StripesRX's 04 STi

[Big-E]

I told my friend about the extinguisher bar and he wants to get two of his friends in on this so we may try to see if a vendor will do a group-buy discount of sorts for the four of us.

Also, what kind of extinguisher did you purchase and did you also buy the clamp-bracket that holds it to the bar?

I see that you can get ones that dispense, for example, Halon. I also see that they have a very nifty quick release bracket for around $230. Nice? Yes! Expensive and not really needed? Yes! I want to keep this simple.

I just went on an LED kick to feed my modding habit for now. Since I installed the Spec-C roof vent kit, I no longer have my map light. So I came up with a "new" maplight of sorts that will also make use of a dimmer module.

So many mods... so little money... but I'm happy that I am and have been able to do what I do and have done!

[StripesRX]

Gees... I had forgotten just how bad my body roll is! :lol:

Alright, I had said after my previous bad experience at the CT autoX that I would avoid those events, but I think I was just miffed and decided to go because I need more seat time to get better. And I really glad I went back!

At this point the results haven't been posted, but my best raw time was 55.2 and the FTD was made by a quick little EVO at just over 47 seconds. Once they post em, I'll update this.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/100_0472.jpg

So, had an awesome day. I got there a little late(decided to sleep in a bit) and didn't get to walk the course as much as I wanted to. It resulted in a little.... detour my first run. I feel like I could have done better, but I still had fun hanging out with some old and new faces and squeaking a few turns out. The car ran GREAT but my suspension so completely marshmallow soft that I felt like I was asking the car for way more than it could give. The body would roll over, and then some tasty understeer would ensue.

So heres a quick, not to scale or very accurate map, but you get the idea. The blue line represents where the course loops around and you run it in reverse:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/CourseMap1017.jpg

And a video of the course from the nose of my car:
S49nfYbvGFc

There were a lot of awesome cars there, including this beautiful 65 Mustang(note roll cage and race seat, that car is DRIVEN):
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/100_0463-1.jpg

And this sweet little 91 Leggy, which has $300 chinese coilovers and some used STi parts, and is still faster than half the field(including me):
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/100_0465-1.jpg

And the Subarus were in full attendance!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/100_0466-1.jpg

...As were many other cars
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/100_0471.jpg

And the was a COMPLETE tool with an Audi S4 there on Sunday. Normally, I have respect for anyone who comes to an event to have some fun off the street........but this guy was a 'bag! He showed up for the rookie meeting and the first words out of his mouth were "So, whats the fastest time on the course?" All of us looked at each other and the guy leading the meeting answered "We don't know, we haven't run it yet." His response? "Oh, alright then. So who's the guy to beat?" At this point we were all snickering and throughout the rookie walk-though he kept on with the comments. Overcome by curiosity, I went up to him before our runs and found out that this was his first autoX and that he described himself as a good driver who likes to push it on the streets...... Oh yes, watching that guy go around the course at 5 mph, running the slaloms backwards and eventually getting lost(on his first run he did it all by himself, the second run he had an instructor and STILL ran it backwards) was probably one of the funniest things I've seen. But still, props to him for coming out and trying.

To sum up, had an awesome day, no more drama, had fun hanging out with all the drivers and had some good giggles.

Heres me playing around with video editing, Enjoy!
7vN32XN2rc8

[xxthat girlxx]

Glad you had a better day out!

[StripesRX]

Thanks Sarah! I think last time everyone was uptight and itchy, you could feel it in the air. This event was pure fun.

and heres some photos from the event taken by the FCSCC official photographer! :)

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AXPic1017_1.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AXPic1017_2.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AXPic1017_3.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AXPic1017_4.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AXPic1017_5.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AXPic1017_6.jpg

[07SubieQT]

Awesome pics!!! :D

[StripesRX]

Thank you! :)

Currently packing up the car and prepping for the last track day of the season at NJMP Thunderbolt. Expect many vids and pics! :D

[07SubieQT]

Oooh!! Cant wait!! And Good Luck!! :D

[StripesRX]

Alright! Time for some updates! I had an awesome weekend! So, lets start from the beginning:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/TrackPic4.jpg

I had originally signed up to run on Sunday only, since Saturday had already filled up for HPDE 1. But I did email a few of the event organizers beforehand asking if there was a way for me to squeak into Sat and got on the waiting list. Fast forward to Sat morning, where I was assuming I was just going to go to the track, hang out with the EFI crew and relax... only to be alerted at 7:30 with a text from my instructor saying that two people hadn't shown up that I had gotten in! YAY! Only that the all hands meeting was at 7:45 and I needed to fill up on gas. It became a drop everything and GO! time and managed to fill up, get to the track, throw everything out of the car and make it to tech and the novice meeting just in time. Luckily I was working with my good friend Ashley again, and she helped me sort things out and I got out for the first session A-Okay with her by my side.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/TrackPic1.jpg

The first two sessions we spent ironing out my lines, deciding on shift points and working out our brake points. I was really feeling comfortable behind the wheel and I think my time at the Glen really helped me be more confident.

The third session went equally as well, but halfway through the session a G35 managed to spin out on turn 5(tight left-hander) in front of a Corvette and myself... what you are supposed to do is KEEP GOING, yet the Corvette decided to stop, causing me to stop and stare into my rear-view and pray for a few seconds no one would rear-end me. We got going again and everyone involved was fine and we finished the session. The fourth and last session was a complete blast and I spent it fleeing from a Jeep SRT8 that managed to keep up with me(props to the driver) but didn't manage to earn his point by from me.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/TrackPic2.jpg

Ashley and I had discussed me moving up to HPDE 2 later in the day on Saturday, and when I arrived at the track on Sunday morning one of the senior instructors presented me with a white wristband and white tech sticker for my car, signing me off to drive alone. After one more session in the morning with Ashley(NASA requires all HPDE 2 drivers to drive their first session of each day with an instructor) I was free to rip it up solo. I was expecting to have to point a lot of people by, being in a higher run group with better drivers... but the only person I ended up pointing by was the gentleman in the Cayman S whom I passed at Watkins Glen.

And speaking of point bys.... the last session of the day I asked Ashley to ride along so she could fine tune my line and make sure I was leaving with a good memory of the track and we actually ended up behind another STi who I was behind for 5 solid laps, a few feet from their bumper and they refused to point me by! Little pride there eh? Anywho, here's some of the footage I came away with. Now that I'm starting to get the hang of the GoPros and such I came home with LOTS of good film, hope you enjoy!

I know back in April a few of you asked if the sound came out so they could hear the engine roar, I tried and failed to snag some good sound at the Glen, but succeeded at NJMP! Enjoy the RUMBLE!!!

5Yf64sfjXgA

The Audio for this clip didn't come out so well, with so much wind noise. But it does provide for a neat viewing angle of me catching and passing quite a few cars in HPDE 2

GzXWPAlMGmo

And finally... some hot laps anyone?

gTcbt-tlfTw

After running both Lighting and Thunderbolt... it's hard to choose between the two. Lightning definitely has a better rhythm to it, where Thunderbolts first 8 corners are rather fast, followed by a very slow section before the front straight. Thunderbolt feels longer because of that section, but honestly pick either one and you'll have a good time.

As always, the car ran perfect. I ran across an odd fuel cut in the first two sessions on Sat, only to remember that in my haste to get onto the track I had forgotten to load my track map... once I had loaded the right map onto the ECU, I was doing an even better job of passing everyone!

[xxthat girlxx]

Eek, I'm so jealous! I'd be afraid to drive by myself.

And stupid boys not giving you point bys. Keep kicking ass Amy!

[StripesRX]

Aw Sarah! Don't be jealous! Set some Xmas and tax money aside and come play at the track next year! :D

And I was a little nervous going out by myself, but the jitters went away once I realized that all I had to do was keep driving like I always do. :)

[StripesRX]

Had a great weekend bouncing from event to event this weekend!

Saturday, Nov 6th:
First stop was back to NJMP on Saturday to finally catch some of the Euro-style Rallycross action, and I was very glad I did! Not only did I get to see SOA's #13 22B up close, snag some free Subaru swag(yay free t-shirts!), cheer on the drivers from Broken Motorsports who I know but I also got to see a bunch of awesome cars go really really fast.

They changed up the course for this event, instead of running NJMP Lightning's full circuit with detours into the dirt, they shortened the course significantly to only be running the lightbulb(turn #9, big turn before the straight) backwards and doubling back through the dirt in-between the front straight and turn 7(90 degree turn). I think this was an effort to keep the race a little more bumper to bumper. While it did accomplish that, it did make it hard to get a good viewing angle, but I made do.

I honestly hope that they can fine tune it and this really catches on. There were cars from many different manufacturers and drivers from all over. It looks like a ton of fun and would be easily available to large audiences. After watching... I'm really tempted to start a side project...

Anywho, 'nuff talkin. Pictures!

First some carnage!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic1_Citroen.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic2_SentraandMazda.jpg

The subies were out in full force
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic3_Subies.jpg

One of Broken Motorsports' Drivers, USRC 2WD Champion Erika Detota:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic4_EDetota.jpg

And William Petrow, Brokens owner:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic5_WPetrow.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic6_MapRally.jpg

I don't know about you guys but convertable + dirt doesn't sound like a good idea, but it didn't stop 3 Spec Miatas from joining in!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic7_Miata.jpg

DIRT!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic8_DitrySubie.jpg

Mr. Foust
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Pic9_Foust.jpg

Wonderboy, before he collided with a tire wall and drove 3 laps sans front bumper and with half of the hood clinging on and flipped up:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Picz10_Pastrana.jpg

And heres a quick clip I got off my cellphone. Crappy quality, but you get the idea:
WqKrUUAEFZA


Sunday, Nov 7th:

Enough watching, time for me to drive! Sunday I traveled back to Fairfield county for their last AutoX of the season and this time we got to play on the BIG lot. Normally the motorcycle something club take over this lot, which is why they don't normally run the big lot... but after seeing the course I don't see why they don't kick them out BY FORCE!

It was a nice wide course with a few slaloms, sweepers and some tight little sections to make you work for it. There was a great turnout and it almost became an unofficial Subaru meet, as about 1/3-1/2 of the cars there were Subies. Including a very sweet '11 sedan.

It was VERY cold and even though I switched over to my Star Specs for one last time, it was very tough finding good grip. It doesn't help that my car is very squishy either. But I set out to have some fun and dialed down my time to a neat 66, which I was very happy about!

Fastest time of the day: 57.716
My fastest time: 66.025
Place in RAW: 51 out of 100
http://www.fcscc.com/10results_nov07.htm

Had some GoPro issues as the memory card I used didn't like 1080p that much and some of the runs came out choppy. And I left my camera at home. Oh wells, heres one clip I got from the nose of my car on one of my earlier runs:

KR5-T_WuT-E

Had a lot of fun and can't wait to start hammering out my suspension plans. I'm gonna be busy this winter!

[xxthat girlxx]

Glad you got some photos of Erika!

[StripesRX]

Thats kinda one of the reasons I went! :lol:

I kinda want my own little RallyX car now... gotta get my tarmac car sorted out first though! A winter of modding awaits me! :D

[xxthat girlxx]

Lol! You should turn stripes into a r/x car.... ;)

[StripesRX]

Stripes is in use by my dad as a DD(Imagine a middle aged man driving around in that and not giggle :P) and the poor thing is haggard. Talked to him yesterday and from what it sounds like the little car just blew the wheel bearings. It needs love, not rally. :lol:

I'm looking for a 98-01 Impreza for a beater to try to take some of the strain of daily driverhood off TK and I'm planning on doing mod stages with it to turn it into a RallyX/HillClimb car. First beater status, then normal RallyX status then cage and kill. :D

In other news, winters and ski racks are on. Need some snow too.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/SkiRacksOn.jpg

[TrunkMonkey24]

So i've been sittin here at work the past day or so reading through this thread and at the end, all i can think to say is; WOW! What a story you have!! It's great to see/hear how well your car has come out. 04STi FTW!! I too have discovered the great joys of autoX this past season and what a blast!! I'm very jealous of all your seat time in the HPDEs though! lol I hope to get some more done to my car this summer and perhaps hit one or two towards the end of the season. I'm also curios, if you don't mind me asking, roughly what did it run you for the engine build from EFI? I'm looking to get some new internals for my baby, and my local shop CBRD does excellent work, however, i feel it never hurts to get some other opinions, and it seems EFI comes with a great rep :)

[StripesRX]

Thank you!

While AutoX is fun, HPDE will take your driving to a whole new level. If your interested I'm most likely going to NASA's events at both NJMP tracks(the 2011 schedule is still being worked on) and even if you don't want to race, we can get you into the hyperdrive or get a few ride alongs with the instructors. Just to give you a taste :D

And you WILL NOT be disappointed if you go to EFI. My build cost isn't a good marker since I couldn't re-use the block and heads, had head/valve work done, and they spent some extra time cleaning all the crud off the small amount of useable parts off the old engine. If your thinking about doing HPDEs, EFI is the place to go. They have 3 track cars(built to withstand and win 45 min races) that they test parts on and those same parts go into their customers builds. The only downside is that because EFI is in high demand, they have quite the waiting list. So if you want a quote, call Pete up and talk to him, and put your name on the schedule now. :D

And watching Rob build your engine is a work of art, that man is as OCD about engines as it gets!

[TrunkMonkey24]

yeah, AutoX is very addicting and relatively inexpensive, but I can only imagine all the added benefits HPDE's have to offer. I would love to hit one of the NJMP events, perhaps spectate the first and maybe participate in the second :) so perhaps I will meet up with you at one of them!

That's a good point with the engine build. Though I am tossed on how exactly to go about it, a large portion of me would love to start from scratch and get a new block much like you did. I know that's not the cheapest way to go about it, but it's always nice to start with a fresh platform. Alas however, there is always the problem with down-time since I currently use the STi as my only car and DD, another car would need to be acquired for a short period of time...lol so many choices :confused:!!
haha, congrats on the car and all the accomplishments! I'm a guy and I typically only see guys at most of the events, its refreshing to see/hear about some women tearin it up out there as well! I hope to get the chance to run with you someday :D

[TrunkMonkey24]

^^^^aaaaaaaand i'd like to add that I'm an idiot...lol, for some reason I've always thought EFI was in NJ...only just now after checking their website do I realize they are in CT...5 hours away! talk about a major *Whoops*! come time for the full build though, they may still very well be the guys for me, we shall see!

[StripesRX]

The shops in NJ are UBER sketch, resulting in everyone who actually likes their car to travel elsewhere. And believe me, that 5 hour drive is WORTH IT! EFI has had customers from North Dakota and Georgia. Even one from Hawaii. That says something!!!

AND UPDATE!!!

Technically these arrived yesterday at some point, as I noticed two LARGE boxes sitting at the nose of my STi(The UPS guy is an avid STi fan, and always chats me up whenever I'm around, so he always assumes that something addressed to me is for my ride) right before I went to work.

So, before I sit and grid away a few hours worth of end-of-semester homework, I give you.... my new track rims! (Please excuse crappy camera pics... I is rushed)

Rota DPT 17x9 +42 in Gunmetal:

http://i51.tinypic.com/1zluans.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/x4rtjp.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/16iulc4.jpg

Why Rota you ask? Many well thought out reasons. Mainly it came down to cost and availability. Since I have an 04 and an early one at that, meaning no easy hub swap, I'm stuck with 5x100. And there is almost NOTHING available in 17x9 except two rims: the Volk CE28Ns and the Rota DPTs(which are the CE28Ns in cast form). Thanks to T3h_Clap for wheel sizing, although he did tell me to buy the Volks... My budget said otherwise. I got these through WheelDude's black friday sale for $700 shipped and I already had my eye on the 17x9 DPT so I pulled the trigger. That means I got the whole set for less than it would cost for ONE CE28N... and I have an entire suspension build I'm collecting. Also if a break a Rota, I will call and order a replacement. If I break a Volk, I will cry.

And one last silly pic... although I'm not sure whether this illustrates the wideness of the rims, or the fact that my size 9 1/2 foot is freakishly big... :lol:

http://i52.tinypic.com/2vv9641.jpg

Still hammering out all of the details for the spring super build with EFI and a few others ;), but I will update when I have more news!

[xxthat girlxx]

Amy! Saw these on facebook yesterday.

Wierd... The fedex guy at my last job used to chat me up. I convinced him out of a new evo bc it had paddle shifters (I do love the evo x though). He ended up buying a supra. :)

And thanks, that makes my size 9.5 feet freakish large too then. :P

Really hoping to do one track day next year. So scared! But ummm at least SLMP. Maybe we can get a bunch of girls to sign up for that.

[TrunkMonkey24]

Nice Rotas Amy! I just got a set of 17x7.5 Rota SDR's for winter and LOVE them. Certainly can't beat the prices of these wheels. What size tires are you planning on running? Also, do you have rolled/pulled fenders at all? I'm strongly considering a set of 18x9.5 grids from Rota for my summer wheels (in that OH-SO-SEXY cosmic blue :banana: ) I'm quite certain I will at the very least need a rolling, and possibly pulled as well. I'm just curious what size you are safely running on the 9".

haha, Sarah and Amy i'm the same way. Every time the UPS guy comes to the office he just asks "what's the new addition to the car?" lol, so far it's been every part for the car delivered to the office and its always the same guy.
Holy smokes ladies, 9.5 for both of you:eek:?! lol, they certainly are some large feet. hehehe

[xxthat girlxx]

Amy, I do have a ton of shoes for sale in the classifieds section. ;)

[TrunkMonkey24]

Amy, I do have a ton of shoes for sale in the classifieds section. ;)

:lol:

[StripesRX]

Amy! Saw these on facebook yesterday.

Wierd... The fedex guy at my last job used to chat me up. I convinced him out of a new evo bc it had paddle shifters (I do love the evo x though). He ended up buying a supra. :)

And thanks, that makes my size 9.5 feet freakish large too then. :P

Really hoping to do one track day next year. So scared! But ummm at least SLMP. Maybe we can get a bunch of girls to sign up for that.

I'd be willing to come up for that, since upstate NY is kinda my stomping grounds :p And don't be scared girl! YOU CAN DO IT! If you're not sure and want to try it before you buy it so to say, come out to one of NASA's events and at lunch they run the hyperdrive. For 50 bucks you get one classroom session and one 15-20 track session following a pace car with an instructor in your car. If you ain't convinced by then... well... I dunno :lol:

And for the record, I went to karate with said UPS guy for 5 years when I was in middle/high school, so I already knew him. Imagine my surprise when a few months ago I go to sign for a package and get greeted by "Hi Amy! Is that your STi!?!" :lol: Funny that he's a STi fan as well...

Nice Rotas Amy! I just got a set of 17x7.5 Rota SDR's for winter and LOVE them. Certainly can't beat the prices of these wheels. What size tires are you planning on running? Also, do you have rolled/pulled fenders at all? I'm strongly considering a set of 18x9.5 grids from Rota for my summer wheels (in that OH-SO-SEXY cosmic blue :banana: ) I'm quite certain I will at the very least need a rolling, and possibly pulled as well. I'm just curious what size you are safely running on the 9".

haha, Sarah and Amy i'm the same way. Every time the UPS guy comes to the office he just asks "what's the new addition to the car?" lol, so far it's been every part for the car delivered to the office and its always the same guy.
Holy smokes ladies, 9.5 for both of you:eek:?! lol, they certainly are some large feet. hehehe

Thanks! I really couldn't beat the price. And 5x100 blows for anything wide, so options were limited. Planning on running a 255/40/17 AD08 on them, y'know nothin TOO wide :devil: And I currently don't have any fender modifications but when the car goes back to EFI come March, they have a roller there and are going to go to town. A significant roll will be enough to tuck the 255s. Anything wider and pulling/fender flares start to enter the picture. Realistically I could run 245-265 comfortably on a 9" rim.

18x9.5 is a BIG rim. Although quite baller And I may or may not be keeping my gunmetal... we shall see

...and you know what they say about big feet....... oh wait wrong gender. :lol:

Amy, I do have a ton of shoes for sale in the classifieds section. ;)

I'm glad I'm not the only freak! But I already have more shoes than I can wear. My mom has an interesting habit of buying me stuff whenever she goes clothes/shoe shopping, even if I'm not there. And somehow my mother is under the impression that I'm a girly girl. :huh:

[TrunkMonkey24]

Thanks! I really couldn't beat the price. And 5x100 blows for anything wide, so options were limited. Planning on running a 255/40/17 AD08 on them, y'know nothin TOO wide :devil: And I currently don't have any fender modifications but when the car goes back to EFI come March, they have a roller there and are going to go to town. A significant roll will be enough to tuck the 255s. Anything wider and pulling/fender flares start to enter the picture. Realistically I could run 245-265 comfortably on a 9" rim.

18x9.5 is a BIG rim. Although quite baller And I may or may not be keeping my gunmetal... we shall see

...and you know what they say about big feet....... oh wait wrong gender. :lol:


Yeah, i hate 5x100...the only downside (imo) of the 04 over the 05 :( 5x114 has soooooooooooo many more options and it makes me sad...lol I'm considering also running 255s, but as you said, 18x9.5 is BIGGG.
I don't mind the 18s, but 9.5 wide is a lot of width to wrap and i'm not sure where i'm going to get the rolling&pulling done yet...the only reason i'm ok with it is they will only be daily drivers/show wheels, nothing really for performance driving.
I'm actually thinking about keeping my stockies for autoX and maybe doing a custom paint pattern on em. Once I begin to do track days here and there another cheap set of rotas that would be much more appropriately sized will be in store :D


haha, big feet=big socks of course silly :p

[StripesRX]

Another nugget of thought for the 18x9.5 rim, its a lot heavier. Not in a performance standpoint, but just the pure fact that 18" rims are much more metal.

5x100 hubs have smaller wheel bearings. Smaller bearings = less resilience against the stress of heavier, larger wheels. Most race teams still using 5x100 that I've seen swap out wheel bearings on a yearly basis. But that's in a race environment.

Also, a 17" wheel allows you to run more side wall on your tires. This allows more flex under cornering forces(ever see an F1 tire? :D) and more cushion when you hit a bump.

I've been readin'

[TrunkMonkey24]

haha, indeed you have been! Quite a lot of readin it looks like! :D Wheels and tires are something i have spent an incredible amount of time reading/learning about in the past. i always want to make sure i've got a good fitment, look, and depending on the situation, performance. I've talked to my local shop about the wheel bearing issue and since they would only be my daily drivers and not beat on much at all they don't believe the added weight should cause an issue so long as i keep a leash on that right foot!
For the same reason of DD during summer, fortunately i do a good amount of hwy driving and deal with little bumps...I'm thinking the bumps will be tolerable for me. I had that problem in my lancer previously, so i learned from that one! lol, i was runnin with VERY little sidewall and the bumps were quite the PITA.
That's why i'm diggin the BBS stockies for autox, that extra flex can make a big difference...again something i learned from the lancer! boy that car was quite the learning experience for oh so many things! :lol:

[xxthat girlxx]

...and you know what they say about big feet....... oh wait wrong gender. :lol:



I'm glad I'm not the only freak! But I already have more shoes than I can wear. My mom has an interesting habit of buying me stuff whenever she goes clothes/shoe shopping, even if I'm not there. And somehow my mother is under the impression that I'm a girly girl. :huh:

Tell your Mom to check out my for sale thread! It's actually mostly sneakers (chucks, saucony, etc). And a lot of the sneakers a men's. :lol:

[MsEvilchargerfan]

+1 on dpt :) i have 18x9 +42 running on 215/40/18 on my wagon. i have to make super wide turn to avoid the rub. it's my DD too and i'm thinking about lowering it to an inch more, but the bf said 1/2 inch is the max because it's our grocery getter, so we'll see how it goes.

[StripesRX]

215 on a 18x9?! Yikes you must have some stretch on that wheel! :) But of course aggressive rims on a wagon is always win :D

[TrunkMonkey24]

^^^agreed, holy smokes! that's one tight fit! have any pics of that, sounds like it'd look hot on th wagons :)

[StripesRX]

Well... the questionable Blizzaks that came with the car when I bought it seem to have the same results as everything ELSE that came with the car.....

I had a crappy day at work and was headed up to snowboard my troubles away and well, THIS happens:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Blowout.jpg

I am sad. Managed to roll into a nearby towing/body shop that was closed, but one of the tow trucks happened by ten minutes later and I sweet talked the use of his jack and electric wrench to put my spare on. Smart me forgot to throw my scissor jack and tire iron back into the car now that racing season is over.

I was hoping to get to the end of winter with these but... looks like I'm getting new winter tires too.... :(

[xxthat girlxx]

Bummer. Glad you're okay.

[StripesRX]

Thanks Sarah.... but the tire was the last of my worries yesterday...

Well, I wish I could sit here and say I got my tires on and everything went smoothly, but I'm not.

Lets start from the beginning:

A few months ago my car was starting and running with great difficulty and very roughly. So, I took it to EFI Logics to have it checked out and within 2 minutes they had diagnosed the issue: my Deatchwerks injectors had failed. Apparently the had had a bad run of injectors last winter and were aware of the problem. EFI replaced the injectors, spark plugs and oil and were reimbursed by DW. Everything went fine and the car ran great, and I got to count myself lucky because I found out that others with the same problem had injectors fail completely open, filling up the cylinder and hydro-locking the motor.

I was lucky until today.

My day started at 7am at the Sears by my house. I paid for 4 tires and the guys there pulled my car on the lift and changed them out. When they pulled the car out to the parking lot, it stalled and was now refusing to start. They offered to look at it but I was up in arms because they just did tires and it now just suspiciously doesn't work? All my flags were up and I immediately got in contact with EFI and they got me in touch with a good towing company to transport the car over to them. I got documentation from the Sears saying that the car came in working and left not and while I waited for the tow truck I kept trying different things to see if the car would start, but it wouldn't even turn over no matter what I did.

The towing company, Grand Prix Motors, did an awesome job getting my car on the truck. They have a god relationship with EFI and are used to towing lowered car and took special care not to scrape my low exhaust. Then an hour and 15 minute drive to EFI and the diagnosing began.

All the guys at EFI immediately started in on my car, trying to find what was done to it. Joe started removing the spark plugs and when he got to cylinder #4, we found the issue: Sears was off the hook, the injector had failed and filled the cylinder with fuel. Hydro-locking it. Rob got his boroscope out and looked inside the cylinder and sure enough, the entire outside of the piston(not just the ringland, the PISTON) had cracked off. So the diagnosis is... the shortblock is no better than scrap metal.

Unlike previous injector failures, where one of the O-rings in the injector were going bad, mine seems to have gone in a more spectacular fashion. Either the solenoid itself or something else in the interior of the injector has failed to cause all the fuel to dump in. EFI contacted Deatchwerks shortly after the discovery of the failure and DW states that they want to test the injector before anything else goes forward because a failure like mine is very rare/unlikely. The injector is currently on its way to them now.

The mood at the shop was very grim today. I really appreciate all the guys coming together and getting the problem found, even as crappy as the result is.

Right now only time will tell what happens to this car.

[xxthat girlxx]

Damn, Amy. This is a devil car.

[Jonathan]

This really does suck.

You probably just dropped +/- Eight Hundred on the new snows.

You must have had three or four grand in that motor. Hopefully when Deatchwerks tests out their injector they will admit it was their part that failed, and offer some form of restitution on the new motor build.

Its not the cars fault, this could happen to anyone. When you build a motor up like that failures can, and sometimes do, happen.

Your first step is find a running reliable motor to keep TK rolling along, then when finances permit look in to building a new monster motor, although possibly with a new fuel injector supplier if Deatchwerks doesn't own up to their failure.

[StripesRX]

It wasn't the car, it was just the Injector. An Injector from a company whose product has caused 4 - 5 other motors to fail just at EFI over the last few months.

Whatever happens next, the car is down for the next few months.

...Merry Christmas to me.

[TrunkMonkey24]

Oh wow Amy...I'm so sorry to hear about the run of bad luck...hopefully DW will own up and get you taken care of properly

[StripesRX]

This really does suck.

You probably just dropped +/- Eight Hundred on the new snows.

You must have had three or four grand in that motor. Hopefully when Deatchwerks tests out their injector they will admit it was their part that failed, and offer some form of restitution on the new motor build.

Its not the cars fault, this could happen to anyone. When you build a motor up like that failures can, and sometimes do, happen.

Your first step is find a running reliable motor to keep TK rolling along, then when finances permit look in to building a new monster motor, although possibly with a new fuel injector supplier if Deatchwerks doesn't own up to their failure.

3-4 grand? Triple that my friend... I built that thing from scratch to be track happy. Apparently the motor wasn't ready for a physics lesson. :(

Right now the plan is to find a little 93-01 GC to kick around in the meantime. Depending on a great many things(DW response, the extent of the damage) I'm willing to let T.K. sit for a little bit while. At best I'm going to need a new set of pistons, bearings and the other engine internals. That's assuming the block is reusable.

Waiting on a lot of things right now. Sigh, cars....

Oh wow Amy...I'm so sorry to hear about the run of bad luck...hopefully DW will own up and get you taken care of properly

Thanks, pretty much everyone I've talked to has had the same response. I'm waiting for the final teardown pictures so that I can start a fun NASIOC thread. I'm not looking to start an internet war, but what happened, happened...

[StripesRX]

Just got off the phone with EFI a few minutes ago.

I asked Pete to forward me the email from Deatchwerks, I think it says it all:

Pete/Chris

Got the single side feed 740 in for testing and it is not stuck open.

On a possible “stuck” injectors we do not do any off bench pre-testing that would energize the coil/pintle and cause it to possibly un-stick itself before testing. We put them directly in the flow bench as we receive them. The injector did not leak, drip, or show any signs of not performing properly. Flowed out to normal spec of a 740cc both statically and dynamically. Let it run for several minutes at low and high PW with no signs of any problem

Let me know what you would like us to do or if you have any questions

Thanks!

That's the copy/paste directly from that email.

I guess whats left now is to wait for the tear down results, see how bad the damage is and go from there.

[TrunkMonkey24]

oh wow.....fml for you....thats such crap..when is EFI gunna have a chance to complete the tear-down and assessment? DW=FTL on this one :(

[StripesRX]

Thanks... no ETA on the tear down. Two of the guys at EFI stayed late last week and pulled the motor, the engine guy is just up to his ears with projects and mine is just part of the fray.

[Jonathan]

...All the guys at EFI immediately started in on my car, trying to find what was done to it. Joe started removing the spark plugs and when he got to cylinder #4, we found the issue: Sears was off the hook, the injector had failed and filled the cylinder with fuel. Hydro-locking it. Rob got his boroscope out and looked inside the cylinder and sure enough, the entire outside of the piston(not just the ringland, the PISTON) had cracked off. So the diagnosis is... the shortblock is no better than scrap metal.

Unlike previous injector failures, where one of the O-rings in the injector were going bad, mine seems to have gone in a more spectacular fashion. Either the solenoid itself or something else in the interior of the injector has failed to cause all the fuel to dump in. EFI contacted Deatchwerks shortly after the discovery of the failure and DW states that they want to test the injector before anything else goes forward because a failure like mine is very rare/unlikely. The injector is currently on its way to them now.


Pete/Chris

Got the single side feed 740 in for testing and it is not stuck open.

On a possible “stuck” injectors we do not do any off bench pre-testing that would energize the coil/pintle and cause it to possibly un-stick itself before testing. We put them directly in the flow bench as we receive them. The injector did not leak, drip, or show any signs of not performing properly. Flowed out to normal spec of a 740cc both statically and dynamically. Let it run for several minutes at low and high PW with no signs of any problem

Let me know what you would like us to do or if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Hmm.. Something here doesn't add up.

I am not familiar with fuel injector failures, but for your motor to fail as spectacularly as it did something had to fail. I don't see how it could be anything other than the injector. Could it have stuck open, and then somehow cleared it self during shipping ?

What triggers the injector to open/close ?

Could an electrical malfunction / short circuit have made the injector stick open ?

[StripesRX]

Theres two ways a side feed injector can fail(i.e. like the ones I had in the car), the O-ring failure that I experienced in August and a solenoid failure, which is most likely the failure responsible for the damage now.

Normal Operation: the injector has an electrical solenoid that fires during the compression cycle, opens the valve and sprays vaporized fuel into the cylinder.

BAD operation: Solenoid fails, either sticks closed(resulting in knock) or open(resulting in a physics lesson of you can't compress liquid). :(

Good thing is, solenoid failures are exceedingly rare. Bad thing is, anything I did to try to start it, any bump in shipping etc. may have caused the solenoid to go back to normal. Resulting in the all is fine test.

While I may not like the decision, I respect that DW is a business and they can't go handing out checks for engine builds for everyone with a blown engine and a "fine" injector.

Although the injector is the only thing letting fuel into the cylinder, so...... yeah. :(

[StripesRX]

Beater FOUND!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMG_5072.jpg

[Jonathan]

That is a very nice car for a "beater".. no visible rust and its an EJ22 ?

[StripesRX]

Yessir! Its a 2000 OBS 2.2L 5 speed. The car has 226k on it, but the owner has all of the service records for it for the last 7 years so its been cared for. And the thing that sold me: absolutely NO fender rust :D

[Jonathan]

And the thing that sold me: absolutely NO fender rust :DHopefully no bondo on it either. :)

The 1999-2001 EJ22's are actually somewhat advanced. Hopefully no major oil leaks either.

Should be reliable.

[xxthat girlxx]

Nice find! That's a lotta miles. w00t!

[TrunkMonkey24]

holy miles!! good thing it was well cared for! Good find :)

[Jonathan]

Okay, so what plans do you have for this car ?

Is it just your get around town type beater car, or perhaps you might want to do a few things to it ?

Maybe a nice drop, some anti-sway bars with real end-links and bushings ?

Dumping those rusty steelies, and going for say a set of basic WRX wheels with snows might make sense too.

[StripesRX]

Nice find! That's a lotta miles. w00t!

holy miles!! good thing it was well cared for! Good find :)

Thanks you two, the car needs a little love but nothing too serious. Miles don't really scare me, my old Impreza was under my car from 210k to 280k and now makes its living as dad's daily. :D

Okay, so what plans do you have for this car ?

Is it just your get around town type beater car, or perhaps you might want to do a few things to it ?

Maybe a nice drop, some anti-sway bars with real end-links and bushings ?

Dumping those rusty steelies, and going for say a set of basic WRX wheels with snows might make sense too.

Slow down man! :)

I have another car that needs a whole new motor right now so mods aren't even in the picture for the little OBS. And I was already planning on putting my STi BBS rims with the brand new snow tires on this car since the STi isn't going to be using them any time soon.

This is going to be my kick around daily, but it might be getting all of my STi's hand me down parts like the sways/endlinks etc. when I go bigger and badder for the first money pit :lol:

[StripesRX]

Ready. SET. CARNAGE!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_01.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_05.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_06.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_14.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_08.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_10.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_17.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_20.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_13.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/AmyTeardown_11.jpg

So... yeah! My piston is now a jigsaw puzzle and the block and one of the head castings are garbage! YAY!

[xxthat girlxx]

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[WhtRexGrl]

double :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:, so sorry to hear about your crappy luck Amy!!

[Bugichic]

OUCH! That hurts just to look at. Im so sorry to see this.

[StripesRX]

Thanks everyone. Its rather spectacular damage. :( Right now we're doing a damage report and see just how much stuff is going to cost. Poor car is just sitting at EFI right now...

We shall rebuild... at some point.

[StripesRX]

New noggin Protection for racing this year!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0126.jpg

And it may be getting used sooner than you think! :D:D:D:D

[StripesRX]

Alright, car is in limbo at the moment as getting it back on the road has run into a small snag. Keep fingers crossed everything will get ironed out soon!

So, a little update on the side! I have a new sponsor!

http://rdpshop.com/skin1/images/xlogo.gif

R&D Performance Shop Inc.

RDP is run by two local gentlemen as a side business for the last few years and they usually come out to the local Subaru meet, which is how they met me. Both of them have been driving and modifying Subarus for years and are interested in getting a jointly owned Subie and diving into the wild world of track racing, which got them talking to me.

They offered a partnership a few months ago and now that my car seems to be making a recovery in time for the racing season, they set me up with a Whiteline package, DBA 4000 rotors for the front and rear and a new Misimoto radiator to keep the car cool at the track.

The parts got delivered early this week and EFI already has most of it installed(including a TiC Super Shifter Set, which was a birthday present last year from my awesome boyfriend :)) Thanks to a group effort from EFI and RDP, my car will be able to boogy this year!

The guys at RDP are really knowledgeable and are serious about keeping their customers happy, and I'm happy to be working and representing them!

Check em out and stay tuned!

[erik*a]

This is great news! I can't wait to see you race again!

[xxthat girlxx]

That IS great news. AGH - I'm so jealous!! :lol:

[StripesRX]

Thanks gals! This year should be quite exciting for this little car! :D

[SassySTi284]

AMY!! It was great seeing you again. Will try to make it out there to the tracks again this season. Since you've been "detuned", we'll be on more of a level playing field. How'd my baby feel with 100k on the ticker?

[StripesRX]

Likewise! And your car is a little spring chicken! :D It was a blast to drive and made me realize just how mushy the OBS is.

Lets show those boys how to race! I know NASA is running NJMP again in the beginning of August... :)

[xxthat girlxx]

Aug. 5 - 7 NJMP Lightning Course (https://www.nasaproracing.com/event/)
HPDE & RACE

Sept. 30 Oct. 1 - 2 Watkins Glen, NY (https://www.nasaproracing.com/event/)
HPDE & RACE


Oct. 28 - 30 NJMP Thunderbolt (https://www.nasaproracing.com/event/)
HPDE & RACE




I will HIGHLY consider doing a HPDE. Are you guys still doing that or are you too good and race only? How much is a NASA membership or do you get a free day with the club? ;)

[StripesRX]

Yeah, just HPDE 2 for me. And if everything works out, I'm most likely doing all three of those events you listed. :)


You have to get through HPDE 2, 3 then 4 and then do a comp school and get a proper cage/safety equipment to actually race. Not for the faint of heart!

[xxthat girlxx]

How much are those events, membership, etc?

[StripesRX]

NASA membership is $45 per year(and comes with a nifty year subscription to Grassroots Motorsports magazine) and one HPDE 1 day is $310, both days is $535. Usually 3-4 track sessions at 20-30mins each and 3 classroom sessions.

[xxthat girlxx]

EEEEK! Okay, I'm not ready to run with NASA. Maybe I'll come watch/cheer lead. :)

[SassySTi284]

^You can do it!!!

[StripesRX]

^^^^ +1 :)

Your more than welcome to come and hang out and watch cars! And maybe we'll be able to talk you into doing a Hyperdrive session, which is 1 classroom and 1 track session with instructor behind a pace car for 50 bucks. It'll get your feet wet! :D


On the car front, the large parts pile waiting to be installed is becoming smaller and smaller... yet still having issues getting the car running. :( Couldn't be easy!!! Fingers crossed we can get it going soon since time is running out until my track days @ NJMP Lightning.

Parts pile... slowly disappearing:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0142.jpg

And new, meaty track tires and rubber:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0141.jpg

[xxthat girlxx]

My biggest concern is the cost. I don't really have lots tons of extra money right now and my money tree is still a sapling and is only giving off coins. ;)

[StripesRX]

I gotcha! I hope your money tree blooms girl! :) I was lucky that Uncle Sam was nice enough to gave back enough cash to cover most of my track events this year.

[xxthat girlxx]

Uncle Sam was good to me too actually. I'm using it to pay off debt (being debt free is my priority right now) and to do ONE hpde which I'll be doing with BMW this May. After that we'll see what happens. ;)

[StripesRX]

My car has returned!!!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/204363_10150261998574778_53139724777_9264094_51511 86_o.jpg

This winter she got a total makeover, from squishy stock suspension to a corner hugging beast. :D

Bought a used 06 STi longblock with a VF39 to keep things simple(and cheap!) so now I have a stage 2 STi with a boatload of suspension goodies(thanks to RDP) and all installed by the great guys at EFI.

So, the new (revised) mod list:
EFI Tuned w/ Cobb AP 276whp/301wtq:
http://efilogics.com/dyno/graph.php?gb=0&hp=1&torque=1&boost=1&rpm=1&sl=1&sln=1&runid1=1475&rgb1=000000255
Stock 2006 Longblock
BSS TMIC
Prodrive ECBS
APS 70mm Intake
Invidia Catless Downpipe
HKS Hi-Power cat-back exhaust

BC Racing BR Coilovers
Whiteline Steering Rack Bushings
Whiteline Rear Differential Lock Kit
Whiteline Rear Subframe Bolts
Whiteline Front Control Arm Front Inner Bushing
Whiteline 24mm adj. Front Swaybar
Whiteline 24mm adj. Rear Swaybar
Whiteline HD rear swaybar mounts
Whiteline adj. front endlinks
Whiteline HD alloy Rear endlinks
Group N Engine Mounts
Group N Tranny Mounts
Mishimoto Radiator
TiC Super Shifter Bushing Set with Kartboy Short shifter
WC Lathe Werks Titanium Shift Knob(In custom PURPLE!)
DBA 4000 Rotors Front and Rear
Performance Friction ZR Brake Pads
Goodridge SS Brake lines
ATE Superblue Brake Fluid

Rota DPT 17x9 +48 Rims
Advan AD08 255/40/17 tires
Mutegi Black Extended Lug nuts

Car goes back to EFI on Friday for some last minute goodies, then its HPDE and NJMP - Lightning Sat-Sun. :D

[Subie_Erin]

Glad to hear you got it back together! The weather up here is getting warmer...almost time for racing :) Watkins Glen opens this weekend!!!

[xxthat girlxx]

Aaaaamy. Hopefully I (win the lottery) and follow in your footsteps. I signed up for my first HPDE at NHMS on 5/10. Eeeeek!

[StripesRX]

Glad to hear you got it back together! The weather up here is getting warmer...almost time for racing :) Watkins Glen opens this weekend!!!

The Glen :love:

Thanks, I'm excited to be back in the saddle. Just need to feel out all the new changes, and thats what this weekend at NJMP is for. :D

Aaaaamy. Hopefully I (win the lottery) and follow in your footsteps. I signed up for my first HPDE at NHMS on 5/10. Eeeeek!

Take no prisoners girl! You can do it. :D






And it looks like I'm not getting goodies this Friday... apparently they aren't getting delivered until MONDAY :unamused:

[xxthat girlxx]

Take no prisoners girl! You can do it. :D

Thank you for the encouragement. I needs it. :o

[StripesRX]

Just trust your car and more importantly, trust yourself. :) If you do that noone will catch you.

If you need to borrow any track oriented stuff, let me know!

[xxthat girlxx]

Thanks! Once I get my brake stuff I think I'll be okay. :)

[WhtRexGrl]

Amy, so glad you got your car back!!!!

[Big-E]

^^^^ +1 :)

Your more than welcome to come and hang out and watch cars! And maybe we'll be able to talk you into doing a Hyperdrive session, which is 1 classroom and 1 track session with instructor behind a pace car for 50 bucks. It'll get your feet wet! :D


On the car front, the large parts pile waiting to be installed is becoming smaller and smaller... yet still having issues getting the car running. :( Couldn't be easy!!! Fingers crossed we can get it going soon since time is running out until my track days @ NJMP Lightning.

Parts pile... slowly disappearing:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0142.jpg

And new, meaty track tires and rubber:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0141.jpg

What kind of coilovers?
Are those your DBA rotors?
Is that your WL SB?

Glad your car is coming back to life!

When you go to Watkins Glen for your track days, are spectators allowed? I want to know because I want to have an excuse to take a road-trip and watch a fellow enthusiast in action. Not to mention it may just give me the 'bump' to get me out on the track myself.

Welcome back! :)

[StripesRX]

What kind of coilovers?
Are those your DBA rotors?
Is that your WL SB?

Glad your car is coming back to life!

When you go to Watkins Glen for your track days, are spectators allowed? I want to know because I want to have an excuse to take a road-trip and watch a fellow enthusiast in action. Not to mention it may just give me the 'bump' to get me out on the track myself.

Welcome back! :)

Thank you! :D and to answer your questions:
BC BR Coilovers(right performance for the right price)
Yup, 4000s all around
Yup, 24/24 and many more bushings

Of course spectators are allowed! And if you bring your helmet you can go get some ride along time with the instructors too, and if THAT doesn't make you want to get out there... you need help! :lol:


AND NOW FOR THE TRACK UPDATE!







...and I'll start with the bad news first, which isn't much but I had to cut my weekend short on Saturday. Apparently the new power steering pump didn't much fancy this track racing business and started having issues after the second session. It was raining and instead of risk myself or the car going back out I decided to pack it up and bring it to EFI for a once over.

Now for all of the good news!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0151.jpg
Before the issues, the car handled AMAZING! It was everything I could have wanted, responsive and grippy as could be. I got two good sessions in on Saturday, one in the dry and one in the wet. I have to say the tires performed great in both conditions. Although I was just messing around and feeling out the car, not going balls to the wall.

I didn't get any GoPro footage on the first session since I forgot to turn them on. But I switched them on for some rain racing the second session:

_vZk_AB4wGU
After that the session was black flagged due to cars going off/spinning/crashing, after the cars were cleared they sent us back out and it was raining HARDER!

iBy4-uD5iyA
Enjoy the rain drops!

After that the power steering acted up, and it was still raining, so I decided to go with my gut(and a lot of cars were getting wrecked that day) and go on home. The NASA organizers were really cool and credited me a track day (since I had already paid for Sunday) and wished the car a speedy return.

So Monday the EFI crew descended on my car. There wasn't any metal in the fluid, the pump had plenty of fluid and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. So to be safe they swapped out the 06 pump and put in my old 04 pump(which seemed to like track days just fine) and Jack fabbed up a neat power steering pump fluid cooler and fitted it perfectly into the grill:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0154.jpg
So hopefully a different pump and a nifty cooler will keep everything happy and solve the issue.





Also, these got delivered on Monday as well. Just some of the neat stuff going into the car to prep for Wicked Big Meet!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0159.jpg

[Jonathan]

These got delivered on Monday. Just some of the neat stuff going into the car to prep for Wicked Big Meet!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0159.jpg

What brand of seat are those ? Is there a "maximum" size person those are designed to fit ?

[StripesRX]

They are Momo Starts, I primarily got them because they are perfectly "me" sized, FIA homologated and able to use 5-6 point harnesses(NASA doesn't like the Schroth 4 points I have, so I decided to upgrade to avoid any issues). My boyfriend sat in them and fit as well, but anyone taller than 5'8"-ish would be too tall for the shoulder straps. Unsure about width wise... but I did find Momo's sizing chart:

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/ltbmotorsport/newdimension.jpg

Car goes to EFI on May 10th to install these and a few other things! :D

[xxthat girlxx]

Yay for new goodies and that was really nice of NASA!

[djmatao]

Like that GoPro sitting there :)

Cant wait to see the seats in the car :)

[Jonathan]

They are Momo Starts. My boyfriend sat in them and fit as well, but anyone taller than 5'8"-ish would be too tall for the shoulder straps. :D Oh <Snap!> I am too big for your seats. The dream is gone. :(

[StripesRX]

Oh <Snap!> I am too big for your seats. The dream is gone. :(

Well then, let me give your dream back! :) I say anyone taller than 5'8" would be too tall because I'm that tall and my shoulders sit about an inch below the shoulder harness opening, as it should so in a crash situation the seat would take the force instead of my shoulderblade/collarbone. So, anyone taller than 5'9"-5'10" wouldn't want to BUY these but for fun rides you should be fine as long as your not giant-like :D

[djmatao]

I wanna see those bad boys un wrapped :D

[Jonathan]

Well then, let me give your dream back! :) I say anyone taller than 5'8" would be too tall because I'm that tall and my shoulders sit about an inch below the shoulder harness opening, as it should so in a crash situation the seat would take the force instead of my shoulder blade/collarbone. So, anyone taller than 5'9"-5'10" wouldn't want to BUY these but for fun rides you should be fine as long as your not giant-like :D

I am not exactly "giant-like" but seeing as I am a fairly big guy at 5' 11 1/2" or so with a long torso and fairly short legs, I suspect I may be a tad too big. While I was looking forward to a ride in TK's silly seat at the WBM, I accept that I may not be such a good fit. Oh well.

[WhtRexGrl]

I have been looking at seats too but I suffer from being a giant :sadbanana: however since I don't race and they would be for my own satisfaction...I may say meh what the heck!

[StripesRX]

I wanna see those bad boys un wrapped :D

I'm going over to EFI on May 10th for the install of these seats and new 6 point harnesses. Many pics to come :devil:

I am not exactly "giant-like" but seeing as I am a fairly big guy at 5' 11 1/2" or so with a long torso and fairly short legs, I suspect I may be a tad too big. While I was looking forward to a ride in TK's silly seat at the WBM, I accept that I may not be such a good fit. Oh well.

We'll see. I'm also keeping the stock belts in the car for everyday driving. As long as you fit in the seat, you can choose the 6 points or the stock belts depending on how it fits you.

I have been looking at seats too but I suffer from being a giant :sadbanana: however since I don't race and they would be for my own satisfaction...I may say meh what the heck!

There are definitely bigger seats out there. Sparco makes the EVO line which has 3 different sizes(Evo, Evo L and Evo XL), might be worth a look to see if any of those make a good fit.

[StripesRX]

So, I was hanging out at EFI on Saturday and I decided to roll up my sleeves and install my seats!

I ordered a set of Momo Starts with the side mounts and a set of Sparco seat brackets to attach it all together. They are perfectly me sized, FIA homologated and not a million dollars It wasn't as "bolt in" as I imagined... but it wasn't too horrible. It took a little bit of fabrication and with the aid of Jack(who is both a racer and a NASA safety inspector) we got my seating position dialed in and bolted up on the drivers side and Jack just welded the side mounts to the base bracket on the passenger side since... they're just along for the ride

I kept the stock belts in and the Sparco bracket already had a space for the seat belt clasp to bolt to, so those will be for the street. I have a set of 6-point harnesses and a harness bar waiting to go in. Now that all the heavy fab work is done, all I need is for Jack to weld in something to attach the two crotch straps to and then I'm all set for racing!

I have to say, these seats are COMFORTABLE! With the new Momos the only complaint is that I can't slouch anymore and I need a running start to get out of them.

Drivers side:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/MomoSeatDriver.jpg

Passenger side, seat fits great with the extinguisher:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/MomoSeatPass.jpg

[xxthat girlxx]

Soooo the big question is..... will I ACTUALLY be able to get into the passenger seat for a WBM ride-a-long and who will pry me out of it. :D

[Jonathan]

Soooo the big question is..... will I ACTUALLY be able to get into the passenger seat for a WBM ride-a-long and who will pry me out of it. :D

Just get MoN to sneak into the back seat and say "Boo" to you when you least expect it, and you need anyone to pry you out of those super-comfy looking seats. :D

[im_so_blue]

was there when she started to put these bad boys in

also helping her make her car lighter too thanks to her selling her carpet to me haha.

Should seen her grinning from ear to ear getting this stuff like a child on christmas morning haha :lol:

looks good! :D

[StripesRX]

Soooo the big question is..... will I ACTUALLY be able to get into the passenger seat for a WBM ride-a-long and who will pry me out of it. :D

lol! My ass fit in them, you'll be fine!

Just get MoN to sneak into the back seat and say "Boo" to you when you least expect it, and you need anyone to pry you out of those super-comfy looking seats. :D

Would be an interesting ride for Monica... as I removed the back seat! :p

These seats are seriously like sofas. :)

was there when she started to put these bad boys in

also helping her make her car lighter too thanks to her selling her carpet to me haha.

Should seen her grinning from ear to ear getting this stuff like a child on christmas morning haha :lol:

looks good! :D

I'll get it all packaged up for ya by WBM. I just have to figure out how to make the floor presentable sans carpet. Probably just some rattle can and grip tape. :)

Of course I was grinning! ITS TOYS! :D

[SubyFr3ak]

I like when Chris was like "you know you can use the shop you know" lol.

[djmatao]

Those seats look sick!!!

[WhtRexGrl]

^ I'm jealous

[StripesRX]

I like when Chris was like "you know you can use the shop you know" lol.

LOL I didn't want to get in the way of the ACTUAL work being done :lol:

It was nice meeting you/seeing your car! Hopefully EFI can get everything ironed out so that beast can roar.

BTW, what association were you planning to run time attack with?

Those seats look sick!!!

^ I'm jealous

Thanks you two :devil:

[SubyFr3ak]

LOL I didn't want to get in the way of the ACTUAL work being done :lol:

It was nice meeting you/seeing your car! Hopefully EFI can get everything ironed out so that beast can roar.

BTW, what association were you planning to run time attack with?


I'm looking to run with COM Sports Car Club since I've talked with the president a few times. Some guy even brings a real GT40 to his events :D

Edit:
Forgot website... http://www.comscc.org/

[StripesRX]

^^^Neato! I might have to check into them!



In the meantime, I finally got the last of my FedEx tracking numbers for all the things I ordered for WBM. I only have a few small errands to run on Tuesday and then the following day I start the dismantlement process...

This is gonna be FUN :D

[xxthat girlxx]

Amy - COM runs the events I told you about in August and October at NHMS. ;)

[StripesRX]

Well, I'm scheduled to work both of those weekends those months... :(

I've been scraping my vacation bank dry this summer, but I might hit up the event you told me about at the end of June. :D



Ahem, all of my errands have been run for the STi. Now to start tearing it apart tomorrow. :devil:

[StripesRX]

Alrighty! Since Wicked Big Meet is only 2 and a half weeks away, its time to make T.K. a presentable "race" car.

I've been wanting to lighten the car for a while now so I rolled up my sleeves and got to work! Started by taking out the race seats and setting them aside, then I started in on the interior!

Started the day like this:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0200.jpg

Removed the carpet(and found almost 3 bucks in change), rear seat belts and associated hardware, previous owners amp and sub wires and a couple other non essential metal pieces.

Ended the day like this:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0201.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0202.jpg

Removed a good 20 pounds from the car already. Tomorrow I'm continuing the install/removal/lightening process and cleaning up and remounting some of the wires. Probably going to reinstall the rear deck cover(it really doesn't weight much and would probably be easier than trying to paint the rear deck black so it won't reflect light) and most of the center console(I only took that out so I could take out the carpet). Friday/Saturday/Sunday begins the installation of a TON of parts that have been sitting around my house(and some new ones from my new sponsor! ;))

Stay tuned!!! :D

[xxthat girlxx]

You don't need door cards either..... so ummm... I'm happy to take all that "junk" you're taking out. You knows, seats and stuff. ;)

[StripesRX]

^^^^Junk eh? One woman's trash another ones treasure? :P

Alrighty, got off from work this morning and got right back into attacking the car. After a very successful day yesterday, I had high hopes that I could get a lot accomplished today. But I was now working on the outside of the car... where things corrode... and rust...

My headlights were already out(and should be returning to me presently ;)) so I started in on the bumper cover so I could take off the stock bumper beam(to be replaced by something else... that should be arriving at my house presently ;)) and I knew it wasn't going to be a good day since I spent the morning cracking half the clips that hold the cover on, thanks to them being full of dirt and crud. Finally I managed to pry the cover off... to find THIS little lovely staring at me:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0204.jpg

This would explain why the middle of my bumper has been turning a suspicious red color. The beam was intact, but as soon as I took the cover off it started to disintegrate. Luckily I had some WD40 ready and applied a generous amount of it to the bumper beam bolts and then went at them with my impact wrench. It didn't put up much of a fight.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0205.jpg

And now with the bumper beam gone I can finally take some shots of the PS cooler:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0206.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0207.jpg

With the beam off, I decided to move on to the hood scoop and splitter. I'm planning on doing a little fab work so that my huge BSS intercooler will finally start getting the air flow it needs. Luckily, the splitter came out without a fuss. Unluckily, the scoop had 2 seized bolts and the rest snapped(even after multiple WD40 baths) so removing the scoop will be left for tomorrow... and the power tools.

[StripesRX]

Today's post is brought to you by WD40...

I completely underestimated how hard getting the rear bumper cover and beam off would be. After spending what I thought was a long time getting the front stuff off, I was ready for an "easy" day taking off the rear cover/beam, 'cause c'mon... how many clips and bolts could there be?

I jacked the rear of the car up, took off the wheels and took off the mud flaps. Then I worked my way around the bottom of the bumper prying(mostly breaking) off clips. I kept tugging on the cover and feeling where the resistance was and find more... and more clips. I ended up having to take out the tail lights to get at 4 clips... and 2 bolts. And after seeing the bolts I began to realize that maybe this wasn't going to be so easy...

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0209.jpg

Luckily I live 2 miles from a Harbor Freight, so I hopped on over there and grabbed a grinder for 20 bucks, came back and attacked... and found out that those bolts are held in by a white plastic with a rather low melting point... BUT at least they were out. Numerous other clips later, the bumper was off and I thought I was getting close to the end...

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0210.jpg

Until I looked around at how the bumper beam is attached and soon realized that 6 of the bolts(3 on each side) that held the beam were on the very bottom of the car, not very accessible and completely rusted over. So I soaked everything in WD40 and got my impact wrench(I was tried of playing nice nice with this stuff). Happily the WD40 did its job and a little torque broke all of the bolts loose and nothing was stripped or broken! First time I've gotten to say that! Yanked the beam out and stored it next to its crustier half.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0211.jpg

Fighting with the beam took all the time I had today, so playing with the hood scoop and all the little wires waits til tomorrow.

P.S. According to my tracking numbers, all my new goodies should arrive by this afternoon :D :D :D

[StripesRX]

10 hour shifts followed by 4-6 hours of working on the car is starting to kick my butt, BUT I'm on a roll and didn't want to stop so I decided to stick to some easy things and dip into my "to be installed" pile. Which also means I get to announce my newest sponsor!

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/27536_126720380683536_6237_n.jpg
http://oswaldperformance.com/default.aspx

I am happy to welcome Oswald Performance to my team of sponsors! OP makes some very unique and very functional performance pieces for the GD body style. I ordered a few things from them, and am very excited to start getting them in the car.

First is the rear brace. Ever since CarLabs stopped making the coveted X-brace(and being copyrighted, no other company could make anything similar) the only way to get the X-brace type rigidity and performance was to wait until someone was selling their X-brace. Now, the Oswald rear brace is the closest brace available(without copyright infringement, of course) that duplicates the results and all you have to do is go to Oswald's site and order one!

And to continue my lightening process, I got the front and rear bumper beams that directly replace the stock bumper beams(the reason I was tearing them out :)). Made out of aluminum, these beams are over 20 pounds lighter than stock(and even lighter than the JDM beams) and come with mounting holes for both a front and rear tow hook. And they are GORGEOUS in person!

Out with the old, in with the new!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0213.jpg



I was feeling pretty beat today so I decided to leave the bumper beams for later and finished taking out the trim pieces still left in the trunk and tackled the rear brace. The install took a little time, only because it fits VERY snug. The rear brace is a beautiful piece(I was also surprised at how light it was) and once bolted in, extremely sturdy. I can't wait to go test it out, but that will have to wait until I have a driver's seat again :lol:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0214.jpg

[xxthat girlxx]

Aaaaargh! So many problems when it comes to this stuff. Glad you are getting it taken care of (though slower than normal).

[StripesRX]

Thanks Sarah, its just taking a long time because everything on the car is rusted. I want to grab some anti-seize to coat the outside bolts in so I can remove them if I have to without all this fuss. Also want to get a can of spray paint and sand/paint some of the rusty bits still on the car to keep it from getting worse. :)

[StripesRX]

Okay! The lack of updates hasn't meant a lack of working on the car, I've still been putting a few hours each day. But I did run into an interesting snag Sunday that I finally solved today.

Sunday I was feeling pretty beat, so I decided to do the easiest thing I could think of which was install the front bumper beam. So I got everything set up, lined up the bumper... and ran into my snag. The Oswald bumper beam fits about 2 inches snugger to the front of the car than the stock beam. Problem is, I have my power steering cooler sitting in that space. The beam fit great after I unbolted the cooler, but it quickly became apparent that the power steering cooler wasn't going to play nice.

I sat there trying to figure out a way to make it fit. In order to mount the cooler where it sat, I'd have to trim a large amount of the new beam and I didn't like that plan. In order to set the cooler back and not have to cut the beam I'd have to start drilling into the frame to mount another bracket and I didn't particularly like that idea either. So I decided to move on and let myself think on it. So I grabbed the rear beam and set about putting something back together. It went on extremely easy and fit like a glove.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0217.jpg

I rationed out the remaining clips I had and attached the bumper and everything else. All done!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0218.jpg

So I decided to sleep on the front bumper issue and attack it on Monday. After sitting in front of the car measuring and testing where the cooler could be feasibly mounted for a while I had an idea. Mount the cooler directly to the bumper beam. So I got out some 3/32" thick aluminum I have in my garage and cut out two tabs, bent them 90 degrees to form a bracket and measured and drilled bolt holes for the cooler and only two holes on the bumper beam. Two small bolt holes kicked the crap out of sawing big square chunks out of the beam.

Its not perfect. Its not completely straight. BUT that cooler isn't going anywhere and now both the cooler and the front beam are mounted and playing nice.

Here's an up close shot of the brackets:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0221.jpg

And a little farther away:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0222.jpg

Tomorrow I really start putting the car back together. Its almost time for a test drive!

[StripesRX]

Now that the beam is sitting pretty I spent the last two days putting the front end together. I had to ration out my clips(I have all new ones on the way from my Subaru parts dealer) but I had enough to make sure both the front and rear bumpers aren't going anywhere.

And since I've put together the front end I can reveal these beauties!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0215.jpg

Lightwerkz was kind enough to hook me up with a headlight clear, refinish and paint(My boyfriend's belated birthday gift, cause he's awesome) to freshen up my old lights and make them look sleek. They really came out great and give the car a much meaner look. Love em!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0224.jpg

I also have to say I really like the tow hooks that come with the Oswald beams. They aren't flashy like some tow hooks can be, they're much more subtle. And still perfectly functional.

Yesterday I completed a little side project I've been meaning to do, which is to relocate the OBD2 port so I stop smacking the connection with my shins whenever I try to datalog/monitor while driving. So ordered a 12 dollar OBD2 extension off Amazon, unclipped the factory OBD2 port, zip tied everything behind the panel and threaded it through the center console and now the OBD2 port comes out of the space where the ashtray goes(going to make a little piece to mount it on at some point). Very simple and now I don't kick the cable anymore.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0225.jpg

Driving over to EFI today to have Jack weld the mounts for my 6 point harnesses, then bolting them and the harness bar in! Checklist is getting done!

[StripesRX]

Had a very successful day hanging out at EFI yesterday. Jack and I started bright and early figuring out where the 6 points will mount to then dug right in with installing the harness bar and harnesses. The NRG Harness bar I got(thanks to Apex Performance! ) fits perfectly and the only issue Jack had with it is that the bolts that came with it didn't have any grade, meaning that we don't know how much force they can take without snapping and since they're holding the harness bar/belts in place I'm going to order a set of grade 8 bolts when next week just to be on the safe side.

Then we started in on the harnesses, which are RaceQuip 6 points that are SFI 16.1 and FIA homologated, at a very affordable price! Jack wanted to make sure the mounting points were even and very sturdy so we used one of the rear belt holes and Jack cut out and welded a reinforced plate to the frame rail for make a second point for the shoulder belts. The lap belts are attached to the lower stock belt hole and the rear seat bolt. The crotch straps are bolted to two holes on the seat bracket. Jack then spent a good amount of time adjusting the lengths of the belts to make sure everything was even and the belt tails wouldn't be too long.

I also stopped by JNA Performance to pick up some last minute goodies and also got a few vinyls to slap on the car. I'm happy to support such a helpful group!

Pictures:

It was very bright!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0226.jpg

Passenger side
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0227.jpg

Harness bar and the rear mounting points, all set to rock!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0228.jpg

It was a very busy day at the shop yesterday and I have to thank all the guys over at EFI for squeezing me in to get the car prepped for WBM.

I only have a few more small jobs to do before I'm all set. And I got word from my vinyl shop that my new vinyls will be done Tuesday and I'm picking them up the day after. Almost there!!!

[StripesRX]

Successfully finished up the front end mods over the weekend, that leaves only a few small things to do tomorrow then Wednesday I'm picking up my vinyls and that afternoon/Thursday myself and my boyfriend will be putting them on the car. After that, the car is all ready to go fast at WBM! :D

So, I installed my V-limited lip from JNA Performance on Saturday. It went on very easily after I got all the rusted bolts on the splitters loose(story of the car....) and MAN does it change the front of the car! :) Makes the car look a lot meaner.

Add in the AeroCatch hood pins I installed today and the front end of the car looks business! I got the hood pins from PasswordJDM.com and if your looking to get these pins I definitely suggest getting it through them because they have a kit you can get that includes a backing plate that replaces just mounting the pins with the dinky nuts provided. It was VERY stressful cutting into my own hood but with my OCD I managed to get them as close to perfect as possible. Right now they're purely cosmetic because I tried to mount them on the flattest part of the hood as possible and as a result, they are pretty low and I run out of thread on the pins, so I'm going to have to find shorter attachment pins to make everything work(cause it's a little too late to re-cut the holes). Still, they look really awesome.

And the results:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0231.jpg

[xxthat girlxx]

The aerocatch look like little eyebrows! I just opted with Sparco b/c of time.

[StripesRX]

Sparcos are nice, I just wanted something more aerodynamic(cause it matters! :lol:)

It makes the car look like its scowling, she's ready for action!

[xxthat girlxx]

Hahaha. All that weight reduction you just did. You for seriously needed to be more aerodynamic too. ;)

[MoN]

Awsome!! Cant wait to see you on Saturday!

[Big-E]

The car really looks great!

I started to look at the pics and saw the rusted-out bumper beams and was going to offer you my OEM rear one until I saw you went with OP. So, what do you think? I have all of his parts (bumper beams, rear triangle brace, subframe) on my car and really like them.

I also saw you hot lapping it at the track! Car also sounded spectacular!

[MoN]

Amy it was nice to see you quickly at WBM! Hope you had a good time and made some boys pee-pee in their panties... :lol: I didnt get a chance to go over and see you in action though :( , maybe next yr

[StripesRX]

The car really looks great!

I started to look at the pics and saw the rusted-out bumper beams and was going to offer you my OEM rear one until I saw you went with OP. So, what do you think? I have all of his parts (bumper beams, rear triangle brace, subframe) on my car and really like them.

I also saw you hot lapping it at the track! Car also sounded spectacular!

Thank you!

If I hadn't gotten the OP beams I would have never bothered ripping those suckers off! But after I have, it was totally worth it. The car turns in with a flick of my wrists now, and stays planted throughout. After talking to Mikey post-WBM, it looks like there's a OP sub-frame in my future as well :D I really like the design of the OP sub-frame compared to others since it looks like it actually braces things instead of just being a hunk of metal bolted to the bottom of your car.

Now we gotta get you out on the track! :devil:

Amy it was nice to see you quickly at WBM! Hope you had a good time and made some boys pee-pee in their panties... :lol: I didnt get a chance to go over and see you in action though :( , maybe next yr

Likewise Mon! You were one of the few Subiegirls I got to see on Saturday! I think I successfully scared the "official" WBM photographer(the one walking around with the models) after doing a little drifto action on one of the turns. :) Next year you should be riding with me! :cool:

[MoN]

Likewise Mon! You were one of the few Subiegirls I got to see on Saturday! I think I successfully scared the "official" WBM photographer(the one walking around with the models) after doing a little drifto action on one of the turns. :) Next year you should be riding with me! :cool:

Sounds like a plan!

[Big-E]

Thank you!

If I hadn't gotten the OP beams I would have never bothered ripping those suckers off! But after I have, it was totally worth it. The car turns in with a flick of my wrists now, and stays planted throughout. After talking to Mikey post-WBM, it looks like there's a OP sub-frame in my future as well :D I really like the design of the OP sub-frame compared to others since it looks like it actually braces things instead of just being a hunk of metal bolted to the bottom of your car.

Now we gotta get you out on the track! :devil:

I think that next year I will go out onto one of the big tracks. Maybe I'll tag along with you.

If you get the OP subframe, you'll want the one with the extra mounting point on it. Take a look at Mickey's website and the first subframe you see is one in red. Scroll down and the next one you'll see is in gunmetal. Note on the red one the extra mounting point coming off the side about mid-section whereas the one in gunmetal does not.

Also, order the subframe with the rear mounting tabs for the STI aero-underpanels. IDK if your car has them, but if you don't and want to add them later, then you have one of the necessary mounting points.

In addition, the one in gunmetal is the one he made for my car. Look at the mid-section. Note the three tabs coming off the center-beam. I had him customize it so that I could continue to use my Carbing underpanel. If you want something extra added to the subframe, Mickey may be able to do this for you.

One nice feature is that Mickey uses a double-tube design with respect to the two front legs so that they double as jack-stand points:

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/Big-E-WRX/DSC02506.jpg

[StripesRX]

Nice! Thanks for the low-down one the frame... now to think about what I actually want on it. Although I don't have any of the under-panels on the car, I'm sure I'll want mounting points when I reach the far away fantasy land where I start fiddling with aerodynamics... :lol:

[StripesRX]

Squeezed in an AutoX last Saturday, and started clearing the cobwebs out of my brain.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0250.jpg

The course was really a lot of fun, two fairly long sweepers and two slaloms made a great place for me to stretch T.K.'s new suspension muscle.

FCSCC has a new track recorder-thingy that records what the course setup looks like, here's the overhead of the course:
http://www.fcscc.com/11course_jul09.jpg

I started and ended the day smacking cones. Which, for my first AutoX of the year, didn't really surprise me. The car felt and handled amazing, I think now I really need to sharpen up my own driving in order to be a bit competitive. I lost to the other car in my class by only a few tenths of a second and was only off FTD by a few seconds. Much improved from last year but people with similar or less mods were still posting faster times than me, so I know I have to tighten the nut behind the wheel. After going for a few rides with some of the more experienced AutoXers, I came away with a few things I want to work on.

My fastest run of the day:
cu5FaETzXAs

You can see the improvement in the body roll just by the video!


My next event will be NJMP Lightning August 6+7th, although I might hit FCSCC for another AutoX July 31st. We'll see how my work schedule pans out. :D

[Big-E]

I hope you can make it on the 31st. It would be nice to talk again and check out your car (again).

[xxthat girlxx]

That track recorder is cool!!

Ummmm you looked faster there than my in car video of 4th session at NHMS looked. :lol:

[StripesRX]

I hope you can make it on the 31st. It would be nice to talk again and check out your car (again).

I'm really on the fence about the 31st, I have a ton of stuff I have to get done this weekend AND I have to work. We'll see how it works out, if not I'm sure I'll catch you at the next one!

That track recorder is cool!!

Ummmm you looked faster there than my in car video of 4th session at NHMS looked. :lol:

I've been looking at a GPS track recorder thingy for my car so I can sit with the video and the track data and see where I'm doing well/not so well. But other toys come first!

And goodness I hope I wasn't faster! :lol: (Although the lower you place the camera the faster the car seems to go)

[xxthat girlxx]

^not to mention a/x's are a bit more jerky in movements so that may make it look faster.

[Big-E]

I'm really on the fence about the 31st, I have a ton of stuff I have to get done this weekend AND I have to work. We'll see how it works out, if not I'm sure I'll catch you at the next one!

*******

I've been looking at a GPS track recorder thingy for my car so I can sit with the video and the track data and see where I'm doing well/not so well. But other toys come first!

And goodness I hope I wasn't faster! :lol: (Although the lower you place the camera the faster the car seems to go)

I completely understand the whole being busy and have to work scenario. Maybe the next one in August?

My good friend Andy has told me about the same GPS device that you can use to track the car and see where the G-forces are and so-on. It's a nice idea, but right now I've had to cut spending for a while. Maybe next year?!

Be well and our paths will cross once again!

[StripesRX]

After a few tweaks at EFI on Saturday, I really wanted to make sure the car was happy and ready to rock before next weekend at NJMP with NASA. So, I threw my helmet in the car and rumbled over to CT yesterday for some AutoX fun... after working all night(yay 3rd shift) but with a few Redbulls I was ready for cone killing.

http://www.fcscc.com/11course_jul31.jpg

The course was really cool and fast with a very fast slalom and nice sweeping turns and you ended up doubling back onto your run with was a very interesting setup! Unfortunately I only got to walk the course once(leaving directly from work made me a little late ) so I hopped in a few cars to get the layout of the course then went out to see what I could do. Started with a respectable 41.x and then trimmed the time down to an even 40.2, but with a few cars cracking 37 seconds I really wanted to break into the 39s. My last run(after a few sips of caffeine ) I lined up at the start and told myself to drive it like I stole it, pedal to the floor and ended up squeaking out a 39.3 :D

Results:

My Fastest time: 39.389
FTD: 37.202
Place in Class: 1st
Place overall(RAW): 17 out of 71

Video from the my fastest run:

DnyjCOLG1Zk

Playing around with my roll bar mount earlier in the day(testing for the track) I think I'm going to move it a little higher so you can see out the windshield a little better.

ZwSOs5MmNoo

All in all, very happy with the results. First time I was fast enough to get into the top 20 times and the car feels great. Ready to rock at NJMP next weekend!

[StripesRX]

Home from the track and boy was it an awesome weekend! It was a great turnout for NASA and they were hosting Global Time Attack so many big teams showed up to throw down. A good time was had by all!

First of all, it was hot. VERY hot. The temps were in the mid 90s on Sat. and they climbed into triple digits on Sun.(not to mention it was muggy to boot) Despite that, the car ran like a top and performed phenomenally. Big thank you to all my sponsors, especially EFI Logics, for doing their thing so all I had to do at the track was check my lug nuts and tire pressures.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0253.jpg

We dropped the car off on Friday night and arrived early Saturday for tech and registration. After we got all of that sorted, it was time for the first session. Still being in White, all of us had an instructor ride in the car for the first session. After stuffing himself into my seats, my instructor and I went out and had a good session and he told me I was good to go it alone.

Chased this little EVO around, stuck with him even though he has twice the power and the driving skills to handle it. Cool guy:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/NJMPEVOSTi.jpg

Spent the day driving and meeting some of the Global Time Attack teams, including the Professional Awesome EVO(Hi, guys! ) and the radical F-wing Scion tC team(y'know, THAT scion)...

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0257.jpg

And I got to chill with the GST Motorsports GC team. The guys were super cool and not to mention ungodly fast in their beast of a Subaru. They won their class handily and I think they even set a track record with their time of 1:03.x Which is fast. VERY fast. To put that into perspective just how fast, EFI's TTS EVO won his class on Sat. with a mid 1:12 time.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0259.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0254.jpg

The thing is BEASTLY. And being uber cool fellow Subie people, they let me test out the hot seat.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/GSTMotorsportsGChotseat.jpg

Sunday started off a little overcast, and we didn't know if we were going to get rained on or not but by the time the first session started the sun was peeking through. I rode with a different instructor who hopped in my car and said "I like to go fast, I don't mind if you squeal the tires and I don't mind being two feet off the bumper of the person in front of you." Well, alright then... I'm not sure which one of us had more fun that session. After a few delays, the second to last session became a combined Green/White session. The race director came over to me right before we came out and told me that if I hit too much traffic, I'd be more than welcome to run in Blue for the last session. So, I went out and got into traffic BUT I was happy because it gave me a chance to get some late point-bys so I'd have to drive the corner off-line, which is something I wanted to practice since its a vital skill for Blue.

Heres a video from that session, up until when I popped into the pits for a re-shuffle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXQdcUFqH-c

As we were coming off the track, I got signaled by my boyfriend that I was going back out, with Blue! The only trouble was that I didn't have any rest time, the car was hot, the brakes were hot, I was hot but I put my game face on and ripped on out. I had a great session, managing to catch 4 other cars and since I was conscious of the hot brakes I didn't brake much which made me realize that I was braking entirely too much to begin with.

That session:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8Kpt4QRX2s

So after the session I talked to the race director and he told me that next time I came out, they would have a senior instructor ride with me and officially sign me off for Blue, because "Blue is where you belong."

I had a great time and really pleased with how the car handles and how it performed. I have a few more videos uploading(it takes some time since they're HD) I'll post them later. My next event should be in October with NASA at the GLEN!

[StripesRX]

Well, Youtube isn't being quite as cooperative uploading some of my videos(I guess it doesn't like HD :() so here's the only one that succeeded, filmed the first session on Sat. My lines are meh, but I like the bumper cam just because it makes it look like your going just as fast... as you are! :lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_OXHLqvjOw

and another pic... looks so peaceful...

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/Turn7sidepic.jpg

[StripesRX]

So, yesterday consisted of a road trip with my Dad to pick up our latest find... A Haulmark 20' enclosed car trailer! :D

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0275.jpg

I call it a "find" because of the price we got it at, as last winter the snow had collected on the roof and caused it to cave in. The roof itself was undamaged but the roof supports were bent and in need of replacing. Its in major need of some TLC, and it was rougher than both of us had originally thought. The interior wooden panels and floor could use a re-do and outside is in dire need of a power wash, but a trip to Home Depot and a weekend or two and it'll be fit to tow.

What we're planning on doing is re-paneling the inside and painting that, re-doing the floor with wood/vinyl covering and putting two strips of diamond plate where the wheels of the car will be, building new cabinets and a tire rack or two and then replacing all of the rusted steel bolts on the outside with stainless... along with some other things. We're pretty much going to have a brand new trailer, for a fraction of the cost!

[Jonathan]

So, yesterday consisted of a road trip with my Dad to pick up our latest find... A Haulmark 20' enclosed car trailer! :D

I call it a "find" because of the price we got it at, as last winter the snow had collected on the roof and caused it to cave in. The roof itself was undamaged but the roof supports were bent and in need of replacing. Its in major need of some TLC, and it was rougher than both of us had originally thought.

We're pretty much going to have a brand new trailer, for a fraction of the cost!

What sort of tow vehicle are you planning on using ?

[StripesRX]

Trying to snag an 02 Chevy Tahoe my Dad found on craigslist. If that falls through we'll probably end up borrowing one of my Dad's coworker's truck for the remaining events this year and pursue getting something over the winter.

[Jonathan]

Trying to snag an 02 Chevy Tahoe my Dad found on craigslist. If that falls through we'll probably end up borrowing one of my Dad's coworker's truck for the remaining events this year and pursue getting something over the winter.

I am only *guessing* but it looks like between the weight of the trailer, your vehicle and tools spare tyes etc... you will likely be towing 6 to 8 thousand pounds. In a perfect world a Cummins or Powerstroke diesel might be a better choice ?

[StripesRX]

Yup, 6k just with car and trailer. But neither myself or my dad want anything to do with a truck, especially a Cummins. Not our style. The Tahoe we were looking at is the 4WD with the tow package, that puts it at a 8700 capacity. Which is why we want it.

[StripesRX]

Alright, let me preface this update with I am fine and the car will live. Now onto the story of why...

My very long weekend started with Friday and prepping the car and the trailer. It had rained all week and prevented us from doing anything, so we had to do a week's worth of work in a day. I did my car prep(oil change, brake pad replacement, tire rotation) while my dad started the trailer floor, then when I was done we finished the tie downs and packed up the car. The car fit in the trailer like a glove!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0300.jpg

So Saturday dawned nice and clear, until about 5 minutes later when the fog and rain rolled in... and it stayed. This was my view from the tech line:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0301.jpg

It stayed disgusting, to the point where the organizers weren't letting people on the track. So we all hunkered down and watched the rain. In the afternoon it did clear up a bit, enough for my group(and a few others) to be let out on the track. I didn't bother getting any GoPro video of the session, it really wasn't exciting. Just doodling around the track.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/TTPhotoWet2.jpg

Sunday was always promised to be the better weather day... but by better it meant that there was less fog so we could actually get a whole day of racing in. The first session was EXTREMELY wet, but I felt very comfortable and the car felt very planted throughout the whole session.

Video from the first session:
33_4IV1MGQ0

The rain started to let up a bit and the fog was clearing, the weather was starting to take a turn for the better by the time our second session came around. Unfortunately... that's when the crash happened. I think I over-cooked the corner, when the car started to come around I lifted, unweighted the rear of the car even more, caused my spin... and ended up tapping the wall.

The gentleman behind me got it all on camera:
1iHJBUrPorQ&hd=1

And this is my point of view:
pwqCwVUQ3TE

The drive back to the pits was AGONIZING... there was something rubbing on the back corner and making a ton of noise. As I limped in, I was imagining the worst, bent rim, destroyed suspension... everything. Managed to get her back into the pits and went to inspect my damage.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0306.jpg

Broke the tail light, smacked the back bumper and crumpled the rear quarter quite a bit. But as I was inspecting everything, the wheel was undamaged, the suspension was untouched and the Oswald Performance bumper beam did a great job of minimizing the damage to the rear. The horrible noise I heard while getting the car into the pits was the back bumper, which had been pushed forward enough to scrape the rear tire. As if to mock me, the sun started to come out around then. So, I did what any same person would do....

I decided to go back out there!

We ripped off the bumper and removed the tail light, but the trunk wasn't able to close all the way because the tail light space/quarter panel were moved over enough to prevent it from closing. So, we looped a chain around the tail light opening, tied it to the tow car and(with a little Jeremy Clarkson style love) bent them back in place enough for the trunk to close. Went back and got cleared by medical and tech, grabbed lunch and threw my helmet on. Hair of the dog, right?

The wounded warrior:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0308.jpg

The session:
Xa-eGnfIejQ

I had an AWESOME session, the track was finally drying out and instead of driving scared I drove with a vengeance! Hitting the wall was not gonna keep me down!

After that session I felt really great. I had redeemed myself and felt like I could leave on a positive instead of limping away in shame. Packed up the car and we were VERY lucky to have the trailer(it would have been an interesting drive home without it) and started the journey home.

I'm a little bruised and battered and the car is a little dinged up, but I already have a bumper and tail light on the way and Oswald Performance getting me another rear beam(yay Mikey!), Now all that's left is to find a body shop to bang out the quarter panel so the tail light fits and we're back in business!

[Joslin Rae]

Wow, that's crazy! So sorry about your car, but so glad you weren't hurt!

[MoN]

I <3 u Amy... Only you would crash it, chain it back up and get back in the game minutes later!! You go girl!! Im glad to hear you and the car are ok!

[StripesRX]

Thanks girls, the car is already setup for an appointment with a body shop and the replacement parts are in the mail! :)

C'mon Mon! You know I'm slightly insane! :D

[StripesRX]

T.K. fights again!!! :D

I brought the car to Route 53 Autobody in Bethel, CT(conveniently located near EFI ) after it being recommended to me. After talking to the owner, Frank and having him draw up an estimate for me, I gave the car over to their expert care. I asked them to make it work, it didn't have to look perfect which isn't exactly the norm at their shop(which handles a lot of luxury cars, half-ass isn't in their vocabulary). Heck it didn't even have to look GOOD, all I wanted was for the quarter to be back in roughly the same place and the tail light to fit - especially considering the time constraints. Frank looked at the car and assured me it could be done!

After getting another PSM bumper off eBay, a tail light from another of EFI's drivers and a new bumper beam from Mikey at Oswald, it was all up to Route 53. And they delivered.

I received the call that the car was done yesterday and I thought about stopping and grabbing some grey primer(since I had told Frank not to worry about paint) since I was expecting pull/weld marks etc. What I arrived to this morning was entirely different than what I was envisioning in my head:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0008.jpg

From the other end of the parking lot, if I hadn't known where to look I might not have known there was damage. There's small ripples where they simply painted over the cracks and dents to protect from rust, but from a distance, its pretty darn good!

The car is now back at EFI for the next two days for a pre-track checkup and we're picking her up Thursday to head to NJMP for 3 days of track fun since I'm now clear to run in HPDE 3.

I have a few more vinyls to put on, so more pics Thursday maybe. Also ordered new tires for the trailer since the ones that are on it are a)all different sizes and b)horribly dry rotted. Hopefully they come in tomorrow so we can mount them and get everything set!

And because it always important to have a sense of humor about things:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0010.jpg

:)

[StripesRX]

Returned from an EXCELLENT weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park!

Started the weekend off on Thursday, as usual running late. Mounted the trailer tires and set off to EFI to pick up the car extremely late and drove through some interesting weather(snow) to arrive at the track around 1am. Crashed in the hotel room and got to the track nice and early Friday morning because the NASA directors had okayed me running in HPDE 3! Making me eligible to sign up for the open track day on Friday in addition to running Sat+Sun.

The beast is back in action! After an oil change and number application
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0012.jpg

This was my first ever open track experience. In addition to the few HPDE 3 drivers, the rest of my run group consisted of HPDE 4, instructors and a few racers/TTers as well. Passing rules were... loose. And to make things just a little more challenging, we were running the chicane on Thunderbolt which I had never seen/driven.

The first two sessions were a real eye opener. People were passing me in odd spots and flying past me(I really felt like a moving pylon). But it was doing wonders for my situational awareness, and by the afternoon I was starting to feel comfortable mixing it up a little.

Here's a clip from the last session that day. I was having a lot of fun!
HKr8WQGOf20

Saturday dawned cold and rainy. Luckily T.K. got to nap inside with the rest of the real race cars, since I was sharing a garage space with two of EFI's other cars. Which came in handy, because the weather sucked!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0014.jpg

NASA had actually acquired use of both NJMP tracks for Sat, so HPDE ran on Lightning and the TT and race groups ran Thunderbolt. It was very cool and I was happy to be running Lightning again, because I'm quite familiar with it dry and wet. Myself and an EVO IX(the owner of which is an acquaintance from previous events) were the only two AWD vehicles in our group, so natually we became playmates.

Session 2 on Sat, chasing the EVO down(did I mention he has about 200 HP on me?) until he went for a slide. I apparently found this HILARIOUS, and the only casualty of the off was his UR lip.
Rl_hCz6eHSQ

And the last session on Sat, the rain had lightened up and we both drove hard. Lots o fun in the puddles!
alAYFpOIhgg

REVENGE OF THE EVO! Maybe I shouldn't have laughed because later in the last session, I mis-shifted into 2nd and the car didn't really like that. So, I went for a little spin. No contact and came away a little muddy. Whoopsies!
BFwhjeGmSwo

After we ended I headed back over to Thunderbolt to watch the 2 hour enduro(which the EFI Logics sponsored RS got 1st in class and 3rd overall!) and closed up the car for the next day.

Sunday we were all back on Thunderbolt and we saw something odd... THE SUN! The weather had cleared and it promised to be a good day. Unfortunately my first session was black flagged after 2 laps when someone had contacted a wall pretty hard, reminding us all that the track was still VERY cold.

Second session, there was still a little water left over and the track was still slippery, but we all managed to have fun regardless!
XUFyK4YmnZs

After that session, there were a few races where quite a few cars went off in the chicane... so they took it out! Back to the normal configuration and one that I knew, I just had to remember how to drive it! After a session of remembering where everything was, I was ready to attack the last session, close out the weekend and the year on a good note!
TP_h9Rb4_oo

I really had a great time this weekend and I really feel like I've improved this year. I've had to deal with a lot of ups and downs and had to overcome quite a few problems. Even as I type this, I'm trying to come up with a plan for next year. I have a pretty good idea of where I want to go with this car, and my driving, and I'm excited to see what kinds of opportunities and challenges present themselves.



Also, Track Time Photos was at the track all three days. Once they upload their pics I'll share them here. There should be a bunch!

[StripesRX]

Last weekend was FCSCC's last event of the year, running on the BIG lot. I really liked the big lot course last year, so I decided to go even after working 11 hours. Cause sleep is over rated!

The course looked very fast, with a few slaloms and 3 U-turns. Luckily I got to walk the course a few times so I'd know where to go.

http://fcscc.com/11course_nov06.jpg

There were 4 cars in my class(which is rather unusual for me) and two of them were both Subies and EFI customers, so there was some friendly competition. I managed to navigate the course cleanly, but failed to be fast enough for first. Came away with a solid second, and since there were enough people in my class I got a 2nd place trophy to bring home. :)

Here's the video from my fastest run:
IXyK0aZWraA


I know I should be much faster. I really like where the car is at performance and handling wise, and I plan to keep things quick and simple this winter with mods. I really want to focus on more events and better driving next year!

[StripesRX]

I went over to EFI yesterday to hang out and begin stripping the car so that whenever they finish with what they have to do, I can haul it over to be caged. I arrived around 10am, pulled the car in shortly after and started the deconstruction process. And aside from a quick half hour lunch break with the guys, I worked all the way until 7pm... but the car is only one or two hours away from being totally ready for cage goodness.

Removed a LONG list of things, door cards, headliner + all the hardware underneath, speakers, plastic moldings, airbags... etc. In total, all the removed items totalled 75 pounds. That's not including items that will be reused and re-installed, and items that were already out of the car(rear seats/belts, carpet, stock seats) and any exterior items removed/lightened. Pretty happy with all that got accomplished, now my little STi is ready to continue the journey toward being a real race car!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0104.jpg

Jack has been putting out a lot of suggestions, this cage is going to be pretty sweet thanks to his input.

[xxthat girlxx]

:jealous:

I can codrive? ;)

[niamh]

wow! sweet!!!!

[StripesRX]

Got off from work at 7am today and my Dad dropped by with the tow car and we stopped by the local Uhaul for a flat-bed trailer. Why the Uhaul? Because when we stripped our trailer we discovered that we had a bent axle. One weekend on the new trailer tires and half the tread is gone, so until we fix the axle the trailer needs to stay put.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0114.jpg

Anyway, after picking the car up from EFI we bounced over to Boston where Bill @ CageThis has his home base. When we got there he was working on a sweet little Porsche Carrera and I got to see his work first hand and I liked what I saw. Bill's a certified welder that has now made cage building his full time job, and I'm really excited to see him execute what we have planned.

Bill said pictures will start sometime late next week!

[xxthat girlxx]

You were in BOSTON and didn't text me!??!?

[StripesRX]

Haha, sorry Sarah. We weren't really up for a social day. We only spent about 45 mins dropping the car off and we still only got home at 8pm.

[niamh]

:popcorn: cant wait to see pictures!

[StripesRX]

It's not much, but the main hoop in in!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-03_23-51-32_125.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-03_23-51-37_208.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-03_23-51-46_325.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-03_23-51-41_102.jpg

No going back now! :D

[niamh]

you go girl!!

[StripesRX]

Someone's been busy... :devil:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-05_21-47-51_458.jpg

[StripesRX]

MORE pics?

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-06_00-22-44_307.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-06_00-22-37_109.jpg

Bill is the man! :D

[Khanh]

Holy crap he's almost done lol.

[Khanh]

How is he doing your door bars? Ladder bar or X? Any gusseting in the cage (like tiring the main hoop into the b-pillar and a-pillar bars to the windshield frame)?

More importantly, you leaving her registered for the street still?

[StripesRX]

Holy crap he's almost done lol.


Bill said that it might be done this weekend. That dude is an animal! :lol:


How is he doing your door bars? Ladder bar or X? Any gusseting in the cage (like tiring the main hoop into the b-pillar and a-pillar bars to the windshield frame)?

More importantly, you leaving her registered for the street still?

Door X with a sill bar(to satisfy the 3 door bar requirement some hill climb associations have) and since NASA usually prefers Xes. I don't think we're gusseting to the body(removing the windshield is a pain in the butt too).

Still going to be registered for the street. Shouldn't be a big issue, since the guy I get inspected by does the "Ray Charles" inspection ;)

[Khanh]

Is he gutting the front doors for clearance?

My dream has lead me to thinking about safety equipment. -__-

[StripesRX]

Not gutting the doors, since we're keeping the glass for the time being.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-07_20-21-06_130.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-07_20-20-49_896.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-07_20-20-57_99.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-07_20-21-01_544.jpg

Almost done! :D

[Khanh]

No harness bar?

[StripesRX]

Ha, of course there's going to be a harness bar! It and a few of the other horizontal support bars are the last things to go in. :D

[Khanh]

Ah. The Double Cross bars in the main hook with the gussets made it look like youre not getting one. I was going to question your madness. :p

[StripesRX]

Picking up the car tomorrow!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-12_21-11-51_414.jpg

[StripesRX]

Cage is done! A big thank you goes to Bill @ CageThis, he did an awesome job on my car, he even went out of his way to fix one of the bars that wasn't quite right due to some grey areas in the rule book. Great guy, and I'm happy to welcome him to my team of sponsors!

http://cagethis.com/home/

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-20_14-43-30_728.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-20_14-43-19_236.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/2012-03-20_14-42-51_884.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0126-1.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0127.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0133.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0134.jpg

The obligatory weld pic:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0131.jpg

And my new NRG steering wheel, thanks to Apex Performance!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0130.jpg

So, EFI will be finishing their work next week, then the reconstruction process can start! I have to keep an eye on the weather, first few warm/low humidity days we get it cage painting time!

[niamh]

Wow can I say ass? Because this is badass lol

[Khanh]

Those tacos look great!

[xxthat girlxx]

Damn you for not having a passenger seat!

And ummmmmm when do I get to drive this beast?!?

[StripesRX]

Wow can I say ass? Because this is badass lol

Those tacos look great!

Thanks! Really happy at how it turned out. :D

Damn you for not having a passenger seat!

And ummmmmm when do I get to drive this beast?!?

I still have the passenger seat, its just sitting in the trunk for now because I still have to paint the cage and such. It'll go back in once everything is together. :)

And come out to a NASA event, I'm sure we can work something out ;)

[StripesRX]

Mmmm quick steering rack...

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/460980_10150914206164778_53139724777_12790821_1276 189463_o.jpg

This is Jack's own creation. It started as a stock 08 steering column(we used an 08 because those columns telescope) and then Jack added some of his awesome fabrication skills and poof! 1.5:1 quicker steering with telescoping and quick release.

[ImprezaBabe]

Cage looks really nice :)

[*Miss Sti*]

Looking good with the project props!!!

[StripesRX]

Thanks girls! :D


I've spent the last two days working on trying to get the STi together. Day one was spent taping off and painting the rear deck lid and the rear half of the cage. Let me say this: painting a cage really isn't that much fun. I spent most of the day folded into some uncomfortable places to get paint in the small spaces. I can't wait until its done because I'm tired of it already :)

Since today's weather wasn't cooperating for painting, we decided to get the quickener installed. Which was... fun. :lol: Lots of little modifications were needed, along with cutting and hammering rather everything. But its in and another thing off the list, we might have her ready soon! :D

Some of my awesome painting skills:
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0144.jpg

And the new column is in!
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0143-1.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0141-1.jpg

Day of rest tomorrow, then its back at it on Monday!

[SubyFr3ak]

If you give me a ride in your car, I'll give you a ride in mine? :D

[StripesRX]

Maybe Mike. But I do all my ride alongs on the track now :p

Anyway, picked up my STi from EFI on Sunday and drove it right to one of the local meets. Had an excellent turn out and I got to meet quite a few new people. AND got to talk with a few potential sponsors. Good exposure for the car and I had a great time!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/477482_383195281720968_229814327059065_1092457_195 7902433_o.jpg

Spent today helping my Dad work on the trailer and we successfully cut and transplanted a new steel shaft to replace the bent axle and had a welder come by and weld it in place. No pics yet, but now the trailer will pull better and not wear the tires in odd spots.

In other news, my HANS device came in. Pro series 20S with the quick disconnects.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0181.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0182.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0184.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0185.jpg

Working on the car tomorrow, just some small jobs to complete. NJMP is almost here!

[sukisukinow]

i feel famous thats me next to you!!!!! <3

[StripesRX]

Back from NJMP last weekend, and it was a blast! I was running in HPDE 3 all weekend and everyone in that group was playing nice and giving point bys perfectly. No real trains happened.

First off, the car handled AMAZING. It just stuck to the tarmac. The steering felt great, catching the car took a mere twitch of my wrist. The car was very predictable and gave me a lot of confidence.

Second, my boyfriend was at the track and brought his shiny new telephoto lens. He got pics of all the EFI cars until the heat and the sun was too much for him. It was hot and sunny on Sat. perfect track weather, but not so nice to humans. Anywho, pics!

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/413064_10150769231089030_500014029_9754506_1877630 731_o.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/414393_10150769231664030_500014029_9754512_2042077 193_o.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/412515_10150769231339030_500014029_9754509_1848931 210_o.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/457934_10150769231219030_500014029_9754508_9270800 08_o.jpg

The first session I went out I was very cautious with the car, testing it out and getting a feel for the changes. The second session, I was faster. A lot faster than last year. It showed because I was running out of gear coming out of turn 7(90 degree left) and into the lightbulb. So I started short shifting into 5th, which resulted in the need for a terrifying brake-heel/toe-turn in at the lightbulb. But after a few laps I had it down.

Clip from the second session:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbwDMNFx8Mg

The third session I was adding more speed(unfortunately the sound came out badly for the video, but I'll see what I can do with it) and getting a lot of passing in, including a few very late point bys causing me to dive bomb the corners. The last session of the day I really hit my stride and had a blast with the car, and I had a good bit of open track too!

From the 4th session:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8zScadIGNM

...and then the rain rolled in. In the morning it started with a light drizzle. Which wasn't bad. And there was 8 people running in HPDE 3, so the track was rather empty. I enjoyed it since I got the track pretty much to myself and I got to splash about in the rain.

First session on Sunday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e81qPsAl_J0

Then it started to rain a lot harder. The track got wetter and colder, but we still were allowed to go out, but they combined 3,4 and TT in an effort to give everyone track time before the weather got worse and so we could close early. The track wasn't as empty and had a few more puddles, but I had a lot of events in the rain last year. Rain? No big deal.

Session two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUaVfdsUVKI

As I was getting out of the car at the end of the second session, the doors had locked themselves and I couldn't use the electric door locks. So I just manually unlocked it, got out and didn't think much of it. Until the start of the next session. When I went to get in, the doors were locked... and the key was sitting in the center console... so, we had to break into my car. My Dad managed to get a hook around one of the rear door mechanisms(since I don't have door cards on the rears) and then I climbed through the cage to unlock the doors. Apparently some rain must have gotten around the door switch and was causing a short. Sigh.

We took that as a sign from the powers that be to pack it in early. The track conditions were getting wetter by the minute and it wasn't really worth risking hydro-plaining or wrecking. So we headed home.

As a final clip, here's my unofficial fastest lap from Saturday. I managed to tick off a 1:19, which is only 7-8 seconds off EFI's other cars that have 100 more horsepower and are running 295 R-comps. And I know I can pedal faster with the current setup too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6xiab1kvQo

The first Watkin's Glen event is next Mon+Tue and it's an HPDE-only weekend, so there's going to be a LOT of track time. I hope to bump up to HPDE 4 there then be set to get signed off for TT in May.

[sukisukinow]

so proud of you!!!!

[blnddrtbkeqt]

Looks like so much fun.

[StripesRX]

Thanks girls! It IS fun :D

Little comparison video from my best lap last August and my best lap this April:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urItTnNrKus

[niamh]

awesome pictures!! I like being updated on facebook! lol

[StripesRX]

Alright! So I went up to the Glen last Monday and Tuesday for an HPDE only event hosted by NASA. No races, no delays. Just pure seat time. :)

Got to the track around 5pm on Friday, and we were early for the 6:00 drop off time. So me and my dad hung out and made friends with the other drivers who were locked out too. When they let us in, we immediately snagged a garage space, since they were first come, first serve.

Jacked the car up and swapped out the brake pads and did a quick oil change:

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/IMAG0209-1.jpg

The following morning was bitter cold, but sunny. An improvement over last year's event. Got the car through tech and ready to roll. The first 3 sessions on Monday I spent trying to get the Hawk DTC-70s to feel right. While they were stopping me, they were chattering and making my confidence in them sink lower and lower. I was advised to break harder to warm them up, but even locking up the tires in every brake point during the second session yielded only minor improvements in feel in the third session. Then I took a good look at my rotors, more importantly the uneven deposits left by the previous pads due to the ABS. Time to scrape ALL of it off. I rolled around dragging the brakes, and finally success. The fourth session they felt perfect.

(Don't know why this isn't in HD, I might have to re-upload it)
WXeQ3lwgNHY

Trying something a little different with my GoPros. Had one in it's normal spot over my shoulder, then played around putting my second one at different views. The last session I put it on the back bumper. :)

Finished the day feeling better with the brakes and more comfortable with the car. The next day, it had rained overnight but it had already started to clear by the time cars were let out on track. First session was damp, but it gave me a chance to beat on the brakes a little more. Then the second session rolled around and I was ready to have some fun. The track was dry and perfect for playing.

CyoVeZesexI

GoPro pointing at me this time. And I was having a BLAST! In the clip I'm hunting down Enrique and his Porsche Cayman S, one of the senior instructors who teaches the classroom sessions. Two years ago, I struggled to keep up with up. This year, I not only caught him, I left him behind. And I have 100 less horsepower now.

Throughout the day I was realizing that I was needing 5th gear much more often, and in the second session I was topping out 5th on the back straight. Time to try out 6th. Right.

Third session. Time for business. I cut out all the stops and decided to fly. Chasing a gentleman who's raced Porsche challenge for many years, now piloting a new M3. I really was pushing the car and myself. The results were my 3 fastest laps:

(Again, not in HD... need to figure out what's up)
5nOfNUpKEIM

Had the GoPro watching the dash this time, which was nice because it captured my top speeds. Wish I aimed it better, but hey, this is the trial version.

The last session I decided to back it down a bit and focus on trying to tune my lines, relax and bring the car home in one piece. Kept it to 120 on the back straight to rest my brain. Had the GoPro on the nose of the car, and it's interesting to see how different the speed looks between inside the car and on the pavement:

8M8XCsy2mww

As usual, Track Time Photos was there taking pics. Don't mind that my number changes from 55 to 551. We had 3 #55s in the group and I carry my vinyl 1s just in case

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/WGTrackTimePhotosPic2.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/WGTrackTimePhotosPic5.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/WGTrackTimePhotosPic10.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/WGTrackTimePhotosPic6.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/StripesRX/WGTrackTimePhotosPic8.jpg

At the end of the day, I talked to a few of the organizers about being bumped up to 4. Since they were so busy, they told me to sign up for the next event as 4, and I'd just have to take one of the instructors out the first session for my official check out run. Moving up the ladder! Next stop, NJMP Memorial Day weekend!

[Khanh]

Are you still doing NHMS on Memorial Day?

[StripesRX]

Yup! :) NJMP on Sat/Sun and NHMS on Mon/Tue. My Dad and I already have it all planned out :D