The DirtyImpreza STi (2004 STi)

[409industries]

This is my car - The DirtyImpreza STi.

Current Mods List:

Engine/Power
Vishnu Signature Series Stainless 3" Catless TBE
GrimmSpeed PnP / Ceramic Coated Exhaust Manifolds
GrimmSpeed PnP / Ceramic Coated Crosspipe
GrimmSpeed PnP / Ceramic Coated Uppipe
Cobb Stage 2 EM
ACPT Carbon Fiber Driveshaft
Perrin Crankpulley
SPT Radiator Shroud
NGK Iridum IX Sparkplugs
K&N Drop In Filter
GP Moto Elbow Delete

Suspension
Stock Sprints / Struts
Cusco Front and Rear swaybars
Cusco front OS strut bar
X-brace rear strut bar
STi lateral links
STi trailing arms
Group A Performance endlinks

Wheels
17x8 Rota Slipstream Wheels - BF Goodrich SuperSport T/A's 235/45/R17 M+S
17x7.5 Black BBS's on Summer Tires - Yokohama YK552's

Brakes
Goodridge Stainless Steel Brakelines
Hawk HPS Brakepads

Gauges
Prosport Electrical Boost Gauge (Amber)
Prosport Electrical EGT Gauge (Amber)
Prosport Electrical Oil Temperature Gauge (Amber)
Prosport Electrical Oil Pressure Gauge (Amber)
Prosport Voltage Gauge (Amber)

Other
Whiteline Steering Rack Bushings
Schroth Profi-II ASM 4 point harnesses w/ quick release camlocks
STi Short Shifter
Braille Auto Carbon Fiber B14115 Racing Battery
Rally Armor 3/16" front skidplate
Rally Armor UR Limited Mudflaps
Vishnu Polyurethane Exhaust Hangers
Wingless debadged trunk (except for STi emblem)
Grille Subaru Emblem Delete
Cleared Headlights
Chrome / Amber Turn Signal Bulbs
NRG CF Hood Dampers
ABS On/Off Switch
Oil Sandwich Adaptor
Fumoto Oil Drain Valve
Limo Tint
Autospeed Dead Pedal

I purchased this car used with 14,000 miles on it, less than a year old. The previous owner had quite a bit of aftermarket suspension mods installed (STi Pink Springs, Lateral Links, End links, and Traling Arms) with the addition of front and rear swaybars. I convinced the dealer to throw the stock parts in the trunk and I drove her home!

Front:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/STi_FirstPics_001.JPGhttp://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2004-12-5-firstpics/firstpicsti.jpg

Rear:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/STi_FirstPics_002.JPGhttp://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2004-12-5-firstpics/stirear.jpg

Stock Motor:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/STi_FirstPics_006.JPGhttp://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2004-12-5-firstpics/enginebay.jpg

Gold Wheels:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/normal_STi_FirstPics_005.JPGhttp://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2004-12-5-firstpics/brembo.jpg

Stock Seats:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/STi_FirstPics_003.JPGhttp://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2004-12-5-firstpics/stiseats.jpg

STi pink suspension:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2004-12-5-firstpics/pinkmods.jpg
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/STi_FirstPics_008.JPG
Shortly after the modding started, but nothing big. The down payment took a big chunk of cash so nothing big was changed for quite a while...

[Not All There]

its to clean!

[409industries]

I decided that is going to take forever to show all the pics i have and comment on everything so heres just a taste of what was done from the above virgin pictures to where the STi is today! Black Rota Slipstreams (17x8) for the Dirt and Snow, tinted windows, Wingless, poking out the back is the 3" Vishnu Signature Series catless turboback (with Cobb AP Stage 2)
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/cleansti1.jpg
Painted my BBS's Flat Black for street use only.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2005-1-17-progress_pics/black_bbs---017.jpg

Schroth Profi-II ASM harnesses with quick release camlocks
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/driverside_harnesses.jpghttp://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2005-1-17-progress_pics/driverside_harnesses.jpg

With the harnesses i opted to not go with a harness barsetup (for fear of killing people in the back in the event of a collision). Schroth makes a bolt in kit that allows you to keep your factory belts! This is nice for quick trips to the store where full harnesses are a pain to get in and out of.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/rearseat_harnesses.jpg
Thats about it! Some of my other favorite mods are my ACPT Carbon Fiber driveshaft (which is currently out because i dont want it to shatter while rallycrossing).
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/CFDS_overview.jpg
And some other dumb things like CF hood struts, my Escort Solo9500 x50 Radar detector that owns! Cusco front strut bar, front and rear swaybars, Xbrace for the rear, Braille lightweight racing battery...

More to come!

[subyspawn]

i love the black bbs'

[409industries]

i love the black bbs'

hell yeah, theyre sweet, but very delicate. Remember kids... PAINT! dont POWERCOAT! i have the pics to prove why this is true too...

[Storz]

I love wingless STIs!!

[I Like It Sideways]

CF driveshaft... *drool*

How much does it weigh?

[409industries]

Picked up some new gear from Rally Armor. These are their new UR Limited mudflaps. I am really digging the look of them. I had a set of their regular mud flaps and have since swapped them out for these ones. One of the things i like about them is since they are more flexible i dont have to hear them scraping over speedbumps anymore, they just bend out of the way.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/media/rallyarmor/gallery/ra_ur_flaps/images/Ekinaka_RA_URflaps_002.jpg
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/media/rallyarmor/gallery/ra_ur_flaps/images/Ekinaka_RA_URflaps_007.jpg
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/media/rallyarmor/gallery/ra_ur_flaps/images/Ekinaka_RA_URflaps_011.jpg
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/media/rallyarmor/gallery/ra_ur_flaps/images/Ekinaka_RA_URflaps_018.jpg

[409industries]

CF driveshaft... *drool*

How much does it weigh?

If i remember correctly its about 1/2 the weight of the stock one. Also, its a 1 piece which is really cool IMO. The reduced rotating mass is noticeable across the entire powerband. Overall the car just seems to pull harder in every gear. Its awesome.

[409industries]

Also installed recently: Rally Armor 3/16" Skidplate. Id like to see a rock try to get through this bad boy. Its beefy!

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/media/rallyarmor/gallery/ra_skidplate/images/Ekinaka_RA_Skidplate_001.jpg
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/media/rallyarmor/gallery/ra_skidplate/images/Ekinaka_RA_Skidplate_002.jpg
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/media/rallyarmor/gallery/ra_skidplate/images/Ekinaka_RA_Skidplate_007.jpg

[Not All There]

lookin good wingless!

[409industries]

wingless... alway a debate, but i love it. its fun stomping on people because my car doesn't "look as fast"

[409industries]

Finally got around to putting this piece of bling in that i ordered over a month ago. Just a simple touch of class to match that cusco strut bar up there :)

Pre-install (with a quickie engine clean) remember this was AFTER Dirty Meet #1 so its relatively clean!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/imagehosting/radiatorshroud/radiatorshroud_before.jpg

Without the plastic scoop in place:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/imagehosting/radiatorshroud/radiatorshroud_noram.jpg

Close up shot:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/imagehosting/radiatorshroud/radiatorshroud_closeup.jpg

Done and done...
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/imagehosting/radiatorshroud/radiatorshroud_installed.jpg

[Not All There]

lookin good, have you tested that skid plate yet? just curious if you ever manage to get debris up behind it or not.

[409industries]

lookin good, have you tested that skid plate yet? just curious if you ever manage to get debris up behind it or not.

yes, ive definitely put the skidplate through the paces. The only debris that gets on the otherside is mud and dust that goes around it and settles on top. I had to take it off to inspect the CV's etc the other day so im washing the "inside" of it and putting it back on. Its super strong to where i can jack up the whole front end using the mounting points of the skidplate.

[Dynapar]

Amazing looking car!

[409industries]

So, to combat some issues i am having with wandering steering (not awesome) i bought and installed some Whiteline steering rack bushings today.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/imagehosting/whiteline_sr_bushings.jpg

Overall im happy with them (im still having my problem though, now almost 100% sure its sagging strut related). There used to be some bumps that would jar through the steering column into the steering wheel, which doesn't seem to be so pronounced now. The true test will be running it offroad again.

Install was not too bad. Just a set of jackstands and hand tools are enough to get them in. Having small hands is a + when dealing with the driver side square bushing. That guy is pretty tough to get in, but i managed to do it on my own in about 90 mins. If i did it again though it would be 1/2 the time for sure. Having a cordless impact wrench speeds things along too!

Id say if you have an extra $40 lying around its a good investment. Tightening up your steering just that much more. Also when i removed the smaller OEM bushing on the passenger side i saw that it was torn in two spots, so it was all worthwhile in the end.

[409industries]

Replacement stock struts arrived in the mail today with STi pinks on em. Ill be swapping these out probably over the weekend.

Anyone need a set of STi pinks? I'm going to be sitting on an extra set...

[409industries]

Finally got around to posting some pics. I replaced all 4 struts with some that in found used with about 21K miles on them. I've kept my setup with STi pinks as i am happy with them for now, since i can't afford a nice set of coilovers. soon though i hope! Its just not that high up on my list of priorities at the moment.

So, this is where im forced to do my work. Totally against management's approval... The green mazda is my daily beater, i drive her to work everyday. She doubles as a mobile tool chest too. (i guess it could be a service rig, so to speak... LOL)
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-7-8-strut-replace/STi_strut_replace_001.jpg

Off the ground with no struts in...
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-7-8-strut-replace/STi_strut_replace_003.jpg

Getting the new(er) ones on.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-7-8-strut-replace/STi_strut_replace_002.jpg

finishing up!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-7-8-strut-replace/STi_strut_replace_004.jpg

Thanks to my buddy mike for coming over and lending an extra set of hands. Got the car aligned and its running much better than it was before. No strut clunk, and that weird shimmy in my steering isnt completely gone, but its better.

[sebhockey]

Nice work, I too do the same, do work where I'm not really supposed to. But hey, you do what you gotta do, I'm not gonna pay for someone else to work on my car when I can do it cheaper and better.

Looks like you are using the emergency jack locations there for the jackstands, you are a braver man that me. I use the subframe and rear cross member.

So whats in store now for the STI now that you have the RS? (you shouldve gotten a wagon, then you could've called it the DI shagin wagin :mrgreen: )

[JacksonRally]

I know the STI has a quicker ratio rack (heh I said rack) but are those bushings the same for the WRX??? I would assume, so does it say on the package by chance WRX/STI or STI only?

[409industries]

No those are definitely the SR bushings for the 04 sti. the 05's are not the same...

[sebhockey]

:lol: You guys said rack :FU:

[409industries]

RACK huuhhuhuhuh

anyway, yeah about doing work in places youre not supposed to. This is what happened, i was 1/2 way through the whole thing, it was about 11:30pm and one of the security guys comes around in the golf cart... (keep in mind my car is off the ground with no wheels on and all the struts are taken out)

Guard: excuse me, you cant work on your car in here
Me: mmm hmm (not looking away from what im doing)
* 60 seconds passes *
Guard: well, you're going to have to stop what youre doing.
Me: I wont be able to get to work unless i finish this, so im going to stop when im done.
Guard: I need to know your apartment number.
Me: why?
Guard: So i can document this.
Me: you can get it from my parking spot number. (still not looking up from what im doing)

*sound of golf cart driving away*

p0wnd

[sebhockey]

LOL, nice, I got stopped by the base cop here in San Diego once. I was just cleaning the mud outa my coilovers from the DI meet and had my wheel off. I told him I was just tightening the locknut on my coilover cause I had adjusted them to get some of the mud clumps out. He told me to stop and that if I had to have any work done to my car I had to take it to the autoport and let them do it. I told him it wasn't driveable like that and he told me to get it towed. So I was like ya, I'm gonna pay someone to work on my car who doesn't even know jack about my suspension. So I just finished what I was doing and waited until the auto hobby shop where I can work on stuff opened again to finish it up.

[409industries]

the STi got its report card. she did pretty good but probably as a result of eating some mudwater back at DirtyMeet1, didnt do so awesome in the Aluminum and Iron areas... but not grossly over the average, so ill have it checked after the next oil change and see if its down again.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/imagehosting/8-2007_blackstone_report.jpg

If you are looking to get an oil analysis, www.blackstone-labs.com is the place to go. It will cost you $22.50

[I Like It Sideways]

Oh rock on, 22.50 doesnt sound bad at all. Lol at working in the parking lot.
Our parking lot is on a hill... so jacking a car up is out of the question...

[BlackParis]

i used to do everything @ advanced auto parts/autozone parking lot, people there love to watch and help ;) plus you have an endless supply of ghettofying parts incase you break something ;)

[409industries]

Group A Performance Endlinks installed. I had bent the stock one in the rear passenger side, so it was time to upgrade. These guys are nice and beefy!

Rear Endlinks
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-3-groupaperf_endlinks/groupaperf_endlinks_013.jpg (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com)
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-3-groupaperf_endlinks/groupaperf_endlinks_014.jpg (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com)
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-3-groupaperf_endlinks/groupaperf_endlinks_015.jpg (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com)

The front endlinks installed.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-3-groupaperf_endlinks/groupaperf_endlinks_016.jpg (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com)
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-3-groupaperf_endlinks/groupaperf_endlinks_017.jpg (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com)

[409industries]

So I decided to take the STi Pink springs off of the STi. Reason being is twofold.

1) the rear of my car was practically tucking, and this is OK for street (to an extent) but its retarded for rallycross. Even though I am actually retiring the STi from rally / dirt stuff, there is one last 2 day event in Laughlin, NV coming up, and I want to be able to charge harder than I have at other events.
2) Rear strut clunk. I don’t know a 2004 STi owner that doesn’t have some form of clunk in the rear. I’ve had the struts replaced several times, and these ones I bought used from someone on IWSTI. They are fairly new (less that 20k miles) but they are clunking again. Super embarrassing with friends in the car. So while doing the spring swap I wanted to clean the seal off real good and get some Mobil 1 silicone lube in there as best as I can.

Everything went great! I have clearance in the rears now, and my car rides quite as a Lexus (well to me it is compared to how its been for the last 4 months!). With my buddy Mike helping we were able to bang out all 4 struts in only a couple of hours. I had swapped complete struts before, but never taken the springs off so I learned some good stuff.

The rears coming off
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-20-pinks2stock/sti_pinks2stock_001.jpg

Mike doin his thing...
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-20-pinks2stock/sti_pinks2stock_002.jpg

Despite what it looks like... yes i did actually do work. LOL
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-20-pinks2stock/sti_pinks2stock_003.jpg

Somethings missing...
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-20-pinks2stock/sti_pinks2stock_004.jpg

I wish I had a garage to work in all the time
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-20-pinks2stock/sti_pinks2stock_005.jpg

old blackies are back in place.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-20-pinks2stock/sti_pinks2stock_006.jpg
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-10-20-pinks2stock/sti_pinks2stock_007.jpg

ready to rallycross!

[ForkINIT]

hahaha. i don't remember you taking that natty pic of me. you're super sneaky! :punch:

[Not All There]

you sure the clunk wasnt your solid endlinks? we added those to my buddies wrx wagon and its loud as hell

[409industries]

you sure the clunk wasnt your solid endlinks? we added those to my buddies wrx wagon and its loud as hell

Clunk was there long before the endlinks were swapped out ;)

[Not All There]

gotchya!

[409industries]

Decided i wanted to finally get some nice gauges. Can't afford Defi's so ive had my eye on some Prosports for a while.

Bunch of stuff arrived, stoked. Dual Bezel mount, 2 cup mounts, oil sandwich adaptor, EGT, Boost, Oil Pressure and Oil Temp gauges.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_001.jpg

I had to take out my old crap (old lamco boost gauge, autometer shift light, and apexi turbo timer)
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_003.jpg

I highly recommend labeling things as you go. It helps so much more later!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_004.jpg

Boost signal relay, and boost line. I found a sweet place to mount this up high and out of the way of everything under the dash using a stock bolt that was holding another relay.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_005.jpg

My setup. I know some people will hate it for various reasons (visiblity of the stock cluster, etc). I have never been a big fan of the triple gauge center mount. This was something that i have always wanted to try (having everything near the stock cluster, and use the steering column), so i did! The Perrin 2 gauge pod was $130 and these two cup mounts were $16 so i figured id give these a shot first! The camera doesn't really do a good job of showing what you can actually see. The speedo is still visible while driving. The only stock needle that is obstructed is the water temp one.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_006.jpg
I get the impression that a giant spider is looking at me when they are off, because i can see my reflection in all the gauges. ;)
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_007.jpg
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_008.jpg
OMG OIL PRESSURE!!!! LOL
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_010.jpg
OMG Exhaust Gas temps!!!!! LOL
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-11-14-prosport_install1/prosport_install1_011.jpg

So the oil sandwich adaptor hasn't been installed yet (i might do it tomorrow if i feel like changing my oil) Then i can hook up all my oil sensors. Just got my PnP exhaust manifolds in from Grimmspeed (http://www.grimmspeed.com) and had it tapped with my EGT bung. Got the sensor all ready, im going to drop it in when do the exhaust mani's, crosspipe, and upipe in a few weeks. :eek:

[I Like It Sideways]

OMG SWEET ILLUMINATION!!

I think it looks mean. Nice install!

[Not All There]

thats a different set up, definitely reminds me of a spider too. Nice man, everything working correctly?

[L and E Fab.com]

I like how you took my advice and bought what I recommended.

[409industries]

thats a different set up, definitely reminds me of a spider too. Nice man, everything working correctly?

I dont have all the sensors hooked up yet (because the oil adaptor isn't in for Oil Temp/Pressure). Waiting on the EGT sensor because i need that tapped exhaust manifold to be installed. So far so good! I am far from a wiring expert too, so im pretty damn proud of myself.

I like how you took my advice and bought what I recommended.

Absolutely. It made the most sense to go with these four.

[rllyrckt]

might be a repeat comment, but the pics on the first post are not displayed, its just a red x, just an fyi

[409industries]

might be a repeat comment, but the pics on the first post are not displayed, its just a red x, just an fyi

yeah im lazy and haven't fixed it yet. maybe tomorrow.

[Blix666]

DAMN...that's a lot of gauges. the lighting matches purrrrrrfect

[UP2MTNS]

how do you know how fast you're going? oh wait....who cares....as long as you're going FAAAAAAAST:muhaha:

(I LOVE that you can't see the speedo until you're up over 100, hahaha)


I"ve decided I really like this guy ------>:muhaha:

[UP2MTNS]

I like how you took my advice and bought what I recommended.

from now on....WWED?


(What Would Erik Do?):guitarist:

[409industries]

from now on....WWED?


(What Would Erik Do?):guitarist:

I agree! LOL

BTW, you should know how fast you're going looking at the tach and knowing what gear you're in... if you care!

[sebhockey]

I agree! LOL

BTW, you should know how fast you're going looking at the tach and knowing what gear you're in... if you care!


:shock: Wait you guys actually look down at the tach/speedometer while racing? I just go as fast as I can and base everything off of the sound of the engine and feel of the car.

I only look at the speedometer when I'm on the street where it actually matters.

[RALLYxISH728]

Damn, after seeing your prosport gauges, I just might have to get rid of my ****ty glowshift gauges. My boost gauge has been acting up big time.

[409industries]

Yeah, the rev limiter makes a good shift indicator.

[409industries]

Another Saturday over at Daves! This time we tackled the following:

GrimmSpeed PnP / Ceramic Coated Exhaust Manifolds
GrimmSpeed PnP / Ceramic Coated Crosspipe
GrimmSpeed PnP / Ceramic Coated Uppipe
Remflex Gaskets Install
EGT Probe Install


BTW. YES I KNOW MY ENGINE IS DIRTY AS HELL. Thats why its a dirtyimpreza. duh!

Gotta remove the intercooler to get to properly remove all the bolts and oil feedline on the turbo.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_001.jpg

Theres Dave!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_002.jpg

Stock exhaust manifold / crosspipe removed. Sexy boxer exhaust ports.
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_003.jpg

Pull the retarded uppipe out too
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_004.jpg

Install EGT Probe. GrimmSpeed did a fantastic job drilling the EGT tap. Thanks Josh!!!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_005.jpg

Drilled a hole in the stock heat shield to feet the EGT sensor line through
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_006.jpgp

Some sexy sh*t right there!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_007.jpg

Be careful not to stab yourself with a flathead screwdriver. :machinegunleft:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_008.jpg

*Not pictured - destroying one of the Uppipe studs because we are dumbasses and didnt seat them with two nuts the first time. Also it is very helpful to cut the passenger side stock exhaust manifold heat shield to allow access to the sensor in there. It was a PITA to get the sensor out when you have no access to get a sensor socket in there! We also had to modify / grind down two spots on the downpipe flange to get it to fit OK. All connections were fitted with Remflex gaskets.

Hooked up the EGT wires to the EGT gauge and its working perfectly!

The car feels much more "torquier" than before, and I have definitely noticed an decrease in spool time. :eek: The car has a very mean tone to it now, and I love it! Next on the list is getting a protune by Tim Baily sometime next year.

Thanks to Justin at GrimmSpeed for making some beautiful products!

[409industries]

Grimmspeed pics posted.

[lminette]

Oooh Tim Baily huh? He was the one who got us the engine for the Lemons car!!

[409industries]

Oooh Tim Baily huh? He was the one who got us the engine for the Lemons car!!

He tuned my buddies 20g STi swap, and it pulls like a muthaFer!!! I hear he is a very friendly guy too.

[sebhockey]

Be careful not to stab yourself with a flathead screwdriver. :machinegunleft:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-2-gimmspeed_install/grimmspeed_install_008.jpg




Hey you gotta pay some blood to the car or it won't run well.:mrgreen:

[Bampalo]

Ooh I like the gauge set up! I actually just got a set of Prosport gauges myself, but I'm deathly afraid of wiring so they haven't been installed yet. I need to find someone who knows more about the wiring business to help me out.

[409industries]

Ooh I like the gauge set up! I actually just got a set of Prosport gauges myself, but I'm deathly afraid of wiring so they haven't been installed yet. I need to find someone who knows more about the wiring business to help me out.

I know very little about wiring and i was able to do the entire thing (except my Oil pressure gauge is being weird) Other than that everything was time consuming, because i was trying to be careful, but not difficult.

Most everything is just power to an accessory power source (you know something that turns on when the car is on only... not direct to the battery) and is grounded. Depending on which color you want the gauges to be, you connect those to the power. For amber it was both the Red and the Orange wire. Then black is your ground.

The senders are even easier. Usually the green wire goes back to gauge and the other wire on the sender is just grounded to the battery.

Thanks for the compliments!

[sebhockey]

BTW Aaron you should start pressure washing your engine bay and undercarriage. You'd be suprised what all comes out, how much lighter the car is and how much happier your car will seem.

[409industries]

BTW Aaron you should start pressure washing your engine bay and undercarriage. You'd be suprised what all comes out, how much lighter the car is and how much happier your car will seem.

Trust me dood, its already in the works. I have my engine cleaning methods :twisted:

Ill be sure to take before and after photos!

[409industries]

Our good friends over at Braille Auto got us one of their amazing Carbon Fiber batteries. There was nothing wrong with the existing No-Weight series battery, but I thought we'd kick it up a notch to this beautiful CF unit. It weighs only 11.5 lbs.

Front:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-22-brailleCF/braille_B14115_001.jpg

Back:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-22-brailleCF/braille_B14115_002.jpg

Mounted (Braille's aluminum mounting brackets are still on backorder so i am using a modified OEM tiedown)
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-22-brailleCF/braille_B14115_003.jpg

Small Footprint!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2007-12-22-brailleCF/braille_B14115_004.jpg

I've been waiting a while to put this battery in. Now that the motor has been cleaned, it was a good time to do so. For more information about Braille Auto, Carbon Fiber Batteries, and their other products visit http://www.brailleauto.com. (http://www.brailleauto.com)

Be sure to mention you saw their products on DirtyImpreza.com!

[RS-ti_Andy]

i like the battery but it looks like the one out of a honda spree lol

[409industries]

i like the battery but it looks like the one out of a honda spree lol

Believe it or not, they have a race-only unit that is 1/2 the size (it literally looks like a Lego block) that weighs only 6 lbs!!!

The unit i have actually puts out a decent amount of power. More cold cranking amps than the OEM unit too.

B14115 Carbon Fiber Battery Specs

Casing: Carbon Composite Shell & Polymer Plastic
Weight: 11.5 lbs
Length: 5.8
Width: 3.4
Height: 5.8
Pulse Cranking Amps: 904
Cranking Amps: 486
Cold Cranking Amps: 360
Amp Hour Rating: 15

[Not All There]

thats insane! How much are these units, would they do well in the cold

[I Like It Sideways]

That is incredible. 11.5 lbs!!!! Nice investment

[donutking]

let us know when u get snow tracks!

[409industries]

thats insane! How much are these units, would they do well in the cold

This one will run you $225 direct from Braille. They do just fine in the cold. I had this batteries predecessor, the no-weight series for 2 years and never had one problem with it. (See intall video of this battery on my car here (http://www.hspn.tv/?videoid=11&catid=14)) This battery actually has more cold cranking amps than the OEM unit. I also have a CF All Season battery waiting for the Project RS... well see how it does!

I go up to the mountains every winter too and the car sits there over night in freezing temps and never has a problem starting. I will say however that you cannot let your car sit for over 4 weeks without starting it and charging up the battery a bit, it will drain (Its a drycell battery). If you do plan on leaving your car for an extended amount of time, id suggest getting a battery charger , available through Braille (http://www.brailleauto.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=18&idproduct=12) and i have also seen them at Kragen and other stores for similar units.

[subyspawn]

sweet, i will have to look into this for RLLYSTi

[409industries]

Some more love for the STi. She got a purdy new replica v-limited lip, courtesty of Mach V Motorsports (http://www.machv.com/info.html) and FastWRX.com (http://www.fastwrx.com/aaek04sti.html)!

Install was pretty easy, but my bumper and spats are pretty messed up so the end holes required some "modification". NO biggie though, everything is on tight and looking sexy as hell.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2008-1-1-front_lip/sti_front_lip_003.jpg

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2008-1-1-front_lip/sti_front_lip_005.jpg

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2008-1-1-front_lip/sti_front_lip_008.jpg

I contemplated getting it painted WRB, because i don't see people doing that too often... but after a test fit, i really liked the way the black complimented the painted pillar-less grill and the black BBS's. Its keeping the "Black n Blue" theme going so it will be staying black! :tongue:

[lminette]

Looking good Aaron!! The DirtySTI is adapting well to being a street machine!!

[sebhockey]

Ok, now who is gonna help me steal it to return it to it's true home, the dirt?

[409industries]

The STi has some ridiculous exhaust leak right now. I really hope its just the DP to midpipe that is loose buts its LOUD.

praying its not the gaskets at the exhaust manifolds...

[bfrancis827]

The STi has some ridiculous exhaust leak right now. I really hope its just the DP to midpipe that is loose buts its LOUD.

praying its not the gaskets at the exhaust manifolds...

I had this problem too. Luckily it was at the connection between the DP and midpipe. Sometimes it sounded like the exhaust was coming from the glove box though. Also, my leak was my fault. Hope it works out well for ya.

Exhaust leak:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3239

[409industries]

Bigger description of the problem...

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3631

[409industries]

So i got a replacement gasket from Remflex (at no cost) stoked.

It literally took me 10 minutes to swap out the crosspipe gasket on the driver's side. It felt great to get back in the STi and haul ass around for a bit.

The following day, i went snowboarding with 3 of my buddies (all fellow subaru owners too!) so the car was full. 4 guys, 4 boards, all the gear. Anyway, i went to pass a SUV that was lagging on the mountain, floored it and as we were going around the SUV i hear this *pop* and then ... instant tractor noise is back again. *phfffftp! - phfffftp! - phfffftp! - phfffftp! - phfffftp! - phfffftp! - as im driving along. We pulled over and couldnt immediately find the problem, but based on where the noise is coming from (and the fact that i'm barely making boost) it would appear that i blew the uppipe > turbo gasket.

Talk about annoying. I'm going back to subaru OEM gaskets. Now i have to find time to tear apart the STi to get to damaged gasket, what a fricken PITA. Ill probably swap out ALL the gaskets while i'm in there. Just when i was about to take my car into the stealership for its 60K maintenance.

So PISSED! :pissed:

[RS-ti_Andy]

Some more love for the STi. She got a purdy new replica v-limited lip, courtesty of Mach V Motorsports (http://www.machv.com/info.html) and FastWRX.com (http://www.fastwrx.com/aaek04sti.html)!

Install was pretty easy, but my bumper and spats are pretty messed up so the end holes required some "modification". NO biggie though, everything is on tight and looking sexy as hell.





http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2008-1-1-front_lip/sti_front_lip_008.jpg

I contemplated getting it painted WRB, because i don't see people doing that too often... but after a test fit, i really liked the way the black complimented the painted pillar-less grill and the black BBS's. Its keeping the "Black n Blue" theme going so it will be staying black! :tongue:


sooo cops ever say anything about the HUGE Burton sticker on ur front window?

[VermillionX]

I would have to say no. It is not obstructing the drivers view directly.

[409industries]

I would have to say no. It is not obstructing the drivers view directly.

This is actually beside the point (in California at least). You're not supposed to have anything on the windshield at all. Meaning that yes, the Burton sticker and the tint banner up top are both not supposed to be there.

... but no, i have never been hassled for it.

[lorenkb]

So i got a replacement gasket from Remflex (at no cost) stoked.

It literally took me 10 minutes to swap out the crosspipe gasket on the driver's side. It felt great to get back in the STi and haul ass around for a bit.

The following day, i went snowboarding with 3 of my buddies (all fellow subaru owners too!) so the car was full. 4 guys, 4 boards, all the gear. Anyway, i went to pass a SUV that was lagging on the mountain, floored it and as we were going around the SUV i hear this *pop* and then ... instant tractor noise is back again. *phfffftp! - phfffftp! - phfffftp! - phfffftp! - phfffftp! - phfffftp! - as im driving along. We pulled over and couldnt immediately find the problem, but based on where the noise is coming from (and the fact that i'm barely making boost) it would appear that i blew the uppipe > turbo gasket.

Talk about annoying. I'm going back to subaru OEM gaskets. Now i have to find time to tear apart the STi to get to damaged gasket, what a fricken PITA. Ill probably swap out ALL the gaskets while i'm in there. Just when i was about to take my car into the stealership for its 60K maintenance.

So PISSED! :pissed:

That's pretty discouraging. Not the first time I've heard about these gaskets being a problem either, but I had assumed it was just a fluke. What about copper gaskets?

[Not All There]

oh man, what a pain in the ass, good luck with it

[409industries]

That's pretty discouraging. Not the first time I've heard about these gaskets being a problem either, but I had assumed it was just a fluke. What about copper gaskets?

I am extremely disappointed. Remflex was cool about the first one and replaced it free of charge, but im over having to worry about whether my gaskets are just going to "pop" whenever they feel like. Its going to take a decent chunk of my weekend to tear everything apart to get to the one that blew this time. I was fortunate that the crosspipe one was easy to get to, but that is not the case now.

I do accept some responsibility though, as some of the connections may have been over-torqued a bit, but i know with metal gaskets this wouldn't be as severe of an issue. The remflex ones become VERY brittle after they have been crushed to seal.

Ill be running OEM Subaru gaskets from here out. I see no reason to go with aftermarket ones if its going to compromise reliability.

[409industries]

Gaskets have been replaced with Subaru OEM ones (spent fricking $123 on stupid gaskets!!!)

Anyone see a problem with this picture?
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2008-3-15-remflex_fix/remflex_fix_003.jpg

These are the following gaskets (or whats left of them) In their defense, they DO get brittle after being crushed to spec... but these were tweaked :shootsself:

motor > exhaust manifolds
exhaust manifold > crosspipe
exhaust maifold > Uppipe

I didnt want to deal with replacing the uppipe to turbo gasket and the turbo to DP one ill deal with the next time i need to pull my exhaust off (for whatever reason)

So the second leak was actually further down than where i thought it was, it was on the passengerside exhaust manifold to up-pipe. This was nice, because i could get to it from the bottom. Same thing as the crosspipe gasket that blew... the whole side exploded out.

while replaceing the gaskets that were on the motor to the exh. mani's, they were 80% crushed (whoops? over torquing?) and they had to be chiseled off with a screwdriver and a razor blade on both the motor and the manifold side. These are supposed to be rated to 3000F and they were practically melted on! I've been watching my EGT's and they rarely go over 1500...

i dunno... what a waste of time. The car is running GREAT again though. I am very happy. Subaru OEM gaskets FTW.

[Blix666]

looks like there's somethin' wrong w/your gaskets
:shocked:

[Not All There]

after reading this post, and then seeing the ones that came with my downpipe, ill be taking a trip to subaru tomorrow to grab some OEM ones. Nothing quite pisses you off more than the sound of an exhaust leak

[409industries]

Nothing quite pisses you off more than the sound of an exhaust leak

I can deal with the sound of an exhaust leak past the DP, but this guy was in the up pipe = running at 25% boost. Unacceptable.

[409industries]

Life sucks when your exhaust hanger pulls out of your midpipe leaving a big gash.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2008-5-5-broken_hanger/broken_exh_hanger_002.jpg

Got this fixed by Jackson Rally! Stoked, filled the dumb clamps with silicone to keep the gasket-less gaps at the DP and the axleback from leaking, she sounds great again! Super stoked!

Also, the STi has been reverted back into dirt mode.
Front Lip Removed
CF Driveshaft Removed / Replaced with stocker
Fumoto Valve replaced with stocker plug
Skidplate reinstalled
New Clean/Oiled Airfilter
Oil Changed
Coolant ChangedI'm really looking forward to rallycrossing this weekend. Its been too long!

[sebhockey]

Also, the STi has been reverted back into dirt mode.

Front Lip Removed
CF Driveshaft Removed / Replaced with stocker
Fumoto Valve replaced with stocker plug
Skidplate reinstalled
New Clean/Oiled Airfilter
Oil Changed
Coolant ChangedI'm really looking forward to rallycrossing this weekend. Its been too long!

You couldn't keep away from the dirt long could ya? It was killing you that everyone else was out having fun and you weren't huh?:p

[409industries]

yeah, that and i need some seat time before going to school. :)

[04trailsti]

Gaskets have been replaced with Subaru OEM ones (spent fricking $123 on stupid gaskets!!!)

Anyone see a problem with this picture?
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/sti/2008-3-15-remflex_fix/remflex_fix_003.jpg

These are the following gaskets (or whats left of them) In their defense, they DO get brittle after being crushed to spec... but these were tweaked :shootsself:

motor > exhaust manifolds
exhaust manifold > crosspipe
exhaust maifold > Uppipe

I didnt want to deal with replacing the uppipe to turbo gasket and the turbo to DP one ill deal with the next time i need to pull my exhaust off (for whatever reason)

So the second leak was actually further down than where i thought it was, it was on the passengerside exhaust manifold to up-pipe. This was nice, because i could get to it from the bottom. Same thing as the crosspipe gasket that blew... the whole side exploded out.

while replaceing the gaskets that were on the motor to the exh. mani's, they were 80% crushed (whoops? over torquing?) and they had to be chiseled off with a screwdriver and a razor blade on both the motor and the manifold side. These are supposed to be rated to 3000F and they were practically melted on! I've been watching my EGT's and they rarely go over 1500...

i dunno... what a waste of time. The car is running GREAT again though. I am very happy. Subaru OEM gaskets FTW.


yea me and my buddy put the remflex gasket on the up pipe or his 04 wrx. and it did the same thing

[409industries]

Installed some NGK Iridium IX one step colder plugs today. I dunno if its just in my head, but the car seems to idle much smoother. The old plugs were in pretty good shape surprisingly.

[409industries]

Shorty update.

STi needs some love. I have been daily driving it since my mazda's front CV's are totally shot and I don't really have the money or knowledge to really tear into that car right now. Rear struts are clunking (like always), front passenger side strut is clunking, front driver side is making a *squish* noise so i think its toast. Got a nice rattle on my downpipe too...

Shes dirty as hell, but only from driving around, getting rained on... and going to the mountains. Poor girl.

[409industries]

Motor has been rebuilt... working on the 500 mile break in oil change.

[Bubba02sti]

you needed to rebuild your motor... what happend??? where have i been...

[Not All There]

seriously, i didnt know either, was that why you were daily driving the rally car not to long ago?

[409industries]

Yes and yes. Rally car is on DD duty again. STi has some mysterious fuel problem that seems to be ECU related. Mechanically the rebuild checks out but it's still idling like sh*t. (Checked injectors, o2 sensors, plugs, coils, valves).

Need to get this sorted out ASAP... I put about 800 miles on the motor already. On a plus note the new clutch feels great! :)

[247motoring]

Welcome to the junk club my friend. hehe. My motor seized up at the track this past weekend. I won't know 'til i pull the motor but it is most likely the rod bearings and whatever else down there got destroyed.

Looks like I will be rebuilding the bottom end in Jan. up until that point the car was running great.

[lminette]

Ugh that sucks Thuy!!! Time to look into the 2.5 stroker kit me thinks!!

[247motoring]

i might build a 2.5 bottom end...depending on cost. the stock 2.3 rebuild's already going to be $$$.

[lminette]

That's what my buddy did. Just make sure you use a reputable shop. My buddy took it to a shop who did't bore out the cylinders and needless to say there were issues. They just slammed the pistons in there and some bed noises eventually came about. 6 years later and the car is back on the road. Could have been sooner but he had alternative modes of transpo at the time. I can put you into contact with him if you'd like. Just let me know.

[lminette]

FYI the stroker kit is $2980

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=11211316979KIT

[247motoring]

your buddy has an e30 m3 as well? i think my stock 2.3 bottom end rebuild's probaby going to be around $5k. we'll see how much this will add to it. hehe.

[EvansWagon]

LOVEN the sti man! esactly what i want a sti and rally gc perfect combo haha