My SWP BRZ...there are many like it, but this one is mine

[mobybrz]

And so it begins...I may be the only person who traded in a prius for a BRZ. The Prius as a purchase from a former job, and marraige, that meant 45mi each way commuting. The new job means I drop my car at the airport Monday, fly to a customer site, and then come back Friday most weeks. That means it's time for a toy. I had 2 dealerships in AZ tell me flat out, no BRZ. I looked at an FRS and didn't like the interior. Then I stumbled on a canceled order for a SWP Premium. Deposit that day . Didn't actually get the car for two weeks.

Day 1 (2/3/13 sunday):
She's mine!
Breaking in is killing me...but at 3-4k RPM the car is still a blast.


Day 2 (2/4):
Back on an airplane. BRZ (no name yet) has 150 miles on her. I miss her so.


2/11:
Changed Startup screen

Wheels and tires ordered, this could be a bad sign. Oh what the hell...order studs and lugnuts to. But 300 miles has been obtained.

2/13:
What do you mean my tires are here? ALREADY!? Guess I have some work to do
(17x8 +45 OZ Alleggerita w/ Continental DW 235/45/17)

[mobybrz]

2/14:
lugnuts and new studs came today, so glad I am actually at home this week. The only problem is 3 of the lugnuts were bad. Vendor (an FT86 club sponsor) has been real good on getting the issue taken care of.
Bad thread machining:
http://i.imgur.com/w8Wug5Hh.jpg
Good thread Machining:
http://i.imgur.com/qxMj65dh.jpg

You will also find I am a weight nazi. The new wheels and tires are exactly 2lb lighter per corner (38.5 versus 40.5 stock). The lugnuts surprised me a little. Stock lugs were 1lb 1.3oz

Aftermarket open ended ones were 1.3oz heavier for the set


Then tonight (2/16/13):
Lets remove some weight from the engine comaprtment.
out came:
-Alternator pulley cover
-AC compressor pulley cover (ziptie MAF wire to PCV line, and reroute magentic clutch line behind hard tube to clear pulley.)
-uneccesary snap on engine badging (http://i.imgur.com/Jwu4XnAh.jpg)
-underhood sound deadening blanket (http://i.imgur.com/Ddhzuiph.jpg)
-noise generator (http://i.imgur.com/GVuZEbRh.jpg)
Total removed: 2.8lbs.
Total off car to date: 10.8lbs (and the driver has lost a few as well)

I would like to say that removing the blanket and noise generator made it sound better, but its probably all in my head. Either way...much cleaner engine bay by my eye


Also ghettoe'd up a plug for the firewall penetration from the noise generator:
http://i.imgur.com/ZqzlyjQh.jpg (sorry about the bad picture)
1/2" PVC hosebarb fits perfectly
Grainger part # 3DTP1 $1.36 with some sealed shrink wrap on both ends.
For the intake side...1.25" PVC plug
Grainger # 1MKA4 $3.30
Together they weigh 1.1oz (http://i.imgur.com/01QudrXh.jpg)
Apologies about the bad pictures...I need to get a real camera

Hopefully next time:
-new studs and lugs
-strip the trunk
-considering fab'ing a glove box delete panel, more legroom, less weight.
-First Oil change