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The Something & Nothing Stealth Blobeye STI Thread...
After months of stalking threads on here I am starting my own so I can hopefully build some credit to cash in & get all my stupid questions answered :lol1:
After 17 years or motorcycling, a having a couple of years in work transit vans & eventually getting rid of my last bike (a GSXR-1000 with 182BHP at the wheel) it was time to grow up & buy my first car: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...dc141a7aa4.jpg ... A 2003 Type UK WRX STI. I wanted something interesting so what else are you going to get... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...056fdd8eb2.jpg I looked at 5 others before choosing this one. Very clean & unmolested, minimal rust, only 2 previous owners, every stamp in the service book up to its (at the time) current 95,654 miles. My favorite part its gone straight through the last 5 MOT's with no advisories :norty: https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...af7dc95f33.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...67082f5374.jpg The Extensive list of modifications are:
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While I am all for old skool & minimalist, It very quickly became apparent that the stereo needed updating...
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...d9447bcf43.jpg Nothing fancy but fits the factory fascia without modification & has Bluetooth. Add a USB port in the 12V socket & now it's modern & sophisticated (integrated voltmeter is a nice touch too)... https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...6cc60a1c2c.jpg The head unit upped the sound quality massively but I'd already bought the speakers so F' it... https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...efee09c715.jpg |
Then the rears (yeah different to the fronts as an eBay seller kindly listed them as Subaru specific)...
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...7742ce225b.jpg I'd actually already bought DynaMatt that I couldn't be arsed to fit yesterday & quickly got addicted to it... https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...8856e44925.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...7df6da0ea7.jpg Then revisiting the fronts... Until I ran out :confused: https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...0b5942353d.jpg |
I specifically wanted a clean original car to keep clean so next up my CDO's coming out to play (CDO is like OCD but it's worse as it's in alphabetical order :cuckoo:)...
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...410251c8bc.jpg Headlights out for De-Tanging & to show the grill some love... https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...e13ea597fa.jpg There's this weird mark on the boot to polish out.... https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...32c6e43f00.jpg As well as few more here & there but nothing too major.... https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...db86fc38d3.jpg First it's a wash & then claybar though... https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...a0f71ed451.jpg Not that I've ever done this before but the fact not much **** came off I am taking as good...? https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...527aaad395.jpg Getting cleaner & the door still opens... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...16902383e5.jpg The boot emblem had to go though as it was faded.... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...ab9f0dcc2c.jpg Mission black grill has been aborted as back to black isn't blacking it. Pulled the emblem though as that was also faded... https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...77dfb400eb.jpg |
I am sure no-one's ever seen this before :wonder:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...46f880258e.jpg Bulb upgrades as the stock lights are shocking & also silver indicators which don't fit https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...17629e9ec3.jpg Added stealthness... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...9261e18360.jpg Sanding vs. rubbing compound... https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...31c05e209b.jpg & polishing... https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...9c649a985b.jpg :thumb: https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...94b6250c63.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...14d6bbb8ff.jpg |
You'll notice in the earlier pics I was living in the ghetto, for reasons we don't need to go into not anymore...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...b2dd21c3e6.jpg Random in the forest by the water reflecting on what a mess my life is pic :rolleyes: ... https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...0566f3eccb.jpg |
So now temporally chillin' in Wales while having my car washed...
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...6cf1fce51e.jpg And I can crack on exorcising some CDO (in peace & quiet :lol1:). Scuff sanded with 2500 wet... https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...c78954cd23.jpg Buffed... https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...45bfbebd3b.jpg Mirror, mirror :banana:... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...c335a1e10e.jpg |
Also broke out the hammerite to add stealthness...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...cc74a3409f.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...d4580199f4.jpg And the grill's getting it too (not hammerite, proper paint)... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...5fe227c266.jpg :fight: https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...5721bf7316.jpg :norty: https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...8a1421ebcb.jpg |
Apart from enough detailing the until I am happy enough to wax it, the other thing on the hit list is that towbar...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...16a4ee47ec.jpg About 15kg later https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...6adbbdce32.jpg *First of the stupid questions: Someone had to remove the stock rear crash bar to fit the towbar, now I've removed the towbar. Have I compromised the structural rigidity of the car by not having anything back there, or is the stock bar solely for impact protection? It feels fine & "just don't get done from behind" is a motto I live my life by :nono: Random sunny on a hill pic :thumb:.... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...b128bf93b3.jpg |
Originally Posted by Kaosone
(Post 12024158)
Apart from enough detailing the until I am happy enough to wax it, the other thing on the hit list is that towbar...
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/...d4ceab85_b.jpg *First of the stupid questions: Someone had to remove the stock rear crash bar to fit the towbar, now I've removed the towbar. Have I compromised the structural rigidity of the car by not having anything back there, or is the stock bar solely for impact protection? It feels fine & "just don't get done from behind" is a motto I live my life by :nono: For a UK car there is no rear back beam . If the Haynes manual you have shows one that's because it's for the US market models. For UK http://static.opposedforces.com/epc_...1494959101.png For US http://static.opposedforces.com/epc_...1494959101.png |
Originally Posted by Don Clark
(Post 12024167)
Welcome to the forum.
Originally Posted by Don Clark
(Post 12024167)
For a UK car there is no rear back beam . If the Haynes manual you have shows one that's because it's for the US market models.
Awesome, cheers :notworthy |
Welcome. Looks like a very wise buy and now in good hands. And, yes, Wales is a great place to get your car washed. Keep up the good work. SWS |
Originally Posted by Kaosone
(Post 12024184)
I see, so in actual fact I've just put it back to standard.
Awesome, cheers :notworthy These are the same from a different source For UK http://clarkdh.net23.net/NTL/MY03%20...umper%20UK.JPG For US http://clarkdh.net23.net/NTL/MY03%20...umper%20US.JPG |
The Dynamat should be applied directly to the metal not to the plastic membrane (assuming that's what you have done from the photos?).
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Welcome mate. car is looking good :thumb: Siv. |
Originally Posted by SouthWalesSam
(Post 12024188)
Welcome.
Looks like a very wise buy and now in good hands. And, yes, Wales is a great place to get your car washed. Keep up the good work. SWS Thanks, I am very happy with it. The others I saw had a combination of very sketchy service records, de-cats & CEL on, lots of rust, lots of MOT advisories & 9+ owners (or all of the above). That's the best car wash I've ever used & it's only £5 (on the outskirts of (Newtown ). Round here it's £7 minimum & they make a complete mess of it :brickwall
Originally Posted by Don Clark
(Post 12024189)
In case you can't see the diagrams I posted above (some can't view) http://opposedforces.com/parts/ (for whatever reason)
These are the same from a different source Cheers, I have part numbers to hunt out (busy bank holiday weekend) so that helps greatly :thumb:
Originally Posted by TECHNOPUG
(Post 12024196)
The Dynamat should be applied directly to the metal not to the plastic membrane (assuming that's what you have done from the photos?).
Yeah looks like it, there's a layer on inside the doorskin & another on the plastic. However any excuse to add more, what's the proper way to do a door (as I don't feel like pulling the carpet up yet). Cheers :cool:
Originally Posted by sivo
(Post 12024220)
Welcome mate.
car is looking good :thumb: Siv. Cheers mate, just seen your spec list & the fact you have the same model as me. Congratulations on becoming my new best friend :luvlove: |
Fast forward however long & my brief spell of having no fixed address is over & I've even sourced a new badge for the front grill (stealth obviously)...
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...b246cbd33e.jpg And with another 1500ish miles on the clock it hit 97K & was treated to an oil change. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...8d540d2df6.jpg With the intention being that the next oil change will be due at 100K, at which point it'll go in for a monster service & another stamp in the book :007: |
While the theory's good sorting out somewhere to live completely skinted me so plan A: Polish it (again), photo it & list it up for sale :cry:...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...696d0df299.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...766cb9e54e.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...ad07e8dfc3.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...b7704b7c1a.jpg This is when i noticed the header tank leaking... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...816ecba71a.jpg 15 year old wheels (with s*** tyres), there's another 3 of these :facepalm2:... https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...8142fcb38d.jpg |
So back home for a nice romantic engine bay detailing session in the rain.
Before: https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...816ecba71a.jpg After: https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...ae012117a8.jpg Then the offending item https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...714973b918.jpg Not the cap as I first expected https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...b2337b63b5.jpg And replaced with the later model one - It's black so adds stealthness :luvlove: https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...a111585226.jpg |
So while it sat both on AutoTrader & in my the parking spot for my new place (I really need to cut that tree down), plan A was: "sell it, buy a cheaper car & free some cash up to tide me over" after forking out for the deposit etc...
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...994fa85c9d.jpg But then Plan B which consisted of: "F' that, keep the car, get a credit card & live on that until further notice" came into effect :top: |
So originally the plan was keep it stock, detail, wax & seal it to preserve it, try & keep the mileage down & the maintenance up.
Sounds good in theory (I am also sure I probably said that about all my bikes too :lol1:), however now I am a couple of thousand miles into it a few things have become apparent :) Body Roll - It's horrific. Granted this is my first car & before this I drove Transit's (different centre of gravity) so I may well not know what I am on about, however there's an aftermarket industry for stiffer bushes, braces & anti-roll bars etc to address this :norty: Tyres - I had the back end come round on me in a couple of slow speed corners (I am sure it wouldn't if I was a gear lower), after a Google search a Piston Heads thread classes what's on there as "Ditch Finder Supreme's". They need to go. Ride Height - It sits too high, needs to come down about an inch just to sweeten it up but also not to come down a massive amount that it noticeably looks slammed. Front Lip Splitter - Every other one I looked at had one & this one doesn't. I think mine look wrong without one & as every other STI has one I am classing it as standard so fits with my stealth theme. Rear Wing - When booting it I can see the wing vibrate like mad in the rear view mirror (which can't be good for stable downforce). While I don't like the look a couple of Perrin wing stabilizers would sort this. Engine Insurance - An IAG air oil separator & Killer B oil pick up are on the shopping list. Stealth - The wheels are very gold, while that's stock & original it's a bit "loud". I'll get them done black at some point. More Stealth - My mates Audi has dark tint rear (back & side) windows & a very light tint on the front sides. Will add even more stealth & as it's stock on his car I'll class it as stock on mines so sits with the sleeper theme. Subtle Stealth - I am painting the inlet manifold black, watch me :eek: Power - I am sure it's a fast car & I know it's not a bike but it seems like a lot of effort to get it to 80mph, then once there it seems to bogs a bit. So obviously this can only mean it needs more power :banana: For now though it's a 15 year old car so I am sure some things are past their best, so giving it a full service & major overhaul at 100K seems sensible :rolleyes: |
Seeing as it's not going anywhere, time to crack on...
After seeing this, seemed like a no brainer: http://photos.killerbmotorsport.com/...gallery=244340 The kit came with a nice cork gasket that promptly went straight in the bin :) ... https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...19b3f00fed.jpg :fight: https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...54c5e3f9a3.jpg New vs. old... https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...703f75f2bd.jpg Baffle removed to clean up the crank case mating surface... https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...0d66c50108.jpg Pick up hung lose to slide the sump over it (nothing straight forward obviously)... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...5176f76aa1.jpg :D https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...27436c0474.jpg Unflattering imagery but it turns out the easy option is to balance the sump on your gut to allow you to seat it in place https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...df79397441.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...5b2ebaa54d.jpg |
As excited as I was to apply the Killer B decal it wasn't meant to be...
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...e4c3efd2c1.jpg After several attempts there's no way it was going on so before I resorted to grinding away at the plates in the sump for clearance I put the stock one back in & called it a day. Turns out they sent me an EJ25 one, not an EJ20 so that was a massive waste of time :wall: |
But why let something so trivial as spending about 7 hours messing about with your oil pick up for no reason spoil your weekend. Plenty more to get on with :Whatever_
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...fd059a453a.jpg While it's not that bad it needs a little love... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...748e6e41d3.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...8bb599bfbf.jpg Blasted over with the wire brush drill attachment... https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...0c4f05584c.jpg Then hammerite.... https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...3824df68fd.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...ea5d0b3b8c.jpg |
Getting dark but with the front bumper off :eek2:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...85115d8f9e.jpg A going over with the wire wheel (look at the floor :lol1:) & a couple of coats of Hammerite... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...8191bec760.jpg Bit of a before & after... https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...730e3d86dd.jpg Underseal, I can't work out if it's paint with rubber in it or just tar...? https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...85b65ed2e9.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...9b1380bfd5.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...ff2adc7e5d.jpg |
Now the back end...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...5458092b1b.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...1b25208f5d.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...424d16c983.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...500dfc3896.jpg Hmmmmm :confused: I am not an expert but I'd say that all wants to come apart & if the parts don't get replaced then have them sand blasted, powder-coated & then rebuilt with new bushes & hardware. So that's what I'll do at some point, in the mean time this will stop it getting any worse (and I'll be able to admire how tidy it looks when it ends up on it's roof in a ditch) Before: https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...39a4712226.jpg ;) https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...1701155488.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...65ec060a04.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...f3e4b95d32.jpg |
That's 2 cans of underseal down I recon I can do the whole underside of the car with 3.
I also got a magnetic sump plug bolt, even though there's no oil in it yet as I am waiting on new o-rings for the dip stick tube (did I mention I wasted a day taking the sump on & off for nothing :rolleyes:)... https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...bf0614d3f7.jpg For now cleaning up bits you can actually see is on the list, wiper mounts oxidized :nono: https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...9248937bcb.jpg Taking the rust off the bonnet stay... https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...504e34be53.jpg As well as the radiator mounts & battery tie down... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...bcf2599376.jpg Hammerite (quick & dirty :norty:)... https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...6ad45d2e1c.jpg :cool: https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...df1d250194.jpg |
So that brings us up to the present day, I am waiting on hardware to put the front bumper on & while I am at it the inner headlight bolts have both seized & the threads have snapped at some points so they'll be getting drilled & tapped...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...5b7d52d6aa.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...c761c89ce3.jpg As I don't like rusty bolts I've ordered this lot in stainless which should be arriving tomorrow :luvlove: https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...3b29acfac0.jpg Still a few bits to sort but I am not far off getting this chapter closed with everything all tidied up & back together :top: |
i think most back ends look like that apart from the exclusive JDM boys. Certainly cracking on with it
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Originally Posted by pjarvis6666
(Post 12024762)
i think most back ends look like that apart from the exclusive JDM boys. Certainly cracking on with it
Currently I am just trying to finish off all the underside stuff as the novelty of crawling around under it & getting covered in rust & crap is beginning to wear thin :lol1: (it also means it's that;'s all sorted then & I won't feel guilty driving it through winter), Cheers, Stuart :thumb: |
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