Monk's Nightshade

Wow! Kinda reminds me of the story they tell in psyche 101 about that guy that lived
for decades with a railroad stake through his brain! Whats his name - gage? I'll have to google it.

Anyway, Monk it was great meeting you at TGP. Nice to see nightshade in action

 

thanks man, it was awesome meeting you, too

your limited was beautiful.

 

thanks Monk!

Heres the link on phineas gage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_Gage


Ironically, I just got a flat on the family minivan. I distinctly recall
driving the van imagining the most efficient "lines" and cutting
some corners. I think thats when I ran over a fat nail!

Track day really messed with my head! LOL

 

Nightshade gets a badge/logo design

the design is a stylized deadly nightshade flower (belladonna) cut in half... not certain where i'm gonna put it yet.


what do ya think?

 

APv2 Mounting options

I've see a couple questions about this, and I've had a few people as me how I'm set up so, here's the skinny.

I went to PepBoys and got one of their "type-s" rice-o-matic cell/mp3 holders and modified it by removing the "foot" from it.

a couple of cool things about this particular setup:
there's one model that actually matches the shape of the apv2
the mount that comes with it serves as the perfect usb plug holder then the ap isn't clipped in.

pics explain it better...









oh, and if you haven't gotten the APv2 with the new firmware, GET IT... NOW. totally worth the 15min to update things. the graphics are sexy too, but i really like the intake temp and AFR (narrow though it may be).

all around it's good stuff.

nothing really to talk about for the car in general though. the wheels are done, but i still need rubber for them.

 

so you drive around with the OBD-2 plugged in? Not sure if APv2's adpater for the obd-2 is different but APv1 the adapter that goes into the port is pretty big, so what I'm asking is doesn't it get in the way of your legs?

 

yeah, it really doesn't get in the way... although i plan on popping the obd port back inside the plastic shroud and run everything from back there.

not sure what the size difference between the V2 and V1 plug is though.

 

Clean

 

i've decided against them to go with a tint instead, but they do make them for 04+ per morrette

 

knock, knock...

'who's there?'

DET

hnoes:

so, the last week or so i've been hearing what i thought was knock around 3k WOT. i took a trip over to will's and he did a compression test. 150-145psi across all cylinders... which is really good. will takes it for a drive...

will: "yep, that's DET"

me: "but the DA is fine, what the hell is going on?"

will: "dunno, but that's DET and it looks like knock was recorded in the datalogger, but only once out of the several times we heard it"

me: "well dogshit..."

i get on the phone with scott "this doesn't make sense, maybe something mechanical"

me: " :wtc: no doubt"

so i switch to a 'safer' map, and plan on seeing scott this coming monday.

the shitty part, i didn't get my tactrix cable in so i can't datalog, so i can't in my right mind run this car out to alabama and on the track until i have some idea of what the hell is going on.

150$ down the drain. awesome.

hopefully that's the worst of my worries, having a $35K car that i can't trust on track is killing me. it's the whole reason i bought this car to begin with. it was supposed to be bullet proof, not suicidal.

i'm going to need to somehow find out if there is a viable ECU solution in the works that's OBDII emissions legal. i can wait 1-2yrs, but much longer than that, and i'm going to have to start saving some money to trade this car, make up for the loss and put a down payment on an 06... so what would that be, 15% loss on at least $30K plus a 5K down payment... i'm going to vomit in my hands if i think about that too much so i'll stop now.

anyways that's my little rant for now.

 

This really sucks man. I thought the 07s were going to be awesome with their gearing. Guess the other issues are not worth it.

Hope you get it resolved soon man.

 

Big thanks Siegel

He looked it over on Monday, he ran it... no knock, no noise, nothing... fucking gremlins.

Did some road logging, then Thai for lunch. Along with a really good green curry, I got a side order of solace in hearing that Cobb is continuously working on getting an 06 ecu into the 07 and moreover, a full map-based fix to the algorithm problem. And... that I have nothing to worry about for my car's current power mods. So, I'll definitely be at the track next time - (although a little race gas on the side might make me feel even better, scott :naughty: )

I guess it is inevitable that Cobb does get this figured out, after all, the LEV2 problem isn't going away, and they want to continue to support Subaru cars. They gotta get it hacked.

He made me a happy-meal map with improved top end throttle response and launch control.
I reflashed it this afternoon. The car feels really strong, throttle feels great. DA is solid 10 WOT

I guess my next plans are going to be suspension for a while. I've got a lot of work to do in that respect.

Of course while I was at home whining like a cat in heat, I later found out that Scott's motor popped, and Milo had oil catch issues that could have gotten really ugly... so aside from my own bullshit, I'm sorry you guys had a rough weekend, and thank you both for being as supportive as you were-especially since things went south for you worse than they did for me.

 

Glad you got your issues worked out

 

Days Blow By...

again, just more records for myself...

on 11/1 I realized I was missing nearly 1qt of oil


PCV hose assembly, TMIC and hoses were oil soaked. since oil entering into the intake can cause DET, this may explain the DET issues I had earlier. Cracked or broken ring-land was suspect (in addition to the PCV)

The fix (about 45-60min):

• PCV was purchased from SoG ($29)
• Three LONG needle-nose pliers were needed for PCV install/uninstall (180*, 45*, 90* angles $45)

Outcome

• compression test = 140~145 all cylinders
• spark plugs are clean with normal wear
• no oil consumption observed (in over 200mi)
• no blow-by observed
• no Neg DA observed
• no audible knock (knock was not a recent symptom)
• no rough idle (was not an original symptom, but is a symptom of ring-land issues)
• no smoke (was not an original symptom, but is a symptom of ring-land issues)

i think this had more to do with me checking cold oil on an incline (which gives a very false low reading). PCV getting pwned was secondary to over-fill.

the perverse imp of idiocy ruled the day. thank you, that is all.

 

Nightshade get's psychotherapy

I once said that the "07 is a good car... it's just a little messed up in the head". This statment most likely holds true for the 08 as it must adhere to LEV2 emissions.

Well, Cobb and their network of talented tuners have come through, and not a moment too soon I might add. They have fixed the Adv/DynAdv timing issue, which is the "2007 ECU is not a motorsports ECU" rumbling that has been drifting through the Subaru community for the last year.

So the algorithm is fixed, I have see absolutely no timing advance above the set DynAdv number that Scott set for my tune. Not even after initial reflash of the chip.

If you have an 07 STi, I would HIGHLY recommend you contact Scott Siegel regarding this fix, as it is only available through ProTuners at this time. It's not even a "news item" on Cobb's page... yet.

My assumption is that after the new ProTuner software is widely distributed (which by the way allows the ProTuner to actually TUNE a lot more of the chip), cobb will most likely release another version set of their maps with this algoritm-fix update. Keep in mind though, nothing beats a protune for safety, smoothness, and more speed.

This 2007 STi ECU fix is a huge weight off my shoulders, and should be for the rest of you 07+ owners out there.

 

It was a good day

I went to the SRDEC yesterday, and it showed me one thing...

I believe I can trust this car.

I ran it pretty hard towards the end of the day and the DA was solid. Coolant temps were solid. Throttle was solid. Oil consumption was ZERO.

Did I mention how fucking great the 07 gearing is? Well there it is, again.

Of course, it also showed me that I really need to get serious about control arms and coil-overs, too.

And that all season tires are sucktastic, but i already knew that... i will kill them, soon.

 

Get some Re01r's and your life will change
I think they're still on sale at tirerack.com

 

Yes. Get the Spec C control arms!

The Spec C control arms are as follows:

20202FE800 (RH)
20202FE311 (LH)

$259.xx each+shiping from http://www.subarupartspro.com/

Then get the whiteline offset bushings:

http://www.globalperformanceparts.com/whiteline-alignment-kit-casteradjusting-kit-p-23053.html

BOOM! Proper caster settings for sports driving. Then coilovers and the rest falls in place.

 

i've got reo70s that i need to shave one tire down. i actually brought the AS tires for the purpose of killing them. the kumho AS tires were a mistake

what about the 06sti control arms at boxer4racing.com? 375 for both.

 

If they are specifically for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 USDM STi as a DIRECT REPLACEMENT item...then yes. The part numbers listed above are identical to the stock 04 05 06 USDM STi control arms because those ARE the direct replacement part numbers.

If it is the SPT AL control arm kit, DO NOT BUY! The SPT AL kit contains the same control arms as found on the 2007 USDM STi, 2006 USDM WRX, Version 7 and Version 8 Non-Spec C/Non-Type RA STi.

 

something about maps.

 

^LOL

more notes to self:
Stock Brembo pads are a little too easy to kill - don't track them
Coil-packs can do a great job mimicking mechanical failure - I blew a coil pack a few weeks back, AP readout was "CYL 3 MISFIRE" and was convinced that I was horse-fucked. Big thanks to Siegel for walking me through the trouble-shooting process. SOG should have paid for this fix, but i had neither the time nor patience to wait for a tow-truck to get to my house. Lisa did give me a really nice discount on the coil-pack though.

in case i forget, the engine layout is like so:

firewall

[3]---|---[4]
[1]---|---[2]

front of engine

 

^interesting.

 

have you seen that happen often?

 

Chapter II: The Grey Goose


A fitting name for the 2009 DGM 2.5i premium hatch (given the current state of affairs, some reasons why i got this car and the fact that it's my favorite vodka) Troncalli had a very reasonable internet deal on their imprezas... $500 below invoice pricing and if you go to their google local business map page, they have a coupon for an additional $250 off. The buying process was rather nice actually, only 2.5hrs.

So, about the car... um it's got 170/170 hp/tqssh:
I am used to... a LOT more. BUT... it is a LOT more fun than I expected.

Okay, you can stop laughing now. Seriously, this car-for everyday traffic-can scoot just fine and handles way better than the body roll suggests. In short, you can drive this car hard on the streets without getting into illegal territory (ala wrx/sti) And I love the new chasis... sure the rear lighting schedule still reminds me of lexus RX buttsex, and the suspension is soft, but it is a nice bonus to not feel like your fillings and bowels will come loose at every speed bump over 2mph.

Oh and did I mention that while I still have a deep-seeded hatred for drive-by-wire throttles, this one actually feels "finished". Unlike the 32K 2007 STi. No wierdness, no downhill speed hanky-panky, just smooth engagement. (well, as smooth as a DBW car can be anyways)

It has uphill assist... ssh:. It also has VDC and a disable switch :ddirty:

What else... ipod hookup, much more integrated interior and plenty of little odds and ends that make the car very livable... maybe even enjoyable :coolugh: So, what does it need to make it feel complete?

• Swaybars F&R
• Possibly some wheels
• Possibly some springs
• Heated Seats: http://www.heatedseatkits.com/heatedseatkits/heizgerat2/index.html

So, the suspension will get some attention so it feels more flat. If an intake and muffler will open it up a bit, I may consider that too down the road. So some questions to our gurus:

• what bars will fit my car?
• is the overall exhaust setup the same from the axel-back?
• can i do springs?
• would a cai (if i can find one that will fit) make any difference or will the ECU kick me in the nuts instead?

When Subaru brings over a track-worthy turbo-diesle, I'll be keeping this little bugger for the DD and getting the "fun" car for weekends, roadcoursing and general debauchery As long as they keep the same general wheelbase and chasis of course.

 

The 2.5i will use the same bars as the WRX. You will need to get the mounting brackets for the WRX to be able to install a rear sway bar.

The exhaust is different AFAIK.

The springs and shock are the same as the WRX. You will find a few spring options but the shock options are very limited without going to coilovers. Your best bet is to get some WRX shocks and springs. The 09 WRX parts would probably make you very happy.

No idea on the cai. I have never looked into that.

It is amazing the amount of grip the 08+ Imprezas produce given the massive body roll and overall soft feel. So, I assume the STI is gone. Have fun with the new car.

The Troncalli group of dealers rock(Troncalli in Cumming and SoK in Kennesaw have the same owner).

 

without sounding like a dumbass, did you get rid of your STi and get a non-turbo wagon?

 

hey man good to see you, it's been a while. yeah... i did

it's part of a larger financial plan, this will be the DD car and not too long after subaru brings over the turbo-diesel hatch, i'll be getting that for the fun car. i'll keep the 2.5i as the DD and beater.

 

Sorry to hear that, but glad you’re happy with your decision! Bet your insurance went down. If the turbo diesel doesn't make it state side you may want to consider a pre-02 project car. Oh and maybe some Pic's?!?!?!?

 

at the moment i'm kinda bent on the TD/AWD platform so i may end up going with a german car if subaru can't deliver the goods. we'll see what they come up with. yeah, the insurance is almost cut in half.

 

Grey Goose is DOWN

so my wife was driving the goose home last night and some talented asscracker cuts a left across three lanes of buford drive traffic to get to Sam's Club and they t-bone.

she's totally okay, so is the other at-fault driver.

no pics (i wasn't in the car), but when i got there the radiator was leaking and pushed back towards the engine, front bumper gone, and I'm thinking the car may be totaled.

so the question is, if there is frame-damage (which i think there is), is the car supposed to be totalled?

another question: who here has had their car totaled and how does the process work? (i.e. how long, how much were you out of pocket, etc)

obviously i'm pissed, it took me a while to find THAT specific car, and I don't see a match for it anywhere now. the car didn't even have 3k on the odometer.

one other question, if the insurance pays off the car and i find the same car but the "deal" i got on the wrecked car ($xx,xxx @ x% financing) isn't available anymore, can i sue for the difference of having to essentially pay more for the same car that i chose to buy at a certain time as opposed to having to buy another fucking car at a time that there is NOT a promotional deal?

 

If you weren't at fault, you don't need to worry about downtime. The other persons insurance company should supply you w/ a rental for the length of the repair time. When their insurance agent contacts you, ask them about using your own shop and what their procedure is. Find a good, reputable shop and let them take care of everything (assuming it's not totaled). They'll do the quote, the fixing, and handle ALL of the paperwork...if they don't, they're not a good shop. You being the not at-fault driver, this should be pretty painless for you.

Glad everyone's ok - sorry to hear about the accident.

Edit: I recommend AutoGlo in Tucker. Glenn is awesome and will take care of you...unfortunately, my car's already been there twice.

 

thanks for the well wishes all

- no airbags deployed, the other driver was at 100% fault. both are covered by allstate. if it does get totaled and the difference in money is more than 5K, i will sue for difference, and court costs. i don't plan on being out a penny for someone else's idiocy that ruins a car that is less than 3Kmi old.

i hate rentals but yeah i should be okay... i know you have had some really BAD luck with your ride. I may call them. what's their number?

what's artcraft's contact info?
actually it was a waffle house night last night. it seemed like the appropriate thing to do after wrecking a car
part of me really hopes it's just a fix, but the other part wonders about warranty issues. if there is frame damage, where does the line between residual accident problems and faulty oem parts get drawn? i just don't want to get fucked out of warranty repairs because the car's problems "may have stemmed from the accident".

let me know on the contact info guys, i need to get the wrecker service to transfer the car tomorrow. thanks

 

If you got a decent cop that fucktard should get reckless driving and then some. Glad no one was hurt.

 

thanks, yeah we're going to get the police report tomorrow. dunno if he got cited... but he definitely should have.

 

I had a car that was less than a year old get totaled out. It really comes down to the repair costs vs. the vehicle value. If they can repair it for less than the value of the vehicle, they probably will, otherwise...a for how long, it shouldn't take long, the adjuster comes to have a look, gives an appraisal, a shop will then take a look and give an estimate, then a determination is made (at least thats how it went for me...). Sorry to hear about this. Do you have GAP insurance of similar?

 

yes it is, thanks Brett/Alex. I'll be down there to sign off with the claim adjuster sometime this week. I'll stop by the shop

Scott said it doesn't look like a "totaled" job, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I ended up going for ArtCraft after reading all the good reviews, and because the guy had a comprehensive website that I could read up on. Autoglo should take a note of that, because all I could find were kudzu.com and google map pages for them. no info at all.

what's sad is you can do a really effective google local business map page with all your company's info on it-for free.

 

i think i'm in good shape, i didn't go in "upside down" on the car so i didn't get GAP. i put enough down to cover the initial purchase depreciation.

ps. damn dude, did your first miata get totaled out? i can't remember if i met you at the track before or after you bought the 07

 

so... i think i'm getting the car back on May1st (hopefully).

Which puts this mess at over 8K in repair costs and almost two months without the car.

good times and pictures to fondly remember them by: http://www.liquidparadigm.com/impreza/

 

i know, i've been in touch with them weekly. they've been great through the whole process. thanks for keeping an eye out

 

Car is back online, big thanks to Artcraft Collision

http://www.wrxatlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24262