New job, new state, new car, flocking!

[I Like It Sideways]

11/27/2007 - Stripped Interior, Grimmspeed exhaust gasket install (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=19843&postcount=36)

3/6/2008 - DI and Redline Vinyl applied (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=55346&postcount=57)

3/10/2008 - STi drivers seat installed (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=56266&postcount=61)

3/26/2008 - Refinishing the stock 6 spokes (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=59953&postcount=67)

4/8/2008 - 2 Hella 500 driving lights installed (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=62467&postcount=74)

4/9/2008 - 4/17/2008 - Motor pull, head gasket work1 (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=62795&postcount=75), Machined Heads and Completion (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=65412&postcount=76)

7/10/2008 - Front axle replaced (http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=80772&postcount=78v)

12/3/2008 - It's Team Dynamics Time (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=109878&postcount=86)

3/8/2010 - Seam welding, burning lots of oil
(http://dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showpost.php?p=204703&postcount=98)

What started out as the need for a daily driver quickly turned into a desire. I am still in the early stages of this desire, but the ball is rolling, and its not going to stop until I get there.

I received this 2004 WRB STi as a present... and I couldnt be happier with it.
I never thought I'd be so lucky to own an STi... but here it is (http://xaf.xanga.com/2e1863267423123044518/b16320919.jpg)



Well...all joking aside, I am the proud owner of a 2001 2.5RS. Have been ever since I drove it off the lot.
I didnt start out with plans for the car... All I knew is that I liked how it looked and handled. I didn't even fully appreciate how lucky I was to pick it up with low mileage (51k), and for a decent price ($9500). It wasn't until I started driving the car, posting up online (did I ever sound like a newb... I hate reading my old posts), and talking to other Subaru owners, that I realized how lucky I am to own this car.

This is how it looked when I took it off the lot.. never since then has it been so clean.
http://x30.xanga.com/1cd807fb065317602251/b6074839.jpg

Back up a bit. My first car was a 1997 Saab 900 SE Turbo
http://x6d.xanga.com/7a584b7a4773211086919/m8179295.jpg
Ignore the windshield wipers...

So stepping into the RS was a step down in torque and horsepower. The Saab was rated at 195 ft-lb of torque, at ~8psi. I was boosting ~15psi, with a catback exhaust, so I'd guess the torque was closer to 205-210. So given that, it wasn't long before I decided the RS needed something more. So I quickly found that Cobb is a name commonly used when talking about Subaru's. I opted for Stage 2 for the RS, which includes

Equal length headers
Free-flow test pipe
Catback w/ resonator
CAI
Lightweight crank pulley

http://x3a.xanga.com/f2b86a454133512990937/m9376569.jpg

http://x51.xanga.com/ea5b03410953712990988/m7979946.jpg

http://x89.xanga.com/2958436ac723112370333/m7979936.jpg

That helped out quite a bit with highend power, the engine doesn't choke itself at higher RPM's and pulled nearly all the way to redline. Lowend was just a tad better, but still a pretty flat torque curve (according to the butt dyno) up until about 4000 rpm.

http://xe1.xanga.com/a5e19b45c9ca413405006/m9642910.jpg
http://x04.xanga.com/49d864471553214861289/m10648387.jpg

Clean as can be while rallyxing... Don't know how that happens.
http://xcb.xanga.com/a6b8575a6343114911632/m10685881.jpg


So fast forward a few rallyx's, a few photoshoots, and I attend my first pro-rally (LSPR '05, crewed for Matt Johnston, and spectated), and my first winter with my subaru

Sunset shot #1 (http://x27.xanga.com/d9b85b6bd603115903157/m11413672.jpg)

Corner slide (http://x8c.xanga.com/1228667b7053315979167/w11472115.gif)

Snow meet (http://x47.xanga.com/246b1a323223521079878/m15049899.jpg)

Exit 2005, enter 2006

And I land in Princeton, IN for a co-op. Middle of no where, but an abundance of gravel roads.
That is where I find this chicane (http://youtube.com/watch?v=d4NIlEN_s04) to practice the flick
and this road (http://youtube.com/watch?v=-Pff6qu06_s) to practice a bit more.

http://xd5.xanga.com/19fb14230263132449215/m22546272.jpg

http://x72.xanga.com/060b252a4173335806393/m24691861.jpg

http://x00.xanga.com/3fcb247bd503336543265/m25155658.jpg



We like snow (http://xfa.xanga.com/5a4b13367143028293902/w19862071.gif)

and Mowing grass (http://x30.xanga.com/22ea11f6d933354995040/m36853524.jpg)


I went to STPR '06 (my 2nd pro-rally), and only spectated. I was quite disappointed with the experience.. I didn't bring away from it as much as I would have liked to. I didnt learn much, and didn't get to know anyone. I decided then, that if I go to any more pro rally events, I would get my hands dirty... either by crewing, co-driving, or try for a media pass.
http://x33.xanga.com/ccba57036113458267498/m39058332.jpg
My take at the chicane (http://youtube.com/watch?v=ajol7OxiAZY)


Up until then I had been running on A/S's, which I had pushed them beyond their limits one too many times. So I pulled the trigger on a set of winterforce's, 205/60/R16s... a little too big, but they got the job done
http://xc3.xanga.com/66ba761a6223464748448/m43430969.jpg

http://xd9.xanga.com/dd8a7173c3c3268340039/m45898680.jpg

Then I started running into problems like this:
http://x45.xanga.com/678a8706d063473988223/m49893468.jpg
http://x40.xanga.com/c4ed72253553479966970/m49890700.jpg

I did some research on springs, and decided I would not be happy with springs alone. I wanted adjustability. I found Ground Control, and decided they were the best option. They were very helpful, although confused when I said I wanted taller springs, that were under 250#. Just a bit different from the norm that they get. They helped me pick the right spring length to go with a set of AGX's that I had decided on.

I was so eager to get the parts in, I modeled a few items in Inventor.

http://x1d.xanga.com/74bd377522d3781782688/m55847708.jpg


I didn't cut the perches, in case I go back to larger coils later on.


http://xe3.xanga.com/d79a82760113383706215/m57377281.jpg

I got bored again...
http://x69.xanga.com/911d056a4323292138665/m64120776.jpg

I'm missing a few main components... but dang that took me long enough.



Then I hit a deer.



April '07. I have the head gaskets, timing belt, water pump, and clutch all replaced.
Early May '07 - Bend a rod. Reason to suspect a result of the maintenance performed in April, however dealership blamed it on racing.
Then a sales manager said to me before I had my car towed off their property that the failure is likely a result of their work. I'm so mad I didnt have someone with me as a witness to that statement. They quoted me $4200 for a new motor and labor. HA!
i'm never going back there again. But I digress...

I'll fast forward a few more months, to now, since the RS has seen no action since I had it delivered to its current location. It sat for so long because where I work on my co-op and where I go to school are 3 hours apart.
A friend and I pulled the radiator, disconnected all wiring harnesses, removed the pitch mount, and broke loose the transmission bolts. Now all I have to do it pull the motor. I am purchasing a '99 RS motor for $300, and a cross member and PS pump.

I'll be updating this, as progress is made on the RS
to-do
-Rebuild motor
-8 or 10 pt FIA spec roll cage
-Any used gravel tires I can get my hands on
-15" steelies for the gravel tires
-Fire extinguishing system
-Fixed-back racing seats, any that I can get my hands on
-5 pt harnesses
-Open face helmet
-2 aux driving lights
-2 aux fog lights
-Terratrip rally computer
-Fuel tank aluminum skid plate, poly underbody protection
-I-Speed reflash
There are tons more odds and ends I will have to buy.. racing suit, shoes, co-driver map light, safety triangles, first aid kit, spill kit, tow hooks, etc.

Update 9/12/2007
-Purchased 1999 EJ251.


Updated 9/24/07
Finally picked up and delivered the replacement motor to my new residence. The car sits, ready to be worked on. Work will begin this week. I want to pull the motor this week, and then replace the head gaskets/head studs, water pump, and timing belt on the new motor next week. We'll see how that goes.
I should mention that two people can man handle an EJ251 longblock. Just for reference.

I borrowed my friend's Honda Fit, and picked up my motor along with an extra x-member, PS assembly, WRX sway bars, and some other odds and ends
http://zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/45/40c259eb991436b04cc817e4919f6b27.jpg
http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/dadad9b6cdd01602c3db1cb86f8a7e19.jpg

Updated 10/3/07
Well I saw these cobwebs, and decided it was time to get to work
http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/dcea8dff8102ef7965ae3d8d7e340e3b.jpg

Finished up everything in the engine bay that needs to be taken care of in order to pull the motor. I got bored and yanked the alternator, PS reservoir, and AC compressor. All coolant hoses/lines, throttle cable, gas lines, have all been removed. Pulled the starter out as well. All bolts are broken loose on the transmission, so once I secure a hoist, its getting pulled. Someone suggested that I just disassemble it down to the short block, and take it out with the help of a few people. hmm...

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/26b932e7023e1d31d8b4659b87082044.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/61f48617c438ce23a578e1d32d39e259.jpg



http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/670x670x2/53b61639fede8c80647920bf5cf8ccec.jpg


Updated 10/23/07

The swap is finished.
I worked last week on Tuesday to remove the engine. With the help of PAPA, we were able to remove the engine in 1.5 hours. Separating the engine from the transmission took the most time. 2 pry bars, 2 screw drivers, one 8 pound hammer, and one 250lb "deadweight" standing on the transmission finally got the two separated.

Worked Thursday/Friday (6pm till 4am) to swap over the clutch/flywheel/pressure plate to the new motor, swap intake manifolds, and install/hookup the motor.
With the help of several people from the car club at Purdue (PAPA), we got it done in 10 hours. One of my friends even made a custom clutch alignment tool, since no parts store had one at the time.
Which I later purchased one from Autozone for $.01. Booyah!!
What an experience. I learned quite a bit
and it is good to be back in my Subaru. I drove it around a bit on Friday, 10/19/2007. Put some gas in it.
Did it ever feel good.
I still can't believe it is finally fixed.


Turned the key at 4am, and it fired right up, almost.

Removal:
http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/d287031e3a04db4261d99ab231af606b.jpg



http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/89779bd995dcc79cf14b4c6ad719c69b.jpg

"What do we do now?"
http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/f461f8d9c6768fc22bb1af8e580bb2f3.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/3e6bd02d01b93514728204db01fd12e6.jpg

Aligning the clutch
http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/9aa68599621f8ce748074affca85039b.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/bd5c48c18bc0fbde943e8a3854a0192d.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/2ed9177c3fb039dae7dbccd2e9bc4052.jpg


http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/09589702f4e9d4ad845733f69968ab8c.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/5233baec5468ba1f82eaf3146cb56220.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/a0928919ed43b39b1991f765521dd7ba.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/4820868eb5f03a4b2341396f3049cab0.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/8ad051a35afa4c434d52f317a7f1e0c7.jpg

The success shot, at 4am
http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/51/dec8b8956e17ca5d78106cc3584d741d.jpg

And video evidence of success!!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pUmMJ-tRFYI

There is much more to do. Head gaskets are a possibility. Water pump and timing belt will be this winter.

Now I have two motors. And I think we discovered what happened to my old motor. I hope to begin tearing into that tomorrow.


Updated 10/24/07

So after finishing the swap into my RS, we decided to tear into my old motor to see what was really wrong with it. The dealership that worked on it said that I bent a rod. Well the engine did sound like rod knock, but also sounded like something was tapping inside. Like piston slap.

Well when we took the head off, this is what we found

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x0/f41c667e30f114875e0ad596736ba8ab.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x0/5d08e40fd9ad9c2917fc1399edc6be18.jpg

After examination, general consensus led us to believe it is a drill bit. Left in there by the dealership that replaced my head gaskets, water pump, timing belt, clutch, and a few other things.
It took a chunk out of the piston, scored the cylinder wall, and ruined the head.

Who the hell leaves a drill bit in an engine? And what were they doing with a drill bit near my engine?!

I can't fathom how I was able to drive the car for a little over a week without anything happening. There is no way that thing slipped thru the intake valves at the speed they move at. It had to have been sitting in there somehow.

Or maybe it fell thru when I turned off the car, and the intake valve was open enough that it could slip through.

Either way. I am taking it to the dealership tomorrow, and asking them who is missing a drill bit.

[409industries]

Thats quite the write up! I hope the RS gets back in action soon...

[zebrasinamerica]

looks good man, watch out for the trees ;)

Zebra

[pakeharugger]

Awesome videos, :twisted: I am going to review your videos and take notes so I learn how to drive like that.

[Not All There]

pretty sweet man, good luck with the rest of it.

[I Like It Sideways]

Awesome videos, :twisted: I am going to review your videos and take notes so I learn how to drive like that.

Right on thanks! Once the RS is back in action, you're more than welcome to ride along. kreitz3 comes out for a drive every now and then too.


pretty sweet man, good luck with the rest of it.
Thanks!! I'm gonna need it. The road is paved for this project... but I don't know how much I will get done before winter. Caged at the most. But I have a lot of work to do, even before that.

[409industries]

Yeah just take it one step at a time... I find that the project car gets overwhelming if i think about it too much. Its best to focus on one thing and see it through, then keep going!

[BlueRu]

Very nice man! I hope to hear that she is back on the road soon.

[JacksonRally]

Looks good...Definetly get that cage in there.

[GrimmSpeed]

damn these vids make me soo jealous that i dont have a running subaru right now ARGH. sweet vids though

[kreitz3]

I miss your car man. When are we rebuilding the 99 motor?

Oh yeah, and I'm keeping the tires. :angryfinger:

[I Like It Sideways]

Updated :) Finally bought a motor. And the car is finally in the garage, waiting to be worked on. Oh how I missed it. I continually have dreams about it...

[Not All There]

nice man! keep it up!

[I Like It Sideways]

Thanks!!
Updated :)

damn these vids make me soo jealous that i dont have a running subaru right now ARGH. sweet vids though

I know how you feel... I love and hate watching videos... just makes me miss driving my subaru that much more.

[I Like It Sideways]

Updated... Getting closer...

[Not All There]

good to see you making more progress, i still like the name of the project too lol

[I Like It Sideways]

Thanks!! I'm still not sure what I'm going to call this. haha

Updated at the top

Finished phase I, I'm going to call it.

:D

[Not All There]

awesome man!

[Salvator Rizzo]

i want more money. hella would love to turn my car into a rally car.

at least it will have boost soon : )

[Team Illuminata]

What did the dealership have to say about the drill bit?

Did I miss that one?

[I Like It Sideways]

I haven't gone in yet with it. We just discovered it last night, so if I have time today, I'm going in to discuss with them what they owe me. It may have to wait until next week, as I'm going to LSPR, and leaving early tomorrow morning :D

[wolfman79]

Can't wait to hear what they have to say about the drill bit.

[Blix666]

what did the stealership have to say 'bout the drill bit?

[I Like It Sideways]

I'm going after class today. If the stealership (so Fricking true...) is not compliant with me, then I am going to go to their district manager, and then up from there.
We are out $2500 because of this dealership.
Not to mention the pain of not having a car for awhile, buying a new engine, etc etc.

I think we have enough to build a legal case as well. ~10 witnesses and pictures, and enough money involved to go to small claims.
I just hope it doesn't have to go that far.

[Blix666]

good luck dude

[I Like It Sideways]

I went to the dealership today, and displayed the spark plug and piece of metal.
They claim its aluminum, which is fine, and denied that it was a drill bit.
I don't care what it is, it is not supposed to be in there.
They called service opps, and told me that I need to bring the motor in for them. That will be fine and dandy, as long as I'm right there with them when they look at it.

So that will be the next step. Unfortunately I am leaving tonight and won't be back until Sunday. So this will have to wait until Monday.

Like several have suggested, I will go higher and higher until I get results.
I want to go about this as civilized as possible. They seemed receptive to what I had to say.

If I dont get results, thats when I'll start raising more hell.

[E_Swift]

Wow - that is absolutely crazy.

Any more pictures of the piston and the debris in the cylinder? I'm assuming there aren't any chunks missing from the piston ring land area? Is the debris piece magnetic?

Also, interested in a picture of the cylinder head combustion face if you have one.

I look at this kind of stuff all day long, maybe I can give you some extra ammo for your next trip to the 'stealer...

[I Like It Sideways]

One picture of the damaged head. Less blurry pictures to come.
http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/1cd4d576559854faa8447b69a7533343.jpg

This makes me cringe:

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/ecb20fd386fee04301eb4e15a0bf6110.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/e043aae66b45275a863e533e4006c0ff.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/f79c9d91f9bf559226a254a70435feaf.jpg


There is a small chunk missing from the land area.
And the piece is magnetic, therefore it isn't aluminum. Score one for me!

Here is an update on what went down today:

So it looks like at the moment Subaru will be doing nothing about remedying the situation. The manager at the dealership called me and said that the operations manager made that decision. When asked how they reached their decision, the manager told me he wasn't allowed to discuss that with me.
I told him to have the operations manager call me, I would like to speak to him personally. They did not disassemble the head like they had claimed they were going to do, nor did they bring in an engineer to inspect the head or chunk of metal.

I am entitled to learn how they came to their decision, without doing anything they said they were going to do. Nor did they call me about this. I called them yesterday asking for an update, and received a call back today. Nothing adds up.

I am going today to pick my head up from them, and then going to try to get the operations manager's number (Ryan Turner, the guy we couldn't find).
More than likely they will not be able to disclose that information, but you'd think as the operations manager of the Bob Rohrman Autogroup, he'd have a business card of some sort.

There is no way in hell they are getting out of this that easily.

[Not All There]

wow that thing is trashed

[E_Swift]

Ok, the magnetic discovery could be very good news, believe it or not.

Basically, you are looking at foreign debris (their fault) unless

1)there was a valve chordal failure (chunks of valve, usually pie-section shaped). You can look carefully at the valves by barring over the head and inspecting each valve at its max lift. Probably best not to disassemble right away, you may loose some piece of evidence...
2) At the same time, look carefully at the valve seats. These are ferrous, too. Various things can cause them to fracture or completely fall out.
3) Part of the oil ring (unlikely, based on what I think I see on the very small chunk missing out of the piston)
4) Spark plug is intact, right?

If you need to get serious with these people, you can send your debris chunk to a lab in Chicago, for about $65 they can do a complete chemical analysis, and you can determine exactly what it is/was based on the elemental content.

[E_Swift]

You probably can't be totally sure on #1 or #2 until it is disassembled. Just take many pictures, number all the parts by location with a paint pen, etc first. Then tear into it.

Once disassembled, we can look a bit more into what exactly happened. So what was the history of the failure, from first indication to ...? I saw something about a bent rod...? Some evidence was lost when the timing belt was removed.

[I Like It Sideways]

interesting about #1.

I should have disassembled the head myself. I left it with the dealership, stupid me. From what I saw, it seemed like the valves were in good shape.

I'm picking it up tomorrow and I'll be looking for the operations manager that made the decision.

I'll look into sending it off to the lab. That would more than likely be worth it in this case.

And the spark plug is intact.

Thanks for the feedback on the pictures. I could use all the help I can get with this.

Edit:
There were no signs of failure, until the engine wouldn't turn over upon trying to start it. Before that, it ran perfect, and I didn't hear any suspicious sounds. Although my girlfriend said that she thought my car sounded different than it did before I took it in to get serviced. My only guess is that she may have been hearing this object bouncing off the valves in the intake runners.

The dealership listened to my car once I was able to get it turned over and started, and said that they thought it may have been rod knock.

What would have been lost when we removed the timing belt?

[E_Swift]

The name of the place is Chicago Spectro Service Laboratory, Inc
773-229-0099

So how did you get from not being able to turn over the engine (assuming here you were just using the electric starter, right?) to running?

Potential mis-timing proof would be lost when the belt was removed.

There are only a few things that will prevent an engine from being turned over. One is valve-to-piston interference (unlikely but always a question after doing a head gasket)

How soon after the service did you see problems? This you would know right away.

Have you looked at measured/plastigaged the bearings? This is how you can rule out rod knock as a contributor.

[I Like It Sideways]

At first I thought it was a dead battery. So I replaced the battery with a stronger one while I was at it. That got the engine to turn over and fire up. I thought the belt may have jumped a tooth, but the dealership said it did not (who knows if they are yanking my chain). That was one of the first culprits I asked them to look for.
I put 794 miles on the car before this happened.

I did not know I could plastigage the bearings. We haven't torn down the block enough to get to them.
I always thought that rod knock was a gradual onset, not sudden though.

[E_Swift]

Well, you're right - rod knock is usually gradual onset.

This is a "traditional" ignorant/incompetent mechanic issue in some cases when the head is removed. Basically, if both heads aren't drained of coolant completely before loosening the head bolts, you stand a strong chance of getting coolant in the crankcase. You see this more on V engines and inlines rather than boxers, but I'm sure it is possible. Usually, an oil change cleans things out, but it really should be 2. Did the dealer charge for an oil change? An oil analysis could have been done, but since you have also pulled the heads, it becomes impossible to prove.

In any case, the bearings will have a characteristic coloration if they have been attacked by acid, which is what happens to coolant that has mixed with the oil, in addition to boiling where pressure and heat transfer are needed, and generally decreasing viscosity and oil pressure.

I'm still betting on foreign debris, given the size of that lump.

[I Like It Sideways]

It was definitely caused by the foreign object... but they just won't own up to it. I think I am going to send it to that lab... maybe we can figure out what exactly it is, and use that as evidence.

After all this is over, I'll disassemble the block and rebuild it.

As for an update on the car:

Stripped out the carpet and center console. Trunk has been stripped as well. Need to remove sound deadening though.
http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/941cb95fb5a5112d8e049252ec3e1165.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/fa5ee543b8cd7b27b28b3fe8267c39bc.jpg


And installed this graphite gasket from GrimmSpeed (http://www.grimmspeed.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=60_33_35_43). I would definitely recommend it to anyone, this gasket rocks

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/43c7936a779de7e86d38a785fad7839f.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/494c6fff72a8bfa2d65979884f8051b5.jpg
Fixing this leak caused another to surface... so I'll be ordering another gasket.

Hit 100k on the body last weekend

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/cdc92c7c1dd491f0f916f2ad7eca272a.jpg

[strat]

love the video of the stpr chicane. i'm less than an hour away from wellsboro and i love to romp up there. i'll have to find some of the footage from the subaru meet we had up there last year...

you coming to stpr in 08?

[409industries]

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/941cb95fb5a5112d8e049252ec3e1165.jpg


WTF you have almost the exact same angle in the above shot as the one i took of my car! Same stupid tilt and everything. :lol:

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/hosting/project_rs/2007-8-20-cabin_carpet_remove/cabin_dampening_remove_012.jpg

I love the picture of 100K on the odometer... all artsy!

[I Like It Sideways]

love the video of the stpr chicane. i'm less than an hour away from wellsboro and i love to romp up there. i'll have to find some of the footage from the subaru meet we had up there last year...

you coming to stpr in 08?

You bet I am!! That was taken in '06. I will hopefully be crewing, a friend and I only spectated in 2006, and I love crewing more than spectating.

I definitely would love to see the footage from your meet. if it was posted on RS25, I may have seen it :D


WTF you have almost the exact same angle in the above shot as the one i took of my car! Same stupid tilt and everything. :lol:


I love the picture of 100K on the odometer... all artsy!

Thats hilarious! What is it with the tilt? I saw your picture before I took my interior out... thats what motivated me to get to it and take out the carpet. I still need to remove the sound deadening, among other things.
Its going to be super easy to tighten the hand brake now :D

I go overboard with pictures sometimes. The 100k shot was another point and hope it takes a cool shot haha.

[strat]

i don't believe it was posted on rs25... it was a variety of subarus (legacy's and imprezas... sedans and wagons) the one vid my buddy made got taken down on streetfire.

i'll be there in 08 as well. probably just spectating. any plans to run the charity time/distance rally they have on friday before stpr?

[kreitz3]

I too will be there in '08.

I still can't wait to see the GC this weekend!!!

[E_Swift]

So I take it that this is now a full-on rally project?

What's this weekend- thought rallyx was over for the year....?

[I Like It Sideways]

A few Subaru guys here at Purdue are coming over to my house for food, forza, DiRT, and driving. Kyle is just the outsider from Ohio, that we consider as one of our own hahaha

You're welcome to come too, if you can make the time! I think we are doing it tomorrow night/Friday

And this is now a rally project. It will be well over another year before it's finished, but gotta start somewhere.

[kreitz3]

Hey. I'm not the outsider. You are the Buckeye posing as a Hoosier. Mole.

[409industries]

A few Subaru guys here at Purdue are coming over to my house for food, forza, DiRT, and driving. Kyle is just the outsider from Ohio, that we consider as one of our own hahaha

You're welcome to come too, if you can make the time! I think we are doing it tomorrow night/Friday

And this is now a rally project. It will be well over another year before it's finished, but gotta start somewhere.

I wanna come play too :(

Nice to see its a full on rally project now! DI has quite a few GC builds in the works.

[I Like It Sideways]

I wanna come play too :(

Nice to see its a full on rally project now! DI has quite a few GC builds in the works.

Heck yeah!

Its full-on...but it'll be painfully slow. I don't see a cage getting installed until summer, providing funds are there haha.
I'm pumped to get dirtier with this car, but at the same time I'm reserved, because there is(will be) a PGT awd L for sale after Sno*drift, that I was going to see if the owner would do a straight up trade. He rolled it at LSPR, and said he was going to fix it for Sno*drift. Gah. That'd be perfect if I could just trade.

Hey. I'm not the outsider. You are the Buckeye posing as a Hoosier. Mole.

Indiana resident 4 years. Ohio resident 18 years. yea... you're right.

[I Like It Sideways]

Update:

I've raced twice with the new engine in, and driven > 1000 miles.

Both times I've run into problems with the engine, fuel delivery system, and/or electrical system.
I will be doing more research on this.

Under heavy cornering and tossing the car around, I will get a huge hesitation from the engine. As if hitting a fuel cutoff. The car falls on its face, then gets back into it.
Also, the car has stalled on me, or so it looked like it. I shifted from 3rd to 4th while cruising, and all lights cutout, gauges dropped out, and then everything came back an instant later.
I think something shorted out, or lost power somehow, as the clock on my dash reset.
I checked the fuses, all are fine. I think I will take pre-emptive action and replace the relays as well.

Also, something shorted out, and nearly burned down my car:
http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/45/f7276f09f9b35c3b81f26db7a789ac2d.jpg

After frustratingly tearing apart the conduit leading to and from my relay and fuse box, I found nothing. I re-wrapped everything, and installed a different alternator. To be safe, I did the "grounding mod" and added a ground from the neg. terminal of the battery to the alternator, alternator to the block, and the block to the chassis.
Since then, I haven't had a problem with the alternator.

I also did a rattle can job on the winter/race wheels. I didn't prime or clear coat them, as this was a trial. I think I like the white, but I want to try another color before I sand and refinish these wheels

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/c31e3899c6f85ab0c8ed3c0b8fc3e81c.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/a45abd17eedfef422bd259d8cb8c14f8.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/1f9afc46a62f4fcd052e97c01ce9917f.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/edf8ec660f11acfed9f24e2ceec059f4.jpg

[noisycricket]

Check the grounds to the intake manifold. Got bit that that once. Car ran great until the wiring harness shifted and then stall/dead.

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

Any luck getting Bob Roarman to pay for that ****? I'm also from Indiana.

[kreitz3]

That's a sexy bugeye next to your car.

[I Like It Sideways]

That it is. That is FTD material right there ;)

[kreitz3]

79.3 bitch.

[smitch]

Sideways, I have the same fuel starve problem in my 99rs. I did a fuel pump slush box. It helped a little, but its still there while making long left sweepers. The problem is the way the all wheel drive fuel tanks are made with a hump in the middle. Anyways heres a few pictures of RC airplane tank mod slush box and a link.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f325/Smitch260/100_1927.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f325/Smitch260/100_1925.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f325/Smitch260/100_1924.jpg

http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49108&highlight=fuel+starve

My car has the 255 walbro and the version 8 2.0 so I think my starving problem might be a bit extreme compared to yours. Like I said the little tank helped, but didnt totally cure my problem. I bet with the stock pump it would take care of your starve.

keirnna = KHan???:waving:

[I Like It Sideways]

Holy kickass. Thanks a ton smitch!!

I found that one of my motor mounts was extremely loose. About an inch worth of play in the stud. I hope that didn't tweak the drivetrain too horribly

Any luck getting Bob Roarman to pay for that ****? I'm also from Indiana.

Not as of yet. I have a lawyer to speak on my behalf though. No legal action has taken place though

DI stuff, woo!
http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/680x680x2/f746d5681140a3153b54f0c1924a201a.jpg

Still deciding on where I want the windshield banner to go

[409industries]

I heard the fuel pump was tiny... but man, that thing is sooo small!

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

keirnna = KHan???:waving:
Yep...

[I Like It Sideways]

I heard the fuel pump was tiny... but man, that thing is sooo small!

Thats what she said... :machinegunleft: Oh!

The RS has been vinyled up with DI goodies, RedlineRally goodies, and SCCA goodies.

DI Windshield Banner
http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/650x650x2/19a3a88e14b1baac2f2c0a0fbdee37a0.jpg

http://richard.safier.com/OVR/RallyCross030108/images/z06_0042.jpg

SCCA Banner + DI Banner
http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/650x650x2/782f2fd19552786930427be86d216366.jpg

RedlineRally Rally Name Vinyls

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/650x650x2/b8b033a2b7dc4a87a3c9ac9331a6c492.jpg

DI small vinyls

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/650x650x2/af80c38eefc89f44b2a73ade26264057.jpg

And one more dirty one for good measure... I don't post whore...I just picture whore
http://richard.safier.com/OVR/RallyCross030108/images/z06_0357.jpg

[Blix666]

wow....awesome bunch'o'pics.

you get DIIIIRTY!!!

[donutking]

very niiiice my friend! great write up and even better pics!

[VermillionX]

Love the pics. I just cant wait to get mine that dirty.

[I Like It Sideways]

wow....awesome bunch'o'pics.

you get DIIIIRTY!!!

Yeah we do!! It's still dirty... I cleaned the underbody and wheels/wheel wells... but still dirt on the doors/trunk/roof. :machinegunleft:

very niiiice my friend! great write up and even better pics!


:mrgreen: Pictures are worth more than words!


Love the pics. I just cant wait to get mine that dirty.

It's a blast. Until you have to wash it :shock:


3/8/08
STi seat installed. Price: $0. :shocked:
I don't get to keep it forever though

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/650x650x2/b0275171b358475d5b27ebbdbab019ee.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/650x650x2/724b3e9250160b144187116f21b72cd7.jpg

[I Like It Sideways]

See post #67

[the_wrath_of_Khan]

You need to remove the wheel weights when you sand them...

[I Like It Sideways]

I'm not worried about getting everything sanded :) I used a dremel to get close to it. I don't see the wheels getting rebalanced anytime soon either, so I should be ok
I will be removing the wheel weights on the other wheels though.

[kreitz3]

How soon till you get new tires on those wheels?

[I Like It Sideways]

Not soon enough. Ha.

[I Like It Sideways]

Refinishing the 6 spokes

So my 6 spokes have been looking like this for over a year now

Gravel roads and lots of rallycross abuse.
http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/87af163fe5554d90c5190d709fc5e681.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/ad26ace0cc79327be3df699d83570b05.jpg

I got tired of them looking like that... so I got to work
I used the following primers, paint, and clear coats (doing this on the cheap, thus why I used 3 different primers. Two were free, so I only had to buy one more)

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/7a3fd65fe75553f689be679153db5c89.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/0100c156d0bcb2fd7ff8d310901b1d03.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/dfd9f1257be5c55d90f5cf83a1bba876.jpg

Got them down to bare metal for the most part, mainly focusing on the areas of heavy chippage

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/618f92604454b08ab0bd820d00aa35b8.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/76994f942033deeb7848b0900bf5980a.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/311e52240766ea0bcb3f09941b222edf.jpg

I primered the first wheel with a lighter primer, as that is all I had, and figured I was going to need a lot of primer anyhow. After using up one can on the first wheel, the chips were still noticeable

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/ee4a77d291e76b42023dec5d1e2ef156.jpg

Applied Rust-Oleum automobile primer to the rest of the wheels

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/8082ef33fea282e15da3eb477d439970.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/485932858231d9c930e436cc0bf8c7a2.jpg

After applying primer, I was able to see spots that I should have sanded better. So I bought this 4 pack of sand paper of 220, 400, 800, and 1000 grit at Autozone

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/e96f5266a1e3ff8bb3c7075d68819d0e.jpg

I began wet sanding with the 400 grit, and once I reached bare metal again in some areas, I moved up to the 800 grit. In doing so, I was able to leave most of the chips filled in with primer, while sanding them flush the the metal.

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/b66dbfa9d19f04b9b0139200cdbe6881.jpg

I applied a few more layers of primer, let it dry for 30 minutes, and began wet sanding again, this time, only with 800 grit sand paper. This gave a nice smooth finish to the primer. I repeated this one more time after 2 more *light* coats of primer. After the last coat, the primer began doing this in some spots. I washed the wheels after sanding each time as well.

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/35d9af63ef597591ce857974c8460b25.jpg

So one last time, I sanded the primer lightly, then washed the wheels.

I let the primer dry for 2 hours, then began to apply the color coat. I used Dupli-Color engine enamel from Autozone.
I focused on two wheels only, and sprayed a 3 lights coats, followed by 2 heavier coats

After the last coat, this is how they turned out

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/7e3ff82a9683d01fe48289a7f68e6c71.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/0bd42ed4b9a3a3bb0cccbd1e1bf468c2.jpg

I need some black lug nuts... hmm... Team Illuminata comes to mind

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/c0cceaa8c642d8e6f352b56bdf951155.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/0721e024348a47f387ba02c5ffef4568.jpg

I have not yet clear coated them, I was anxious to throw them on for pictures. I only have two done, so I will be taking these back off.

I plan on wet sanding the color coat with 1000 grit sand paper to smooth out the orange peel, and finally I will apply the clear coat. Hopefully this will all happen tonight.

Next, I'll be repainting the wrx wheels. I simply masked off the tires and sprayed them with flat white enamel... no sanding, no primer, no clear coat. So much easier! But only temporary.

My gf (strngemily) suggested an orange to match my side markers... I'm thinking I might do this.

[409industries]

yep. painting my BBS's took a lot of time and patience too. But the result was worth it. Orange wheels would be awesome!

[donutking]

orange wheels ftw!!! what strut spring combo you on?

[ten80]

Update:


Also, something shorted out, and nearly burned down my car:
http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/45/f7276f09f9b35c3b81f26db7a789ac2d.jpg

After frustratingly tearing apart the conduit leading to and from my relay and fuse box, I found nothing. I re-wrapped everything, and installed a different alternator. To be safe, I did the "grounding mod" and added a ground from the neg. terminal of the battery to the alternator, alternator to the block, and the block to the chassis.
Since then, I haven't had a problem with the alternator.


What a coincidence, I had the exact same issue last week and also popped in a new alternator, which seemed to fix the results. I also cleaned the battery terminals and alternator contact ring-end.

As for wheels, you might try krylon Etching Primer. It does a really nice job of holding on to bare metal and duplicolor paint should stick to it like crazy.

[strngemily]

Poor RS looks naked without the wing. Bring back the wing! Bring back the wing!

Oh, and on a cheaper note, you could try out orange lug nuts before you go with orange wheels.

[Not All There]

orange lugs may be interesting, the wheels dont look bad, im curious how they hold up.

[409industries]

Oh, and on a cheaper note, you could try out orange lug nuts before you go with orange wheels.

Get black lugnuts! All the kids will love you come Halloween... LOL:crazy:

[I Like It Sideways]

orange wheels ftw!!! what strut spring combo you on?

I think I will be doing them!

I have KYB AGX's with ground control coil sleeves
10" springs all around

What a coincidence, I had the exact same issue last week and also popped in a new alternator, which seemed to fix the results. I also cleaned the battery terminals and alternator contact ring-end.

As for wheels, you might try krylon Etching Primer. It does a really nice job of holding on to bare metal and duplicolor paint should stick to it like crazy.

I will probably use self etching primer on my wrx wheels. It has been recommended to me by a few people :)

orange lugs may be interesting, the wheels dont look bad, im curious how they hold up.

I won't be rallycrossing on them, so hopefully they last awhile

Poor RS looks naked without the wing. Bring back the wing! Bring back the wing!

Oh, and on a cheaper note, you could try out orange lug nuts before you go with orange wheels.

I'm working on the wing part :)

Get black lugnuts! All the kids will love you come Halloween... LOL:crazy:

HAHA
I...just might paint my lug nuts black for kicks when I do my wheels orange...



The RS goes under the knife this week.
We will be removing the motor to do the head gaskets, timing belt, and water pump.

I also ran across two problems last week.
1) Found the right inner CV boot to have a rip in it
2) One of the studs that mates the tranny to the motor backed out, and had been rubbing on the left axle. No good.

Both will hopefully be fixed when I have the motor out. I plan to have the motor out by this Friday, timing belt, water pump, and head gaskets done by Sunday, and then do the boot and studs by Monday.

One final picture before I start taking stuff off again

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/800x800x2/47e5c933f9fc5774a0f17879b4d397bf.jpg

[I Like It Sideways]

Motor came out today. Gearing up for head gaskets, timing belt, and water pump.

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/1024x684/d61d51042d446300d2e406c25dd29210.jpg

http://x38.xanga.com/4c4c452609d33184141867/b141107817.jpg

http://xa8.xanga.com/e10c2b3111131184141706/b141107672.jpg

[I Like It Sideways]

Head gaskets, timing belt, and water pump have all been replaced.

I followed several DIY's from RS25, and did lots of asking questions.

DIY Head Gaskets (http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69217)

Newer DIY (http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78972)

Part #'s for Gaskets and head bolts (http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76311)

DIY Timing Belt (http://www.rs25.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28762)

Timing Belt Alignment (http://www.rs25.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1324818&postcount=6)

Torquing sequence for water pump (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1251014&highlight=water+pump+torque) - make sure to get a new gasket

Overall, it took 4 days to finish, from removing the engine all the way to start-up. Not to mention 1-2 days of cleaning up the work, double checking, and literally tying up loose ends. I hope I never have to do the HG's again. And if I do, I will be leaving the motor in. Nothing was truly difficult to do, simply time consuming. Like the torquing sequence on the heads.



http://x1a.xanga.com/eeec75fbd9432184557942/b141470099.jpg

http://xf3.xanga.com/f27c65fa78035184557876/b141470039.jpg

Next on the list for long-term maintenance will be to rebuild the bottom end.

Edit 5/6/08

Latest from a recent shoot:

http://xc8.xanga.com/936c9a7537d34187669127/b144163797.jpg

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/45/e69d6a79dce94103300da70ec36eb295.jpg

[kreitz3]

Sexy heads.

[I Like It Sideways]

Yes, they are sexy!


The inner CV boots on the front half shafts decided to let loose their guts.
http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x0/a3077a9bd235b8335061906f3f30e310.jpg

So it's time to replace the axles with remanufactured axles :)

$65ish at Pep Boys, with a $47 core charge.

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x0/c9bdd3552304e0b03de00ac6a6446760.jpg

Need to remove the two strut-knuckle bolts along with the nut that holds the tie rod end onto the knuckle, so the knuckle can be wiggled around enough to get the axle out.

Others have simply removed the knuckle from the A-Arm as well, and left the knuckle attached to the strut.

Old vs. Newer Old

http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x0/6796eda2807a62b68b86301eb6d02908.jpg

[I Like It Sideways]

Picked up a set of Bilstein coilovers (fronts only) at a recent rallycross. Free to try out, so I will be throwing these on soon. 250# springs, so I will be swapping my 225# to the rear of the car... I hope it won't be too stiff. I need more travel in the front however, so it might prove to be the right thing to do.

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/650x650x2/62d93fe36b94f29f93452dcb769ef8ce.jpg

[kreitz3]

Will your top hats work on those?

[I Like It Sideways]

Haven't found out yet.

But for my birthday, I will be finding out :)

[M_anstrom]

Yes, they are sexy!


The inner CV boots on the front half shafts decided to let loose their guts.
http://www.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x0/a3077a9bd235b8335061906f3f30e310.jpg


My left front CV isn't too far away from that... :-(

[noisycricket]

I drove my Subaru for 20k with no inner CV boots in the front. The first 5000 miles were the worst, with the grease slinging off onto the converter (STINKS) but after it was all gone, it was fine... :)

I take better care of my cars now.

(er, except for my VW, which has had grinding rear brakes for almost a year now)

[I Like It Sideways]

Haha Pete, we'll see if my front left CV joint lasts... I replaced the front right, but the front left is torn as well now.


A re-cap of this season thus far.

It has been a good one, we have been fairly successful at rallycrosses, and the car has put up with tons of abuse, as my girlfriend and I both race it at rallycrosses. The engine has held up, and still runs strong. Not bad for a $300 motor.

The suspension seems to be holding up, I'm still happy with my spring rates and dampers. I think I will attempt to modify the bilstein coilovers to fit my knuckle/hub assembly, because I am dire need of more travel in the front.

At the last rallycross, a divisional, a friend of mine and I blew the front main seal, and put the car out of the race. That has been the first mechanical failure at a rallycross thus far, over 3 years of rallycrossing. Not too shabby.

So far this year I have taken 1st in the Ohio Valley Region in M4, and also 1st in the Great Lakes Division. I'm currently hanging onto 1st in the Western Ohio Region, but a friend of mine, Seth Miller is currently threatening that lead in his new WRX. It will come down to the last event of the Western Ohio Region to determine who takes M4 for the year. It will be a great battle!

[kreitz3]

I will be there to try my best to distract Seth.

[I Like It Sideways]

Time to invest in something hopefully better suited for rallycross

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/Lachlanus/IMG_1846.jpg


I'll be picking these up in the next week.
The tires are worn, but I'm going to give them a shot at the upcoming rallycross so long as it's not too cold.

As soon as these puppies are done, it's Silverstone S525M time

[Serialk1llr]

Hey Sideways,
Just of out curosity, about how much would do you think you have invested thus far in car/parts and any work you have to have paid to get done?

[409industries]

Damn! This guy is getting geared up! I didn't realized you did your own HG's thats impressive :)

[I Like It Sideways]

Hey Serialk1llr, I have a running list of what has gone into the car, including work done by a stealership, maintenance, and all the goodies.
In all it amounts to about $7200.

Aaron - Thanks! After the "mishap" with the stealership, I was not going to throw away money to have them do work I wanted to learn how to do. I didn't want another head looking like this:
http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/f79c9d91f9bf559226a254a70435feaf.jpg

Or end up missing a piece of the landing again...:

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/e043aae66b45275a863e533e4006c0ff.jpg


It helped quite a bit to have a 2nd car as a daily driver.

[Lachlan]

How are my rally wheels treating you? Those michelins are built like tanks, man. hurry up and buy my 8 so I can get a new rally beater

PS, if you want to shudder, how about finding something like this?
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a96/Lachlanus/IMG_1054.jpg

[williaty]

That's pretty damned impressive.

[kreitz3]

Wow Lachlan. How long did your motor have "a little rattle?"

[I Like It Sideways]

How are my rally wheels treating you? Those michelins are built like tanks, man. hurry up and buy my 8 so I can get a new rally beater

PS, if you want to shudder, how about finding something like this?



Ouch... very ouch.

The TD's are great! Haven't had a chance to rallycross on them yet since A) it's been too cold and B) the blue car isn't ready!

But they look damn good on my white RS... :headbang::headbang:


A friend of mine picked this up for me in Chicago... He called me up and said, "you're going to love me"... just a teaser for now... it won't be going in until May

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/620x620x2/f90dc467ad6d86160540504040283143.jpg





http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/620x620x2/af8c2872cc68570ff184b2d6ada277a4.jpg

The engine is also out at the moment for some much-needed maintenance.
The following is getting replaced:
Front/Rear main seal
Cam seals
Valve cover gaskets
Spark plug gaskets
Spark plugs/wiresRemoving the cams from the old heads... :twisted:

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/620x620x2/bd56d873fbfc8f3f3b8601c5b30eda08.jpg


During the month of May once my finals are over, we are rolling the car to it's new garage where we will have plenty of room to work with. The shell is getting stripped, and seam welding will follow. :headbang:

[adgimenez]

Wow!

[noisycricket]

Holy awesome Batman!

[I Like It Sideways]

Progress has been slow, due to low funds and low levels of motivation

Towed the blue RS to the new house down the street with the white car :headbang:

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs104.snc1/4891_817362516938_13701496_47403971_4826628_n.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/08eb8ec57b360b0a123fab650bc03431.jpg

Holy ride height difference! - no engine in the blue RS
http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/6516889f8ccebe70f9462bb32240ca8d.jpg

Got to grinding the seams...I have a LOT more work to do. We have the welder now, so I have more motivation to get to it.

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/a749141b239f89f74dacb7cf665ed177.jpg



http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/c5aa96e7868248db0e893d20323960cd.jpg


Valve cover gaskets, spark plug gaskets have been replaced. Also resealed the oil pan. After putting the engine back in, I made my way to Ohio for the Eastern States Championship. On the way, it seems a head gasket (or both) decided to start leaking. I burned more oil than I leaked last time I took the engine out. Coolant got in the mix as well. The head gaskets have less than 5k miles on them. Needless to say I was very disappointed that I could not race my own car. Going with the updated triple layer gaskets this time around, and hopefully this won't happen again. The head bolts will get replaced as well, just as a precautionary measure.

Got bored while studying, and put this together

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTsXruSgbEM


At the Eastern States Championship, Tim White (Subydude) was kind enough to let me 2nd drive his PA RS :headbang:


http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/25ee5121465b53b44dcb13ced1eb8c6c.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/11ed4986793982816ca24c0dbf2ee25c.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/ff041c222e44137cda546c8ececfae3d.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/447f4a8a7f97ffa88dc885238f4bcf98.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/18ff11c78d02487a8165adedb1fe0524.jpg

[I Like It Sideways]

No update on the blue car, but I did get the chance to co-drive for Bill Caswell at LSPR this past weekend in a G2 e30. I co-drove for Bill on day 1 of Ojibwe as well.

We had a fair amount of problems with the car. Beginning of day 1 we had hesitation problems. Found out we were hitting the speed limit fuel cut due to a short in the rear diff sensor.

After getting that fixed, we rolled through FTC at the end of day 1 to find smoke rising out from the hood. Turns out we had an electrical fire. The coil pack on the car is(was) mounted on the right strut tower, between the engine and the strut tower. After unknowingly ripping the mounts out/off the cross member, the engine pitched side to side, rubbing against the coil pack, melting a few wires, and shorting stuff out.

We were lucky to find the fire and rescue guys willing to flat tow us back the 30-40 miles back to Houghton for the night. Our windows were down, and it was raining out...made for a very cold ride back. But a lady was kind enough to donate a few hand warmers to us...made a world of difference!! :) I swear, the people that volunteer at these events are absolutely selfless. We got back safely and in a timely fashion. It's great to hear about their own trials and tribulations that led them to where they are now.

Bill surveyed the damage the next morning before parc expose. It was decided the right engine mount would essentially be a rubber mallet, placed between the engine and the cross member to keep the oil pan from hanging down lower. Two tie downs were used to hold the engine in place (keep in mind we had no engine mount on the right side, and left side was barely hanging on).

After the 2nd service, we borrowed another tie down from Dillon Van Way's truck, and our crew guys secured the engine tightly. One holding the engine down, one holding it up, and one holding it from being thrown forward through the radiator.

Luckily, the stages on day 2 were much shorter (~3-4 miles a piece).

We pressed on through the stages, doing what we could with what we had, and had a blast while doing it. An epic weekend, lots of great seat time and great experiences with everyone there. It's truly a shame LSPR will not be part of the national circuit next season...those roads are truly something else.



http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs206.snc1/7332_873917649998_13701496_49748064_7379542_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs206.snc1/7332_873916886528_13701496_49748030_2462175_n.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/b1ec1597dbca36a1eb7cf5ede8b4d50c.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs257.snc1/10428_875605747038_13701496_49816122_2418756_n.jpg

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/ad18b913183820a421f12c6748eff874.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/1be2d46b5a05a8a06f33f0e02b678e7b.jpg

Celebration time...

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs236.snc1/8324_190575377714_825847714_3964416_5094492_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs236.snc1/8324_190575362714_825847714_3964414_6373222_n.jpg

http://www1.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/2ed41e197651d98af441404c195b3d38.jpg





A short clip from Delaware @ the delta:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2TS-jOuWXE

And...there was a band of Quattros in attendance as sweep vehicles. The sound...none can compare

http://www2.zoto.com/ilikeitsideways/img/600x600x2/f880b7fc7475b90fe4d620a07bb8a659.jpg

[I Like It Sideways]

The blue car has been neglected a bit over the past year. Having been frustrated with burning oil late last year and being low on finances, fixing it was put on hold for awhile.

In the mean time, I kept me feet wet in rally and co-drove for Bill Caswell again at Sno*Drift '10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUyTBb91Jx0

We had issues getting started on some stages. But the icy conditions didn't keep us from having fun. It was frustratingly slow at some points, but Bill has excellent car control and kept us on the road 95% of the time. After getting knocked by a snow bank and spinning the car around a few times after a R4 on the first stage, we took it a little bit easier.
We stuffed it twice. Once we were pulled out by a snowmobile, and the 2nd got yanked out by a GTi.
The course workers were awesome enough to help us out by getting out tow strap out and ready for us, along with attempting to push us. Many thanks to them and their efforts, it helped us immensely in saving time in unbuckling, and kept us safe by waving down oncoming cars and even putting our triangle out for us!! They really wasted no time.


Burning through 15 quarts of oil in 800 miles?? :machinegunleft:
Recently I replaced the head gaskets a 2nd time, along with the timing belt for good measure, thinking that would solve my oil burning problem. I came to find out the problems are much deeper than that. I took the car on an 800 mile trip. All was well for the first 50-60 miles. I then began seeing poofs of blue/black smoke out the exhaust. After checking my oil and realizing it already burned through a quart, I knew I'd be paying for more than just gas to keep the car going. It burned through 15 quarts during that trip. :shootsself:

What the pistons looked like after removing the heads...
Left side:

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs193.snc3/20077_924343675838_13701496_51421335_5845412_n.jpg

Right side, after cleaning it up a bit

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs448.ash1/24699_947837678668_13701496_52036985_3791062_n.jpg

Cleaned a little more

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs193.snc3/20077_924343660868_13701496_51421334_3155393_n.jpg

We also noticed the cylinder walls had some slight scoring on that side...should have realized head gaskets were not going to fix my problem.

After limping home from my trip, I drove the car around town a bit while waiting to find a new knuckle for the white car. The rear left bearing was causing some...dynamic toe issues...

Now that the white RS is back on the road, the blue car sits until I can find another shortblock...that seems to be the cheapest (in the short run) option. My heads are fine, just need to replace the valves as well.
Also in the wings are a set of Delta 2000 grind cams. I'm anxious to throw those in once I have a fixed long block assembled.


Lacking someone to hold the brake pedal for me while I tightened the crank pulley, I came up with this. Worked like a charm!

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs266.ash1/19377_930861993078_13701496_51597701_3888103_n.jpg


http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs166.snc3/19377_930862003058_13701496_51597702_2134735_n.jpg

Also finally began seam welding, since there is nothing else to do in the mean time. My room mate (DN1911) was kind enough to show me a few things about welding, and let me have a go at it.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs408.snc3/24699_947830602848_13701496_52036723_5641537_n.jpg

Dustin welding a bit in the trunk

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs448.ash1/24699_947830692668_13701496_52036724_8084962_n.jpg

[williaty]

Lemme know what parts you need overall. I've come up with some things :D

[I Like It Sideways]

I hope to have enough parts between my two blocks to make one good one.
However, you never know. Thanks for the cams ;) I can't imagine what you have in stockpile now... You know I'll be in touch.
It will be another month or so before I will be able to take the two apart and see whats good and what's not. Which means I'll be missing the Eastern States Championship. Blargh.

More seam welding. It's fun, but tedious and slow. I've had help from my roommate to show me a thing or two, and he's had his hand in the car a few times.

The sheet metal looked a bit...wrinkled (before welding too)... Not sure if that's normal or not...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs434.snc3/25001_955413751158_13701496_52293980_3056105_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs454.ash1/25001_955413771118_13701496_52293982_5226034_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs434.snc3/25001_955413776108_13701496_52293983_212987_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs434.snc3/25001_955413781098_13701496_52293984_5830325_n.jpg

Boredom... needed something else to do, so I slapped on the TD's.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs494.snc3/26972_956501436428_13701496_52326276_1169912_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs494.ash1/26972_956501441418_13701496_52326277_6975108_n.jpg

[409industries]

Keep giving that blue Subaru some love!

[williaty]

Who's M. Cline?

[I Like It Sideways]

Keep giving that blue Subaru some love!

She needs much more love than what I'm giving her :(

Who's M. Cline?


Melissa, my better half.

[williaty]

Melissa, my better half.
You've a new one? You never said.

[I Like It Sideways]

I swear I told you, I do apologize. Since August last year :-)

[williaty]

I swear I told you, I do apologize. Since August last year :-)

I should have realized when the half-drunken bitching stopped :lol:

[strat]

glad to see the blue rs isn't dead... always been a fan!

[I Like It Sideways]

I should have realized when the half-drunken bitching stopped :lol:

HAHA :guitarist: So true.


glad to see the blue rs isn't dead... always been a fan!

Thank you! It needs lots of attention. It also needs more rallyx.

[DN1911]

oh the car is dead, and i can't seem to keep Elliott's ass motivated to get something done!!! :shootsself:

[I Like It Sideways]

Oh man I was almost afraid to come back to this thread, I've neglected it like I have my blue car.

My life in a nutshell since the last post... graduated with a B.S. in MET from Purdue, worked at the Subaru manufacturing plant in Lafayette, IN, moved from Indiana to Illinois for a job related to my field, and bought an '06 WRX.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/WRX/P__A0AE.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/WRX/P__6009.jpg

And that brings me to today. Had tons of hiccups over the last several months since I began this job (not job-related though, luckily), and finally started working on blue car again. I also have a place with a basement finally, so I went through all my old crap and sorted out what I want to get rid of. Wheels and tires will not be for sale :)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/Subaru%20Stuff%20for%20Sale/IMG_9656.jpg


That began with some more sound deadening removal, removing the dash, and removing the sunroof/moonroof (can't remember which is which, ever). Bought a rivet gun, now I just need some aluminum for the roof.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/RS/IMG_9709.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/RS/IMG_9708.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/RS/IMG_9710.jpg


Game on folks.

[I Like It Sideways]

Progress is slow, but some progress is better than none!

Removed the rear windows and motors

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/RS/S__9111.jpg


Mini flocking kit came in the mail last week. Thanks to those who posted info on where they got theirs from. Ordered my kit from DonJer.com (http://www.donjer.com). I ordered the enhanced mini kit with nylon fibers, based on the information other people here have supplied. Also ordered a 2nd applicator so I can have help doing the dash. I should have plenty of fibers left over, and adhesive.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/RS/Photo_5862B890-FC47-60A9-AF59-9CFB621BCABA.jpg

Started out with the A-Pillars and vents for practice

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/RS/Photo_1C75B570-A466-6CF8-19CD-5439F63CA465.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/RS/Photo_646B6D7F-1B4C-8548-BC0E-D36F7B43C292.jpg


Bought some drop sheets to set up a "booth" in the basement for when I do the dash.

Picked up a Corbeau FX1 Pro seat. Price was cheap enough, I couldn't pass it up. Will be for sale once I get my hands on FIA rated seats

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a385/ILikeItSideways/WRX/WP_000497-1.jpg

[gizzmo]

Any word on the Lexan? I should probably make it run before I take out the windos though huh? :lol:

[sammyk]

Let me know what you are going to be selling from your GC's who knows I might need something :). Looking good man, nice to have room for all those parts!