu_ · 06-02-2012, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernan2

^^^^^ and this is why im getting an STI

Just remember its going to be more expensive to own and maintain. and you will get used to the sensation of torque. that said if money was no object I would take an STi. mine was a great car.

Partial Stall · 06-02-2012, 07:17 PM

Just bought 2 EX-1011 tips after seeing those pics. Looks much better. 20 bucks each.

dsgerbc · 06-02-2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernan2

^^^^^ and this is why im getting an STI

I think you missed the point. Owning both will let you enjoy both that much more. I'm gonna wait until I see what's coming with the next-gen WRX/STI, and if I don't like it - replace my aging spec.b with a current-gen STI. If I like it - I'll wait for a next-gen one.

Partial Stall · 06-02-2012, 08:18 PM

Just curious how tight did you bolt them? And did you find it hard making both tips even in length? I pretty much put them on as far as they could go in, but the uneven piping on either side made them off just a bit. I think i'll redo do them so they are exactly equal. You can hardly tell at the moment.

Spaceywilly · 06-02-2012, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsgerbc

I think you missed the point. Owning both will let you enjoy both that much more. I'm gonna wait until I see what's coming with the next-gen WRX/STI, and if I don't like it - replace my aging spec.b with a current-gen STI. If I like it - I'll wait for a next-gen one.

Yeah I'm I'm the same boat except I have a 2002 WRX. I was almost tempted away from the BRZ by a really clean 05 STI they had at my dealer today, but then I realized I'd rather have the WRX and BRZ than just an STI. In a few years when the BRZ is paid off I'll get the new WRX/STI to replace my WRX.

Draco-REX · 06-03-2012, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Partial Stall

Just curious how tight did you bolt them? And did you find it hard making both tips even in length? I pretty much put them on as far as they could go in, but the uneven piping on either side made them off just a bit. I think i'll redo do them so they are exactly equal. You can hardly tell at the moment.

Mine aren't all the way back. I pulled them out just past the bumper, then sighted vertically to kep them as close as possible. The right side one keeps trying to point slightly upwards though, so I think I need to adjust the clamps.

As for tightness I just used a regular socket and got them pretty snug. I didn't want to bend/warp anything.

bmf · 06-03-2012, 10:05 PM

I might pick those tips up from your store
Looked great on Friday night

-Kim-

Draco-REX · 06-04-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmf

I might pick those tips up from your store
Looked great on Friday night

-Kim-

I don't have any at the Sawmill store until the next truck, unless you want 4" tips. The Cemetery RD store has a pair of the 3.75" in stock, everyone else only has a single tip.

Draco-REX · 06-10-2012, 07:49 AM

Copied from the tint thread I started:

So the BRZ needed tint. And who am I to deny a reasonable request? I went with 35% all around this time. I usually stay legal, but this time the 90+ degree heat may have had something to do with my decision. :P

There will be a quiz.

Before:

After:

From Inside:

A sun shield makes the interior really dark:

Pop Quiz:

Did you notice something else about the After picture?

Here's a closeup:

EDIT: Forgot to add something the tint installer discovered. The door switches act strangely; just disconnecting them doesn't work. With the door open, press the door switch in to raise the window. Then while holding in the switch, remove the bolt that holds the switch to the chassis. That will disconnect the switch and leave the window up. If you don't hold the button in, the window will stay down. THen you can just use tape to hold the switch in place until the tint is cured.

Dave-ROR · 06-10-2012, 10:55 AM

Spotted the tinted corner lens right away

06-10-2012, 10:55 AM	#70
Dave-ROR Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Drives: Stuff Location: Florida Posts: 10,317 Thanks: 955 Thanked 5,965 Times in 2,689 Posts Mentioned: 262 Post(s) Tagged: 8 Thread(s)	Spotted the tinted corner lens right away __________________ -Dave Track cars: 2013 Scion FRS, 1998 Acura Integra Type-R, 1993 Honda Civic Hatchback DD: 2005 Acura TSX Tow: 2022 F-450 Toys: 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo, 1994 Toyota MR2 Turbo, 1991 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 Parts: 2015 Subaru BRZ Limited, 2005 Acura TSX Projects: 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited track car build FS: 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 LT CCSB 8.1/Allison with 99k miles

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06-02-2012, 03:12 PM	#57
Draco-REX Corner Junkie Join Date: Feb 2012 Drives: 13 BRZ, 11 STI, 99 RS Location: Ohio Posts: 2,908 Thanks: 129 Thanked 1,520 Times in 702 Posts Mentioned: 11 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Reverse Impressions. So, it's one thing to go from one car to a new one. But it's very different going from the new one back to the previous car. The BRZ "Ghost" feels quick and tight and seems to be getting faster and faster as I drive it. But how much of that is the car and my ability to use it improving, and how much of it is just a shift in perception? In this case, I took my STI "Grip" out for a spin today. I've had Grip since new. Power wise it's nearly stock with only a Stage 1 tune. I want to go Stage 2 eventually, but just haven't gotten around to it. Where Grip shines is in handling. There isn't a single piece of the suspension that I haven't had my hands on at one point or another. I'd put this car against almost anything when it comes to on-road handling. I've AutoXed, "canyon" carved and done quite a bit with this car, so I know it inside and out. It has been a long time since Grip has scared me. It scared me today. But I'll get to that in a second. First off, the clutch. I thought Ghost's clutch was getting heavier as I broke it in. I've gotten better at feeling the engagement and I've been feeling better with the clutch. In this case, it's all perception. When I first went to start Grip and push the clutch in, I had to double check that I wasn't pushing in the brake. The stock STI clutch has never really been called too-heavy and I've never felt that way. But compared to the BRZ clutch, it's like exercise equipment. I was amazed at the difference and thought something had failed in the clutch since I last drove Grip. Handling. While Ghost eagerly turns in and carves nice arcs through corners, there's still a slight feeling of effort. It's probably the Michelins scrubbing a bit. Grip on the other hand slices through corners so effortlessly. There's room to improve the BRZ suspension. However, while Grip changes direction quickly and with accuracy, it doesn't have the sense of eagerness that the BRZ has. Grip feels like it's following my commands to the letter like a soldier. Ghost feels like its eager to please and anticipates my steering inputs. Both are excellent aspects to have. Throttle response. The BRZ's N/A engine is very responsive. Keep it out of the torque valley and the power is there instantly. Even with the tune on Grip, the throttle response is nowhere near as direct. Throttle inputs are soft and I just don't get the feeling that it wants to leap ahead like I get from Ghost. But that's the downfall with turbos and why I don't think turbocharging, no matter how little lag, is not the choice for the BRZ chassis. Then I put my foot down. HOLY $#!+. I haven't feel that tossed back in my seat for a very long time. While Ghost is responsive and peppy with adequate acceleration, Grip is on a whole other planet. I put my foot down and wound Grip out and it frightened me for a moment because I wasn't ready for it. Driving Ghost has shifted my perceptions some. Is it a bad thing? I don't think so. It makes moments like above in the STI new again and a lot of fun. So driving Grip after nearly a week only driving Ghost has really put a perspective on things. Ultimately, my STI, "Grip", feel like a weapon compared to the BRZ. It's sharp, precise, and efficient. Kind of like the vehicular equivalent of a rifle. Ghost on the other hand feels more like a martial art. It has flow and form. Responses are more organic and natural feeling. If you want to stick with weapon analogies, Grip is like a broad sword, and Ghost is like a stiletto. Both will kill a man, but each in a different way. Do I regret my purchase? Not at all. Ghost is still a lot of fun, and has a lot to teach me as well. It will make a great daily and enjoyable AutoXer.

06-02-2012, 04:41 PM	#58
fernan2 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Drives: Wrx Location: puerto rico Posts: 374 Thanks: 49 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	^^^^^ and this is why im getting an STI

06-02-2012, 04:53 PM	#59
Partial Stall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Drives: '13 WRB BRZ Location: Maine Posts: 101 Thanks: 19 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Very nice write up. I get the same feelings of distiction when I drive the evo. It will be sold soon, but I drove it recently and it's hard to understand turbo lag until you jump back into a turbo car from NA.

06-02-2012, 07:17 PM	#62
Partial Stall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Drives: '13 WRB BRZ Location: Maine Posts: 101 Thanks: 19 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Just bought 2 EX-1011 tips after seeing those pics. Looks much better. 20 bucks each.

06-02-2012, 08:18 PM	#64
Partial Stall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Drives: '13 WRB BRZ Location: Maine Posts: 101 Thanks: 19 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts Mentioned: 1 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Just curious how tight did you bolt them? And did you find it hard making both tips even in length? I pretty much put them on as far as they could go in, but the uneven piping on either side made them off just a bit. I think i'll redo do them so they are exactly equal. You can hardly tell at the moment.

06-03-2012, 10:05 PM	#67
bmf KimChi^-^ Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: FRS Location: Dublin, Ohio Posts: 27 Thanks: 4 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I might pick those tips up from your store Looked great on Friday night -Kim-

06-10-2012, 07:49 AM	#69
Draco-REX Corner Junkie Join Date: Feb 2012 Drives: 13 BRZ, 11 STI, 99 RS Location: Ohio Posts: 2,908 Thanks: 129 Thanked 1,520 Times in 702 Posts Mentioned: 11 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Copied from the tint thread I started: So the BRZ needed tint. And who am I to deny a reasonable request? I went with 35% all around this time. I usually stay legal, but this time the 90+ degree heat may have had something to do with my decision. :P There will be a quiz. Before: After: From Inside: A sun shield makes the interior really dark: Pop Quiz: Did you notice something else about the After picture? Here's a closeup: EDIT: Forgot to add something the tint installer discovered. The door switches act strangely; just disconnecting them doesn't work. With the door open, press the door switch in to raise the window. Then while holding in the switch, remove the bolt that holds the switch to the chassis. That will disconnect the switch and leave the window up. If you don't hold the button in, the window will stay down. THen you can just use tape to hold the switch in place until the tint is cured.

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