New Car Choice
13 September 2014, 08:49 PM
#213
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A few more jobs got done today on the car, the most important being fitting the AC belt as I had to order a special tool as the belt is one of the new 'stretch fit' belts which means it doesn't have a tensioner or adjuster.
The belt is literally pushed into position by a bracket which is mounted onto the engine, as you turn the crankshaft the belt will just slide onto the pulley.
I had to order the Gates tool kit from the USA as nobody in the UK seemed to stock it, when I picked the car up I was told that there was a new AC belt in the glove box it just hadn't been fitted as yet, little did I realise at the time that the tool would cost me around £40 inc all the import fees etc.
STi Aftermarket Grille And Hella Supertone Horns
Ryan painted the grille in 02C WR Blue for me and today we got it fitted, whilst the grille was off the Hella Supertone horns got fitted along with the Subimods fitting kit which includes new wiring, fused connection and a relay. The instructions were simple enough to follow and I would recommend the Subimods fitting kit to anyone it makes the job far neater and easier, the mounting bracket as well mounts the horns properly and looks like an OE fitment.
I am really pleased with the look the STi grille gives the car, I have never been a fan of the factory fitted grille myself and I think it gives the car a slightly different look.
Subaru Hatchback Mid/Waist Spoiler
I wasn't too sure about this after ordering it but I decided to go ahead with fitting it anyway and again I like the subtle difference it makes without being in your face.
Ryan fitted this as this involved drilling the tail gate and if I did it then there would be more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese. As this is a genuine Subaru item the quality is really good, the fit problem free and the finish including the painting by Ryan excellent.
It is also worth saying that the designers thought of a common problem - waste water and where does it go? On this the spoiler is contoured towards the middle from both sides and in the centre there is a drip hole to allow water to escape and not collect.
I am aware that not everyone will like it but I think it's subtle enough to go mainly unnoticed, but it adds to the look of the car at the same time.
USDM Driver's Side Inner Light Lens And Tints
This involved having to remove all the inner tail gate trim (also required in order to fit the rear waist level spoiler) in order to get access to all the mounting screws for the inner rear lamps. So the driver's side inner lamp is replaced with a USDM light lens, this gets rid of the ugly red triangle which is present in the UK cars.
A red LED capless bulb is then swopped out for the standard bulb so that the rear fog lamp still works and the back end is cleaned up no end.
As you can see both inner lamps have had red tints fitted to them to improve the look even more, these went on without a problem but the outer rear lamps proved far more of a problem. Because the outer lamps have two contour changes on them at quite obtuse angles it made the fitting of the tints next to impossible, so in the end they were left as you see below half finished - and yes one of the outer tints did end up scrumpled up and thrown into the bin.
The plan is to get a local company with more skill and patience than me to manufacture a set up which they can then fit.
Pollen Filter And Cosworth Air Filter
Have a look at the below pollen filter, despite the car having a full Subaru dealer service history the pollen filter looks like it had never even been out of it's holder - the pic below looks bad but when I pulled it out there were a lot more dead insects, leaves and detritus on top of the filter. I would dearly love to know when this was changed last, my best guess is never.
And this is how a new pollen filter looks.
The air filter wasn't really in much better condition either, although not as saturated as the pollen filter it still wasn't anywhere near ideal - I think that they need to reduce the mileage/time period for changing them given the poor condition of the air filter on removal.
STi Flexible Battery Brace
Not much to say really, not a performance modification but it brightens up the engine bay and looks pretty good.
So far I am very happy with the progress on the car, the next big thing will be the fitment of the Prodrive GT2 wheels, Revolution exhaust system and rear exhaust trims, Rally Armor OE mudflaps, Whiteline rear subframe anti tramp bush kit, STi R205 rear diffuser and wing badges.
The plan is now that the car will be coming off the road at the end of October for a forged CDB 2.5 engine build, once the winter is here I will be in no rush so things can carry on at their own pace - as long as the car is ready for April then that will be fine.
The belt is literally pushed into position by a bracket which is mounted onto the engine, as you turn the crankshaft the belt will just slide onto the pulley.
I had to order the Gates tool kit from the USA as nobody in the UK seemed to stock it, when I picked the car up I was told that there was a new AC belt in the glove box it just hadn't been fitted as yet, little did I realise at the time that the tool would cost me around £40 inc all the import fees etc.
STi Aftermarket Grille And Hella Supertone Horns
Ryan painted the grille in 02C WR Blue for me and today we got it fitted, whilst the grille was off the Hella Supertone horns got fitted along with the Subimods fitting kit which includes new wiring, fused connection and a relay. The instructions were simple enough to follow and I would recommend the Subimods fitting kit to anyone it makes the job far neater and easier, the mounting bracket as well mounts the horns properly and looks like an OE fitment.
I am really pleased with the look the STi grille gives the car, I have never been a fan of the factory fitted grille myself and I think it gives the car a slightly different look.
Subaru Hatchback Mid/Waist Spoiler
I wasn't too sure about this after ordering it but I decided to go ahead with fitting it anyway and again I like the subtle difference it makes without being in your face.
Ryan fitted this as this involved drilling the tail gate and if I did it then there would be more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese. As this is a genuine Subaru item the quality is really good, the fit problem free and the finish including the painting by Ryan excellent.
It is also worth saying that the designers thought of a common problem - waste water and where does it go? On this the spoiler is contoured towards the middle from both sides and in the centre there is a drip hole to allow water to escape and not collect.
I am aware that not everyone will like it but I think it's subtle enough to go mainly unnoticed, but it adds to the look of the car at the same time.
USDM Driver's Side Inner Light Lens And Tints
This involved having to remove all the inner tail gate trim (also required in order to fit the rear waist level spoiler) in order to get access to all the mounting screws for the inner rear lamps. So the driver's side inner lamp is replaced with a USDM light lens, this gets rid of the ugly red triangle which is present in the UK cars.
A red LED capless bulb is then swopped out for the standard bulb so that the rear fog lamp still works and the back end is cleaned up no end.
As you can see both inner lamps have had red tints fitted to them to improve the look even more, these went on without a problem but the outer rear lamps proved far more of a problem. Because the outer lamps have two contour changes on them at quite obtuse angles it made the fitting of the tints next to impossible, so in the end they were left as you see below half finished - and yes one of the outer tints did end up scrumpled up and thrown into the bin.
The plan is to get a local company with more skill and patience than me to manufacture a set up which they can then fit.
Pollen Filter And Cosworth Air Filter
Have a look at the below pollen filter, despite the car having a full Subaru dealer service history the pollen filter looks like it had never even been out of it's holder - the pic below looks bad but when I pulled it out there were a lot more dead insects, leaves and detritus on top of the filter. I would dearly love to know when this was changed last, my best guess is never.
And this is how a new pollen filter looks.
The air filter wasn't really in much better condition either, although not as saturated as the pollen filter it still wasn't anywhere near ideal - I think that they need to reduce the mileage/time period for changing them given the poor condition of the air filter on removal.
STi Flexible Battery Brace
Not much to say really, not a performance modification but it brightens up the engine bay and looks pretty good.
So far I am very happy with the progress on the car, the next big thing will be the fitment of the Prodrive GT2 wheels, Revolution exhaust system and rear exhaust trims, Rally Armor OE mudflaps, Whiteline rear subframe anti tramp bush kit, STi R205 rear diffuser and wing badges.
The plan is now that the car will be coming off the road at the end of October for a forged CDB 2.5 engine build, once the winter is here I will be in no rush so things can carry on at their own pace - as long as the car is ready for April then that will be fine.
14 September 2014, 11:01 AM
#219
Yeah, I've always loved the fog* lights on the Hatch. Really makes the front end - looks far meaner than just the cover blanks.
...Which is 'ironic', as the Classic and New Ages, IMO, look better with with covers in place. (That said, the WRX Blob's projector-style fogs* look good).
*BTW, are they actually independently-switched foglights... Or are they spot/driving lights, which come on with main beam?
...Which is 'ironic', as the Classic and New Ages, IMO, look better with with covers in place. (That said, the WRX Blob's projector-style fogs* look good).
*BTW, are they actually independently-switched foglights... Or are they spot/driving lights, which come on with main beam?
Last edited by joz8968; 14 September 2014 at 11:05 AM.
14 September 2014, 11:57 AM
#220
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Not yet but the group buy I organised is under way, I've just got to wait for the money tree to replenish itself and then I'll order one.
I totally agree a Hatchback with fog lamps looks a lot better, all the other models look better with covers but a Hatchback look pants with covers.
They are just front fog lamps, it would be nice if they doubled as driving lamps, perhaps that may be possible modification?
Yeah, I've always loved the fog* lights on the Hatch. Really makes the front end - looks far meaner than just the cover blanks.
...Which is 'ironic', as the Classic and New Ages, IMO, look better with with covers in place. (That said, the WRX Blob's projector-style fogs* look good).
*BTW, are they actually independently-switched foglights... Or are they spot/driving lights, which come on with main beam?
...Which is 'ironic', as the Classic and New Ages, IMO, look better with with covers in place. (That said, the WRX Blob's projector-style fogs* look good).
*BTW, are they actually independently-switched foglights... Or are they spot/driving lights, which come on with main beam?
They are just front fog lamps, it would be nice if they doubled as driving lamps, perhaps that may be possible modification?
14 September 2014, 12:08 PM
#221
I guess you could wire it up in such a way that you have an aftermarket 'master mode switch' which allows 'fog-' or 'spot-' light modes. Then, whichever mode you're in, the lights come on EITHER with main beam (spot mode), or on the foglight switch itself (fog mode)...?
Last edited by joz8968; 14 September 2014 at 12:10 PM.
25 September 2014, 07:38 PM
#224
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I finally managed to get my hands on the Revolution exhaust system due to Matt picking up the system for me from Enginetuner down in Plymouth. 
I bought it and really wasn't expecting it to be up to much but thought that it would 'do' as in interim system until I had the engine build over and done with, when I picked it up from Matt it was very grubby but I thought it might come up OK with some effort.
Well with some TFR to break down the grime and exhaust soot, and a damn good polish with Autoglym metal polish, some patience and a lot of elbow grease it has come up literally like new.
As you can see the silencer body has come up like a mirror and the tail pipe sections are gleaming, the two part centre section has been professionally heat wrapped and again is like new.
To say I am pleased is an understatement as I paid a very good price (for me that is) for the system, the quality of the system is very good and far better than I was expecting to be honest. I was on the lookout for a Prodrive rear silencer but now I think I will stick with what I have.
I bought it and really wasn't expecting it to be up to much but thought that it would 'do' as in interim system until I had the engine build over and done with, when I picked it up from Matt it was very grubby but I thought it might come up OK with some effort.
Well with some TFR to break down the grime and exhaust soot, and a damn good polish with Autoglym metal polish, some patience and a lot of elbow grease it has come up literally like new.
As you can see the silencer body has come up like a mirror and the tail pipe sections are gleaming, the two part centre section has been professionally heat wrapped and again is like new.
To say I am pleased is an understatement as I paid a very good price (for me that is) for the system, the quality of the system is very good and far better than I was expecting to be honest. I was on the lookout for a Prodrive rear silencer but now I think I will stick with what I have.
Last edited by Cannon Fodder; 25 September 2014 at 07:39 PM.
25 September 2014, 07:46 PM
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I had always planned on it Geraint, I bought the car at the right price to allow me to get it down when I wanted other than being forced into it.
The EJ257 engine doesn't have the best reputation for reliability due to head gasket and ringland issues but once I have a fully forged closed deck block engine it will be virtually bomb proof.
The EJ257 engine doesn't have the best reputation for reliability due to head gasket and ringland issues but once I have a fully forged closed deck block engine it will be virtually bomb proof.
27 September 2014, 10:34 PM
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Some Perrin goodies which are on the way from Scoobyclinic, they should lift the engine bay and by going for black keeping the engine bay subtle whilst lifting it above the slightly drab OE look.
Intercooler Hose
Perrin Radiator Upper Stays
Perrin Alternator Cover
Perrin Radiator Cooling Panel
Perrin Boost Solenoid Cover
The look achieved should look similar to the below, these should be with me early next week so hopefully will get fitted next Saturday along with a few other goodies waiting in the wings.
Intercooler Hose
Perrin Radiator Upper Stays
Perrin Alternator Cover
Perrin Radiator Cooling Panel
Perrin Boost Solenoid Cover
The look achieved should look similar to the below, these should be with me early next week so hopefully will get fitted next Saturday along with a few other goodies waiting in the wings.
.
29 September 2014, 11:08 PM
#236
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Thanks Rich, I hope this weekend sees more progress as I'd really like to get the exhaust, R205 rear diffuser, exhaust trims, CDF rear anti roll bar and braces plus the Whiteline anti tramp bushes fitted plus of course the Perrin parts as well.
Then come the end of October it'll be coming off the road for the better part of the winter.
Then come the end of October it'll be coming off the road for the better part of the winter.
04 October 2014, 09:37 PM
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So today saw a few more jobs taken care of, one of which was pretty necessary even though I did not realise it at the time.
Perrin Parts All Fitted
The quality of the Perrin products really is top notch, everything fits well with no alterations required and it just looks great as well.
Prodrive Rear Silencer
I got offered a Prodrive rear silencer at a price too good to refuse so I sold the Revolution system onto a very keen purchaser, having fitted the Prodrive silencer I now need to source a second decat pipe and deresonated centre section in order to improve the tone and give it more burble.
STi R205 Wing Badges
These proved to be a bit of a swine due to the residue left behind by the removal of the original silver badges, luckily Ryan had a special tool (a 'caramel' rubbing wheel attachment for a drill) to remove the worst of the double sided tape residue but even then a lot of elbow grease and patience was needed.
CDF Racing Rear Anti Roll Bar And Braces
This job really was necessary mainly due to the fact that the back end of the car felt 'loose' when cornering, what was found was that the rear drop links (which don't look standard to me) have two locking nuts on the threaded shaft. They should I believe be locked at the top of the shaft as you can see in the pics to stop movement but the nuts were just in the middle of the threaded shaft not doing anything at all.
So now with the new CDF Racing anti roll bar set to the middle of the three settings plus the braces and the locked up drop links the car handled like it's on rails, before it almost felt like a jelly at times now it feels sure footed and planted.
I cannot tell if the bar and braces have made a massive difference as the drop links weren't locked before, but I can say that now it handles like it should do and I am genuinely impressed how it now reacts and is able to cover ground effortlessly.
Before anyone says about how dirty the car is it absolutely bucketed down on the drive up to Leominster, plus the road is also full of dirt from farmer's fields and puddles big enough to drown in.
Thanks to Ryan again for helping me out and the use of a lift and his tools at the workshop.
Perrin Parts All Fitted
The quality of the Perrin products really is top notch, everything fits well with no alterations required and it just looks great as well.
Prodrive Rear Silencer
I got offered a Prodrive rear silencer at a price too good to refuse so I sold the Revolution system onto a very keen purchaser, having fitted the Prodrive silencer I now need to source a second decat pipe and deresonated centre section in order to improve the tone and give it more burble.
STi R205 Wing Badges
These proved to be a bit of a swine due to the residue left behind by the removal of the original silver badges, luckily Ryan had a special tool (a 'caramel' rubbing wheel attachment for a drill) to remove the worst of the double sided tape residue but even then a lot of elbow grease and patience was needed.
CDF Racing Rear Anti Roll Bar And Braces
This job really was necessary mainly due to the fact that the back end of the car felt 'loose' when cornering, what was found was that the rear drop links (which don't look standard to me) have two locking nuts on the threaded shaft. They should I believe be locked at the top of the shaft as you can see in the pics to stop movement but the nuts were just in the middle of the threaded shaft not doing anything at all.
So now with the new CDF Racing anti roll bar set to the middle of the three settings plus the braces and the locked up drop links the car handled like it's on rails, before it almost felt like a jelly at times now it feels sure footed and planted.
I cannot tell if the bar and braces have made a massive difference as the drop links weren't locked before, but I can say that now it handles like it should do and I am genuinely impressed how it now reacts and is able to cover ground effortlessly.
Before anyone says about how dirty the car is it absolutely bucketed down on the drive up to Leominster, plus the road is also full of dirt from farmer's fields and puddles big enough to drown in.
Thanks to Ryan again for helping me out and the use of a lift and his tools at the workshop.
04 October 2014, 09:39 PM
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Oh and the rear anti roll bar is installed the right way around, the sticker was upside down and caused some head scratching for a while as well.
Perhaps it was for the Australian market?
Perhaps it was for the Australian market?
04 October 2014, 10:16 PM
#240
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The caramel wheel is surprisingly caramel in colour and is a rubber rubbing wheel, it might be a little severe for what you want to be honest Stu.
Perhaps to remove any glue residue inside the door shuts I'd heat them up to soften the glue, prise them off gently whilst still warm, then go at the glue residue with thinners or Autostart Tardis or similar, a gentle clean off and then some detailing spray to clean up the area?
Perhaps to remove any glue residue inside the door shuts I'd heat them up to soften the glue, prise them off gently whilst still warm, then go at the glue residue with thinners or Autostart Tardis or similar, a gentle clean off and then some detailing spray to clean up the area?