IW STi Forum banner

BlueScooby's 06 STI - Another day, another mod ;)

GD: 
268K views 1K replies 60 participants last post by  BlueScooby 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi, my name is Aaron and this is my 2006 STI. My goal is to have the ultimate daily driver, capable of some light track duty without sacrificing too much comfort.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Regularity rally Rallycross


Table of Contents:

*LEGEND*
Event Results
Aero Improvments
Cooling Improvments
Power Upgrades


Post #0002 - Introduction
Post #0003 - Mods List
Post #0011 - PIC(s) Removed Pin-stripping
Post #0012 - PIC(s) Plastic Sheet added to Front Bumper
Post #0013 - PIC(s) Photoshoot 7/7/13
Post #0014 - PIC(s) USB/Aux Extension Cord Installation
Post #0025 - VID(s) 7/20/13 Auto-X in Fayetteville
Post #0026 - PIC(s) Ram Intake/Brake Duct Installation
Post #0034 - PIC(s) Wheel Spacers Installed
Post #0046 - PIC(s) Installed JDM V7 STi Seats
Post #0049 - PIC(s) Pictures of my newborn son!
Post #0051 - PIC(s) Night Photoshoot 11/11/13
Post #0054 - PIC(s) Access doors cut into undertray
Post #0060 - PIC(s) Intake air box construction progress
Post #0061 - PIC(s) Completed intake air box
Post #0067 - PIC(s) Mishimoto Radiator Installed
Post #0085 - TIC Holy Shift Set (shifter bushings) installed
Post #0086 - Finally Tuned! (Dyno graph from Virtual-Dyno included)
Post #0090 - PIC(s) Got backed into :(
Post #0092 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom for Bumper fab'd and Installed
Post #0099 - PIC(s) Painted Headlight Housings
Post #0100 - Sparco Evo 2 seat installed (barely)
Post #0101 - PIC(s) Sparco Evo 2
Post #0104 - VID(s) 5/10/14 Auto-X at NCCAR
Post #0112 - PIC(s) 5/10/14 Auto-X at NCCAR
Post #0113 - PIC(s) Hellas and Rally Armor Mud-flaps
Post #0114 - PIC(s) Power Steering Cooler
Post #0115 - PIC(s) New Wheels! SSR GTV02
Post #0125 - PIC(s) Wheels back from Powder Coating
Post #0129 - PIC(s) Wheels and Tires installed
Post #0133 - PIC(s) Recaro Pole Position Installed
Post #0145 - PIC(s) Recaro Baby Seat and Umbrella Holder installed
Post #0147 - PIC(s) Lunchtime Photoshoot
Post #0151 - PIC(s) Gauges Installed
Post #0158 - DD Tire Analysis
Post #0179 - PIC(s) 11/7/14 VIR Holiday Laps
Post #0184 - VID(s) 11/7/14 VIR Holiday Laps
Post #0185 - PIC(s) Continental DWS Tire Review (winter setup)
Post #0193 - Swapping a to a Legacy key with integrated keyless entry
Post #0210 - PIC(s) Flip Key Conversion Complete
Post #0216 - PIC(s) Maddad Whisper CBE installed
Post #0223 - PIC(s) Trunk Utility Panel built and installed
Post #0224 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Resumed!
Post #0225 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 2) - Panel #5 and Project Outline
Post #0226 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 2) - Panels #3 & 5
Post #0227 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 2) - Panels #3 & 4
Post #0231 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 2) - Mounting locations
Post #0236 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 2) - Phase Complete (ABS Panels)
Post #0239 - PIC(s) First Track Day at CMP
Post #0240 - VID(s) First Track Day at CMP
Post #0296 - PIC(s) Brake Cooling Step 1: cutting holes in the dust shields
Post #0298 - PIC(s) Brake Cooling Step 2: foglight ducts
Post #0307 - PIC(s) Brake Cooling Step 3: Brake Ducts installed
Post #0308 - PIC(s) Fog Lights Secured after being hit
Post #0313 - PIC(s) Bumper Secured
Post #0320 - PIC(s) Heat Taped the Intercooler
Post #0324 - PIC(s) Random pic a friend took :)
Post #0328 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 2) - Panels #2, 3, 4 & 5 cut and welded together
Post #0338 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 2) - Panels #2 & 3 Completed, Aluminum Panel VS Plastic Panel
Post #0339 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 2) - Phase Complete (Aluminum Panels)
Post #0343 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 3) - Panels #6 &7 Beginning/rough first cut
Post #0344 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 3) - Panel #6 Complete
Post #0370 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 3) - Panel #7 Complete
Post #0374 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 3) - Phase Complete
Post #0375 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 3) - Mounting locations
Post #0377 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 4) - Rear Diffuser mocked up and cut out
Post #0387 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 4) - Rear Diffuser fitted and trimmed (no strakes yet)
Post #0392 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 4) - Rear Diffuser sides removed and one end fence fitted
Post #0399 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 4) - Minor Aero Improvements and Water Pattern on underbody results
Post #0409 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 1) - Flexible air dam added under front bumper
Post #0410 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 4) - End-Fences complete, next up strakes!
Post #0418 - VID(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 4) - Video of Water Spray out of Diffuser
Post #0430 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 4) - Painted End-Fences Flat Black
Post #0431 - PIC(s) Installed Hood Scoop Mesh Screen
Post #0434 - PIC(s) Flat Bottom Panel Project Update (Phase 4) - Rear Diffuser Complete(ish)
Post #0444 - PIC(s) Bought some vents for my hood
Post #0447 - PIC(s) New Alignment spec
Post #0454 - PIC(s) Trimmed out the hood vents
Post #0455 - PIC(s) Cut in and Installed Hood Vents
Post #0456 - PIC(s) Hood and Hood Vents Painted
Post #0463 - PIC(s) Trimmed/Reshaped Intake Box for better clearnace
Post #0489 - PIC(s) Group N Transmission Mount install
Post #0500 - PIC(s) Leaking Brake Line!!!
Post #0501 - PIC(s) Carbon Fiber Vinyl wrapped center console
Post #0504 - PIC(s) Downpipe installed, TGV deletes and turbo inlet next
Post #0513 - PIC(s) IAG AOS Installed
Post #0514 - PIC(s) Up-Pipe and Dump Tube Ceramic Coated
Post #0522 - PIC(s) Intake Temp Sensor Installed in Intercooler
Post #0524 - PIC(s) Installed IAG AOS Breather Vent through Underpanels
Post #0535 - PIC(s) Strapping down on the Dyno
Post #0537 - PIC(s) Dyno Results
Post #0540 - VID(s) Dyno Video
Post #0541 - PIC(s) Cobb AP V3 Hard mounted to dash
Post #0543 - PIC(s) EWG Muffler custom muffler installed
Post #0548 - PIC(s) Picture of my newborn daughter!
Post #0557 - PIC(s) Painted the lettering on the tires
Post #0558 - Installed Oswald Performance Rear Triangle Brace
Post #0559 - PIC(s) EWG Dumptube rerouted into Downpipe
Post #0566 - PIC(s) New turbo-blanlet installed
Post #0568 - PIC(s) IMSA Weathertech GT Race at VIR
Post #0581 - IAT data pre/post turbo blanket install
Post #0592 - PIC(s) New Fender Vents just arrived
Post #0601 - PIC(s) Cars and Coffee 11/05/16
Post #0616 - PIC(s) Windsheild Banner and Light-Weight Battery Installed
Post #0620 - PIC(s) Vents Cut into Fender Liner
Post #0622 - PIC(s) Fender Vent cut and test fitted
Post #0636 - PIC(s) Fender Vents painted and passenger side vent installed
Post #0641 - PIC(s) Winter cover for lower radiator opening built
Post #0645 - PIC(s) Fender Vents installed and complete
Post #0656 - PIC(s) Started custom switch panel project
Post #0671 - PIC(s) Custom switch panel test fit in car
Post #0685 - PIC(s) Custom switch panel mounted and wiring ran down A-pillar
Post #0722 - PIC(s) Oil Cooler Core installed along with front tow-strap
Post #0723 - PIC(s) Oil Cooler Core installed with front bumper back on
Post #0724 - PIC(s) Hawkeye bumper fitment discovery! Fix that sagging bumper!
Post #0730 - PIC(s) Mocal Sandwich adapter with �AN fittings assembled
Post #0731 - PIC(s) Pressure testing oil cooler lines
Post #0742 - PIC(s) Phone Holder project started and Oil Cooler fully installed
Post #0753 - PIC(s) New Auto-X magnets and new WedsSport TC105N wheels
Post #0771 - PIC(s) Gurney Flap added to rear wing
Post #0780 - PIC(s) RE71-Rs are finally mounted on GOLD WedsSport TC105Ns!
Post #0791 - PIC(s) Radio wiring cleaned up and Fuseblockk added
Post #0797 - PIC(s) Rear Fenders rolled to fit WedsSports/Bridgestones
Post #0800 - PIC(s) Built a replacement USB plate for center console
Post #0820 - PIC(s) USB Plate completed
Post #0826 - PIC(s) Installed the new wheels/tires for the first time!
Post #0838 - PIC&VID(s) HyperFest Results (First Session)
Post #0839 - PIC&VID(s) HyperFest Results (Second Session)
Post #0857 - VID(s) 06/03/17 Auto-X at Cary Town Centre
Post #0868 - PIC(s) 06/03/17 Auto-X at Cary Town Centre
Post #0871 - PIC(s) 06/03/17 Auto-X at Cary Town Centre
Post #0872 - PIC(s) Rear Diffuser functionality (V1 Design Analysis)
Post #0885 - PIC(s) Lifted catback for V2 underbody clearance
Post #0887 - PIC(s) Muffler-Bumper Heat sheild
Post #0905 - PIC(s) Modified OEM Plastic undertrays with skirting and added aluminum angle for V2 panel mounting
Post #0912 - PIC(s) V2 Underbody/Diffuser Phase design plan
Post #0913 - PIC(s) Muffler-Bumper Heat shield replaced/upgraded
Post #0919 - PIC(s) V2 Underbody Panel Dimensions
Post #0930 - PIC(s) Singular Motorsports Hood Vents Cut-in
Post #0931 - Diffuser design research findings
Post #0933 - PIC(s) Singular Motorsports Hood Vents and Hood Painted and Installed
Post #0945 - PIC(s) V2 Underbody Phase 1 trimmed out and installed
Post #0948 - PIC(s) V2 Underbody Phase 1 reinforced, and Phase 2 installed
Post #0951 - PIC(s) V2 Underbody Phase 2 Jack-Point block for rear diff
Post #0960 - PIC(s) V2 Diffuser initial mock-up and voltmeter install in center cosole
Post #0961 - Diffuser Design technical reading links
Post #0962 - PIC(s) Rear Diffuser test fit and end fence trimming
Post #0967 - PIC(s) Diffuser end fence trimming and fitment
Post #0968 - PIC(s) NACA Duct in undertays vs air velocity graph and discussion
Post #0969 - PIC(s) Diffuser trimmed and mounted (no strakes yet)
Post #0978 - PIC(s) Strakes trimmed out and ready to be mounted
Post #0985 - PIC(s) V2 Diffuser complete and mounted!
Post #0986 - PIC(s) Fire Extinguisher relocated to side of drivers seat
Post #0996 - VID(s) Video attempt at recording waterspray behind car
Post #0997 - PIC(s) Bumper quick connects installed, Ti Brake Shims, "Tallboy" shifter and custom extension
Post #1003 - PIC(s) Considering different rear wing options
Post #1028 - PIC(s) V2 Diffuser shortened to reduce rear overhang
Post #1044 - PIC(s) New WedsSports back from PowderCoaters
Post #1048 - PIC(s) Test fitting new wheels
Post #1051 - PIC(s) New Wheels and tires mounted!
Post #1066 - PIC(s) Infrared Camera Pics of vents/louvers and exhaust/turbo
Post #1074 - PIC(s) Detailed the car, so shiny!
Post #1084 - PIC(s) New Garage progress, and Oswald Performance Front Bumper Beam install
Post #1091 - PIC(s) New Oil cooler installed, front ARP extended lugs installed, JDM Mirrors arrived
Post #1101 - PIC(s) Fortune Auto 510 RDC Controller mounted
Post #1106 - PIC(s) Bought a 20gal Air Compressor and stealth mounted under work bench
Post #1108 - PIC(s) Fortune Auto 510 Coilover install
Post #1109 - PIC(s) Car aligned and corner balanced
Post #1116 - PIC(s) New underbody/diffuser design (V3)
Post #1119 - Fortune Auto 510 Review
Post #1121 - PIC(s) Front RDC Installation
 
See less See more
1
#690 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Aaron, your car needs more speed holes...



Just zooming by the forum to link up my eBay ads since those on my blog have been a total and utter failure (0 sales in 12 months). Thought I would wave to the only guy who still religiously reads my shit, for some reason, unknown, probably something sado-masochistic related...
 
#692 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

I'm a bit late to the party but I'm running AD08R's and love them. I got them with my Weds, otherwise I would have been running RE-11's, but they're great. I only have one trackday on them and I wasn't pushing hard at all but they were confidence inspiring for sure. Great on the road as well!
 
#693 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

I'm a bit late to the party but I'm running AD08R's and love them. I got them with my Weds, otherwise I would have been running RE-11's, but they're great. I only have one trackday on them and I wasn't pushing hard at all but they were confidence inspiring for sure. Great on the road as well!
Thats almost exactly where I'm at... haha I wanted the RE-11s for the Weds I ordered but now am having to go for different tires. The AD08R's do sound good though :tup:

Anyone know when the RS4's or ZIII's are actually coming out?
 
#694 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

So I got the Mocal sandwich plate and hose/fittings today and started some assembly.

I started threading in the pipe thread-to-AN fittings but they aren't going in all the way, and I think the threads on the left adapter are messed up because it's already tight... Are these supposed to fully seat or just tighten?

 
#695 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Nevermind, apparently I have the wrong fitting. Even though I thought what I purchased was a BSP 1/2" to -10AN fitting, this is apparently NPT and therefore doesnt fit... After googling a bit I found the right fitting.

Heres hoping I didnt mess up the threads...
 
#698 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Nevermind, apparently I have the wrong fitting. Even though I thought what I purchased was a BSP 1/2" to -10AN fitting, this is apparently NPT and therefore doesnt fit... After googling a bit I found the right fitting.

Heres hoping I didnt mess up the threads...
Hold your horses... The mocal plate is British pipe thread... Did you buy the fittings from mocal? Pipe thread is always tight and if you're mixing brands the tolerances are going to be different.

I have mocal with mocal fittings and they threaded all the way down.



Also, not trying to be condescending but do you understand how pipe thread works?
 
#696 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Threads on the fittings are probably softer than those in the adapter even though it's aluminum. I think you'll be fine. Pipe thread fittings won't thread in the whole way, the one on the right looks like it's seated enough or is close.

FWIW my AD08R's are 245/40, I would have gone for 255/40 if I bought tires separately. AD08R's seem to "run wide" as they're rubbing pretty badly with -1.5* in the rear, and I shaved the lip in the wheel well flush prior to installing them.
 
#697 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Yeah, ive bee looking at the tire width dimensions on tire rack for each of these tires. This is why I went with the +35 offset to get at little more room. I'll have to roll the rear fenders a little though.
 
#699 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Yea I understand it I just ordered the wrong thing... I knew I needed 1/2" BSP to AN, which I thought I bought... When I realized it was wrong I couldn't even find the right fitting without using google to navigate the site...

Unfortunately I think I f**ked the threads up on the mocal plate :(

At least the correct fittings are on the way now. I need to see if the threads on the plate are repairable.
 
#701 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Well for whatever reason one fitting came out fine and the threads sheared off and got stuck in the mocal plate on the other... If i can get those goobered threads out, the plate might be salvageable. Those top couple threads aren't even used once the *correct* fittings are fully installed.


 
#702 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Ouch, at least it's not the thread in the plate. Spend some time with a clean/sharp right-angle pick and dig them out. I've had to do that before, usually they just kinda fall out once you relieve the tension.

My TC105N's are 17x9 +35 and the 245/40 AD08R's rub pretty badly, and I'm not even low (height set to 13.5" hub center to fender as recommended by RCE):



I shaved the lip inside the rear wheels complete flush with the panel and resealed it, a sort of "light" version of T3h Clap's write up. I need to jump to -2ish or maybe a little more from the -1.5 I'm currently at out back and see if that helps. Still worried about what will happen when I put 255/40's on. I don't like running an "undersized" tire. I wish Weds made a TC105N in +42 to bridge the gap between the +35 and +49...
 
#703 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

Yeah, I just need to get in there and get them loose. Hopefully it won't be to bad...

Wow, yeah thats some good rubbing... I'm planning to have the local guy who professionally rolls fenders to do mine (hes got a lot of experience with subaru fenders :tup:). He'll just pull them out enough to not rub (on the new wheels/tires), hopefully won't be any issues with that.
 
#704 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

No thread chaser? My kit has saved me more times than I can remember. Like Kyle said you can save them.

Fender roll will help eliminate that rub. I'm like one of the local rollers for Subaru's. Have done a fair amount over the years. I had a test road that if it clears the bump it will never rub. But the state/county fixed it this past summer. Kinda pissed about it, they never got my permission. LoL
 
#705 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Fender Vents Installed, now working on switch plate

No thread chaser? My kit has saved me more times than I can remember. Like Kyle said you can save them.

Fender roll will help eliminate that rub. I'm like one of the local rollers for Subaru's. Have done a fair amount over the years. I had a test road that if it clears the bump it will never rub. But the state/county fixed it this past summer. Kinda pissed about it, they never got my permission. LoL
Is it possible to roll the rears of the 05-07 and gain anything without opening a gap between the quarter panel and the OE "flare?"

I've read T3h Clap's write-up many a time but I can't bring myself to pull the pieces off, I fear they'll break in the process. 13+ year old plastic...
 
#709 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

Well I went ahead and ordered another Mocal plate. I'm still trying to salvage the first one, and perhaps sell it afterwards. But I don't want to have to wait on a new one if I can't salvage it, and if I can, I can probably get most of my money back anyway.
 
#710 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

Use the pick. A tap or chase could booger up the adapter threads because there are no threads to get you started chasing.

Did you use Teflon tape on those threads? That's a sure sign that whatever the sealing media was between the threads broke down, or not enough applied, resulting in metal on metal contact. Similar metals weld together :(
 
#711 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

Use the pick. A tap or chase could booger up the adapter threads because there are no threads to get you started chasing.

Did you use Teflon tape on those threads? That's a sure sign that whatever the sealing media was between the threads broke down, or not enough applied, resulting in metal on metal contact. Similar metals weld together :(
Thats what I'm afraid of :( So far I haven't been able to get much out even though I'm getting the pick in there and trying to pry the junk out... Either is REALLY crammed in there or it manged to somewhat weld to the plate :tdown:

Thats the main reason I went ahead and ordered a new one in the mean-time.

The "proper" fittings come with a sealing washer/gasket, do I also need to use teflon tape?
 
#712 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

Well AC went out again. This time the high pressure hose from the compressor to the condenser is leaking... This will now be the 4th time I will have fully recharged the system in almost 5 years :(

First was an O-ring, replaced that. Next was the condenser which got hit by a rock, replaced that and added the grillecraft grille to protect the new one. Next was another O-ring, replaced ALL the O-rings. Now the high pressure hose... jeez. Can I be done spending money to fix the same thing now?
 
#717 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

Well AC went out again. This time the high pressure hose from the compressor to the condenser is leaking... This will now be the 4th time I will have fully recharged the system in almost 5 years :(

First was an O-ring, replaced that. Next was the condenser which got hit by a rock, replaced that and added the grillecraft grille to protect the new one. Next was another O-ring, replaced ALL the O-rings. Now the high pressure hose... jeez. Can I be done spending money to fix the same thing now?
You have four healthy Power Windows, no need for an AC! Also sweating is healthy.
And if that's not enough, get the roof vent :D

I don't have any problems with my AC since I threw it out of the car :rofl:
 
#722 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

It has begun! Test fitting the new oil cooler core. It hangs a little lower than I wanted but it will still have a little clearance above the bottom panels so it should be okay. Gotta notch out some more room for the lines in the beatrush undertray too.

Can I just say bolting this onto the crash bar was way harder than I thought it would be. Almost all the bolts I attempted to use either stripped or the hole stripped and wouldn't hold them... Wound up getting progressively bigger bolts until I finally got it to hold. I still am not thrilled with it but the cooler is rigid. Threw on some loctite for good measure as well.

Also hung the tow strap I bought like a year ago. Had to source a M14x1.5 bolt 100mm long. Now I wont have to install a tow hook at the track, I can just pull this through the bumper :)

 
#794 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

It has begun! Test fitting the new oil cooler core. It hangs a little lower than I wanted but it will still have a little clearance above the bottom panels so it should be okay. Gotta notch out some more room for the lines in the beatrush undertray too.

Can I just say bolting this onto the crash bar was way harder than I thought it would be. Almost all the bolts I attempted to use either stripped or the hole stripped and wouldn't hold them... Wound up getting progressively bigger bolts until I finally got it to hold. I still am not thrilled with it but the cooler is rigid. Threw on some loctite for good measure as well.

Also hung the tow strap I bought like a year ago. Had to source a M14x1.5 bolt 100mm long. Now I wont have to install a tow hook at the track, I can just pull this through the bumper :)

So my S2000 may be getting this same oil cooler core. I really want to run a Therm-HX, but the thickness will likely block a bit of air from the opening in the bumper. I may have do some additional welding to direct more air through it too.

You don't have any data for oil temps yet, do you?


Also, I upgraded my thermostatic sandwich to the same one I used on the SHO as both the S2000 and [Yamaha] SHO's flow a lot of oil. I may do -12 AN lines as well.

 
#723 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

Heres a couple more with the bumper on. You can see I've got a good 2-3" of clearance from the "bottom" of the car, but that is IT... And I know this is weak, but I wish Fluidyne would've painted their logo the right way up... :rofl:

You can even see my rough marking for notching the undertray for the cooler lines.


 
#724 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

Random bumper fitmet discovery:

I'm not sure if this applies to only hawkeyes or if other model GD bumpers/rad supports have this. But for a while now I've felt like my bumper sags a bit and isn't quite being held properly despite it seemingly being supported every possible way that Subaru intended for it to be.

The corners of the headlight brackets have a small hole with nothing attached, and a matching hole on the back side of the bumper. It looks as if you push one of those pop-rivets through the bumper into the headlight bracket but only if you removed the 3-piece center grill first, which seems rather hard to do for just removing/installing the bumper cover. So i decided to try and thread a small bolt through the back side of the bracket, facing the bumper to see if they lined up and if it made any difference.

Forgot to take any pictures of this, because I'm an idiot, but I did find this picture on google that shows the hole on the brackets:


All of that to say, the bumper appears to fit much better now. It is a little more difficult to remove/install but now the gap to the headlights is much smaller, and the corners by the headlights that were popping out, are now sitting flush with the fender on their own without the springloaded bolt creation I came up with.
 
#725 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

Not sure on other GDs, but yeah, those are supposed to have pop pins in them to hold the bumper up better. Probably the main reason I despise pulling my bumper off. It was so much easier on my '11 I had before. That bumper came off in just a few minutes IIRC, this one not so much, and putting it back on is even slower. ☹
 
#745 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

I just don't understand how you're supposed to be able to remove them though? You can't get the center grille off from the front, but you can't get to those pins from the back either... :shrug:


Late reply, but the side grills come out to access those pins. Been a bit since I pulled the bumper, but I recall all 3 grill pieces basically just pop out of you pull after removing the top pop pins. Maybe mine are messed up though, since some assflap cracked the center one by backing their penile extension into it.

Good to see it coming along though. :tup:
 
#727 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

The bumper on my '05 sags a lot too, but that probably has a lot to do w/ my FMIC and no bumper support. Do you have an approx length of the bolt needed to reach the bumper? Seems like it'd hafta be pretty damn long, but if it helps with the sag... :tup:


Tow strap and oil cooler looking beautiful, good work! :cool:
 
#728 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Building Oil Cooler Setup

The bumper on my '05 sags a lot too, but that probably has a lot to do w/ my FMIC and no bumper support. Do you have an approx length of the bolt needed to reach the bumper? Seems like it'd hafta be pretty damn long, but if it helps with the sag... :tup:


Tow strap and oil cooler looking beautiful, good work! :cool:
The bolts I used for those little holes were only an inch long since he bumper basically butts up against them right there with no gap.

Thanks! I'm excited to be moving towards being more track ready this season :tup:
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top