3rd Generation Sedan (BE) amgarrety's 2003 USDM B4 - 12/24 Exhaust Question [Archive] - Page 4

amgarrety

03-01-2013, 04:31 PM

What is the size? I'd like to see if they fit any of the wheels I have. I'd be interested if they do.

And not that it helps you, but I have a spare, new Blitzen wheel cap. It says "SUBARU" in the middle and "Designed by F. A. Porsche" around the outside. I know you can get another three for 3000 yen if you were interested.

I'll bring it to you sometime so you can test. I would measure it, but my caliper is pretty car away at the moment. I have no clue if that would work, but I'm told that the Forester's "Subaru" caps fit with a little trimming. So I have some options yet.

Also, today I just did some small stuff. I installed the center brace that firms up the grille to the hood. It never came with the grille or hood I got, but I was able to pick one up off of rkrenicki no problem, so that took all of 30 seconds to install.

I also replaced my tray that sits below my radio with one with a flip up cover. I might reposition it though. For now, it just went where my old tray was. Before and after:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/87YJxcBl-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/k7sdOXHl-1.jpg

rkrenicki

03-01-2013, 05:05 PM

Looks good. They do fit "upside down", but the hinge wont work in the bottom DIN location.. It will rub against the trim.

You could put it on top and shift the radio down and have it flip down instead of up.

Thomistopheles

03-01-2013, 05:42 PM

Dogs always pick the worst stuff to chew on... my husky grabbed a $80 headset off my desk and completely destroyed it the other day.

Yamazaki

03-01-2013, 07:39 PM

amgarrety

03-03-2013, 08:34 PM

Got a few small things done today. I have to do all my work when I come back to southern PA because we have generally warmer weather than State College, and I have a garage. So I got a few things done that I've been meaning to do for awhile. The main things I worked on were soldering the connections to my headlights and painting over some rust spots. My headlights were only connected with spade connectors and electrical tape surrounding the connections, but that would cause my drivers side high beam to flicker sometimes. So I soldered that all so I won't have to worry about flickering bulbs or sketchy connections anymore. I also found a few places where the bumper beam was starting developed rust, so I just sanded it down real quick and gave it a quick coat of black paint (it isn't visible with the headlights in). I might go over it again with silver this summer, but this was just to hold me over for the last few weeks of winter. I also touched up the metal that was cut when we installed the headlights. That was way overdue, but luckily, there was almost no rust at all. A shot of the newly soldered headlights and the rust touch up:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8525559483_b61a163924_z-1.jpg

Also, while the lights were out, I replaced the clips on the bottom of the headlights that hold them to the chassis. They always seem to break (anyone with a BE or BH likely knows what I'm talking about), so rkrenicki got me some new clips to replace them. The hope is that these clips, being brand new, wont be as likely to break as the old and brittle clips. You can see just by comparison how much nicer the new clips look (even though they aren't visible normally):

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8525558537_327beaf647_z-1.jpg

I get my lowering springs tomorrow, and plan on lowering my car ASAP, however, we're supposed to get snow at some point soon, so we'll see when I can get around to that. It will definitely be this week. My plan is to drop the car tomorrow when I get the springs, but I also have to make a trip to West Virginia tomorrow. Hopefully I can squeeze it in. Then I'll have to get my exhaust fixed, but I might just deal with some scraping exhaust for a few weeks until I can get to the shop. I'm more worried about finding a good place to get the work done than I am getting it done fast.

chrish8r

03-04-2013, 09:15 AM

Ive heard heavy snow from Tuesday night into all of Wednesday.

I just came back from a weekend in Canada where the snow was piled up higher than most cars....haha

amgarrety

03-06-2013, 12:13 AM

I lowered my car tonight. In all, it took about 10 hours to do because we ran into a few things we weren't expecting. It wasn't too bad though. I'll have some pictures for you guys tomorrow in the daylight, but since I was asked to post a preview on Facebook, I'll post it here too.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/o0ITZZJl-2.jpg

It handles like an RC car. I can take 90 degree turns at moderately fast speeds and it just stays steady. Body roll doesn't feel like an issue, and steering just feels more responsive. I'm going to have way too much fun with it in the coming days.

In other news, the rear didn't really drop at all, just the front, which is very welome news, because it means my exhaust doesn't scrape everywhere like I thought it would. In fact, I think it scrapes less, because my shocks are so stiff that the car doesn't bounce down as much over a large bump. I have the shocks set a little stiffer than stock, and I think I will keep it there. It is very fun to drive, and the ride isn't too harsh, although you can definitely feel smaller bumps.

chrish8r

03-06-2013, 09:58 AM

The new wheels and the drop adds tremendously to the look on the car! Cant wait to see some daytime pictures.

amgarrety

03-06-2013, 10:06 AM

Thanks! I have a daytime photo on Facebook now that I'll post here later once I'm at a computer.

amgarrety

03-06-2013, 11:30 AM

Some daytime photos. Not the best quality though. I hope to go out for some sort of photo shoot sometime soon.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8533561111_f711dd1511_z-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8534673604_033e88f84a_z-2.jpg

I feel like the 17's look too small, which I find hard to believe, but that is what it looks like. I don't really know if I want to go 18" though....

Dead91silvia

03-06-2013, 12:15 PM

amgarrety

03-06-2013, 12:30 PM

Haha well I have my suspension set pretty stiff, so it doesn't feel like a cloud going over bumps as it is now. But I know what you mean. I think the reason the rims look so small is because the tires blend in with the dark of the fender.

rkrenicki

03-06-2013, 12:41 PM

What did you end up having to do with the front springs? It looks good that low, it will be interesting next time yours and mine are next to each other with the height difference.

amgarrety

03-06-2013, 12:51 PM

We took the rubber thing out of the top hat that provided a cushion for the stock spring, and we cut up an old bike intertube and adhered it to the bottom of the top hat (where the spring would sit) so the spring wouldn't be resting on the top hat alone, metal on metal. Then we compressed the spring and put the top hat on, and it fit snug, but completely on the spring, so we let it go.

GTDrifter

03-07-2013, 10:31 AM

Its looking really nice man..keep it up

amgarrety

03-07-2013, 10:39 AM

Thanks! Will do, as soon as my bank account recovers a bit. I'm unsure of which direction to go next though. I might just go for the engine, but knowing me, I'll get side tracked by something else while saving for it.

GTDrifter

03-07-2013, 10:52 AM

rkrenicki

03-07-2013, 12:06 PM

I might just go for the engine, but knowing me, I'll get side tracked by something else while saving for it.

Carmodding Attention Deficit Disorder!

I have that in a big wa.... oooo shiny. *runs off*

kiyo1990

03-07-2013, 12:20 PM

Hell yeah, that looks goo dbro

drtylggy

03-07-2013, 12:29 PM

amgarrety

03-07-2013, 12:39 PM

Huffer

03-07-2013, 01:39 PM

The springs will settle a little more and the gap will disappear some.

amgarrety

03-07-2013, 05:49 PM

It's starting to look a bit lower already:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8537091001_4f907d6da7_z-2.jpg

Also, I traveled to the junkyard today just to kill some time, and was actually able to pick up a new radiator and AC condenser since I kind of screwed mine up in that accident I had awhile ago. They won't be installed until absolutely necessary though. So for the AC condenser, that might be near summer, and the radiator might just be a spare for when my current repair job finally gives.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8537090459_bac3741b96_z-2.jpg

rkrenicki

03-07-2013, 06:17 PM

I have a manifold set to do the AC work that you can use. You would just need to do a free "rent-a-tool" at autozone or whatever for the vacuum pump.

amgarrety

03-07-2013, 06:44 PM

Good to know, I'll probably ask you for it when it starts getting hot out :P

MRLancaster

03-07-2013, 06:47 PM

Stop looking at the S401... LOL

Your BE is looking great Mike! I sometimes wish I had 18's on my BD but at the same time, it's less drivable with them. At least with 17's you can hit a bump and not feel like your car is going t die.

That sums it up. And like I texted Garrety, the 17's look more performancy and the 18's look more showy and classy. The bronze looks great as well imo

amgarrety

03-09-2013, 04:42 PM

Took my car to a meet today, and snapped some photos afterward since my car is all clean.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8542192077_5af97243b6_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8543292344_efaf9d61a2_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8542192833_8d93fb064e_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8543292822_5df27ee018_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8543291286_3e72608529_z-1.jpg

And my beat up rims. Might be getting them powder coated soon.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8542191333_03ea6227ed_z-1.jpg

nikolaus.conrad

03-09-2013, 05:26 PM

Your rims look fine! Lol mine were beat up BAD, from my 91 Legacy when I got in an accident. I think they still have ford focus blue on them! Lol

amgarrety

03-09-2013, 06:28 PM

Haha well, it doesn't change the fact that I still am looking to get them powder coated :P

Here are 4 more photos, with less intense light and not such harsh editing.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8543544982_319307e8f4_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8542446165_4720cde007_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8542445739_0c2e0374b8_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8543545318_76b159a27c_z-1.jpg

nikolaus.conrad

03-09-2013, 09:22 PM

Looking good!

amgarrety

03-18-2013, 02:25 PM

Alright, with most of the visual modifications done to my car, it's time for me to decide on what to do next. I think I have the next direction for my car picked out, but I have two different ways to do it. I think they would both result in the same finished product though. Keep in mind, these are just plans, and not promises, and these plans are for long down the road. What I have in mind will cost so much money that I can almost guarantee it won't happen in full, but here is what I've been planning for awhile to do. My first plans are to get a stable job, buy a house, and build up some income. Then comes the fun stuff.

I think what I want to do next is shoot for a "USDM B4 STI version". It will be a sort of US STI under the hood, and S401 inside. I plan on only having one turbo, hopefully on a US STI engine with OBD II, 6-speed transmission, and I want to upgrade the brakes to Brembos. I also want to create a distinctly STI interior, with the STI Legacy cluster, and unique STI seats, probably reupholstered from H6 VDC seats, likely in some sort of bride-like cloth, or an alcantara/leather combination. So it will be less of a race car and more of a special edition B4. Hence calling it a B4 STI version. It is going to be the STI edition of a luxury car, except not that stuck-up "I have more money and am better than life than you" luxury. Just something comfortable. That will probably mean beefing up sound deadening as well. No weight savings here.

I have dplacencia to thank for the rest of my plans, which are mostly attention to detail, and this is where I have two different options, which I'll explain soon. My main plan is to fix everything up to showroom condition, even the paint. I'm starting to have some early signs of rust, which I'm fixing as I find them, but what I think I want to do is strip the car down to the chassis and have it entirely repainted with a much thicker and more durable coat of paint, staying silver of course. Then I would like to install the engine, body pieces, and the complete interior, even replacing screws and clips I have lost or that the previous owner lost. I would also buy new interior parts to replace any broken or worn parts, down to the carpet. As mentioned earlier, I would dampen every bit of sound I can, since I already have the car apart. The big thing I need to replace would be the entire dash. Some of the plastic on the dash is broken in such a way that the wood grain that surrounds the radio doesn't like to clip in. That dash, being so big and hard to get used, is one of the reasons I am leaning toward the second option on how to do this project, both of which I'll go into now.

So, this is where I have two different ways I can go. The first option is to buy a daily driver and put my B4 in the garage to get all of this work done. This would be good because I will need a daily driver anyway since I won't being using the B4 as a daily driver anymore, and I would have most of the modifications already done to it, so that reassembling it later would be easy. Cons, of course, are the slightly bent bumper beam from my accident that screws up body panel alignment on my front end, and of course the lack of rust prevention I took this past fall.

My second option is to buy a new BE, preferably with less miles on the chassis, and from a state with little to no snow or salty air, and from someone who took care of it. A granny car would be perfect. I would strip that car down to the chassis and build it up exactly how I would've with my B4 (including paint), except I get to start completely from scratch. This would allow me to avoid all of the mistakes I made with my current car, and I could do it to perfection this time around. Then I would keep my B4 as a daily until the other BE was done, and then swap all of the stuff from my current B4 to the BE to finish the project. So the new BE would end up looking exactly like my current B4, but would be built on a completely fresh chassis, and I could be much more thorough with it. Then the new BE would essentially become the B4 STI version, and the old B4 would simply get sold or parted out (essentially with US only parts, as all JDM parts would go to the new car). Pros to this option are of course getting to start from scratch and saving myself from having to buy a bunch of parts to replace worn parts in my current car, but a big con is having to buy another BE and a daily driver.

Let me be clear here that if it isn't obvious already, this car will not be my daily driver after I graduate. This car will be specifically meant for fun on the weekends, when there is no salt on the road, and it will have its own special place in the garage. It will be a toy, and that is why I want to make it as perfect as possible.

Also, please don't take these plans too seriously right now. I have much more important things to do with my money as soon as I graduate, but the main point here is that I would much rather build the perfect B4 than buy some other expensive car (when I have the funds to do so). I realize that spending so much money on an old car is a bit stupid, but that is why I want to restore it from the ground up to showroom condition. I'd much rather build a fast car than buy one, and I am in love with the BE.

Thoughts?

rkrenicki

03-18-2013, 02:41 PM

Ah, a B4 "S Edition". I like this idea very much.

amgarrety

03-18-2013, 02:42 PM

Have we figured out for sure what the S edition is? I'm under the impression it doesn't actually feature a STI tuned engine.

rkrenicki

03-18-2013, 02:47 PM

Oh, thats right, it does not have the STi logo on it. nevermind.. well, I still like the idea. :smt023

amgarrety

03-18-2013, 02:51 PM

And that is important because I just bought this:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/KVkGZcJl-1.jpg

So... I'm kind of expecting this STI version thing to pan out :P

Yamazaki

03-18-2013, 04:26 PM

Wow. That is quite a set of plans.....

amgarrety

03-18-2013, 05:13 PM

Yeah, I like I said, they might not all happen, but for now, that is what I'm working toward. We'll see how much of it I get done before I give up and buy a X gen Legacy (X being whatever generation they are in when I give up).

xoSubieLegacyxo

03-18-2013, 05:54 PM

I say finish the current B4 with your STI drive line, Brembo Brakes, and STi like interior. Starting from the ground up sucks, and you don't want to have two project vehicles (ask me how I know). This car has come a long way, and I want to see it 100% completed.

amgarrety

03-18-2013, 06:17 PM

Well, I wouldn't have two projects, as the B4 would just sit and wait for the other car to be ready to swap on to. That being said, I'll try to do as much of the modifying to this car as I can, and follow through with it if I decide to keep this chassis. The engine will have to go into one of the cars from the start, so I can't really put that in with the plan to swap it again someday, I'd like to do everything once.

Huffer

03-21-2013, 11:10 AM

2nd option.

Buy a BE with a blown engine from out of state, and have it transported to you. Strip it down and build it.

amgarrety

03-21-2013, 11:29 AM

Excellent idea, I don't know why I didn't consider a car with a blown engine. That makes obvious sense. Haha

MRLancaster

03-21-2013, 12:01 PM

Just dont let it sit too long and then you get sick of seeing it everyday and sell it....not that I'm pointing anyone out on that issue :oops:

Huffer

03-21-2013, 02:12 PM

^^ + a million on that. If you turn the BE into a project car, I suggest maybe trying out one of those electronic rust inhibitor devices? And make sure your daily driver is comfortable enough without modding it - otherwise you spend money on something that you shouldn't be.

So, no buying a Honda Civic or anything easily moddable. And nothing too comfy because then you'll get home and be bored and not want to be uncomfy lying in your garage working on a stripped BE shell.

I recommend buying a Honda Accord station wagon as a daily.

MRLancaster

03-21-2013, 02:21 PM

I made the mistake and bought another Legacy....a new Legacy. I say get a Toyota Sienna or somthing very bland and boring.

As quote "I wont touch this car since it's new" see how well that went. :smt022

Yamazaki

03-21-2013, 04:48 PM

Or something totally unworthy of modding... like a Kia accent. Hell, having something like that would motivate me to finish a project more quickly so I could get rid of it!

Be5Legacy

03-21-2013, 04:57 PM

Or something totally unworthy of modding... like a Kia accent. Hell, having something like that would motivate me to finish a project more quickly so I could get rid of it!

True LOL

amgarrety

03-24-2013, 03:25 PM

Started working on a "sponsor" display board to put in my window for car shows. I'm in the process of tracking down stickers for all of the parts I have, but this is what it looks like so far.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/03/8586034601_4446d81f5a_z-1.jpg

DarkPhoenix

03-28-2013, 03:07 PM

I must find one of the Celtic Motorsport stickers. It will go great with my Tactikilt, Flogging Molly, and DKM stickers.

Legacy89

03-28-2013, 07:27 PM

You should get a Lada, not worth modifying, easy to maintain and you still get some looks.

rkrenicki

03-28-2013, 07:45 PM

If only, we do not have Lada in the States.

amgarrety

03-30-2013, 03:18 PM

I washed my car today, and then test fitted my STI badge to see how it would look. It isn't on permanently, just with scotch tape, but I am going to hang it somewhere I will see it everyday, to motivate me.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/580268_4730464587610_1772664099_n.jpg

Saving for the swap officially starts in May.

amgarrety

04-11-2013, 09:58 AM

I bought a few small parts for my car that I've been meaning to get for awhile. rkrenicki was kind enough to go and pick up things from the junkyard that I can put on my car. It is mostly small stuff.

http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o739/rkrenickisli/IMAG0274_zps872f380f.jpg

Included are those illusive tweeters, courtesy lights for the door (which I believe only GT and above got), and the GT and above windshield wiper stalk, which allows for the driver to adjust how fast the windshield wipers go in intermediate mode. For those wondering what I have now, this is the junk that the L model got.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/04/8639437165_c22d5da0ff_z-1.jpg

I also got full set of woodgrain trim (around the radio and foglight buttons), which will be repainted something much better than woodgrain, and may or may not be fitted with an iPad (see mightycarmods for an explanation). I don't say "may or may not" as "it is happening", instead I mean it as I actually havent decided yet. We'll see.

Also getting swapped out in early may is my busted A/C condenser, radiator, and I'll install my lightweight crankshaft pulley at the same time since I'll have all that room.

And then I have JDM rainguards waiting for me. Not quite sure when I will get those though. But they are the same ones rkrenicki just put on. In fact, I'm getting them from him, since he ordered two sets. He likes to order more than one of things, I've noticed.

rkrenicki

04-11-2013, 11:33 AM

In fact, I'm getting them from him, since he ordered two sets. He likes to order more than one of things, I've noticed.

Hah, that is true.. I like to split up shipping costs, and I figure I will find someone who wants the other item fairly easily. Those radios I told you about will end up costing about $18 each in shipping instead of the $60 or so to ship just one.

04Legacy

04-11-2013, 12:22 PM

rkrenicki, I might have to have you get me some parts when you go out junk yarding. I wish I had yards that had a lot of 3rd gens or any Subaru's in them. Looking good Michael!!

Grimmrican

04-12-2013, 10:40 PM

Are those door tweeter from the bg/d/k models?? I was thinking of taking it out of my old car but didn't wanna waste the time if they didn't.

rkrenicki

04-13-2013, 08:06 AM

No, those are the BE/BH tweeters. The BD/BG ones are a slightly different shape and would not fit.

I believe they were an option on the GT and standard on the Outback Limited and above. My car came with them, but the Outback H6 has the same items as the H4 Outback Limited.

Grimmrican

04-13-2013, 11:18 AM

Oh we'll good thing my laziness got the best of me lol

amgarrety

04-13-2013, 12:15 PM

Haha yeah, I've actually tried putting the second gen tweeters in (not knowing which generation they were) but had no luck. Actually, if I remember correctly, the tweeter itself might fit. The cover definitely doesn't.

rougeben83

04-13-2013, 01:24 PM

Yeah I used the BD/BG tweeters for a couple of years, they sorta work (takes a good whack of the palm to seat them) and fit to the naked eye, but the real BE/BH tweeters are better fit if you can get them. Let me know if those courtesy lights dont' need rewiring. I sort of want them too :)

amgarrety

05-01-2013, 05:09 PM

Let me know if those courtesy lights dont' need rewiring. I sort of want them too :)

I'll be able to get a definite answer to you soon. The box arrived at my house earlier this week, so I'll try to mess with them either this weekend or early next week. I couldn't see any wires when I pulled off the cover, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.

Also, I ordered a "Green" air filter (that is the brand) for my car. I couldn't help but laugh at the box it arrived in:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8699176145_928927a538_z-1.jpg

But.... I have a problem. That filter was the only rectangular filter I could find from them for Subaru. It is #2019, and I know some people who have used that filter in their Legacies. However, mine seems to be a different size, and I can't figure out which filter I need. Can someone help me out? Here is a comparison between the #2019 and my current paper filter:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8700298510_153d71c77d_z-1.jpg

Can anyone provide some insight here?

Yamazaki

05-01-2013, 05:12 PM

The green filter looks like the one that goes in the H6 (I thought all the BE/BHs had the same filter...). Your filter is huge!

amgarrety

05-01-2013, 05:16 PM

I'm fairly certain it does go in just about any 3rd gen air box except mine. I'm kind of confused by it.

rkrenicki

05-01-2013, 06:41 PM

To echo my comment on Facebook and what Yamazaki said.. That is the filter for the H6 and at least the 2nd gen Legacy Outback. I think I mentioned when I was down in Maryland that your filter was different than mine being on the back of the intake manifold instead of being on the right corner. Grimmrican's stock intake was the same as yours as well, until he replaced it with that super short intake. Then again, both of my cars have the snorkus in the fender where Grimm's was and yours is inside of the engine compartment...

Looking at the pictures I have of the S401, it appears to have the same airbox that the H6 has too.. so perhaps it is the 3rd gen 2.5 NA cars that use this long filter?

EDIT: I pulled up the Engine Air Filters on Subarupartsforyou.com.

This filter type is for All H6 from 2001-2004, and all Legacies for 2004.
http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o739/rkrenickisli/AIR020_zps08505b4a.jpg

This filter type is for All Non-H6 Legacies for 2000-2003.
http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o739/rkrenickisli/AIR070_zps2df5782a.jpg

elislider

05-01-2013, 09:08 PM

^ what he said

dplacencia

05-01-2013, 09:54 PM

There is a short air filter and long air filter. You need the long one...

amgarrety

05-01-2013, 11:28 PM

I talked to Green and I gave them the dimensions for my filter. They are going to start developing one for the 2.5L Legacy. It should be available in about 30 days.

Grimmrican

05-02-2013, 01:26 PM

Question: will the torque box off a 2gen fit a na2.5 3gen??

amgarrety

05-02-2013, 01:28 PM

I'm pretty sure it will. I'm looking into alternative intake setups as we speak. rkrenicki found this picture, and I want it now:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/0551096A20120919W00519-1.jpg

Grimmrican

05-02-2013, 01:32 PM

Question: will the torque box off a 2gen fit a na2.5 3gen??

rkrenicki

05-02-2013, 06:33 PM

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/01w-1.jpg

That picture is from a 2001 B4 RS25.

chrish8r

05-02-2013, 07:04 PM

That torque box I very nice looking and the "Boxer 4" text is neat.

Grimmrican

05-02-2013, 08:31 PM

Ok so I want one now lol

amgarrety

05-03-2013, 12:52 AM

That's what I thought!

Also, I arrived home from college today to a box waiting from me from rkrenicki. He sent me a few things that I've been looking for that were GT only options here in the US, and since my car was an L, I never got them.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8704063706_0b81e673aa_z-1.jpg

Hidden beneath the bubble wrap are the following things:
-Complete wood radio and fog light switch surround
-BE/BH Tweeters
-Courtesy Door Lamps
-GT/Outback Windshield Wiper Stalk w/ intermittent control
-D-type Headlight Leveling Switch

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8702942499_ebfd4edec5_z-1.jpg

The tweeters, courtesy lamps, and windshield wiper stalk were the things I mentioned that were GT only conveniences. They aren't all that important, but are sure nice to have. The headlight leveling switch is so I can regain leveling control of my D-type headlights. I had the A-C type switch, which worked fine with the A-C type headlights, but not with the D-types. That is now fixed.

As for the woodgrain bezel, I picked up an extra set to paint. I'm kind of tired of the woodgrain, but I'm not sure I want to paint over my only set. So this new set will get painted a color similar to what comes on the Japanese models. For an exact paint color, I will be using the same exact can of paint I used to paint my headlight eyelids awhile back. It is the metallic charcoal color that comes on Mazdaspeed 3s.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/08/7784221054_1b81066867_z-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/08/7784222710_7a80c40f1f_z-1.jpg

And since school is now done and I don't have to work tomorrow, I plan on getting the bezel completed, the courtesy lights in, and the windshield wiper stalk on. I already installed the tweeters and headlight leveling switch.

rkrenicki

05-03-2013, 09:59 AM

Thanks for clearing out some of my Bubble-wrap stash ;)

rkrenicki

05-03-2013, 10:32 AM

Thanks for clearing out some of my Bubble-wrap stash ;)

amgarrety

05-03-2013, 11:18 AM

Haha yeah, thanks for that, don't be surprised if you find a bunch stuffed inside your springs when they arrive :razz:

98legwag

05-03-2013, 02:00 PM

Your pics on facebook are making me want to peel the vinyl of my dash parts and start painting.

LibertyFLS

05-03-2013, 02:05 PM

Interested to see how your trim painting turns out, I'm thinking of getting a clear smoke to spray mine and make it like dark charcoal wood but I'm worried it will chip or peel off too easily so I might just wrap it.

amgarrety

05-04-2013, 01:13 AM

Due to a recent overload of work, the pictures I posted on my Facebook are as far as I got, and as far as I will get for the next few days. For those who haven't seen those pictures, I'll post them here.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8705645827_2a68b38cd4_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8705645415_a7ae622be5_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8706768366_58cb7dc146_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8706768788_a1aa616a88_z-1.jpg

Grimmrican

05-04-2013, 06:38 PM

Looks good. Should look great in the car

amgarrety

05-04-2013, 09:28 PM

Yeah I can't wait to put them in when they are done. My dad was nice and clear coated everything while I've been dying under a load of work, so they are curing for a little bit. Then they will get polished and installed. The only thing that won't be ready is the pop out cup holder. I screwed up painting it, then ran out of paint. So I need to get more paint, clear coat it, let it cure, and then install it into the rest of the bezel, before finally installing it in the car.

Here are pictures of the finished product. I had to take the pictures down in my basement because it is the brightest place in my house.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8708085043_34fec72f46_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8709209238_984785dd3e_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8708088763_c6a95eb615_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8709211156_7bd60014a3_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8708086833_5da8df00b5_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8709212648_936260dc54_z-1.jpg

Grimmrican

05-04-2013, 09:41 PM

Yea def way better than cheap American wood grain finish lol. I like the gunmetal finish

amgarrety

05-04-2013, 09:47 PM

Thanks, so do I. I can't wait to finally have it in my car.

98legwag

05-05-2013, 12:24 PM

Looks really good.

amgarrety

05-06-2013, 10:32 AM

Some updates. First, I pulled off my door card and installed the courtesy lights, but unfortunately, they aren't prewired. The good news, however, is that the same wire colors (one blue, one blue with a red stripe) exist behind the door, and it looks like to just have to tap into them. But before I jump to conclusions, I just want to make sure I know what those wires are for. They go to a large green connector, which I normally associate with the airbag system, so I just want to check that out more. Some pictures of what I'm talking about:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8713380253_046e3cdd0c_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/8713379415_728613e218_z-1.jpg

Also, my painted dash is installed. Sorry for the less than great picture. I'll try to get another when it isn't in direct sunlight.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/tQzKebXl-1.jpg

rkrenicki

05-06-2013, 10:53 AM

I can pull off a door card tonight when I get home and see where that should be wired.

amgarrety

05-06-2013, 11:16 AM

That would actually be a big help. Don't worry about getting it done ASAP though, I'm in no rush to take my own door cars off again. I hate those things.

rkrenicki

05-06-2013, 11:25 AM

According to my FSM, the green connector should be for the power window motor, which makes sense from its location. It looks like the particular part of the harness that you need has that green connector, the step light connector, and the door lock actuator on the same bundle. Where does this wire go? (I stole your picture for this question) From what I can tell, the step light is likely bundled up with this line and could be tucked into this corner.

http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o739/rkrenickisli/8713379415_728613e218_z_zps2cd4e7ca.jpg

Yamazaki

05-06-2013, 12:09 PM

That wire goes and plugs into the window motor.

I've taken off these door panels so often (and even swapped entire door harnesses) that I've got it down to memory. I still even have the entire harness for the GT (with the door lights) for both driver and passenger sides... in case you are interested.

rkrenicki

05-06-2013, 12:14 PM

Gah, my picture drawings are not showing up now. Let me do it in MSpaint and re-upload it.. stupid photobucket keeps changing the way it behaves.

Yamazaki

05-06-2013, 12:16 PM

Looking at the spare harnesses I have, the door light wires go all the way to the main door connector. They are not paired with anything else. They go to the two top left plugs of the main connector (looking at the back of the plug from the door side of the harness).

Yamazaki

05-06-2013, 12:30 PM

I swapped harnesses because the GT didn't have the wiring for the heated mirrors and it was easier to swap the entire harness than install two new wires. It might be the same case for you (seriously, swapping harnesses is EASY. Hell, I did it.)

amgarrety

05-06-2013, 02:38 PM

I might need to go that route.

Speaking of swapping things, I put in my new windshield wiper stalk and realized that it doesn't work any differently than my stock stalk. Remembering back a bit, I probably need to swap in a GT wiper control module, right?

rkrenicki

05-06-2013, 02:48 PM

From what it looks like on the FSM, the intermittent control is part of the stalk itself. The rear has its own external controller.

I am not sure why, but "stock stalk" makes me chuckle..

amgarrety

05-06-2013, 03:03 PM

From what it looks like on the FSM, the intermittent control is part of the stalk itself. The rear has its own external controller.

I am not sure why, but "stock stalk" makes me chuckle..

I tried to find an alternative to saying stock stalk, but couldn't think of something.

I'm not sure while it isn't working. When I put it on intermittent and move the dial, it doesn't increase in frequency at all. At least not that I've noticed. It is possible that I'm expecting it to go faster that it actually does.

Also, better picture of my dash:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/SkLqTusl-1.jpg

Yamazaki

05-06-2013, 04:23 PM

04Legacy

05-06-2013, 04:31 PM

Is it bad that i'm going with the woodgrain trim all the way around?? Also looking good Michael!!!

LibertyFLS

05-06-2013, 04:59 PM

That looks awesome. I can't wait to paint mine now.

elislider

05-06-2013, 05:28 PM

the intermittent wiper speed control is purely a feature of the wiper control stalk.

amgarrety

05-06-2013, 06:20 PM

I like that interior. It looks just like the Baja. I actually just went to my neighbor to see if he was interested in a full woodgrain swap (the window control consoles on the door panels are gunmetal on the Baja too), but he didn't go for it. He thought the woodgrain would clash too much. Crap.
I want that look, but don't want to paint it.

Well if I'm correct, the Baja interior is a solid silver, right? I decided to paint instead because the paint I was using had a metallic flake in it that I thought would look really cool. I wanted to get as far away from a flat paint as possible. I didn't want it to look plastidipped or rattle-can'd (even though it is). It turned out almost factory, but I would still like to polish it to get a glass like finish. It is pretty darn close now though.

If you can get your hands on a second set of woodgrain, painting it isn't bad at all. It is really easy (especially for a guy who sprayed an entire bumper). Then you can play around with the color a bit. I got a darker look with a metallic flake so it varies in color depending on the sunlight. I might be biased, but I think it's more awesome than anything Subaru offered here in the US. I would've liked to replicate the brushed look they had in Japan, but I'm not that good.

Is it bad that i'm going with the woodgrain trim all the way around?? Also looking good Michael!!!

It's all personal preference. I liked the woodgrain when I got the car, but I feel that as I've done more to the car (especially after my suspension), it has changed from more of a luxury car to a sporty car, and I didn't think the woodgrain really fit in anymore. But that is why I painted a spare set, just in case I wanted to go back.

the intermittent wiper speed control is purely a feature of the wiper control stalk.

Yeah, that's kind of what we figured based on the wiring diagrams, but that doesn't leave much else to blame the problem on, except for my own impatience (which is very possible). I'll try it again next time it rains.

Yamazaki

05-06-2013, 07:30 PM

The Baja is more gunmetal. The Blitzen (the real one) is more silver.

keremdemir

05-07-2013, 03:27 AM

you can help for courtesy lamp
http://translate.google.com.tr/translat ... LG_SLP.htm (http://translate.google.com.tr/translate?hl=tr&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dab.hi-ho.ne.jp%2Fkita-623%2Fpage_LGCY%2FpreLG_SLP.htm)
orignal site
http://www.dab.hi-ho.ne.jp/kita-623/pag ... LG_SLP.htm (http://www.dab.hi-ho.ne.jp/kita-623/page_LGCY/preLG_SLP.htm)

Yamazaki

05-27-2013, 08:57 PM

the intermittent wiper speed control is purely a feature of the wiper control stalk.

Yeah, that's kind of what we figured based on the wiring diagrams, but that doesn't leave much else to blame the problem on, except for my own impatience (which is very possible). I'll try it again next time it rains.
It has rained since this last comment. Does your wiper stalk work the way it should?

amgarrety

05-27-2013, 10:21 PM

Yes, sorry for the lack of update. I over-estimated how much of a difference there would be between slow and fast, and I had the controls backwards as well. So I had it set to fast, took note of the speed, then turned it to slow and expected to see it speed up. My stupidity was my downfall there. But yes, it works fine.

amgarrety

06-07-2013, 01:26 PM

Small update, bought a ScanGauge. This is the extent of modifications for the summer. Still playing around with the gauges a bit.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/8978779229_a20a8b9795_z-1.jpg

amgarrety

06-25-2013, 02:47 PM

Any thoughts on my car with gold rims (as opposed to bronze)? I still want to get them powder coated silver, but until then, Plastidip makes a gold color. Anyone have an opinion? I'm unsure of how it will turn out.

Yamazaki

06-25-2013, 04:13 PM

Personally, I don't think gold looks good on very many cars.
Have you tried using photoshop to see how it might look?

Grimmrican

06-25-2013, 04:51 PM

All I kno is I fell upon the gold plastidip myself on their website and thought about buying a few cans for my rims. In the end if I don't like the look then ill just peel them off.

amgarrety

06-25-2013, 04:56 PM

I have not yet edited it in photoshop. I'm not really all that good at swapping colors. My big dislike with the bronze is that it is too dark. Gold would fix that, but I'm not sure it would look good.

amgarrety

06-25-2013, 05:16 PM

Quick and not so clean photoshop of how it might look (Ignore the horrible rear wheel in both):

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/9136751831_4a6f1ec735_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/9138997342_c88294172f_z-1.jpg

Thomistopheles

06-25-2013, 05:24 PM

All the gold plastidip I've seen has been a bit more yellow than that, more like this:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/garretycolorchange_zps6e135048jpgorigina-1.jpg

amgarrety

06-25-2013, 05:25 PM

This is the actual product:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/auqzSWfl-1.jpg

Thomistopheles

06-25-2013, 05:42 PM

Ohhh. I didn't realize that they came out with new metallic colors... so you're thinking of going with vintage gold? I was thinking of the gold metalizer over a black base when I did my potatoshoppin'.

amgarrety

06-25-2013, 09:32 PM

Well that picture above is gold Plastidip over a black base coat. I actually don't know much about my options. I just saw that picture and thought it didn't look half bad.

I might actually paint the rims properly silver if the gold doesn't work for some reason.

Grimmrican

06-25-2013, 10:01 PM

That color actually does it for me. I bet it's a bit different from the picture though.

nikolaus.conrad

06-26-2013, 12:09 PM

Your car gets better and better every time I see it

rkrenicki

06-26-2013, 12:46 PM

IMO.. I am not so sure about Gold on a Silver car. Even with the photoshops, I am do not feel it goes that well.

harrymaneuvers

06-26-2013, 02:18 PM

This is the actual product:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/auqzSWfl-1.jpg

I was seriously considering doing this exact same thing to my 2011 WRX wheels.

amgarrety

06-30-2013, 04:48 PM

So I thought about it, and I think I am just going to go the spray paint route instead of dealing with plastidip. So this is the color I am choosing (on that tiny piece of test plastic):

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/9178572686_12b8cb2d74_c-1.jpg

It is meant to replicate stainless steel. I like it because it is more silver, but still has a hint of bronze to it, has some minor metallic flake, but is very obviously a different color from the car. I didn't want the color of my wheels to look too much like my car. I wanted it slightly darker, yet still metallic, and I'm pretty happy with this result.

Grimmrican

06-30-2013, 09:53 PM

That's actually really nice color

98legwag

07-01-2013, 07:53 AM

I like it. Go for it.

rkrenicki

07-01-2013, 09:21 AM

I like that color! I say go for it as well.

amgarrety

07-01-2013, 06:09 PM

Started on prep work today. It's actually kind of relaxing.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9185424189_567c0fe4da_z-1.jpg

Except when I took my wheels off, I discovered that my alignment on my front wheels is pretty bad. I must have some pretty sick camber bro.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9185233625_a0542aa6d6_z-1.jpg

Sanded down all of the spots on the rims where the previous paint chipped or there were any other imperfections. Luckily I didn't run into anything that went deeper than the paint, so it is all 100% smooth now. You can actually see the original gold paint peeking through.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9188423338_c77c2fa280_z-1.jpg

And on the inside of the rim, underneath all of the years of dirt, the original gold color still remains.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9188225218_55294d636d_z-1.jpg

My goal tonight is to have the wheels at least primed, so I can paint and clear coat them tomorrow, and give them a few days to fully harden. Progress!

chrish8r

07-01-2013, 07:19 PM

That color is going to look sweet. Cant wait to see how it turns out!

amgarrety

07-01-2013, 08:48 PM

I can't either! I plan to put some color on them tomorrow. Today I got them all primed so that is done now.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9189237310_9d1550b0f3_z-1.jpg

Grimmrican

07-01-2013, 09:04 PM

Willing to part with ur snowflakes?

amgarrety

07-01-2013, 09:08 PM

No way, they are staying with me. They are perfect winter/spare wheels. Sorry. I know they are in high demand but I love how they look too much haha

Thomistopheles

07-01-2013, 09:50 PM

Once your paint is fully cured, you might want to consider using Opti-coat on them to help keep them clean. It makes a huge difference, brake dust has a tough time sticking to it... rinses right off if you wash once a week.

amgarrety

07-01-2013, 10:12 PM

Thomistopheles

07-02-2013, 12:20 AM

Haha well that's a no brainer. I hate brake dust. Thanks for the heads up, I didn't think about it, but I assume brake dust probably sticks more to spray painted surfaces than powder-coated or metallic surfaces just due to it being a slightly rougher finish. I'll be honest, I didn't know there was a coating to make my life easier.

-edit-

Actually, just did some research, and I have a question. What are your feelings toward it in general? Do you use it often for things other than wheels? It looks like a pretty serious time saver in a lot of areas.I loooooove opti-coat. Brake dust (not baked on) rinses off, dust and dirt come off easier... hell, even wax/sealant can't stick to it. Chemical resistant, the only thing that will remove it is abrasion (machine polishing). It's much harder than the soft factory Subaru clear is, so it will be more scratch resistant. You will have to remove every last defect from the paint before application. Random depth scratches, swirls, marring, holograms... everything needs to be gone, or it will be locked in under the coating. It's not invincible, improper wash technique can still put swirls into it... but those light scratches and swirls will be in the coating and not in the clear, a sort of sacrificial layer. Excellent gloss and clarity.

I hate to call it a magic wonder product that revolutionized paint protection... but it's a magic wonder product that revolutionized paint protection. :lol:

Grimmrican

07-02-2013, 02:16 AM

Lol I figured u wouldn't buy never hurts to ask. That's the reason y I want them is so my still looks good during the winter instead of steelies

Thomistopheles

07-02-2013, 04:44 AM

Snowflakes and the 17" 5 spoke legacy wheels are still my favorite OEM wheels. I like my bugeye wheels, but I'd trade them in an instant for some snowflakes.

geckoboy86

07-02-2013, 08:09 AM

IMO.. I am not so sure about Gold on a Silver car. Even with the photoshops, I am do not feel it goes that well.
It can look good.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/photoJPG-1.jpg

Snowflakes and the 17" 5 spoke legacy wheels are still my favorite OEM wheels. I like my bugeye wheels, but I'd trade them in an instant for some snowflakes.

Yep. Agreed. I miss mine but now I'm moving on to bigger things. Impreza RS wheels are also nice. Light weight and wider then snowflakes.

--------------------
Awesome color Michael! Can't wait to see the final product.

redlegacygt

07-02-2013, 10:31 AM

I'm interested to see how that color turns out. i was actually looking at a very similar color to paint my SDR's. I think it would look good with my rio red. I think it will look good with your silver as well!

amgarrety

07-02-2013, 02:53 PM

It's paint day! Here are a few pictures of the process. You can see how the color changes slightly depending on which light it is in. I love these kinds of paints, hence me using them on literally everything I paint.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9195363758_04861e557a_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9195369514_93c26511af_z-1.jpg

And this is a closeup picture of the paint before clearcoat. I actually had to wipe it down with a rag to get some of the excess metallic dust buildup off of it.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9192562887_7648f3ce86_z-1.jpg

Annndddd.... First test to get an idea of how it will look.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9192744767_e436c65e71_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9195537706_1e893d93a7_z-1.jpg

I think the color is perfect. I'm very happy with the result.

98legwag

07-02-2013, 05:11 PM

Very nice.

Rubie_25GT

07-02-2013, 05:27 PM

Cool that's going to look good on the car. CLEAN.

rkrenicki

07-02-2013, 08:18 PM

Yes, yes, yes.. Those wheels look amazing.

jverendia

07-02-2013, 11:11 PM

i know what else is going to look good on the car!

amgarrety

07-02-2013, 11:20 PM

Hahaha shhhh. We'll save that for another update. Albeit a small but important one.

Grimmrican

07-03-2013, 12:44 AM

^ I'm jelly already lol congrats

amgarrety

07-06-2013, 01:45 PM

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9225110172_e9dbe4e2e1_z-1.jpg

Got a package in the mail today. Not really going to beat around the bush, I bought a set of (matching) D-type headlights. The standard B4 type with the black housing, like the one currently on my driver's side. It's just something that has been bugging me, so I figured I'd fix it finally. Thanks to jverendia for the sale and shipping them quickly! They are up at State College, and I am not, so the next time I head up there, I'll install them.

Rims are still hardening.

Muse

07-06-2013, 04:41 PM

That silver looks stunning. Also, congrats on finally matching.

amgarrety

07-09-2013, 01:48 PM

Rims are complete and back on the car! I can't believe how much better it looks. It almost looks like I jumped an inch in rim size.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9250221596_ba325904be_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9250220964_d21517ef02_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9247440895_7ce44499a2_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9247441715_4e0da05f3b_z-1.jpg

First post is now updated with these pictures.

98legwag

07-09-2013, 01:59 PM

That looks freaking fantastic.

rkrenicki

07-09-2013, 03:38 PM

That looks freaking fantastic.

+8,675,309

Yamazaki

07-09-2013, 04:12 PM

At first I saw the pictures and thought "wait, that isn't how they are naturally?", compared it with the pictures of the rims before you painted it and I think the new paint is how it should've been from the factory.

Good job!

Lancaster6

07-09-2013, 04:35 PM

That looks freaking fantastic.

+8,675,309

+8,675,310

That really does look good, nice job!

amgarrety

07-09-2013, 09:45 PM

Thanks guys! I couldn't have imagined it would turn out any better, and I'm actually surprised by it. Those rims did come in a color close to what I painted them, but my specific rims were originally gold, spray painted bronze. My attempt was to closely match the stock silver it was offered in.

amgarrety

07-10-2013, 08:10 PM

I felt like a new rim color warranted a new photoshoot. I think I've fallen in love with my car all over again with these rims.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9256490489_c541d7aea8_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9256489259_622e7fdc23_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9259268472_85493313a9_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9259269814_92caf9893b_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9256491663_fdfd1cc6ec_z-1.jpg

Yamazaki

07-10-2013, 08:43 PM

Holy Moses, that looks good. That really is a USDM B4...
It didn't exactly look shabby before, but it's amazing how much the rims really steps up the appearance.

amgarrety

07-10-2013, 08:54 PM

Thanks, that means a lot from a guy who knows more about the B4 than most people, because I love authenticity (even though I stray in areas). I'm hoping that with the rear bumper, the only way you'll be able to tell which country it is from is by looking for the steering wheel.

Thatonejawn

07-11-2013, 02:44 AM

This thread solidifies why I will never sell my BH. The 3rd gen design is so linear, it's like god made it himself. Such a beautiful looking car, man. props all around

amgarrety

07-11-2013, 11:31 AM

Thanks!

Dead91silvia

07-11-2013, 11:33 AM

She's looking mighty fine bro!

amgarrety

07-11-2013, 11:40 AM

You need to come over and drive it again! It's been a few months :P

Dead91silvia

07-11-2013, 12:16 PM

HAHA! I think you should come this way and drive a GT-B. :smt023

amgarrety

07-11-2013, 12:23 PM

Or! We meet halfway in Wisconsin, drive each other's cars, and then get them both detailed!

Yamazaki

07-11-2013, 02:11 PM

Or! We meet halfway in Wisconsin, drive each other's cars, and then get them both detailed!
:lol:
I'd love to join that trip!

Thomistopheles

07-11-2013, 03:11 PM

I just imagined a GT-B, s401, and B4 sitting in the shop awaiting some shiny.

I'm... I'm gonna need a moment gentlemen. I'll be back in a bit.

fapfapfapfapfapfapfap

Grimmrican

07-11-2013, 03:27 PM

I just imagined a GT-B, s401, and B4 sitting in the shop awaiting some shiny.

I'm... I'm gonna need a moment gentlemen. I'll be back in a bit.

fapfapfapfapfapfapfaplmao too funny

amgarrety

07-11-2013, 03:34 PM

Now if we could get Rob's RS30 and Yama's Blitzen6 out there too.....

And Tanner needs to get his 5th gen tS done. That would be a killer lineup.

Thomistopheles

07-11-2013, 03:39 PM

Now if we could get Rob's RS30 and Yama's Blitzen6 out there too.....

And Tanner needs to get his 5th gen tS done. That would be a killer lineup.OH COME ON! YOU FILTHY GODDAMN TEASE!

Why must you do these things to me?

rkrenicki

07-11-2013, 04:09 PM

I would love to have the BEE done by Thom.. The paint needs some of his tender lovin'

xoSubieLegacyxo

07-11-2013, 11:10 PM

This car is the reason why I would want a 3rd gen Legacy. nough said.

amgarrety

07-14-2013, 09:13 PM

Met up with geckoboy86 today, and he contributed to a pretty important upgrade that I'm happy is finally done.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9286764567_99e5c54ee5_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9289541126_c8ebe5eaf4_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9289542734_35dc618b25_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9286763195_21bfb65591_z-1.jpg

Sorry for the state of my interior. I've been working and cleaning out my car has fallen by the wayside. But that's not the point! The point is that the seats are different! All of them, rear seats included! They're from a WRX, they hug you, and they are blue and black. They are also height adjustable and have airbags (both things my previous seats lacked). I didn't take a picture of the rear seats due to the aforementioned mess that my interior currently is.

The back seats need a little modification to bolt up, but the fronts are in place and ready to rock.

Shane and I then had a photo op now that he has a new and beautiful H6 (which he let me test drive :grin:). Parking right next to his car really shows how bad my car needs a good wax.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9286864189_699f04e657_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9289640748_dfeb180331_z-1.jpg

And Shane's old car watching the new one get all the attention :(

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9286863621_fdf4fa2dea_z-1.jpg

Ok, I'll stop killing data and download speeds with my pictures.

98legwag

07-14-2013, 09:17 PM

The WRX seats look great. I have GC RS seats up front. I love them. They also weigh less than the stock seats I had.

amgarrety

07-14-2013, 09:25 PM

Thanks! Yeah, I noticed these weigh less as well. Not by a whole lot, but it was at least noticeable.

98legwag

07-14-2013, 09:34 PM

Yeah, its probably a few pounds per seat. I think they are way more comfortable too.

amgarrety

07-14-2013, 09:36 PM

Oh by far. I couldn't be happier. And all I had to do was trade my stock seats and a set of Hella horns. Probably the most comfortable upgrade yet :grin:

Yamazaki

07-14-2013, 09:48 PM

Very nice upgrade!

Oh and what did you think of his car?

amgarrety

07-14-2013, 09:52 PM

Very nice upgrade!

Oh and what did you think of his car?

So smooth. I didn't get to really get on it since we were in the city, but the transmission shifts so smoothly, even in tiptronic. And it is a 5EAT! But yeah, the car itself was so solid, and it had all the bells and whistles being an L.L.Bean edition. It had the fun stuff like touch screen nav and a momo steering wheel. I kinda want one. As a second car of course, but I definitely want one. I can definitely feel how mine is older compared to that car.

98legwag

07-14-2013, 10:08 PM

Now you and I need WRX drive/power trains...

amgarrety

07-14-2013, 10:28 PM

I keep saying that is the next thing on the list, then I do stuff like get seats. I have a buddy who is bugging me to get some sort of turbo in there, so it is more or less a matter of time, I just need to find an affordable swap.

I'm almost thinking I should just starting looking for a used WRX with blown head gaskets. That'll be cheap so long as the engine was cared for and not driven long on bad gaskets.

98legwag

07-14-2013, 10:46 PM

I am in the same boat.

geckoboy86

07-15-2013, 08:30 AM

You're the first person that I have let drive my H6. My family even has yet to.

amgarrety

07-15-2013, 11:01 AM

I'm honored, it is definitely an amazing ride. Had you taken mine for a drive (the invitation is still open), you'd be the 4th person (outside of my parents) I would let drive it. I'm very particular. Two friends outside of this forum and Robin (Dead91silvia) are the only 3 people who have my ok to drive it as of now. I'm just careful due to the headache/pain in the wallet it would be to replace parts if someone were to hit something.

amgarrety

07-16-2013, 10:43 PM

Small update, my new headlights. Crystal clear and no scuffs. And they're a matching pair! They are getting put in now, but I probably won't update photos because it will look largely the same.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9298786019_edd04ea9aa_z-1.jpg

Thomistopheles

07-16-2013, 11:38 PM

Damn, those headlights look mint. :smt007

amgarrety

07-16-2013, 11:44 PM

Now if only I could afford that damn Opti-coat you just HAD to bring to my attention :razz:

Grimmrican

07-16-2013, 11:48 PM

Soooooooooooo what u doing with UR old ones?????

amgarrety

07-16-2013, 11:56 PM

Not quite sure. I kind of wanted to keep the passenger light since it is limited edition, but I might sell both since selling just one would be tough. We'll see. I haven't quite decided fully yet.

Thomistopheles

07-17-2013, 01:10 AM

Now if only I could afford that damn Opti-coat you just HAD to bring to my attention :razz: :lol: Looking to do the whole car or just the wheels? I might have a partial syringe with enough for wheels lying around somewhere, I'll look next time I reorganize all my stuff.

amgarrety

07-17-2013, 01:22 AM

I'm actually just looking to do the headlights. I've come to terms with the fact that the wheels will just collect some brake dust. I'm not happy with the job I did on them regarding the texture. It is like a very fine sandpaper in some areas due to the metallic flake that built up. I feel like the roughness will cause brake dust to build up no matter how nice of a coating I put on them.

I'll seal them when I get them powdercoated properly (hopefully this winter). But for now, I'll just put up with spraying some Bleche-Wite and waiting a few minutes.

The headlights on the other hand are MUCH more important. The clearness of the headlights are directly proportionate to how good the car looks. I know, I know, so are the cleanliness of the wheels, but I'm a poor college student. I can redo the wheels anytime I want. The headlights are much more expensive and more of a PITA to get a hold of in a condition I would approve of. Might as well make the most of the set I have now.

rougeben83

07-17-2013, 03:12 AM

RIIIMMMSSSSS! :grin:

rkrenicki

07-17-2013, 03:21 AM

Did you remember to swap those new headlight clips over?

Thomistopheles

07-17-2013, 04:40 AM

For the headlights you are going to want Opti-lens and not opti-coat. The lens coating has UV inhibitors and can flex with the headlights as temps change.

amgarrety

07-17-2013, 09:06 AM

Did you remember to swap those new headlight clips over?

I was going to, then realized the clips on the new headlights were in pretty good shape. So I'm using them for now, and will swap the clips when they either break or I decide to sell the old headlights.

For the headlights you are going to want Opti-lens and not opti-coat. The lens coating has UV inhibitors and can flex with the headlights as temps change.

Good to know. I need to get a better job, all this detailing stuff is clearly meant for a higher tax bracket than the one I reside in :lol:

I expected the Opti-Lens to be cheaper due to it's limited use compared to Opti-Coat, but it is actually way more expensive per cc. 10cc of Opti-Lens for $60 or 20cc of Opti-Coat for $70. This must be some serious stuff. Haha

Thomistopheles

07-17-2013, 09:29 PM

Now you know why we charge so much :lol: I get opti-lens cheaper than that, $45, but it'd still be expensive if you're just doing one set of lights.

amgarrety

07-19-2013, 07:45 PM

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/9322063651_0dfb32a64e_z-1.jpg

So much for being chip resistant.

I've had such a bad day that I almost want to light my rims on fire, partially because now I know I'll never be able to get a hard coating on them. The sat for 7 days and it feels soft to the touch.

Someone take the damn car. I'm done.

Lancaster6

07-19-2013, 07:59 PM

Someone take the damn car. I'm done.

I think Murphy's Law has its own section devoted strictly to car modification. I've had quite a few of these moments. Seems like no matter what you do to the car, something, anything, goes wrong. The bright side is that your car still looks badass

Grimmrican

07-19-2013, 08:12 PM

Where u at I'm coming right now!!

Thomistopheles

07-21-2013, 09:33 PM

Time to save up and get them powdercoated.

dplacencia

07-21-2013, 09:53 PM

Powder coating will be your best bet...

xoSubieLegacyxo

07-21-2013, 10:58 PM

Calm down Mike. Of all people I know what it's like to have a wheel paint chip or flake off (I've curbed almost every wheel set I bought). I would also recommend getting your wheels powder coated, or even sprayed with a solvent based paint, like what your car's finish. If you want some references for powdercoating give me a text. Cheer up!

Thomistopheles

07-22-2013, 03:43 AM

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/thecarisruined_zpsedb4e208png-1.jpg

dodik

07-22-2013, 09:56 AM

which paint did you use and what was the process of painting them?

rougeben83

07-22-2013, 05:10 PM

lol dude, stop being a pansy and just deal with it! :grin:

elislider

07-22-2013, 07:36 PM

well that didnt take long

amgarrety

07-28-2013, 10:44 PM

which paint did you use and what was the process of painting them?

It was spray paint. It really wasn't meant to hold up forever. Only until I could get my rims powdercoated this winter. So it really isn't a big deal, I was just under a ton of stress and kind of fed up with everything.

But now I'm back from vacation and feeling much better. I'll repair that rim sometime soon and just wait until I can finally take the tires off these rims and powdercoat them. I have the person to do it, I just don't have the money or tools to remove the tires for the process.

I did mess around with the car today, and I realized how much the age of my car really shows. Most of the screws that hold the dash bezel in (with the vents) don't have the metal piece behind the screw holes that the screws are meant to grab on to, so that is pretty loose. It's that small kind of stuff I really need to focus on right now before it gets out of hand.

Part of me can't wait for the 6th gen Legacy to come out. The plan is to have a stable job so I can buy myself a problem free Legacy. Not like mine has a ton of problems, but it would be nice to have something newer so I can play with the 3rd gen some more without being so worried about the small things.

amgarrety

08-01-2013, 05:19 PM

Small updates. I removed the blue lights from the halos in my gauge cluster. They'll make a triumphant return after I have the cash to buy the correctly fitting bulbs.

In preparation for getting (non-blinking) LED city lights soon, I swapped out the OEM turn signal flash module for an electronic version. This way, the module controls the rate of blinking, instead of the blinking rate being entirely reliant on all bulbs working. In other words, if a bulb goes out, I won't have any hyperflash. Convenient since I am removing the blinking function from two bulbs.

Here are 3 videos to show the difference.

Both bulbs in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxcsTX6Smso

One bulb removed, OEM flash module
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2E8qIybXkE

One bulb removed, electronic flash module
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUjOFZ0XmaA

Grimmrican

08-01-2013, 05:35 PM

Do u have a part number of the EFM? I was looking into this mod when I ran into somebody else doing it elsewhere. I love the idea and think its cool.

rkrenicki

08-01-2013, 05:57 PM

Novita EP34, Advance has them for $13.

amgarrety

08-01-2013, 06:02 PM

Just go to an Advance Autoparts or something similar and look for this package:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/9419139550_6845bfa2ed_z-1.jpg

I need to warn you ahead of time though, even though websites say this is plug and play, it isn't quite. There are 3 pins on the module; a positive, a negative, and a signal wire. Same with the car's connector. The only problem is the positive and negative poles are switched. Check out the photo below. B means positive and E means negative. Side by side you can see how they are opposite.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/9416415841_2f8b29ccb9_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/9419181984_e3a65ffd7d_z-1.jpg

And while I'm posting pictures, here are the modules side by side, and what each looks inside. The complicated one is OEM, the simple one is the electronic module.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/9416413223_cf657b7859_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/9416415149_c186bdb4d4_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/08/9419179950_fc5cf42bf4_z-1.jpg

Grimmrican

08-01-2013, 08:35 PM

Hahhaha derp derpy derp. I'm so stupid. Yea I have those in my store and with my discount its like 9$. And I need a new one anyways because my current flasher is starting to flash quicker than normal during left turns. Very annoying especially when cops are behind me 0_O. But thanx again. Ill keep watch and see how u do this so I may follow :)

Grimmrican

08-01-2013, 08:37 PM

amgarrety

08-01-2013, 08:59 PM

No everything is truly swapped. The letters are imprinted in the plastic. After swapping the poles everything worked perfectly. I did start a writeup, but then I ran into this issue and any hopes of a writeup went out the window. It isn't a hard project though. You just need to take the connector, and switch the wires within it. Then you'll be good.

amgarrety

08-30-2013, 04:20 PM

Ok guys. Time to have a serious discussion on an engine swap. I had my car up on a lift last night to do some work to my suspension, and while it was up, I took a look at the engine. What I saw was a bit sad, and I had a buddy of mine who worked at a Subaru shop take a look as well. It looks like my head gaskets are showing early signs of failure. It seems like there is some oil and coolant seepage. I'll be honest, finding time to pull the engine and replace the gaskets isn't a worry for me. My issue is, I want a swap at some point, and it looks like its about time to pull the engine anyway. I want to come to a conclusion before the time comes. It looks like I have at least a year if I don't drive it rough.

I just gained two part time jobs, and I'm graduating in less than a year, so as soon as I have a stable full time job, I'll pull the trigger. I need an opinion from someone who knows. So, pick a swap you would put in my car, or one you would stay away from, and make your case.

First, I need a swap nationality.
USDM
JDM

Then a swap.
WRX swap
STI swap
H6 swap

Then, how many liters?
2.0
2.5
3.0 (H6 only)
3.6 (H6 only)

And make your case for why that is your swap of choice. Also feel free to tell me why I shouldn't go a certain direction.

For instance, I like the idea of not having to deal with the maintenance of a turbo'd engine with the H6, but I hear the wiring swap is not fun. With a WRX swap, parts are cheap and very common, and the wiring can be done by a company like iwire. With the STI swap, wiring can still be done for me, but this swap is obviously more expensive. It is also more gratifying than the WRX swap.

Right now, my dream engine would be a 2.5L STI with Cosworth internals. That depends on how good my job is when I graduate. I might also just spend that money on a newer car. That is why I'm searching.

What I'm really looking for is the best bang for my buck, including maintenance costs.

Aaaannnddd..... GO!

rkrenicki

08-30-2013, 10:27 PM

I vote.. USDM, H6, and 2.0... (hey, you didnt say that wasnt an option)

Muse

08-30-2013, 11:07 PM

Stroked & bored Tribeca motor. That's like, what, a 4.0? 4.2? Hells yeah.

A 3.6 would, as you stated, be more maintainance friendly. And that's more than enough power to get you in trouble. And damn, talk about unique...

98legwag

08-31-2013, 09:46 AM

You should be able to find the most info on the 2.0 swap. Should be easiest to find parts for as well. That is what I would go for.

dplacencia

08-31-2013, 02:27 PM

If I have to choose between a 3.0 and a 3.6. 3.6 will be the one to go for. My wife has a 3.6 on her 2010 legacy. .. But it will probably be easier to get a 2.0 wrx swap. ...

geckoboy86

08-31-2013, 03:06 PM

H6. Second revision EZ30 (whats in my car) or EZ36
Forget all that complexity with a turbo. Enjoy the power without having to wait on boost.
I can still get close to 30 mpg hwy. So its economical as well.
Ya you loose tune-ability but its a enjoyable drivers car engine that doesn't need fiddling.

rkrenicki

08-31-2013, 08:34 PM

amgarrety

08-31-2013, 09:18 PM

Has anyone done the ez36 swap? This intrigues me.

xoSubieLegacyxo

08-31-2013, 11:22 PM

My vote is for a usdm hybrid build. Find an STi block with WRX heads, and add some forged internals. On top of that a nice VF39 or VF43 and you'll be in the 350hp range. You get the horsepower you want, finding parts will be easy, and you should be able to wire and tune the car properly without any major hiccups.

dodik

09-02-2013, 09:24 AM

if you want reliability and ease of maintenance go with hybrid motor as mentioned above, if you want unique and uncharted territory go with 2.0 turbo diesel you'd be the only diesel legacy

Dead91silvia

09-02-2013, 10:47 AM

Hmm... This is an interesting one...

There are a number of them that would be cool. You could do what slavik.86 did and put a turbo on the single cam 2.5. I got to drive it and it was a blast! Also the cost would be much lower and if you got a boost controler, you could turn it down to the lowest setting to preserve the motor and higher to have fun.

As for swaps I like the sound of a USDM H6. However, you are limited with motor mods, or at least the cost of them. This might be the easier swap to do since you could just get a complete doner car and swap everything over. All you would really need to change would be the tail light harness. You would also get Digi climate controls with it, so that would be cool. The hard part would be making it a manual, but it can be done.

Doing a 2.5 hybrid STi motor would also be pretty damn cool, but expensive.

In the long run, I think the H6 would be the more maintenance free setup. Plug are a pain to change, but you only do it every few years, other then that, they are pretty easy. Just know there are a few parts that are not easy to get or, cheap.

nikolaus.conrad

09-02-2013, 01:56 PM

if you want reliability and ease of maintenance go with hybrid motor as mentioned above, if you want unique and uncharted territory go with 2.0 turbo diesel you'd be the only diesel legacy
This. :wink:

Have you driven an H6 Legacy? If you go the H6 route test drive a car that has the motor you want to put in your car. Drive it like you stole it! :smt023

Yamazaki

09-02-2013, 07:43 PM

Since you are soliciting opinions, I will offer mine:

Speaking from personal experience - think budget first. Figure out what you can spend, how soon you want it, and what you are able to do personally. Anything you haven't done before, even with help/advice from those who have, will take twice as long as you think it will. Then add 15% to the time and cost for "unanticipated" issues. With that all figured out, then figure out what swaps are viable to you. Then even after you know what you want to do, don't pull the trigger until you have the funds available. If you don't wait for the funds first, then either frustration will set in because of lack of progress or it'll just fall by the wayside and it'll take even longer to get it done.

I personally recommend a 2.0 WRX swap due to the parts availability, [relatively] low cost, and the fact that so many people have done it that there shouldn't be too many of those aforementioned issues. It's also easily upgradeable when you want more out of it later (unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the H6).

xoSubieLegacyxo

09-02-2013, 10:33 PM

chrish8r

09-02-2013, 11:22 PM

if you want reliability and ease of maintenance go with hybrid motor as mentioned above, if you want unique and uncharted territory go with 2.0 turbo diesel you'd be the only diesel legacy

How difficult is it to locate and install a Boxer Turbo Diesel? I'm curious for one in my WRX. lol

This website seems to have a bulk of the needed engine parts but install is probably a handful. http://www.boxeer.com/ee20_parts

rougeben83

09-03-2013, 01:49 AM

Its always funny how people "want to be different" then end up surprised a year later broke with a half-fixed car and a bunch of parts laying around that don't fit. My car was one of the first swapped 3rd gens 5+ years ago, its still going strong and still scaring the piss out of people who don't expect it. I had the same thoughts that many people beginning the swap route back then. I went 205 because of budget, ease of parts and upgrades, and ability to pass smog. My only regret is whether I shouldve gotten the 2.5l turbo block, but it wouldve cost even more $$ than it does even now.

Go with the tried and true. USDM 205 or 255 (257 is considerably more $$) all the way. Upgrade what you can to aftermarket stuff the first time to save the extra labor and money (mainly turbo, exhaust, IC, fuel) as you'll need the whole thing tuned anyway. An H6 swap looks good on paper, but at the end of the day you'll only end up with the performance of an slightly lighter outback (sorry).

dodik

09-03-2013, 01:51 PM

Ben is right, if you want to have a car period go with something proven and reliable. The 2.0 diesel comment I made above was more of a troll lol, trust me after living with 3.0 "D" for the past 6.5 years there probably hasn't been a single week of me thinking it needs just a tad bit more power/less sluggishness. Slapping a supercharger is not difficult nor is installing a turbo but to make it even remotely worthwhile stand alone ecu would be needed. Cardoc over on subaruoutback.org is the only person insane enough to keep messing with tuning im sure you dont want to follow in his footsteps. I dont think there is any other engine in subaru line up to recieve this little aftermarket support as ez30d, going for the newer ones means can bus which is making things even more complicated unless you get a wrecked car and swap everything over by everything i mean everything inside cab as well not just engine tranny.

amgarrety

09-04-2013, 12:20 AM

Thanks for all of the serious opinions guys. I'm really liking the idea of the 2.0 WRX swap, or a hybrid if I have the time and cash. I was worried about reliability with the turbo engine, but Ben's seems to hold up very well. Maybe it is just an exception to the rule or meticulous care, but the fact it, it can be done. It is still at least a year off yet, but I'm glad I got opinions from people who know instead of me just trying to scratch it out on paper with no knowledge of what is the best value here.

rougeben83

09-04-2013, 12:31 AM

Just don't cut corners when you're getting the swap done and be willing to pay a little extra to have a good foundation (ie a good shortblock, complete wiring harness including the fuel pump, don't skimp on the wiring merge, a reputable tuner on a dyno etc) and all you'll be doing is regular maintenance on the thing afterwards.

Oh and ask anyone thats ridden in the car with me... it seems I give it an Italian Tuneup everytime I'm in it. :grin:

98legwag

09-04-2013, 08:19 AM

You probably know this already, but before you put whatever you decide in, I would replace all the seals and gaskets and do a timing service. Much easier to do before it goes in the car.

amgarrety

09-05-2013, 09:54 AM

You probably know this already, but before you put whatever you decide in, I would replace all the seals and gaskets and do a timing service. Much easier to do before it goes in the car.

Yeah definitely. No matter which swap I choose, it won't go in the car until the engine is as close to 0 miles on it as I can afford. Gaskets, timing, and plugs are all within the affordable range.

amgarrety

09-05-2013, 02:20 PM

Also, I decided to suck it up and buy myself the opti-lens so I could install my new headlights. Here, you can see how bad the passengers light was:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/09/9678829553_b8c89994b5_z-1.jpg

The drivers light was much clearer, but as many of you pointed out at the MD meet, they were both different colors. I've had a pair of matching lights for awhile now, and to avoid the condition of the light you see above, I waited to coat them. Now they are protected, and I installed them just today. You might not see a difference but it is clear as day to me. The old headlights were just so oxidized.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/09/9682065320_ec12045534_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/09/9682062296_4e7165b35d_z-1.jpg

Also, since I don't think I've ever posted it, I took a picture of my girlfriend's car next to mine. She is eager to start modding soon! She wants rims first :smile:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/09/9678830323_a6b8395293_z-1.jpg

And as rkrenicki mentioned to me earlier, I've never posted a picture of my interior with the S401 hazard button. So there. This is what it looks like, and how it will stay for a looooong time. I'm not planning any further interior things.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/09/9678824765_f96f3eb83a_z-1.jpg

I also fixed how the turn signals work in these headlights. In the US headlights, both the bottom and top bulbs blink for the turn signal. This causes a problem in the JDM lights, where that isn't meant to happen. You can see what that looks like here:

http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/9-05-2013/jzEYmI.gif

So I got an electronic flasher, so removing the blinking function of two bulbs wouldn't affect the blinking rate, and then I cut the wires responsible for making the bottom bulbs blink. The result is how they should normally look.

http://cdn.makeagif.com/media/9-05-2013/i3DIlJ.gif

And of course, the city lights still work independently.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/09/skWMOCgif-1.jpg

dplacencia

09-05-2013, 03:04 PM

Very nice....

rougeben83

09-08-2013, 12:19 AM

looks good, got a writeup?

Grimmrican

09-08-2013, 01:23 AM

Wow looks good.

amgarrety

09-08-2013, 07:51 AM

Yeah, I'll do a write up when I get the chance. The basis of the mod is very easy. Just swap out the stock flasher module for one that doesn't rely on all of the lights working ($14 at an auto store), then cut one wire on each headlight, and that's it. I'll go into more detail when I write something up.

Dead91silvia

09-08-2013, 10:18 AM

Those gif's were entertaining to me! haha

Bianrox

10-10-2013, 09:05 PM

Those gif's were entertaining to me! haha

Haha, me too... what was he even talking about? It was so BLINKY!

amgarrety

12-31-2013, 05:24 PM

Short update. Nothing has really changed with my car lately. I think I've gotten to a point where I'm happy with how it looks, and I am now thinking I might just save the money from an engine swap and put it toward a brand new Subaru when I graduate in May. Until then, I'm just keeping up with maintenance on the B4. Maintence such as experienced today.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/12/FDUcV9gl-1.jpg

So, according to the shop, my inner axle broke, which shattered my wheel bearing and tore off my boot. So that was a fun fix. Luckily it wasn't anything worse. I had them do a full inspection to make sure nothing else was damaged, and the only point of interest are my head gaskets that may need to be replaced soon. I'd like to keep the car and do all that myself after I have a reliable car, just as a fun project, so we'll see where we are when those head gaskets finally go

I also had them swap to my winter rims while the wheels were already off, so that is done, and she's good as used for a bit longer.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/12/8UVwdg6l-1.jpg

Tanto

01-04-2014, 05:41 AM

What size of wheels and tires do you have? I'm looking at running a similar wheel/suspension set up as yours, and I'm trying to gauge what sizes would look best.

Disregard, I found it. :oops:

amgarrety

01-04-2014, 11:19 PM

I'm glad I put that info in my first post :smt023 I would've had to get back to you because I don't know the tire size off the top of my head.

amgarrety

03-25-2014, 12:57 PM

It's been awhile since I've updated this.

Basically, nothing has changed recently. I'm hoarding money for, what I feel, is an imminent need to pull the engine and replace the gaskets. I have a pretty bad oil leak in my valve cover gaskets and my rear main seal, so that is just extra maintenance I have to keep up on until I'm able to pull the engine. While it is out though, I have an entire list of things that will be replaced, including head gaskets, timing belt, crank pulley, and some other general maintenance stuff that really needs done. So that will all likely be done sometime this summer or early fall.

Enough of the boring stuff. I'm back to summer mode, with the Prodrive P1s back on the car. I put them on last weekend in preparation for the meet instead of waiting the day of the meet, and I'm glad I did. One of my tires had a bubble in it (after less than a year!) so I replaced them all with Michelins. I'm glad I had a reason to replace them though, because I neglected to realign my car after lowering it and they wore in an odd pattern. So hopefully these will wear better now that I have the correct alignment.

Now all that is left to do is give the girl a nice wax, which depending on weather, may or may not actually happen, and prepare the interior for show/hauling a ton of fun things home. I have an entire list of things from rkrenicki that I will be picking up at the meet and installing as it gets warmer. I'll be sure to post updates on that. Some things are general items I've needed to replace since my accident over a year ago, such as an AC condenser and radiator, while others are fun things that will be making way for some custom modifications to the car (mainly ascetic pieces that will give me room to do some cool electrical modifications). That'll all come in due time.

I can't wait to head down to MD this weekend and re-unite with some of the people on this forum! It's the first meet I've been to since last year's MD meet. Yeah, I know. I'm slacking.

Also, this thread is now only 5 posts away from 1000 replies. I just noticed that :shock: I'll certainly be blowing that number out of the water as soon as it is warm enough to have fun again.

Flyboy888

03-28-2014, 05:43 AM

One more reply tward the 1000 mark for ya here :P lol

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

SpeedmanRC

03-28-2014, 07:06 PM

Just looks amazing, not sure if you are still thinking about swapping engines but I vote a JDM EJ20. I really want a Rev-D front end now.

amgarrety

03-30-2014, 11:28 PM

So the meet was awesome. I love the MD meet, even when it rains the entire time. Definitely one of the coolest meets on the east coast (the RI meet is up there too).

I said I was getting some things from rkrenicki at the meet. Here is a run down of the list of things. I can't wait for it to get warm.....

First up, two parts I've been needing to replace since my accident in October 2011... my radiator and my AC condenser. The radiator I had was temporarily repaired and working fine, but I'd feel better with one that isn't broken at all. The AC condenser on the other hand was completely busted. I went all of last summer without AC, and I'd rather not do that again.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527584225_728887e601_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527896244_99b0e33a83_z-1.jpg

As for the fun stuff, I got a 1-din section to replace the pocket I have there now. It has a half pocket (a good size for an iPhone) and a space for 3 buttons. I'll likely be putting blank switches in those spots, then drill holes for toggles to sit in them so I can control certain things. More on that another time. I also got the Japanese bezel that normally sits on the opposite side of the steering wheel to the center console. It is mainly just a desk ornament holding buttons until I have a use for them.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527579185_8b6cd45a97_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527672943_e44023ba60_z-1.jpg

Also a new light stalk. Mine is terribly worn. This is mostly for my own need for perfection, and if you saw my old one, you'd understand why it needed replaced. It's really worn.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527888164_1d95641388_z-1.jpg

I grabbed a few parts for my BFM during all of this. I got a new smoked lens since the one that came with my original BFM had a small crack around one of the holes that the stalk to set the cluster time comes through the lens. I also got a mid-plate, also for another modification down the road. We'll get to that another time as well... I need to plan before I announce what I want to use it for. And thanks to rkrenicki's impressive skills, I was able to get a circuit board for the USDM to BFM cluster conversion to replace my sketchy wiring job. It's just an added sense of security that I won't have to worry about down the road.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527886754_8985da03cf_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527663363_01f7aa4d88_z-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527882574_893ed35ae4_z-1.jpg

And finally, a new intake. This one is a much needed upgrade from my stock intake. I've wanted a B4 intake for the longest time, but they are nearly impossible to track down. This is the next best thing.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/03/13527667333_1217f26cc4_z-1.jpg

All of this will be going on my car, piece by piece, over the next few weeks/months. Stay tuned. Hopefully I'll find some cool things to do as it gets warmer out.