"The Ugly Panda" **New Harness, Possible Phase II Upgrades***

[Not All There]

Pretty cool idea for a thread, and I'm still all pumped up from driving in the snow all night so ill put some pics together....

Found my subaru on carigslist.com for $700 bucks in Maine, picked it up for $350 after the 5 hour drive to go get it when we found a few other things wrong. Drove it home that day, had a battery cable come loose on the highway but we made it home.
Heres its original pic from the add.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Project/PIC00018.jpg
The goal was to have a budget rally car build with some friends and just have a good time and wing it. Been a blast so far!

Gutted it the next morning...
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3185.jpg
Than gave it its first wash in a year.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Project/IMG_3191.jpg

Next was replacing the old rust rear discs with some out of a 91 legacy, whats nice are the lower links are gusseted so we figured that would be nice for rallyx

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3269.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3282.jpg

Soon after was the Stafford RallyX in Connecticut. First time, had a blast and now addicted.


While we were there we found a great deal on some tires..
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3367.jpg
Than came the RS parts car and plenty of new goodies for the panda...This is where it got its name because its kinda ugly in the light lol, to say the least. All I want to do is finish removing the rust!
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Project/IMG_1035.jpg


Threw on a wrx midpipe and muffler as well as removed one cat and that pretty much takes us to today..
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Project/IMG_3621.jpg

As for its future, have some nice seats out of the truck i race to put in, as well as 80ft of DOM tubing to start the cage. We have also been gathering engine parts to do a frankenstein 2.5 NA motor. Than finish welding in new rust free rear quarters and throw some paint on it and should be pretty much done.

Hope you like it, its been great fun and the car has 219k and is still going after some pretty hard driving to say the least!

Not bad for originally a 350 dollar suby!

Air

FACEBOOK US! (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/Hey%20guys,%20those%20of%20you%20on%20our%20%22gro up%22%20be%20sure%20to%20hit%20up%20our%20page.%20 It%20will%20be%20much%20easier%20to%20manage%20whi le%20on%20the%20rd,%20and%20overall%20in%20general .%20%20%20Thanks%20for%20the%20support%21%20%20htt ps://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-All-There-Racing/149890478413826)

[409industries]

WOW!!! see that is awesome. Looking at your pictures in the pics thread i was like.. hey thats a cool looking suby, and i just called it a panda on a whim. Now that i know the history, thats way cooler! I had no idea how little you paid for the car. Thats awesome.

[Not All There]

thanks, whats cool about this project is it shows that you can have a toy for RallyX or whatever for around a grand, thats reliable and still leaves room in the budget to mod a few things as well as pay for entrance fees.

I believe I bought the car back in December of this year, so very soon their will be some nice performance mods, other than getting rid of the last key areas of rust im pumped to do the motor swap.

[Storz]

Very very cool build up so far, talk about a steal...getting a running car for $350. Definitely keep updating this thread as you do the build

[Not All There]

Just bought a 2.5 block today, time to start the motor build and get it in before summer! :twisted:

[I Like It Sideways]

$350 that is amazing. Nice snag.
I like it a lot, the color scheme actually...works!!

Keep us posted with the motor!

[Not All There]

Just need to get some new headgaskets for the build, and a RS rear end to match the tranny sitting in the basment and were set to install. As of today i threw on two black fenders in the front, not for color, just to get rid of some more rust. One panel at a time. All thats left now is the rear quarters and the bottom of the pass sife front by the mud flap.

[Not All There]

Just updated this...

Pics of the Lightforces mounted.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/RallyX%20Belmont%20NH%2007/IMG_3686.jpg

RallX at Belmont NH, 6th in modified (with stock beat up and 220K mile 1. 8) Made me extremly happy, cant wait for more..
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/RallyX%20Belmont%20NH%2007/DSC_0186.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/RallyX%20Belmont%20NH%2007/IMG_3706.jpg

Some nice creases have started to form in my roof and c pillars, so put this on till the cage is in.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3784.jpg


Along with some rally "bling" lol
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3810.jpg

[409industries]

the uconncarclub is blowing up eh?

thats pretty gnar that youre getting creases in the roof!

[Not All There]

lol I was really surprised, noticed it when finally cleaning the car for the car show this year, really shows when shinny.

Yea, over the past two years we have become pretty well known. Our show up here at the university brought 658 cars last year. This year was spoiled by the rain, but the Red Bull F1 car still came down in its nice enclosed trailer, and we still had around 100 people come in what I consider the worst car show weather I have ever seen. Rain, wind, sleet, and more rain.

[409industries]

Not to keep threadjacking your members journal, but 658 cars is no joke! thats insane! Im thinking you should start another thread about that so i can see pictures of this F1 trailer :) :) :)

[Not All There]

Ok, ill throw one up in off topic later on

[I Like It Sideways]

thats an incredible turnout...

[Not All There]

Finished the exhaust work last week. Borla header, catless,wrx midpipe and a ricer cannister.

I was running open midpipe for a couple days because it was frustrating having the wrx muffler hit any signs of rumble. So I picked up a cannister real cheap and threw it on for now, I actually dont mint the sound.

http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Project/?action=view&current=SubyExhaust.flv

[409industries]

Sounds pretty angry. So long as its cheap and gets the job done :)

[Not All There]

its just a temporary axleback. I found a home made one that tucks up super high under the car and is pretty loud as well. That will be going on for the rallyX's

[Not All There]

Something amazing came in today!!!
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Project/IMG_0320.jpg
Thanks to the other Aaron on here!

As for todays progress, something to hold us in better..
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0317.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0318.jpg

[lorenkb]

TWIX, the official fuel of Rally Cross drivers world 'round! That exhaust sound all kinds of pissed off! :twisted:

How much did the seats set you back if you don't mind me asking?

Loren

[Not All There]

Dont mind at all, got them for a steal, $200 bucks for the two with the brackets needed to put them in my car. I couldnt pass it up. Sold a set of seats from the race truck for 300, used the extra hundred for gas to go pick them up today (4.5 hour drive) well worth it.

[409industries]

Nice, you got it! LOL... :)

Those seats are a steal at $200 for the pair! Thats amazing. Looks like the panda is coming along nicely.

[Blix666]

ha...awesome...


sweet seats too man. you get that engine in yet?!

[Not All There]

Not yet, and with the 600 mile trip i just did in the car yesterday it definitely needs to happen asap, I have all the research done at least, just need a few more funds and time and it will be in!

[Not All There]

got this in and installed nice and straight today

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1208.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1213.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1214.jpg

[409industries]

NICE. I did an install with that exact same NRG quick release system in a friends car last year. very cool.

[Not All There]

the quality seems real nice, very happy with them overall. Got them from Evasive Motorsports in CA, gave me a good price on nabisco and free shipping.

Got another dash out of my friends impreza hes turning into RHD, so im going to prep it, and take my time painting it back, than swap it in to get rid of the last bits of tan.

[Orion]

Nice wheel setup!!!

Someday after the basics are out of the way on ym swap I'll turn my attention to seats and a wheel.

[Not All There]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/flywheel14lb.jpg

14 Lb Flywheel for the new engine, every little bit helps!

[Orion]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/flywheel14lb.jpg

14 Lb Flywheel for the new engine, every little bit helps!

Match that with a nice LW pulley and you're in biznezz!

[Not All There]

im already on the lookout! Def will, especially on a NA motor.

Tonights project...note to self, tearing your dash apart at night with no flashlight or shoplights sucks.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1228.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1231.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1232.jpg

[Blix666]

nice....you racin' at big lap rallyX?

[fattie92]

..I want one! Looking good man, looks like it is coming together very nicely

[Not All There]

When is it? If i can get the motor in soon ill be out asap, not sure tho. I have everything for the motor lined up, a 411 tranny, but am having trouble locating the matching rear end which sucks. At least one in my budget...but im trying.

Heres some progress on the 2.5 Frankenstein. I get my heads back from the shop tomorrow.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3869.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3870.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3871.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3872.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3873.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3874.jpg

Ill be replacing the little bit of ugly left on the motor very soon. Pretty much got all new gaskets and everything to make sure nothing stupid goes wrong once this is back together.

Kevyn from Cometic Gaskets is cutting up and designing so custom head gaskets to make the transition from the 2.5 block to the 2.2 heads go a little better with a CR of 11.2 or so. Those should be done soon.

Also picked these up..elephant ears for the panda.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/12830RAflaps1-large.jpg

[Blix666]

deelicious...

the june rallyX is the 24th. sunday. they haven't even opened registration yet.

[Not All There]

that going to be cutting it close for me....not sure.

Im trying to get a small house with the g/f and hopefully do the engine swap in its garage instead of outside lol. So thats my priority right now.

[BlueRu]

It looks like it's realy comming along. Hope to see the newish motor in soon! Good luck.

[Not All There]

More progress on the motor, just waiting for head gaskets now, so far replaced almost all of the gaskets that commonly leak, new waterpump, new timing belt tensioner, flywheel is in and looking for a pulley to match up with it. Some say to do one or the other but the more people I talk to the more it seems it will be fine especially for my build. Still cant find a good rear end to match the transmission in the basment and due to being short on time I will most likely be moving next week, then just swapping the motor in with my current drivetrain for now. Should be fun.

Heads are on just to make the motor look more complete, as mentioned before still waiting for the gaskets from Cometic.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3974.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_3972.jpg

Also did some intake work like Matt today, got rid of the hideously gay ricer intake my car came with (weapon R) stupidest thing in the world and replaced it with a nice Cobb Cold Air intake. So much better and sounds so much better. No more ricey intake sound in the high r's that overpowers the exhaust.
Pics of that tomorrow.

[BlueRu]

Looking good! Looks like a bit more work to go. Hope it goes well!

[Not All There]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4000.jpg

Just mocked things up today, mostly so i dont loose parts during the move

[Blix666]

that looks soooo freakin' juicy

[409industries]

Sick man! when to the head gaskets come in... have they been ordered?

[Not All There]

thanks guys, yea they have been, just waiting on Kevyn at Cometic, they has to order some factory ones from subaru for the block and heads im using, not sure how far they have gotten but thats all im waiting for, should be here soon.

[Not All There]

things have been delayed, but im picking up the jeep tonight which means i dont have to keep daily driving the ugly panda and can actually tear it down and start working on it!

Side note, we got to talking the other day, how can we make a decal of a panda that has been hit by a big ugly stick for the back of the car? :Literally tho, have a panda that looks like hes been dazed or hit by a big stick with the word ugly on it.

[Not All There]

Had the suby up on the lift for some welding today, glad i did. The rear bracket for my trailing arm was cracked down the center in 3 places, ready to snap anytime. So we welded it up and replaced what we could. Also had a blown CV shaft, blown lower ball joint (are these a pain to replace on these cars?) And a few other odds and ends that im glad I could get a look at. I think on monday im going to put it back on my buddies lift and throw in some better shape rs front struts along with the new axle and ball joint. Also start making measurements for a possible belly skid for the entire underside of the car. Just looking into it, not sure if we will make it or not be heavily considering it. Also started looking into getting the cage and measurements for that. A friend of mine was able to mill out some dimple dies for the sheetmetal attaching the cage to the body, should look nicey nice. No pics today, but some soon.

[Blix666]

good catch dude. don't know how bad the CVshaft/balljoint is on our cars cuz' i haven't had to do one yet....good luck!

[Not All There]

cv shafts are pretty easy, just curious about the lower balljoints, Been searching over on NABISCO and seems they are ok if the car is rust free, but mine if far from that haha.

[BlueRu]

Good luck man! Let us know how it goes.......

[Not All There]

Even tho the destiny of this project is unknown at the moment, just letting you all know the build will continue. Maybe even constantly continue till i save enough money up from overtime to just buy another car and keep the panda but who knows. As of now getting ready to continue plans for the cage, then finally get the friggin engine in lol

[BlueRu]

Personaly I would buy a second. You love your panda man! Think of all the memories with that car......

[sebhockey]

Ya, I second that, keep the panda and save up for a prepped car. Just slow things down on the panda build so you can put away money. Honestly though, talking to some of the stage rally guys, if you cannot buy a prepped car at this time and not really have to worry about it, then you really can't afford stage rally. What you pay for your car is small in comparison to entrance, travel fees, lodging, and keeping your crew happy. So I definately say keep your panda, slow down and save up or build the panda the way you want and not worry about another rally car for now.

[Not All There]

yea i totally understand, i wasnt planning on actually racing stage yet...but my plan is to get a prepped car as early as possible. For example if I can get one now, i can start getting seat time in and by the time im ready to take it to the next level i will be extremly comfortable with the new car and how it drives. Its not that I dont have the money, its that the money has to go elsewhere and im still gettign settled job wise. I just want to get a head start if possible on driving the actual car that I would be competing in, and doing that asap. Racing in stage is another story for another time, but within my 2 year goal. Hopefully. Talking with everyone stage rally gets expensive as fawk, but that 2wheel prepped cars arent priced that bad, so id just like to get one and practice with it. It will serve as my first official step, next would be rally school.

Ill see what happens, that panda is pretty awesome and i dont know how i would feel seeing "the Ugly Panda" cruising around knowing its not mine anymore. I put up some gagin interest adds and am just keeping my options open. Only reason im kinda pushing this is i found a local car for sale, with tons of spares, and its up to date and the price is right.

The panda project will continue as if nothing was happening, so hopefully soon you will see engine install pics and a new cage being mocked up! I love building cages!

[BlueRu]

I do not envy your position in this matter. I hope things work out the way you want them to! Cant wait to see the newish motor in your panda though.

[Not All There]

well very happy i didnt sell the panda....Placed 4th in 4 Wheel Rally. One more position and we finally can bring home something!

time to get this thread updated and continued... heres my favorite pics from the last Rallyx from various members.

Pics courtesy of PSG
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s287/psg_photos/PSG%20RallyX%209-23-07/PSG_RALLYX_092307_0006.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s287/psg_photos/PSG%20RallyX%209-23-07/PSG_RALLYX_092307_0030.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s287/psg_photos/PSG%20RallyX%209-23-07/PSG_RALLYX_092307_0068.jpg

Pics courtesy of Brandon Cheely
http://digitaldisplacement.com/2007upnyrallyx/IMG_3371.jpg
http://digitaldisplacement.com/2007upnyrallyx/IMG_3447.JPG
http://digitaldisplacement.com/2007upnyrallyx/IMG_3703.JPG

Sorry if the last 3 are huge!

[Not All There]

Ordered some supertones today!

[Not All There]

got my hella supertones hooked up today, also getting ready to install some halla 4000's a little above the grill, so planning out some different but very simple brackets to have 3 of them.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1425.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1426.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1427.jpg

Scared my girlfriend with a quick beep, she didnt know they were loud.
http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/?action=view&current=MVI_1428.flv

[Blix666]

how was the install?

[Not All There]

10 mins! I used the bolts which hold on the hood latch for the brackets, and already had the electrical done for the lightforces. Ill be using the hella harness for the 4000's so no longer needed the wires used for the amber lightforces.

[Blix666]

did they come w/a relay? i've read some reviews about them and people mention using a relay cuz' theyr'e more powerful.

[Not All There]

yup, comes in the kit, you get the 2 horns and one relax. You need to buy the switch, wires and connectors.

[WRR]

yup, comes in the kit, you get one relax


I am way uptite at times and need to buy some of this 'relax' stuff.. where do you get it from & is it legal?

[Blix666]

yup, comes in the kit, you get one relax


I am way uptite at times and need to buy some of this 'relax' stuff.. where do you get it from & is it legal?

i can get you some fukitol if ya want...lemme know

[Drew84]

Blixx, my Dad has got all sorts of relays laying around if you pick up some super tone we can make them work.

[Not All There]

hahaha, i meant relay not relax lol. typo!

You know what I mean!

[Not All There]

did some rust repair today....cheated a little lol.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/IMG_1436.jpg

Quarters will be painted black soon, hey its a car ment for function in the dirt... doesnt need to be perfect

[Not All There]

its official, on Oct 26th the panda is going in to have the motor swapped. I have no time and it needs to be done asap so a few friends of mine are doing the install for an awesome deal I cant pass up. More to come!

[Blix666]

good to hear....i miss that ugly paaaaaaaanda

[Not All There]

I had some free time, so experimented with a little paint. Painted the rear quarters after removing the rust. When the car is "officially" painted some of the lines will be different, but for now it looks good enough. Im just extremly happy to not see rust anymore.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1442.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1446.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_1447.jpg

*edit, cleaner pics added]

[Blix666]

WOW DUDE....that looks awesome...love the name decals on the windows too. where'd ya get'em...rallydecals? i've been pushin' jer to start makin'em but the flags are a real bitch apparently.

[Not All There]

I have had those on there forever, my buddy does them in his free time, he made me a bunch of extra flags for when i crash and need to replace windows lol

[Blix666]

oops....sorry for NOT noticing til' now :oops:

[Not All There]

lol, its cool, its not like your my girlfriend or something and will have to sleep in the doghouse....

*note...im in the doghouse... :machinegunleft:

[Blix666]

uh oh...complain 'bout the cookin' one too many times?! lol

[Not All There]

I guess im not a "good listener" when im on DI posting pictures haha

*note, replaced other pics with better cleaner ones..

[409industries]

I guess im not a "good listener" when im on DI posting pictures haha

*note, replaced other pics with better cleaner ones..

bwhahaha i don't think any of us are.

I'm digging the new paint man, the panda looks the best yet! I'm sure this has already been covered but i really like the amount of clearance you have. What strut / spring combo are you running on right now? Im looking for something cheap to tide me over while i rallycross until i can get some "REAL" rally suspension *cough cough DMS's??? cough cough*

[BorkedWRX]

what are you doing to get rid of the rust? Rust converter, grinding, rustoleum?

I'm "restoring" a '67 VW Beetle and have been using rust converter extensively.

[Drew84]

Do you get mistaken for a police car now? Seeing as most departments are going back to Black and Whites.

[Not All There]

Thanks guys, im glad to hear people like my ugly car :D

Aaron- its actually stock suspension haha, seriously. Will be coming out soon tho for some AGX's I believe

Borked, I use a combo of cutting it away, grinding, and POR-15. I haven't had much luck with converters offered by any parts stores etc, but POR has been awesome.

Drew, it sure does, especially in front of the police academy.

Its always fun sitting in an empty parking lot with the parking lights on, or on the side of a street

[Not All There]

Should be a busy week for the panda, today its getting dropped off at PSG so they can use it to make the prototype GC skidplate, then friday night the car will be heading off again to have the engine swap done! Pics to come!

[Blix666]

oh cool!...bend up the front lip guys!

[I Like It Sideways]

Noiice!!! Can't wait to see the plate!

Awesome and amazing build thus far. I envy it.

[Not All There]

those pictures of the bent skidplates will def influence the design lol

thanks!

[409industries]

yeah man, busy times for the panda... this is awesome!

[Not All There]

Matt at PSG was able to make some progress with the jacking plate last night, hes been posting here...
http://psgsti.blogspot.com/2007/10/1st-gen-impreza-prototyping.html

[Blix666]

interesting write up. i've never seen that header configuration either. mine connect after the plate. can't wait for more progress!

[Not All There]

oh really? I thought they were all like that.

[Not All There]

Picked up the flywheel a couple hours ago, all resurfaced.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4241.jpg

[Not All There]

More updates from Matt at PSG.

http://psgsti.blogspot.com/2007/10/prototyping-continues.html

[Blix666]

so, to use one of PSG'S plates, GC owners will have to replace thier jacking plates too?

also, he may want to check out some later model GC's so he can mock up with the different exhaust manifold.

[Not All There]

hes going to in order to figure out the best plate placement for all the GC's.

There may be another option to the jacking plate, but for now he ordered a bunch of them

[Not All There]

As of last night my buddies completed the swap. Just have to double check the timing and it should be running today!

[Blix666]

SWEET!

[martinus]

Looks purdy plain in the begining ... looks way better now, even with the B&W theme. You could make it worse or better by painting the spoiler and scoop white . :D

Where did the lights go ?

[Not All There]

I had some moisture get in behind one of the lights, and with a solid night of use it broke down the reflective coating inside the lens, they will be replaced by 3 hella 4000's once i get the chance. Thanks for the comments!

Pics and vids later tonight!

[Not All There]

WOOHOO! All Done! Thanks to my buddies James and Jesse for getting it in so quickly!

Heres quick video we shot on the highway on the way home, it has a little less lower end than i expected, and a hell of a lot more top end then expected. Either way its a hell of a lot stronger than my 1.8 and its def fun. Nice little flame between gears too.

http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Project/?action=view&current=MVI_4244.flv

[Not All There]

3 days ago
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4243.jpg

today, heres some pics of the finished product
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4249.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4250.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4252.jpg

[martinus]

I had some moisture get in ... the lights ... it broke down the reflective coating

I had some spy gogle lenses that did that, not-so-good .

[Not All There]

that in combination with the heat from running the lights all night self annihilated themselves.

As for the panda, fixed alot of the surface rust in the engine compartment to help compliment the motor, pics tomorrow, it was friggin freezing today

[Not All There]

Heres some pics of the engine compartment after painting and removing the rust from the shock towers and radiator support. Eventually the whole engine compartment will be painted, but this is all I can do at the moment.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4293.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4295.jpg

[WRXCMM]

very nice...that is awsome it has turned out very nice might i add.

[Galen]

great job, that thing will be a blast to drive!

[Not All There]

With a valvetrain failure on the new motor it was time to start tearing down again...

Tonight I pulled it into the garage and just started wrenching, next thing I knew it was 9pm. This is a good head start for the weekends rebuild. I will also be able to do everything that wasnt able to be done due to time and money when the motor went in a few weeks ago. Im going to try and rust proof the bottom of the car as well with POR-15 and finish painting the engine bay.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4306.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4310.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4315.jpg

Air

[sebhockey]

Looks like you're having fun, how about giving some of the rest of us some money to further our rally cars?:cool:

[Not All There]

lol, believe me... with this rebuild im pretty damn broke lol

[Not All There]

More "re-progress"

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4318.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4319.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4323.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4328.jpg

[Blix666]

wow...you must be becoming pretty darn proficient at workin' on the panda now huh?

[Not All There]

lol, it sucks taking steps backwards, but good to know your car inside and out..

[409industries]

holy ****, ive lagged on keeping up on your journal. So what happened to the valvetrain? Nice work on the swap BTW i am super jealous!

[Not All There]

tear down.re-re-build day 4...

good news.
New suspension is in, newer steering rack, tranny cocktail etc all installed. Motor re-installed with brand new heads, no valve noise... but

bad news
16.1 compression





need i say more.


More to come once we figure out how much was taken of the heads when resurfaced. might need to do head gaskets all over again to get the CR back down. Could be something stupid as well.

More to come.

On top of this, im freaking pissed, got pulled over in my damn driveway to the apartment because i didnt have my flasher on. $103 bucks, but considering he wanted to get me for speeding, no signal twice, rolling threw two stop signs, broken side mirror, exhaust, height, non-updated addy on my license and reg and get this..seat belt i got off lucky. Still what a kick in the balls.

[Not All There]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4329.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4336.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4337.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4338.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4339.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4340.jpg

[Galen]

god, this car is going through an awesome transformation!

[Blix666]

tear down.re-re-build day 4...

speeding, no signal twice, rolling threw two stop signs, broken side mirror, exhaust, height, non-updated addy on my license and reg and get this..seat belt

damn dude...where'd you get your drivers' license?! ;)

[subydrift]

Very nice build man!!! That paint scheme actually looks pretty good! Have you added any kind of fuel management? With a higher compression ratio it is very equal to boosting the motor. You may want to hook up a air/fuel ratio gauge when you get the motor back in and look at the a/f ratios. With the stock fuel system I'll bet you are hitting very lean up in the higher rpms which could cause detonation and either melt your pistons or burn a hole in your valves. When I boosted my EJ22 I had only 3.5 psi running into it and it was falling on its face with super lean a/f ratios.

If you are running lean, I would look into either putting in the stock EJ25 injectors (if they aren't already) and maybe a SAFC to turn up the fuel a little bit. Either way, the stock EJ18 fuel system wasn't made to handle the higher fuel demands of the EJ25 motor so I would be careful with running lean. A $40 a/f gauge could save your motor. Just something to look into!

Great build btw! What suspension are you using? Looks like forester suspension.

Keep up the progress and the great work!

[Not All There]

thats something im definitely getting ready to do this week, the motor is back in, but were still figuring out some things in order to get it running up to par.

I have the RS fuel pump already in but am still running the 1.8 comp which we thought would keep the engine running nice and aggressive/rich. But never really confirmed that. I would like to put the 2.5 Fuel injectors in as well, which I do have. Currently were running to rich at startup, but it seems to be a timing issue were fighting more than anything. More to come once figured out tho, thanks for the comments!

As for suspension thats actually what came with the car, I just removed it actually for a set of AGX's along with some RS Springs, the old ones had great height, but were just to soft for the track

Air

[subydrift]

I don't think the RS fuel pump will increase the fuel input since your still using the stock 1.8 fuel pressure regulator. It would definently help having the RS injectors as they are 280cc and the stock 1.8's are ~200cc. But having some way of adjusting the fuel input (safc, split second, adj. fpr, etc.) will get you into the prime a/f ratios and give you maximum power and safety. 16:1 is pretty high for an NA motor!! Thats gotta be equivalent to ~3-4 psi of boost!

[Not All There]

haha, the 16.1 is a huge fluke, we got that back to safer levels, timing is our biggest problem right now

[subydrift]

Nice! Well post up some daytime vids of the beast when you get her running!!!

[409industries]

nothing sucks more than getting pulled over AT home. I got rolled just last week (illegal tint again) but i got off easy, he could have got me for speeding, illegal exhaust, etc.

The panda is getting whomped on. Good luck at it Aaron, get her back in shape! we needa get some huge DI decals made soon!

[Not All There]

im ****ed, today is officially the 5th night spent troubleshooting the car, everyone is stumped, and im so freakin fed up, anyone want to sell me a running 2.5? im so ready to throw whats in there out and buy something stock.

[Not All There]

Whats strange is it always seems to run on two cylinders, and they are kitty corner, pass side rear and long driverside front plugs seem to be working, but the other two always come out black, in one single turnover as well. It still does the freakish crazy high rev at start up to, and then dies almost as if someone shut it off almost like clockwork.

[Not All There]

checked everything today from 10am to 530 pm.

Its not a vacuum leak
Its not the ignition system
Its not the Fuel system
Its not the timing
Compression is good

Only thing thats left is the computer and the heads themselves (not sure what could be messed up in them they were professionally done)

We experimented with timing by retarding it one tooth, end result was a backfire out of the intake, then we advanced it one tooth and had a HUGE backfire out of the exhaust. We also top dead centered the car and re-timed it again and no difference. It really sounds like its two cylinders going, and it still does the freakish high rev followed by countless stalling and bogging. It definitely doesn't have a boxer tone at all, and is most definitely not firing on all cylinders.

Im really at a loss for words right now...going to hear back from the guy who did my heads Monday...

[409industries]

Might be time to bring in some professional help. Flatbed the ol girl to a shop?

[Not All There]

i have had the professionals here at the garage, no luck, all stumped I have had a few come over the past few days and no dice, the only thing left could be the heads right now, and thats what sucks. Eager to hear back from the engine builder.

Im thinking tho, what exactly could even be wrong with them? the correct valves and such are in from subaru? they are simple things? Turns over fantastic....its a combination of curiosity, determination, and frustration lol, "detercomstration"!

The other thing is, if it goes to a shop, they are going to spend countless hours doing the same things we have done over the past 6 days, leading up to a huge labor bill for no actual repair.

[Not All There]

After finishing a quick F-150 build for a friend, i put the panda back in the garage to get to the bottom of whatever issue is keeping it from running. I started by messing with the old heads, to see what was wrong with them...
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4402.jpg
Found plenty bad HLA's which explains the racket that was heard. The thing is, even if these were bad in my new heads, the car still ran great, just noisy. Mine simply wont run. Ill post up a video of what it sounds like in a few.

As for the finished swap and some more engine bay prep, here she is all finished (for the most part)
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4344.jpg

And heres its new stance, just a tad lower then before, but a hell of alot stiffer.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_4400.jpg

[Not All There]

Vid of how its running....

http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/?action=view&current=Pandatroubleshooting.flv

[Drew84]

What's the brand on those seats?

[Not All There]

DAD...


They will be up for sale as soon as I can buy some rally approved ones.

[Not All There]

well, after some input to change my crank pulleys, and after changing my MAF and re-timing the car once again tonight, it finally runs. Ill be tuning out the bugs tomorrow, then having a slightly tweaked computer sent over. I did find a bad sensor in my throttle body as well which will be an easy fix.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in to help out with some info. I cant tell you how good it feels to know the heads are functioning properly and to finally hear the engine running! Damn it was loud tho, I woke up alot of early sleepers in the neighborhood.

[Not All There]

As a follow up to my frankenbuild problem post, I have still reached more dead ends and have a car with now way more money then it should have dumped into it that doesn't run. I have spent over two weeks on this thing and simply have no more time to waste, and not much more money to spend on this freaking thing.

If anyone is willing to come down to help fix this ill offer you food, payment for gas money, and arrange some type of payment for your help.

Im in a jam where I have spent way to much on a budget based motor to stop now, but also am not sure how much more money its going to eat up before it runs.

Please PM me if you can help, I have troubleshooted the crap out of this and I simply cannot figure it out, along with some fellow subaru mechanics as well as general mechanics.

If you can help me out id be greatly apreciated, we already missed the last race of the RallyX season, and with winter here, i really need this to drive.

Please PM me if you would like to work something out, I can also deliver to car to your garage if need be. Let me know ASAP.


Air

P.S. Heres the link to the original thread again...
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20095370#post20095370

[Not All There]

Heres a new video from yesterday....I fried the starter so no more progress, im leaning towards swapping the heads back out to possibly rule them out as the cause, or better yet, find out theres a problem.

As stated at the end of the video, this is with the TPS unplugged. Its the only way I can get it to somewhat idle.

You can head first hand what I have been writing about with the revs going up to 4 grand, then it dropping off. You can also hear what I think sounds like it running on two cylinders.

Any input would be great..

http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/?action=view&current=PITAPanda.flv

Thanks again,
Air

[409industries]

eeep. the new nickname is very appropriate (PITA panda). I've never heard a what a suby sounds like running on only 2 cylinders. Hope you can get this sorted out...

[lminette]

You sure it's not an electrical problem? From the sounds of it it seems everything should be cool mechanically!!

[Ty Ty]

I'd say you're running on 3 cylinders, not 2. As to what it may be...*shrug*. I'm sure you've checked all the basics like ignition timing an whatnot.

[Not All There]

yea, the term "multiple times" is a huge understatement. I Have one more thing to look into, i want to double check that the timing is in sync with what the valves are doing. If this doesnt work, im about to get a cheap set of 2.2 stock heads and just throw those on so i can rule out the car, or the heads, depending on the result.

The reason I think its two TY is two of the plugs (2 and 3) always come out looking like they were firing, while the other two, (1 and 4) are always sooted and black.

Not sure when im going to get a chance to look at it again, hopefully this week, i need to bang out some side jobs and make some cash instead of spend it for a change.

[Not All There]

I got the car running today, I re-timed it and its running smooth, actually idles and doesnt smoke. I wasnt able to test the sensors I changed a few days ago due to a starter issue ( now its got a JDM starter hahaha), but I threw the new starter in today and finished a few things and she fired up. Took it for a nice highway drive and its not bad. It feels as if its in limp mode or the MAF is all f*&cked up. I tops out at 4 grand and bounces for a second like a rev limiter. I researched MAF's last night and realized that brakleen and MAF's dont mix. I remeber cleaning my original one with it and I think i screwed it up, I then replaced it with my spare which changed how it ran, but ti still wasnt right. I dont think my spare is in good working condition, i found it in the trunk of my car when I purchased it and it was bounced around and dropped many times. Could the bad MAF have triggered limp mode or possibly can be keeping the car from revving past 4 grand?

[james.c.obrien]

Yeef - screwed up MAF = bad juju.

Technical jargon aside, see if you can borrow a buddy's MAF and toss it in there. Reset the ECU after you've installed it and drive around for a bit. I know you can clean MAFs, but I gotta say that you're the first person I've heard use Brakleen on it (or however it's spelled).

[Not All There]

I guess they are super sensitive, and the brakekleen (sp*) is way to strong and destroys them along with many other cleaners.

[james.c.obrien]

Here's a MAF cleaning thread at nastysock - let THEM make the mistakes, then WE learn from 'em, eh?

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1060871

[lorenkb]

I guess they are super sensitive, and the brakekleen (sp*) is way to strong and destroys them along with many other cleaners.

Here's a MAF cleaning thread at nastysock - let THEM make the mistakes, then WE learn from 'em, eh?

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1060871

Ahem...
http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1695

It even has pictures!

[Not All There]

Cars all set, put about 60 miles on in the snow today, thanks tho!

[Not All There]

Here it is, all ready for winter!

http://s88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/?action=view&current=ReadyForWinter.flv

[sebhockey]

Good job, now go get her dirty/frosty.

[I Like It Sideways]

Niiice!!
God that sounds nice too.

[RS-ti_Andy]

well, after some input to change my crank pulleys, and after changing my MAF and re-timing the car once again tonight, it finally runs. Ill be tuning out the bugs tomorrow, then having a slightly tweaked computer sent over. I did find a bad sensor in my throttle body as well which will be an easy fix.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in to help out with some info. I cant tell you how good it feels to know the heads are functioning properly and to finally hear the engine running! Damn it was loud tho, I woke up alot of early sleepers in the neighborhood.


I wish i was on here when all this was happening! this is the first time reading this thread! lol i was like.. sounds like the MAF is shot and check all the sensors! man.. the simpilist things we never remember to check lol wow.. i really wish i was on here b4 haha..same thing happened to my bro's jetta lol

[Not All There]

What sucked was the MAF replacement I have had for a while....was also bad. But i was not aware of this till we just decided to remove that one to and buy a new one, sure thing...

[RS-ti_Andy]

What sucked was the MAF replacement I have had for a while....was also bad. But i was not aware of this till we just decided to remove that one to and buy a new one, sure thing...

yeah on my bro's jetta.. i told him the same thing.. he goes down to napa and gets a new one... motor still doesnt run, we check everything! and finally(after 3 months) im just like fine.. lets get another MAF.. got it from auto zone, car ran nicely! haha the new MAF we picked up at napa was bad! i hate napa!

[Not All There]

Now that the car is running, its time to get some goodies for the rallyx season and fun runs to keep me and my co-drivers safe.

two of these in black
http://safedrives.com/prodimages/gforce/harness/gf5000_lg.jpg

Then one of the following...
http://safedrives.com/prodimages/nov8/LifeHammer_lg.jpg
http://safedrives.com/prodimages/special/a25lb_triKit_lg.jpg

Thats part of my xmass!

[RS-ti_Andy]

those are all amazing thing to have especially the window smashing belt cutter thing lol

[I Like It Sideways]

Good investment on the fire extinguisher. Money well spent IMO. A guy I know lost his WRX a few weeks ago to fire... :(

[RS-ti_Andy]

Good investment on the fire extinguisher. Money well spent IMO. A guy I know lost his WRX a few weeks ago to fire... :(

we should have a moment in silence.....

[04caliwrx]

i love it man! I want one to beat on.

[Not All There]

i love looking at the pictures of when this was a stock $300 dollar L and then looking at it now. I had some ghetto kid in Waterbury (a city close by) yell the other day, look at the Panda to his little gangster friends. I laughed my ass off.

[RS-ti_Andy]

haha! thats hella funny!

[litre]

I like the idea of this car its similar(sp) to mine lol when I get the bumper on ill post up some more pix

[Salvator Rizzo]

nice dude! the car sounds nasty (in a good way)

[Not All There]

oh man, joining Jon for a bad day...

After cleaning the lines and installing the new PCV I went for a drive (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20531686#) to try and burn everything out...... and it sucked.

Looks like im swapping this engine (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20531686#) out again... Heres the story...

Original simptoms were the fact that the oil in my valve cover vent tubes had oil in it a light milky brown. and there was a good amount of it . Since my oils were looking good, I figured the headgaskets were possibly ok

Latley at start ups (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20531686#) its been burning oil alot but no signs of coolant (white smoke) or sweet smell. Also, the coolant levels are great, fluid looks great.

Oil levels arent so great, the color when drained looks fine, but oil consumption has raised to 2 quarts in 2 days with very very little driving (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20531686#).

Some people mentioned taking it for a decent drive to get all the **** burned out, i replaced the pcv, cleaned everything, then headed out half hour ago. This time the smoke didnt go away after it warmed up.

So i get ont he highway, i couldn't freaking see anything behind me, and i had my window open so soon enough i couldnt see inside the car (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20531686#) either, the smoke still looks more blue than anything, so bad rings?

Whats strange is I pulled off the highway, checked my oil level and it was steeming in puffs out the dipstick tube and oil fill tube. But no signs of milk on the dipstick, but the oil level with that short of a drive were already much lower. I checked my coolant level and its still great, and no signs of oil in it.

So in my head right now im thinking, look for a better 2.5 block, and swap that in but i want to make sure nothing is wrong with the heads. I hate having stuff "unknown" and I want to be able to rule things out one at a time and move on. But it seems with this motor, even basic things are know unknown. And im not the mechanically inclined, im pretty good and know this car very well. But it continues to stump me left and right. I really wish I had my crappy, well running. 228K 1.8 in it still.

Id hate to put it back togther (AGAIN) and find a valve seal is ****ed or something

I have also noticed a significant loss of power (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20531686#) over the last couple days which is now dramaticly worse

whats strange is there were signs just like this power wise with the old frankenmotor set up which leads me to believe a possible block problem? But i dont understand why it was running so strong at first with both frankenbuilds...then slowy goes downhill.

What tests can be run to

A) Test my block
B) Test my heads
C) Test the Head Gaskets

I need to know what to replace.... if not all of it.

The biggest issue is, how much more money is this usually small budget motor build going to suck up...and is it even worth it. I think I already went over budget for what this motor is worth getting the right parts and new parts in order to avoid all these problems to begin with.....

Any info would be great, and help would be great, anyone willing to come down would be appreciated. I just want to freaking race this season with a good running car for a change. First event is Jan 27th.

Air

[Not All There]

JDM Swap?? Or another frankenmotor??

[sebhockey]

Frankenmotor!!!

[RS-ti_Andy]

Jdm!!!

[strat]

do a compression test on it. that should tell you if the rings are bad. take a look at the plugs too while you have them out.

[Not All There]

There are new things/big things upon the horizon, the frankenmotor will be coming out for good after jan 27th.

As goes with the other Aaron, things have been slow, but some small safety items are ready to go..
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0061.jpg

Also got a nice air compressor that will easily fit in the car, light weight, but strong enough to fill tractor trailer tires.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0062.jpg

[Not All There]

Did a little more work today, I would post this in the DIY thread but not everyone has the same cut fenders as I do.

Heres todays work, I saw these sleds at the hardware store and bought a couple to start making fender wells, couldnt go wrong for 2 bucks a pop.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0093.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0092.jpg
Then added some simple L brackets where need be....
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0097.jpg
Lastly we began mounting them usuing a combo of 1/8th diameter poprivets, some with wider gripping plates than other for around the door and where plastic was linked to plastic. I also picked up some rivet washers in order to dissipate the pressure when mounting to or threw the plastic.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0098.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0099.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0100.jpg
We ran out of washers so this project will continue threwout the week, so far so good tho. In all of the gaps I will add a small bead of sylicone to help seal everything. This is step one in sealing my truck area back up.

[Not All There]

hmmm.....

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0116.jpg

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

You have a really cool project. That is a great deal for $350. If you do go for a JDM swap stay away from the EJ20K:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7549/p1121821zy7.jpg
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3579/p1131846ub1.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2033/p1131847xp5.jpg
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3240/p1131848oe7.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6720/p1131853ok9.jpg

[Not All There]

how the hell did you do that!

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

Running the car hard and it started to rod knock. Kept going and boom. Stock everything. I just had the car on the road 1 week and only filled the tank up twice :(.

[Not All There]

wow, how many miles were on it? I was looking at an EJ20G

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

255,000 KM or about 150,000 miles. Search on Nasioc for EJ20K. Every thread is about them blowing. I don't know anyone with one that hasn't blown. Were you looking at an EJ20G longblock? I recommend against that as they are hard to find upgrades for. The EJ20G STI RA block is solid and some regular WRX EJ20G's were closed decks, but it is a crap shoot finding them. I say go for anything V5 STI and up. That means EJ207. That is a great block.

[Not All There]

Ill shoot ya a pm

[brd360sk8]

Dude were you in wisconsin around west allis at all today?! i saw a car EXACTLY like yours I mean like DEAD on lol.

[Not All There]

haha, wow thats insane , you have to track it down, definitely wasnt me

[brd360sk8]

Yeah dude it was sweet Ima keep my camera with me at all times well i normally do but yeah ill try to snap a pic or give him a DI card or sumtin.

[Not All There]

thats funny as hell.

On another note, heres a pic from some of todays work...
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0134.jpg

[sebhockey]

Nice work. Looking like you're serious about getting into stage soon.

[Not All There]

there has been some major delays, we have a two year goal.

Right now probably do a full and season of rallyx, then build for a year (keep saving money) and hopefully start getting ready for stage the following.

Right now theres a few huge hurdles to go over, getting the new engine here, and getting the cage set to go.

[sebhockey]

Do you still have the front door cards? You'll be needing them for RA races.

[Not All There]

we will be making our own down the road

[MetalNeverDies]

you really need door cards? for what?

[sebhockey]

you really need door cards? for what?

Rally America rules, it's basically a safety thing so you dont cut yourself on the metal.

[Not All There]

Was going crazy in the house today, had alot on my mind so decided to freeze my ass of and get some new decals on!

Had some new smaller names made by rally-graphics and also threw on the DI banner, I just hope they stick well. I was out in the garage with a heat gun, it sucked.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0313.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0309.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0314.jpg

tomorrow im going to make up a quick harness bar, which will soon be replaced by a cage, finances are way to tight for some other investment for the car.

[Not All There]

Since i dont have the cage in yet and a threw away my stock belts I made a quick temporary harness bar, that turned out to be not so quick and sturdy as hell.

Started with making some simple brackets.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0317-1.jpg

Bent a piece of 1" tube so that there was 42.5 inches from the inside of each bent to one another, then started cutting the extra off the ends till it fit snug.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0318-1.jpg

Next came some brackets and supports to keep it from twisting in an impact.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0319.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0322.jpg

Everything all put together, currently its sitting in my livinng room staying nice and warm so i can sand it and paint it tomorrow.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0323.jpg

Quick DIY harness bar.

[Galen]

nice, cant wait to see this thing caged!

[SReitsma]

nice fabrication!!

[Not All There]

oh man is the misses gonna pissed int he morning haha, thanks god shes sleepin

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0324.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0326.jpg

[Not All There]

finish product, just in time for racing

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0328.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0332.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0333.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0336.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0337.jpg

[409industries]

Harness bar looks great! w00t for the DI decals!... hell yeah dood.

[nordicskiah]

handbrake looks out-of-place, i think you need one like subyspawn :-)

[Not All There]

haha, yea i ran out of paint when i did the dash last year, never finished it since, i agree!

[Not All There]

Something new is on the way to bring some life back into the panda!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/GC8Engine2.jpg

[lminette]

Nice!! A little JDM EJ20 love for the Panda!!! Props on the good lookin harness bar as well!!

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

Oh yeah!

[Galen]

saaaaweeeet!

[Not All There]

Got alot done today, with the car still on the trailer lol

The problem is out!
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0467.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0469.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0470.jpg

[Drew84]

Wait you just yanked the junk motor already ?

[Not All There]

yup, going going GONE

[Drew84]

Wow good job. I Gotta get rocking on the Mirage.

[I Like It Sideways]

Holy jeez you didn't waste any time.

The harness bar looks awesome.

[sebhockey]

Good luck with the ej20

[Not All There]

Thanks, im pumped. It will be alot of work but will be well worth it, im just worried about the bolts on the rear diff of my car lol.

Heres some pics from today, threw on some new vinyl, Colin McRae love, and also waxed it, holy crap it hasnt been this clean for a LONG time.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0501.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0503.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0504.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0505.jpg

[Ty Ty]

You're making us 4mod racers look bad. Waxing your car..eesh. :D

Take a hammer or some rattlecans to it so it looks like the rest of the NER 4mod cars, hehehe.

[Not All There]

dont jinx me lol.

[Ty Ty]

hehehe


:p

[Blix666]

whatcha doin' for numbers?

[Not All There]

the usual 3406, just swapping out the other ones.

[Blix666]

what's the signifigance?

[Not All There]

3406 was the first number i was ever issued when i raced trucks, and i was able to transfer that from truck to truck, and now to the car. I filipped twice with that number and always walked away, so i figure i can always use the good luck charm.

[Blix666]

coo

[Not All There]

it was stupid warm out today, so i did some more work.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0525.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0527.jpg
Cut out all the crap in there to open it up. Possibly for a front mount down the road.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0529.jpg
Built a quick cubby thing and put it to good use to keep things organized. Ill be touching up and messing with some of the interior parts while warm in the apartment

[sebhockey]

Someone's been having fun stripping the panda down.

[nordicskiah]

i think any of us would strip our cars down if we were waiting for an engine, haha

[Not All There]

exactly!

[Not All There]

took some parts inside to do more work while at home, fiddled with this tonight. usually the stereo is in the middle slot, with an ash tray and cig lighter below it, as well as on open slot above it.

I dropped the stereo to the bottom, then with all the added room fit the master on off switch and supported it. Also started making the template for all my aux switches to be mounted next to it.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0536.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0539.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0540.jpg

[nordicskiah]

now THAT is a SWITCH haha!

[Not All There]

thats the one out of the dash from my truck haha, I had a spare

[Not All There]

Engines almost here!! its on its way to mass, then heading here.

My buddy james is going to start the electrical some time next week in his apartment

Ill continue prepping the car and getting the last few bits out, then all the new stuff in.

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

Specifically which engine did you get? I don't want to look the code up.

[Not All There]

95 GC8 JDM WRX Motor and tranny set

[Ty Ty]

Come swap my turbo motor into the Audi. You don't even have to wait for it to arrive, it's already here sitting in my other Audi :lol2:

Nice work so far. You're much more efficient of an engine swapper than I am.

[sebhockey]

Come swap my turbo motor into the Audi. You don't even have to wait for it to arrive, it's already here sitting in my other Audi :lol2:

Nice work so far. You're much more efficient of an engine swapper than I am.


Sounds like someone needs some encouragement to go out and actually start working. Put down the donut and get to work...:mrgreen:

[Not All There]

Ty, is the jeep running at least?

Im picking up the engine at 10!

[Ty Ty]

Yep, Jeep runs fine.

If it wasn't so bloody cold out, I would work on the Audi.

[Not All There]

call warren up, swap it in his monster trailer lol

[Not All There]

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0546.jpg

[Ty Ty]

Sweeeeet!

[Not All There]

Just a few quick crappy shots, ill replace them when i totally get this out and unwrapped.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0547.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0551.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0554.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0555.jpg

[Blix666]

ooooo aaaaaa

[Galen]

nice new heart!

[sebhockey]

Nice, do clean it up a bit before you install.

[nordicskiah]

very niiice,

the ugly panda will be reborn
stronger, faster, better then before!

[BlackParis]

Thats coil on plug? Damn....

[derf]

That is awesome I can’t wait till it’s done. Good job

[Not All There]

Threw this on today, will throw on the RA decal once this sets, man these are a pain in the ass to mount nice.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0578.jpg

Ill finish the rest of the tear down in the other garage with the lift on monday, along with start the install

[SReitsma]

that engine looks awesome!

[Drew84]

ooohh Snap! bow off valve goes phsssst !

[Not All There]

hell no, panda is all about the retarded demented duck call bov! thats just how we roll hahaha

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

If you want to tune your car my friend is selling a Power FC that will work for it. Let me know.

[Not All There]

as of right now ill pass, i just want to get it running good, running cool, and buy a few other things. Not looking to get into the motor to much right now, just back on the road

thanks tho.

[Drew84]

hell no, panda is all about the retarded demented duck call bov! thats just how we roll hahaha

Thats cool mine sounds like a sneeze

[Not All There]

i think you wont even be able to hear it on mine, not sure tho

[Drew84]

Then why have a turbo if you can't sound cool ? ...... J/k Get a whistle tip. Hahaha

[Not All There]

lol, i wish my car was still looking like a stock L on steelies so i can mess with people.

[Galen]

Duck FTW!

[Ty Ty]

lol, i wish my car was still looking like a stock L on steelies so i can mess with people.


I'm going to try and get my new motor in and go to one event before I repaint it.

It'll freak people right out when it takes off:mrgreen:

[Not All There]

haha, sounds perfect!

[Not All There]

Rally Bling/inspiration

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0606.jpg

[WRXCMM]

when do you get her running? ::impatiently waiting::

[Not All There]

ill start doing the real wrenching on monday and tuesday, i have those days off. Should get it in the car. Wiring and cooling system will be a week later

[Not All There]

why not have a few luxuries while messing around. Originally i was going to mount this in my girls car, but figured it would come in handy if we were to drive this to a subaru meet somewhere.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0610.jpg
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0613.jpg
you will never even know it there, all the wires will be hidden behind the dash and in the glovebox, which i never use.I only listen to one station (SQUIZ) so getting to it wont be a problem.

Heres the other thing, I have been looking for these all over the place, decided to pick one up last night, great to have for maplights, gps, phone, whatever, in a race or daily driving. Keep in mind, when this car is fully caged and everything, my goal is to be able to drive it on the street for fun still, legally.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k191/NATRacing/NAT%20Rally%20Build-Up/IMG_0614.jpg

[Blix666]

good stuff...the banner looks awesome. makin' me wanna do that now...

[Ty Ty]

My old style RA banner is starting to come off. Been on there too long I guess :-(

[MetalNeverDies]

thought for rally america you had to have your door cards in?

[Not All There]

thought for rally america you had to have your door cards in?

were making our own once the cage is in