Nothing new. Doing laundry and browsing IWSTI, NASIOC, and NAM (MINI forum).
My stock dunlops are running down so I will be getting newer tires at the end of the summer. I will hold off on new wheels for a bit, as I like the stock BBS.
Other than that still browsing for parts.
On the MINI front, I will be doing my oil change, installing my fumoto oil drain valve, and fixing my exhaust rattle soon. Need to still install the steering wheel control module for my radio, ian cull auto up circuit & DSC defeat, and some other misc odds and ends.
Thinking about some small upgrades to the STI too. Might add another shift knob to the collection and a infinity basslink sub.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Pre-pre-Planning Rambling
So anyone that knows me, knows that I take a while to make up my mind on purchases lol.
There are a few upgrades that I want to do to the STI.
Gauges
I don't plan to track the car. Maybe some light autox for fun, but nothing else really. I really like the new 3-in-1 gauge from Maddad. It has boost, EGT, and temp (water or oil) all in one gauge. I would probably use the oil temp.
Sound System
The stock sound system is pretty weak. I am not an audiophile but I would like a little more low end thump. I am thinking about the Infinity Basslink. It is a powered sub with all the connections in it to wire into factory stereo systems. It should give me a decent amount of low end that the stock system lacks.
P.S. All of this costs money. I need to win the lottery!!!!
P.S.S. There is still more to do to the MINI!
There are a few upgrades that I want to do to the STI.
Gauges
I don't plan to track the car. Maybe some light autox for fun, but nothing else really. I really like the new 3-in-1 gauge from Maddad. It has boost, EGT, and temp (water or oil) all in one gauge. I would probably use the oil temp.
Suspension
Suspensionwise, I want to keep the STI civil since my MINI is pretty low and harsh. I need something to be decently civil for my daily commute. Also, I don't really want to slam the car since I want it to be usable during winters.
I am thinking some Race Comp Engineering yellow springs.
and some whiteline sway bars. I will probably go with the 22mm adjustable ones and some kartboy endlinks. These mods should flatten out the car through corners a lot over the stock suspension. I may be spoiled but I think the stock STI feels really bloated. Probably because I am used to the MINI, my previous 3 miatas, and my previous S2000.
Tires
The stock Dunlop tires are known for being horrible in snow. Since I don't get much snow, I plan on changing out my worn Dumlop 600 for some Continental DWS (dry, wet, snow) all season tires. From what I have read from other users, these make great all year tires.
Exhaust
I am still undecided if I want more boxer rumble from the car. Right now, it has the maddad shorty downpipe which retains the OEM cat and catback. It allows you to go "stage 2" but keeps the car quiet. The car is almost too quiet, but at the same time, I would rather it be super quiet than super loud. Most exhaust systems for the GR STI, I find too loud for my taste. I wish I could find something similiar to my TurboXS stealthback with prodrive oval tip that I had on my 2002 WRX. I'll keep looking around and watching endless youtube clips lol.
Sound System
The stock sound system is pretty weak. I am not an audiophile but I would like a little more low end thump. I am thinking about the Infinity Basslink. It is a powered sub with all the connections in it to wire into factory stereo systems. It should give me a decent amount of low end that the stock system lacks.
P.S. All of this costs money. I need to win the lottery!!!!
P.S.S. There is still more to do to the MINI!
Act 1.2 - Boost Targets & What's Next
I got my hose clamp tightened (ended up using a socket instead of a flathead on the hose clamp) and did a quick car wash (the STI seems like it is a bird poop magnet).
Hitting within the boost targets for COBB Stage 2 so far. I will keep an eye on it over the next few weeks as the computer "learns" the stage 2 map. I've noticed the throttle response seems smoother in S mode and SI is still pretty choppy. Fuel economy seems a little better so far. So far I am satisifed with it.
Next on the list is suspension. The GR platform has a boatload of body roll. I recently installed my rear sway bar on the MINI and it is like a go kart. I plan on doing the front and rear sway bars and kartboy endlinks on the STI as the next mod. That and some good all season tires before winter since my stock Dunlops are loud and worn.
Hitting within the boost targets for COBB Stage 2 so far. I will keep an eye on it over the next few weeks as the computer "learns" the stage 2 map. I've noticed the throttle response seems smoother in S mode and SI is still pretty choppy. Fuel economy seems a little better so far. So far I am satisifed with it.
Next on the list is suspension. The GR platform has a boatload of body roll. I recently installed my rear sway bar on the MINI and it is like a go kart. I plan on doing the front and rear sway bars and kartboy endlinks on the STI as the next mod. That and some good all season tires before winter since my stock Dunlops are loud and worn.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Random purchases
I have to do an oil change soon in the MINI so I ordered a Fumoto oil drain valve. I have had issues in the past with the oil drain plug on the MINI getting stuck.
While I was at it, I bought one for the STI as well (^____^)
While I was at it, I bought one for the STI as well (^____^)
Act 1.1 - Hello COBB Stage 2. You brought a party crasher - boost leak
After an eternity of less than 1 day (which was one drive to my friend's place), I ditched COBB Stage 1 for COBB Stage 2!
I got around to installing my replacement downpipe. After some dremel work, I managed to keep the OEM heat shield.
The car retains the catalytic converter. On the drive home, I blew off the lower IC hose clamp (must not have tightned it enough) off of the TMIC.
Now i have two cars with boost leaks. Yay!! Anyways, car is now COBB Stage 2.
I got around to installing my replacement downpipe. After some dremel work, I managed to keep the OEM heat shield.
The car retains the catalytic converter. On the drive home, I blew off the lower IC hose clamp (must not have tightned it enough) off of the TMIC.
Now i have two cars with boost leaks. Yay!! Anyways, car is now COBB Stage 2.
Act 1.0 - First "real" upgrade
My 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX was lightly upgraded. Powerwise, it only had COBB Tuning's solution for ECU management, a TurboXS stealthback, and a Prodrive oval tip mufffler. Other than that, all the other upgrades were very minor (painted World Rally Blue sideskirts, mesh fog light covers, shirt knob, etc).
For my 2008 STI, I decided to go with COBB Tuning again. The flash tool has been improved drastically (the capabilities of the tool, interface, and physical footprint of the tool have evolved) and the ECU maps offered for the OTS (off the shelf) solutions are much better than the old ones.
More info: http://www.cobbtuning.com/
For my 2008 STI, I decided to go with COBB Tuning again. The flash tool has been improved drastically (the capabilities of the tool, interface, and physical footprint of the tool have evolved) and the ECU maps offered for the OTS (off the shelf) solutions are much better than the old ones.
More info: http://www.cobbtuning.com/
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