A Hero's Journey

[Hero]

The day finally came. I told my wife I was done with modding cars. I got a sport-bike, and honestly, I didn't think that I would ever own anything faster than that. I put a For Sale sign on my "pimped" out Corolla, and went off on my journey to find a sensible, normal, daily driving car.

Then I saw her. Just a couple of blocks away. She was beautiful, and she was For Sale. I made one phone call, and about a week later, I had cash in hand. How was I going to explain this to my wife? :eek: I didn't, I just took her for a ride. :devil:

This is what she looked like when I bought her. :e

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/CAM_0383.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/CAM_0382.jpg

Even then I told myself that i wouldn't touch it. It was quick enough as is. Maybe just fix a few dents and repaint the front bumper. And I just had to have the STi wing.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/21551_1281433869851_1050186970_860927_2955403_n.jp g

Then of course, a set of 18x8 ********* wheels to express myself :D
http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/IMG_0376evensmaller.jpg

[Hero]

Now the previous owner had taken the liberty of installing a Perrin DP and Cobb CB, but he never got it tuned. Of course I wanted my car to run right, so all I needed was a quick tune and that was it. NO MORE MODDING!

So I went to go see Bren. That was a mistake :lol:. It was the beginning of the end for me that night. Once I felt the POWER GAINED BY THE TUNE the gears started to turn and further discussion ensued. I could not believe how much power could be squeezed from the EJ205 for so little $$$ compared to an N/A. What other parts could I get for more power?! :devil:

But with great power comes great responsibility. Modding would have to wait. Had to get the essentials done first. Hello Gates Racing Timing Kit :) and NGK One Step Colder Sparks. Alright, now back to the good stuff.

Along with the exhaust and Turbo XS replica TMIC, the previous owner also installed Tanabe springs and rear sway - so the suspension was "good enough" for now. More POWER more POWER. What could I do for MORE POWER?

Months of research had brought me to the best set up for my tastes. FP hta68 baby! DW's, Walbro, Invidia UP, and Gimmick you can come along too. :D

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/DSCN4233.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/DSCN4232-1.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/DSCN4249.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/DSCN4247.jpg

I got another Brentune tune and with Airboy I made 320whp/299tq.
http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/Dyno%20charts/hta68tmic-hero.jpg

Good ****! Took a while for the turbo to spool on the 2.0L but that goes with the territory. Felt way more powerful then the td04 could ever hope to feel.

[Hero]

Driving home from my second (or third) tune with Bren, my car felt completely different. I had to re-learn the sun of a *****! I took the next week and drove as much as I could to get used to the new shift points. I practiced my launch a couple times and was definitely not used to the new found torque. Took only a few days to destroy my 100K OEM clutch.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/08262010342-1.jpg

So I went to Exedy for the Stage 1 Kit. She felt good!

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/08262010337-2.jpg

Maybe a little TOO good. Because the following week,...well you all know what happened. :(

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/header_shiftingswami.jpg

[Hero]

It happened so abruptly that the seat belts locked tight! I tried to save her, but the I knew it would only be seconds before I heard that flapping "tick, tick, tick". I wanted to cry that night, but I was too angry with myself. What a dumbass thing to do :banghead:. I just sat at the edge of the highway with my blinkers on. Waiting for the tow truck.

A couple weeks later as I was thinking over my dilemma in walks this sexy 2011 EJ257 Shortblock. She had just the right amount of liters in all the right places and I couldn't take my eyes of her Nitride crankshaft. She caught me looking walked over and promised to make everything even better than it was before. :e

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/09212010388.jpg

She did not disappoint. :cool: I prepared everything just for her. Got the Heads Port-matched, re-set the valve lash with brand new buckets and got her all new gaskets.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/10082010432.jpg

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/10222010481.jpg

She was worth it. I broke her in nice and when all was said and done she gave 348whp/393tq on a Dynapack with a Brentune.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/Dyno%20charts/dynochart.jpg

It was an amazing difference. Power came in a lot smoother and stayed so much longer. :D I was happy again!

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab215/albertov04/imagejpeg_2.jpg

[98Wagoon]

first!


:hide:



in for moar story/build!

[RCKSTR]

I remember this car before it was what it is now (if that makes any sense...)

future mods/plans?!? :D

[boxer3maine]

I remember this car before it was what it is now (if that makes any sense...)

future mods/plans?!? :D

that makes sense to me.. us complicated long term forum english speakers can communicate freely.

I like a good story too.

[Hero]

Not too long ago I was driving my beauty and I heard a very obnoxious clunking sound. This is what I found. :eek:

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m636/MotiveHero/03272011851.jpg

Definitely can't be havin that! So I snatched some BC Racing Coilovers, a Whiteline 24mm Front Sway and Heavy Duty Alloy Front links to fix it. Threw in some Goodridge SS Brake Lines while I was at it. :cool:
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m636/MotiveHero/9bea1b5f.jpg

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m636/MotiveHero/a391fdbf.jpg

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m636/MotiveHero/03272011855.jpg

[Hero]

And for a little more top end - thought it was about time to install my AP headers. Before the headers, she made 293whp/330tq on the Mustang Dyno @ EFI.

After the headers, spools up about 500rpm later but definitely gave me more "felt" power mid range and up top. Here's my Virtual Dyno plot after the header install.

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m636/MotiveHero/berto.jpg

[Hero]

I remember this car before it was what it is now (if that makes any sense...)

future mods/plans?!? :D

YUP!

But no power mods till I get a 6speed :( - Well, maybe an FMIC

* STi gauge cluster
* Projector headlight fit
* Rallyarmor Classics

Some more stuff but way off in the distance. :e

[squeethebee]

I remember this car at OTB that first meet...

ed

[hiprsha666]

I :wub: your car

[arcadia25]

Yes...love is the right word. Lol

[Berge56]

Well Done Hero!

[Hero]

Thanx fellas! :e

The journey continues :cool:

[BogeyBones]

great story, hero :lol:

well done

[Gearhead Geek]

Now that's how a member's journal should be done! :)

How'd you like the sound while I was leaving the other day btw? :lol:

[BG @ BrenTuning]

Now that she's settled we should tweak the tune! Glad to see you worked out the issues.

[Hero]

Now that's how a member's journal should be done! :)

How'd you like the sound while I was leaving the other day btw? :lol:

Straight cut baby! :devil: Very audible :lol:

[Hero]

Now that she's settled we should tweak the tune! Glad to see you worked out the issues.

Yeah man - been meaning to catch up with ya but a little tough during tuning season:spin::lol:

[25rSTI]

Nice stuff. I've got a spare 06 STi cluster, not sure if I want to part yet though.

[Hero]

I've got a spare 06 STi cluster, not sure if I want to part yet though.

:jess:

[Berge56]

Saw this beast on Sunday. Car looked good Hero!

[hiprsha666]

Yaaaaaa, hero ftw. When are you going fmic and bigger turbo dude?

[Hero]

Yaaaaaa, hero ftw. When are you going fmic and bigger turbo dude?

bigger turbo?! who said anything about a bigger turbo! :lol:

FMIC soon - the journey will continue :cool:

Saw this beast on Sunday. Car looked good Hero!

thanx meng :D

[Simple Skillz]

Should've brought your car too the loop yesterday lol, nice meeting you though.

[hiprsha666]

bigger turbo?! who said anything about a bigger turbo! :lol:

FMIC soon - the journey will continue :cool:



oh kewl. :up:

[Berge56]

So what's new with this beast?!

[Hero]

So what's new with this beast?!

You reading my mind or something? :lol:

Will be posting pics/graph soon :cool:

[hiprsha666]

Ooh, you go fmic, meth and green or something like that?

[Hero]

I think I can still squeeze a little more out of the hta68 :e

[hiprsha666]

Awesome. Can't wait to see the results... And to get mine.

[Bu11dogg2]

ibmeth

[Berge56]

:D


And we wait. :munch:

[Hero]

Will have results on Oct 14th - stay tuned :cool:

[Bu11dogg2]

what kit did you go with? me thinks AEM

[arcadia25]

Will have results on Oct 14th - stay tuned :cool:

Results of the quarter mile time? :hide:

[Hero]

Results of the quarter mile time? :hide:

You mean my "scared to break my 5 speed tranny run" :lol:

13.4 @ 105

I did beat an Audi R8 though :cool:

[Hero]

what kit did you go with? me thinks AEM

You know it :D

Hoping to add a little style to the engine bay as well

[arcadia25]

You mean my "scared to break my 5 speed tranny run" :lol:

13.4 @ 105

I did beat an Audi R8 though :cool:

How about NEW results? :)

[Hero]

How about NEW results? :)

Haven't been since mengo :e

[Simple Skillz]

October 14 will be a day of reckoning!!!

[Hero]

October 14 will be a day of reckoning!!!

Unfortunately not my friend - will be getting car tuned on that day (scheduled a while back) and will prob not be back in time :(

[Simple Skillz]

Unfortunately not my friend - will be getting car tuned on that day (scheduled a while back) and will prob not be back in time :(

Hopefully ur appointment is during the morning hours :lol:

[Hero]

Hopefully ur appointment is during the morning hours :lol:

If I can broski - I WILL be there :cool:

[Simple Skillz]

I like to request a Motive sticker please :D

[Motive]

I like to request a Motive sticker please :D

I used to do vinyl :lol: - gonna update my equipment - stickers will prob come next spring :cool:

[Berge56]

Any updates?

[Hero]

Any updates?

yes sir - just gotta get the pics uploaded n'stuff - been like, retarded busy lately :e

[RCKSTR]

You could give us a hint or something atleast...

[Simple Skillz]

His car is fast when he took me for a spin not to long ago... Quiet too. Badass!

[Berge56]

:yaya:

[Hero]

His car is fast when he took me for a spin not to long ago... Quiet too. Badass!

Thanks man - I appreciate the compliment :D

I've added a few upgrades since then and am really focusing on a consistent, high performing, street machine.

Updates soon. :e

[arcadia25]

You said that last time! :lol:

[apkarian100]

I see no pics.

[Berge56]

The suspense....... I can wait.

[Hero]

The suspense....... I can wait.

:lol: - not that big of a deal guys :lol:

[arcadia25]

So....update time?

[Hero]

I simplified/cleaned up the E-Bay a little bit - rerouted PCV and got some things p-coated

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m636/MotiveHero/101420111252.jpg

Added some lines and rails to even out fuel distribution and removed my TGV rods for KSTech blocking plates.

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m636/MotiveHero/101120111248.jpg

Added an AEM meth kit - went with a Grimmspeed EBCS over the Forge MBC for Boost Safety Cut integration on the meth kit. Modded an STi TMIC sprayer tank for Methanol to achieve a factory look.

Tuned DOWN for the 5speed - projected an additional 20whp/30wtq at 24psi - but went safe for tranny

http://www.efilogics.com/dyno/graph.php?gb=0&hp=1&torque=1&boost=1&rpm=1&sl=1&sln=1&runid1=1792&rgb1=000000255

Will re-tune next season to see how possible those projected additions actually are.

Wish I had more pics guys but I only had about a day and a half to get all this stuff done before the tune - not much time for pics. :e

[yaya]

What rails are those?

No hybrid boost control? Spool of MBC + safety cut of EBC...

[Hero]

What rails are those?

No hybrid boost control? Spool of MBC + safety cut of EBC...

Thinkin about it, that's why I left it in :cool:

Wanted to see the difference - def miss the MBC spool so prob gonna take care of this at the next oil change.

[Hero]

What rails are those?

No hybrid boost control? Spool of MBC + safety cut of EBC...

Agency Power - injectors a lot more audible now and the D-Block sounds like a running faucet :lol:

[Hero]

What rails are those?

No hybrid boost control? Spool of MBC + safety cut of EBC...

Done - I really missed that spool :cool:

Now just gotta test the system and see if it will actually cut - mbc has a much quicker response than the ebcs :e

[BogeyBones]

Done - I really missed that spool :cool:

Now just gotta test the system and see if it will actually cut - mbc has a much quicker response than the ebcs :e


It was a fun test :up:

[Hero]

YUP!

But no power mods till I get a 6speed :( - Well, maybe an FMIC

* STi gauge cluster
* Projector headlight fit
* Rallyarmor Classics

Some more stuff but way off in the distance. :e

Just re-read this

I still have my 5speed, decided against going FMIC and added nothing but power mods in a matter of a few months!

What is wrong with me! - I'm such a liar!!!!!:spin::lol:

[drdabbles]

Just re-read this

I still have my 5speed, decided against going FMIC and added nothing but power mods in a matter of a few months!

What is wrong with me! - I'm such a liar!!!!!:spin::lol:

How do you think the 5spd will hold up to that torque? Do you have plans to swap it anytime soon?

[My25RSL]

i dont see the tranny having a problem holding uo to it. but thats my hopes for you.

:spin:

[Hero]

How do you think the 5spd will hold up to that torque? Do you have plans to swap it anytime soon?

I tend to hold back on all my shifts - i've been doing this for a while now and it seems to be doing ok - I absolutely plan on a 6speed swap - just not sure exactly when :e

As it is the tires break loose in 1st and 2nd, so I am definitely concerned. :(

[My25RSL]

just dont romp and clutch drop all the time. you will be all set. its just dumb driving that breaks trannys. the shock from dropping the clutch is usually what breaks things...
:munch:

[Berge56]

I tend to hold back on all my shifts - i've been doing this for a while now and it seems to be doing ok - I absolutely plan on a 6speed swap - just not sure exactly when :e

As it is the tires break loose in 1st and 2nd, so I am definitely concerned. :(


The tires breaking loose is good tho.....that is what is saving your transmission. Just don't go installing a sticky tire on the car.

[hiprsha666]

**** the 5 speed. Push it until it blows up. :spin:

[BogeyBones]

The tires breaking loose is good tho.....that is what is saving your transmission. Just don't go installing a sticky tire on the car.

:lol:

:truestory:

Sent using Tapatalk on Android.

[Hero]

The tires breaking loose is good tho.....that is what is saving your transmission. Just don't go installing a sticky tire on the car.

Yeah, def won't be throwing any Mickey's on there any time soon. :lol:

[acousticwrx11]

hero, wicked nice car bro. STI wing definitely adds some class. GL with ride of the month in DEC. good luck on your journey.

[Hero]

hero, wicked nice car bro. STI wing definitely adds some class. GL with ride of the month in DEC. good luck on your journey.

thanks mengo! :D

[Hero]

Done - I really missed that spool :cool:

Now just gotta test the system and see if it will actually cut - mbc has a much quicker response than the ebcs :e

Knockin a bit up top - pullin out the mbc until retune - EBCS WDC needs some adjustment

[Berge56]

:ohnoes:

[BogeyBones]

Dayumm

Sent using Tapatalk on Android.

[Hero]

All better! :cool:

Wasn't planning on making any major changes - just wanted to get the mbc and ebcs workin right together so I decided to stay local this time.

Bren set me up with a tune for the setup and we changed the meth mix from 50/50 to 85/15.

Car is crisp - loves the boost controller setup and loves the higher octane.

Also contemplating the 8cm after I see the gains on Motive customer's set up (Medwrx). :devil:

Even with the 7cm, TQ is way up so I gotta be real careful with 5MT right now.

With any luck - i'll have a six speed waiting in the lanes for NED next spring :e

[Berge56]

6 speed FTW! Congrats Hero.

[Hero]

6 speed FTW! Congrats Hero.

Maybe you can help me find a good deal on the parts, seeing as how you practically converted your WRX to an STi - :lol:

[Berge56]

Sure! There are many different options/routes you can take to get a 6 speed in a WRX. :)

[hiprsha666]

All better! :cool:

Wasn't planning on making any major changes - just wanted to get the mbc and ebcs workin right together so I decided to stay local this time.

Bren set me up with a tune for the setup and we changed the meth mix from 50/50 to 85/15.

Car is crisp - loves the boost controller setup and loves the higher octane.

Also contemplating the 8cm after I see the gains on Motive customer's set up (Medwrx). :devil:

Even with the 7cm, TQ is way up so I gotta be real careful with 5MT right now.

With any luck - i'll have a six speed waiting in the lanes for NED next spring :e

Sweet deal man.

[Hero]

Sure! There are many different options/routes you can take to get a 6 speed in a WRX. :)

Yeah I know :spin:

Goin back and forth, back and forth :spin:

[Berge56]

Hit me up and we can discuss options if you want.

[Hero]

Hit me up and we can discuss options if you want.

Of course :cool:

[Hero]

And yes - on Christmas day, I did in fact snap 2nd gear :(

[hiprsha666]

Ouch. What's the plan? PPG? 6-speed?

[Hero]

Ouch. What's the plan? PPG? 6-speed?

6-speed - hoping by first day of summer but we'll see - too much going on right now :(

[Berge56]

Congrats? :hide:

[Hero]

Congrats? :hide:

:shrug: I guess,

I miss my car :(

[hiprsha666]

6-speed - hoping by first day of summer but we'll see - too much going on right now :(

Ya. It's a hefty repair.

[Hero]

Ya. It's a hefty repair.

Yeah man, it's expensive - and not really what i should be spending my money on at this specific juncture in my life - we'll see how things go over the next couple of months - :e

[-III]

My 2nd gear went out too! :spin:

[Hero]

My 2nd gear went out too! :spin:

Did you post about that? I think I remember reading about it.

[Berge56]

Can you still drive the car?

[Hero]

Can you still drive the car?

Yes but, it sounds like a helicopter :lol:

[BogeyBones]

aw man hero, that blows. quit thinking all those mustangs want to race you :lol:

[Berge56]

Yes but, it sounds like a helicopter :lol:


oh boy. Just start telling people you paid extra for that noise.

[Hero]

aw man hero, that blows. quit thinking all those mustangs want to race you :lol:

:rofl:

I wasn't racing, just having fun in 2nd, no other cars involved :e

[-III]

It was in my journal. 3 days later I was driving with a JDM 5 speed. Also mentined it to you at the Hooters meet. Now you've got your own to play with.

[Hero]

It was in my journal. 3 days later I was driving with a JDM 5 speed. Also mentined it to you at the Hooters meet. Now you've got your own to play with.

Yup! I knew it - but did you ever go hybrid or did you snap it with the 2.0l?

[-III]

2.0 during an autox run

[Hero]

2.0 during an autox run

ah yes :(

[jwebsta32]

it was third in my five speed. It was on a drive to work.

[Hero]

She had a good run, though - I had the hybrid with a hta68 on her for about a year with no issues - it was definitely the meth that did it! :lol:

[-III]

Your plan is a 6 speed?

[Hero]

Your plan is a 6 speed?

Yup - I was able to hit about 450wtq on the Dyno Dynamics dyno - even if we take into account a high reading - I would still bet on right around 400 wtq and I don't want to chance it with a rebuilt 5 or JDM 5 with the same "flexing" case.

I will be rebuilding the 5 speed, but for a separate project car that will be producing much less tq.

[Berge56]

:up: Smart move my friend!

[Hero]

Still waiting on insurance pay out :mad:

[Hero]

I miss my car so much :(

I had to drive it to my shop the other day - I wanted to gun it in third so bad but I resisted the temptation :unamused:

[Berge56]

ha I can imagine. Just roll on the throttle? :hide:

[Hero]

ha I can imagine. Just roll on the throttle? :hide:

Well - I had to hit 25mph to shift into third - I think I hit about 40mph top speed on my way there - not too bad until I had to stop and get back into first :lol:

[-III]

Crazy guy driving without 2nd gear

[Hero]

Crazy guy driving without 2nd gear

:lol: - Just for transport - bout a ten minute ride to storage :e

[hiprsha666]

6speed summer time?

[Hero]

6speed summer time?

I hope so man :e

$$$ tied up in other things but we shall see.

Either way - it's not going back on the road until it has a six speed in it no matter how long I have to wait. :spin:

[hiprsha666]

Nice.

At least once the 6 speed is in you can get a bigger turbo to really make that hybrid come alive on the top end, and not worry about tranny any more.

[Hero]

Nice.

At least once the 6 speed is in you can get a bigger turbo to really make that hybrid come alive on the top end, and not worry about tranny any more.

yup - i see the color Green in my future :cool:

[hiprsha666]

:hiprush:

[Berge56]

haha nice!

[-III]

Don't you have an HTA68?

[Hero]

Don't you have an HTA68?

Yes sir - maybe I'll just go for it and switch the numbers around... 86? :lol:

[hiprsha666]

FP Black!!

[Hero]

FP Black!!

:devil:

[-III]

Why not EWG the 68?

[hiprsha666]

That's not badass enough.

[-III]

Im just curious is all. :lol:

[Hero]

That's not badass enough.

But will be done :) and will also be left in there for the bigger turbo swap which will obviously be accompanied by a Motive "Built" short block. prototypes in the works - mine will be the final one before we start offering them to the public - at an affordable price (date TBA) :cool:

[Simple Skillz]

Motive Shortblock? Public release? Im liking what I'm hearing so far :up:

[hiprsha666]

Win

[-III]

:spin:

[Paly]

i wana be the first to get 1 haha

[Hero]

i wana be the first to get 1 haha

Holy ****! You posted! :eek:

[Berge56]

Awesome news Hero!

[Hero]

Awesome news Hero!

Official release pending - gotta work out pricing and put a few short blocks through some testing - the first set will probably be a continued test series that will carry a deep discount - some may even be fully sponsored - it all depends on what makes the most sense financially - those are a bit far off, though - so I don't want to get anyway excited too soon :e

Besides - I have more pressing news that shall be shortly released - SHHHHHHH :cool:

[arcadia25]

I want pressing news!

[Hero]

I want pressing news!

Patience Daniel-son :geoff:

[arcadia25]

:popcorn:

[Berge56]

wax on....wax off. Go practice

[Hero]

I don't know how much longer I can wait for this tranny! OMG!!! with every passing 70 degree day it's just killing me!!!

[Berge56]

How much longer do you have to wait?

[hiprsha666]

I bet. Best time of year.

[Hero]

How much longer do you have to wait?

I could get it right now if I wasn't trying to be so god damn responsible :lol:

I gave myself a "condition" and the deadline to meet that "condition" is the first day of summer - if I can meet that "condition" before then, well I'm golden - and if I can't - well then it's gonna be looooooooong summer for me :(

[Berge56]

:spin: Good luck my friend!