HSPN / IWSTI Race Car (OMG not again! See post 1109) - Page 4

**Ben** · 05-25-2005, 11:40 AM

They are the Defi BF Red gauges with the Defi pod painted to match the silver faceplate around the strereo / air vents, etc. I agree, the "aftermarket" defi gauges with a well painted gauge pod look more "factory" than the stock gauges on the STi or EVO lol

. They black out just like the main gauge cluster when the car is off, do the same dance when they turn on, and the red is almost identical.

Another cool thing about the Defi's is the control unit can record 3 or 4 minutes of gauge activity and then play it back later. This is cool if you want to do a pedal to the floor 1st to 6th sprint (not on public roads of course...

) and see what kind of boost you're getting in each gear without having to look at the gauges while you're driving and crash your car

. It also keeps track of your "peak" numbers, meaning you can hit the peak button and it will show you the highest boost, oil temp, and oil pressure (or EGT or whatever else you go with) the gauges have ever recorded since you last reset your peak numbers.

If you want some let me know, I'm sure I could get you a deal

**Ben** · 05-25-2005, 11:47 AM

Here are some pics of them in the daytime. For some reason in some of the pictures the defi gauges don't look as bright as the main instrument panel. In person, they are exactly the same brightness and the reds almost match perfectly.

**Ben** · 05-25-2005, 02:27 PM

For those of you that PMed my asking about installation, here are some pictures that might help.

I would need to put it back on a lift and remove the subframe to get decent pics for oil temp and oil pressure, but most of your questions were concerning boost. Also, the instructions defi gives you for oil temp and pressure are fine. The boost gauge is the only part that is unclear in the instructions because there are so many ways of doing it and so many possible places to tap in.

By tapping in as shown in the picture, no cutting of stock vacuum tubing is required. Just cut a 3-4 inch piece of extra tube, connect the "T", and then re-connect the stock tubing to the other end of the "T". Then just run the defi tubing along the intercooler rail to the defi sensor. (This is shown in the 2nd picture.) Also, the "T" connecter in the picture is not the same one that came with the gauges. The Defi connector does no fit well as the stock tubing coming off of the bypass valve is much bigger than the defi tubing that the "T" is designed for. You can get a different "T" connector at any hardware or autoparts store.

05SilverSTI · 05-26-2005, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben

If you want some let me know, I'm sure I could get you a deal

if the price is right i may be interested. let my know thanks. also you've got a beautiful set of cars.

***bah14*** · 05-26-2005, 04:59 AM

she's lookin' smooth, Ben

**Ben** · 05-26-2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05SilverSTI

if the price is right i may be interested. let my know thanks. also you've got a beautiful set of cars.

Send me a PM and let me know which gauges you want and I'll let you know.

gmb · 05-26-2005, 01:23 PM

You've done alot, quickly. (in a good way)

Two sweet Subies.

**Ben** · 05-26-2005, 05:32 PM

Schroth Profi II ASM 4 point harnesses went in last night.

If anyone wants some, I have an extra set (Driver & Passenger) with the bolt on kits, shoulder pads, and everything else you would need. Just send me a PM

The harnesses bolt in to factory locations meaning no harness bar or other mods are required. The lap belts can be stored away on the floor to the side of the seats and the shoulder belts can be folded up and stuck under the back seats or just left on the back floor

**Ben** · 05-27-2005, 12:58 AM

I just got back from a long canyon run and all I can say is...OH MY GOD.

This should have been the first mod done to the car. There is nothing that compares to this if you truly want to drive faster...Don't get me wrong, Coilovers, Swaybars, R Compound Tires... they all help, but you can't come close to appreciating what they actually do for your car until you take a ride with the harnesses on.

I've owned several Subaru's, two of them STi's, and as many of you know, the fun factor and general "OMG THIS CAR IS FAST" feeling of the STi fades over time. It happens sooner for some than others, but I think it happens to most of us. This being my 2nd STi, I never even got to enjoy the initial "WOW" feeling for more than a day.

When I went to the track stock, it was fun. The only problem was all I could think about was how much MORE fun it would be with some better tires and less body roll. So, before the next track day, on went the R compounds and hotchkis competition swaybars. It was a significant improvement, and thus, I had about twice as much fun the 2nd track day as I did the first. After that track day the coilovers went on and I've yet to try them at the track (coming up June 7th and also on June 27th at the IWSTI track day!) but I could definitely feel yet again, a significant improvement. The car was finally beginning to behave like it should; virtually no understeer and the ability to play with the rear end *when you felt like it*. It also looked a hundred times better and the ride quality improved over stock.

Now, that being said, none of those mods truly made me go "WOW." They were fantastic, don't get me wrong, but none of them ever gave me a feeling close to that of when I first drove an STi. I'm pretty sure all of you remember what that was like

These harnesses however, did just that. After installing them and strapping myself in (and not being able to move...period) I knew they were going to enable me to drive faster than just about any other mod I had ever purchased. But even then, I was skeptical.

Then came tonight's canyon adventure...I went in to the first turn expecting to be pleasantly surprised, and before I could even exit the turn I had the biggest grin on my face since I first drove an STi. I was amazed, to say the least. I could do whatever I wanted with the car and focus 100% on driving without having to think about bracing myself for a turn. By the 3rd turn I was having so much fun I didn't know what to do with myself.

Once I could finally pull my jaw out of my lap I was able to start seeing what all my mods had done for my car. It handled so much better than I could ever imagine and that "OMG THIS CAR IS FAST" feeling came shooting back. This time, it was a different kind of fast. It was a feeling of complete control and the ability to feel things that were impossible to feel before. It was becoming "one with the car" like every driver should.

Then, after about 30 minutes of the most fun canyon driving I have ever done, something scary happened. I got back on to the main roads, hit the release button on the harnesses, and put my regular seat belt back on. I felt completely naked! It was uncomfortable to drive and I immediately felt like I was driving a different car. It was so bad I actually reached for the seat belt twice on the way back to my house (5 minute drive) only to realize I already had it on. I think I have been scarred for life...I'll never be able to use the regular seat belt again without it feeling plain awkward.

Now, with all that being said, it is illegal to use the harnesses on the street, so I don't recommend that anyone do it

Then again, if you don't care about the seat belt laws...well never mind.

All I can say is in the future, this would be the first mod I would get on any performance car (besides things like a radar detector, tint, etc...all of which I don't really consider "mods"). I'm still kicking myself because I have no idea what a stock STi feels like with harnesses.

I've driven and ridden in some awesome cars (a Carrera GT, several Ferrari 360's and Challenge Stradale's, Porsche GT2's and GT3's, Lotus Elise's with harnesses

, a few racecars, etc.) and this car now ranks right up there with all of them. It truly brought back the "first time in an STi" feeling and I couldn't be happier. I would recommend these to any hardcore STi enthusiast

.

**Nivek** · 05-27-2005, 09:27 AM

All day, Ben yearned to take his STi out, but we were working on a project and I really wanted to get to the first milestone. By the time the evening rolled around, I suggested waiting until it was light out, but he continued to say that he need his fix. He had not really driven his car with the harnesses installed.

I should have known he was heading to our two stage Rally course in the canyons by my house after he dropped me off. There was something about the sound of his exhaust and the way he accelerated away that did not sound like it usually did when he left.

Great review! I concur...now only if the passenger belt arrives will this job feel complete.

**Ben** · 05-27-2005, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nivek

...now only if the passenger belt arrives will this job feel complete.

Hah...atleast you have your driver side belts. I'm the one smashing in to the window when I go for rides with you

**Ben** · 06-03-2005, 11:46 PM

Alright, Cobb finally shipped the TBE (it's about time!) and it will be installed on Wednesday or Thursday. YAY!

I know I need some serious mental help, but what do you guys think of this body kit? I'm seriously thinking about it...

I think that Kit with the BBS RE's and the stock STi wing would look awesome...but I guess I'll have to get it and see. I really shouldn't though, I'm just feeding the obsession at this point.

05SilverSTI · 06-03-2005, 11:59 PM

i love that kit except for the back bumper.

**Ben** · 06-04-2005, 12:05 AM

I agree...the black sticking out of the back looks kind of strange. It's grown on me since I've seen it though.

One good thing I guess is that it won't really get discolored when I have no cats. Having the exhaust right next to a blue bumper might turn it yellow or black.

Actually...that's a great justification. I need to buy a body kit so that my bumper won't get discolored. I LOVE IT! lol

jlcool007 · 06-04-2005, 01:01 AM

i love everything about that kit, just not the front bumper, i'd throw the bumber and keep the rear bumber and venturi.

-spyder

most ppl would say that is rice

05-25-2005, 11:40 AM	#46
Ben Retired Admin Car: 2006 Audi S4 Fav Mod: Weight Loss Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,821 Join Date: Dec 1969 Trader Rating: (11)	They are the Defi BF Red gauges with the Defi pod painted to match the silver faceplate around the strereo / air vents, etc. I agree, the "aftermarket" defi gauges with a well painted gauge pod look more "factory" than the stock gauges on the STi or EVO lol . They black out just like the main gauge cluster when the car is off, do the same dance when they turn on, and the red is almost identical. Another cool thing about the Defi's is the control unit can record 3 or 4 minutes of gauge activity and then play it back later. This is cool if you want to do a pedal to the floor 1st to 6th sprint (not on public roads of course...) and see what kind of boost you're getting in each gear without having to look at the gauges while you're driving and crash your car . It also keeps track of your "peak" numbers, meaning you can hit the peak button and it will show you the highest boost, oil temp, and oil pressure (or EGT or whatever else you go with) the gauges have ever recorded since you last reset your peak numbers. If you want some let me know, I'm sure I could get you a deal This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by Ben : 05-25-2005 at 12:01 PM.

05-25-2005, 11:47 AM	#47
Ben Retired Admin Car: 2006 Audi S4 Fav Mod: Weight Loss Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,821 Join Date: Dec 1969 Trader Rating: (11)	Here are some pics of them in the daytime. For some reason in some of the pictures the defi gauges don't look as bright as the main instrument panel. In person, they are exactly the same brightness and the reds almost match perfectly. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Ben : 06-03-2005 at 12:42 AM.

05-25-2005, 02:27 PM	#48
Ben Retired Admin Car: 2006 Audi S4 Fav Mod: Weight Loss Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,821 Join Date: Dec 1969 Trader Rating: (11)	For those of you that PMed my asking about installation, here are some pictures that might help. I would need to put it back on a lift and remove the subframe to get decent pics for oil temp and oil pressure, but most of your questions were concerning boost. Also, the instructions defi gives you for oil temp and pressure are fine. The boost gauge is the only part that is unclear in the instructions because there are so many ways of doing it and so many possible places to tap in. By tapping in as shown in the picture, no cutting of stock vacuum tubing is required. Just cut a 3-4 inch piece of extra tube, connect the "T", and then re-connect the stock tubing to the other end of the "T". Then just run the defi tubing along the intercooler rail to the defi sensor. (This is shown in the 2nd picture.) Also, the "T" connecter in the picture is not the same one that came with the gauges. The Defi connector does no fit well as the stock tubing coming off of the bypass valve is much bigger than the defi tubing that the "T" is designed for. You can get a different "T" connector at any hardware or autoparts store. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Ben : 05-25-2005 at 02:34 PM.

05-26-2005, 05:32 PM	#53
Ben Retired Admin Car: 2006 Audi S4 Fav Mod: Weight Loss Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,821 Join Date: Dec 1969 Trader Rating: (11)	Schroth Profi II ASM 4 point harnesses went in last night. If anyone wants some, I have an extra set (Driver & Passenger) with the bolt on kits, shoulder pads, and everything else you would need. Just send me a PM The harnesses bolt in to factory locations meaning no harness bar or other mods are required. The lap belts can be stored away on the floor to the side of the seats and the shoulder belts can be folded up and stuck under the back seats or just left on the back floor Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Ben : 05-26-2005 at 08:36 PM.

05-27-2005, 12:58 AM	#54
Ben Retired Admin Car: 2006 Audi S4 Fav Mod: Weight Loss Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,821 Join Date: Dec 1969 Trader Rating: (11)	I just got back from a long canyon run and all I can say is...OH MY GOD. This should have been the first mod done to the car. There is nothing that compares to this if you truly want to drive faster...Don't get me wrong, Coilovers, Swaybars, R Compound Tires... they all help, but you can't come close to appreciating what they actually do for your car until you take a ride with the harnesses on. I've owned several Subaru's, two of them STi's, and as many of you know, the fun factor and general "OMG THIS CAR IS FAST" feeling of the STi fades over time. It happens sooner for some than others, but I think it happens to most of us. This being my 2nd STi, I never even got to enjoy the initial "WOW" feeling for more than a day. When I went to the track stock, it was fun. The only problem was all I could think about was how much MORE fun it would be with some better tires and less body roll. So, before the next track day, on went the R compounds and hotchkis competition swaybars. It was a significant improvement, and thus, I had about twice as much fun the 2nd track day as I did the first. After that track day the coilovers went on and I've yet to try them at the track (coming up June 7th and also on June 27th at the IWSTI track day!) but I could definitely feel yet again, a significant improvement. The car was finally beginning to behave like it should; virtually no understeer and the ability to play with the rear end when you felt like it. It also looked a hundred times better and the ride quality improved over stock. Now, that being said, none of those mods truly made me go "WOW." They were fantastic, don't get me wrong, but none of them ever gave me a feeling close to that of when I first drove an STi. I'm pretty sure all of you remember what that was like These harnesses however, did just that. After installing them and strapping myself in (and not being able to move...period) I knew they were going to enable me to drive faster than just about any other mod I had ever purchased. But even then, I was skeptical. Then came tonight's canyon adventure...I went in to the first turn expecting to be pleasantly surprised, and before I could even exit the turn I had the biggest grin on my face since I first drove an STi. I was amazed, to say the least. I could do whatever I wanted with the car and focus 100% on driving without having to think about bracing myself for a turn. By the 3rd turn I was having so much fun I didn't know what to do with myself. Once I could finally pull my jaw out of my lap I was able to start seeing what all my mods had done for my car. It handled so much better than I could ever imagine and that "OMG THIS CAR IS FAST" feeling came shooting back. This time, it was a different kind of fast. It was a feeling of complete control and the ability to feel things that were impossible to feel before. It was becoming "one with the car" like every driver should. Then, after about 30 minutes of the most fun canyon driving I have ever done, something scary happened. I got back on to the main roads, hit the release button on the harnesses, and put my regular seat belt back on. I felt completely naked! It was uncomfortable to drive and I immediately felt like I was driving a different car. It was so bad I actually reached for the seat belt twice on the way back to my house (5 minute drive) only to realize I already had it on. I think I have been scarred for life...I'll never be able to use the regular seat belt again without it feeling plain awkward. Now, with all that being said, it is illegal to use the harnesses on the street, so I don't recommend that anyone do it Then again, if you don't care about the seat belt laws...well never mind. All I can say is in the future, this would be the first mod I would get on any performance car (besides things like a radar detector, tint, etc...all of which I don't really consider "mods"). I'm still kicking myself because I have no idea what a stock STi feels like with harnesses. I've driven and ridden in some awesome cars (a Carrera GT, several Ferrari 360's and Challenge Stradale's, Porsche GT2's and GT3's, Lotus Elise's with harnesses , a few racecars, etc.) and this car now ranks right up there with all of them. It truly brought back the "first time in an STi" feeling and I couldn't be happier. I would recommend these to any hardcore STi enthusiast . Last edited by Ben : 05-27-2005 at 10:00 AM.

05-26-2005, 04:59 AM	#50
*bah14* Platinum Member Car: 2008 Forester Sports Fav Mod: "Proper" Break-in Location: LERSOC.com Posts: 3,951 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (4)	she's lookin' smooth, Ben

05-26-2005, 01:23 PM	#52
gmb STI Driver Car: 05 STi ~ White/Gold Fav Mod: the whole damn car Location: Campbell, California Posts: 279 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	You've done alot, quickly. (in a good way) Two sweet Subies.

05-27-2005, 09:27 AM	#55
Nivek www.Subie.tv is niiice Posts: 10,068 Join Date: Aug 2003 Trader Rating: (10)	All day, Ben yearned to take his STi out, but we were working on a project and I really wanted to get to the first milestone. By the time the evening rolled around, I suggested waiting until it was light out, but he continued to say that he need his fix. He had not really driven his car with the harnesses installed. I should have known he was heading to our two stage Rally course in the canyons by my house after he dropped me off. There was something about the sound of his exhaust and the way he accelerated away that did not sound like it usually did when he left. Great review! I concur...now only if the passenger belt arrives will this job feel complete.

06-03-2005, 11:46 PM	#57
Ben Retired Admin Car: 2006 Audi S4 Fav Mod: Weight Loss Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,821 Join Date: Dec 1969 Trader Rating: (11)	Alright, Cobb finally shipped the TBE (it's about time!) and it will be installed on Wednesday or Thursday. YAY! I know I need some serious mental help, but what do you guys think of this body kit? I'm seriously thinking about it... I think that Kit with the BBS RE's and the stock STi wing would look awesome...but I guess I'll have to get it and see. I really shouldn't though, I'm just feeding the obsession at this point.

06-03-2005, 11:59 PM	#58
05SilverSTI Spec C Club Car: 05 silver/silver STI Location: S.I NY / Boulder CO Posts: 1,533 Join Date: Sep 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	i love that kit except for the back bumper.

06-04-2005, 12:05 AM	#59
Ben Retired Admin Car: 2006 Audi S4 Fav Mod: Weight Loss Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,821 Join Date: Dec 1969 Trader Rating: (11)	I agree...the black sticking out of the back looks kind of strange. It's grown on me since I've seen it though. One good thing I guess is that it won't really get discolored when I have no cats. Having the exhaust right next to a blue bumper might turn it yellow or black. Actually...that's a great justification. I need to buy a body kit so that my bumper won't get discolored. I LOVE IT! lol

06-04-2005, 01:01 AM	#60
jlcool007 Senior STI Driver Posts: 324 Join Date: Jul 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	i love everything about that kit, just not the front bumper, i'd throw the bumber and keep the rear bumber and venturi. -spyder most ppl would say that is rice This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.