Radar Rally Team *Front end repair/replacement in progress*

[bfrancis827]

So i figured it's about time I made a journal. I will start from the beginning.

Bought car on 21 DEC 2006:

MY07 STI

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1988&d=1254790691

The car sat in my driveway for 8 months until I got out of the Army.

Then....

Time to get DIRTY!

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1987&d=1254790446

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1989&d=1254791060


Since then I have done the following:

-tinted the windows (50%front/35%rear)

-Cobb Stage 2 power package (TBE+Access Port)

-Cobb short ram intake (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=123869&postcount=50)

-Cobb front and rear sways + endlinks (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=123868&postcount=49)

-Defi clock pod w/ Boost, Oil Pressure and Oil Temp. (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=123870&postcount=51)

-Grimmspeed hood dampers (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=123871&postcount=52)

-Set of MB (America's Tires Brand) wheels w/ A/S for Rally X (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=123873&postcount=53)

-Autospeed dead pedal (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=123875&postcount=54)

-Rally Armor skid plate and mud flaps (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=123876&postcount=55)

-Group N brake kit (Jackson Rally) (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3697)

-Team Dynamics Pro Rally 1 (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=50969&postcount=34)

-Ditrty Impreza Window Banner (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=45794&postcount=28)

-Thule Ski + Bike Rack (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=123882&postcount=57)

ARP Wheel Suds and JDM lugs (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=161962&postcount=60)

Gutting Interior (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=163446&postcount=63)

Fire Extinguishers(http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=165739&postcount=79)

Decals and hood pins(http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=168371&postcount=84)

Safety Bits(http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=168372&postcount=85)

G-Force(http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=168374&postcount=86)

MOMO Driving Suit(http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=168375&postcount=87)

MOMO Steering Setup(http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=168376&postcount=88)

Roof Vent(http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=168378&postcount=89)

OMP HTE Seat(http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=168380&postcount=90)

On the list:
-AWD Coilovers
-JR Roll Cage
-Safety gear from safe drives.

My Goal:

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2006&d=1255648843

[wolfman79]

Not to nitpick but if you bought the car Dec 21 2007 then how did it sit for 8 months when it's only been like 2.5 days.

Sorry had to point it out. Santa's up late wrapping presents so the date kinda stuck out to me. Looks like your on your way to dirt killer status. I'm afraid to ask about the rear bumper.

BTW what MOS were you. I'm 25B in the 244th EN BN out here in Denver.

[bfrancis827]

Not to nitpick but if you bought the car Dec 21 2007 then how did it sit for 8 months when it's only been like 2.5 days.

Sorry had to point it out. Santa's up late wrapping presents so the date kinda stuck out to me. Looks like your on your way to dirt killer status. I'm afraid to ask about the rear bumper.

BTW what MOS were you. I'm 25B in the 244th EN BN out here in Denver.

Oops! that was supposed to be 2006. Good eyes. I was 11B in E Co 51st (LRS) (ABN) in Darmstadt, Germany. The unit inactivated in July. I was one of the last guys left in the unit. I have a bunch of 25C friends because we had a Commo PLT.

About the bumper:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2382

[donutking]

****ing ol lady drivers..but at least u got a nice ride man! any sti is better then no sti.

[sebhockey]

Nice start to your journal, now hurry up and get the 4 pots for the front. Talk to the Jackson brothers about the conversion.

[subyspawn]

...Talk to the Jackson brothers about the conversion.

+1.:eek:

hit up 06drtywgn. we've got what you need for the conversion.

[bfrancis827]

I have talked to kyle about it. He said he will get back to me:)

[RS-ti_Andy]

Oh yeah, nobody tell my girlfriend I called her a Mod. hahaha


haha! that was pretty funny!

[sebhockey]

Oh yeah, nobody tell my girlfriend I called her a Mod. hahaha

Damn now where did I put her number? ;)

[RS-ti_Andy]

Damn now where did I put her number? ;)


u know she does look a little familiar... i think i have it!




JK lol:tongue:

[carl]

nice start!

[JacksonRally]

I have talked to kyle about it. He said he will get back to me:)


Ha Ha, don't worry I'm working on it. :)

[bfrancis827]

I have been looking around for some gravel wheels(in anticipation of the new brakes from Jackson Rally) and I noticed they don't have the black team Dynamics anymore. So I am trying to decide between the white and silver. If you look in the first post there is a picture of a prepped car with white wheels(not team Dynamics though). Any thoughts/opinions/suggestions?
http://www.teamilluminata.com/Shop/TeamDynamics/prorally1whitebig.jpeghttp://www.teamilluminata.com/Shop/TeamDynamics/prorally1silverbig.jpeg

[kreitz3]

White FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[409industries]

Yeah white!

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/project_rs/2007-11-14-td_pr1s/TD_prorally1_006.jpg

[RS-ti_Andy]

WHITE FTW!!!!


or u can get the primer ones and paint them gold! or black lol.. i thought they still have the flat black ones..

[MetalNeverDies]

go with white man! it will look freakin sweet

[bfrancis827]

I talked to 06drtywgn and he said that black is still available. I do like white, but...

White over Black???

[409industries]

I talked to 06drtywgn and he said that black is still available. I do like white, but...

White over Black???

Give a shout out to Paul at Team Illuminata. He can get whatever color you want. (paul at teamilluminata dot com)

[bfrancis827]

Already did.

[JacksonRally]

Yo I got your Michelins waiting for ya!!

[bfrancis827]

Thanks. When do you want me to pay you for them?

[JacksonRally]

Thanks. When do you want me to pay you for them?

I guess I could get the money from you in Ridgecrest. That works for me :)

[bfrancis827]

I finally got my first sponsorship.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/adserver/adimage.php?filename=americas_tire_banner_2.jpg&contenttype=jpeg

It's not free wheels but I got a discount on some Team Dynamics Pro Rally 1 wheels and free mounting/balancing.

The guy said they had them in bronze so I got those. I haven't seen the Pro Rally 1's in bronze but I have bronze wheels right now so I think it will look alright.

[donutking]

new pics!

[thatguymike]

Congrats!

I see your in Stockton, must be tons of places to play out there!

[bfrancis827]

Not really anymore. All the places I used to go are being developed now. When I have a little more time I need to go out and try to find some new ones.

[bfrancis827]

I finally put the DI banner on. I think it looks awesome. Just in time for Ridgecrest!!!
http://ims.hspn.com/pic.php?u=246C584L&i=4170
http://ims.hspn.com/pic.php?u=246C584L&i=4169

This is a picture from the the beginning of the winter that I think looks kinda cool.

http://ims.hspn.com/pic.php?u=246C584L&i=4171

[Galen]

Nice lookin banner. Looking forward to seeing you at ridgecrest!

[bfrancis827]

The rest of the parts for the brake kit came in today. Can't wait to get them on.

http://ims.hspn.com/pic.php?u=246C584L&i=4173

[bfrancis827]

They finally came. Now the name of the thread has some meaning.

http://ims.hspn.com/pic.php?u=246C584L&i=4283

[nordicskiah]

niice

[bfrancis827]

Thanks.

It took me forever to come up with something that wasn't already taken, made some sense and incorporated Rally and Subaru.

[bfrancis827]

The wheels finally came. It was fun watching them get mounted. Man the sidewalls are stiff. Can't wait to try out my new shoes!:headbang:

http://ims.hspn.com/pic.php?u=246C584L&i=4310

[thatguymike]

Nice, this is going to be a badass build!

[Azewaldo]

The wheels finally came. It was fun watching them get mounted. Man the sidewalls are stiff. Can't wait to try out my new shoes!:headbang:

http://ims.hspn.com/pic.php?u=246C584L&i=4310
Rally pr0n :jack:

[nordicskiah]

how much for the wheels? Or did you get them from Team Illuminata?

[bfrancis827]

how much for the wheels? Or did you get them from Team Illuminata?

I got them from America's Tire. I know the manager, so he hooked me up. Gave them to me for employee cost and mounted them for free. I think they were about $175 each or something.

[JacksonRally]

can't beat a tire shop sponsor. Mounting costs add up quick.

[pomspeed]

Brian, email me about going out to Prairie City.

Brent

[409industries]

You got the wheels though Americas Tire, but not the tires right? Those were from Scott G???

I know Americas tire can't get a line of any michelin / BFG rally tires!!!! :machinegunleft:

[bfrancis827]

You got the wheels though Americas Tire, but not the tires right? Those were from Scott G???

I know Americas tire can't get a line of any michelin / BFG rally tires!!!! :machinegunleft:

Correct, wheels from America's Tire. Kyle got the tires for me. He could have gotten them from Scott G. I know they were used on one of the Rockstar Rally cars.

When I was getting the tires mounted, my buddy there was curious to see if he could get these tires for me in the future. He called up Michelin and they said you can only get them from subesport or something.

[JacksonRally]

Yup I got them from Scott.

[brd360sk8]

You can get these brand new for 150 to 200 a piece which I don't think is bad at all considering what you get!

http://www.subesports.com/products/cat/Tires/brand/Michelin+Rally

[bfrancis827]

These are the tires I have. I got them for $75 ea. They only had about 7 stage miles on them. Total for 5 tires was $375(would have only gotten 2 new tires for that).

[brd360sk8]

Lol true but I'm just sayin its hard to find used ones like that and 170 bucks or so aint bad for a "new" rally tire lol.

[bfrancis827]

These are the tires I have. I got them for $75 ea. They only had about 7 stage miles on them. Total for 5 tires was $375(would have only gotten 2 new tires for that).

Forgot to post the link:

http://www.subesports.com/products/cat/Tires/brand/Michelin+Rally/prodID/823

[bfrancis827]

It's been a long time since I have updated this. Since I really haven't done a lot since to the car since the last post except get seat time I thought I would add some pics and make it look pretty. Mods have been on hold due to lack of funds. Post 1 has been updated too.

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1294&d=1235076914

[bfrancis827]

It has since been cleaned.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1287&d=1235076838

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1286&d=1235076824

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1288&d=1235076849

[bfrancis827]

Tried to get the cheapest, least ricey wheels as possible.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1289&d=1235076865

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1285&d=1235076810

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1291&d=1235076888

http://ims.hspn.com/pic.php?u=246C584L&i=3210

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1292&d=1235076897

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1293&d=1235076905

[bfrancis827]

Most recent purchase. (Go Pro-form!)

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1295&d=1235076930

[Rudukai13]

That's one mean looking STI! Really wish I had the cash to get some stuff for my 07, but with things the way they are right now we are wanting to save up as much as possible...Soon though!

[KeepitDirty]

thanks for the erection.

[bfrancis827]

So, after not having done anything to my car in well over a year, I am finally going to start making some more progress. First on the long list is new wheel studs and lugs. I broke two of the stock studs in the last month and thought that now would be the perfect time.

I also got some new Falken rally tires. I don't have a picture of at the moment, but some of you have already seen them and everyone else should know what they look like. (They definitely aren't Michlins, but they will do for Rally X.

Stay tuned, hopefully there will be more to come.

Check out the lugs packaging...straight from japan???lol. And how long do you think those ARP studs have been sitting around the shop? Packaging looks ancient.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1986&d=1254788576

[JacksonRally]

FYI when doing rear studs you will need to replace rear wheel bearings. The fronts can snake on by.

[bfrancis827]

FYI when doing rear studs you will need to replace rear wheel bearings. The fronts can snake on by.

Thanks for looking out Kyle! I didn't know that. Well, I guess I will just be doing the fronts then because I don't have any extra wheel bearings at the moment and I am probably going to be leaving on Wed. or Thurs. for the SCCA Nats.

Kyle, PM'ed ya btw.

[bfrancis827]

Here we go...

This morning:

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2000&d=1255490118

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1994&d=1255490048


This afternoon:


http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1995&d=1255490075

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1999&d=1255490107

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1998&d=1255490100


....................Clean......................... .................................................. ............................Dirty................. .

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=1996&d=1255490083

[lminette]

Well, looks like you decided not to heed Dave's advice! Oh well, on with the build my man!! Good form!!!

[rollo]

Whoa!!

[bfrancis827]

Well, looks like you decided not to heed Dave's advice! Oh well, on with the build my man!! Good form!!!

To buy rather than build?

Yeah, I just really want to do it myself.

[JRay85]

Sweet!

[lminette]

To buy rather than build?

Yeah, I just really want to do it myself.

Naw, Dave was sayin he told you to wait and see whether some gig you are lookin at pans out cause you told him that if you get the gig they don't want you doin anything dangerous! I guess you decided to say effit!!:FU:

[bfrancis827]

Naw, Dave was sayin he told you to wait and see whether some gig you are lookin at pans out cause you told him that if you get the gig they don't want you doin anything dangerous! I guess you decided to say effit!!:FU:

Oh yeah, about that. I decided not to put my life/rally dreams on hold for something that could take several years, if at all.

[rollo]

Good call. Now.. less Oprah, more rally build :D :D :lol2:

What did you tear out/install today? Who's doing the cage? What's your ETA?

[JacksonRally]

Well I take it you are back from Co....LOL Give me a call and lets talk cage!

[worldrallyblue]

^^^ **** Yeah!!

[bfrancis827]

Good call. Now.. less Oprah, more rally build :D :D :lol2:

What did you tear out/install today? Who's doing the cage? What's your ETA?

:mrgreen: I like your enthusiasm! I had National Guard training today, so I wasn't able to do anything. I will be done training on Friday and will have the entire weekend to work on the car.

ETA: A work in progress

Cage: A work in progress;-)

It might have been slightly premature to remove the interior, but I just wanted to be ready when the time comes. (Soon)

[T-Heineken]

I'm stoked for you Brian! Can't wait to see how this bad boy transforms!!!

[MConte05]

FYI when doing rear studs you will need to replace rear wheel bearings. The fronts can snake on by.

When I replaced two of my rear studs, I pulled out the ABS sensor, then grinded down the outside of the stud face jussssst enough to squeeze it through the ABS sensor hole. Didn't take much really.

This was on an 02 WRX, dunno if it would apply to the STI.

[bfrancis827]

When I replaced two of my rear studs, I pulled out the ABS sensor, then grinded down the outside of the stud face jussssst enough to squeeze it through the ABS sensor hole. Didn't take much really.

This was on an 02 WRX, dunno if it would apply to the STI.

Were you using 3" studs? Because when I put the fronts on I tried every possible spot around the hub, including removing the ABS sensor, and it wasn't even a close fit.

[MConte05]

I don't know if they were 3", they were just the stock replacements. Had to replace two snapped studs on the front, and two on the rears. Was a bad month for studs, haha.

[bfrancis827]

This came in yesterday. It was a good deal, so I jumped.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2004&d=1255647363

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2005&d=1255647374

[bfrancis827]

1 more piece to the puzzle.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2016&d=1256500353

[bfrancis827]

Just made my first big order from Safe Drives!!! Thanks again Charles.

Update coming very soon!!

[WRXCMM]

hell yeah man!!!:headbang:


can't wait.:eek:

[KeepitDirty]

Where and how are you going to mount your extinguisher?

[bfrancis827]

I am planning on mounting them under ther front part of the seats. Jon, UP2MTNS, informed me that some of the saftey people don't like to see anything near the driver's side foot area, But I believe the rules state that a fire extenguiser must be within arms reach of either occupant. So....

As far as how I am going to mount them, I have to mounts that I am planning on bolting to the floor with some weld nuts. I am waiting to do a lot of the little things until the cage is in though.

[bfrancis827]

So, I have been getting a lot of stuff in the mail lately. Thought it was about time to post up some pics before I get to far behind.

If anyone is looking for a SUPER DEAL on hood pins:
http://www.rallygrafix.com/product_info.php/cPath/31/products_id/73

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2018&d=1257481464

[bfrancis827]

Thanks Charles!

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2019&d=1257481476

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2020&d=1257481483

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2021&d=1257481498

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2022&d=1257481516

[bfrancis827]

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2023&d=1257481526

[bfrancis827]

I also got a seat from Safe Drives, but I am keeping it at my dads house until I install it and I keep forgetting to take my camera over there.

This it what it looks like though:

http://images.ompracing.it/775.jpg

[rollo]

Quite the collection.... very nice!

Is that the steering wheel from Bangkok? :lol2:

[bfrancis827]

Quite the collection.... very nice!

Is that the steering wheel from Bangkok? :lol2:

:lol2: No, I decided not to take the chance and got the real thing. I got it from the MOMO site because they were having a 25% off sale. Still are I think:

http://www.momousa.com/products/

[rollo]

Tempting, but if I buy any more car stuff before installing what I have, I'll be living in the shed with it :D :D

[bfrancis827]

I hear that. I am going to be busy this weekend!

[bfrancis827]

Ok. I have been waiting to say anything until I got the official word, but now I have it, so here it goes.

As some of you may already know, I have been going through the process of trying to go to the Army Flight School (some people on DI are already there, jray85:FU:). It's been a LONG journey. When I officially turned in my Flight Packet in June I was told that I shouldn't expect to go to school for a long time (1+ years), if I was selected at all. In addition to that crappy news, there is only 1 person in charge of flight school for the entire state, and she preferred NOT to do her job! So 6 months of waiting to go to the selection board seemed like it was going nowhere fast. I was told that there MIGHT be a board in December.

Ok that is the frustrating background, but skipping ahead to this past Tuesday. I got a call from a Colonel's assistant who said that 3 slots have just opened up for flight school and that I was chosen as one of the 3 to potentially fill a slot. She said there was going to be an emergency selection board on Friday (today) and that the school starts on Jan. 5th.

So...I got myself cleaned up and drove my happy, extremely nervous ass to the board today and......
I PASSED! I am going to Flight School!

I knew this was going to happen as soon as I said, "Eff it" and started building my car, but I can't complain at all. Having two dreams start to come true at the exact same time is something that I am just going to have to be OK with.

That's enough for now, just had to funnel some of my excitement somewhere. :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

P.S. As for the cage...it's still a GO!:eek:

[lminette]

Congrats man!!

[rollo]

Nice going Brian!!

[bfrancis827]

Thanks guys. I found out today that I will be going to school on 18 Mar. YAY! I was hoping for a little sooner, but at least I have a date.

[bfrancis827]

Here is a little teaser picture from earlier this evening! (Phone PIC)

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2026&d=1257926021

[worldrallyblue]

Brian you deserve two very big **** yeahs!!

First... Flight School!! Congrats!! That is pretty bad ass, **** Yeah!!

Second... Roll Cage by JacksonRally FTMFW!! **** Yeah!!

[lminette]

Holy sh!t Brian!! You're a mad man!!!

[409industries]

*Hi Five* Brian! That is excellent news man. I am stoked for ya.

Good to see your car down in Temecula getting ready for the transformation :)

[T-Heineken]

Oh snap! Congrats amigo!

I had no idea you had decided for sure on the cage...much less already dropped off the car.

schwing!!

[lorenkb]

Damn, how's that for awesome? Congratulations on all accounts! Is there a particular bird you want to fly?

Cool picture too :mrgreen:

[lminette]

Let's just hope the CRJ doesn't come crashing down off that lift and put a world of hurt on that pretty STI!! Friday the 13th is coming up and all!!

[bfrancis827]

Damn, how's that for awesome? Congratulations on all accounts! Is there a particular bird you want to fly?

Cool picture too :mrgreen:

Thanks! I am hoping to fly 60's. I am currently in a Medevac unit and they are the ones sending me to school, so if all goes well I will come back and fly for them.

Your car is freaking AWESOME btw! Seeing it in person is really something!

Let's just hope the CRJ doesn't come crashing down off that lift and put a world of hurt on that pretty STI!! Friday the 13th is coming up and all!!

You and me both!

[bfrancis827]

Ok, so it's getting to be that time! It's a little weird asking for help/input on here because 2/3 (unless the third is on here and just not a vendor) of my options are on this board and are very nice guys! I have been in contact with Barrett at AWD, Dave at Rallispec and Odi at Feal Suspension. There is no question that all of these people are extremely helpful and offer great products. That being said, I have to pick something!

So, here is what I am looking at:
(If anyone has any input based on experience or research they have done, please post up!)

AWD coilovers
Price: $2,250
Diameter: 40mm
Adjustable: No (but RS&D has been done to get aproper set up)
Remote reservoirs: No

http://parts.allwheelsdriven.net/images/AWD_coilovers_003.jpg



RS&SP "Budget" Rally Suspension
Price: $2,800
Diameter: 51mm
Adjustable: Yes (1 way)
Remote reservoirs: No

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/RS22b/SDC10419.jpg



HotBits DT2RSI
Price: $3,000
Diameter: 52mm
Adjustable: Yes (2 way)
Remote reservoirs: Yes

http://odib.web.officelive.com/images/Hot%20Bits%20Inverted.jpg

[tnl_dohcter]

One of my old friends went from the Marine Corps to the Army warrant officer program to fly H-60's. He's now in Korea doing just that. Good luck with all that.

Car is looking good. All of those suspension setups look good. Seems to be how much money you want to spend.

[lminette]

I'd probably pick up the RSSP's from Odi!!Best bang for buck I think!! But Barrett's are good as well!! I think either one of those would be a great choice!!

[bfrancis827]

Here are some new pics!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4195955210_0690bebc6b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/4195955262_c31f5ebba3_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/4195955292_c8eebcb599_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/4195198823_94268bb6f3_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/4195955410_2e8195727e_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4195198959_f569e7666b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4195955524_d80598a404_o.jpg

[bfrancis827]

Budget RS&SP's are in!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4195955576_8ae9d09bbd_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4195955628_6b7a1813d9_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4195955674_f4e03eed84_o.jpg

[lminette]

Those are some damn sexy coilovers right there!!!

[WRXCMM]

that's badass man...looking great.

[Newk_Rally]

lookin good can't go wrong when JR is on the job

[bfrancis827]

It's coming together! Not much left after this. Will be picking the car up from Kyle this weekend!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4327328476_272270a718_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4326595215_d53e946eca_b.jpg

[RS MN]

:shock: i want your truck and trailer...
that looks amazing man!

[JacksonRally]

Bad ass!!

[lminette]

Wow Brian!!! Sweet rig!!!

[bfrancis827]

Ok, I decided it's time for an update break. I have been working on the car everyday since Friday night, trying to stay out of Kyle's way. He's been working like a madman for the last 3 weeks. I am watching him weld in the gussets as I type.

I am on a tight time schedule. Trying to get the car done and painted by Saturday so I can put it back together on Sunday and be home for my anniversary on Monday.

Kyle is AWESOME! Jackson Rally FTW!

On to the pictures! (Sorry for the crappy pic, it's from my iPhone) The Cage is a little closer to being done and the car a little more torn apart then the pictures show. Took these a couple of days ago, but my phone is dead now, so no more pics for a bit.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4350810038_e0161d5303_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4350064199_0ed1444492_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4350810222_313aaf0493_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2681/4350064343_a996eed140_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4350064453_f4817fea53_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4350810508_ddbfa6e8f6_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4350064801_9602cdb987_o.jpg

Here is the man at work

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4350810626_c33a81fc8b_o.jpg

Sent from Kyle's shop using Dr. Pepper!

[Bubba02sti]

Damn she is coming along very nice... good job guys...

[GravelCrewMedic]

damn im so jealous

[Not All There]

awesome!

[JRay85]

Dude, you are telling us that no one there has an ipod cord at all for your phone???
Glad it is getting close to being done. Cant wait to see it next month!

[erik*a]

RS&SP "Budget" Rally Suspension

I used my version of the suspension at the New York Winter Rally. I have a 95 fwd, so it is a totally different set up. I waited to long to get softer springs for the ice. So for no adjustment- I have a positive report.

Tim Osterman also used them on his STi for the event. Before you install if you can ask someone with the same model about the camber it could save you some time in finding out. I put mine in with the neutral setting and had positive camber. Dave told me to use the camber washer included.

[Jblankster]

wow! car looks great cant wait to see the next update!

now when will this car be seeing antilag? :p ;)

[bfrancis827]

Well I am back on the block. I thought it was bad leaving DI for a couple of days and trying to catch up on reading, but 2 months...I am a little overwhelmed!

I am going to have some time (and by some I mean a LOT) this summer to work on the car. Funds are running a little short, but I am going to try to do as much as possible.

[bfrancis827]

Well these pictures are long overdue, but it's better late then never, right? For some reason the pictures look really bad after I resized them.

Here is my new ummm....garage:unamused:

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2362&d=1275359319

The new JR skid plate:

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2361&d=1275358133

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2363&d=1275359326

And here is one of Kyle's works of art:

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2364&d=1275359334

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2365&d=1275359342

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2366&d=1275359348

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2367&d=1275359357

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2368&d=1275359362

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2369&d=1275359370

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2370&d=1275359380

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2371&d=1275359388

This is what I did today. I never want to do it again!

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2372&d=1275359397

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2373&d=1275359404

Here is Jray85's wagon:

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2374&d=1275359413

[bfrancis827]

I still have a long list of stuff to do. I would like to say that it is getting shorter, but I think it is actually getting longer.

Whoever said that building a rally car was expensive was freaking right. lol.

[97ScoobyL]

Looks like it is comming along just great!

[lorenkb]

Excellent use of zipties on your rear-view mirror :mrgreen:

Did you ever get that guy's "signature" off of your cage? What a flippin idiot :angryfinger:

[bfrancis827]

Excellent use of zipties on your rear-view mirror :mrgreen:

Did you ever get that guy's "signature" off of your cage? What a flippin idiot :angryfinger:

hahaha, I was wondering if anyone was going to notice that. I don't want to give the coppers any more reason to pull me over.

I still need to get a DI sticker to cover it. What a freaking crack head.

[WRR]

car is looking good Brian... but more important - how is the truck doing? :D

[bfrancis827]

car is looking good Brian... but more important - how is the truck doing? :D

The truck is doing great. It hauled the trailer (12K) with ease!

[bfrancis827]

I have had a lot of time to work on the car lately, but I haven't done much of anything. Not having a garage and it being so freaking hot here in 'Bama has made working on the car just miserable.

Not sure if I mentioned it before, but I have been having DCCD issues for a long time now and haven't been able to find the source of the problem. It is in limp mode so I know it is an electrical problem, but I didn't know which part was bad. I finally broke down and took it to the dealership. I was trying to avoid having to pay 100+ for them to tell me it was something that was super simple, but I had exhausted all other options. After a 3 hour drive in 100 degree 90% humidity weather I made it. Long story shortened, the steering angle sensor isn't working. I must have messed it up when I installed the new steering wheel. The sensor is shipping and the DCCD should be back up and running next week.

I will finally be ordering the co-driver seat and a few other parts to get the car race ready. Almost there.

I also finally found the logbook, thanks to Jray's memory. It has been "misplaced" for a while and I was beginning to think it was a goner. (Sigh of relief)

The turbo restrictor comes in next week too and I need to get tuned. While I was at the dealership the guy who was working on my car says he does open source tuning. He says he has done a bunch of cars and had good results. He doesn't have access to a Dyno so it is all test drives. Since my motor is stock he says he'll do it for $100.

What do you guys think? Should I spend the extra money and get it dyno tuned by a reputable shop or see what this guy can do?

[bfrancis827]

I was going to wait to publish this until I was 100% done with the car, but that is taking forever. So here is what I have as a webpage for out team. The logo and the site are still a work in progress, but you get the idea. I need to learn how to get a custom domain name like radarrally.com.

Here is where this site is located right now:

http://web.me.com/radarrally/Radar_Rally/Welcome.html

[lminette]

Use go daddy. You can buy the URL for like $10 and then if you're using a mac you can use iWeb to make a halfway decent site.

[Cambo]

your car is looking super "Bad Ass"!!! the cage looks awesome. very motivational for me to hurry up and get mine fixed and caged up :thumbsup:

[lorenkb]

The turbo restrictor comes in next week too and I need to get tuned. While I was at the dealership the guy who was working on my car says he does open source tuning. He says he has done a bunch of cars and had good results. He doesn't have access to a Dyno so it is all test drives. Since my motor is stock he says he'll do it for $100.

What do you guys think? Should I spend the extra money and get it dyno tuned by a reputable shop or see what this guy can do?

Anyone with a laptop and half a brain can turn up the boost and claim to have had "good results" on a "bunch of cars" ;) Get some references, do some research, and make sure the guy isn't just blowing smoke up your ass to make a quick buck. Personally, I'd rather have someone with prior restrictor tuning experience. Oh, and dynos aren't required, they are just a nice tool to put numerical meaning to a good tune.

[lminette]

Yeah, do your research. If the guy has good feedback/results road tunes aren't a bad way to go. In reality your are driving the car on the road not the dyno and you can tune for better response for certain speeds/rpms/driving etc....

[bfrancis827]

This past week has been somewhat productive. The best thing to come out of it was the DCCD finally getting fixed. After months of frustration, I finally took it to a Subaru dealership to have them figure out WTF was wrong. To bad Suby's aren't popular here in 'bama because I had to drive 3 hours to get to the closest dealership. What has taken me hours upon hours to do, they spent 5 minutes. Just plugged in the toughbook and saw right away that the steering angle sensor wasn't working. They traced the wires (which I have done a hundred time) and found the wiring to be good, so it was just a bad sensor. I must have broken it when I replaced the steering wheel. That is what I had originally thought happened, but I had thought about it and decided that there was no way I could have broken that just by taking the steering wheel off, so I moved on to thinking something else was wrong. Anywho, got the new sensor and plugged it in and it WORKS!

I also got some other stuff in the mail that I will take some pics of and post a little later. The list is finally getting smaller. I am almost to the point that all I have left to collect is spares and tools.

[bfrancis827]

I think I forgot to mention it, but...it's log booked!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4861048061_2481e81446.jpg

Here are some pictures of the stuff I posted about above.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4861066949_cc4cf68622_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4861067141_5bcf420e8f_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4861067727_0656bcbde5_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4861067515_25f5a02096_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4861688424_7f0713c7fe_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4861067917_483b4dcb0a_z.jpg

[Bubba02sti]

the car is looking damn good

[bfrancis827]

Thanks!

Now if only there were a rally that was within 1300 miles and would work with my flight schedule. It's starting to look like it won't be until next season.

[Bubba02sti]

tennessee has one 150 miles too

[bfrancis827]

tennessee has one 150 miles too

Yeah, I missed that one though. The car wasn't ready. I hear it's an awesome event. All tarmac, which scares me a little. I really hope I can catch it next year. That might even give me enough time to get a proper tarmac setup on the car.

[JRay85]

You find out yet if you are going to make it out here for the nationals yet?

PS what is that new third switch you got on the panel?

[bfrancis827]

Looks like a no go. They are not letting us take leave right now.

It's for the light pod.

[JRay85]

Bull****, B Co. Is gay!

[bfrancis827]

Sold my trailer, now what?

I want to get an open trailer, but.....to gooseneck or not to gooseneck. That is the question. Does it make that big of a difference when it's not an enclosed trailer and I am not going to be hauling a tractor? I was hoping to get into a trailer for around $1500 or less, but I can get a gooseneck trailer for $1800 (but I will have to buy a $400 hitch).

Here is what I am looking at right now.

http://panamacity.craigslist.org/grd/1880030185.html

http://images.craigslist.org/3ne3md3l55Q35T15W5a84386e5b60044d191b.jpg

or something like this:

http://panamacity.craigslist.org/cto/1865996381.html

http://images.craigslist.org/3n23m03od5V15Z55Q5a7r05ecbb31c6211d79.jpg

Opinions???

[ricetiva]

i say gooseneck

[Cambo]

I like the non-gooseneck dual axle flatbed trailers myself cause i dont have a truck with the hitch for a gooseneck. never pulled one eather but the dual axle fladbeds are really nice

[Jard]

What kind of truck are you pulling with?

[JacksonRally]

Sold yer trailer?

[bfrancis827]

What kind of truck are you pulling with?

An '05 Dodge 3500

Sold yer trailer?

Yeah, it wasn't quite what I thought. Among other reasons.

You guys still have the NASCAR goose?

[JacksonRally]

Yeah the goose fricken rocks!! So easy to tow and reverse.

[Safe Drives]

It's hard to beat a bumper pull and an E350 cargo van. I see you have the truck already though. Still, a bumper pull allows use of the bed for storage. Unless you plan to haul heavy equipment, I doubt you really "need" a goose neck. Save the extra coin and buy a set of spare everything for under the car.

[bfrancis827]

I decided to take everyone's advice and go with bigger bumper pull enclosed. NOT!

I picked up this trailer yesterday for $1200. It is practically brand new. The guy bought it to move his car instead of renting a uhaul and hasn't used it since. The tires still had some of the little nubbies left. It is a cheaply built trailer, though, and I am a little concerned. It has 2 3500 lb axels, brakes and a breakaway system, ez lube axles, and a removable drivers side fender, but it is kinda overall a little flimsy. It's an 18'er. I don't really know anything about these car trailers other then what I have learned from shopping for them. I am going to get the car tuned this weekend, so I will test it out. It is pretty light, as far as 18' trailers go, so that might be a plus. We will see. I could probably turn around and sell it for a little more then I paid.

I am just trying to think of how often I am actually going to use it (as of right now it isn't going to be very often.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4882316338_5f3d852740_z.jpg

Now I need some advice on a different subject.

I am going to get the car tuned on Saturday. I am going to the same place JimRippy went, so I know they have done restrictor tunes, but is there anything I have to tell them? Do I have to tell them I want lots of low end torque or is that just what comes from a restrictor tune? Does it make a difference what tires I have on the car? I am going to do a custom exhaust. Does this have to be done first?

About the exhaust. I have read around and it sounds like taking an inch or so out of the down pipe to raise the exhaust is a good idea. A 90 degree tip too. What is the best connection to use that is a "quick" disconnect (from the DP)?

Any other advice?

[Cambo]

Nice Find! thats exactly what i was talking about :thumbsup: i need to get me one so i dont have to ask Kyle to use the one at his shop ;-).

[ScoobyDoo8]

I know you said something about a custom exhaust, but definitly look in to the GMS catback Josh sells at importimageracing.com, I ran that on my blue car and it sounds AMAZING!, nice and loud, deep rumble, fits good, hugs the underbody good, and looks exactly like a Cobb. and for under 300 brand new it is so worth it.

Also, as far as quick disconnect, You could look in to doing a vband clamp for it, I had it on the straight pipe on the silver car, No need for gaskets. I am thinking of doing that for mine on the GC, vband all the exhaust stuff. Good find on trailer! I am kind of looking for one too, would like enclosed, and might go gooseneck.

[tzdevill]

you are not helping trying to keep me from buying an sti!!!! But thanks for all the documentation.

one day.....:cry:

[Safe Drives]

Do the exhaust before tune. I used a Perrin DP and had some extra steel plate welded to the front most part and bottom part of the DP. It held up to some serious abuse, about 3 seasons of stage rally and was on the car when it sold. I'd expect you could do this with any DP really.

[bfrancis827]

you are not helping trying to keep me from buying an sti!!!! But thanks for all the documentation.

one day.....:cry:

If I showed you my excel spread sheet you might change your mind:crazy::cuckoo:

[bfrancis827]

Do the exhaust before tune. I used a Perrin DP and had some extra steel plate welded to the front most part and bottom part of the DP. It held up to some serious abuse, about 3 seasons of stage rally and was on the car when it sold. I'd expect you could do this with any DP really.

Not a bad idea. Thanks Charles.

To all:

What should I look to pay for a custom straight pipe (DP back)? I have never gotten a custom exhaust before and I don't want to get screwed.

[Cambo]

i just want to say "Nice job on your build!" your car has inspired me alot. your build is my goal when im done with TheDub, but with my own little touch to it. :bow:

[ScoobyDoo8]

P&L sells a straight pipe with a vband that goes between midpipe and axleback. When they first produced it I was one of the first people to get ahold of one, I got it for just shy of 300. I think now they are in the mid 300's? The only problem I saw with those was they sit pretty low. And if you are in stage rally, don't you need to have a cat?

If you know or you know someone that can weld, just get some 3" stainless tubing, I would say get 10 feet (maybe more to be safe), and a 2 bolt 3" flange from vibrant performance, tack it to the 3" tubing, bolt it up, and go from there and see where you want to run it, and see how you can go about keeping it fairly close to the underbody. Also, I would get a vband flange from vibrant performance as well for the mid pipe to axleback. Here is a picture of it on my silver car:
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z310/Namor24/Tirerack%20Shoot/031.jpg

And here is a soundclip of it when I was running it at the track:
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z310/Namor24/Fall%202009/th_Picture083.jpg (http://s192.photobucket.com/albums/z310/Namor24/Fall%202009/?action=view&current=Picture083.flv)

[bfrancis827]

Got the exhaust done on Friday then headed over to Atlanta to get it tuned. Went to TopSpeed. I will post a video a little later, but here are the results.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4897814014_1d069b1155_b.jpg

[Bubba02sti]

Nice numbers... as far as the trailer goes... I would hold on to it... Weld a tire rack and maybe some tool boxes to help with the tounge weight of the trailer... trailers like that and being super light can end up squirrly going down the highway... You just gotta remember to load it properly and you should be fine... the double 3500lbs axle trailers are probably the best choice you could make too... curious on a few things though... how did the trailer drive when you took it to get it tuned... and what did you end up paying for the exhaust... and what kinda exhaust did you settle on...

[bfrancis827]

I ended up getting a custom exhaust. It is a 3" pipe, but it isn't mandrel bent so it's kinda squashed to 2 3/4 - 2 1/2 around the bends. Since the intake is restricted the tuner said that it wouldn't make a difference. It cost $225 to go from where the down pipe comes out under the car (just past the 80~ bend. I had the guy cut the down pipe and move the cat a little higher. Also got the 90 degree turn down on the end. It's nice and loud now.

The trailer hauled fine other then when I got a blow out and didn't notice. Some mustang that I had been playing leap frog with for a couple miles pulled up next to me and was shouting. I thought maybe he was just mad because mustangs suck, but then he started pointing back to my trailer and I looked in the mirror just in time to see the tire fly to pieces and a big chunk took out the fender and then ran it over. It took me forever to get home because the only spare I had would only hold 15 PSI and then it would start leaking. Finally found a Sears that was open at 7pm and they fixed it. I am still not sure about the quality of the trailer though. It just worries me when my car seems to be more solid then what its sitting on.

[RS MN]

i like the torque curve :)

lookin good man!

[Safe Drives]

Dude, that's a nice trailer compared to some of the crap trailers I have used... You're a rally driver, don't worry about it too much bro. ;)

[bfrancis827]

Dude, that's a nice trailer compared to some of the crap trailers I have used... You're a rally driver, don't worry about it too much bro. ;)

Haha, yeah, I'm sure. I just wish it had a little bit larger supports underneath. It only has 2" C channels. I don't know. I guess after having a big ass enclosed trailer I got used to seeing a 6" tube frame.

[bfrancis827]

Finally did a little more work the other day. Installed some Group N engine and tranny mounts. One of the main reasons for this was because of some weird clunking noise that has been coming from the front right for a while now. My buddy and I took it to an AutoX and the noise was bad! Put it on a lift and couldn't find anything wrong, but noticed that the tranny had a LOT of play. I haven't had a chance to drive the car hard yet, but so far it the throttle response and the overall drivetrain feel much better. The downside is the noise is now more prevalent and I still have no idea what it could be. It's driving me crazy.

The car is getting there. It's pretty much to the point that if there was a rally I was able to attend that I could scramble to get it together and have some fun.

[bfrancis827]

Well, since flight school is coming to an end and I am currently on the night schedule, I now have a little more time during the day (that should be spent studying) to work on the car. Yesterday I finished up a couple loose ends.

Finally got some hose clamps to mount the fire extinguishers.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2664&d=1313956350

Carbon Fiber Door cards. Ok, so it's just a beat up sheet of carbon fiber. They are beat up, but they were cheap.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2665&d=1313956490

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2666&d=1313956515

Used UP2MTNS trick to mount the window switches in the center.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2667&d=1313956540

Finally installed the map light.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2668&d=1313956564

Rewired the light pod with some more weather proof connections (trailer plugs).

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2669&d=1313956610


Today I plan on working on the "admin" side, getting a game plan for the upcoming season. I am hoping to do as many events as possible in 2012 because I am scheduled to deploy at the end of 2012.

If I get tired of working inside, I might try to install this:

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=2670&d=1313957628

[driveclimbslide]

Good call at sticking with TopSpeed. Doug has done a number of restrictor tunes and knows his stuff.

BTW... that's a sweet looking driveway queen. Zinga! Dammit Brian, go race. I'll be back down south for Sandblast so I'm dragging you with me.

[bfrancis827]

Good call at sticking with TopSpeed. Doug has done a number of restrictor tunes and knows his stuff.

BTW... that's a sweet looking driveway queen. Zinga! Dammit Brian, go race. I'll be back down south for Sandblast so I'm dragging you with me.

Yeah, TopSpeed did a great job.

LOL, I know, I know. I came here thinking I was going to be able to at least do 1 or 2 rallies, but I underestimated how involved flight school is. I really haven't had time to do anything and whenever it looks like I might be able to make an event I have a checkride or something. I am going to be done the the first part of October...to bad the only event left for the year will be Seed 9. I am hoping to do as much as possible next year before I will be gone for another year. Only thing that might hamper that is the fact that I won't have a job when I get back to Cali.

[driveclimbslide]

Crap, I forgot your situation. What about CHP or a county? They probably require a ridiculous number of hours though.

[bfrancis827]

Quick video I made a while ago and thought I would share to see if there are any expert diagnostic people out there that can tell whats wrong with something just by listening. I don't think this is "video" thread quality, so I'll just post it here. Listen for the clunking sound. It sounds like something from either the engine bay or underside is contacting the right front part of the shell, but I have had it on a lift a couple times and can't find anything that might be causing this or any signs of damage. The only thing that I can think of would be something broke when I was driving the car around when the DCCD was in limp mode (almost locked), but I can't think of or find what it could be. I put in some GrpN Engine and tranny mounts thinking the stock mounts were just allowing too much flex, but the noise got a lot worse after that.

I don't recommend watching in full screen because I used an iPhone and the image stabilization was going crazy.

This was filmed on post and the roads are also used as horse trails, so I had to be careful and couldn't get to crazy. I had to turn around because I saw a truck full of troops driving and I was in an area I wasn't supposed to be.

hrHK3jCDQxY

[MConte05]

Perryville farm and forest rally will be happening oct. 29th in Perryville, mo. Could try doing that. :)

[bfrancis827]

Crap, I forgot your situation. What about CHP or a county? They probably require a ridiculous number of hours though.
Yeah, they do usually require a lot of hours, plus they usually make you hit the beat for a couple years first. I'm not sure I want to be in law enforcement right now, doesn't seem to secure of a job anymore. Especially in California. I will be deploying next year and should come back with enough hours to get a job, but what to do in the mean time. Hopefully the wife will find a couple more jobs and I will just coast:eek:

Perryville farm and forest rally will be happening oct. 29th in Perryville, mo. Could try doing that. :)

That probably won't happen. I think my unit is going to own me the first month that I get back to train me up.

[moto356]

awesome build. i didnt realize you had this much done to it. i picked up a 96 brighton impreza about 2 months ago. then i promptly lost my job and it needed work so im sellin right now and i have my eye on a older legacy that ill probably end up turning in to a racer. o i also hear your in the chinook com now?

[bfrancis827]

awesome build. i didnt realize you had this much done to it. i picked up a 96 brighton impreza about 2 months ago. then i promptly lost my job and it needed work so im sellin right now and i have my eye on a older legacy that ill probably end up turning in to a racer. o i also hear your in the chinook com now?

Yeah, got a lot in the car. I got switched to the Chinook right after I left. It's pretty awesome. Sorry to hear about the job situation, but I understand as I am currently unemployed as well.

[bfrancis827]

Haven't been on here in a while, but I finally took my car out since I have been back. It was fun, but short lived. I ended up going off a small jump a little to fast and crushed some of the front end. Not good. It's not too bad but enough to be a problem. I don't have very much extra cash flow these days so I hope it's not an expensive fix. I know I have been going back and forth about selling it for the last year, but I think I may just have to fix it and sell it for real this time. This has made me realize that if something major happens I will not be able to fix it and continue racing in the same season.

This was one of the good jumps. (Prairie City)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6656526031_f0b28d9e40_b.jpg

[rollo]

I know I have been going back and forth about selling it for the last year, but I think I may just have to fix it and sell it for real this time. This has made me realize that if something major happens I will not be able to fix it and continue racing in the same season.

:kyle: :kyle: :kyle: :kyle: :kyle:

Noooooooooo!

a) So don't fix it until you have the cash. Every rally car I know has a smashed front end to one extent or another.

b) You won't be racing until you get back, and your situation will be wildly different then. i.e. today <> future. And even if you broke it so bad you had to miss the rest of the season, so what? You race as much as you can afford. We all do.

c) I seem to recall that your better half was not impressed with this plan last time.

d) Sweet jump!!

Seriously, obviously if you're strapped for cash it's your decision, but don't do something you'll regret because you're seeing a potentially pessimistic future scenario.

[bfrancis827]

Guess I never clicked send on my response.

I'm waiting to hear back from Kyle on what he thinks about the damage. I don't want to make any regretful decisions, so I am going to just fix it and go from there.

I came up with an idea the other day that might be the right answer. I will keep ya posted.

Thanks for your words of wisdom Phil. I can always count on you!

[bfrancis827]

BTW, I'm not so sure about these budget RS&SP's. Maybe they need to be valved differently, but I wouldn't think that jump would bottom them out and it did or almost at least.

[A1337STI]

I don't think I've ever had that much air under my car. I maybe did at Gorman and I broke stuff. that's a lot of air to deal with on coil-overs that use stock mounting points. Very impressive actually!

I Hope you find a way to keep your car and go rallying.. :D hopefully the stupid economy picks up

[bfrancis827]

Yeah, I didn't realize that I had gotten that much air until I got home and saw that damage/pictures. Idiot! My friend kept telling me it was only about 1 foot, so I went bigger.

[lminette]

Not really sure whether B's is higher than mine due to the angle of this pic but I did these jumps at Gorman numerous times on stock 100k mile suspension. I'd hope that the RSSP's were better suited for some flight time. But I guess it's all in how you land. If you come down flat on all fours that's really not the best way because you're slamming all the weight of the car down at the same time.

[lminette]

Forgot pic!

[Cambo]

i like Phill's suggestion, let it sit till you have the money to fix it.

i was putting alot of money into my car for a while till i bought my house. now it just sits in my garage waiting till i can get ahead a bit and start getting sh!t done.

good luck

[A1337STI]

Were you bottoming out your suspension Louie?

aaah i see. ya i took the jumps at the end of Badger like that. Rodgers got a pic of me in nearly the same flight position. I'm talking about direct after the Hair pin left on badger (where it connects back to north boundry) you come up over a ridge and you have 4 Jumps to a hair pin right come around to a 2 Left long (nearly at the finish) a R5 up a hill L6 down the hill, R3 finish ... (leaving out a few thingies)

Ya my jump when i broke felt twice as jarring as those...

I've got some pics of me not quite as high at gorman. no pics from where i broke my car, but the jump had a lot of UP with a flat landing (maybe on a slight uphill) and honestly i don't think a 2.5 could have hit it Much harder than i did. i was WOT from the last turn exit until i was airborne ... sure did regret that later on... :(

damn those false reports, Brian. Looks like you would be clearing a tire set on its tread... so i'm guessing that's more like 2 feet, onto a slight uphill, super hard packed.. (basically like landingon pavement) :( Hopefully your car isn't too damaged.

[lminette]

The DM2 video shows me taking em. All I can say is it felt like butter. Very smooth and controlled. I know the other jumps you're talking about that connect to north boundary. I took them with much the same gusto and it was still smooth.

http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1370

[bfrancis827]

Forgot pic!

Yeah, I remember that. You hit those things pretty good!:headbang:

[A1337STI]

Nice video. in the first bit where you are taking the doubles..(40 seconds in) I'm not sure how fast i was going, but i was landing about a car length in front of the take off for jump #2 .. i wanna say about 85 mph ... I know i had gotten into 4th gear...

where was the water section for DM2? errr.. sorry bit of a thread jack now

[bfrancis827]

where was the water section for DM2? errr.. sorry bit of a thread jack now

No worries. Its was on one of the back roads a couple miles deep.

[driveclimbslide]

What springs are on there?

[bfrancis827]

I can't remember what the spring rates are. I shouldn't have said they bottomed out because I'm pretty sure they didn't. They sure did stroke quite a bit though. The dirt line is pretty much all the way at the top now. I should have put a zip tie around them to measure more accurately. I wouldn't want to take any bigger of a jump though.

Oh yeah, I forgot you have the "budget" RS&SP's too. You have probably put some actual stage miles on them though.

[bfrancis827]

Dropped the car off at Jackson Rally last week and the damage is worse then expected.

There have been a few things that have needed to get done for a while so what better time then now. The car should be in pretty good shape in the next month or two.

Here it is as of yesterday.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6879162211_ff7472602a.jpg

[JacksonRally]

Bent stuff
-both framerails and associated sheetmetal all the way back to crossmember mounting
-engine crossmember at lca mounts
-both lca's

And the fun begins

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0919-1.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0921-1.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0923.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0922.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0925.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0924.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0926.jpg

[MConte05]

What are you doing now?

[JacksonRally]

What are you doing now?

More progress pics tomorrow ;)

[JacksonRally]

Surgery has begun

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0927.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0928.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0930.jpg

[bfrancis827]

Sweet. Thanks for taking some pics! Looking good.

[JacksonRally]

Back at it.

Driver side framerail gone

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0891.jpg

Donor clip

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0892.jpg


Prepping the donor clip


http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa15/Jackson-Rally/Brian%20Francis/PICT0893.jpg

[EvilDan]

Nice pics. Thanks for sharing. :)

[bfrancis827]

Coming together nicely!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6778468120_c3cb113262_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6924585221_32a236838b_z.jpg

[jlcjr42]

I am doing the exact same thing to my car right now. I need to find a front clip though. Good luck with everything.

[bfrancis827]

This is a little video I put together showing how I f***ed up my car. Had I seen this after the first few jumps I probably would have STOPPED. It seems like some of the landings are ok, but the ones where it sounds like I lifted off the throttle at take off don't look so good. The footage isn't that great; its windy and my friend was just holding the camera in the car.

vvxt9OR6W0c

[ouchx100]

First I've got to say, you have one very sexy car. I'm jealous that my 06 isn't either an STi or WRB.

Also on the damage from jumping.. How come your car took so much damage? When I watch videos of other rally teams and they hit jumps and land is the front end getting damaged like yours? Or are they breaking stuff as well?