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  • My BRZ daily driver - Slow and Steady

    Sup everyone. Just picked up a 14 brz about a month ago. I have owned a few subarus i the past, 12 wrx and then an 05 wrx.

    Plan behind this car is a fun, useable daily driver. Im a huge fan of feel and feedback in a car. So that will be a LARGE focus with this car. As of the date of purchase i had 14 months left of warranty. I bought the car used with only 5600 miles. Previous owner barely drove it. Regarding that 14 month warranty, i promised the wife i wouldn't touch the engine till it is over. WE had some issues with my 2012, broken ring land, of course, on my 12 at 37000 miles, she seems to think it was from the modding but is too stubborn to realize its a ,sadly, extremely common issue on the ej25's.

    Here is a few shots of my previous cars. Sadly, i parted the 12 out before i was able to paint the Vairs parts. I loved that kit. Good news is a friend of mine bought it from me so i get to see it completed.


    IMG_1112 by lawrx, on Flickr


    DSC_0533 by lawrx, on Flickr

    As with the 05, it was nothing but trouble, constant issues from previous owners mods etc. It met its odds in the manner it only knew, smoked a hog on the way home one night and it totaled.

    untitled (1 of 8) by lawrx, on Flickr

    And lastly my project 240. She's in for the long haul, already been working on her for 6 months now, still got a long ways to go now. Im sure pictures of her will pop up in here every now and then

    untitled (15 of 16)-3 by lawrx, on Flickr


    untitled (12 of 14)-2 by lawrx, on Flickr


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    So anyway, enough about the other cars. On to the BRZ.



    untitled (39 of 62) by lawrx, on Flickr


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    Current Goals for the car

    -improve feedback
    -improve overall performance
    -increase comfortability
    -give it my own stylistic personal touch.


    Im a huge fan of rare and well, expensive jdm parts. I like using parts you normally dont see, even sacrificing slight initial goals to use them. I had varis parts on my 12 wrx and i had a massive amount of work to make the front bumper work with the fenders, as even tho they were both varis, the fenders were made to fit a different varis bumper which i didn't like.

    Now I'm not going to go to that extent on this car, ill save that amount of work for the 240, but i do intend to add my personal touch vs just bolting on parts here and there.




    Current parts on the car

    EXTERIOR

    -Perrin Shorty Antenna


    INTERIOR

    -Overland Design Alcantera dash knee pads


    DRIVETRAIN

    -Energy suspension shifter bushing
    -MTEC shifter springs
    -Jon Motoring short throw
    -Anarchy Motive Galaxy Black Titan shift knob
    -Motul 300 trans oil



    FUTURE WANT PARTS

    --PowerHouse Amuse titan r1 single exit
    --Varis Arise front bumper with VSDC diffuser
    --Rocket Bunny V2 side skirts
    -- Todokori front fenders
    --Pro Composite rear bumper
    --Full Alacantera interior
    --Custom fit Re Ameyia FD rx7 diffuser
    --TRD carbon fender canards


    CURRET PHOTOS

    untitled (41 of 62) by lawrx, on Flickr

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    Last edited by laextreme5; 05-03-2017, 09:58 AM.
    IG @gt3_brz

    My Mustang Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

    My BRZ Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

    My F100 Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

  • #2
    One of the first things i did once had the car was increase the front camber. Ive learned from my previous 2 wrx's that additional camber adds good front grip to the car. The method was simple enough, i had a set of camber bolts from my previously mentioned wax's.

    Granted this amount of camber still isn't optimal for my intenions of a fun, communicative daily driver, it is definitely better than the measly -.5 or so from the factory.

    I also took the time while the car was up on the rack to get some inial weights of the car.

    +++++Bone stock, Full tank of gas, No driver++++

    =Overall weight 2744

    = Front to rear bias 56/44

    =Cross weight balance 49.7/50.3

    =Side to side 50.2/49.8

    I was pretty happy with these figures sans the front to rear bias, I was expecting a bit better than that. Regardless the stock cross weight ( front right + back left divided by the overall weight) was excellent.

    ++++Bone stock, full tank of gas, WITH driver++++

    =Overall weight 2963

    = Front to rear weight bias 54.7/45.3

    =Cross weight 50.2/49.8

    =side to side 51.5/48.5

    Subaru/Toyota really did there homework. Weight of the driver improves the front to rear bias and the cross weight as well. Obviously wasn't going to positively affect the side to side as the driver position is offset. But regardless 54 is much better than 56, even if you will never drive the car at 56 front bias, well under your a ghost or something...


    untitled (2 of 21) by lawrx, on Flickr

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    While i had the luxury of the car up on the rack i assessed the the split i had seen before on the bumper from underneath. I also changed out all the lock lugs as they are just plain unnecessary in my application.

    I also curbed my first wheel the other day :/ didn't have a choice as someone came into my lane i my in laws neighborhood and it was either my front end or the wheel.


    untitled (8 of 21) by lawrx, on Flickr

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    IG @gt3_brz

    My Mustang Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

    My BRZ Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

    My F100 Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

    Comment


    • #3
      The other day i installed the follwoing

      -Jon Motoring Short throw
      -Rear shifter bushing
      -Mtec shift springs
      -Anarchy motive white shift knob (temp till my galaxy black on comes in)
      -Motul Gear 300 trans fluid
      -Motul 8100 motor oil
      -Fumoto quick oil drain
      -STI oil filter
      -Overland Design Alacantera center console sides
      -Perrin 2'' Shorty antenna
      -BRZ Weathertech logo inserts
      -Whiteline transmission insert

      I didint take too many pictures as i was tryign to get done quickly as at the time my wife was home 9 months pregnant and i didnt want to be away from her too long. But here are a few


      untitled (1 of 6) by lawrx, on Flickr


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      Few notes on the parts i installed.

      --Weighted feel increase from mtec springs was great. Absolutely reccomend it.

      --Jon Motoring Short throw is SHIT. Rattles WAY more than stock (part of the pushing factor to change)

      --Im not sure if this has to do with the short throw or my syncros, but 2nd to 3rd is more vague and causes mis shifts since the parts install. Doubt its the mtec springs.

      So after its all said and done im considering switching back to the stock short throw and going with the USD TRD short throw kit. I prefer a taller shifter height, which the Jon motoring lowers is i think 5/8", where as the US TRD kit changes underside the car not the shift leber so it stays stock height, plus the add. height my shift knob will give, i think that will give me the feel i am after.
      IG @gt3_brz

      My Mustang Build
      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

      My BRZ Build
      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

      My F100 Build
      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

      Comment


      • #4
        Currently no real update.

        Still have yet to install my Extended pedal, which i desoeratly need to do, as i cant quite get the hwee toe down given the stock spacing. I also want to remove the clutch assist spring and adjust the pedal height some, just to my liking.

        Currently getting some pricing on some coilovers and wheels. Have ultimately decided against the JRZ's, as good as they are i just dont want to invest that much money into suspension when that additonal money can be put into parts for my 240 project to continue progress on it.Still want a set of coils and wheerl tho, **** the stock height sunken look, on top of a lightweight set of wheels and good coilovers will do wonders for the ride quality, which i feel to be a bit crashy as slower speeds an to some extent at highway speeds.

        untitled (16 of 21) by lawrx, on Flickr


        untitled (2 of 21) by lawrx, on Flickr
        IG @gt3_brz

        My Mustang Build
        http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

        My BRZ Build
        http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

        My F100 Build
        http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

        Comment


        • #5
          I love your build threads. They are probably some of the MOST interesting and well documented that I've seen on the net. It's always a good time.
          stanceworks: I don't really fit in.

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by driftsucky View Post
            I love your build threads. They are probably some of the MOST interesting and well documented that I've seen on the net. It's always a good time.
            Well thank you sir. Whats the point of being an enthusiast when you cant enjoy and share it with others?
            IG @gt3_brz

            My Mustang Build
            http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

            My BRZ Build
            http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

            My F100 Build
            http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

            Comment


            • #7
              Congrats on the ride dude. I went the JRZ route on my 135i and I love them. They are amazing coilovers.

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by TechnoV View Post
                Congrats on the ride dude. I went the JRZ route on my 135i and I love them. They are amazing coilovers.
                Thanks man. I originally wanted themfor my 2012 wrx, but at the time couldnt afford them and i ended up parting out anyway. Im now able to afford them, but id rather spend the xtra money on the 240 and get a lower tier set for the daily. Oh the struggle haha
                IG @gt3_brz

                My Mustang Build
                http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                My BRZ Build
                http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                My F100 Build
                http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                Comment


                • #9
                  Been so busy lately, really been neglecting the BRZ. She has gotten so dirty from all this rain that caused the flooding few miles away in the Baton Rouge area. Pulled it in to our detail bay and gave her a good washing and interior cleaning.

                  Also pulled off the side clear protectors, the rear bumper clear protector, and did a partial debadge on the trunk. I **** how those clear decals get nasty dirt lines and they just look terrible over time. Also added our local groups equal to the back glass as well, SOLASEC.

                  untitled (1 of 11) by lawrx, on Flickr


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                  Pulled the car up near the garage and did an oil change today, as well as FINALLY installing my SRB extended gas pedal, def makes a difference on heel/toe shifting.


                  Now, onto the clutch spring. REMOVE IT AND REMOVE IT NOW. it gives such a natural feel and shifting is smoother and easier. I HIGHLY recommend it.

                  untitled (1 of 15) by lawrx, on Flickr


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                  My Driveway is on a downward slant so i must jack up the backend and get the car level to check the oil level when changing the oil. I could drive it to the street but if i need to fix something thats a lot of back and forth, besides i had more work to do (pedals) after changing the oil.
                  untitled (14 of 15) by lawrx, on Flickr


                  And lastly, last weekend i had a long day of driving. Went to Baton Rouge to eat lunch with some friends, on to Lafayette to check out a car and give a quote on some work, come back home the other way around the lake and pass through Thibideaux and Raceland and pic of a few ej25 short blocks, as ill be picking up a budgie wrx soon and be using it as a learning vessel to assemble rotating assemblies and short blocks. In total i pick up 2 complete short blocks and a set of empty case halves. ALL 3 FIT IN THE TRUNK OF THE BRZ. Along with my camera bag. To those who say the car isn't practical be damned lol That was with the back seats folded up and all. In total it was about 5.5 hours of driving. It made me realize i seriously need to get my Recaro Rs-ge mounted in there as my back was killing me once i got home. Its not that the seats are uncomfortable, just the way my body is built i can't get a perfect driving position with them. No pics from the trip as it was raining all day sadly.

                  untitled (15 of 15) by lawrx, on Flickr
                  IG @gt3_brz

                  My Mustang Build
                  http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                  My BRZ Build
                  http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                  My F100 Build
                  http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Been pretty busy lately, not a whole lot to update on. Im getting tired of seeing my Recaro sitting on the corner of my bedroom so I've ordered the following.

                    -Street faction seat brackets
                    -Prodrive suede 90mm deep steering wheel
                    -Prodrive rappix II quick release
                    - Works Bell short hub

                    Ive wanted the prodrive setup since i bought my 12' wrx back 3 years ago and finally went through with it.
                    untitled (1 of 24) by lawrx, on Flickr


                    I also will in the future once i get a set of coils be running an air cup kit. Ive been down the road of cringing going up curbs and off camber turns and not anymore. So i decided one afternoon to mock up the air tank and pump in the trunk just to see what I'm working with. Consensus, that tank is no bueno. Will be going down the road of a custom tank that fits in the spare tire well and allows the floor to fit back in and you'd never know its there. The pump fits under the height of the floor no problem, so no worries on that end.
                    untitled (2 of 24) by lawrx, on Flickr

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                    I also attended our local groups annual meet and took a few shots. Sadly didn't even get any standalones of my own car lol
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                    So while we are all hanging out we see a private transporter pull up to the acura dealership across the street. One of the Subaru dealers employees pipes up and says they are suppose to be delivering a new NSX. So later on in the day we most on over, and man were we lucky. Guy had ordered it and backed out, and a new buyer was picking it up monday. This was saturday at like 3. So needless to say that was an extremely rare chance to be up and close with one f the latest supercars. Was pretty neat
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                    IG @gt3_brz

                    My Mustang Build
                    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                    My BRZ Build
                    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                    My F100 Build
                    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Decided it was time to upgrade the stock audio system. Was getting tired of the distortion at the necessary higher levels when driving with the windows down.

                      Little bit of a break down of my game plan

                      -Factory head unit
                      -Bypass factory amp
                      -Hijack factory amp signal inpur for aftermarket amp
                      -Upgraded factory location speakers
                      -Little bit of sound deadening on the doors
                      -OEM looking as possible


                      So equipment wise i had a bit of a hickup on my order. It was in the wee hours of the morning when i made the purchase, and i had looked at so many compomnet sets, i accidently orderd a 2 way sytem that had dual 6.5" drivers, vs a 3 way 6.5'',4'', tweeter setup i wanted. So instead of returnign the product then waiting for the new stuff to arrive i decided to just order a set of 4'' mids and start work on getting everything else in order, as i got the mids 2 day air'ed.

                      The gear in question is

                      -Rainbow CSX465.20
                      -Focal 4'' A3 mids
                      -Focal Solid2 2 channel amp


                      Started out by laying everything out and making sure i wasnt missing anything. been a while sincei had done an audio install so took me a bit to get sorted with everything.

                      untitled (1 of 24)-2 by lawrx, on Flickr


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                      Once i had confirmed i had everything i need (minus my ordering mishap) i started to runt the power wire. Normally using the factory amp wiring youd use its power source as well, however i was going to be running with a bit more power than that size wire could handle, so i ran my own. PS. a level makes a great extended hood prop when the factory one gets in the way while working. ALso not show is a used a bit of goop like stuff we have at work to seal the small slit in the boot, and i also wrapped the red power wire in some loom so as it is inconspicuous.

                      untitled (4 of 24)-2 by lawrx, on Flickr

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                      Once the power wire was ran i focused on mamp mounting location. Again i wanted it hidden and out of sight, as factory as possible. So i took a hint from the factory moutign and mounted it opposite the factory amp just behind the rear seat. Only issue was there is a foam piece. Nothing a saw cant fix!

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                      After getting the mounting position of the amp figured out, it was time to start building the harness it would receive its signal from. I used the How to on using the OEM amp wiring and it worked quite nicely.


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                      I dont mind running wires, ill do it all day. But i **** sautering and the actions in building a harness, so tedious and time consuming. I cant begin to tell you how many time i forgot to slip the shrink wrap on the wire before beginning the sauter.

                      Anyway, enough complaining. Once the harness was built i ran the speaker wires to the general locations id be mounting the crossover. the passenger crossover will be mounted in the glovebox. I have still yet to determine where to mount the driver side, but i have a few ideas.


                      untitled (16 of 24)-2 by lawrx, on Flickr


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                      Once all the wires were ran, i made a small jumper to test the power and hooked up a mid for a test. Everything worked as planned. Next phase will be installing the front speakers, and i still have to make a mount panel for the rear 6.5's behind the qtr int. trim panels.

                      untitled (20 of 24)-2 by lawrx, on Flickr


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                      IG @gt3_brz

                      My Mustang Build
                      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                      My BRZ Build
                      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                      My F100 Build
                      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Can't wait to see more, makes me so happy to see well done audio setups on here, especially documented and photographed as well as you do!

                        E30 V8 Build thread

                        Go here be happy!

                        Instagram: stuartrussell

                        Store: alwaysindividual.bigcartel.com

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by FunfGang View Post
                          Can't wait to see more, makes me so happy to see well done audio setups on here, especially documented and photographed as well as you do!
                          Thanks man, means alot. And yeah it s just like a full car build, got to take your time plan it out and just do it right the first time. Sadly too many people are impatient and just rush everything and it shows.
                          IG @gt3_brz

                          My Mustang Build
                          http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                          My BRZ Build
                          http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                          My F100 Build
                          http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I've followed both your builds now and inspires me a lot but I'm scared as hell to do wiring

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by whacka View Post
                              I've followed both your builds now and inspires me a lot but I'm scared as hell to do wiring
                              Thanks man. Audio wiring isn't that bad, just dont ask me to build a harness haha. Im not a fan of wiring either but ill buckle down and do it if necessary.
                              IG @gt3_brz

                              My Mustang Build
                              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                              My BRZ Build
                              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                              My F100 Build
                              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                              Comment

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