Up Two Mountains Rally Team!

[UP2MTNS]

Hey, so I have a myspace page for my 'racing' conquests, but I thought I'd put up my future mods/idea up here and get some feedback before actually purchasing the parts.

Here's my car w/mods:
http://www.cardomain.com/id/UP2MTNS

anyway, I'm concentrating on suspension and I'm going to need a new turbo soon (70K miles on stock turbo).

For the turbo, I think i'm all set with an FP20g...but I'm staying with a top mount intercooler to minimize spool and I really don't feel like ripping up my bumper to fit a fmic. Plus, with potential stage rally in my future, a tmic is much easier to take care of.

I've read a ton of threads on aftermarket tmic's....ebay, STI, JDM STI, and the expensive name brands. So far, I haven't heard of ANY TMIC that's 100% bolt on for one reason or another. Anyone want to prove me wrong?


2) Suspension...I already have the Bilstein PSS9's which are sweet....BUT, for rallyx and general off road, the ride is a little harsh, and I don't feel the springs take full advantage of the shocks (for off road) as I bottom out a lot.

I've contacted an off road company that sells aftermarket springs (eibach) for the Bilstein shocks. I need to give them 1) spring rates and 2) spring length (either 6" 8" 10" or 12")

I don't know what a 'proper' spring rate is for an offroad setup on a WRX. Anyone know what the rates are on DMS50's for a WRX? or somethign similar?

I'm thinking 8" or 10" will work with the bilsteins....I still have to make some measurements.

any help on the spring rates would be great. I think the rates for the PSS9's out of the box are pretty high, something around 450lbs/in front and 300lbs/in rear, but I'm not sure.

[Not All There]

Nice swap!!

What happened with the old wrx?

[UP2MTNS]

Nice swap!!

What happened with the old wrx?

ohhh, forgot that pic was in there, haha. Fell asleep at the wheel up in Yosemite. Road went left, I continued straight....jumped the curve and hit a rather large boulder and totalled it. Car flipped on its side. Fortunately I was only going about 30mph, and no one else was involved. Well, my dog got bounced around a bit in the back, but wasn't hurt.

[UP2MTNS]

Update!

Hood Dampers are in.....sweeeeet!

Just installed the GrimmSpeed PnPnC headers yesterday afternoon. So far, so good.....definitely seems to be power increase from 2500 to 3500rpms, but I want to drive around a bit more before I say anything concrete. I wish a did a few 2nd and 3rd gear pulls first, but I'll be back on a dyno this fall for my turbo upgrade and I can compare my old baseline to the new baseline then.

No pics but it does make the view of the engine bay (from the bottom looking up) much prettier. I didn't re-install the heatshielding because 1)its a pita, and 2)I'm hoping with the coating, the shielding would be a moot point. thoughts?

I'll do a write-up on the install soon, it wasn't too hard, but tricky in a few places.

[I Like It Sideways]

450lbs and 300lbs are too stiff for off-road rally use.
I opted for 10 inch springs, 225lb in the front and 200 lb in the rear. I did some research on what rally teams use (for WRX's, STi's, and GC's), and I found anywhere from 195lb front/175lb rear to 250ishlb front/200lbs rear.

And for some, they use 14inch springs on their coilovers... but for a spring/strut combo, that might be too long. I'm using 10 inch springs on my KYB AGX's.

I don't know what the rates of the DMS50's are... I'm sure someone here could help you out with that. you could probably also e-mail DMS for that information.

[UP2MTNS]

450lbs and 300lbs are too stiff for off-road rally use.
I opted for 10 inch springs, 225lb in the front and 200 lb in the rear. I did some research on what rally teams use (for WRX's, STi's, and GC's), and I found anywhere from 195lb front/175lb rear to 250ishlb front/200lbs rear.

And for some, they use 14inch springs on their coilovers... but for a spring/strut combo, that might be too long. I'm using 10 inch springs on my KYB AGX's.

I don't know what the rates of the DMS50's are... I'm sure someone here could help you out with that. you could probably also e-mail DMS for that information.

I ended up getting 280front, 200rear. Right now I just have the rears on, LOL. the ride is surprisingly nice actually, I thought the front/rear would be all out of wack. anyway, the big thing with lining up springs and coilovers is the travel on the coilover and the valving. I'm finding the valving is the most important aspect, but also the most complicated to understand. the PSS9s have much shorter travel than stock, but much higher valving rates. I'm not sure about DMS/etc but its not like I'm jumping this thing at RIM next year, haha.

I'll report more when I install the fronts (this week) and do some tweeking with the adjustable valving (compression/rebound dampening).

[I Like It Sideways]

Is the compression/rebound damping independently adjustable?

[409industries]

Back to one of your original questions...



I've read a ton of threads on aftermarket tmic's....ebay, STI, JDM STI, and the expensive name brands. So far, I haven't heard of ANY TMIC that's 100% bolt on for one reason or another. Anyone want to prove me wrong?



A buddy of mine had an STi when he had his FPgreen got a Spearco TMIC, and that thing was badass. His setup was amazing, the best of both world IMO. Very quick spool, but blew doors of stock STi's

[UP2MTNS]

Is the compression/rebound damping independently adjustable?

not on mine. on some they are I guess, not sure how they do that. I had Bilstein send me the rates for the most stiff/most soft. Their valving is wierd....kind of like progressive spring rates, some how the shock knows if you're going fast/slow and the valving changes for fast cycles vs slow cycles (hitting a bump vs going around a corner).

Its something I really need to study up on and get a better understanding of. The guy I talked to up at All Wheels Driven does custom suspensions, and he wouldn't tell me his valving rates....'secret sauce.' :|

Bilstein told me that if I wanted, I could send mine back in and they would give me whatever valving rates I wanted....cool option. 'bout $100 shock (basically a rebuild). I'm happy with the current valving....what I would want next for stage rally is a shock with more travel. the STOCK struts have 12" of travel, which is a lot, but the strut rod is literally 1/3 diameter of my bilsteins....seems like it would bend really easy. and I can push the strut down pretty easy with my hand. The Bilsteins (softest) take much more effort, and (hardest) I can barely get them to move. I wish I had my bilstein set up with 12" of travel....I think i'd be ready to rally then. I guess that must be what a DMS is....I think they have 14" of travel, not sure.

Suspensions are a hell-of-a thing.

[409industries]

Ive been told that if theres even the remote possibility that you will be getting your car off the ground in stage rally, theres no substitute for the DMS's.

Damn they just have a hefty price tag :(

[UP2MTNS]

Ive been told that if theres even the remote possibility that you will be getting your car off the ground in stage rally, theres no substitute for the DMS's.

Damn they just have a hefty price tag :(

I've heard bad things about them too (from stage rally folks)......expensive to buy, plus, plan on rebuilding them....often.

From what I've seen/heard....its worth it to just custom build something, that's what a lot of folks seem to do.

[GrimmSpeed]

put those heat shields back on!! 1 you never have enought heat protection and 2 you will thrash up the ceramic coating the way you drive ;)

[409industries]

put those heat shields back on!! 1 you never have enought heat protection and 2 you will thrash up the ceramic coating the way you drive ;)

Advice from the thermal master... better listen.

[UP2MTNS]

So this has been a bit of a project, here's the update.

The original springs I ordered weren't the right size, Inner Diameters were off. SAE vs metric. duh.

measure the rears, order 70mm ID springs. get new springs (from Swift). get rears on.....but now fronts are DIFFERENT from rears. LOL. Order NEW springs for just the front.

Swift had a few restrictions on spring length, so I ended up getting 10in springs in the rear (224lbs/in) and 9in in the front (280lbs/in). In metric these rates are 5/4 kg/mm.

I am now a coilover installation expert and can get a coilover off and disassembled in about 8 minutes. LOL It takes more time for me to get all my tools out for the job.

Ride height: at first I was a little worried about the 9in springs in the front, but the ride height is perfect. High (just like I want it) but plenty of room to go even higher or lower the car back down. the best part is the spring stroke (distance to full compression) is just a little more than the strut travel, so I'm maximizing the strut....where before the springs could compress fully before the full travel of the strut, so I was losing some functionality there.

Initial testing on dirt is great! I have a small patch of dirt road near me in the city (Aaron knows it well) and a few test runs up and down were very smooth over the gravel. And the car definitely has more turn-in, although, that might be my bald rear tires too. I did take my ebay strut bar off, but I don't see that making much difference. I'm still on stock sway bars. Vallejo next week with my snow tires will be the real test.

On the road they're great....MUCH softer ride, but still tight on corners (the bilstein struts are great).

So far, seems like a great upgrade. I haven't tried driving around yet with the settings on 'full hard' yet.

[409industries]

Hey, thats awesome you finally got all the right springs on there. Vallejo should be a good test bed for getting them settled in and everything.

[UP2MTNS]

rear strut with new springs
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2306000-2306999/2306310_69_full.jpg
new PSG skid plate
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2306000-2306999/2306310_59_full.jpg
new lights!
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2306000-2306999/2306310_62_full.jpg
new sponsors!
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2306000-2306999/2306310_67_full.jpg

[sebhockey]

I like the springs, I might have to change to a similar spring on my coilovers myself. Wonder what would fit on the STI coilovers. Might have to find out who makes the springs and go from there.

[Not All There]

looking good, how do they ride?

[UP2MTNS]

looking good, how do they ride?

the springs ride really well. the are 5K front, 4K rear (or 280/224lbs front/rear). Made by Swift.

you have to know your inner diameter of the STI coilover springs to see if they will fit. Swift makes them in 60mm, 65mm, and 70mm ID's. Also, check both front and rears...my rears are 70mmID, but the fronts are 60mmID.

[GrimmSpeed]

im diggin the decals! looking good sir


Josh

[409industries]

Springs look sick Jon... is that a tiny helper spring on the bottom?

[BlackParis]

Springs look sick Jon... is that a tiny helper spring on the bottom?

I was wondering the same.. It looks like its already preloaded completely, before putting vehichle weight on it, I don't see how it would do anything.... Maybe I am not viewing th epicture correctly...

Despite I still wish I had your setup ;) DMS 50mm seem to run 4500$ plus.. Wish I had that kind of dough ;) BTW... if you paid less let me know your sources! I need some! :twisted:

[409industries]

IIRC thats the Bilstein PSS9 coilover setup with different springs... it will run you much less than ANY DMS setup (40mm / 50mm / whatever)...

[I Like It Sideways]

Springs look awesome!!! I'm loving the decals too.

Lightbar is top notch :D

[UP2MTNS]

Just picked up all of this for $600!!! yeahhhhhh......

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/r33owner/DSC00836Medium.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/r33owner/DSC00834Medium.jpg
(just the APS IC, not the stock one)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/r33owner/DSC00842Medium.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/r33owner/DSC00837Medium.jpg

Not that I need an APS bov, but it was part of the package, hopefully I can sell it locally.

I big step towards the turbo upgrade complete.....

[sebhockey]

Damn up2, someone's made of money. How about hooking a brother up? (ok ok so im not a brother)

Dude lets get some wings this weekend and let me steal some parts off your rex.

[409industries]

Thats a nice setup man! good price... :)

[UP2MTNS]

Damn up2, someone's made of money. How about hooking a brother up? (ok ok so im not a brother)

Dude lets get some wings this weekend and let me steal some parts off your rex.

so hey, I"m around this weekend and I've got some maintenance stuff (plugs, fuel filter, new brake pads) to do on the WRX if you want to come by...then we can hit a bar or something. I also told the gf I'd do the front brakes on her audi.....funnnnnnnnnnnnn

I"m not sure if we're doing it saturday or sunday, but I'll let you know...

[UP2MTNS]

2 updates.....just picked up my HAM radio license....sweeet.

AND, just finished my underbody protection!
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1061&start=30


http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2306000-2306999/2306310_89_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2306000-2306999/2306310_87_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2306000-2306999/2306310_90_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/2306000-2306999/2306310_91_full.jpg

[BlueRu]

The full underbody looks nice. Does it sway with the zip ties to the susp.?

[UP2MTNS]

The full underbody looks nice. Does it sway with the zip ties to the susp.?

No, those rear panels are bolted in at the front edge....that thing doesn't move at all (back and fourth, I mean). For the zip ties to break, you'd have to get underneath it and really hang on it.

[BlueRu]

The full underbody looks nice. Does it sway with the zip ties to the susp.?

No, those rear panels are bolted in at the front edge....that thing doesn't move at all (back and fourth, I mean). For the zip ties to break, you'd have to get underneath it and really hang on it.

Well then thats pimp! Good job man! i hope to see it in person someday.

[UP2MTNS]

For the 'pretty version' please go to:
http://psgrallywrx.blogspot.com/


September 25, 2007
New sponsors, upgrades, and Stage Rally events…

The last three months have been ‘summer break’ for the 2007 FRX/CRS RallyCross season, but the Up TwoMountains Team has continued to be busy. First is FOUR new sponsors for the rookie team! Local sponsors Fine Line Imports (Santa Rosa, CA) and Metropolitan Motors (San Francisco, CA) have offered their services for pro-tuning, upgrades, tire mount/balancing and alignments. Subaru specialty vendors GrimmSpeed and ProjectSoloGear have offered skid plates, ceramic coated headers and intercoolers and other high performance parts.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/Rvk85Tb61xI/AAAAAAAAABc/MjKetozAQZ8/s200/DVC00038.JPG

“Any little bit helps, free labor and parts, or even at a significant discount means we can go faster cheaper and, even better, attend more racing events with the money saved on parts.”

Driver and team captain, Jon Burke, also designs some of his own specialty parts. This summer’s main project was full underbody protection. Without a lot of affordable options in the market place, Jon utilized .25 inch bulk sheets of UHMW polyethylene plastic to plate the WRX’s underbelly, gas tanks, and rear suspension for ultimate protection. Custom Swift springs were also swapped out on the Bilstein PSS9 suspension, the custom spring rates and lengths should help with the bumps on the dirt, while maintaining aggressive cornering abilities. This weekend at the Thunderhill RallyCross will be the test event for both custom modifications.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/Rvk71Db61wI/AAAAAAAAABU/T3jzJLFEL0Y/s320/img059.jpg


Jon also had the opportunity to attend and support the Gorman Ridge Stage Rally held this past August in Hungry Valley, CA. Jon was part of the service crew for driver Eli Gilbert and co-driver Mindy DeLodderin car 334, a full rally prepped 2002 WRX. Eli’s team finished 13th overall, a great start for another rookie stage rally team.

The rest of the 2007 season consists of two main race weekends, JohnsonValley RallyCross on October 22nd, and Laughlin Rally Cross on November 10th and 11th. In the meantime Thunderhill RallyCross (Septeber 22nd) and Antioch 2 (September 30th) will be good refreshers after a long time out of the saddle.

http://bp3.blogger.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/Rvk9Pjb61yI/AAAAAAAAABk/C4vDFh1IA9c/s400/gallery_6_231261.jpg
Jon getting some practice seat time at Thunderhill Raceway RallyCross (Willows, CA) this past weekend.

[UP2MTNS]

oh, and in case any of you are wondering 'why' I do this.... Sponsors love this stuff....gives them exposure, you exposure, lets them know you're serious, adds value to your 'sponsorship partnership', lets other potential sponsors see what you're doing and who you're doing it with and how good you're doing it.....get the point? :D

[sebhockey]

I'm starting to think you need to list me as your part time team mechanic there Jon. :shock: What'd I get myself into?

[Not All There]

nice progress, like the idea of the underbody protection, good to see things moving.

Air

[fattie92]

Lightbar is top notch :D

You know, I was thinking the same thing! :mrgreen:

[sebhockey]

Lightbar is top notch :D

You know, I was thinking the same thing! :mrgreen:

Wishing you made one for the 06/07... :evil:

[WRR]

damn Jon, if I had you doing some rally PR work for me I'd probably be on stage by now, possibly even have left my day job to drive full time - you are pretty good :mrgreen:

[munozppk]

I missed the "Press release" sentence. I was wondering why you were refering to yourself in the third person. lol!

[UP2MTNS]

here's the low res version....anyone know of a website that hosts video's bigger than 100Megs?

a1wf_pBWpx4

Press release to follow, but this is basically the 2nd half of the 2007 season (better driving on my part!). Includes clips from DM#2, Laughlin, the last Johnson valley, and I think that's it....

[james.c.obrien]

Google video? There are complete movies on there...SURE to exceed 100Mb.

[rollo]

+1 on Google Video for biiiig files.

Cool video Jon. I love the DI endplate :lol:

[sebhockey]

Nice vid Jon, just one question...By now shouldn't I be listed as your team mechanic?:p

[UP2MTNS]

Nice vid Jon, just one question...By now shouldn't I be listed as your team mechanic?:p

definitely part of the team...I didn't have any vids of you though. I'll bring my camera when we have the car up on the lift for the mounts, etc. :D

[subyspawn]

sweet vid.

i like how you cut out just before taggin the tree.;)

[UP2MTNS]

sweet vid.

i like how you cut out just before taggin the tree.;)

of course, its a promo vid.....gotta look good.:guitarist:

[sebhockey]

of course, its a promo vid.....gotta look good.:guitarist:


Cheater!!! ;):jack:

[sebhockey]

definitely part of the team...I didn't have any vids of you though. I'll bring my camera when we have the car up on the lift for the mounts, etc. :D

It's all good, I was just razzing ya. :FU:

[UP2MTNS]

Team Up TwoMountains Finishes the 2007 Season Strong!

Press Release: December 4, 2007

Its official, the 2007 Formula RallyX and California Rally Series results are in for Rally Cross, and the Up TwoMountains Teams picked up two podium finishes!
http://formularallyx.com/standings.html
http://californiarallyseries.com/results/total_points_X.htm

Driver Jon Burke and co-driver Krista Canfield finished 2nd place overall in FRX and 3rd place overall in CRS, both in the SM4 class.

The season came right down to the wire in SM4 and other classes, with the first place FRX position open until the final Laughlin, NV event. Jon and Krista fought back from a third place tie at mid season. From there, a second place and third place at Antioch 2 and Johnson Valley 5 broke the tie, but the points in FRX were so close at Laughlin that any position was still up for grabs. In CRS, first place was a ‘walk away’ for competitor Phil ‘Rollo’ Stewart-Jones, but second place was still within reach.

The final two-day Laughlin event was held in conjunction with the Laughlin International Rally and Motorsports Festival (http://www.rallyusa.com/). For the Rally Cross competition, it was two days of fun in the dirt, driving around a few hundred cones, on a more than two minute course with drivers running on opposite sides against each other.

For the CRS series, the best result from both days was taken as a single score, but for the FRX competition, both days counted for a ‘double points event’ that could sway the final results dramatically.

Jon and Krista started out strong on Day 1, taking the first place lead…but not by much as second place was only a half second behind. True to rally fashion, to win you must be consistent…and on day two, the competition caught up and Team Up TwoMountains finished fourth overall, however the overall performance solidified their second and third place finishes for the entire FRX and CRS points season.

On top of this great rookie season finish, Up TwoMountains is proud to also announce a new sponsor! Erik Schmidt at L&E Fabrication (www.landefabrication.com (http://www.landefabrication.com/)) has decided to sponsor the rookie team in their upcoming second season. L&E’s own quality, rally proven parts, and aftermarket selection will help fine-tune the 2004 WRX as they compete again for a top Rally Cross finish in 2008. And with 2009 Stage Rally aspirations, their mechanical help, along with experienced stage rally advice will definitely help to get the team started on the right track.

Team Up TwoMountains would like to thank everyone that helped with this past year: Fine Line Imports, ProjectSoloGear, Metropolitan Motors, GrimmSpeed, and L&E Fabrication!!

[Not All There]

congrats on another successful year!

[munozppk]

Great press release! lol!

[munozppk]

Great Video!!! Makes me want to buy one!

[Tommy Gun Rally]

A++++++++++ PR

Would sponsor again

[409industries]

A++++++++++ PR

Would sponsor again

Love the ebay comments! w00t!

[UP2MTNS]

A++++++++++ PR

Would sponsor again

ha! I just saw this.....too funny.

[UP2MTNS]

Well, it finally happened....car is dead. I've been having turbo issues (been at 10psi since before Laughlin) and for the past few weeks I've been losing at least 2-3qts of oil a week.

But the car was running 'OK' and so I had it scheduled to go into the shop after the holidays. WELLLLLLLLLL, on my way up to Tahoe this past weekend, I get a CEL with 70 miles to go and the car starts running really rough. I'm not sure how/why, but I was basically running on 3 cylinders. Make it to Tahoe, and decided to switch out the plugs to see if that helps anything (I still have to get it home), and my #3 plug is totally fouled.....covered in oil.

uh oh.

On my way home, I'm limping a long, and on one of the last uphills out of the mountains, the turbo dies.....about 3-5psi, but the engine just starts bogging.....dead....as a door nail.

Long story short, AAA tows me to Colfax, CA....from there, $50 cab ride to the local U-haul, rent a truck and trailer and tow it to Fine Line Imports in Santa Rosa, CA, they're closed until Jan 2nd.

SO, I think I'm looking at a full rebuild. I'm pretty sure something is wrong with one of my valves for that cylinder (either intake or exhaust) so everything needs to get pulled out. I might upgrade to some better cams to go with my pnp heads, I see cosworth has some that specifically help low and mid-range power.

I'm not sure what's up with the block, if its ok to go, I might continue to use it (its only got about 55K miles on it). Otherwise, its a new block and I'll rebuild this one on my spare time (which I've always wanted to do, so that could be a fun on-going project...then I'll have an extra block for when I hit the stages).

Anyway, that's the update for you. I want to 'Thanks in Advance' to my sponsors (specifically Erik at L&E and Miles at Fine Line Imports)...I'm leaning on you guys hard for any discounts you can get me to make this as easy as possibly on my credit cards, and I appreciate the help.

No matter what, a new turbo will be going in with whatever engine by the end of the month...so hopefully she'll be ready to run hard at Ridgecrest!

[Not All There]

Sucks to hear, good luck with the rebuild. Hopefully you can get some good discounts and build a better motor.

[munozppk]

Too bad that happened Jon. Hopefully the rebuild goes smoothly so you can make it to Ridgecrest. I you happen to have to extra block to rebuild yourself, invite me over so I can learn more the the boxer engine!

[sebhockey]

Good luck Jon.

[Blix666]

ouch...i have no idea WTF i would do if this happened to me right now. good luck w/everything...sponsors FTW!!!

[UP2MTNS]

ouch...i have no idea WTF i would do if this happened to me right now. good luck w/everything...sponsors FTW!!!\

thx...I'm hoping its not as bad as it seems, but we'll see. I'm planning for the worst.

[Not All There]

oh man Jon, you jinxed me somehow...your not along for a failed motor anymore...

Ill race ya to get it fixed! Just kidding.

[subyspawn]

good luck on the rebuild Jon!

[UP2MTNS]

well, I just sent Trey Cobb (www.cobbtuning.com) my sponsorship letter....fingers crossed!!

http://forums.cobbtuning.com/forums/showthread.php?p=507259#post507259

[sebhockey]

Good luck Jon, you will be one lucky bastard if you get yet another sponsor.

[409industries]

Good luck Jon!

[RS-ti_Andy]

good luck man!

[donutking]

cobb would be a nice sponsor to have for sure.

[murtada87]

good luck, hope you get it!!!

[munozppk]

YOU GOT THE COBB SPONSORSHIP!!!! I noticed your new signature. Way to go Jon!

[RALLYxISH728]

Sponsored by Cobb, one word comes to mind...

BALLIN!!!

Congrats bro! :headbang:

[Not All There]

Sweet!

[Blix666]

wow........just wow. nice job dude.

[UP2MTNS]

yeah......I asked the for one of their 'cobb stage 1 short blocks' and I got an email directly from Trey about 2 days later...they DIScontinued their engine build project, so he was like, 'I'd like to help you out, but I don't have an engine to give you"

DOH!!!

but he was very cool and left it wide open, "please let me know how else we can help your project"

so as far as I'm concerned, I'm Cobb sponsored! :D Now I just need to figure out what else to ask them for.

Honestly, I'm going to keep it simple.....high flow oil pump and probably their heat shield. Its all I really 'need' at the moment. If I end up swapping STI short blocks, I'll ask them for a deal on some of their internals while I rebuild my old shortblock.

So that's the story there.....thanks for the support guys!

Jon,

Thank you for sending in the well written proposal. I'd be happy to work with you on some level, however we have recently discontinued our engine program so providing an engine would not be something that we would be able to do.

We had a good deal of success with our engine program, however for a few years our expenses (overhead, salary, R&D) far outweighed profits. We continue the program for some time due to my personal desire to continue employing and working with Jeremy, our engine builder. With Jeremy's decision to resign from his position in the company last December to explore a non-automotive business opportunity, I've decided to wind down the engine portion of our business to focus more on other growth opportunities.

Let me know if you have any other opportunities to work with you on your project.

Cheers,
Trey Cobb.

[UP2MTNS]

Full engine rebuild is on the way...

teaser:

256 cams
forged pistons
Blouch Turbo....new product, 20g hybrid
pretty red APS parts
GrimmSpeed modified Intercooler

[Rally OBXT]

Wow, so are you going to do the build before the season starts? Good luck with everything!!

[sebhockey]

What kind of time frame are we looking at Jon? You gonna make it to any races next month?

[UP2MTNS]

yeah, its crappy timing for something this big. Fortunately the first NorCal event isn't going to be until March.

I have a bad feeling I'm either going to 1) miss Ridgecrest altogether, or 2) have to drive dive down with another NorCal guy and 'rent' their car for the event. Since Ridgecrest isn't for points for me this year, I'm not as concerned about it...but this year its more about meeting people and just getting out there again, so I'll probably just hitch a ride and drive with whoever I can.

that came out wrong....I don't have a 'bad feeling' about option 2, that will be fun :)

[munozppk]

Split the gas with me????

[sebhockey]

Well Jon, I'm looking at going to Ridgecrest, so I can give you a ride if I go.

[UP2MTNS]

DROOLS....

http://finelineimports.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_6_361&products_id=343

[UP2MTNS]

so I got the official word from Trey yesterday.....new heatshield and Cobb Intake w/heatshield is on its way. gratuit:) My tuner said they called him and they're sending a 'surprise'....some prototype Cobb intake :D I'm so excited I pee'd a little!

[nordicskiah]

....some prototype Cobb intake :D I'm so excited I pee'd a little!

seriously, how can you not love free ****?

[I Like It Sideways]

A surprise?? How do I get surprises from Cobb?

Can't wait to see this build in process. Good luck with it all.

[UP2MTNS]

I get my car back this week....yeah baby! I need to put 1K miles on it before the tune, so it'll still be about 2-3 more weeks until 'full power, Scottie!', but at least I get my car back!

I'll take some pics and post up of the new Blouch 20g turbo, Cobb intake, and other ported and coated goodies from Grimmspeed :D

[I Like It Sideways]

Mm I'm excited to see the Cobb intake.

Congrats on getting the car back soon!!!

[sebhockey]

Hurry up and get this thing back and broken in.

[UP2MTNS]

ohhhhh....got it back Friday afternoon. untuned (break-in map w/800cc injectors)) and waste gate pressure only, she made 147whp on the dyno. :D

I'm on vacation this week racking up miles in Tahoe and Mammoth, i'll get her tuned next week. stay 'tuned'.


LOL

[Azewaldo]

ohhhhh....got it back Friday afternoon.
Great news! Glad you got it back. You gonna get it broken in in time for Prairie City?

[UP2MTNS]

Great news! Glad you got it back. You gonna get it broken in in time for Prairie City?

yes....I've been off all this week....drove to mammoth last weekend and spending the rest of this week in Tahoe with my parents....I already have 800 miles on the new engine, so by the time I get back, it'll be ready to tune asap!

sooooooooooooo, happy.......

[UP2MTNS]

http://www.grimmspeed.com/sponsored_car_up2mountains.php


8):headbang:



I owe you guys some results, I'll have them up soon, the original engine rebuild had some issues and we're fixing them as I type.

[UP2MTNS]

wow...I get my car back (again) today. Its been 'in the shop' for the past 4 out 6 months :( Kind of depressing, but at least now I have a fully built motor.....Cosworth head gaskets, cosworth coated main and rod bearings, custom Supertech forged pistons w/8.2:1 CR......

[UP2MTNS]

BLOG UPDATED!!

http://psgrallywrx.blogspot.com/

This has been a long time coming....thanks to my sponsors for their patience....

2008: A Tough Start


September 5th, 2008



For Immediate Release:



Team Up TwoMountains had a rocky start in the first half of 2008. The year began with a blown turbo and engine due to a broken air filter (cold air intake) allowing dirt to be sucked up at an event (another good reason to not use a CAI) and destroying the turbo and wrecking havoc on the engine and heads.



Time for upgrades!! Including…



Blouch 20g Turbo
FLI Stage 2 WRX heads w/Jun 256 cams
STI 2.5L block
COBB Intake and Cold Air Box
Custom Cusco catch can
Act flywheel and 6-puck race clutch
GrimmSpeed ported/coated headers and uppipe
GrimmSpeed 3mm phenolic spacers and coated intake manifold
APS TMIC (coated by GrimmSpeed) w/recirc BOV
APS Turbo Intake



Two months later and a lot of rides into work with Krista (thanks, honey!), Fine Line Imports delivered a tuned 2004 WRX that pumped out 320wtq/325whp. The power came on early and pulled all the way to redline! The best part was, during this time, COBB TUNING and BLOUCH TURBO stepped up as sponsors and helped with Cobb’s new intake/cold air box and the 20g respectively. Thank you Trey Cobb and Mike Malin!

Miles Hetchman (FLI) even came to NorCal’s first FRX rally event at Prairie City OHV Park in March and helped tune a few extra maps for running high revs on slick/dirt surfaces.



However, at about 4K miles in, disaster struck again as a faulty stock ECU caused over boosting at high rpms during a rallyX event and cylinder 4 had a catastrophic failure… pieces of the STI stock piston broke off and went through the turbo…umm, more upgrades!? And to make a long story short (too late!) FLI stepped up to the plate (again) and rebuilt the engine with Supertech forged pistons and a 100mm bored out STI block w/race main and rod bearings. Blouch Turbo stepped up again and rebuilt the practically brand new turbo that still needed a once-over to make sure this engine would still be in top shape. The results came out the same on the dyno, with some key differences.

1)More area under the graph from 3400 to 6100rpms (see dyno)
2)Temp. was 10degrees hotter on the 2nd engine’s dyno pull, so peak WHP should be higher


3) This engine also includes a Link G3 ECU to replace the wrecked stock WRX ECU.http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/SMFwkg_mgjI/AAAAAAAAAEE/1YXWU-6zmhc/s400/Jon+Burkes+AccessECU+map+vs.+Link+G3+ECU+map.bmp (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/SMFwkg_mgjI/AAAAAAAAAEE/1YXWU-6zmhc/s1600-h/Jon+Burkes+AccessECU+map+vs.+Link+G3+ECU+map.bmp)

Click on image for larger dyno graph

Red/Purple: 1st engine torque/hp
Blue/Green: 2nd engine torque/hp



On top of advanced data logging controls and gear base boost maps, the G3 includes launch control, flat foot shifting and anti-lag…we’re sure at least two out of three will be utilized in the future!



This of course is all a precursor to the tuning necessary for stage rally next year, but in the meantime, it’s a great daily driver and rallyX vehicle with way too much power! A huge thanks to the team at Fine Line Imports, without them, this project would have ran out of steam a long time ago!


Despite a rough beginning, the 2nd half of the year is looking good…a ‘new to me’ set of DMS 50mm suspension has just gone on and is being dialed in. The car will also make an appearance at SubieFest with the DirtyImpreza crew in September.



Lastly, Jon Burke made his Stage Rally debut at Gorman Ride Rally co-driving for Keith Jackson in his open class 2006 STI. Keith and Jon came in 3rd in their class and 5th overall! The two will also be competing at Prescott Rally October 2nd and 3rd. This experience is critical to next year’s entry into rally driving!



Upcoming events/schedule:
September:
Glenn Helen 3 RallyX
SubieFest
Antioch 1 RallyX

[chief2000]

anyone know of a website that hosts video's bigger than 100Megs?

I use youtube. you can upload videos up to 1gig You need to use there special uploader. All of my newest videos are done through that. :headbang:

[UP2MTNS]

I put my engine build over on Nasioc 'Proven Power' forum for feedback from the peanut gallery ;)

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1600931

[sebhockey]

I put my engine build over on Nasioc 'Proven Power' forum for feedback from the peanut gallery ;)

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1600931

Kind of pointless, they're all just bashing it for the conservative tune without reading why it was done.

[UP2MTNS]

yeah...not really bashing it, but I guess 400whp is the new 300whp.....325 isn't so impressive anymore.:shocked::jack:

[UP2MTNS]

wow...with Antioch 2 cancelled, and not being able to make the FRX finals, I guess my 2008 RallyX season is officially done....at least I won my last 3 out of 3 events!!

Now the REAL countdown to stage rally begins....

[409industries]

Now the REAL countdown to stage rally begins....

Have you started? It can be a long countdown... ;)

[UP2MTNS]

FINALLY got these mounted and wired up....not 100% finished yet, but here's what they basically look like:

1 Pair (middle) KC Rally 800 Driving Lights (8" diameter, lexan lens)
1 Pair (outside) KC Slim Lites (Fog, 6" diameter, glass lens) <--for the street...these will be changed to 'driving beams' for corner lights for rally.
Lightbar by RYAN (Fattie92)

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=912&d=1225167977
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=913&d=1225167989
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=914&d=1225168015

Light bar is a perfect fit (it mounts on the top w/the radiator mounting bolts). I haven't mounted it to the bumper permanently (see zip ties), but that's because I want to mount/weld 2 tabs to the front bumper beam, have them run through the bumper cover, and then mount to the light bar with a removable quick release pin (for stage rally use).

But just like my previous Fattie92 bar, the fit is perfect, the light mounting holes are in perfect locations, and the bar itself is LIGHT (lighter than the V1 bar!!).

The bar itself is 31" wide and has a rubberized protective pain on it (which is why the surface looks textured in the close-up pics).

[fattie92]

:headbang::eek::guitarist::headbang:

Awesome! I am glad you like it!

[chief2000]

looking at that first picture makes me want to get my set now. :jack:

[UP2MTNS]

looking at that first picture makes me want to get my set now. :jack:

:D

and while these aren't fancy HIDs....they have a great beam pattern and definitely light sh1t up. i'll try to get some night pics at some point.

But for the price point ($230 for the 8", $150 for the 6")....that's less than $500 for all that lighting.....that's budget right there.

[chief2000]

:D

and while these aren't fancy HIDs....they have a great beam pattern and definitely light sh1t up. i'll try to get some night pics at some point.

But for the price point ($230 for the 8", $150 for the 6")....that's less than $500 for all that lighting.....that's budget right there.

I am thinking on spending less than $150 for mine. Thats including a Ebay HID kit and and and two 6" driving lights. :lol2:

[Galen]

Nice jon, i cant wait to see what they look like at night. I gotta get me some lights.

[fattie92]

Kragen Auto has 4" HID Euro Beam's for $99.99 each. 7" ones for I think $130

[WRXCMM]

that looks bitchin Jon, we need night shots though

[fattie92]

Damn thats a nice looking light bar!

What do you think about the paint?

[UP2MTNS]

Damn thats a nice looking light bar!

What do you think about the paint?

the paint is good! the last light bar you made me, the rocks hitting it caused it to rust up on the front, so hopefully that won't happen this time...but I might put a strip of black electrical tape all the way across it just in case.

It bounces a TINY bit, but I know that's because its not fully mounted. I'm excited to get the steel tabs on there w/these quick release pins:

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=3050

Then it should be really bomber!

[409industries]

Hey Jon remember to "Remove This Protective Film Before Use" LOL

The lightbar looks great, and yeah for the price you can't beat that setup. Nice.

[UP2MTNS]

just bought a welder....this should be interesting :D

[sebhockey]

just bought a welder....this should be interesting :D

Jon and high voltage...this can't go well...:lol2:

[lminette]

News @ 11!!! San Francisco is on fire and it seems to have emanated from somewhere within the Presidio! As you can see residents are now fleeing the city lead by a silver sedan moving at a high rate of speed!! This is truly devastating folks.

[Tommy Gun Rally]

Presidio? I thought Jon lived in the Castro?

[UP2MTNS]

Sorry Eli and Louie, Prop 8 didn't get voted down.....so you'll have to postpone those marriage plans ;)

[UP2MTNS]

Jon and high voltage...this can't go well...:lol2:

the next time someone says 'that car is HOT' or 'that car is on FIRE' or 'that car is LIGHTNING'....they'll be right! ;)

[409industries]

so..... whats the first thing to be "welded"?!

[UP2MTNS]

UPdate....bumper is still messed up, but I finally fixed my rear mud flaps.
full thread here:
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7383


http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=951&d=1226285586
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=952&d=1226285603

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=954&d=1226285670
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=953&d=1226285646
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=955&d=1226285690
http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=956&d=1226285717

[UP2MTNS]

so..... whats the first thing to be "welded"?!

need to weld some steel tabs onto my bumper that extend out and connect to my new light bar...

and then I'm going to install a bunch of weld nuts onto the bottom for more solid underbody protection mounting points.

and then slowly seam weld the interior....a lot of it will be coming out Thanksgiving weekend. That reminds me, I need to find out where I can buy a bunch of dry ice.

:D

[WRXCMM]

http://www.dryicedirectory.com/results.asp

dry ice can be found here

those mudflaps look good

[sebhockey]

Jon you might want to buy another car first before you set your car on fire...Also its time you got some rally rubber for those wheels.

[Azewaldo]

Rims look nice, Jon. Any luck on the tires?

[bfrancis827]

Whatcha been up to lately, Jon? Any updates?

[subyspawn]

Jon,

Where is the update? taking any trips to Texas soon? :headbang:

http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/8476456/0707dp_09_z+1994_dodge_ram+front_view.jpg

[UP2MTNS]

Jon,

Where is the update? taking any trips to Texas soon? :headbang:

http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/8476456/0707dp_09_z+1994_dodge_ram+front_view.jpg

funny you should ask....I JUST won this truck on ebay...

http://i.ebayimg.com/02/%21%21ewK6S%21%21WE%7E$%28KGrHgoOKj0EjlLmTLjuBJ17C gzN2w%7E%7E_4.JPG

picking it up (in Houston, TX) in the next two weeks or so.....wooot!


(looks like I just need bigger tires and some smokestacks!)

[UP2MTNS]

****, now I just realized I have to go join a DODGE car forum, LOL

[subyspawn]

congrats. looks like we will have two firetrucks at the DIRT service

[sebhockey]

funny you should ask....I JUST won this truck on ebay...

http://i.ebayimg.com/02/%21%21ewK6S%21%21WE%7E$%28KGrHgoOKj0EjlLmTLjuBJ17C gzN2w%7E%7E_4.JPG

picking it up (in Houston, TX) in the next two weeks or so.....wooot!


(looks like I just need bigger tires and some smokestacks!)


We can definately fix the stacks problem when I get home...can we paint it camo too?:muhaha:

[UP2MTNS]

We can definately fix the stacks problem when I get home...can we paint it camo too?:muhaha:

gun rack first ;)


<sigh> the guy called me after I emailed him my contact info....and he's like, ah, one thing, the truck needs upper/lower front ball joints. If you're going 60+mph and take it out of gear, it shakes pretty bad. otherthan that, it runs awesome.

well, I guess it doesn't run so 'awesome' then does it? dick....back to negotiations...hopefully I can get him to just fix it...jeeze.

[Galen]

just make him fix it so that you dont get screwed if it turns out to be something worse than ball joints.

[JacksonRally]

Everythings bigger in Texas.

[subyspawn]

I was looking around on Ebay for a while but was hesitant on buying w/o driving. Lets hope this stays simply the ball joints.

[UP2MTNS]

we talked, he's fixing it...we're splitting the cost, but its only $300 out of my pocket...did a little research and replacing the top/lower ball joints isn't exactly easy, so I figure I did OK.

I'm also a *little* nervous about buying w/o driving, but I've never driven one, so really...I don't know how much difference it would make, I wouldn't know what to look/listen for other than obvious leaks or rattles, etc.

Plus (and I thought this was weird), NorCal is strangely devoid of these trucks right now...I see them on the road ALL the time, but local ads...not much out there, at least, not in this kind of condition and price.

Hopefully all is well...I got a good deal on it, so even if I have to replace one or two more things on it, I'll still be ahead of the game.

[UP2MTNS]

and if anyone's interested, this was my backup:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching&item=140312714111&viewitem=

I expect bidding to go up quick in the last few hours, but if it doesn't, this is a screaming deal.

[sebhockey]

gun rack first ;)


Ok, we can do the gun rack first, but we gotta paint a rebel flag on the rear window before we install the gun rack so that no one sees (cough*steals*cough) the scatterguns.

[lorenkb]

Nice score on the truck Jon!

Everythings bigger in Texas.

Especially the Cattle Guards, AKA Battle Rams.

RAMMING SPEED!

[409industries]

Thats great news on the truck Jon! You got some place you can put that beast? I guess you could always just bash through a wall with that huge ram on the front... make a new garage. LOL

congrats on the tow rig!

[UP2MTNS]

With the delivery of the new daily driver/tow/service/recce vehicle this Friday, I've begun the official rally build...

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5126/1001321i.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7613/1001322c.jpg

...roll cage coming....

[I Like It Sideways]

Oh snap. Very awesome to hear it's going to be full on now.

[Not All There]

good luck with the buildup

[409industries]

you've just scratched the surface my friend!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN! taking everything out is the fun part :)

[pcowan]

Hey Jon, you gonna be ready in time to race in Reno this year?

--pete

[UP2MTNS]

Hey Jon, you gonna be ready in time to race in Reno this year?

--pete

Reno...I wish. just not enough time....wanna come down for a few weeks and help me build a cage? I can buy your beer while you're here!?



on another topic, I changed the oil in the new truck yesterday.



12 quarts.


<gulp>


thank god its not burning any oil. I don't know what it had in there before, but I switched over to synthetic.

[409industries]

12 quarts.


ahhh, now i understand why they sell oil in cases. I always thought it was so that you could get 2.25 oil changes on a Subaru. :lol2:

[WRXCMM]

see now you can buy by the barrell at cosco and save:crazy:

[pcowan]

Hoche and Lars built that Evo starting about a month before Olympus, surely in over a month you can finish a WRX that's already had a ton of work done. :P

[UP2MTNS]

Hoche and Lars build that Evo starting about a month before Olympus, surely in over a month you can finish a WRX that's already had a ton of work done. :P

hoche is trying to talk lars into doing it....I got the impression Lars has to ask his wife first :)

All it needs is the cage really....DMS's are on (need to be refreshed), Barrett Dash is doing my restrictor, I'm working on everything else constantly (interior, lights, blah, blah, blah)

[bfrancis827]

Yeah Jon, now we're getting to the good stuff! Lookin' Good.

[UP2MTNS]

cage fabricator selected....building scheduled to commence in June....

[Tommy Gun Rally]

who is doing the cage?

[UP2MTNS]

who is doing the cage?

Lars Wolfe (www.WorksEvo.com)and Michel Hoche-Mong are on the case! errr...cage.

(helps to have your cage scrutineer help design/fab your cage, haha)

Hoche and I have gone over NASA rules, and so I'm essentially designing the cage myself....Hoche will approve/critique, and Lars has agreed to put it all together.

I'm psyched because I also get to help him put it all together, rather than just giving someone my car and a check. big learning experience coming up....and I actually get to use my freaking college engineering degree....holy fa-shjizzle!

[worldrallyblue]

Congrats on finding a builder!! The car is coming along great!

[UP2MTNS]

mmmmm, big order from www.SafeDrives.com on its way!

http://safedrives.com/prodimages/omp/seat/pista_lg.jpg
http://safedrives.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HA%2F684E

http://safedrives.com/prodimages/gforce/harness/pro/C7101_lg.jpg
http://safedrives.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GF-C7001%2F7101&cat=53

http://safedrives.com/prodimages/lfttech/windownet/c5r_lg.jpg

http://safedrives.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SafeSolC5R

[Tommy Gun Rally]

eek! shoulda waited till the last minute for the harnesses!

:D

[UP2MTNS]

eek! shoulda waited till the last minute for the harnesses!

:D

so far I just got one of everything...I want to make sure things fit when we're putting the cage together. especially the seat/harness w/the seat mounts and harness bar.

plus, I KNOW I'm going to be done in a month or two :D

[lminette]

Nice Jon!! Way to go!! If I had a job I would probably be close too!!

[UP2MTNS]

Nice Jon!! Way to go!! If I had a job I would probably be close too!!

you're still looking? man that's rough....good luck, Louie.

[lminette]

Yeah!! Still tryin but things ain't lookin good, and unemployment runs out in three months!! Got an interview next week, as well as a test for another police department, so we'll see.

[Tommy Gun Rally]

Louis - man I've been through the police testing and don't put ANY eggs into that basket. They are so picky, it's insane. Good luck and all but don't get your hopes up. If I could have done it again I wouldn't have wasted my time.

[Tommy Gun Rally]

plus, I KNOW I'm going to be done in a month or two :D

quoted for posterity there. haha :headbang:

[UP2MTNS]

crap, set myself up for that one. pressure's on!

[subyspawn]

It is 107 days, 8 hours, 56 minutes and 29 seconds until Saturday, August 29, 2009

'till Gorman....:muhaha:

this brings back memories

[Tommy Gun Rally]

Will be there to crew for you guys

[JacksonRally]

It is 107 days, 8 hours, 56 minutes and 29 seconds until Saturday, August 29, 2009

'till Gorman....:muhaha:

this brings back memories

How long till Rally Colorado? :muhaha:

[409industries]

Will be there to crew for you guys
+1 for crewing at Gorman again too :)

I was looking at those seats also Jon, you'll have to tell me how you like them. I am kinda still on the fence about seats, but i'm pretty sure im going to get a Cobra Imola S for myself and a Cobra Imola S GT for the silly seat (so more peeps can fit).

Definitely good call on the nets, i want to get the Kevlar ones :)

[UP2MTNS]

+1 for crewing at Gorman again too :)

I was looking at those seats also Jon, you'll have to tell me how you like them. I am kinda still on the fence about seats, but i'm pretty sure im going to get a Cobra Imola S for myself and a Cobra Imola S GT for the silly seat (so more peeps can fit).

Definitely good call on the nets, i want to get the Kevlar ones :)

Thanks for the 'service crew' support guys...this year is going to be a blast.



RE: Pista seats. remember that little jetta at gorman last year? (I thought it was a jetta....green, they brokek down and some of the DIRT service crew went over to help them). they had a red pista seat and I sat in it and was like, 'oh yeah...this is good'. Before that i was looking at Sparco's and they were always tight. But I kind of have a bit of an ass for a white guy.

They're not cheap, but they don't expire like belts, so i figured I'd splurge on these.

anyway....I decided against the 'kevlar' option on nets....$200 for the pair is enough.


OH...just signed up for Prescott already, haha!!:muhaha:

[Tbagger]

the butt test is the ultimate for any seat. I sat in 8-10 seats before I found the ones I wanted.

The cobra suzukas are by far the most comfortable for me. I <3 them!

my .02

[Daniel B]

OH...just signed up for Prescott already, haha!!:muhaha:

May your luck be better than mine!

;-)

[UP2MTNS]

update!

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9244&page=3

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs053.snc1/4485_89186110963_592935963_2259268_5234001_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs053.snc1/4485_89186090963_592935963_2259266_4546804_n.jpg

[subyspawn]

OH...just signed up for Prescott already, haha!!:muhaha:

wha? :shocked:

I missed this....congrats. What happened to Gorman though? You skeered?!?!?! :machinegunleft:

[Tommy Gun Rally]

you should be....car breaker FTL! :)

[UP2MTNS]

Some last minute prep work in my backyard over the weekend....


http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/1162/1001358o.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5371/1001360i.jpg
(my grill was doing double duty as my 'tool caddy', haha)



And then off to the cage builders w/177lbs of DOM tubing!!!

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2512/1001363s.jpg

its going to be a fun couple of weeks...I'll update w/pics as we move along.

[sebhockey]

(my grill was doing double duty as my 'tool caddy', haha)

I can't quite place the taste on these burgers, is it valvoline or castrol?:lol2:

[worldrallyblue]

:headbang::headbang: Looking good Jon!!

[UP2MTNS]

cage is well on its way...

trailer is lined up....(HUGE thanks to Michel Hoche-Mong)

re-tune is scheduled....

Gorman is a GO....



however, my digital camera and memory card are conspiring against me this week, so no pics yet....this weekend I'll have a big update.

:guitarist:

[T-Heineken]

YES YES YES!

Glad you found a trailer...been asking around but, no one has a plain trailer....only boat/jetski stuff round here.

Hooray for cage and re-tune....you're car was beefy detuned...I can't wait for ultra-beefiness!!!

[UP2MTNS]

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/466/1001370zdk.jpg



and some roll cage goodness...

top of the rear strut mount:
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1909/1001371d.jpg

main hoop foot....hole in the floor so you can lower the cage and weld the top:
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/171/1001372l.jpg

main hoop in and fitting the A pillar bar:
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/4344/1001374g.jpg

btw, that's Lars Wolfe from WORKS Evo, which is right in Napa at Infineon Raceway.



taking shape...

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1975/1001378z.jpg

guess I'll have to take out the interior lights

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5562/1001381f.jpg


He's working on roof bars as I type this.


on schedule to be done by next weekend....

[Rally OBXT]

Oh noes! teh welds don't look super JDM mad tyte, it must be no good. :shock:




































:lol2:

[lminette]

Dave, you need more Bourbon!!

[UP2MTNS]

Dave, you need more Bourbon!!

Dave's drunk again? no way!


as punishment for drunk posting in my thread, I'm going to remind everyone of this....

9CMqrkfly70

:tongue:

[worldrallyblue]

o6UtxcS6Iq0

I am sorry dave... the world needs to see this greatness.

Loving the car progress Jon!

[Rally OBXT]

:shock:
:shocked:
:unamused:
:FU:
:lol2:

[Tommy Gun Rally]

Wow. Just wow.

[Rally OBXT]

^^ See what you miss when you puss out and don't come out to Cali City??

[UP2MTNS]

COBB Tuning is continuing to sponsor Team UP2MTNS! They can't help with the custom cagework, but Trey Cobb is going to help spruce up the interior with the new Cobb Knob!!


Free stuff FTW!! woot!
http://cobbtuning.com/images_products/L_4309.jpg

[Tommy Gun Rally]

Nice knob

[WRXCMM]

Good thing you'll be wearing gloves...those things will get hot...

now the rest of the car...looking badass.

[409industries]

Ill give you a cobb knob.

Lookin good jon. I see you got the same toggle switches i did at Radio Shack :)

[rollo]

I can see the Gorman write-up now.. Unfortunately Jon Burke was unable to continue after his new knob got too hot to touch during first service

Too far? :lol2:

[lminette]

See what you get for posting about your knob?!!

[Tommy Gun Rally]

too soon too soon

[WRXCMM]

damn who would've thought Jon's knob would bring this much attention:lol2:

[UP2MTNS]

MOAR!

(and leave my knob alone....jerks!)

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7185/1001385a.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/6845/1001390y.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3168/1001391v.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4281/1001393s.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4281/1001393s.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/1336/1001394z.jpg

[lminette]

(....jerks!)

Nah, I won't go there!!:jack: Good work on the cage!!

[Daniel B]

Painted Progress Pictures ? ? ?

:waving:

[bfrancis827]

Jon, I know you have been super busy with the build and getting ready for Gorman, but.......Gorman's over! Update!!! I want to see some more pics.

BTW, congrats on making it to Gorman and driving your first stage event!

[UP2MTNS]

Jon, I know you have been super busy with the build and getting ready for Gorman, but.......Gorman's over! Update!!! I want to see some more pics.

BTW, congrats on making it to Gorman and driving your first stage event!


Official press release is out! Video coming soon!

http://psgrallywrx.blogspot.com/


Up Two Mountains Rally Team Debuts at Gorman Ridge Rally (http://psgrallywrx.blogspot.com/2009/09/up-two-mountains-rally-team-debuts-at.html)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/SqLpiF8bW3I/AAAAAAAAAIM/n_QbBN45duw/s320/Gorman7a.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/SqLpiF8bW3I/AAAAAAAAAIM/n_QbBN45duw/s1600-h/Gorman7a.jpg)
8/29/2009

For Immediate Release

Driver Jon Burke and co-drive Tucker Heiner made their stage rally debut this past weekend at Gorman Ridge Rally, pars of the California Rally Series (CRS) and United States Rally Championship (USRC). (Photo: Louie Minette)

Saddled up in a 2004 Subaru WRX which was literally finished just days before the event, the detuned turbo engine was fitted with restrictor and tuned at Fine Line Imports; putting up 267wtq and 210whp was still a peppy and responsive car for the rookie team.

The weekend started on Friday with final adjustments to the suspension (raised 1.5” for Gorman’s notoriously rough roads) and several hours of recce. Jon had co-driven these roads at the 2008 Gorman Rally and was able to create accurate notes with Tucker who is new on the rally scene.

Saturday started leisurely with the driver’s meeting at 10:15am and our out time was just an hour away. Being new, we were lined up at the back of the pack; but Stage 1 was good to the new team…putting up a respectable 5:20 time, they passed one competitor and almost caught up to the next by the end of the stage….they were on their way!



Stages 2 was interrupted when a competitor rolled on a fast downhill section of Power Line Rd…everyone was safe, but most teams received the same bogie time. Stage 3 (same as Stage 1) was also good to the team, with a 19 second improvement.

The Rally Gods struck early in Stage 4 with a broken drive shaft which put the team out of contention for CRS points, but started a service crew frenzy to replace the drive shaft and keep competing under USRC ‘Super Rally’ rules. With key help from Aaron Ekinaka (founder, www.DirtyImpreza.com) and other DI volunteers, they were able to swap out the aftermarket drive shaft (whoops, don’t fix what ain’t broke!!) with the OEM one with time to spare to eat some Rally BBQ!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/SqLzmiSV2RI/AAAAAAAAAIU/l610zIrBPjo/s320/Gorman1.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3HJAIPpDY30/SqLzmiSV2RI/AAAAAAAAAIU/l610zIrBPjo/s1600-h/Gorman1.jpg)
At this point, the race was on to just finish… a loose battery cable almost kept them from starting Stage 8 and small boulders took off their exhaust, but they were able to start Stage 9 with literally a minute to spare. They finished Stage 9 (same as stage 1 and 3) with a very fast 4:44….only 12 seconds slower than the stage record of 4:32 set by Keith Jackson and Marra Estep…showing that the rookie team has what it takes to be fast!

The next obstacles were a faulty co-driver light and a flat tire on stage, but the Jon and Tucker prevailed and rolled across the finish at Stage 12!

We’d like to thank all of the help from individuals and sponsors who made this rally happen for us:

Ray and Donna Hocker and Mike and Paul Gibeault and all the volunteers for putting on such a fun event!

Lars Wolfe – for building us a great cage, and the tons of rally advice.
Michel Hoche-Mong – letting us borrow the intercom, car trailer, and HANS device…oh, and for scrutineering my cage, and passing us at tech! (and for tons of advice)

Miles, Ryan and Steve at Fine Line Imports (www.finelineimports.net) for building us a great engine with a great tune!

All the help we received from individuals at www.DirtyImpreza.com, www.RallyAnachy.com and www.SpecialStage.com

COBB Tuning (engine and interior parts)
GrimmSpeed (engine parts/porting/coating)
Redline Oil (all fluids)
L&E Fabrication (quick steering column)
Safe Drives (ALL our safety gear)
Metropolitan Motors (tire mounting/balancing)
Project Solo Gear (skid plate, which did its job!)

Jon and Tucker will be at Prescott Rally (http://www.prescottrally.com/ ) the first weekend in October, with the goal to finish each stage and take home some CRS points.

http://www.facebook.com/UP2MTNS

[I Like It Sideways]

Congratulations on completing the car and competing in your first stage rally, that is amazing. The car looks great too!

[Newk_Rally]

nice you guys did well out there i was bummed to see you guys leaving when you broke the drive shaft but i'm glad to hear you finished keep up the good work guys

[T-Heineken]

HUGE props to Jon who kept driving and driving well when I got lost in the notes (Yep, it happened a few times :nono, hopefully never again)
Thanks again for giving me a chance to get involved as a co-driver!! UP2MTNS FTMFW YO!! :headbang:

The entire weekend and rally was incredibly fun and when mechanical drama occurs, there is NEVER a shortage of people willing to help however they can.
Cheers to everyone who supported the event (80+ volunteers) and the crews who were fantastic!

See some of you at Cal City. See many more of you at Prescott.

I love rally.

[bfrancis827]

Awesome! Way to Go Team UP2MTNS!

[Jard]

HUGE props to Jon who kept driving and driving well when I got lost in the notes (Yep, it happened a few times :nono, hopefully never again)
Thanks again for giving me a chance to get involved as a co-driver!! UP2MTNS FTMFW YO!! :headbang:


Ha, it happens. The key is to just let the driver know so he's not expecting good info from you until you are SURE you are back on pace.

I've only done 2 events, but I'm having a great time co-driving. Congrats on getting out there!

[UP2MTNS]

oh, and I forgot to mention a big thanks to Eli Gilbert as well for lending me his HANS too. Lots of 'borrowed' things at this rally (and prescott coming up)

[UP2MTNS]

hey look, I'm on SS.com!

http://www.specialstage.com/2009/09/08/up-two-mountains-rally-team-debuts-at-gorman-ridge-rally/

does this mean I'm a rally driver now? :D

[Rally OBXT]

OMG Jon is legit now!! ;-) :mrgreen:

[UP2MTNS]

got a bunch of prep work done for Prescott Rally this weekend....including some new graphics! (nice work by Redline Rally!)

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/116/1001459.jpg

[UP2MTNS]

blog update!!

http://psgrallywrx.blogspot.com/2009/10/up2mtns-finishes-22nd-annual-prescott.html

[UP2MTNS]

woooooooooooot!! blog update!!

http://psgrallywrx.blogspot.com/2009/10/rally-america-waiver-approved-for-seed.html

UP2MTNS Rally Team will be competing at Seed 9 Rally on December 5th, 2009! This 'waiver' is necessary to run our Open Class AWD rally car while Jon Burke still has less than 18 coefficient points overall at a Rally America sanctioned event.

Our co-driver is still up in the air as Tucker Heiner is not available for that weekend, but we're working on bringing in someone with a lot of experience.

The car is still under repair from Prescott Rally, but there is plenty of time to get everything ready by December, we're excited to ramp up and get it all done!


We will also be at FRX's NovemberFest RallyX event on November 14th and 15th at Prairie City OHV, Rancho Cordova, CA.
https://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/56B420A1-D8D7-AFF6-25C7A8EAB6263A37

[T-Heineken]

Nice! Stoked you got approved for Seed 9!!!!

[ZED E85]

Awesome!!

If you need someone for service feel free to stop and get me.

[UP2MTNS]

will probably take you up on that offer again Zach...its just down the road from you!

[bfrancis827]

I will hopefully be able to make it to this one, Jon. If the experienced co-driver doesn't work out I would love to do it! Pick me, Pick me. haha. Got my new Peltor helmet to try out and that would also give me a reason to get a suit and a HANS sooner then planned.

[bfrancis827]

BTW, what seats did you end up going with. Was it the Pista? That is the one I am looking at because of the big holes in the head restraints.

[UP2MTNS]

BTW, what seats did you end up going with. Was it the Pista? That is the one I am looking at because of the big holes in the head restraints.

i got the pista....co-driver seat is the OMP Extra....nice and big.

[bfrancis827]

i got the pista....co-driver seat is the OMP Extra....nice and big.

Cool! You're gonna have your car at Novemberfest right? I want to have a sit in that bad boy. Are you happy with it?

[bfrancis827]

Did you get anymore done yesterday?

[UP2MTNS]

Did you get anymore done yesterday?

got the exhaust fixed and back on...changed all the fluids. still waiting on the other control arm.

looks like I'll get the axle replaced under warranty :guitarist:


replacing the fenders is the next big thing....need to get them painted.


btw, thanks for your help on Saturday......would have taken me forever to do all that by myself.



and yes, i'll most likely have the car at novemberfest!

[bfrancis827]

looks like I'll get the axle replaced under warranty :guitarist:

Sweet! Sounds like you might be able to get free axle's 4 life (as long as you break them in under 12 months!)


btw, thanks for your help on Saturday......would have taken me forever to do all that by myself.

Anytime. Glad I finally made it over there.

[Rally OBXT]

How on bloody earth do you get something covered under warranty on a race car? :shocked:

[bfrancis827]

How on bloody earth do you get something covered under warranty on a race car? :shocked:

I think those last 2 words were left out.

[UP2MTNS]

UPDATE!!


Mr. Brian Francis will be covering for Tucker at Seed 9 in December!!



Have had the car in the back for a little while now.....still waiting on some parts...but got some replacement fenders, so those are going on soon. Decided to strengthen up the fender braces while I had everything off:

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/97/1011460.jpg
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2043/1011461.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4308/1011462.jpg

[conorpeterson85]

any decision on the bumper delete?

[UP2MTNS]

any decision on the bumper delete?

yeah, it's gonna take some time....I'll delete it, but want to tie the frame ends together. I'll probably use some 1.5 or 1.75" DOM tubing like JR did on their front, but since I don't have a tube bender, I'll have to get Lars (guy who did my cage) to help me.

[UP2MTNS]

whoooohoooo! 2010!!!


Here's the 'to do' list for the winter/spring...hopefully all before Desert Storm:

Front top hat reinforcement plates
Rear top hat reinforcement plates
rear strut bar
install intercom (half done)
re-mount co-driver seat
Rear bumper delete
Front bumper delete
Upgrade wheel studs
Wrap headers, uppipe and down pipe
Turbo blanket
Have Odi (FEAL Suspension) rebuild the DMS'
weld up the holes along the rocker panels, the AL tape ain't doin' it.
get front fenders painted and remounted.
install new CF hood :guitarist: Compliments of www.extremedimensions.com (http://www.extremedimensions.com)
upgrade oil cooler and relocate oil filter
retune to 300+wtq:headbang:


Rally Schedule:

Desert Storm March 14-15th, Blythe, CA
-Looking for service crew, and potentially a co-driver

Not sure about 'Plan B' and 'High Desert Trails'

North Nevada Rally, June 4-5th
-Looking for service crew, Tucker Heiner co-driver

Rally Idaho, July 9-11th
-Looking for service crew, Tucker Heiner co-driver

Gorman Rally, August 27-28th
-Looking for service crew, Tucker Heiner co-driver

Prescott Rally, October 1-2nd
-Looking for service crew, Tucker Heiner co-driver

Desert Storm, TBD



If anyone's interested in crewing or co-driving, please send me a note!!

[UP2MTNS]

blog updated!

http://psgrallywrx.blogspot.com/

(its also in the new DI January newsletter :) )

[conorpeterson85]

just read the blog, did you swap out the L & E steering rack for the sti rack? and if so how do you like it?

[UP2MTNS]

just read the blog, did you swap out the L & E steering rack for the sti rack? and if so how do you like it?

no, they're separate....The L&E is the steering column....which works with the STI rack. I forget what the ratio is now, but I go from lock to lock in about 1-3/4 turns. its nice.

[UP2MTNS]

BLOG update!

http://up2mtns.blogspot.com/

[UP2MTNS]

been quiet for a while, here's why:

http://up2mtns.blogspot.com/2010/07/some-time-off-and-engine-build-2.html

[Greg Donovan]

you link to lassa tires from post #228 doesnt work.

[UP2MTNS]

you link to lassa tires from post #228 doesnt work.


thx, fixed!

[UP2MTNS]

Thanks to Mr. Tucker for helping me pull the engine this past week...I'm picking stuff off the block this weekend and the heads get shipped to SoCal this week.

I'm having my Stage 2 WRX heads machined so that the compression ratio will be closer to 8.2:1 with regular STI pistons and headgasket. I think this was part of the problem with my last build...but we'll see when I pull the case apart after Idaho.

The same shop is building me a new closed deck block and hopefully this one will last a bit longer.

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/839/1071514.jpg

You can see the front end/radiator support damage from Desert Storm....will also be doing a front bumper delete with an integrated custom radiator support and custom skid plate mounting/support. If I can get the 'design' i have in my head onto paper and built on the car, it should be pretty burly.


http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/4236/1071515.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2329/1071519.jpg




Time to replace the 6-puck clutch as well....at least doing a clutch replacement is VERY easy with the engine out!

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/1387/1071522.jpg

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2935/1071523.jpg

[Rally OBXT]

Jon, when you get your new closed deck block back, can you take pics?? I am very interested in what it looks like. I know that a company here in So Cal called "Outfront" motorsports does that sort of thing for Subie powered sandrails. Who is doing your work?

[fattie92]

Are you going with a ej22t closed deck? This is what I was assuming...

[Rally OBXT]

^^ Pretty sure he is having a EJ257 block modified

[fattie92]

Interesting.....

Why did you weld the stock fender braces on instead of making something stronger?

[UP2MTNS]

Jon, when you get your new closed deck block back, can you take pics?? I am very interested in what it looks like. I know that a company here in So Cal called "Outfront" motorsports does that sort of thing for Subie powered sandrails. Who is doing your work?


R U on my laptop, readin' mah emailz? LOL....Outfront is the SoCal company I'm talking to. I'm still working out some sponsorship stuff/final pricing, but assuming all goes well the next few days, he'll start building my block and I'm sending my heads down to him. I'll definitely send pics.

He says turnaround time on the whole thing is one week!:headbang:


Which reminds me, Krista's mom recently moved to Huntington Beach. Outfront isn't far from there so we're planning a trip the last weekend of July to visit her and pickup my longblock so I don't have to pay shipping on it. We should hang out, I really want to go back to the Yard House:cheers:....we used to go there all the time after work when I was working on the Pier 400 project down there. If you want, you can come with me to pick it up and see their shop first hand.



And yes....EJ257 closed deck. I was also considering a sleeved block, but for a rally application, I think the closed deck is the better option.

Also, even for his retail price...a built closed deck block from Outfront seems like a pretty good deal. I told him he should look at DI as a vendor since he's in the middle of all you SoCal guys.




Fattie....the 'stitched' fender braces was really just an experiment. No extra budget and a MIG welder means you start welding random parts and see if you can get any 'free' improvements.:mrgreen:

[Rally OBXT]

Yeah man, we should hang out for sure. I would be very interested to see the finished product.

[409industries]

Thanks for mentioning DI to Outfront! Good luck with the motor rebuild, hope they can turn it around quick for ya.

[lminette]

Yeah we should definitely hang when you're down!!

[Tommy Gun Rally]

You'll probably get one of my old blocks. I sold him 4 STi shortblocks for $150 - a steal because I couldn't store them anymore.

Then when I asked if he'd hook me up with a discount or a buddy price on one of his built blocks for the rally car, I never heard from him again.

Total scheister, get everything in writing.

[UP2MTNS]

You'll probably get one of my old blocks. I sold him 4 STi shortblocks for $150 - a steal because I couldn't store them anymore.

Then when I asked if he'd hook me up with a discount or a buddy price on one of his built blocks for the rally car, I never heard from him again.

Total scheister, get everything in writing.

typical Eli.....buy my ****.....good, now give me a discount. No? Scheister!!! Shennanigans!!!

:lol2:

That's right Eli, you can expect more verbal harassment like that when I see you at Gorman!!

[UP2MTNS]

Finished pulling the block apart last night and even got the pistons out and split the case.

Overall, the whole thing was a cool learning experience, kind of takes all the 'mystery' out of what it takes to take this stuff apart. Of course, putting it all back together properly is a whole other story.



Anyway.....found NOTHING wrong.

That's right...."We hit nothing!"
http://www.michalak.org/fh/predator/Predator101.jpg



I was kind of annoyed since now I'm not exactly sure WHAT was causing the oil leak and smoke out the back. The pistons had some signs of blow by, but nothing crazy, and the rings and crank bearings all looked fine (I haven't take rods off yet). I'll get pictures up soon.

[ZED E85]

Valve stem seals?

[Tommy Gun Rally]

[QUOTE=UP2MTNS;228371]typical Eli.....buy my ****.....good, now give me a discount. No? Scheister!!! Shennanigans!!!
[\QUOTE]

only when someone marks up the price of what I sold them like 1000%, like this guy... :)

[UP2MTNS]

Valve stem seals?

that's my next guess.

[pomspeed]

Jon, putting a block back together is as easy as pulling one apart, just follow the proper torque sequence and specs. As for smoke and blow by, it doesn't take much. Were there any areas of the cross hatch on the cylinder walls that were shiny or hard to see? Tolerances are key for ring clearances and such. Good luck.

[UP2MTNS]

update:


I went back into the garage after a 24hr break from all things metal and oily and took a 2nd look at the 'suspect piston'.

Yup....hairline fracture on the 2nd/lower ring land. Mystery solved....FULL REBUILD!!

[Rally OBXT]

Yes, sometimes you need to walk away for a while and come back with a fresh pair of eyes.

Well, I am glad you found the culprit....bummed to see you have to do this AGAIN.

When you are all done, your engine will be like the Six Million Dollar Man..."Build it stronger, build it faster !" :lol: Every time you start your car, the theme song should play. 8)