STI stuff

Had another boost leak.  Seems like the hose clamp on the lower intercooler hose doesn't want to stay put.  I ended up taking off the old one and replacing it (P.S. Don't be lazy and try to change it without removing the intercooler.  That takes like 4x's as long as pulling the IC and replacing it!!!).

Installed the electronic prosport boost gauge that I had started a few weeks ago.  Managed to find the wiring instructions online since the ones that come with the guage are not that clear.  I'm not sure where I want to mount it (dual guage pod or ATI clock gauge pod when it comes out) so for now it is just masking taped to my steering column lollzzzzz.

The prosports look nice and function well but the one complaint I have (I have installed 4 so far between my friends cars and mine) is the cheap hardware that comes with them.  The wiring is finicky and so are the plugs for the sender and gauge.  So if you ever install one and have really wierd issues - 1) triple check your electrical connections 2) make sure you did NOT use quick connects 3) check your connections AGAIN 4) wiggle the stupid little white plugs on the back of the gauge 5) repeat steps 1-4.

The "amber" color is a pretty close match to the stock STI guages.  It is not a perfect match, but the only gauge I have seen that accurately matches them is a $170 POS that either breaks or the needle wiggles randomly.  For the $$$$ (which in this case was $0.00 since I got it for free) this gauge is amazing.  So far it seems very accurate, as it matches the COBB AP readings and records my peak boost pretty accurate (21 PSI in S# at WOT).

Next up is getting a boost gauge back into my MINI.  I had a VDO mechanical that died (two drops to the asphalt and 5 years of use).  I have been using the Torque app for my android but that is kinda of annoying as I do not have a good phone mount and masking taping my phone to the car gets old.  I have an Ultragauge but that reads atmospheric boost so it isn't the most accurate as it varies with sea level.  Also, the Ultragauge readout is a little slow, so it lags behind.  It is not the best guage to look at when you are at WOT since it isn't as quick as a dedicated boost gauge to respond.  

I left all the wiring and vacuum lines in the MINI so I just have to pull the IC to retap the vacuum line and then hook up the wires that are tucked into my steering column.  Maybe this week sometime.

MINI issues

I need it to get less hot outside.

I have been experiencing a erratic idle lately and a small boost leak.  I think it might be this:
(not my car, just to illustrate what gasket)

I'll need to inspect the seal on mine sometime.

ordered a few small things for the STI

1. OEM splash guards

I wanted some rock protection but I'm not a fan of the mud flaps (especially since my car is stock looking). I got some of the OEM splash guards for the base model impreza in spark silver metallic and plan to modify them to fit the STI.  Here is the post that describes how to "mold" them using heat to fit the WRX/STI flares
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-exterior/170501-oem-splash-guards-modified-installed.html

2. My STI was totally debadged when I bought it used from Stohlman Subaru (other than the STI that I removed).  So I ordered the base model impreza's Symetrical AWD decal for the rear glass.

usually the STI has a bunch of stupid looking badges on the back similar to this picture of the new sedan STI

You can see the decal under the rear wiper

few garage pics

stuff

not much going on with the STI. I did finally get my MINI's drain bolt plug out.  It was rounded off.  Using some erwin bolt extractors, i managed to finally get it off.

fuuuuuuu bolt.

changed the oil and oil filter and fixed an exhaust rattle (had to drill out a bolt on a broken hanger, redrill, and then tap with a thread tap). I also managed to get a piece of metal in my eye, which finally fell out after a day along with some blood (no pictures of that lol).

In other news, Shaun picked up a 2nd car.  The main goal was a budget fun car to use when he didn't want to drive the STI.  

He previously owned a 2005 Infinity G35.  The infinity had a boatload of torque but seemed to be too cushy and lacking to be a fun car.  The Z seems lighter and more sporty. So far I am impressed with it. I know the Z is nothing amazing, but it exceeded my expectations.