[Nutmegman]

This journal used to be called "Going For 700 WHP+" but for a number of reasons, I decided to liquidate my vast array of new parts almost two years ago. I was seriously contemplating selling the car at that time too. Now after 2 years of modding and the car being garaged for months on end, that time for finishing my modding has finally arrived.

5/5/08 UPDATE:

Well, I'm in the home stretch now. Not wishing to leave the project in midstream, I have ordered a set of the limited production Volk TE37 Seibon Edition wheels in 18x8.5 with a +50 offset. I think that the matte grey color will look great with the CGM paint. To accent the red rings on the Volks, I ordered Volk red extended lugs.They should be here early next week. I most likely will put a set of the new Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec 235/40/ZR18 extreme performance summer tires.

I am still sourcing a power upgrade to complete the package. The leading candidate at this time is the just released Element Tuning GT65 bolt on. World One in Seattle is preparing a proposal as I write this update. If I go this route, I will also get the ET downpipe along with the ET 3 turboback exhaust that was created with this monster turbo in mind.

My power goals (without the NOS connected) are 400-425WHP on 92 octane pump and according to what I've read, should be easily attainable. The car put down just over 300WHP on a Mustang dyno after the ECUtek reflash, Perrin catback exhaust and CAI install 3 years ago, one of the most impresive performances of an STi with so few of mods. If I wish to pick up my mantle and go for 700 WHP, the basics will be there. Build the motor and drivetrain, connect the NOS and/or meth/alcohol injection, add some C16 and turn it loose. For now though, I will have my tuner hold the boost to conservative levels until the motor is ready for it.

The one thing that will most likely be left unfinished will be the exterior mods I had planned. After looking at every wide body kit out there as well as combined pieces, I had finally decided upon the Do-Luck line as my favorite. As chance would have it, World One is an authorized distributor. I am not ruling this area out, just saying that it is unlikely... As many of you modders are aware, this is not an inexpensive business. To date I have virtually doubled the purchase price of the STi in aftermarket products and services.

Again, with less than 2700 actual miles, it is virtually a brand new car. As always, stay tuned...

5/16/08 UPDATE:

I decided to go ahead and place my order for the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs's today. As I mentioned yesterday, I went with the 235/40/ZR18's that are close to original REO70 Bridgestone's, only being .4" taller and at the same time giving me .9" wider section width. Everything I've read about these new Direzza's has been stellar. They are definitely the right fit for the car. I will post pics of them mounted on the new TE37 Seibon's hopefully by this time next week. I want to look into getting my Brembo calipers stripped and powder coated in the same red as the Ray's extended lugs. I already ordered new Brembo decals in carbon fiber. Much of what I do in the next month or so will be trimming things out to make everything fit together. Crystal gray, red and carbon fiber will be the predominant color scheme. If I keep the car long enough I'd carry that color coordination into the interior with black carpet and a pair of red Bride Gias Sport Maziora's in Chameleon Shell and Andromeda finish (see pic below). But that will have to be the dream of the next owner...

5/17/08 UPDATE:

I just thought that I would share my thoughts regarding power upgrades. I have considered all of the following brands of turbo upgrades:

Perrin, Element Tuning, Full Race, Forced Performance, Ultimate Racing, APS, P&L and Crawford Performance. I prefer a company that races their parts on an STi as well as manufactures them. They all do that, some more than the others. Since I do like presentation as well as performance, I am leaning more towards a rotated kit versus a stock mount one.

The size is not an issue, It will be either a GT3076R or a GT3582R both with a .82A/R.

Then there is twin scroll versus non twin. If I go that route, my field is drastically reduced to Full Race, APS and Ultimate Racing but UR only makes a twin scroll header in a GT40 and GT42R configuration which is generally too large for a street application. Although I was excited at the prospect of APS coming out with a twin scroll option, my feelings have cooled due to the lack of customer satisfaction.

Forced Performance has their new HTA compressor option which seems to be on the cutting edge of turbo technology. Since the main issue seems to be turbo spool up time, hence the twin scroll option, FP had addressed that issue in a different manner with their HTA housings. It is also a less costlier option. Currently however, there is very little personal data out there as to the efficiency of the FP theory. If it is proven, that may be my decision right there. I would then go with a GT35R with the HTA compressor and build around that.

A final choice will be coming sometime within the next month...

5/25/08 UPDATE:

The Ings+1 body kit arrived at my body shop on Friday. I will drop the car off on Tuesday to complete the exterior of the project. In addition to the Ings kit, I will have them install the Craft Square carbon fiber mirrors, AND two parts that I have had my eyes on for some time to help balance the carbon fiber mirrors, the Syms replica double sided carbon fiber spoiler and matching carbon fiber rear roof vane. Since I am a big fan of balance, I will have the body shop paint the mirror bases that are not carbon fiber and also paint the end caps on the carbon fiber roof vane to match the spoiler end caps that are not carbon fiber. While the car is at the body shop, I will have them install the JDM S203/S204 12 piece black trim dash kit and red hazard button, the Autospeed dead pedal, the Hella Supertones and the Gruppe-S carbon fiber hood dampers.

Following the body shop, I will take the car over to the local tire shop to have the new Rays Seibon Editions mounted on to the new Dunlop Direza Z1 Star Specs.

On another note, I attended the Perrin BBQ party yesterday under sunny and warm skies. What a collection of rides! There were well over 100 modified STi's and EVO's there. I got a chance to chat with Jeff Perrin, Jeff Spanuagle of PDX Tuning and Tim Bailey, master tuner who will put the finishing touches on the engine upgrades wherever I have them installed.

6/7/08 UPDATE:

The Ings+1 body kit arrived at my body shop in less than acceptable condition. I am not that surprised at this as I experienced a similar result with the first Ings kit I ordered. While Ings takes great pride in their craftmanship, they fall flat on their faces in the shipping department. They ship the four body pieces loosely wrapped in thin bubble wrap in an oversized box giving place for some serious bouncing around. Given the fact that these kits are manufactured in Japan, that's expecting a lot out of some bubble wrap...to protect delicate fiberglass from bumps and bruises over thousands of miles via ships, trucks, forklifts and what have you before it arrives at the customer. Luckily, Rally Sport Direct has another kit stateside but I am holding my breath until the next one arrives.

In the meantime, the Syms replica double sided carbon fiber spoiler and matching carbon fiber rear roof vane arrived at the body shop in good condition. As soon as the next Ings kit arrives, I'll drop the car off for the cosmetic overhaul.

So...being the perfectionist that I am, I decided to upgrade my head unit to the brand new Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 All-in-One Navigation/DVD Entertainment System. In fact, it is being installed as I write this update by Jason Coddington, the same person who built the custom stereo while then working for Car Toys.

On another note, I found a suspension and alignment shop right here in Beaverton that does outrageous work at equally outrageous prices. I say outrageous in a good sense here as Bill only charges $63.00 an hour for his expertise. At that rate, I am seriously cosidering having him install every suspension piece I have, including the remaining GT Spec braces, the Whiteline front & rear sway bars (replacing the Hotchkis), the Cusco lateral links & trailing arms, the Cusco engine & tranny mounts and all of the Kartboy and Turn In Concepts bushing kits. If I go through with these suspension installs, I will have one of the most highly modded STi suspensions around.

I also received news that my Dunlop Direzza 235/40/ZR18 Sport Z1 Star Specs's arrived at the local America's Tire store. I will wait to put them on until I make up my mind on any power upgrades. Obviously they will be in place before I have the rest of the suspension pieces installed as I also have a set of Whiteline rear camber bolts to be put on.

6/12/08 UPDATE:

I just came back from America's Tire where I dropped off my Ray's Volk TE37 Seibon Editions. The Dunlop Direza Z1 Star Specs have already arrived there. I looked them over and these things look like they could collect tree pollen with their sticky compound makeup. They are scheduled to be installed tomorrow afternoon. That will leave me with my first sale...the stock wheels and tires with less than 2700 miles on them!!! I will check out what they are going for. I am thinking in the flawless condition they are in combined with the ultra low miles, I will look to get at least $800.00 for the set. They will be sold locally.

I am looking to schedule the car to go to the suspension shop on Monday to at least get the camber and caster adjustments made for the new rollers. As I alluded to above, I am considering having all of the rest of my suspension parts installed at the same time. I'll post an update on my decision early next week. Hopefully I'll have some fresh pics to post with the new wheels and tires too.

The second Ings kit is on it's way from Rally Sport Direct. I expect it to arrive at the body shop by mid next week.

The biggest news however is that I have discovered my dream power upgrade...IF I am to go the distance with this project. It is the soon to be released AMS GT850R turbo kit. You read that correctly, GT850R. I thought that it was a misprint when I first read it. AMS is one of the highly respected leaders in aftermarket power options for EVO's. They are located in west Chicago and are big into racing. AMS is as high on this turbo as they are with anything they have produced. On the EVO's, this turbo is capable of over 700WHP! My, doesn't that number sound familiar??? The spool is supposed to kick in at only 200rpm higher than the GT35R with 450WHP on 93 octane pump gas. Now that is impressive. I was ready to lay down a deposit today but AMS refused saying that they do not accept any money until their product is totally complete and ready to flawlessly fit and run perfectly. I respect that. The only drawback is that I must wait 8 more weeks before the turbo kit is ready to ship.

Even if I don't end up getting this turbo, at least I know that I can now rule out all of the other manufacturers. I have finally found a suitable power option for this project. I will of course have Tim Bailey do a conservative tune but certainly have something in the 410-425WHP range on Oregon 92 octane pump gas. I was hoping it would be either Full Race or AMS. I would have been thrilled with either one. Even though both companies don't have a lot of prior Subaru expertise, they are both companies that have a stellar reputation as far as doing business, doing tons of research and testing before they let the first product out the door and then using the best materials and workmanship available.

6/13/08 UPDATE:

I just returned from America's Tire sporting a brand new set of Ray's rollers! Not only was I able to get everything installed but I also sold the OEM wheels and tires to a couple of guys from Olympia who drove down and met me there. I got my asking price and they drove off with an almost new set of rollers themselves.

Everything fits beautifully with no rubbing issues. Actually, there wasn't much of a concern there given the fact that the wheels had a +50 offset and the tires a 235/40/ZR18 series. Just in the short 10 minute drive home I noticed one thing about these tires. They pick up anything that is in their way and spit it out the back end. These things are like having four vacuum cleaners hooked to your chasis. I can't wait until I get into some hard cornering. I immediately made an appointment with my alignment shop to bring the car in on Monday to have the camber bolts and other suspension parts installed. I will bring every suspension piece I have with me and see what ends up on the car when it's all said and done. Right after that I am off to the body shop for the installation of all the body parts with a healthy dose of carbon fiber.

I am hoping that AMS will be able to speed things up with the power options but good things do take time. As I said yesterday, I am through looking around for other power options. It's either AMS or nothing.

6/17/08 UPDATE:

I currently have the STi at the local suspension shop getting a few parts (17 to be exact) put on to dial in some serious cornering. Since this obviously is not a daily driver, I have pulled out all the stops in empying my vast arsenal of suspension parts that have been laying around the house for almost a year now. Included in this latest upgrade are the Whiteline front(27-29mm) & rear(24-26mm) sway bars, Kartboy front and rear end links, Whiteline roll center adjusters, Whiteline steering rack bushings kit, Whiteline rear differential mount bushings kit, Kartboy outrigger bushings kit, Kartboy pitch stop, TIC transmission crossmember bushings kit, Cusco motor & transmission mounts, GT Spec front lower tie brace, GT Spec rear T brace set, GT Spec rear differential mount, and Cusco rear lateral links and trailing arms. Of course the only drawback on getting all of these installed at the same time is I won't know for sure which component is impressing me the most. I just hope I don't turn into something with the new tightness this suspension will have. I don't think that I have left anything out especially with all of the suspension pieces I alrready had on the car. I hope to get at least 2.25-2.50 negative front camber and 1.75 negative rear when It's done. I had the mechanic set the front way at the stiffest setting (29mm) and the rear to the middle setting (25mm) for starters. I had read that several owners with similar setups did that with neutral steering. We'll see. Anyway, it'll be ready to be picked up tomorrow afternoon.

On another note, the second Ings kit arrived in the same bad shape as the first one did. I'm still dealing with Rally Sport Direct on how to handle the situation. There is still so much shipping damage from Japan that it would cost me a good thousand dollars in extra prep work. If I end up sending it back I will probably do a search for a nice carbon fiber lip. That's too bad because I have always liked the clean lines of the Ings products.

Lastly, I am going to check into another local Beaverton shop tomorrow regarding getting my gold calipers painted red. He specializes in custom wheel repair but the body shop said that he might do caliper painting too.

6/19/08 UPDATE:

Much happened today. First of all, I got the car back from the suspension shop where I had those 17 parts installed at the same time. I know, I know, you're not supposed to put more than one part on at a time but there was so many things to put on that I was able to save about $400.00 in labor to do everything now because many of the parts are located in areas where that part of the suspension has to be taken apart anyway. Let's just say that I have a whole new car to learn how to drive! There is a rumble upon start up now, probably due to the hardened Cusco motor and tranny mounts. I mean it feels like I had a turbo upgrade or something. I am so concerned that I will steer it right into something (or someone) not being used to the responsiveness. I was able to dial in -2.23 camber up front and -1.78 in back with zero toe all around, a healthy ratio. I think that it is the hardened bushings on the Cusco trailing arms and lateral links, along with the stiffest setting on the Whiteline front sway bar and the middle setting on the rear sway bar that are making most of the difference. Then there's the Whiteline steering rack bushings kit, and the three GT Spec suspension braces, the Whiteline roll center adjusters... Let's just say I am pleased and there is no give anywhere. Bill, who did the work and who works on many Subarus said that it is the most heavily fortified Subaru suspension he has ever worked on.

I immediately took the car from Alignment Specialties to Skip's Wheel Werks for the custom painting of the calipers. Every Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and luxury car owner in Portland knows of Skip's who is the local master of wheel restoration and customizing. I never liked the gold color against the CGM and especially now that I have a red trim thing going on. Therefore red will be the new color. I have some carbon fiber Brembo decals to replace the stock ones. It should finish the look I am after down below.

Lastly, I am still in limbo with the latest Ings kit. As I mentioned in my previous update, I was sent practically the same damaged kit as before. I am frustrated beyond words. Hopefully, this will be resolved without any monetary loss. I would have expected more from my supplier here. We'll see how it all ends. I have a wonderful body shop on my side that is a first hand witness to the shabby packaging that has left all four body pieces looking like they fell off the back of the truck and dragged all the way from SLC. I will reserve final comments until this is resolved. I have learned one vital thing. Demand close up pics of a body part just before it is shipped to eliminate any misunderstandings what acceptable and unacceptable condition is. Had I done so here, I would have refused both shipments, realizing that the vendor's viewpoint and mine are entirely different as to new and acceptable condition.

Once the car comes out of Skip's, it goes to Beaverton Auto Body & Paint who will install the Craft Square mirrors, the carbon fiber rear window spoiler, the S203/S204 black trim dash kit, the red hazard button, the twin Hella air horns, the carbon fiber hood struts and the Syms replica carbon fiber wing. I am still hoping for an Ings+1 body kit painted and installed at the same time too.

6/26/08 UPDATE:

Well, there will not be an Ings kit installed on my car afterall. After two failed shipments, Rally Sport Direct and myself agreed that this kit is not for me. They issued me a full refund and I thank them for that. It helps to read the vendor's review section before placing an order on line. Numbers rarely lie and when you read testimony after testimony of satisfied customers, that speaks volumes.

So, I ended up ordering a Chargespeed Bottom Lines carbon fiber kit consisting of the Type 2 front lip, rear spliters and sideskirt extensions. I love the subtle lines of this kit that doesn't scream carbon fiber but tastefully compliments the body lines of the car. In addition, I ordered the newly released Seibon twin vent carbon fiber hood that I plan on custom trimming with the CGM body color, limiting the carbon fiber to just the scoop and the vents. I have seen this done on occasion and if done right, it is eye popping. I also got a Carbign Craft rear license plate backing bracket to help balance the back end. Exteriorwise, this will put carbon fiber on the rear wing, roof spoiler, rear bumper, license plate bracket, mirrors, hood, sideskirts, brake calipers and front lip. Under the hood I have carbon fiber with the JIC Magic front strut tower bar, the Carbign Craft alternator cover and radiator shroud, and hood dampers. Inside I have it with the meter hood along with the JDM S204 black trim dash kit and red hazard button and shifter knob.

My older version Perrin exhaust is more than loud so I will replace it with the ever popular HKS Carbon-TI Exhaust. Lastly, I also ordered a brake upgrade consisting of Powerslot rotors Hawk ceramic brake pads, Goodridge stainless steel brake lines and Motul brake fluid.

Currently the car is getting the calipers painted red with carbon fiber Brembo decals. The power mods are waiting in the wings and on the production release by AMS.

7/23/08 UPDATE:

The red painted Brembo calipers with carbon fiber decals turned out better than expected and take command behind the Volk TE37 Seibons. They now have company though as the Powerslot slotted rotors and Hawk HPS brakepads with the Goodridge stainless steel brake lines really dress the Direzza/Rays rollers. I also had the black S203/204 dash trim kit and red hazard button installed along with the twin Hella Supertones and the GFB underdriven pulley kit and belts...and the HKS Carbon-TI exhaust. It sound similar to the former Perrin exhaust but with a quieter neighbor friendly drone. And the look...

The car is now at the body shop getting all of the carbon fiber exterior pieces applied. I expect a totally new look when I get the call to pick her up. I took the car in on Tuesday and looked over the many pieces including the Chargespeed Bottom Lines kit, the Craft Square mirrors, the Syms rear wing, the roof spoiler, the Carbign Craft radiator shroud, alternator cover, and rear license plate backing, and the centerpiece of the whole carbon fiber look, the Seibon twin vent hood which has to be the most eye catching carbon fiber hood around. In fact, it looked so nice that I immediately decided to not touch it with paint as I thought I might do before I laid eyes on it.

I am thinking about getting rid of the blue carpet and have a black WRX replacement installed. I already ordered a black STi floor mat set along with a pink "I" grill badge. I am twitching at going all the way and getting either an all black interior or all black with the exception of aftermarket seats. The only trouble with most aftermarket seats is that they are made for a 32" waist, something I haven't seen in 20 years. We'll see what happens.

Finally, the latest on the AMS turbo option is that they are still at least 4 weeks away from a release. I think that they will sell out of inventory in the first week.

7/30/08 UPDATE:

I had to get a sneak peek of the carbon fiber additions. All that is left to put on are the Craft Square carbon fiber mirrors, the Syms carbon fiber wing and the carbon fiber rear roof vane. In a word, everything looks "SWEET!" I will post plenty of pics when I get her home. I am supposed to pick it up tomorrow where it will go directly to the Subaru service shop 4 blocks away to get the Mishimoto radiator, the Samco hoses, the Kartboy short shifter/bushings kit, the Redline leather, shift boot, emergency brake & armrest cover, and the Red Line synthetic fluids installed.

I also placed an order for a JDM Rain Guard Set, JDM foglights w/yellow ion lights and a JDM STi Spec C Roof Vent. There may be a few other goodies to come my way but for now (until AMS releases therir turbo kits that is) that is all of the aftermarket parts I have on hand. I am checking into a pair of Recaro "Speed" seats that may have my name on them. I should know more by the end of the week.

8/2/08 UPDATE:

I have regretted the window tint job I got way back when I first bought the car. Not that it wasn't a quality job, it was the 35% shade I got. It just seemed too light for me, especially against the CGM background. Well today that all changed. I replaced the 35% with a very clean 20% and it is now right where I want it. Yesterday, I had the Mishimoto polished aluminum radiator, the red Samco hose kits, the Carbign Craft carbon fiber radiator shroud and alternator cover, the Kartboy short shifter and all of the Kartboy/Turn In Concepts shifter bushings kits and a complete Redline fluids change including the engine, transmission, crankcase and radiator coolant. Again, in a word it all looks and feels "marvelous"! The shifting is close, tight and crisp and fitting for a car of this nature.

I also ordered a pair of JDM small clear side marker lamps, JDM/S204 STi shifter trim w/ leather boot, Whiteline gearbox mount bushings and a JDM pink oil filter. I have really fallen in love with the S204 line of parts, especially the interior and exterior parts.

I decided not to get the used set of Recaro seats available to me. I have bought all new parts so far and decided that if I can't get a good deal on new parts then probably I just don't need them that badly.

Finally, I am going to have my custom stereo installer design me a rear deck lid in carbon fiber to cover the opening for the NOS bottles whenever they are not in service which so far has been never.

8/22/08 UPDATE:

Well, the final piece of exterior carbon fiber was installed today, the Seibon carbon fiber rear diffuser. It had to be custom fitted around the HKS Carbon-TI Exhaust but it looks like it was made that way at the factory. I am told that the diffuser not only adds great looks to the rear of the car but has function at speeds exceeding the legal limit. A great side note to the diffuser is that it is connected to the Cusco rear diffuser subframe brace, adding extra stiffness to the suspension. I always say that a Subaru can't have too much Cusco.

Two more exterior parts still to go, the JDM foglight kit and the JDM Spec C roof vent. I hope to have them both installed within 2 weeks. Oh, I almost forgot, I still have a pair of Lightwerkz projector retrofits to go on too as soon as my name comes up on Caeser's waiting list. More black with red trim, just the way I like it. And you talk about serious function.

9/1/08 UPDATE:

As I wait on my turn to send in my headlights to Lightwerkz, the JDM foglights and the Spec C roof vent, I have more time to consider my power upgrade options. I contacted AMS who should have had their turbo kits out by now, they told me that maybe in a month or so. I have seen this happen before with another aftermarket turbo manufacturer. Things happen, R&D gets bogged down, their focus shifts from previous plans, etc. In this case I think that they are focusing more on the EVO X at the expense of developing the Subaru platform.

While I am not ruling out AMS I am seriously thinking about going to the newly released Turbonetics GT-K rotated series of turbos released by Treadstone. They make a complete package including a FMIC, cold air intakes, up pipes, down pipes, and a great selection of turbo sizes to suit any need. Plus they look great under the hood, something that is always a must for me. I am now in contact with Treadstone on a potential package. I have also left word with Tim Bailey of Surgeline Tuning who will install and tune whatever I get for his impresssion of my proposal. I am interested in the GT-K 500 which is their eqiuvilant to somewhere between a Garrett GT3076R and a GT3582R. I have included a few promotional pics of the Turbonetics/Treadstone parts.

10/6/08 UPDATE:

Well today, I decided to begin the last phase of the project. After carefully considering a number of possible turbo options including Full Race, AMS, Automaster, P&L, Blouch, Perrin, Element Tuning and AVO, I went ahead and ordered the complete Treadstone GT-K500 turbo package centered around the Turbonetics GT-K500 turbo. There were many reasons that I decided to select this kit. First of all, it was the only kit currently available that offered everything I wanted RIGHT NOW at a price that was too hard to turn down. I wanted a turbo that had the potential to achieve at least 500whp on race gas and still be street worthy on 92 octane Oregon pump gas. I also wanted the option of adding methanol injection to raise the bar to 600whp with proper internal upgrades. Secondly, I wanted to get this turbo at a price that was a bargain. I also succeeded in doing that by getting a partial sponsorship with Treadstone in turn for posting my comments and dyno results here on IWSTI and NASIOC. I might also add a third reason to go with this Treadstone kit; I like to be different and no one that I am aware of has this particular turbo kit on their STi. And I'll even throw in a fourth reason. I was able to have the Treadstone FMIC be compatable with my new JDM foglights and on top of that, I am getting custom painted intercooler and cold air intake piping to match the GT-K gloss black turbine housing. My engine bay will rival my trunk for function and bling, something that has always been important to me.

I still need the final tune to make everything blend together. Since I already have an ECUTek reflash, I am going to stay with it for the initial tune. If I need something else, I will go with a Cobb as my tuner, Tim Bailey of the newly opened Surgeline Tuning will perform the honors of making this a magazine quality build along with their outstanding fab and install team. I attended the grand opening of Surgeline Tuning on Saturday and staked my claim for a future install/tune sometime later this fall.

Also I finally got my JDM foglight kit, JDM front bumper beam and Spec C roof vent kit and will schedule the foglight kit to be installed tomorrow. I will also have the installer remove my headlights to be sent off to Caesar at LightWerkz. I am now on the home stretch of my modding. It has taken me almost 4 years to get this far.


Still in the basic stock form with the exception of the Cusco Zero 2R coilovers.






The latest pics

MOD LIST

PERFORMANCE

1) Perrin 3" downpipe (To be replaced)
2) Perrin cold air intake (To be replaced)
3) ECUtek reflash
4) Perrin ECBS (To be replaced)
5) ZEX NOS direct port kit w/10# bottle (Not yet connected)
6) ZEX NOS maximizer kit w/10# bottle (Not yet connected)
7) Red Line synthetic fluids throughout
8) HKS Carbon-TI exhaust
9) Go Fast Bits 3 piece lightened pulley kit with belts
10) Samco radiator hose set
11) Samco ancillary hose set
12) Mishimoto polished aluminum radiator
13) GrimmSpeed PnP intake manifold with black thermal coating
14) GrimmSpeed TGV deletes with black thermal coating
15) GrimmSpeed 8mm phenolic thermal spacers
16) Treadstone/Turbonetics GT-K500 rotated turbo kit
17) Treadstone 304 stainless steel downpipe
18) Treadstone stainless steel up pipe
19) Treadstone cold air intake with K&N cone air filter
20) Treadstone stealth black intercooler kit with matching GT-K black turbo housing aluminum piping and red silicone couplers
21) Treadstone oil catch can kit
22) Red top Tial 44mm wastegate
23) Treadstone stainless steel heat shield
24) Full Blown Walbro dual fuel pump kit w/(2) Walbro 255 lph fuel pumps)
25) Red top Tial "Q" BOV
26) NGK one step colder plugs
27) DeatschWerks 850 side feed injectors
28) Cusco exhaust manifold header
29) TurboSmart 66mm "Sleeper" E-boost 2 EBC with dash mounting kit
30) Aquamist HFS-5 Methanol/Water Injection Kit
31) P&L Motorsports AVCS line kit - braided stainless steel
32) P&L Motorsports power steering line - braided stainless steel
33) Turbosmart red anodized billet aluminum oil cap


The ZEX direct port NOS installed and waiting for the supporting cast...








Cusco Exhaust Manifold Header


Full Blown Walbro Dual Fuel Pump Kit


Aquamist HFS-5 Methanol/Water Injection Kit

SUSPENSION/DRIVETRAIN/BRAKES

1) Whiteline sport anti-lift kit
2) Whiteline steering bushings kit
3) Whiteline 27mm adjustable competition front swaybar
4) Whiteline 24mm adjustable competition rear swaybar
5) Kartboy front and rear heavy duty end links
6) Cusco Zero 2-R coilover system
7) Cusco rear strut tower bar
8) Cusco rear strut tower triangle brace
9) GT Spec front lower tie brace
10) GT Spec rear T brace set
11) GT Spec 3 piece subframe set
12) GT Spec 4 point ladder brace
13) GT Spec differential mount bar
14) JIC Magic carbon fiber front strut tower bar
15) Kartboy tranny crossmember bushings kit
16) Kartboy short shifter with front and rear bushings
17) TIC shift linkage bushings
18) TIC 6MT pivot bushings
19) TIC rear differential mount bushings
20) Goodridge braided stainless steel clutch cable
21) Whiteline roll center adjustment kit
22) Cusco lateral links
23) Cusco trailing arms
24) Cusco engine mounts
25) Cusco transmission mount
26) Whiteline pitch stop
27) Whiteline rear differential mount bushings kit
28) Kartboy "Hot Pink" exhaust hangers
29) Kartboy rear subframe outrigger bushings
30) Powerslot slotted rotors
31) Hawk HPS ceramic brake pads
32) Goodridge stainless steel brake lines
33) Motul DOT 5.1 brake fluid
34) Cusco rear subframe Brace
35) JDM lightweight front bumper beam
36) JDM lightweight front absorber


Cusco Zero 2R coilovers


Whiteline 27mm adjustable front sway bar


Whitline 24mm adjustable rear swaybar


Cusco lateral links


Cusco trailing arms

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

1) Defi amber BF series 60mm boost gauge
2) Defi amber BF series 60mm oil temperature gauge
3) Defi amber BF series 60mm EGT gauge
4) Defi Link Control Unit II
6) Carbon fiber meter hood
7) Custom show quality billet aluminum nitrous brackets
8) JDM S204 12 piece black trim dash kit
9) JDM red hazard button
10) Autospeed dead pedal
11) JDM/S204 STi shifter trim w/leather boot
12) 20% window tint
13) Volk TE37 Seibon Edition 18x8.5 wheels w/ Volk Time Attack carbon fiber center rings
14) Carbign Craft carbon fiber alternator cover
15) Carbign Craft carbon fiber radiator shroud
16) Project Kics R40 Neo Chrome lug nuts
17) 235/40/ZR18 Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec's
18) Seibon Twin Vent carbon fiber hood
19) Craft Square TC-F carbon fiber mirrors
20) NRG adjustable carbon fiber rear spoiler flap
21) NRG carbon fiber rear roof vane
22) Hella Supertones
23) Carbign Craft carbon fiber rear license plate backing bracket
24) Chargespeed "Bottom Lines" carbon fiber kit
25) JDM STi S203/204 style leather shift Knob w/ cherry red pattern 6MT
26) Debadged trunk
27) Custom painted Brembos brake calipers (red with carbon fiber Brembo decals)
28) Genuine black STi floor mats
29) JDM pink STi "I" front grille badge
30) JDM rain guards
31) JDM STi Spec C roof vent
32) JDM foglights w/yellow ion lights
33) JDM S203/204 clear side marker lamps
34) Seibon carbon fiber rear diffuser
35) Lightwerkz S2K projectors, amber removal, angel eyes, E46 replica shrouds, custom painted inner housings in black with red trim, 7440 chrome amber bulbs, and194 Superwhite LED Bulbs (now at Caesar's)
36) Rally Armor Urethane Rally Mud Flaps (black with red lettering)

Proposed: An all black interior with Recaro Speed black seats with red trim


My Defi triple gauge carbon fiber pod setup


JDM/S204 black dash trim w/JDM STi shifter trim w/leather boot


Volk TE37 Seibon Edition rims in 18x8.5 w/ +50 offset, Volk Time Attack carbon fiber center rings on 235/40/ZR18 Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec's w/custom painted Brembo's and carbon fiber Brembo decals, Project Kics R40 Neo Chrome lug nuts, Powerslot slotted rotors, part of the Chargespeed Bottom Lines carbon fiber front lip and JDM S204 clear side marker lamps

I.C.E.

1) Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 All-in-One Navigation/DVD Entertainment
system including:
In-dash DVD/CD player with 6.95" color touchscreen display
50 watts x 4 plus Three pairs of Pre Amp Outputs
New GUI with Changeable Skin and Customizable Start-up
Built-in Garmin Navigation
Built-in Bluetooth receiver
Built-in 5.1 decoding
Dual-zone controls
24-bit D/A converter
13-band EQ with six preset tone curves
Sound Management System (S.M.S.) with controls for vehicle size, speaker sizes, digital time alignment, and high- and low-pass filters
2) Kenwood KCA-iP500 iPod control interface
3) Two (2) MB Quart RAA 1000 mono amplifiers
4) Two (2) MB Quart RAA 2400 400 x 2 stereo amplifiers
5) MB Quart QSD 216 6.5 front component speakers
6) MB Quart QSD 213 5.25 rear component speakers
7) Two (2) Alpine SWX-1224D 12” subwoofers
8) Custom fabricated billet aluminum nitrous bottle brackets
9) Nine (9) sheets of Dynamat installed underneath the entire floor, doors and trunk
10) Two (2) Kinetik HC 1400 power cell batteries relocated into the custom trunk enclosure



The sound system was installed in a custom trunk enclosure that included both ZEX nitrous bottles being molded into the rear deck. Both of the Alpine subs were installed in a vented ported fiberglass enclosure that also houses the two Kinetik HC 1400 power cell batteries and the capacitor. Both sets of tweeters in the component speakers were custom located and installed for optimum performance. The inside of the trunk lid houses the four crossovers molded into a custom acrylic “Sti” logo all finished in LED lighting. All four MB Quart amplifiers were custom painted with a gloss black piano lacquer finish and topped off with a clear coat. The setup was voted Car Toys install of the year for 2005.

[LightWerkz]

wow do you have pics of your car? Sounds crazy!

[Chris05STi]

Yah seriously, talk about endless mula!! Post some pics!!

[Nutmegman]

I do have some pics but they were taken when the car was mostly still stock. Car Toys has a disk of some 80 pics of the stereo install that they are going to send me. As soon as they do, I'll post some of them. Jason, the installer, has sent the file to corporate but they haven't posted it yet on their website.

[forgedSTi]

If I read your post correctly, you only got 295whp with a sz65 and NOS? What in the world?

[Nutmegman]

No, the 295WHP is from the stage 2 PDX Tuning upgrade with the ECUtek reflash only. The SZ65 is still sitting on my bedroom floor along with all of the other parts marked with a *. PDX said at the time that those dyno results were up there with the best that they had tested with any of their stage 2 kits. I'm expecting well in excess of 400WHP on 92 pump and over 500WHP on C16 if I choose to install the SZ65, in excess of 600WHP if I go all the way with the UR GT40R and the built block and heads.

[sebtarta]

I guess this is some project here....

When are th epics going to be up....

[Nutmegman]

I've been in contact with Tim, Jarrad and Jeff at PDX on an on going basis regarding this project since about this time last year. It began with the stage 2 upgrade and has steadily progressed since then. As of right now, it looks like the changes will happen sometime by mid to late spring, earlier if I go the SZ65 route. The performance part of the project got side tracked at Car Toys as the car was over there for some 4 months. I have no regrets though as the sounds and the bling factor are unreal.

[luSTI]

Look into the FP Red. It has a 65lb/min wheel in it. It also seems to have very little lag for a turbo its size from all the graphs I have seen. I will let you know when I get mine tuned tomorrow.

[jdmbooda]

pics now!

[munky69]

i'd stick with the sz65, i've never seen anyone with it ,and yeah you def need to post some pics! sounds insane!

[Nutmegman]

I promise just as soon as Car Toys sends me that disk, you guys will see those pics. I do have a pic at home of all of the mods with an asterisk beside them all piled up that I can upload tomorrow.

I am looking forward to seeing the results of your tune on the FP Red, luSTI as the results should be very close to what I would expect from the SZ65 given similar supporting mods. I am especially interested in the spool up numbers. What kind of peak hp, torque and full boost rpm's are you hoping to see?

If I stay with just the Deadbolt, the NOS and a great PDX tune, I'm sure that I'll be satisfied. It's just that the UR GT40R is out there...

[evilSTi7]

i say go with the option that involves the built motor.

and can you give me some of the seeds from whatever money tree you have?

[nice-rice]

Sounds like its going to be an amazing car whichever choice you go with. Good luck with everything.

[Nachos Libres]

Nice mod list.