Well, I don't think there is anything there that sounds good to me, aside from a HKS short ram intake, but if it works it works! I've gotten too many reports about walbro's current line of 255's not holding up to the hype. I think I will go with the DW 300lph and big injectors, as for the topmount I would prefer to snag the STi Top mount. Whats the intercooler sprayer look like mounted on your car? Ebay and I aren't friends anymore when I ordered some "quality" headlamps that felt like they were cheap ass plastic's, which they were, so I would prefer to have a direct place to purchase everything that has a realistic warranty that I can actually talk to about defects/issues. And to tune over the internet, doesn't sound much like something I'm interested in, I prefer the face to face time with a tuner that know's what to expect from a specific change, not saying your friend doesn't know what he's doing but I wouldn't know anything about if the tune was incorrect or not or what to look for as far as minor changes to things. RS dyno'd, were you at the Dyno Day that was held up there a while back?
Well I was just reviewing a shop for all this to be done at. First Gear Garage. I'll probably be giving them a buzz soon to schedule a time to set the subaru on their lift and rent their tools for the work to be done. I know some people might have been concerned with that, but from the sounds of it, I think we could turn it into a pretty good garage event. I got the idea from a post on here about doing a garage day to suggest the same thing with my car. So for those that would like to help out with turning wrenches, now I have a designated place I plan to use. Let me know what your thoughts are on this? On a side note to this as well, I can't gurantee beer should we use this shop, but I can promise the first round on me (For those old enough) and a evening of dinner (Pizza)
Thought you might enjoy that, it was your statement about "borrowing tools" that got the previous thread on that in my mind, thus reviewing them and finding it as probably the BEST place to gather the rowdy MNSubaru boys up lol Without anyone having to worry about missing tools or me being too drunk to finish the car! lol
The injector sprayer is just a nozle that is connected to a 2nd pump on the washer resiviour nothing special about it looks basicly like a windsheild sprater nozzle. I understand your concer with not being face to face with the tuner and i will agree it takes a certain amount of knowlage on your end of whats going on with the car for that option to work. On the injector note im running e85 on the modded stocks and they are working just fine,
Just a quick update, I've already ordered a used STi Intercooler for the project. Reviewing some more parts currently and haven't quite decided on the Injectors. Still trying to find Tokico D specs for a decent price and from a quality parts store (online). The thread seems to have died down already, c'mon guys, throw me some more ideas unless you think the outline is good as it stands?
D specs from turn in concepts, pretty good prices.... intercooler is decent. Basic outline seems to be nailed down, now it's just getting the parts and wait til uncle sugar sends ya home.
Alright, sounds good to this guy then, I'll start making some orders soon, I've got a few greenbacks looking for their new home...lol
Uh oh...sounds like someone is about knee deep in a build here Hey man, you know I'd be more than happy to lend a hand...and drink your beer I'd start with the basics... Up-Pipe (catless) Down-pipe (catless) Walbro 255lph FP Grimmspeed EBCS Injectors - STi pinks or DW750's? VF34/39/52 turbo? And it sounds like you tracked down an STi TMIC already As for the suspension, I don't know if I'd honestly even bother, I wouldn't lower it being that you drive the car in the winter, but that's a personal preference. I mean, if you're serious about tracking the car regularly, that's a different story, but for a meet here and there, that is extra time and money you could put into something else ( ej257 shortblock ) - not quite, I know. As for this First Gear Garage place...where is this place at? I need to put a new clutch in my car this spring and if I could get it on a lift, it would make it a breeeeeze to replace. Hit me up P.S. If you want to build up a 2.0L, I know someone who has one that needs a rebuild. wink, wink
Well I see you've found my thread before I could reply in the BIR lol. Always looking for a helping hand, and First Gear Garage is located near the cities, http://www.firstgeargarage.com/ is the link for their site. Sounds pretty legit vs paying a shop for it! I need to update my worn out suspension, which is the main reason for looking into it, now if I can have some better then stock parts to replace the worn components that beat out the OEM, I'm down to make it ride like a champ. Most of the basics you've suggested so far are already on the list for the first post, but I'm still wondering about the EBCS to pick for purchase and what if anything I need to pick up to support that system, or is it just a tune and I'll be good? I'm not so interested in Walbro fuel pumps with the recent bad batch that seems to have found a home on shelves, so I plan on going the DW route with the fuel pump, And most likely I'll go e85 for fuel since Austin has plenty of stations that serve it. The TMIC that I've picked up had a broken clip that was "home repaired" to work so I think I might have to weld it up a lil bit to make the part look decent. But yea if you want to help, I'll be home in the spring time, and I post up on the site quite a bit more then I used to! You the same Joe I bought the exhaust from? Sorry, I have horrible name memory...
First Gear Garage is top notch! You can't find a better space w/tools to rent for your project and the owners are great! My avatar pic is from there. My .02... Performance: -VF turbo or 16g w/STi topmount and a Nuke tune. -Turbo back exhaust and non-catted up pipe. -GrimmSpeed BCS. -Fuel pump, DW300<sounds like your mind is set on that one. -Mod your stock injectors! They flow from the high 600's to 700's, depending on who mods them. And cost effective, you already own them! e85 is another story tho. To tha ground: -A GOOD set of summer tires. Horsepower means nothing if you can't put it to the ground! -AGX 4 way adjustable struts w/new springs. Not sure which springs would fit you best, i run STi stockers for rallyx. You can't find better struts for the $ IMO. -BRAKES! Like Sheen said, gotta be able to stop that new power! New fluids and Hawk pads are a good brand(obviously). FYI: -I'd recommend an oil temp gauge as your third gauge. Good to know the internal oil temps when you're running it hard. I never really look at them while i'm racing...usually a post race thing during cool down. -A 4 point harness of any brand will definitely keep you more connected to the car. About any of the websites will have some good options...Schroth,Sparco,Takata. -Short ram intakes are over rated! No offense to anyone running one -I ran a TD04 at 20psi for quite a while and enjoyed it alot. My butt dyno isn't as needy as others tho. -Stay upwind of the ****ters.<most solid advice.
Sounds like you've got quite the knowledge! I think I'll upgrade the injectors rather then modding my stockers, but I might just modify the stockers for backups. As for the AGX, how do they compare to Tokico D specs? I am looking for a good set of springs as well. Oil temp sounds good, but how do you have your sensor installed? A sandwhich plate to oil filter? Everyone is suggesting the Grimmspeed BCS so I'm pretty sure I'll be picking one up
Hahaha, i wouldn't say that(with exception to the ****ters)! But i've had my bugeye for almost 10 yrs. and have gone through quite a few different setups. I wouldn't know specifics about the DSpecs, but i've seen them and they are similar in looks and function as far as 'easy adjustments' go. I'm sure that they are fairly similar as far as reliability and pretty similar in cost i think. I got a really good deal on my AGX, less than $500 for all 4. Check tirerack.com. Skip the sandwhich plate adapter, they are a PITA. I have my oil temp sensor installed in the stock galley plug location on the block which i believe(but don't quote me) is just under the front of the TMIC on the passenger side. Less likely to leak, and doesn't move your filter down toward the ground 1/2-3/4 inches.
wow not too bad with the with pricing on the AGX. I'll have to check it out. And as for the galley plug, I've never heard of it so I need to find out where that is exactly. 10 years on a bugeye! Very impressive! I'm on my 2nd year with mine, so I hope it'll last at least 5 more!
I have the kyb agx struts wit rce yellow springs and I love it. A little to stiff for my wife, but I don't think it is too bad
It's all about enjoying your own car, to each his own haha! But I'll have to look into suspension components more.
I want to say that the RCE Blacks are moar bettah on your back...or maybe they were worse? Can't remember. Sheen, can you add to this...where are you when we really need you?lol
lol, don't you always need me, Josh. Or am I mistaking that for want big fella Yeah the RCE blacks have a milder drop and the rates are a bit lower. iirc they're around 15% increase over front sti rates and 25% increase rear... which translates to a very good thing considering the (relatively) short travel of the rear struts. Personally I loved them as a daily driven spring. Worked well for road course and a bit soft for autox. Then again I prefer high spring rates and very mild low anti-roll bars opposed to ridiculously large sway bars with stockish spring rates like most people seem to lean towards. Go with the d-specs. The adjustment range is far superior and they hold up to abuse well. Pretty sure Carl stage rallied them for a couple events and they held up. They also are available with external adjusters that extend up past the rear strut towers and into the cabin (between the seats and rear deck). That makes adjustment much more tolerable for sedan owners. Unfortunately both the agx and dspec are one-way adjustable (you can't control rebound and compression independently), but that's where the wider adjustability of the dspecs comes in handy. Both are valved fine for use with something like rce's off the shelf springs. Swift springs are another good choice. Just don't go too low... there's a narrow range of ride height adjustment before the suspension geometry gets way out of whack (i.e. tein mad tyte jdm slow and low springs).
Listed to Musashi. Your stock WRX + $1000 in sticky tires + $4000 in track days, lapping events, driver instruction will be faster than your WRX + $5000 in modifications. Until your driving can exceed your vehicle there is no reason to spend money on making the car "faster"
I've currently exceeded the vehicles limits the way it sits, I don't think I'll put 5000 into it, but it was a budget, not the exact amount to spend. I took the tires and track suggestions into consideration, aside from my (potential) attendence at BIR school in May (I think) I wouldn't have many options to track the car with professional opinions on how to control the power I want to put into it. The suspension is something that is NEEDED as my stock suspension is worn and nearing the end of its life. I also want to bring new life into the car as the get up and go has kinda lost the thrill for me the last few days I got to drive it. (Which was in July) The exhaust and uppipe is sitting stock and I don't want to have those cats on there anymore. I was never a fan of stock air box's and I'm not sure on the upgraded turbo just yet. As for the Tune, well that's something I should do if I replace the uppipe/downpipe anyways since I want to keep the car running efficiently. The injectors and fuel pump is something I've considered to ensure the motor has the fuel to keep up with the demand when I put my foot down. Brakes are obvious in the reasons for upgrading them, for safety considerations. I have spent 2 years doing nothing but using every minute of free time driving my car, handling tight corners, playing on gravel, driving on, in and around snow. I would still say I'm a noob when it comes to handling the car, yes but I am not fresh out the box newb. This year is the year in which I start putting the car in the appropriate scenery for what I like doing, at a real track and not some stupid stretch of highway. I don't know where my niche is so I'm just getting a good start with something now, and working off that later. It's my learning year so to speak. Aside from that, thank you for the insight on the better benefits of the Dspecs. I am planning on hunting a set down within a month or so. You mentioned extenders, strong suggestion to pick up some? I don't play with my settings much but if I bring the car to a track and have someone else who knows handling it could come in handy!
I would strongly suggest the extenders if you're getting the dspecs! It will help when you go to BIR. It's as simple as turning them from 1-4 to stiffen them up when/if you do decide to play with the settings.
Thank you for the tip! I'll look into them as well then! You gonna be at the shop if your available when I put the car up to do the work?
I could come hold a beer and admire the work being done! Lol, i've been avoiding touching any cars since the whole "floodan" gut job. Would be more than willing to tag along to add lolz to the work group tho.
Sounds like a plan! Is the shop against bringing alcohol on the premises? I wouldn't want to offend them and cause problems.
I would guess YES. Are you trying to get work done or have happy hour? Why next get **** done. Do it right. Double check the work. Then go out for drinks later.
This has been like many other threads a very useful thread with lots of good info kinda like a Librarian. But I must share with you guys that going fast and driving fast can be achieved a lot easier and more affordable then most would think. Don't be surprised if someday someone shows you this.
My recent thoughts on this subject... I would go with (and in fact am doing pretty much just this) d-specs or another adjustable strut of your choice, sti or Forester XT coils, sway bar endlinks, and a good set of tires/wheels. (if you can find a decent price get some gold BBS's and toss on some Star Specs) Add in maintenance items (bushings, etc...) and it'll handle better than you'd realize. I would be really surprised if you or I could get to the level of out driving the car in two years. They really do handle FAR better than most realize. Do what you like with the engine, but unless you have underlying reasons, I'd just do up and down pipes, pull the silencer from your intake and add a good panel filter, and give it a good tune. Take it from someone who's been there, the car that was getting kinda ho-hum to drive before you deployed will feel quite fast and fun again after driving big ol' trucks for a year over there. Take the time to learn the car again, get it on a track with some good suspension under it, and drive it until you can turn lap times within half a second of the instructors in your car. THEN start looking to upgrade again. Just my $.02, your mileage may vary, just my humble opinion, contact your physician if problems persist, etc...
Thanks guys, the information that's being put out is great! I am doing the suspension primarily for replacing the worn out parts that are still on. I just want some extra ponies, I'm not going extreme on the engine upgrade here so the concern with putting too much to the wheels and being able to control the car isn't really there. I'm not dropping a fully built 2.5 in the car and going from 200 whp to 500 whp in a few short weeks, so I am confident in my own abilities to handle the car where I put it after the build is done. All the engine mods are simply bolt-on performance upgrades with a nice subtle tune.
I have started looking for some summer/track tires now, but it's hard to figure out what works best. I've been reading some of the tire debates and suggestions to get a hint of what to look at but I still need some help since I picked up some new rims for the car that are really wide compared to the stock ones. The rims: Drag DR-31 wheels 17x9 Suspension will be Tokicko D-specs w/extenders on stock top hats and Swift springs. (I don't know much about adjusting offset, camber or that sort of fun, happy stuff) Can I make these rims work? I know there is the fender pulling/rolling option but I don't know if that will be enough (I don't know anything about that stuff either) If I can, what kind of Tires would be great for the track? I've seen some pretty decent reviews about the Federal 595 rs-r and since they seem wider naturally (compared to other brands of the same sizes) might work with out having to 'overstretch' the tire. If the rims aren't suggested, what tires would make for a good track tire (and DD) for the BIR Proving grounds TTS competition? (gotta be 140+ DOT approved???)
Can't go wrong with Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs. They won't last long, but no really sticky tire will. Also Bridgestone RE11. Spendy, but killer. I still have a set of the predecessor, the RE01R, and they are brutally sticky tires.
Looks like the Star Specs will be in my future then, I keep hearing good things about them and being 300 cheaper then the Bridgestone's I can handle playing them to the bone quickly. Thanks Vector.
Should be a fun summer man! Hurry up and get your ass home! I just started tearing in to my car this weekend, im pretty sure the turbo is toast so its time to go rotated and fmic. You should ditch that sti tmic and buy my process west. Take care man i'm sure ill talk to you sometime soon.
Damn, sux to hear about your turbo but at the same time I don't feel bad as along as the motor is fine! Upgraded is where you need to be. As for your process west, no thanks, I have the choice between just picking up piping for my FMIC that I have laying around or just doing the STi top mount which I already picked up for cheap. You'll see me around, I plan to start attending meet and greets as well as most of the events that I can afford that fit into my schedule. If nothing else, come to the Proving Grounds at BIR. I'm running the TTSS with the WRX so I'm hoping for some good times!
looking at the second weekend in May if I'm home in time. Then get a Nuke tune, take it for a track day on the 21st at BIR (if its all done) and get seat time with it before Proving grounds! Woot Woot!
Cool. I may be interested in swinging by during the install if I'm available but I prob won't be able to help you with too much in the knowledge dpt. But I can eat pizza like nobody's business - jk
well you are more then welcome to attend, I'll be posting up a dedicated date when I come home from the deployment. Hopefully your able to come!
