Dirt Monster v2.0

[Gearhead Geek]

Been a long time coming on this, so here we go.
As for those wondering about the name, my previous Civic was known as the Dirt Monster,
since I was terrible at keeping it clean. The name came over to this car,
although so far I'm surprising most of my friends with how clean I'm keeping it :D

Gearhead Geek's 2006 CGM WRX

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/Collage.jpg

Current Mods
VF39
SPT Turbo Heat Shield
Cobb SF Intake
Cobb SF Airbox
Cobb After-Maf
SpeedTech Silicone Turbo Inlet
eBay TMIC + Y-Pipe w/Silicone TB Coupler
Hood Scoop Splitter Deleted
Agency Power UEL Header
Ultimate Racing Uppipe with Tial 38mm EWG
SpeedTech Catless TBE
GrimmSpeed uber-thick Gaskets on everything
TurboSmart MBC
Killer B Motorsport Ultimate Oil Pickup
Walbro Fuel Pump
DIY AOS/Catch Can
NGK 1 Step Colder Plugs
PPG SC 1-4 Transmission
ACT HD SS Clutch + Pressure Plate
ACT Streetlight Flywheel
Whiteline Steering Rack Bushings
Group N Engine Mounts
Hasport Pitch Mount
Group N Transmission Mount
TiC Transmission Cross Member Bushings
Kartboy Short Shifter
TiC 5MT Lever Pivot Bushings
Perrin Front Shifter Bushings
TiC Rear Shifter Stay Bushing
TiC 06+ Subaru Shift Linkage Bushings
TiC Subaru Rear Diff Mount Bushings (Race)
TiC Rear Diff Outrigger Bushings (Race)
Flex Innovations Grounding Kit
GTSpec Radiator Shroud
FIAMM El Grande Twin Horns
RallyArmor Urethane Flaps
DIY RA-R Grill Pinstripe
eBay Front Lip
Autometer Dual Pod Instrument Bezel
AutoMeter Sport-Comp Boost Gauge
Prosport Gauge Blank
2007 OEM Headunit w/Aux-In Port
Killer B Teardrop Style Delrin Shift Knob
Dunlop SP Sport 01's (225/45R17)
TiC Brake Pads w/NAPA Premium Rotors

Stuff waiting to go on
Kartboy Rear Subframe Bolts
Techna-Fit Stainless Steel Clutch Line
Upgraded Headlight Harness
Kartboy Solid Front & Rear Endlinks

Planned Future Mods
Whiteline ALK - Sport
TiC Master Cylinder Brace
Possible retrofit of an 04 STI scoop
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Lower Grille Mesh
Kartboy Crankshaft Pulley
Swaybars
RCE Black's & Tokico D-Spec's
TiC Giuyngmyo Fender Cowl Braces
Wheels
Audio
Tint

[Gearhead Geek]

Installed the eBay TMIC & Y-Pipe along with the STI Splitter & Bellows today.
Let me start by saying, this thing is HUGE. Fitament on the IC was acctually pretty good,
aside from the fact that's a VERY small ammount of clearance between the AC line & the
top of the IC. Thankfully, once I had it installed, I was able to adjust the
AC line to sit closer to the firewall to prevent rubbing.
As for the splitter, the edge closest to the front was hitting the PCV bar a bit, to the point
of lifting the hood by about 1mm on the driver's side. For now I bent it a bit, but I plan to
work on remounting the bar a bit using some washers to space it further forward.

Pics
Old vs New
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/IC%20Install/2010-04-12110812.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/IC%20Install/2010-04-12110821.jpg

Yes kids, this is why you shouldn't use a stock splitter with a bigger TMIC
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/IC%20Install/2010-04-12123631.jpg

Installed
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/IC%20Install/SN852107.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/IC%20Install/SN852109.jpg

Did a few more tweaks to it after the last pic, just changing how flush it sits, as well
as moving the AC line back some more.

[jwebsta32]

Big TMIC FTW....or till I get a FMIC. But I did get a good gain from tune with a big TMIC. Have you posted in the Hawkeye thread? Great color and great car

[Gearhead Geek]

Big TMIC FTW....or till I get a FMIC. But I did get a good gain from tune with a big TMIC. Have you posted in the Hawkeye thread? Great color and great car

Ty. I can't wait to get it tuned. The IC made a HUGE difference in throttle response. Boost is sitting a bit lower now but the butt dyno is definately saying it pulls a bit harder (didn't do an ECU reset yet either). It's more efficient then the stocker for sure, so I'm sure it's gonna help come tune time.
As for the Hawkeye thread, nope. Today was the first day I took any semi-decent pics of the car :D. I'll get a couple thrown up in there in a few.

[jwebsta32]

When I had my Perrin TMIC and grimmspeed PnP headers/high flow x pipe and cobb sfi/air box and Cobb catted TBE I put down 240 whp I believe.

[itsmy04wrx]

Nice car :up: I have the TurboXS version and I love it but i am going FMIC soon :devil:

[Bu11dogg2]

nice work!

[Gearhead Geek]

So the plan for today was to install my turbo inlet, however I decided I really
didn't feel like doing it today. So, got a couple of DIY's out of the way.
First off I remounted the PCV tubing on the front of the intercooler so that
it didn't rub against the splitter & shroud. A couple of washers on the bolts
and that problem was solved. Also had to remount the washer lines (zipties
to the rescue!), since they were hitting the IC (one acctually snapped a bit,
and is now rattling around in my hood, lol). No pics of all that, since it's not
really a noticeable difference visually.

And then...

RA-R Grill Pinstripe
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/2010-04-14163458.jpg

Yes, the right slit in the lower part of the bumper is a bit fubar'd. The car came like this,
and much to my dismay I found out that the black plastic is not an insert, but a part of the bumper.
I do plan to fix it as soon as I can find someone who has a heat gun I can borrow for an hour
or two (hint hint, it'd be greatly appreciated).
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/2010-04-14163507.jpg

I also decided to start working on my custom lid for the SF Airbox. This was
my first time working with any type of sheet metal, but I think it came out
pretty good. Still have a few things to do on it before I'll add it to the "done"
list of mods (some sanding, painting, and some rubber edge liner), but at least
the hard part of it (or at least what I thought would be) is done.

Pics (Sorry for the glare, sun was at a bad angle):
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/2010-04-14150540.jpg

For the love of god WTB after-maf hose that doesn't cost 11d Million Dollars! LOL
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/2010-04-14150528.jpg

[Gearhead Geek]

Picked up 4 of these beauties today. Thanks Doug!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/2010-04-17233522.jpg

[RCKSTR]

cars looking good man :up:

[Gearhead Geek]

cars looking good man :up:

Ty. Couple more things to get installed and a tune, then I need to work on making my bank account look a bit better too :lol:

[DHGurs]

Picked up 4 of these beauties today. Thanks Doug!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/2010-04-17233522.jpg

Did you have RE92s before? Or was it some other AS tire?

[Psychoreo]

GMS After maf?

[Gearhead Geek]

Did you have RE92s before? Or was it some other AS tire?

Hancook Optimo's

[Gearhead Geek]

GMS After maf?

Tryin to find something cheaper. May just have someone make up a metal one for me and get some flex couplers

[Gearhead Geek]

Somewhat productive morning today. One of my washer fluid lines had gotten sliced through. Turns out the IC was still hitting the hood and pinching the line.
Bent the underskeleton of the hood a bit (still need to cut it a little bit for perfect clearance, but it's better then it was), and took a trip to Sanel's. $6 later and I can wash my windows again, and the lines are tucked neatly inside of the hood. No pics on that one, as there's nothing to really see lol.

Also, took a trip to everyone's favorite home improvement/random car part DIY store, and picked this lovely setup up :D :
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/2010-05-03111420.jpg

And the grand total for my dual catch can setup? $35. (eBay eat your heart out).
I'll see need 2 hose couplers, some fuel line, some sealant to seal the drain spigots, and a couple of worm gear clamps, but all said and done I should keep everything just under $50. Not bad at all for a dual can setup that actually works.

And now, it's off to work for one of my last days there (T-Minus 4 days and counting, woohoo! :lol: )

[Gearhead Geek]

Picked up a few more parts, and started work on the AOS/Catch Can setup. Looking like it's gonna be a bit closer to $75, but still a damn good deal for what this setup will end up doing.

DIY Thread (http://www.newenglandsubarus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12031)

Also, ripped the fog/driving light tints off tonight. They were peeling like crazy. May have to go with some selective yellow bulbs, or I may just wire up a set of real fogs at some point.

[Gearhead Geek]

Installed the AOS today (see the DIY thread), as well as installed as set of FIAMM El Grande's (sound clip coming soon)

[Gearhead Geek]

Been a while with nothing done. Was hoping to get the inlet done today, but plans fell through, and unless the weather ends up being nice tomorrow, it probably won't get done this weekend.

But, got a new head unit today (thanks Chad!)

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/WRX/2010-06-05160753.jpg

[Gearhead Geek]

Installed my TiC Shift Level Pivot Bushings today.
I definitely have to say, while not a ground shaking mod, it's totally worth the $20 for them.
They provide a much more defined feeling to the shift gates, and I can say that thankfully, the 3rd gear shifter rattle is GONE (thank goodness).
Also, just want to note that TiC's instructions say to only torque the bolt to 8.3 ft-lbs. Well, I didn't have a torque wrench (did this in the parking lot after work), and I almost certainly torqued it more then that. I don't know why people say they get a muddy feeling when over torquing, but I don't feel any difference at all between that and when I just had it snugged up. At some point I'll go back and try torquing it, but for now it feels fine.
All in all, it was well worth it. And now I can't wait to get the rest of the shifter related bushings in to see how much better it gets. :D

Also, quick installation note for anyone who goes to install them: TiC's instructions fail to mention that you need a hammer to get the shifter back into the socket. Contrary to what they say though, you can do this install without taking the shifter completely out provided you have a 1/4" drive socket wrench.
Also, provided you don't have to go looking for a hammer for 15 to 20 minutes, this is a VERY quick install, 10 minutes tops assuming you know how to take the center console out.

[Gearhead Geek]

And the list grows. Steering rack bushings, TiC Brake Pads (AMAZING), NAPA Premium Rotors (seriously, before I get flamed for this, do some research and you'll see they're damn good rotors for a very inexpensive price), and new 1 step colder plugs installed. Thanks Eric! :up:

Oh, and to those who don't have Steering Rack bushings, go order them. Seriously they should be a first mod on ANY Subaru.

[DHGurs]

And the list grows. Steering rack bushings, TiC Brake Pads (AMAZING), NAPA Premium Rotors (seriously, before I get flamed for this, do some research and you'll see they're damn good rotors for a very inexpensive price), and new 1 step colder plugs installed. Thanks Eric! :up:

Oh, and to those who don't have Steering Rack bushings, go order them. Seriously they should be a first mod on ANY Subaru.

x 1 billion

[Gearhead Geek]

Fixed up the mod list a bit (added a few things). Lots of things moving from Upcoming to Current this weekend :D

[Gearhead Geek]

And once again cleaned up the mod list, installed a few more things today :)

I suppose I should take some new pictures soon :lol:

[Gearhead Geek]

Uh oh, it's almost spring time... time for the mod list to grow :devil:

[Gearhead Geek]

Updated the mod list with the new toys :D

[DHGurs]

PPGs FTW!

[Gearhead Geek]

Well, finally got the AOS cleaned up about a week ago. 1 tank, nice short hose runs, and a nice mounting location. I suppose I'll go update the DIY thread at some point with pics.

Got my pitch mount, front lip, and new (used) boost gauge installed over the weekend.

Updated the list on the main page (if for nothing else then to realize I've done far too much **** to my car lmao).

[Berge56]

How did I miss the PPG's! Congrats.

[My25RSL]

pics. pics. pics.

:spin:

[Gearhead Geek]

pics. pics. pics.

:spin:

Lol I suppose I'm over due for some. Looks the same as on the first page though, just with a front lip on it now lol.

[Gearhead Geek]

How did I miss the PPG's! Congrats.

Thanks. Now it just needs more boost lol. That should be taken care of within a few weeks though I hope.

[Gearhead Geek]

Couple of shots of the pitch mount. Must say I'm quite impressed with the difference. While I'm sure when I finally get the engine mounts in they'll trump it, it certainly made a noticeable difference in terms of reduction of engine movement over the stock pitch mount (plus the extra drivetrain noise is nice :D)

Next to the stock:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/IMAG0125.jpg

Installed:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn81/four999/IMAG0126.jpg

[Bu11dogg2]

nice!

[CanonShooter]

Getting close to NED time again?

[Gearhead Geek]

Getting close to NED time again?

Almost. Just need get the EWG, the rest of my various bushings & mounts, and possibly the new turbo on, then get it retuned :D

[Gearhead Geek]

Updated the mod list on the first page (yeesh it's getting long). I'll probably end up redoing the first post layout once the last of my crap (for this year) is on, and I get it tuned.

[Gearhead Geek]

Car is finally tuned. More details to come :devil:

[02wrxman]

nice list and love the power your are making.

[Berge56]

Congrats mang! What was wrong with the EWG?

[Gearhead Geek]

Thanks guys. As for the EWG, the problem (as best we could figure) is the fact that the boost feed coming off the turbo is 1/8", and the nipple on the EWG is 1/4". This resulted in having to step the line. Unfortunately I was unable to find a metal or high-temp plastic step fitting, so it's 1/8" to the MBC, then stepped coming off of the MBC. Most likely, it's taking an extra second or so for the line to pressurize, resulting in the small spike (which we saw both with the GrimmSpeed, and the MBC after switching to it).

It's not really a big deal, and I don't notice it on the street at all. I've yet to see the clutch slip, probably because in actual driving, I'm not romping on it from down that low anyway.

[shamankjm]

impressive list!