"Back to the future," in a JDM STI Ver-9 Widetrack
17 July 2012, 03:03 PM
#305
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I had a spare hour today so I thought I'd read this thread for once. What can I say Ricky, hats off to you bro. The thread, was infact an educational read right from the word go. All I wanted to do was continue reading it, you should write a book on your subaru experiences.
Thanks for the post.
Thanks for the post.
17 July 2012, 07:28 PM
#307
I had a spare hour today so I thought I'd read this thread for once. What can I say Ricky, hats off to you bro. The thread, was infact an educational read right from the word go. All I wanted to do was continue reading it, you should write a book on your subaru experiences.
Thanks for the post.
Thanks for the post.
Its been a bit more of a costlier experience than I would have liked though 
18 July 2012, 12:08 PM
#308
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Always is but you gotta love it....I certainly do. I have some similiar experiences to you...hiding the parts from the wife, or generally lying about how much they ACTUALLY cost (thats my favourite)
. Or making out something has worn out on the car and needs changing (any excuse to upgrade huh). My car is also a family car used very infrequently, not at all a track car although hoping to join MSOC on one in the near future.
I'm thinking of writting a thread on my developments but it won't be as detailed as this as you've done wonders with yours. Mines a 05 STI Type UK so almost similar mods.
. Or making out something has worn out on the car and needs changing (any excuse to upgrade huh). My car is also a family car used very infrequently, not at all a track car although hoping to join MSOC on one in the near future.I'm thinking of writting a thread on my developments but it won't be as detailed as this as you've done wonders with yours. Mines a 05 STI Type UK so almost similar mods.
Last edited by chet123; 18 July 2012 at 12:09 PM.
as far as he is concerned.
19 July 2012, 11:07 AM
#310
Nah, theyr very good too, apart from the god dam pistons 
If I had a 2.5 UK I would at minimum uprate the pistons, head gasket, fuel pump, maybe head studs and then remap. After that they are perfect.
ps and maybe add a JDM quick rack too
If I had a 2.5 UK I would at minimum uprate the pistons, head gasket, fuel pump, maybe head studs and then remap. After that they are perfect. ps and maybe add a JDM quick rack too
Last edited by rickya; 19 July 2012 at 11:09 AM.
21 July 2012, 09:35 AM
#311
Scooby Regular
Rick,
Progress is looking cool!
Only question..... why are you fitting all these uprated handling parts?
Do you think it will make your car a load better, which as I understand it, is predominantly a road car?
Genuine questions.
Progress is looking cool!
Only question..... why are you fitting all these uprated handling parts?
Do you think it will make your car a load better, which as I understand it, is predominantly a road car?
Genuine questions.
21 July 2012, 10:49 AM
#312
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Ricky is planning to turn this into less of a road car and more of a track car. There is also an issue with track being slightly wider on one side causing some rubbing and when we get these lateral arms fitted the plan is to adjust the track just enough to provide that clearance without having to add tonnes of additional camber
I'm sure Ricky will be able to go into much more depth
I'm sure Ricky will be able to go into much more depth
23 July 2012, 01:17 PM
#316
Thanks Shaun What John is saying is pretty much - it. This car is now not my everyday car and is used only a couple of times a week if that. Iv also decided to keep this one for the long term and am happy it just sitting in my garage, being called upon only for MSOC blasts and early Sunday morning drives Also by the end of this year I am hoping to start doing some more track days with MSOC / ETC trackday veterans such as Budgie / Arkwright and co.!
I am now quite happy with the current power and power delivery of the car. Maybe as my track driving improves with experience, I may then hanker for more power, (and a Licho LM450
) but at the moment the car is plenty fast for me! Where I think improvements can be made for track use are mainly to do with the standard suspension. It is fine for fast road use, but after Snetterton, found that it really does need addressing if I am going to do more of this. As well as the suspension I will also try and look at: small braking improvements (keeping Brembo calipers), precautions e.g Gauges, Baffled sump plate (Killerbee), maybe an Oil cooler and fitting my Spec C fuel pump housing.
On a side note there is an issue with my nearisde rear tyre rubbing on the wheel arch, even after camber adjustment. This is due to a combination of running 32 offset wheels with 235/40/18 tyres and maybe a slightly bent suspension component on that side. So all these factors will be sorted when I throw on all the new suspension bits. On top of that I have an on going addiction to nice new shiny parts for the car, the current fettish being "Hardrace"!! lololol
What John is saying is pretty much - it. This car is now not my everyday car and is used only a couple of times a week if that. Iv also decided to keep this one for the long term and am happy it just sitting in my garage, being called upon only for MSOC blasts and early Sunday morning drives Also by the end of this year I am hoping to start doing some more track days with MSOC / ETC trackday veterans such as Budgie / Arkwright and co.! I am now quite happy with the current power and power delivery of the car. Maybe as my track driving improves with experience, I may then hanker for more power, (and a Licho LM450
) but at the moment the car is plenty fast for me! Where I think improvements can be made for track use are mainly to do with the standard suspension. It is fine for fast road use, but after Snetterton, found that it really does need addressing if I am going to do more of this. As well as the suspension I will also try and look at: small braking improvements (keeping Brembo calipers), precautions e.g Gauges, Baffled sump plate (Killerbee), maybe an Oil cooler and fitting my Spec C fuel pump housing.On a side note there is an issue with my nearisde rear tyre rubbing on the wheel arch, even after camber adjustment. This is due to a combination of running 32 offset wheels with 235/40/18 tyres and maybe a slightly bent suspension component on that side. So all these factors will be sorted when I throw on all the new suspension bits. On top of that I have an on going addiction to nice new shiny parts for the car, the current fettish being "Hardrace"!! lololol
Last edited by rickya; 23 July 2012 at 01:50 PM.
25 July 2012, 07:44 PM
#319
Just read through the entire thread... I don't think you need much encouragement but the guys are trying nicely tidy set of mods with the research behind then.
I'm running a MY05 uk sti widetrack too these days and I'm very impressed with it after some tweaking and setting up to the BC Coliovers correctly as well. My biggest problem was suspension settings and the unsettled feeling that the car gave me back through the seat of my pants... Even after a PS alignment and changing the ratings it still was bad but after going though everything with my mechanic he dropped the front of the car 10mm and tweaked the alignment and now it handles crisp and clean. Also added a resonated centre section and completed the Miltek system on the car, it had already had a re map but I dropped a 310L pump on it instead of the 255L one fitted and an RCM induction kit along with an induction shied and let Bob Rawle work his magic and now I feel the car is perfect for my usage and very different to the day I picked it up.
Interested to read you put 10mm spaces behind the oem wheels? What was the thought behind that and what was the outcome, I imagine for one the wheels filled the arches visually much better, and as just said where are all the pictures of the car in question and not just the boxes of bits
Tidy
tidy set of mods with the research behind then. I'm running a MY05 uk sti widetrack too these days and I'm very impressed with it after some tweaking and setting up to the BC Coliovers correctly as well. My biggest problem was suspension settings and the unsettled feeling that the car gave me back through the seat of my pants... Even after a PS alignment and changing the ratings it still was bad but after going though everything with my mechanic he dropped the front of the car 10mm and tweaked the alignment and now it handles crisp and clean. Also added a resonated centre section and completed the Miltek system on the car, it had already had a re map but I dropped a 310L pump on it instead of the 255L one fitted and an RCM induction kit along with an induction shied and let Bob Rawle work his magic and now I feel the car is perfect for my usage and very different to the day I picked it up.
Interested to read you put 10mm spaces behind the oem wheels? What was the thought behind that and what was the outcome, I imagine for one the wheels filled the arches visually much better, and as just said where are all the pictures of the car in question and not just the boxes of bits
Tidy
25 July 2012, 07:49 PM
#320
Scooby Regular
Thanks Shaun What John is saying is pretty much - it. This car is now not my everyday car and is used only a couple of times a week if that. Iv also decided to keep this one for the long term and am happy it just sitting in my garage, being called upon only for MSOC blasts and early Sunday morning drives Also by the end of this year I am hoping to start doing some more track days with MSOC / ETC trackday veterans such as Budgie / Arkwright and co.!
I am now quite happy with the current power and power delivery of the car. Maybe as my track driving improves with experience, I may then hanker for more power, (and a Licho LM450 ) but at the moment the car is plenty fast for me! Where I think improvements can be made for track use are mainly to do with the standard suspension. It is fine for fast road use, but after Snetterton, found that it really does need addressing if I am going to do more of this. As well as the suspension I will also try and look at: small braking improvements (keeping Brembo calipers), precautions e.g Gauges, Baffled sump plate (Killerbee), maybe an Oil cooler and fitting my Spec C fuel pump housing.
On a side note there is an issue with my nearisde rear tyre rubbing on the wheel arch, even after camber adjustment. This is due to a combination of running 32 offset wheels with 235/40/18 tyres and maybe a slightly bent suspension component on that side. So all these factors will be sorted when I throw on all the new suspension bits. On top of that I have an on going addiction to nice new shiny parts for the car, the current fettish being "Hardrace"!! lololol
What John is saying is pretty much - it. This car is now not my everyday car and is used only a couple of times a week if that. Iv also decided to keep this one for the long term and am happy it just sitting in my garage, being called upon only for MSOC blasts and early Sunday morning drives Also by the end of this year I am hoping to start doing some more track days with MSOC / ETC trackday veterans such as Budgie / Arkwright and co.! I am now quite happy with the current power and power delivery of the car. Maybe as my track driving improves with experience, I may then hanker for more power, (and a Licho LM450
) but at the moment the car is plenty fast for me! Where I think improvements can be made for track use are mainly to do with the standard suspension. It is fine for fast road use, but after Snetterton, found that it really does need addressing if I am going to do more of this. As well as the suspension I will also try and look at: small braking improvements (keeping Brembo calipers), precautions e.g Gauges, Baffled sump plate (Killerbee), maybe an Oil cooler and fitting my Spec C fuel pump housing.On a side note there is an issue with my nearisde rear tyre rubbing on the wheel arch, even after camber adjustment. This is due to a combination of running 32 offset wheels with 235/40/18 tyres and maybe a slightly bent suspension component on that side. So all these factors will be sorted when I throw on all the new suspension bits. On top of that I have an on going addiction to nice new shiny parts for the car, the current fettish being "Hardrace"!! lololol
I would just be careful though what you do. Personally I wouldn't touch your suspension unless it's ****ed. You'd be wiser to spend your cash on other things first, like supporting your engine reliability imo.
If you were doing competitive stuff it maybe a different story, but you'll get no medal for assuming your gonna get faster at a public track day, by fitting brand new suspension.
I always remember being told..... change / uprate parts when your driving ability warrants it. If I had done this back in 2005 I suspect I would have saved a lot more and been a much better driver for it.
Anyway.... I'll stop going on like an old fart. I must get down to a future track event with you guys!
25 July 2012, 10:12 PM
#321
Cheers Silver Scooby Sport, also will try & take some decent photos this weekend
I may ask for some advice in regards to your coilover / alignment when I fit all the remaining suspension bits in September. The spacers were only used on the std wheels for the Uxbridge Auto show last year but were soon after removed. It was purely a cosmetic mod but not really a safe idea on std length wheels studs IMO. Now with 18" wheels but with a 32mm offset, ok for show but not ideal for handling!
I may ask for some advice in regards to your coilover / alignment when I fit all the remaining suspension bits in September. The spacers were only used on the std wheels for the Uxbridge Auto show last year but were soon after removed. It was purely a cosmetic mod but not really a safe idea on std length wheels studs IMO. Now with 18" wheels but with a 32mm offset, ok for show but not ideal for handling!
25 July 2012, 10:33 PM
#322
Anytime Ricky I can scan my data sheet in for you from the alignment. In my own basic laymans terms I described the sensation I was feeling as almost crabbing at times exaggerated around corners, very unerving at the time trust me. I was at Uxbridge last year too lol and was supposed to be there this year as well but that's the weather for you.
I've looked at loads of wheels and researched alloy prices and tyre prices at it ain't kind for us guys running 114pcd at all so I have decided to stick on a 17" set up here as on a new set up I can save over £400 on my preferred styles, but that's another new story for now
Yes I bet running the spacers was a little scary that's a lot of stress with another 10mm on each corner.
Would you like a couple of pictures of mine showing ride height ?
I've looked at loads of wheels and researched alloy prices and tyre prices at it ain't kind for us guys running 114pcd at all so I have decided to stick on a 17" set up here as on a new set up I can save over £400 on my preferred styles, but that's another new story for now
Yes I bet running the spacers was a little scary that's a lot of stress with another 10mm on each corner.
Would you like a couple of pictures of mine showing ride height ?
Last edited by Silver Scooby Sport; 25 July 2012 at 10:35 PM.
25 July 2012, 10:50 PM
#323
Shaun, the suspension on this one is no where near as tight and new as my concours Spec C! It has done triple the mileage of the Spec C (15,000m) at 46,000 miles now and has probably never been garaged till I bought it. There is corrosion on some suspension parts under the car, with bolts and nuts permanently seized and bent droplinks. (One shock is a KYB, the rest are OEM) I am quite happy to bin the lot of it especially as I got a good deal on a set of new Tein Monoflex wnding masters and Hardrace are priced so keenly!!
I understand what your saying and your right, the std suspension in good working order is fine and more than I really require, even on a track day. But with the pretty good prices I paid for the new suspension parts and the fact that Iv got a serious problem blowing money on the car, its probably quite expected for me to justify this waste of money!!! lololol Though I do think that this pic from Snetterton did push me over the edge!!
In terms of engine reliability I will be fitting some Gauges, Spec C fuel pump housing with my walbro 255, Killer B baffle plate, and Oil cooler. Apart from that the plan is to try and blow the engine up so I can get a 2.1 stroker built by either Enginetuner or Paul Finch (via Lateral).!!!!!
Would be good to see you out there, you can be the cause of the mishap while Im trying to catch you!!
I understand what your saying and your right, the std suspension in good working order is fine and more than I really require, even on a track day. But with the pretty good prices I paid for the new suspension parts and the fact that Iv got a serious problem blowing money on the car, its probably quite expected for me to justify this waste of money!!! lololol
Though I do think that this pic from Snetterton did push me over the edge!!In terms of engine reliability I will be fitting some Gauges, Spec C fuel pump housing with my walbro 255, Killer B baffle plate, and Oil cooler. Apart from that the plan is to try and blow the engine up so I can get a 2.1 stroker built by either Enginetuner or Paul Finch (via Lateral).!!!!!
Would be good to see you out there, you can be the cause of the mishap while Im trying to catch you!!
Last edited by rickya; 06 August 2012 at 01:47 PM.
26 July 2012, 09:29 PM
#327
Scooby Regular
Rick,
That sounds like it has had a bit of an uncared life doesn't it. WTF replaces one shock with another of a totally different kind!!!! Frightening.
My only advice would be is that you really do get what you pay for with suspension. Personally I would look at going for some fixed platform jobbies.... the Bilstein ones appear to be a good set-up.
Gauges are a good idea.
SPEC C fuel pump is a waste of time imo..... do it once and do it right. Get a swirl pot and external 044 pump. Litchfields sell an engine bay kit that will do it. That's what will end up going on mine.
Baffle plate I wouldn't bother with - again, do it once and do it right. Get a proper baffled sump and you really don't have to worry about it again at your perceived levels of grip and speed. It could turn out to be the best £500 you ever spend!
Oil cooler would be a good idea, even if it only means you can stay out on track longer, without having to do cool down laps! lol
That sounds like it has had a bit of an uncared life doesn't it.
WTF replaces one shock with another of a totally different kind!!!! Frightening.My only advice would be is that you really do get what you pay for with suspension. Personally I would look at going for some fixed platform jobbies.... the Bilstein ones appear to be a good set-up.
Gauges are a good idea.
SPEC C fuel pump is a waste of time imo..... do it once and do it right. Get a swirl pot and external 044 pump. Litchfields sell an engine bay kit that will do it. That's what will end up going on mine.
Baffle plate I wouldn't bother with - again, do it once and do it right. Get a proper baffled sump and you really don't have to worry about it again at your perceived levels of grip and speed. It could turn out to be the best £500 you ever spend!
Oil cooler would be a good idea, even if it only means you can stay out on track longer, without having to do cool down laps! lol
06 August 2012, 01:52 PM
#328
-Oil cooler and gauges are a good idea for track definitely and will be fitted along the way.
-The Spec C anti surge housing may just about be ok with a certain amount of fuel in the tank. Will play that one by ear and decide once hardcore suspension is fitted as it will achieve higher lateral G's which may cause issues with this setup?
-Surprised you think all these sump baffle plates are no good. I know the Cosworth ones have been slated a bit but Iv read the US Killer Bee ones are a better design? (The Killer B is approx £70 and a true baffled sump is over £500!!
)
-The Spec C anti surge housing may just about be ok with a certain amount of fuel in the tank. Will play that one by ear and decide once hardcore suspension is fitted as it will achieve higher lateral G's which may cause issues with this setup?
-Surprised you think all these sump baffle plates are no good. I know the Cosworth ones have been slated a bit but Iv read the US Killer Bee ones are a better design? (The Killer B is approx £70 and a true baffled sump is over £500!!
)
Last edited by rickya; 06 August 2012 at 01:56 PM.
05 September 2012, 06:58 PM
#330
Update:
A few months ago the fuel pump started making an interrupted, rough sound when primed on ignition. Got slightly better over the weeks and I thought it might just be some debris / dirt in the fuel lines causing this? It was a Walbro 255 so didnt think it could be the pump itself? Looking back it was around the same time that the idle on start up became slightly feeble and a bit erratic. What steadily got worse, especially this week, was pulling away in first gear where it would jerk and almost stop start unless a lot of revs were given.
The Walbro was put in by the previous owner who was a complete **** so I wasnt sure of it, - was it a copy and was it second hand etc? Earlier in the year I had bought a complete Spec C fuel pump assembley and anti surge housing, so now would be the best time to swop the two over. That should take about 30mins I thought............3.5 hrs later.
....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The assembly I bought from Jap Performance parts must have been altered at some point as it only had 2 fuel lines at the top and mine has 3 (inlet/outlet and return IIRC). So I couldn't just drop in the whole assembly as one, I had to remove all the bits from the Spec C one and fit onto my existing assembly. So dismantling everything off both, swapping over to newer filter, newer Spec C uprated fuel pump, a new return to anti surge box hose, drilling new holes to accept anti surge box bracket and that was after drilling out the Spec C bracket whose screws had seized.........cough cough the head may have been slightly cross threaded and destroyed by me!!!!!!!!!
All apart!!
New anti surge box bracket fitted
At last, an almost new one put together! (now with added Anti Surge )
It seems that the Walbro was the problem as now the pump primes properly, idle is back to a steady normal and low revs /gear pick up is much improved & smoother....Sorted
A few months ago the fuel pump started making an interrupted, rough sound when primed on ignition. Got slightly better over the weeks and I thought it might just be some debris / dirt in the fuel lines causing this? It was a Walbro 255 so didnt think it could be the pump itself? Looking back it was around the same time that the idle on start up became slightly feeble and a bit erratic. What steadily got worse, especially this week, was pulling away in first gear where it would jerk and almost stop start unless a lot of revs were given.
The Walbro was put in by the previous owner who was a complete **** so I wasnt sure of it, - was it a copy and was it second hand etc? Earlier in the year I had bought a complete Spec C fuel pump assembley and anti surge housing, so now would be the best time to swop the two over. That should take about 30mins I thought............3.5 hrs later.
....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The assembly I bought from Jap Performance parts must have been altered at some point as it only had 2 fuel lines at the top and mine has 3 (inlet/outlet and return IIRC). So I couldn't just drop in the whole assembly as one, I had to remove all the bits from the Spec C one and fit onto my existing assembly. So dismantling everything off both, swapping over to newer filter, newer Spec C uprated fuel pump, a new return to anti surge box hose, drilling new holes to accept anti surge box bracket and that was after drilling out the Spec C bracket whose screws had seized.........cough cough the head may have been slightly cross threaded and destroyed by me!!!!!!!!!
All apart!!
New anti surge box bracket fitted
At last, an almost new one put together! (now with added Anti Surge
)It seems that the Walbro was the problem as now the pump primes properly, idle is back to a steady normal and low revs /gear pick up is much improved & smoother....Sorted
Last edited by rickya; 05 September 2012 at 08:25 PM.