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

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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
 
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#27 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - wheel spacers ordered

so i just ordered some custom wheel spacer (adapters) from wheeladapter.com. I tried the Ichiba V2 spacers but I was not satisfied with them. Fred at wheeladapter.com custom machines every set, and they are not much more than a set of Perrin or Ichiba spacers (new). I'm really excited for these to come in, and will post some before and after pictures.

FYI, they are 25mm adapters (smallest that will fit on GD without grinding lugs). Perfect offset for flush wheels anyway. Now to see about some mudflaps to keep rocks from raking all the paint of the side of my car...
 
#28 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/4/13 Brake Duct/Ram Intake

Are you running the adapters with your stock wheels or did you pick up another set?

I have 5x100 to 5x114.3 adapters to run my STi BBS wheels on my WRX. I definitely needed my fenders rolled on stock suspension (installed on my 2.5i before I traded it away for the WRX). I haven't had a chance to run the BBS on my WRX, it'll be interesting to see how well the wheels fit on coilovers.
 
#29 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - wheel spacers ordered

yeah, i'm using the stock wheels. I have not needed to roll/cut my fenders at all, but I'm pretty close. Ive just barely got enough room for the wheels to tuck into the fender a little under suspension compression. If I was any lower, I'm sure I would need to roll/cut the fenders, but I'm only running JDM pinks (and lowering camper plates in the front), so I'm low, but not slammed... I'll take some close-ups to show you when this set comes in.
 
#30 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/4/13 Brake Duct/Ram Intake

I'm waiting on another set of lug nuts to get here since the previous owner replaced the stock lugs with aftermarket lugs that stick out too much to run with the adapters. I'm really curious to see how well they will fit or if I will have to get narrower adapters.

Looking forward to your pics. I've seen a few other WRX's and STi's with 25mm spacers and it looks really good, definitely should have been that way from the factory.
 
#32 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/4/13 Brake Duct/Ram Intake

Yeah I bought the adapters used on NASIOC and they did not come with any lugs, oops. I used the stock lugs on my 2.5i to hold the adapters to the rotor then ordered aftermarket lugs to hold the wheels to the adapters.
 
#34 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/14/13 Wheel Spacers Installed!

Got my new spacers in! Originally I ordered a set of used Ichiba V2 spacer adapters, but I was not satisfied with their fit. The main issue was that the outer diameter of the spacer was about 0.25" smaller than that of the wheel mating surface, so the wheel hung over the edge of the spacer. This may have been "OK", and many people run those spacers, but it just wasn't good enough for me.

So I found wheeladapters.com and called them up and ordered a set from them. It was just a little more expensive than ordering a brand new set of Ichiba spacers, but they are worth it! These are custom machined to each customers specifications. I got a set of 1" thick spacer adapters with (what I call) the correct outer diameter. These are one solid piece of aluminum (Ichiba's were two pieces) and are hub and wheel centric.

These spacers do an amazing job of bringing my stock BBS wheels flush with the fenders, it looks great! As a side note, I am running JDM Pink springs and RCE lowernig camber plates in the front. I did not need to modify the fenders at all, but if I was much lower, I would need to.




 
#35 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/14/13 Wheel Spacers Installed!

Spacers look great man. I just got mine on with the Gorilla lugs I ordered from Amazon, I love how flush the wheels are but I need to raise the rear coilovers up a little, wheel is rubbing on the fender; a good roll and pull wouldn't hurt either.
 
#37 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/14/13 Wheel Spacers Installed! (pics)

I'm thinking I need to get a set of camber bolts for the rear. What ones did you order? I've seen plenty out there and I'm not sure which ones are legit.

I've never seen camber plate bearings like that, how do those mount to the struts? I'm definitely curious to see that install.
 
#38 · (Edited)
BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/14/13 Wheel Spacers Installed! (pics)

I went with the whiteline camber bolts from rallysportdirect, they also had eibachs, but I just felt more comfortable with whiteline...

The bearings go in the center of the camber plate. Here is a pic of the old ones still installed:
 
#43 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/14/13 Wheel Spacers Installed! (pics)

Well I found a set of JDM V7 STi seats for a decent price and decided to grab them. As far as I know so far, it sounds like if I don't mind not retaining the drivers seat height adjustment, these seats should be a direct bolt in (aside from adding the passenger airbag sensor bladder thing under the passenger seat).

Super excited to get these in and try them out. Now I need to sell my USDM seats to recoup some cost...
 
#44 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/14/13 Wheel Spacers Installed! (pics)

so just to preface this, my struts have been revalved by FEAL, which involves drilling a hole in the top of the strut mounting bolt. This does weaken the bolt, but normally shouldn't be an issue.

So this afternoon I installed my camber plate bearings, and the very last bolt to be tightened was the strut top bolt for the drivers side strut. As i started to torque the nut down, the bolt sheared right off, flush with the top of the camber plate. Now i'm up a friggin creek without a paddle. I need to find a new strut to use. This is my DD, and it is now not drive-able. Supposedly Advance Auto will have a strut for me in the morning, but I'm not sure if it is going to be the right thing. Supposedly nobody really does aftermarket OEM replacements that you can get from an auto parts store? Whatever it is, i really hope it works. Once I get the strut off the car, I'm going to send it back to FEAL. Odi is going to work with me on getting it repaired so I can get it back in the car. Basically a new insert will have to be used.

Heres hoping I can use whatever Advanced Auto has tomorrow... :(

EDIT: picture
 
#45 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/14/13 Wheel Spacers Installed! (pics)

well found a strut at an salvage yard; its being shipped today, and hopefully will be here thursday...

on a brighter note, my JDM V7 seats came in :) can't wait to get those installed!!! pics will be coming
 
#46 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/26/13 JDM V7 seats arrived! Now to install :)

so i just installed the V7 drivers seat. HOLY CRAP. I heard these seats were good, but I never knew they were THIS good! I honestly feel like the bolstering is as good as my old Sparco Speed bucket. The bolstering is amazing! Now to swap the passenger seat...

pic of the drivers seat installed:
 
#47 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/26/13 JDM V7 drivers seat installed! (Pics)

Well after nearly a week without my car, I got the "new" strut in today. Just finished installing it and went for a quick test drive to make sure everything was operating properly. And as a bonus, I finally got to take a drive in the V7 seats. Man those things are awesome! I am sitting slightly higher than I'd like to, but hopefully I can find a drivers seat bracket from a USDM WRX (bug-eye) to fix that...
 
#48 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - 8/26/13 JDM V7 drivers seat installed! (Pics)

getting the alignment today. I was going to add camber bolts to the rear to dial in the camber better, but after talking with my local Subaru shop, I won't be using them... They have had way to many issues with aftermarket camber bolts loosening/walking and even breaking... I guess I'm going to have to save up for some adjustable lateral links instead. Of course, by time I get those, I'll probably try to do a roll center/bump steer kit as well...
 
#49 · (Edited)
BlueScooby's 06 STI - New Parent!

Well it has been one crazy week. Last Tuesday at 2:25am, my wife gave birth to our our first child! And its a boy! Weighing in at 8lbs 9oz and 20.5in long! He is the cutest little thing! But man, they say you dont sleep the first week/month, and they are right... I have never experienced this sort of tired before. haha Our saving grace has been my mother-in-law who is staying with us helping with the baby. I dont know how people do this with out help, its crazy!

Here we are in the hospital:
 
#50 ·
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI

Well, its been a few weeks since Ive posted in here... Life has been crazy lately with a baby in the house.

Got a few goodies recently. I should be recieveing the final few bits I need to convert my JDM V7 "passenger seat" to a USDM V7 drivers seat base to retain proper seating position and height adjustment. Pretty excited about that :)

I also just picked up a Beatrush Undertray and 2 Perrin wing stiffies. I have been meaning to get the undertray for a while since my car did not come with the OEM plastic undertray. The Perrin stiffies are mostly a "look cool" and no more bouncing wing - thing... Either way, I'm looking forward to getting all that in sometime this week and next. Should be fun :)
 
#51 · (Edited)
Re: BlueScooby's 06 STI - Night Photoshoot - 11/11/13

Just did a night shoot with a buddy of mine. It was pretty dark so we were basically just playing with lighting the whole time... here are a few of the favorites :)



and this one is a really cool (looong exposure) with just moon light and my brake lights:
 
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