Alex's Lightning Red 2008 STi

Crawford has one, it looks a bit too much like a backwards baseball cap.

 

I really like the factory one...

 

And while Im on the topic of the R205, I've always wanted these. Pity they're so dang expensive from Japan -- 6 pot fronts, 4 pot rears

 

Now that's the first time I've heard an offer like this

Peter, the dark chrome STI badge on the fender is what's known as the "R205 Badge".

 

You buying? FWIW, the R205 is the replacement for the S series (eg S202, 203, 204).

 

I really would love seat heaters now. I know what I've said before and I'm happy to put my foot in my mouth so long as my derriere is warm in the morning. The question is whether or not I can wire up the OEM switch.

http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/pecafidutewa.html

 

Yes, but starting 2011 on the GR series...unless you got a limited edition (IIRC).

 

Thanks for that image

 

Falling behind on my updates already :|

I was unable to wash / detail the car this weekend. However, had I done so, I would have used some of this rockin' new Menzerna polish and P21s wax. I am loving what the Sonax wheel cleaner does for the Brembo dust. If this is a problem for you, I would check out DetailersDomain.com.

02/14: ARC and OEM knob are here. I'll do my best to snap a photo tonight. Love the added weight Subaru used with the new OEM knobs; hate the size of the ARC knob. It's built for a JDM-child's hand. Oh well, should look nice for the new product shots.

The jury is still out as to what to do for the trunk area a subwoofer enclosure. I should be meeting with Ryan of Slade Audio this week to get the a-pillar-mounted-tweeters aimed correctly for off-axis listening.

It is still growing on me But the GD -> GR transition is all about the small things, like hitting your damn forehead on the window trim every time you get into the car. I am still getting used to that! :rofl:

There's also the utility factor. Read as, you can do so much more with/in this car that is makes the GD sedan seem worthless beyond a straight line and the twisties.

Definitely! Not sure what route I want to take here. I have so much Xenon/HID parts throughout my shop and my garage that I want to get rid of. I will probably go AP1/AP2 S2000 again. It'll depend what I can find to use in my pile(s) of stuff.

Yes, and they're not half bad with an upgraded lens from LightWerkz or The Retrofit Source: http://www.lightwerkz.net/gallery/index.php/Subaru/album

Agreed and few things ever are or ever will be.

 

Are your wheels made of some sort of special something?

I "agitate" the brake dust, post-sonax application, with a boars hair brush. The brush smells awful when it is wet, but it definitely helps even on the GD STi BBS. I love the color changing oooh-aaahhh effect that this has. It's an interaction of the chemicals of the Sonax product and the iron in your brake dust. This stuff sprays on green with an elderly minty smell and promptly turns into this deep blood red, resembling what I can only image your wheels would look like if you ran over the residents of an entire city.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/sonax-fulleffect-wheelcleaner.aspx

 

If you're concerned, then mix up a separate wash bucket of soap, tar/bug remover and water. Suds it up and use a microfiber to clean your wheels. This is how I used to / still do it. You have to remember not to MIX this bucket with your actual wash bucket and always always always use a grit guard.

 

Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy -- To become a knife thrower in the circus, they probably don't let you start off by throwing at the live woman. They start you off with the little girl.

I've been mulling over audio once again. I just was offered a stand up deal on a bnib set of DLS Iridium 6.3i 6.5" 3 way speakers. These could be an ideal upgrade over my DLS UP6is. I've also been reviewing sub enclosures for the hatch and the best I've come across thus far (versus going completely custom) is the Audio Integrations solution. Their solution seems like a dandy one for my 10" IDQv2. Thoughts?

 

But then I'd lose my ID love :wtc:

 

You get my text today about the price on those Iridiums? Can you beat that? Is it even worth it?

/indecision

 

The ASPEC is leaps and bounds beyond the ARC. I'll be torching the ASPEC for the product shots and re-selling the ARC knob. FWIW to anyone reading this conversation, it isnt that the knob is awful or knicked or plain dumb looking...the knob is just too small.

I'm really diggin the "heavy" OEM GR STI knob. I'm toying with the idea of having it illuminate at night, just barely, and lighting up the shift pattern -- M style (*cough* CoolBimmer *cough*).

 

Well there are two in the garage at the moment. :sx: I had a chance to give the GR a quick wash yesterday before dark to check the condition of the paint. The front is already littered with paint chips and there is a scuff on the rear bumper, passenger side, that may buff out :| but such is life. There are minor swirl marks and water spots that need some correction. I also took some photos of the sonax in action so that those of you unfamiliar can see (a) the Sonax color change and (b) just how well it works.

 

Not sure, love the look and sound of that DLS however. We can discuss options tomorrow. IIRC, RAAM used this super tiny ARC Audio amp for their under the seat boxes. You should give them a call, they were looking for someone to start producing them again.

 

I've added photos of the car to the OP after her first bath -- Sudsy!








Also, here are a few before/afters of the Sonax wheel cleaner in action. Enjoy the color change. I wish I had a tripod setup to ensure that I got the exact same angle but it just isn't going to happen when you're flinging a hose every which way to wash the wheels. Also, water and Nikons don't mix and with this particular wheel cleaner you have to act quickly!

Before, OEM STI 5 Spoke


Just after the initial Sonax wheel cleaner application


Oooooh the colors! (Note the initial interaction with the iron in your brake pad dust.)


Wow, will it get more red?


Zombie death mode activated!


Agitate brake dust with a boar's hair brush.


Bam!


Still not convinced? You're crazy.

 

Oh that's just your standard car warsh. The paint correction will hopefully come this weekend. I pleased to see that Subaru's paint quality has continued into their current models :|

I have already found over 6 paint chips, one serious enough to dent the hood, several scuffs that *may* buff out, and a few awful water spots. We'll see what the Menzerna does.

At any rate, you're welcome to come over to the house one day and see if you like any of the products. I'm a huge fan of a proper wash mit, grit guard, Meguiars gold class soap. Beyond that, it's no different than selecting which oil you like most for your motor or what tires you want to use. I've tried a slew of different products, from the cheapest garbage to some of the more expensive and it's all about what you like to see. You get out what you put into it, like most things in life, for better or for worse.

 

The biggest thing for car exterior care is the level you want to maintain it. It is remarkable that a porter cable can take off years of damage to your paint. Just have to put the elbow grease into it.