Dirty Seamus, the journal of a 2005 WRX

[culturedetox]

I Bought the car "new" in May 2005. I say "new" because the car has a bit of a story behind it.

This was Subaru of Dallas' show car for the 2004 Texas State Fair, it was loaded with dealer options and after market parts including an STi trunk swap. After the fair, the car was taken back to stock bit by bit, but the STi donor car ended up being mia. So, for a few months, it sat in the lot, unable to be sold as new because of the trunk. To this day, my keys can't open the trunk lock, not that I really care though =p. I got wind of the car sitting in the lot from a friend who worked at the dealership, and told me that they really can't sell it new, but, if I was interested, I could pick it up for a song. Would I be interested? I've been wanting a subie since 97', Heck yeah.

This was in early May and a lot of time has passed since the State Fair, so the only aftermarket parts left on him was the STi wing and a Prodrive round axelback. I took it for a "test drive" with my friend and I absolutely feel in love.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/38068369_788392f046_o.jpg
its so happy in the gravel

I put 2,000 miles on the car in 2 weeks :> including a trip out to middle of west Texas for some camping. The car was so amazing to drive at stock. But I had the modding bug (yay peer pressure!) and at my first oil change I dropped some coin for an AP and went to stage1.

Wooosh, wow, I love the feeling that stage1 does to the car, and really made it feel alive compared to stock. That summer, I went out with a bunch of Porches for a PCA "tour drive," At stage1 I had no problem keeping up with the krauts on twisty back roads at not-so-legal speeds.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/6f19383f.jpg
fancy money shot 8)

A few weeks later I had new front and rear COBB swaybars to neturalize its understeering tendencies. And before my first 6 months of ownership was over, I picked up a used set of silver Prodrive P1 17" wheels. I waited a few months as I still had some tread left on the RE-92, so the P1's will have to wait. mmm.. can you tell that I'm addicted?

In the meantime, I took it to my first auto-x and learned a great deal about how to drive my car a lot better. and just how slippery the RE-92's are lol.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/58315960_74d80eda1b_o.jpg
First Autox competition

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/65237952_7474f6c1a9_o.jpg
the bolt snapped off the front swaybar :unamused:

My next mod was the supertones. It works great to get the attention of jacked up trucks and SUV soccer moms! I spent 7 hours trying to install them, I'm glad they actually work, lol.

Spring 2006 rolls around and I get the P1s fixed (somehow the previous owner managed to get one of the wheels out of round, wtf? ). I put some Falken ST115 on it and I do a few more autox races, which I place 1st in the novice class. :D

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/170074910_7128dcd3f3_o.jpg
Prodrives and fresh rubber... mmm .mmm good!

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/170074765_abcb3d4501_o.jpg
debadged trunk with the JDM hotness WRX STi spec-c Type RA badge! good for 5+ HP!

My rear diff starts to make this annoying sound on the highway, and I take it in to see if there was anything wrong, and without question, the dealer replaced it under warranty 8)

Then one day, I returned to my car parked in the parking lot of a mall, Only to find that someone backed into my car and smacked the crap out of it so bad that the hood and bumper had to be replaced from the damage. :jack:

November rolls around and I get some vinyl put on my car designed by my girlfriend (she is keeper as you will soon notice) and do the Subaru Challenge. I placed mid pack, I could of done better but somehow a few STi's slipped into the STX class >_>

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/culturedetox1.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/culturedetox2.jpg
notice the baby on board triangle hanging from the back window lol.

February 07' I finally get off my butt and install my RA limited flaps, the next day it snows and I take them out for a test of the elements :D

My Falken's are looking pretty bald by the summer, and I switch out the Prodrives for the stockers, and I'm surprised that I like the driveability of the stock rims over the HEAVY Prodrives. and so I stick to the 16 inch wheels for now. I got new and really cheep Hankooks for the 16's when they are totally-running-on-the-cord dead.

I get rear-ended by a drunk in a jacked up diesel truck and he takes off! WTF. I give chase, but I couldn't keep up with him and I stopped as he ran a red across a highway. We get his plate numbers for the cops and stop before he kills anyone (almost clipped a horse trailer and nearly flipps as his rear wheels nearly drifted into a curb. The cop (while off duty) goes to the address of the truck owner, to find out more. It seems that the owner's 19 year old son tends to take daddy's truck out for joy rides, plus he has previous DUI's (got to love texas), but since I didn't get a good look at the driver, therefore, I'm unable to identify the driver, there is nothing that can be done :mad:. and the car is smacked pretty good. they had to do a lot of rework to the body to get it straight. the trunk still leaks >_>

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/caraccident-1.jpg
crazy drunk kids :pissed:

Thats pretty much where I am today. 84k miles and besides the rear diff, and the crappy accidents, Seamus has been pretty trouble free.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/rolling14.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/0119DFW74.jpg
a drity car at a photoshoot? :twisted:

[culturedetox]

Furture plans:
I like the car at stage1, I know that stage2 is a massive improvement, but I'm just being very cautious and consertive with my car. I do want to change out the uppipe before the cat pukes up all over the turbo. And I'd love to replace the turbo with a used PnP'ed TD04 as well. At that point might as well go to stage2, but I don't want to gernade my tranny either. so, a stage 1.5 will be in the plans as temping as a Crucial Racing's turboback is. Not to mention COBB is setting up shop again in Dallas. Why must they temp me? :unamused:

I've mellowed out about modding my car. I'm more and more a person who loves a good road to carve up with what I have than crazy mods to the engine and suspension. I actually drive on COBB's Economap 99% of the time. Sure it sucks, but I can't argue with 30+mpg combined but when I go out for a day on the backroads, Stage1 feels sooooo gooood. I really don't crave more power that what I got.

But I do have plans for this car.
I'm going to keep this as a DD for as long as I can. when it comes to the point where it needs some major overhauling, I'm going to garage it, go nuts with the mods and turn it into a project car. Set it up for TSD rallies, Road Rallies, and hopefully, with luck, prep it for Targa Newfoundland.

But I'm getting ahead of myself, Lets talk about what is going on the car next. :twisted:

[culturedetox]

BTW.. the car is named seamus if you couldn't tell by the title :)

[Spatizzle]

Nice write-up, I like where this is going, good luck man

[brd360sk8]

Hey when your rear diff started to go what sounds was it making? My car makes a whinning sound at about 55 to 65. I had the diff replaced like 2 months ago and it solved it now its back again! buttt there was also a suspension piece they said was causing hte noise so idk what to believe i just want to know wha sounds you hear from the diff

[strat]

nice write-up. if you liked stage 1 though, you'll LOVE stage II. I've been running my 02 for over a year stage II and haven't had any probs with the tranny. (i'm not easy on the car either)

[409industries]

jebus... some of those pics could be in magazines.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/rolling14.jpg

I don't remember if i read you have TBE or not...? Get a turboback with a highflow cat (or catless if youre an enviromental douchebag like i am) load a stage II map and you will enjoy a brand new car... :)

[culturedetox]

Nice write-up, I like where this is going, good luck man

Thanks, I like where its going too

Hey when your rear diff started to go what sounds was it making? My car makes a whinning sound at about 55 to 65. I had the diff replaced like 2 months ago and it solved it now its back again! buttt there was also a suspension piece they said was causing hte noise so idk what to believe i just want to know wha sounds you hear from the diff

it would hum a bit at exactly 64mph... I've read around that could be a sign of the diff going out, I wasn't all to sure, but I mentioned it to the service department when it was in for its 30k service. They just replaced it on the spot. From what I've heard, they also have some kind of dampers which reduces the hum. but, it really doesn't bother me if it drives fine as it is. some people have good luck using a thicker oil for the diff. I use castrol syntec gear oil at the recommended weight, and while the noise is there, it hasn't exploded its guts onto the highway just yet. lol.

nice write-up. if you liked stage 1 though, you'll LOVE stage II. I've been running my 02 for over a year stage II and haven't had any probs with the tranny. (i'm not easy on the car either)

jebus... some of those pics could be in magazines.

I don't remember if i read you have TBE or not...? Get a turboback with a highflow cat (or catless if youre an enviromental douchebag like i am) load a stage II map and you will enjoy a brand new car... :)

again with the stageII! ahhhh... I think about it too much, I'm always keen about making sure that if I do go stageII, I'm going to need a set of gauges to go with it, making the cost higher. trust me, it is calling to me and you guys arn't helping me one bit! :twisted:

[Galen]

car looks great! I cant wait to see some gravel road action shots!!

[culturedetox]

car looks great! I cant wait to see some gravel road action shots!!
I know, I would love to get some action shots, but no one around here wants to get dirty :twisted:

[409industries]

again with the stageII! ahhhh... I think about it too much, I'm always keen about making sure that if I do go stageII, I'm going to need a set of gauges to go with it, making the cost higher.

Complete BS. I ran no gauges with my Stage2 setup for probably 16months. An off the shelf Stage 2 AP map is very safe and still runs nice and rich, even on our crappy california "premium" gas. I don't think gauges should hold you back... ;)

[worldrallyblue]

I picked up a cheapy ebay gauge for like 35 dollars to measure my boost. its looks kinda ghetto... but it does the trick... really not neccesary tho if you an off the shelf stage 2 map. Get stage 2.... I hate this saying but... "It was like night and day" :mrgreen:

Beautiful car BTW. ;)

[culturedetox]

Complete BS. I ran no gauges with my Stage2 setup for probably 16months. An off the shelf Stage 2 AP map is very safe and still runs nice and rich, even on our crappy california "premium" gas. I don't think gauges should hold you back... ;)

Thats really good to know. I wasn't really sure, some suggest it; and I hate doing anything half-assed or incomplete. If I'm going to do it, I'm doing to do it the best way available.

[culturedetox]

My Birthday has come, and with it, a new piece of gear for the car.

I finally scored a set of Rally Innovation's Big light conversion kit unused from a forum member on NASIOC.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/FogLightInstall/FogLightInstall-02.jpg

I'll have a write-up on the install posted in a bit.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/FogLightInstall/FogLightInstall-24.jpg

but for now; I'm really enjoying the high output of light for those crappy lit roads around here.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/IMG_1893.jpg

not to mention that they look dang good if you ask me.

Next up is to install some Steering rack bushings I won at a local dealer event.... score!
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/SRTA%20at%20SoP/SRTAatSoP-15.jpg

[culturedetox]

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/000e7ede.jpg
October is a bad month for me. every year, its something new. I was hit in a parking lot :jack: oh well.

I also just had all AC and PS belts changed and the huge timing belt service on top of the 90k mile service. this week. ;_; my pocketbook hurts

[rllyrckt]

nice write up and an that does suck, two accidents, they ust be mesorized by the ass of your car that they cant help but "tap your subaru" hahaha a little comedy to lighten up your day, nice car so far, cant wait to see future plans...

[Galen]

will your insurance cover the damage? Those lights look saweeeet!

[culturedetox]

thanks for the humor guys. it sucks but it was no big deal. I got full coverage and it was taken care of :)

[SubieImpreza07]

nice write up man, sorry bout the two incidents.

[culturedetox]

Alrighty, time for another update.
I moved into a new house (with awesome backrounds as a daily commute :muhaha:) -which explains the lack of updates to the car.

I'm still lazy and haven't put in the bushings, I'm actually waiting to get some frame braces from TiC. and then I'd be ready to update the car.

Anywho, back in March, woot.com had some recaro baby seats for $99 bucks. couldn't pass that one up for the wee one.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/IMG_3096.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/IMG_3099.jpg

At 104k miles on the clock the upper radiator hose went out :unamused:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/000hxfbe.jpg

but a quick swap for a new hose and new fluid, and im back on the road in an hour.

and today... well..

my tail light went out last week and a state trooper wrote me up a warning. so I head to the autozone to replace the bulb. but I couldn't get the dang bulb out of the housing. I take it to the dealership and three techs and a master subie tech can't get it out either. they say that they can not fix it. they will have to rip out the wire harness, break it, and then put in a new one for $30+ bucks :jack:

whatever, I take it home, remove the lamp and take a dremel to it and 5 minutes later, problem solved :mrgreen:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/6166564.jpg.


well. I really should post up some pics of the road I live on. I have a cork-screw s-turn on the way home :twisted:

[culturedetox]

at 105k on the clock.. I spun a bearing. :sadbanana: =(

[MConte05]

What did it feel like moments leading up to the spun bearing? Sorry to hear!

[culturedetox]

What did it feel like moments leading up to the spun bearing? Sorry to hear!

the engine was making a little bit of a rubbing noise. it got louder and louder and then I could feel that the engine did not like the throttle and then it died. I coasted home... so very lucky about it.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/th_L1010124.jpg (http://s277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/?action=view&current=L1010124.flv)

[nawoj]

ouch.....

[bigjoshsubyfan]

no fun i'm sorry lol I know what not having an engine that is like too

[kylelikewhoa]

That radiator hose looks like something was rubbing up against it. Sucks about the motor dude. A spun bearing is a fear I have everyday, I dont know why, but I just know it'll happen to me someday. What are you gonna do with it? 2.5 swap?

[culturedetox]

wellp. I have the car in at COBB. they pulled it and confirmed that it was a spun rod bearing, 80psi for cylinder #4, and I also killed the turbo as well. (buh? all this while on the ECON map) and now the heads are off and at a specialist shop to get it polished up in hopes that they are not too far gone to need a replacement as well.:-(

[culturedetox]

That radiator hose looks like something was rubbing up against it. Sucks about the motor dude. A spun bearing is a fear I have everyday, I dont know why, but I just know it'll happen to me someday. What are you gonna do with it? 2.5 swap?

the hose deformed and was rubbing against the fan. I didn't notice it because I kept the stock hood snorkle intake, and I couldn't see that it was going to pop.

I'm probably going to go with a 2.5 shortblock if the heads are still good.

[culturedetox]

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/img001.jpg
took the car to the COBB tuning satallite shop in Plano Texas.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/img002.jpg
some nice wheels sitting out front.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/img007.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/img006.jpg
seamus without his engine D:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/img008.jpg
Dead Turbo and uppipe.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/img004.jpg
new TD04, with only 7k stock miles on the clock. scored it for $120.

[culturedetox]

:pissed:
no less than 1,000 miles from a fresh engine build. I noticed some oil on the downpipe when I was changing out the oil. Turns out that my CV boot split open and thats the axle grease.

man does this suck
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/P052809141959.jpg

[culturedetox]

been waiting forever to get the car back to COBB to do a proper dynotune... boy was it worth the wait.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/P061709194039-1.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/COBB-stage-1_web.jpg
311 foot pounds of torque. :twisted:
and 236 AWHP

heck yeah, it feels soooo good to drive my car again. 3rd gear pulls are too much fun :eek:

[Thresham]

Its so nice reading up on another MY05's life :-). Absolutely loving your car and its lightly modified glory, helps me appreciate my stage 1 mostly stock 05.

I spun a rod bearing at 57000 miles, luckily got it fixed under warranty. I sure hope it doesn't happen again...

I was curious, running a hybrid 2.5 shortblock with your stock 2.0 heads, what ECU do you run? I've been wondering about this for a while...

Thanks and keep up the great storyline!

[culturedetox]

Thats pretty lucky that the dealership replaced the shortblock under warranty. good thing it popped at 57k and not past 65k. that would of hurt.

the ECU is stock. I was running the COBB stage 1 (AP v1) to break in the new engine and then after they dynotuned it, they loaded the new map onto the AP and flashed it.

[culturedetox]

I blew out a tire while driving home on the 4th of July. I would love to thank the Drivers of Dallas for being such Arseholes by not letting me pull off the highway, even with the hazzards blinking. :jack:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/cars/P070609124456.jpg

going to get the tire replaced with my Discount tire warranty, and get it shaved to match my other tires by a shop in Dallas.

[culturedetox]

seems like all my updates are about breaking my car.

this time, the AC pully
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/P102809125505.jpg

125k miles. :<

[culturedetox]

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/P103009092940.jpg
I really hate october

[AWD>FWD]

Jeezus I've heard stories of the Cobb sways snapping but never saw it...

You have some of the worst luck I think I've ever read about.

[Tommy Gun Rally]

Dude WTF - this car is cursed!!!

[culturedetox]

this is what snapped the swaybar.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/P110609105118_01.jpg
a week solid of rain washed out some of the gravel on my driveway making way for supersoft mush for a driveway. only now does my car not scrape when I drive over the spot.

[culturedetox]

my luck with cars is is pissing me off... anyways, after a month. I get a weekend without rain or snow and a few hours to work on my car.

I take it slow, and everything is going smoothly.

I got the subframe off, no problem.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/finger.jpg
goodbye hollow Sway bars..

and as I was torquing the bolts onto the swaybar, my torque wrench failed to click at 22flbs... and I was not paying attention and snapped off a bolt... .

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/culturedetox/ohsnap.jpg

ahhhhhh fck it. going to have to dissconnect the endlinks, take the subframe off, go at that nub with a dremel and replace that bolt..

ahh joy.

also, just went over 130K miles.