Gryffinwing's 2001 Subaru Outback Wagon

[gryffinwings]

Here's my 2001 Subaru Outback. Currently has over 180,000 miles on the clock, still running pretty decently, with a few exceptions. Several things have been added to the modifications, completion of the exhaust, new wheels, etc.

Manufacture: Subaru
Model: Outback
Model Year: 2001
Chassis Code: BH6
Engine Code: EJ25
Engine Displacement: 2457cc
Transmission Code: N/A
Body: 5-door Wagon

Background:
This 2001 Subaru Outback, I had originally bought in Washington state, with the help of a girl that I had met a while back, who is now my wife. The main criteria that I had when buying the car was, Not front wheel drive, not a honda or acura, reliable and able to carry a load of things if I needed to. So I picked this one up at one of the used dealership lots it was in pretty good shape. However things aren't always as good as they look afterward until you've had the car for a good bit, some of the small things I noticed were some dents in the body work, which I'll eventually get worked on when I am able to, right now I'm more worried about function more than anything else, looks are somewhat a second. When I left Washington State, to get to my next command in San Diego, Ca, kind of a rough but I made it done, but shortly after, I noticed I was loosing power, finally found out that I was having a slipping clutch, got one shop to fix it, but all they did was a patch up fix, it worked for a while, then I was told of a reputable shop, bought my own clutch and flywheel, thought why not do both at the same time, asked the people at the shop to hold the parts for me, when the work was done, found out the original clutch was in the car still, completely shock, scorched and worn, and the flywheel was scorched and had many cracks in it, fortunately I got it fixed. After a while I started watching the WRC, which I thought was really cool and I thought it would be cool turn this Subie into a car that could handle dirt roads, but I have effectively decided not to do that mainly loosing control in the car, when I oversteered going into a corner to fast, I tried to correct it and then snap over steered in the other direction, fortunately all I hit was a dirt mount but not without damaging the front bumper cover and cracking and damaging my fog lights. Right now I am considering eventually getting it replaced with a VIS racing front bumper cover for a legacy or if I can find a decent replacement I may go with the OEM piece to keep the fogs. Then I had another incident that I ran into, literally was when I was on the highway, speeding and all of a sudden traffic is backed up, barely stop the car and hit a guys dropped tail gate, no harm to his SUV, but my grill was shattered and the hood was bent, so I had to wait and decide what to do with that, took a while to be able to afford a new hood, which in fact I decided to buy a carbon fiber one and not painting it, cheaper that way. Other than that so far so good, but still have a way to go, car needs a tranny replacement, the engine still seems strong, but I may end up getting the engine a decent overhaul, when I can afford parts.

What it used to look like:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0035.jpg

What it looks like right now as of June 28th 2009:
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0033-2.jpg


Current Modifications:
Interior:
--None

Exterior:
--VIS Carbon Fiber Hood with Sparco Hood Pins
--Hella 500 Driving Lights (OEM Fog Light Location)

Engine/Exhaust:
--Cosmo Racing Short Ram Intake with K&N Filter
--Borla Replica Headers
--MS3 Cat Section (2.25") (Made by RS25.com vendor)
--Custom 2.5” Catback Exhaust
----Magnaflow Muffler (Mid Pipe)
----OBX (Apexi WS Rep) Muffler
--Group A Crank Pulley
--Group A Alternator Pulley
--NGK Wireset
--NGK V-power Sparkplugs
--Oil Catch Can

Drivetrain:
--2000 Impreza RS Tranny
--Exedy Street Clutch
--ACT Streetlite Flywheel

Suspension:
--Front – JDM GT-B Bilstein
--Rear – JDM GT-B Bilstein
--Whiteline Control Springs

Brakes:
--R1 Concepts Crossdrilled and Slotted Rotors (front and rear)
--Centric Semi-Metallic Pads
--Goodrich Stainless Steel Brakelines
--Valvoline Dot4 Brake Fluid

Wheels:
--Konig Runaway 17" x 8" +46mm offset

Tires:
--Falken Ze-912 (225/55-17)


Parts on Hand:
--Axxis Ultimate Brake Pads (Front)
--JDM Legacy Powered sideview mirrors

Planned Modifications:

Interior:
--JDM Legacy GT-B front and rear seats
--JDM Legacy Momo Steering Wheel
--JDM Legacy GT-B Door Inserts
--Custom Gauge Cluster Inlays

Exterior:
--Rear Wagon Spoiler
--Body Repair
----New Gas Door
----Pull Dents
--Chargespeed Front Bumper
--JDM Powered Sideview Mirrors

Engine/Exhaust:
--Delta Cams 1000 grind

Drivetrain:
--STi Heavy Duty Center Differential

Suspension:
--Front Rallitek Sway Bar
--Rear Rallitek Sway Bar
--Noltec Front Endlinks
--Moog Rear Endlinks

Brakes:
--Subaru 4-Piston Calipers
--Axxis Ultimate Brake Pads

Tire:
--Sumitomo HTRZ III (225/45-17)

Chassis:
--Group N Transmission Mounts
--Group N Motor Mounts

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0020.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0021-1.jpg

[2.5GT]

wow..all this stuff done to it...its a sleeper :grin:

and how you like your garmin nuvi? any pics of where it's mounted?

[BE-Fresh]

Holy shit... 168K, that looks DAMN good!

[gryffinwings]

wow..all this stuff done to it...its a sleeper :grin:

and how you like your garmin nuvi? any pics of where it's mounted?

Yeah... definitely sleeper, but I still have that whole list of planned mods to do, so still a ways to go.

Anyways no pics on the Navi, but I have it mounted below the rear view mirror so it's easy access and I can look at it keeping my eyes on the road, I'll probably move it though to a better location.

[Huffer]

CA cars are so rust free...look at the bracket to the left of the brake booster.. looks brand new.

[gryffinwings]

CA cars are so rust free...look at the bracket to the left of the brake booster.. looks brand new.

Actually I bought the car in WA state, so it hasn't been in CA all that long. but anyways it's in good shape with exception that I think the tranny needs some work and the headgasket needs replacing, but I'll be doing that when I get the heads done.

[caoutback]

Man that is one nice looking Outback. Glad I'm not the only one modding an Outback. How do you like the ACT flywheel? I have yet to install mine and am curious as to how you like it with the mods done so far. When you paint it Black are you going solid or two tone again? I was thinking of painting mine the same shade Green as yours but decided when I finally paint it to stay the factory Green as a single tone.

[Reason]

Wow look at the engine bay. It has a layer of dirt on it but no rust or corrosion, that's awesome! That's a clean ride you have there.

[gryffinwings]

Man that is one nice looking Outback. Glad I'm not the only one modding an Outback. How do you like the ACT flywheel? I have yet to install mine and am curious as to how you like it with the mods done so far. When you paint it Black are you going solid or two tone again? I was thinking of painting mine the same shade Green as yours but decided when I finally paint it to stay the factory Green as a single tone.

Yeah, not many of us modding Outback huh... but I don't care, it's a fun car to drive, I've got some odd looks, but some people think it's awesome because it's different. Anyways I really like the ACT Streetlite flywheel, much better than the OEM one, because I prefer to shift faster, and the OEM slowed me down, much better for my driving style. Actually I'm planning on going with a single tone, and I'm going with a flat black or matte black since I don't want to worry about a glossy paint job that could be chipped when I go on dirt roads, just makes more since, not to mention single tone will be cheaper. My favorite mod by far is the Bilstein Suspension set that I have on the car from a JDM Legacy GT-B the set really works well, even though nothing else in the suspension is modified, which will be changed when I get my hands on endlinks and a rear sway bar.


Wow look at the engine bay. It has a layer of dirt on it but no rust or corrosion, that's awesome! That's a clean ride you have there.

Thanks. Well modding will continue when I get back to the states, but at least I have plenty of time to think about how I'm going to modify my car.

[PA-Outback2000]

my car is a black 2000 outback limited sedan. get a cat from random tech. just put one on and i love it. it sounds. looks. and performs well. it is a nice piece to add. so far, i have a weapon-r intake, perrin crank pulley, buddy club groundin kit, random tech cat, and stromung catback. i will be getting the borla header this summer, and rear sway bar and front strut bar soon after. i will be leaving it like that for a while till i build my money back up and get a job. love ur car so far.

[gryffinwings]

Well I've got myself a Custom Gauge Overlay on order now, I'm just glad that I don't have to spend over 700 dollars for a gauge cluster imported from Japan made by STi.

[gryffinwings]

So it's been a long time since I've posted here, so I thought I'd post a couple of updates on what I've done to her since:

And here are the good pictures I promised:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_00761.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_00781.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_00771.jpg

Well here's the tranny and engine that I picked up today in my Wagon, it's exceptionally clean, the engine should have few problems, tranny is strong, can't wait to get it in the car. Here are pics of them:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0083.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0085.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0084.jpg

Don't even ask what I paid for these, I got them from Kirrsace on rs25.com. Needed a tranny bad, mines on it's way out, maybe I'll eventually rebuild it with STi RA gears or something.

Well the tranny is in, works GREAT!!! I love the shorter gearing that it offers. Since I couldn't get Redline MT90, I went with Valvoline SynPower 75W90 Synthetic Gear Oil. The tranny I used was from a 2000 Impreza RS

The next day I took her up to Palomar Mountain to text the tranny, header back exhaust, and the new wheels and tires, definitely worked really good. Here's some pics:


http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0087.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0088.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0089-1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0090-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Looks mean. You need to get a grill though! Etune would be great.

[ndto]

amazing!

i want your hood :smt007

[gryffinwings]

Thanks for the comments, means a lot, yeah I need another grill the one I originally go didn't fair to well, I didn't secure it well enough, problem with using a legacy based grill is that has a gap at the bottom, I think I'll get another Outback grill and modify it or paint it black or something.

[gryffinwings]

Well I got the new a new grille installed as well as the new hella 500 driving lights that replaced the badly damaged OEM fog lights, bolting them to the bumper cover worked really well. Here's a new picture as of today.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0001.jpg

[JLav211]

Hadn't seen this. New driving lights look great.

[Mikey97D]

Looks Great!

I wish the carbon fiber hoods had latches instead of the pins though.

[rougeben83]

ever driven the car in the rain? how's the engine with that extractor right above it in the wet?

[hink01wag]

on that hood can you see the pulleys in that front scoop? i ask cuz im putting a supercharger in mine and have to do a cal induction insert on my hood or try and find a hood like yours.

[peugoby]

Nice! Looks great!

[gryffinwings]

Hadn't seen this. New driving lights look great.

Yeah they work really well too, I can't use them most of the time because they are so bright.


Looks Great!

I wish the carbon fiber hoods had latches instead of the pins though.

I'd like to do latches myself, but I went after the cheaper solution for now, since I needed them.


ever driven the car in the rain? how's the engine with that extractor right above it in the wet?

Well I can't say much about rain since it doesn't rain very often here in San Diego, but since I have taken it in car washes before the only problem that you could run into is the belts slipping a little, but that doesn't happen often, it will happen if your belts are not properly tensioned.


on that hood can you see the pulleys in that front scoop? i ask cuz im putting a supercharger in mine and have to do a cal induction insert on my hood or try and find a hood like yours.

Yeah you can see the pulleys, but the front vent is more for cooling then anything else and it does it very well.


Nice! Looks great!

Thanks :grin:

[gryffinwings]

Anyways the next mod for my subaru is a full set of Whiteline Control springs, will be ordering them by the end of the week, currently have the rear springs just need the front ones, after that I think I will do Whiteline Roll center adjust or a similar product if there is something better or a bit cheaper.

[rougeben83]

Anyways the next mod for my subaru is a full set of Whiteline Control springs, will be ordering them by the end of the week, currently have the rear springs just need the front ones, after that I think I will do Whiteline Roll center adjust or a similar product if there is something better or a bit cheaper.


Search on NASIOC suspension forum. There's been a couple of people that have had the the WL tierods snap while driving...one was even during a track day.

Loss of steering at 80mph = bad juju.

Also, I don't think you would really need it, the roll center adjustment is really only necessary when you're dropping the macpherson suspension greater than 2" or so...

[gryffinwings]

Anyways the next mod for my subaru is a full set of Whiteline Control springs, will be ordering them by the end of the week, currently have the rear springs just need the front ones, after that I think I will do Whiteline Roll center adjust or a similar product if there is something better or a bit cheaper.


Search on NASIOC suspension forum. There's been a couple of people that have had the the WL tierods snap while driving...one was even during a track day.

Loss of steering at 80mph = bad juju.

Also, I don't think you would really need it, the roll center adjustment is really only necessary when you're dropping the macpherson suspension greater than 2" or so...

Wow, Whiteline tierods snapping, how the heck would that happen. Thanks for the advise, I don't think I want to get them anymore. Anyways looks like I'll just finish my suspension setup with endlinks (Noltec and Moog) and swaybars (Addco or Rallitek) but not until I get used to the Whiteline springs. Then I think I'll get certain cosmetic things done.

[gryffinwings]

Well I know have the front Whiteline Control springs on the way and a new rear O2 sensor to replace the old one. After that I will be looking for a GT style wagon wing like wagonofdoom's ride.

[Airgne]

nice wagon. im thinking of a 3rd gen wagon.

[gryffinwings]

nice wagon. im thinking of a 3rd gen wagon.

Thanks, it's been a work in progress for 2 years so far. And the BE/BH chassis is my favorite.

Anyways I'm currently waiting for Whiteline Control Springs for the front since I have them already, 5 quarts of Extra-S gear oil, and a new rear O2 sensor. That should be it for a bit, will probably start endlinks on my next paycheck.

[dodik]

how is the fitment with the bilsteins, is there any rubbing in the front and which springs it sits on right now??

[gryffinwings]

how is the fitment with the bilsteins, is there any rubbing in the front and which springs it sits on right now??

Current springs are from the original GT-B setup, there is no rub with this tire size, which is 225/55-17 and wheel Konig Runaway 17" x 8" Offset +46. I'm soon going to be installing a set of Whiteline Control Springs soon, so I'll be posting an update about how that works.

[gryffinwings]

New pictures taken at the bottom of a road called Lake Wohlford Road at a church parking lot, it is pretty cool short stretch. I've got some Whiteline Springs that I have yet to install, so once I can get them installed I'll post pictures with them on.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0023-1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0024-1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0025-1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0026-1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0027-1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0028-1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0029-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

[Legacy]

Your Outback looks sick. Maybe you might be interested in this.
http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=14560

[gryffinwings]

Your Outback looks sick. Maybe you might be interested in this.
http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=14560

I'm actually not sure about the waist spoiler, right now I'm really wanting to replace the dust guard in the rear because it's kind of damaged with an APR Mini Drag adjustable wing:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/06/AS105526-1.jpg
http://www.aprperformance.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=44

It's only 4 inches in height so it should be perfect, it's wider than the top of the car obviously, but not wider than the car, so it should create more than enough downforce, the only thing I'll need after that is a custom front splitter for the front.

[Huffer]

it should create more than enough downforce, the only thing I'll need after that is a custom front splitter for the front.

More than enough downforce for what? a 3500lb wagon with 165hp crank? :smt017

[gryffinwings]

it should create more than enough downforce, the only thing I'll need after that is a custom front splitter for the front.

More than enough downforce for what? a 3500lb wagon with 165hp crank? :smt017

Wings aren't just for high horsepower applications, the help with handling, believe it or not, speed is speed whether you have high HP or not, and I'd like to maintain that high speed with downforce produced.

[Huffer]

Oh I believe in handling and downforce, but at what kind of speed do you think that wing is going to be useful, and how long will you be at that speed, and how quickly will you be able to get to that speed?

0-60 isn't the same as 60-120...and with downforce comes drag, and with increased drag comes decreased acceleration and decreased top speed. It's a fine line that aerodynamics engineers spend countless hours in wind simulations and tunnels.

[hink01wag]

if you put that wing on your car your going to have to join the honda club... that isnt going to do anything for your car. work on getting better suspension components on.

[gryffinwings]

Oh I believe in handling and downforce, but at what kind of speed do you think that wing is going to be useful, and how long will you be at that speed, and how quickly will you be able to get to that speed?

0-60 isn't the same as 60-120...and with downforce comes drag, and with increased drag comes decreased acceleration and decreased top speed. It's a fine line that aerodynamics engineers spend countless hours in wind simulations and tunnels.

Not sure if there is a hell of a lot of knowledge on downforce or aero dynamics here, specifics, so I'm going to pick up a book about this stuff, heard about a book call Competition Car Aerodynamics, so I'll look into picking it up.


if you put that wing on your car your going to have to join the honda club... that isnt going to do anything for your car. work on getting better suspension components on.

Not the first time I've heard that, and it's pretty stupid comment. APR aero components are not to be thrown in with the rice that you see, they actually do work.

[gryffinwings]

So I'm reading so stuff on other forums, found some interesting things, like:

Adding underplating and diffusers would be more affective to reduce drag? Problem is, is where to mount diffusers and underplating could be expensive, unless I do it myself and bought my own materials. Thoughts?

How about going with Splitters, Underplating and diffusers? Wouldn't that affectively help with front down force and reduce drag at the same time?

[rougeben83]

So I'm reading so stuff on other forums, found some interesting things, like:

Adding underplating and diffusers would be more affective to reduce drag? Problem is, is where to mount diffusers and underplating could be expensive, unless I do it myself and bought my own materials. Thoughts?

How about going with Splitters, Underplating and diffusers? Wouldn't that affectively help with front down force and reduce drag at the same time?

why do you think you need all this downforce again? :smt017 Your touge runs aren't as fast as you think...your money is better spent on a whole bunch of other parts before that...

[gryffinwings]

So I'm reading so stuff on other forums, found some interesting things, like:

Adding underplating and diffusers would be more affective to reduce drag? Problem is, is where to mount diffusers and underplating could be expensive, unless I do it myself and bought my own materials. Thoughts?

How about going with Splitters, Underplating and diffusers? Wouldn't that affectively help with front down force and reduce drag at the same time?

why do you think you need all this downforce again? :smt017 Your touge runs aren't as fast as you think...your money is better spent on a whole bunch of other parts before that...

I modify my car like this because I want to, my suspension setup is almost complete with a few exceptions which will be done later in the year. Another reason I bring it up is because I'm interested in it and prefer doing things differently. Another reason I bring up downforce is because I'm looking into it, I already know about the other things for my suspension setup so I don't need to ask about it, swaybars/endlinks/strut braces are an easy concept for me to grasp.

Anyways about my "touge" runs are not all done on mountains but also in hilly areas where the speeds are actually in fact a bit higher, kind of like rally stages on tarmac, mountains tend to have many more hairpins which slow you down, which I'm barely hitting 3rd gear, on the hilly roads I go on I'm hitting 4th which I figure if I have the parts to increase downforce it will help with stability and help me increase my speed. Although this is just my theory.

Last reason, for bring up this stuff or new stuff in general, I'm bored, so I come up with ideas on my own weather they may seem stupid or not. So stop being what it looks to me being irritated with my comments or questions, etc. I am here to learn just a bit so I can make improvements where I can on my ride.

[rougeben83]

So I'm reading so stuff on other forums, found some interesting things, like:

Adding underplating and diffusers would be more affective to reduce drag? Problem is, is where to mount diffusers and underplating could be expensive, unless I do it myself and bought my own materials. Thoughts?

How about going with Splitters, Underplating and diffusers? Wouldn't that affectively help with front down force and reduce drag at the same time?

why do you think you need all this downforce again? :smt017 Your touge runs aren't as fast as you think...your money is better spent on a whole bunch of other parts before that...

I modify my car like this because I want to, my suspension setup is almost complete with a few exceptions which will be done later in the year. Another reason I bring it up is because I'm interested in it and prefer doing things differently. Another reason I bring up downforce is because I'm looking into it, I already know about the other things for my suspension setup so I don't need to ask about it, swaybars/endlinks/strut braces are an easy concept for me to grasp.

Anyways about my "touge" runs are not all done on mountains but also in hilly areas where the speeds are actually in fact a bit higher, kind of like rally stages on tarmac, mountains tend to have many more hairpins which slow you down, which I'm barely hitting 3rd gear, on the hilly roads I go on I'm hitting 4th which I figure if I have the parts to increase downforce it will help with stability and help me increase my speed. Although this is just my theory.

Last reason, for bring up this stuff or new stuff in general, I'm bored, so I come up with ideas on my own weather they may seem stupid or not. So stop being what it looks to me being irritated with my comments or questions, etc. I am here to learn just a bit so I can make improvements where I can on my ride.

your suspension isn't even as 'complete' as you think. You're ride height is too high, your spring ratest too soft, your brakes too weak and your suspension mounting points too squishy. Heck, youre not even running the right tires for the type of driving you claim to be doing. :smt018

In short, your 3600lbs of car is not going to be helped in the turns by tacking on more wings. You have more than enough...or rather too much...weight to keep the tires pinned to the ground and then some.

It just seems you're just trying to justify getting some race inspired cosmetic enhancements on your car.

And if you want to do things so differently, why are you always asking for off-the-shelf solutions? You already said it, do some homework and start making/modifying parts for what you need yourself.

[dodik]

Ben you dont have to be so touchy, although downforce talk is pretty much crap on anything daily driven, i dont think we should flame him for his ideas. i agree that there is nothing that can justify that spoiler functionally. but i disagree on the flaming part. it not nasioc for a reason you know. plus its not a legacy it doesnt go too low without coilovers, i think he has same bilsteins you do just different springs.

your suspension isn't even as 'complete' as you think(for auto x). You're ride height is too high(for auto x) your spring ratest too soft(for auto x). your brakes too weak and your suspension mounting points too squishy(for auto x). there fixed that for ya.

[Huffer]

The best way to stay stuck to the ground without adding weight (big wing) is to reduce underbody drag. This is why high speed cars are so low to the ground. Air that travels under the chassis creates a lifting motion.

You will find that if you reduce your ride height you will gain handling and downforce without adding any weight. However, you have to be careful not to detrimentally affect your suspension settings to the point where your steering and your lateral control are affected.

Adding diffusers under the car (even a front lip to divert air up over the car) is an idea, but you may be adding more mass than is worth it.
A simple solution is to add a lightweight plate under the vehicle that covers the engine bay and exhaust components to reduce underbody turbulence. Take a look at a modern production supercar and you'll see plates like these all the time.

[gryffinwings]

The best way to stay stuck to the ground without adding weight (big wing) is to reduce underbody drag. This is why high speed cars are so low to the ground. Air that travels under the chassis creates a lifting motion.

You will find that if you reduce your ride height you will gain handling and downforce without adding any weight. However, you have to be careful not to detrimentally affect your suspension settings to the point where your steering and your lateral control are affected.

Adding diffusers under the car (even a front lip to divert air up over the car) is an idea, but you may be adding more mass than is worth it.
A simple solution is to add a lightweight plate under the vehicle that covers the engine bay and exhaust components to reduce underbody turbulence. Take a look at a modern production supercar and you'll see plates like these all the time.

Lowering a car actually adds downforce? Well since I'm already lowering the car with Whiteline Control Springs anyway that's a nice benefit to add. And about that plate, I would think that a skid plate would do the same thing correct, I think primitive makes them. Looks like smaller diameter tires will help my issues as well, but I'm already planning that anyways, get a set of 225/45-17s, maybe the same 912s that I have, since it's still a W speed rated tire and they really work very well. What else can I do to reduce underbody drag?

[gryffinwings]

Ben you dont have to be so touchy, although downforce talk is pretty much crap on anything daily driven, i dont think we should flame him for his ideas. i agree that there is nothing that can justify that spoiler functionally. but i disagree on the flaming part. it not nasioc for a reason you know. plus its not a legacy it doesnt go too low without coilovers, i think he has same bilsteins you do just different springs.

your suspension isn't even as 'complete' as you think(for auto x). You're ride height is too high(for auto x) your spring ratest too soft(for auto x). your brakes too weak and your suspension mounting points too squishy(for auto x). there fixed that for ya.

Thanks, I don't necessarily want to be flamed for my ideas, and anyways yes I'm using bilsteins and the springs that came with them, I'm going to be putting Whitelines on them like I said, brakes are getting a small upgrade for front brake pads until I can get better stuff, ie 4-pot calipers. Anyways the other stuff I plan is in post above.

[Huffer]

Lowering a car actually adds downforce? Well since I'm already lowering the car with Whiteline Control Springs anyway that's a nice benefit to add. And about that plate, I would think that a skid plate would do the same thing correct, I think primitive makes them. Looks like smaller diameter tires will help my issues as well, but I'm already planning that anyways, get a set of 225/45-17s, maybe the same 912s that I have, since it's still a W speed rated tire and they really work very well. What else can I do to reduce underbody drag?

Keep reading that physics and aerodynamics book - a skid plate isn't the same thing as a diffuser. Skid plates are designed for protection. You want something that is going to prevent air turbulence under the car.

Be careful though, the higher your downforce quotient the lower your top speed, because your car will be unable to overcome it's own downforce characteristics.

[rougeben83]

Ben you dont have to be so touchy, although downforce talk is pretty much crap on anything daily driven, i dont think we should flame him for his ideas. i agree that there is nothing that can justify that spoiler functionally. but i disagree on the flaming part. it not nasioc for a reason you know. plus its not a legacy it doesnt go too low without coilovers, i think he has same bilsteins you do just different springs.

your suspension isn't even as 'complete' as you think(for auto x). You're ride height is too high(for auto x) your spring ratest too soft(for auto x). your brakes too weak and your suspension mounting points too squishy(for auto x). there fixed that for ya.

no, I'm not getting touchy, I'm just getting tired of his misguided threads that he could easily figure out with some googling and searching, instead of having people spoonfeed him information.

And I know my stuff isn't "complete", I made a conscious choice to have a compromise between comfort and performance in both low-speed tarmac and loose conditions (which are on opposing ends of suspension tuning) because my car is still a commuter car first, and "racecar" second. Furthermore, my schedule for the past year means less and less seat time with the helmet on, and more seat time in traffic.

However, I'm making the point that he seems to be under the impression that the basic modifications he has on his car right now warrants going straight to race-grade bodywork, when it obviously is not.

I'm not a fan of a car that has more bark than actual bite. That is all. But I don't have any problem if someone does that to their car as long as they clearly understand that what theyre doing is purely cosmetic and NOT something that will add any significant performance benefit.

[gryffinwings]

Well anyways, let the aero/downforce/drag debate continue another time. I now have new parts installed:

Whiteline Control Springs and Extra-S Trannsmission Fluid:
Whiteline Control springs are definitely better than stock with the Bilsteins and the the Extra-S is definitely good, I agree with everyone else, it's really smooth, better than the cocktails that I've heard of. I'll post new pictures of the current stand some time tonight.

[gryffinwings]

New pics with Whiteline Control springs installed and roof bars uninstalled.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0032-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0035-2.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/gryffinwings/IMG_0039-1.jpg

[gryffinwings]

Recently installed stock intake with K&N Filter and a oil catch can, now waiting for JDM side view mirrors and leather shifter boot and e-brake boot. Will post pictures of everything soon.

[ndto]

the new stance is so nice and even, I really hate the look of the sti pinks

and if i didnt say it before I ADORE your hood :smt007

[gryffinwings]

the new stance is so nice and even, I really hate the look of the sti pinks

and if i didnt say it before I ADORE your hood :smt007

The reason the stance is messed up with pinks is because they are mostly made for the turbo version, which is heavier. If you can find the Whiteline spring, get them they have specific ones for the non-turbo version. Anyways I'll be dropping almost an inch later this year with new rubber, Sumitomo HTRZ III 225/45-17.

And thanks, I like the hood too, although I do want to get it color matched to the green.

[gryffinwings]

Currently have a new shifter boot and e-brake boot on the way as well as a new code scanner a Memoscan U381, that I heard was really good.