TheAngryPidgeon's '98 BD - Sold

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Here's my '98 Granite Pearl Black BD:

Sold.

Current Mods: (More to come shortly)

Engine/Drivetrain:
JDM EJ25 Engine Replacement
ACT Streetlite Flywheel (13.4 lbs)
Exeddy Stage 1 Organic Racing Clutch
Group-N STi Motor, Transmission and Pitch Mounts
Koyo Radiator

Exhaust:
Borla Knock-Off Headers
Random Technology High Flow Cat

Exterior
JDM Projector Headlights

Interior:
WRX Momo Steering Wheel
WRX Shift Knob and Boot
Replaced the chewed up e-brake handle.
Replaced center console woodgrain trim with black. (Still have woodgrain if you fancy it)

Audio:
JVC Arsenal KD-AHD39 HU
Boston Acoustics SX60 Component Speakers



Here she is:

Update 6/9/2009: JDM Headlights Install

Before:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/PC1305981-1.jpg

After:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P5301162-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P5301163-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P5301165-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P5301166-1.jpg

Sweet Drive:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/DSC02232-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P3220870-1.jpg

Interior:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P3130814-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P1120738-1.jpg


Goofy rear antenna thingy:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/PC1306181-1.jpg

Reppin'

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/PC1306241-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/th_MOV02230-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g207/tevo867/Lake%20Berryessa%203-22-09/?action=view&current=MOV02230.flv)


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/th_MOV02247-1.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g207/tevo867/Lake%20Berryessa%203-22-09/?action=view&current=MOV02247.flv)

[99SUS SFD]

Looks good. Time for some clear corners and some JDM tails. :grin:

ewwww... woodgrain... lol

i dig the black paint tho.. hows the gauges look?

[Huffer]

Wow. that looks like an actual black, not a black granite pearl.

Has it been resprayed?

Nice hoodie!

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Haha, I don't mind the wood-ish tbh.

The gauges are in the mail. I'll post an update once I get them in.

It's actually the dark purple/black (I'm guessing that's Black Granite Pearl?). You just can't tell unless it's in direct sunlight and you're within 3 ft of the thing, lol.

[scubydu]

sweet looking car. But dude, seriously, you need to stop chewing on your ebrake. grab a granola bar already!! :smt018

[TheAngryPidgeon]

sweet looking car. But dude, seriously, you need to stop chewing on your ebrake. grab a granola bar already!! :smt018

Haha, damn being a broke and starving college student! Luckily for me, it probably has roughly the same nutritional value as top ramen.

sweet looking car. But dude, seriously, you need to stop chewing on your ebrake. grab a granola bar already!! :smt018

i can justify doing that tho, my button gets stuck in all the damn time!

[JDMLegacy]

NICE!!!!

:)

[99gtlimited]

i like how you put the the head unit on the bottom instead of the top, never seen that before. How does it work with driving a stick? any interference issues when in 1st,3rd,5th? I might have to do that too.

[henryq89]

great lookin BD my friend looks sik throw some tints on it!!! :smt026 :smt023

[TheAngryPidgeon]

i like how you put the the head unit on the bottom instead of the top, never seen that before. How does it work with driving a stick? any interference issues when in 1st,3rd,5th? I might have to do that too.

I actually picked that up from my roommate, hellaGT. It's great! The display is completely out of the way of the head unit, and there's no problem with the shift knob either. I highly recommend it.

[Huffer]

i like how you put the the head unit on the bottom instead of the top, never seen that before. How does it work with driving a stick? any interference issues when in 1st,3rd,5th? I might have to do that too.

I have mine the same way.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/ ... CF3876.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/Huffer13/Icebox/DSCF3876.jpg)

[Grafton]

i tried it, my "pocket" has a bent bottom and it looks bad on top... but huffer and angrypidgeon's look good that way, might be putting gauges or a cb in the second din slot

[Huffer]

i tried it, my "pocket" has a bent bottom and it looks bad on top... but huffer and angrypidgeon's look good that way, might be putting gauges or a cb in the second din slot

I'm pretty sure you can flip the pocket upside down...or you could just heat up the plastic and remold it?
I wonder if I still have a spare DIN pocket lying around...

[TheAngryPidgeon]

i tried it, my "pocket" has a bent bottom and it looks bad on top... but huffer and angrypidgeon's look good that way, might be putting gauges or a cb in the second din slot

I'm pretty sure you can flip the pocket upside down...or you could just heat up the plastic and remold it?
I wonder if I still have a spare DIN pocket lying around...

I'm using the one that Crutchfield sent me for free with my order. There is a slight gap because none of the pocket faceplates fit under the stock trim, which probably only annoys me because I have a bit of OCD. Otherwise, there's a ton of room between deck and shifter.

I was considering swapping my HVAC and the slot, but I don't know if it's worth the effort for me, along with the fact that I'll most likely break something.

[Huffer]

HVAC doesn't fit. You have to trim the bezel to make it work, IMHO not worth the effort unless you were going to relocate everything and do a custom console.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

HVAC doesn't fit. You have to trim the bezel to make it work, IMHO not worth the effort unless you were going to relocate everything and do a custom console.

Good to know. Thank you.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Thanks to xXGTBspecXx I have more too chew on when I get hungry.

Before:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/PC1306161-1.jpg

After:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/PC180645-1.jpg

Thank you kindly, and I'm bummed, I can't put the antenna ball on due to the power antenna. Worry not though, it will soon find a good home.

[JDMLegacy]

ha you fixed it?! thas awesome dude!! looks much better!

[dplacencia]

Nice GT! :grin:

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Thanks =D

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Going in as we speak:

JDM Engine Replacement
ACT Streetlite Flywheel (13.4 lbs)
Exeddy Stage 1 Racing Clutch
Group-N STi Motor, Transmission and Pitch Mounts
Koyo Radiator

[1996Battlewagon]

Good luck with your engine swap. If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for you JDM engine? I'm working on my options for my engine swap and JDM might be one. Was it rebuilt, or in just good working order?

[TheAngryPidgeon]

To answer your question, I purchased the engine from http://www.risingsunengines.com , they are based out of Chico, CA, and can ship to most all of the US for rather cheap. (I think it's $85-195 or something, which ain't half bad for a motor). They long block runs $1595, but for $1995, they will replace the gaskets, seals, timing components/belt, water pump, and maybe more. They also hot run bench test all their engines prior to selling them to make sure they are in good working order.

The cost of the engine, a clutch and labor to install was roughly equivalent to the cost of replacing the head gaskets and clutch as a local shop, and less than it would have cost it the heads were damaged at all.

hellaGT also purchased a long block from Rising Sun Engines, and has been very pleased with it since.

They also delivered mine to Sacramento for Free! Bonus!

[SLegacy99]

I like my red GT, but the black ones are Hot too. I rarely see em.

[Dhill121]

A friend of mine bought a engine from Risingsun, for a Suzuki Samari, about 8 years ago. He got a super good deal, exalant customer service and free shipping, You cant beat that.

[Nick_701]

Hey I met that guy!

Good looking legacy! And good job putting together the Davis meet, it was a lot of fun hanging with some subaru guys.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Thanks man, lol.

Speaking of Rising Sun Engines, the knocking I thought was coming from my AC Compressor isn't. My mechanic said it sounds like the crankshaft. Ugh.

This means that in the attempt to install a new long block, clutch and lightweight flywheel, only the flywheel has not been faulty in some way (knock on wood, it hasn't been on the vehicle for more than a few minutes. He took it back off when he realized the pressure plate included in my Exedy Stage 1 Organic Clutch kit was incorrect.)

>.<

This has been a royal PITA.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Before:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/01/PC1306152-1.jpg

After:

(Picture kind of sucks, but you get the idea)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P1120738-1.jpg

Thanks to hellaGT for the trim piece.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

SHE'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :wav: :wav:

[1996Battlewagon]

Dude! That's sicknasty!!!!!!

So is the BD back, or just running?

[TheAngryPidgeon]

It has an engine again, and I just drove it 600+ miles since Saturday morning. G'damn it feels good to be mobile again.

[hellaGT]

You mean good to be mobile in yer own wheels now... I'm excited almost as much!

hah! drive on

[Reason]

Awesome, how does she feel with the clutch and all?

[TheAngryPidgeon]

The clutch is nice, although much like KAG's experience, it is getting nicer as it wears in a bit.

The lightweight flywheel is dangerous. I used to hit my rev matches consistently without any thought when cruising slowly through town. Now I hit them perfectly without thought when I accelerate on the aggressive side. So I find myself driving more aggressively that I did prior because it is less work and feels better (and is more fun when there are no cops around).

The flywheel (13.4 lbs) does make a good deal of noise when you take your foot off the gas, especially when going down hill. I've also experienced, as one would expect, a very noticeable reduction in the effectiveness of engine braking. This isn't necessarily for the worse, but on the freeway, etc. I have had to engage my brakes more often than in the past when the idiots in front of me hit their brakes for no reason.

The real winner in the whole deal is hellaGT. He doesn't have to cart my ass around town anymore, lol.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

hellaGT and I just took each other's BDs for a drive and then sat and compared engine noise, rev quickness, etc.

The lightweight flywheel makes a huge difference in the time it takes for the RPMs to rise, but more dramatically, drop. Once I drove his again, the difference in the car's urgency of acceleration is very noticeable. It's almost like my car wants you to drive it faster now, lol.

[hellaGT]

Taking it from 1st to 2nd feels much quicker, the engine seems to be on it's way instantly.

Just feels more efficient with a slight power increase. I want to get those Group A pulleys and compare revs again.

[Huffer]

a very noticeable reduction in the effectiveness of engine braking. This isn't necessarily for the worse, but on the freeway, etc. I have had to engage my brakes more often than in the past when the idiots in front of me hit their brakes for no reason.

This is actually not that bad of an issue - it is cheaper to replace pads/rotors than it is a block. :)

But I know what you mean.

[hellaGT]

a very noticeable reduction in the effectiveness of engine braking. This isn't necessarily for the worse, but on the freeway, etc. I have had to engage my brakes more often than in the past when the idiots in front of me hit their brakes for no reason.

This is actually not that bad of an issue - it is cheaper to replace pads/rotors than it is a block. :)

But I know what you mean.

How much wear from engine breaking are we talking about? I just use a blend of both engine and brakes when I think about it...

When approaching a stop sign, do you think it is better to drop it in nuetral with full use of the brakes rather than using the engine to bleed off some of the speed to save the brakes? Brakes can get expensive... but an engine replacement wins the monetary value but seems to not likely result from engine breaking.

I am taking this too serious but I'm intrigued =)

[Reason]

When you engine brake you obviously dont want the RPMs to spike.

[hellaGT]

When you engine brake you obviously dont want the RPMs to spike.

thanks reason... can't argue with that lol

Anyway, the question is probably just a matter of driver preference.

[Reason]

When you engine brake you obviously dont want the RPMs to spike.

thanks reason... can't argue with that lol

Anyway, the question is probably just a matter of driver preference.


There was more to that, not sure what happened to it though lol

[Huffer]

How much wear from engine breaking are we talking about? I just use a blend of both engine and brakes when I think about it...

When approaching a stop sign, do you think it is better to drop it in nuetral with full use of the brakes rather than using the engine to bleed off some of the speed to save the brakes? Brakes can get expensive... but an engine replacement wins the monetary value but seems to not likely result from engine breaking.

I am taking this too serious but I'm intrigued =)

Depends on how FAST you are approaching the stop sign, and how much wear there will be on your clutch as it spins slower and slower... I have always engine braked because I (nooblike) liked the sound my car makes on decel. However, given the surging that you can get if the RPMs drop too low for the gear, you can increase drivetrain wear.

When I'm cruising around residential areas and sticking to the speed limit, taking my time, I will just shift to neutral and foot brake - but I do this keeping at least 4 car lengths distance from the car ahead. If needed I can shift into the appropriate gear to get a quicker slowdown; that rarely happens with the Hawk HPS pads though.

But both forms of "braking" are fine, when done correctly with the right speeds. You can't just do one or the other - I would never just foot brake during situations when I may need to get on the gas quickly to avoid a collision.

And yes, you are taking this too serious. :)

AngryPid - how much $$ are you into this car now?!?

[TheAngryPidgeon]

AngryPid - how much $$ are you into this car now?!?

I've surpassed 10 grand at this point, Original Cost + Parts and Repairs. Thank god for credit... kind of...

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Possibly because I am unfamiliar with how to own this vehicle and not constantly dump money into it, I have acquired a WRX Steering Wheel with Cruise Control for only $50. The wheel has a scuff or two, but it is definitely $50 better than my current one. Now I just need to find someone who wants to trade me their red air bag for my yellow one. :twisted:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/03/P3130813-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/12/P3130814-1.jpg

[peugoby]

Nice steering wheel. The factory MOMO wheels are one of my favorite upgrades for these cars. Nice work

[Huffer]

I hate how this guy is tooling around in SHORTS when the heat in my apartment is still kicking on...

[gibbons98legacygt]

does that momo wheel airbag harness plug into the factory BD harness

[TheAngryPidgeon]

I hate how this guy is tooling around in SHORTS when the heat in my apartment is still kicking on...

Ahahaha! I love California. It has been mid-70s and Sunny all week.



does that momo wheel airbag harness plug into the factory BD harness

I don't think the airbag is the same shape/size. I didn't try it myself, since the ring was the worst part of my old wheel, but I've heard that it does not match up.

[hellaGT]

Edit: WRX Momo Steering Wheel

I picked it up for $50. It does have some scratches, etc. but it's in much better condition that my stock one was. The weight difference between the two wheels is amazing, and the difference shines through in the steering weight of the vehicle now. It is easier to turn the wheel, so it feels like the vehicle is lighter and more nimble now.

Sweet wheel! It goes very well with your lightwieght flywheel :grin:

[1-3-2-4]

lucky man... $50 I'd love to get a steering wheel for that amount lol I hate the one I have now..

[TheAngryPidgeon]

I was actually about to buy one for $130 off of a guy from I-Club, until this popped up. :smt027

[1-3-2-4]

I was actually about to buy one for $130 off of a guy from I-Club, until this popped up. :smt027

I checked on ebay and I can't find anything under $130 :-/ it's no big deal right now

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Installed the Borla Knock-Off Headers and Random Technology High-Flow Cat yesterday with the help of hellaGT.

hellaGT put my old headers on his BD since his stockers rattled.

I love the new rumble they create, sounds much better than the old stock headers.

Coincidentally, I also found a rear-diff skid plate that I didn't know was on there. Also, the fog lights have apparently already been wired to stay on when the high beams are on as well. I keep finding things that confuse the crap out of me as far as what was done to this vehicle prior to my ownership, lol.

Old vs. New:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/P4010969-1.jpg

Bonus rear-diff skid plate:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/P4010968-1.jpg

[Navi271]

random technology HIGH-FLOW CAT?! Where do i get one and for how much? lol
I need a new one since the one I have is basically toast.
fogs on high beams? :smt017 i don't get it, my stock high beams are bright enough. no need for fogs too, oh well, i guess the more light the better!

[TheAngryPidgeon]

I got the cat and the headers for $300 used off of a semi-local guy off of I-Club. He also included an O2 Sensor extension for the back sensor, although we had to splice longer wires for the back sensor since it is located further back than the stock sensor.

I haven't had any CELs or anything of the sort yet, and on my way back home (2 1/2 hour drive) I was maintaining the same speed at about 300 RPMs less than I had on the way there.

Bonus!

[99gtlimited]

no CEL's with the flywheel either? man you're a lucky guy

[TheAngryPidgeon]

no CEL's with the flywheel either? man you're a lucky guy

Hahahahaha... That's a very situational remark.

[peugoby]

Post a sound clip man I need to hear it!

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Don't mind the first 20 seconds or so. It's most noticeable from behind, or in the car with the windows up and sunroof open, lol.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/th_P4010973-1.jpg (http://s486.photobucket.com/albums/rr222/angrypidgeon/?action=view&current=P4010973.flv)

I'll try to get a better clip of it tomorrow, this one is a bit shoddy.

[2ndgenlegacy]

thats so sick, I miss my leggy

[TheAngryPidgeon]

thats so sick, I miss my leggy

Thanks. :grin:

I was very surprised with how good it sounds from behind even though I still have the stock mid-pipe and a cheap exhaust shop axle-back. Can't wait to get something better back there. I am thinking SPT or something of the sort, if I can find it. I like the pronounced rumble and better exhaust flow, but I don't want my Subie to sound barbaric yalps every time I hit the pedal. I've already had the absurd fart can and it was a major reason I decided to get rid of my CRX (along with the cylinder that died, lol.)

[Navi271]

ok thanks, looked up random technology and i think i want a new high flow cat from them!
i'd think there would be a CEL just because that first sensor is not even close to the cat, idk, it's weird..
let us know if you ever get a CEL from the O2 sensors there

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Oh fun. So this engine has leaking valve covers even though Rising Sun Engines claimed to have replaced all the seals and gaskets on the JDM long block that is currently in her.

Eventually, I will do a full write up/review on my experience with Rising Sun Engines, but I'd like to have a definitive end to the story prior to beginning it. Perhaps I should write it in episodes, lol.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Installed a WRX Shift Boot and Knob. Had to switch the bracket down below because the WRX is wider than our Leggy's, it's much much better looking now though.

Before:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/P4070982-1.jpg

After:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/P4070987-1.jpg

Bracket difference:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/P4070981-1.jpg

The next in the long line of mystery bits that weren't found on a stock '98 GT:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/P4070984-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/P4070985-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/04/P4070986-1.jpg

[dplacencia]

That shift boot look very nice. :grin:

[Huffer]

The coax is probably from an old cellphone hookup. In my last car I dumped about 5lbs worth of 90's cellphone tech. It was a clean install though.

[WinterKnoll]

I actually noticed that once and wondered what it was..interesting.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Thanks guys. That picture really doesn't do the boot/knob justice, my WRX buddy comments on it every time she gets in the car, lol.

My JDM Projectors and black switch trim just arrived, super stoked. More pics to come once I get them installed.

[Nick_701]

I remember talking to you when you had this car stock you sure have come a long way, keep it up! What do you have planned in the future?

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Hey, thanks man. I appreciate the feedback. =D

Once I have money again (which will hopefully be soon since I'm out of college in less than a week), I'm going to replace the goofy Midas-style axle-back with one from SPT. I have already purchased an 18mm Outback Rear Sway that I need to install. And hopefully I can get in on some iON Springs and GR2s to go with them, but again, this is all once I have money.

I did just replace the front driver's CV half-axle, and the difference is amazing, although after the install, I've been hearing a knocking that sounds like it comes from the front passenger side under acceleration in gear. I'm a bit concerned. =\

[Nick_701]

When i first got my car (@150K miles) i replaced my driver axle and had the same noise on the passenger side so had to replace that one too. After that it works great!

Wait! you got rid of your 'one-of-a-kind' twin tip muffler? thats to bad it set you apart from the entire 'I thought it was stock' crowd. haha

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Wait! you got rid of your 'one-of-a-kind' twin tip muffler? thats to bad it set you apart from the entire 'I thought it was stock' crowd. haha

Haha, I haven't yet, although the pseduo-Jetta exhaust isn't exactly something I treasure, lol.

[Nick_701]

What do you have planned next, i really want to hear what exhaust you choose. If you want to hear what a flowmaster muffler and borla headers sound like let me know and we can figure out a time for you to hear it in person.

[TheAngryPidgeon]

Sold.

[Huffer]

Sorry to hear! GL with the money issues...