Kob's Fun Toy, 2004 Subaru WRX Build - More STI Parts and More Bushings 9/24

[Kob]

2004 Subaru WRX

Start Date: April 12, 2010

Plans: Supreme handling and a hoot on the street and track...

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

Background
So here we are, finally after being out of the car modding game for almost 2.5 years now, waiting for that perfect car to show up and I finally found it. On April 12, 2010 I picked up a 2004 Subaru WRX to setup as my fun daily/weekend car with a side of autocross and track in mind. The car as it sits right now is 100% stock and to my knowledge and how the car was use never really thrashed or abused, which for me was the selling point.

I should say at this point the WRX will mostly be prepared to compete in the E-Street Prepared class of the SCCA Solo 2 program. It will probably receive a roll bar at some point as to be a little safer on the track and to be legal for hill climb action. Starting the build out I am not going to go too crazy, but would like to get the most out of the stock turbo as far as power is concerned. The car will be receiving a needed refresher first and foremost. From there we'll get it running tip top with some power adders and move on to a custom set of coilovers and some other little handling bits not yet disclosed.

Feel free at any point in the thread to pop a question or if you think I could benefit from something that you have a background in please let me know. I love criticism and it gives me motivation. Please however direct your questions over to the Q&A thread that I have created. I'll do my best to keep this thread cleaned up to provide all of the eye candy, photos, and information with the ease of access it will deserve.

Modifications Listing
100% Stock

--Adam

[Kob]

Meet Boris - April 14, 2010

Meet Boris - April 14, 2010

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

Just quick photos to get this show underway, as I said the car is all stock right now. I haven't really had a whole lot of time to go over it yet or start cleaning up the engine bay, but some before photos are always nice to have around.





















Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

Preventive Maintenance

General Maintenance Update - April 19, 2010

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

Today after I got home I got to tackling all of the fluid changes and getting ready to do some other little things tomorrow and Wednesday. I did transmission fluid, rear diff fluid, and engine oil today. Tomorrow I'll be getting to changing the spark plugs, fuel filter, bleeding the brakes, and also installing a much needed boost gauge. In general over the next 2 days I'll work on cleaning the engine bay up and trying to get it somewhat up to my standards.

Also the hand photo hahah, that was first blood that the car has dealt to me lol. Special moment after buying a new car no matter the size of the cut lawlz. Also as you can see, just because it's a Subaru does not make it immune to jackstands hahahah.







Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

1st Autocross Event - April 25, 2010

1st Autocross Event - April 25, 2010

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

So today I had my first event ever with the new car. I wanted to run it, even if it wasn't setup just to give the thing a little shakedown and make sure there would be no extra problem arising after the other parts went on. It was on stock all-season tires to boot. Anyway I still had a blast, it was fun, and I couldn't find anything single problem with the car mechanical wise. It was a really good day.

The results on the other hand sucked. I ended up getting 7th in STX and 37th PAX time. Probably the worst finish I've ever had, but as I said my excuse was the car being all stock hahah. That's the last time this is going to happen trust me. Anyway checkout the sweet video hahah.

Results - http://www.scca-susq.com/results/201...axresults.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc8pxfyASmk

[youtube]mc8pxfyASmk[/youtube]



Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

The Coilover Install and New Rubbers - 4/30/2010

The Coilover Install and New Rubbers - April 30, 2010

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

Well today was a ridiculously busy day. Got the car all setup handling wise for autocross. I think the only thing I still need to pickup are front endlinks for the 24mm Whiteline swaybar. That will come in due time along with a good set of brakes. It's pretty easy to overpower them right now with a set of 245 Dunlop Star Specs.

For the coilover and spring setup I went with a custom set of Ground Control/Koni's. They are setup with a 500lb front and 550lb rear spring. It feels incredibly good on the street, nice and neutral for the most part, but can enduce oversteer if wanted.

The alignment on the car is -3 degrees camber front, -1.7 degrees in the rear with 0 toe front and rear, and as much caster as I could get out of the Ground Control camber/caster plates in the front. And now for the eye candy.

Some nice rigidity bars, thanks Subaru


The goods, 2nd photo is my rear helper spring setup, not standard but definitely needed for a decent amount of lowering.


















Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

Harness Installed 5/1/10

One final mod before the autocross tomorrow,

[Kob]

5/2/2010 WDCR SCCA Autocross #2 - Big Recap

5/2/2010 WDCR SCCA Autocross #2

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

So after not being down to DC Region myself in over 2 years I figured it was definitely over due, especially since they have such a strong STX following down there at the moment. John and Travis always put on a good show in their 03 WRX, and now another competitor of the region Chike is putting together a serious RX-8 STX build as well. I also wanted to get an event or two in with the car setup before the big divisional at the end of May.

We all went out for our first runs, on a brand new lot mind you, and I think all of us were pretty stunned and happy just how great it was and how much grip we had out there. I came across with a 43.595 on my first run, which put me in 2nd position, Chike 1st, Travis 3rd, and John 4th carrying a cone. I was blown away with how well the car performed and knew it was going to be a good day with how close we were all running. The car rotated really great, power came on at the right times, it was just going well.

Second run I wanted to really push the car and see where I could make up some time. Unfortunately in doing so I carried a cone on the 2nd run and pushed a little slower. All our positions pretty much stayed the same after this run set.

Third runs really got the blood pumping. I myself wanted to calm down a bit and get a nice composed run in. John ran first and threw down a 42.853, which Travis then bested with a 42.762, RX-8 came across with a 43.463 and I came in at a sub 43, 42.957. Absolutely thrilled that we were all running so closely and knew something had to be done in the final run.

Fourth run John was up first and absolutely demolished us throwing down a 42.644 to take over the lead from Travis who can only muster a 43.3 on the final run. RX-8 came through with a flying pass of 42.868 to take away 3rd place from me by .089 seconds. I couldn't not do a better time on the 4th run with the current tire temperatures and only managed a 43.097.

So at the end of the day only .3 seconds separated 1st through 4th place.
1st John - 42.644
2nd Travis - 42.762
3rd Chike - 42.868
4th Adam - 42.957

Absolutely the closest battle I think I've had in a few years and well worth the trip down there. I'm really looking forward to running with those guys again at Divisional towards the end of May. If you guys are somewhat local I suggest checking this event out, it's going to be so much fun. I'll leave you guys with a video (incar and spectator) and a photo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-iNYpfPncY

[youtube]I-iNYpfPncY[/youtube]

Adam



Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

5/15/10 Power Update

Exhaust Installed and Detailing - May 15, 2010

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

Ok the car sure is coming along well. In the past few days we handled the power problem, and should be pretty darn close to STX rule spec, minus the headers. They may be something that comes later in the year or next season.

I started off replacing the up-pipe, which for you non-Subaru guys who are asking wtf an up-pipe is that is the pipe that goes from the manifolds up into the turbo. The stock up-pipe on the 02-05 WRX's had a catalytic converter. Who puts a cat before the turbo is beyond me but it was there. That piece was replaced with a Grimmspeed Ceramic up-pipe with no cat and a short flex section.

The exhaust I was very picky with. I didn't want something that was going to drone and be obnoxiously loud on trip and cruising around town. I did want to hear some noise though. The exhaust I settled on is a full 3" Turboback from TurboXS. It uses a 4" bellmouth downpipe, down to a 3" catalytic converter and then back to a really clean muffler and exit pipe. This bad boy is super on the interstate and cruising but sounds very badass under throttle. I'm extremely satisfied with the entire setup. I'll hopefully have some audio clips and video to post in the next day or so.

Since I have an 04 my car required to be tuned after the install or risk damaging internal engine components, which would be very bad. I opted for the Cobb Accessport since I knew it was SCCA STX legal and I wouldn't have any problems with it. I currently am running Cobb Stage 2 off the shelf tune. This dramatically changes the parameters in the ecu, changes the closed to open loop transition times, and ups the boost pressure from stock 13.5psi to 17psi. The car feels incredibly different now. Boost comes up soo very fast and there is zero lag between shifts. I can't wait to get it out on both the 1/4 mile and the autocross and see what happens, very exciting.

No much more planned at the moment. I want to take care of the brakes before TOTD. I will be using Hawk HP+ or a step harder and some new rotors. The current power level of the car overpowers the stock brakes after about 2 corners and this may be looked at sooner.

So by now you guys probably want to see some new photos,

The Grimmspeed Catless Up-pipe and TurboXS Exhaust










Autometer Boost Gauge and Debaging Complete (Mmmm Clean)










Just because I like looking at them hahah


Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

5/16/2010 Weatherly Hillclimb

Video of the WRX going up the Weatherly Hillclimb. Sorry for the low volume you may have to turn it up slightly.

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

[youtube]SsNRfANgmig[/youtube]

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

2010 SCCA Northeast Divisional Recap

5/29/2010 - 5/30/2010 SCCA Northeast Divisional

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[size=1]Alrighty, I'm only 2 days late in posting a recap from this event. Let me just be the first to congratulate everyone involved with this event, it was seriously one to remember. Travis and I headed over to the lot a bit to do some practice runs on Friday. The car felt very good, we did have some front end traction issues, which at that point decided we would try a different tire pressure approach for the event.

Saturday morning came and STX was in the first heat of competition, which we weren't really happy about, but it should have helped those of us in the WRX's. Travis was driving our friend John's car, and Kevin Tulay would be co-driving with me, you may remember me in his red CRX at some point in the past. The runs started off pretty fast, everyone was pretty close together at the top of the STX charts. The car was working fantastic, we were running more rear pressures at the end of the day on my car and it was putting power down finally as well as rotating and transitioning fast. Something I've been looking for to do in a long time. At the end of day 1, all of the co-drivers were beating the car owners. The RX-8 owned by Chike was in 1st and 2nd, Kevin 3rd, Adam 4th, Travis 5th, and John 6th with the rest of the class trailing. Top 6 were within just 3 tenths of a second, and many spots separate by hundredths. Anything could happen on day 2.

Sunday morning then, STX was out first again. Course was dry and it looked scary fast in sections. Almost a reversal from the day before but definitely more opened up. As I said anyone could win the thing at this point. The owners came out strong this day. Chike was flying in the RX-8, John was running pretty decent too. I basically threw away runs 1 and 2 with stupid mistakes and my co-driver and everyone else was kicking my butt. Run 3 finally calmed down a bit and set a blistering run to take the lead for about 2 seconds till the RX-8 came across the line, edging me out by a 3 hundredths of a second. Run 4 I went out there and let it hang out and set a time .6 seconds faster then my last, but it was carrying a cone. If that run was clean it would have been so close for the overall. Disappointing enough, it still gave me enough leverage to take second place overall for the weekend. My co-driver came in 4th, with the RX-8 in 1st and 3rd, John 5th and Travis 6th. Everyone did a great job all weekend and the competition was just incredible. For you guys who couldn't make it out, definitely be there for the next big event. It doesn't get any better then this.

Results
Overall RAW - http://www.team-crm.com/results/10nedivs_raw.pdf
Overall PAX - http://www.team-crm.com/results/10nedivs_pax.pdf

Videos
Day 1 Run 4 - Fast Run Clean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYJex42KG-E

[youtube]TYJex42KG-E[/youtube]

Day 2 Run 3 - Fast Run Clean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM3F3HBEtaQ

[youtube]mM3F3HBEtaQ[/youtube]

Day 1 Side by Side with Co-Driver (This video is rather interesting. Kevin seems to get on the gas much better earlier then I do and comes out of the corners stronger. I however close the gap and usually pass under braking and in fast transition zones. Pretty cool watch.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sdg52Lk9aY

[youtube]3Sdg52Lk9aY[/youtube]





Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

NE Divisional Photos

5/29/2010 NE Divisional Photos

If anyone would like a wallpaper size of any photos, let me know in Q&A and I will send you full resolution.

[Kob]

Re: Kob's Fun Toy, 2004 Subaru WRX Build - 5/29-30/2010 NE Divisional Recap and Vid

Rally Armor Urethane Mudflaps - June 16, 2010

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

Not too much new on the car front right now, getting it ready for a 2 day event this weekend, and then back down to Washington DC Region next weekend to run with Travis and company again. Only thing new since my last blog is a set of freshly installed Rally Armor Urethane Mudflaps. Fitment on these things is balling, they are wide, cover the entire tire, and do not drag the ground. Designed for a lowered car with big tires, me likey!

Next up I've got a set of Hawk HP+ pads for front and rear scheduled to show up tomorrow, and a set of new rotors in the garage. This weekends event should be a good one.







Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

CPR SCCA Mid-State Airport, 6/19/10 - 6/20/2010

6/19/2010 - 6/20/2010 CPR SCCA Autocross, Mid-State Airport

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[size=1]So this past weekend I headed out to the super fast Central PA Region since they were running a 2 day event at Mid-State Airport. I finally got some real brakes on the car, in the lines of Hawk HP+ pads front and rear along with all new rotors. I'll say it right now, they are absolutely incredible, much better then they felt on the Saturn since this car also has larger rotors and more pad mass.

So here we are, day 1 Saturday. Guess what, STX decided not to show up on Saturday. I was all alone in my class and it absolutely sucked not having anyone to compete with. Regardless I had a fellow competitor running the same heat as me in his awesome blue Corvette Grand Sport, Ron Dotts. If I remember correctly he ended up finishing about 2 tenths of a second ahead of me, we were pretty close. I took home 1st place STX and PAX on Saturday, which felt good, but again a lot of the big hitters were not there. The DC Pro was the same weekend.

And now on to day 2 my friend Mike came up with his WRX that I had setup for STX. He had a new front swaybar on the car and was really talking highly of it. The day started out pretty quick again. I didn't have to change car setup all weekend, it was ideal. I ended up coming in 1st STX but 2nd PAX to an F125 shifter kart, so not a bad take for the weekend. Mike finished about 1.5 seconds behind me. He's still awaiting some power mods to make up some ground.

So then what did I take away from the weekend? Well for one I was doing some new camera positioning. I knew I was off the cones, but holy cow I didn't realize how far. I need to focus much more on my line and getting close to those stinking cones. I can't plan on winning large events if the car runs a foot wide through every single gate. The course was pretty quick. I was datalogging this weekend. Top speed on day 2 ended up being 63mph at the end of the first slalom. My 0-60 time at the start, which was in a slalom btw ended up turning a 6.6 seconds. Not too bad imo for possibly loosing some traction in the back and forth of the slalom. One of these days I'll log it on the street and see what it is.

I leave you with some photos, and a video showing 2 different camera angles on Sunday. The results have not been posted yet, but I will update as soon as I see them. Enjoy!

Results
Sat - http://www.scca-cpr.com/Results/2010/Summer/5/Class
Sun - http://www.scca-cpr.com/Results/2010/Summer/6/Class

Videos
Day 2 Runs 1 & 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV0OTSb4Q88

[youtube]xV0OTSb4Q88[/youtube]











What Hawk HP+ do after 10 autocross runs...




Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

Re: Kob's Fun Toy, 2004 Subaru WRX Build - 6/19-20 CPR Airport Autocross

6/26/2010 ASCC SCCA Autocross, Hershey Giant's Center

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[size=1]Well this was certainly a busy weekend. Saturday day 1 I headed down to do battle at the Hershey Giant's Center with the Susquehanna SCCA club. The course was the tightest I had been on so far with the WRX. I was extremely pleased with how the car worked and you really were able to handle it through the tight slaloms well. I am still fighting to try and get a little more off throttle rotation. I'm thinking of trying a slightly stiffer then stock rear swaybar to achieve this but I am extremely concerned about developing traction problems after doing so.

I ended the day in 1st place STX by a margin, not sure on PAX I did not stick around.

Results
To be posted...

Videos
Runs 3 and 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjBcVxwEr-8

[youtube]pjBcVxwEr-8[/youtube]



Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[Kob]

Re: Kob's Fun Toy, 2004 Subaru WRX Build - 6/19-20 CPR Airport Autocross

6/27/2010 NEPA SCCA Autocross, Wyoming Valley Mall

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0

[size=1]So Sunday I went to my home region for the first time since the start of the season. I love how tight and technical these courses usually are. Again the car worked well. Since the corners were so tight the WRX really dropped off the face of the planet powerband wise. It took most of the straight portions just to get going again. Reguardless we set some really fast times and beat the ST Civic guys, so I considered that a win lol.

I happened to cone my last run away, which honestly I think would have taken PAX. But I was happy coming away with a 1st STX and 3rd PAX finish.

Next event up, Fingerlakes National Tour in NY!!

Results
To be posted...

Videos
Runs 6 and 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN-tSHV62Mo

[youtube]KN-tSHV62Mo[/youtube]

Q&A Thread: http://www.sixthsphere.com/smf/index.php?topic=59514.0