Scoobyfreak86 2017 Lapis Blue Pearl STI Journal

[Squattro]

Holy shine batman! Do you have a polish/wax/seal regime you use?

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[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by Squattro

Holy shine batman! Do you have a polish/wax/seal regime you use?

Nothing in particular. Just wash and dry the car properly and keep the car coated in collinite 845. Lasts around 4-6 months depending on the weather. However, I usually re-apply every 1.5-2 months just to keep a solid coating on the car. I also always use a drying aid that has wax in it to keep the coat strong in between waxings.

Here is the car last night at an improptu photo/video shoot after the gym

Subaru STI night walk around - YouTube

Subaru STI night walk around - YouTube

[quinones28]

I need to wash my car with you some time, need to pick up some techniques

[icedcoco]

Originally Posted by ScoobyFreak86

Haha thanks man. Yeah, we moved into a new house last year. Needed something bigger for all the stuff and kids we are accumulating

Lol "accumulating kids." I knew you moved, just forgot about it. Looks like a nice neighborhood.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by quinones28

I need to wash my car with you some time, need to pick up some techniques

Sure thing!

Originally Posted by icedcoco

Lol "accumulating kids." I knew you moved, just forgot about it. Looks like a nice neighborhood.

The neighborhood is great. Dead end street. Quiet with lots of kids around. Woods behind us and lots of privacy. We have been really happy in the new neighborhood thus far.

[mnrex]

Just came here to say you have been my inspiration for getting my new 2018 LBP in shape!




I'm happy to hear Collinite works well with this paint too. I've been combining Collinite + Opti-Seal so far, and it really adds a ton of depth! What do you use as a drying aid? Seems like even the slightest amount of friction will mar the paint on these things...

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by mnrex

Just came here to say you have been my inspiration for getting my new 2018 LBP in shape!

I'm happy to hear Collinite works well with this paint too. I've been combining Collinite + Opti-Seal so far, and it really adds a ton of depth! What do you use as a drying aid? Seems like even the slightest amount of friction will mar the paint on these things...

Congrats. A well cared for LBP will give you lots of smiles and compliments. It really pops hard under the sun. I love it.

Yes, Collinite works really well with the paint. I usually find it to work well with deeper colors. Light paint like white or silver, it doesn't showcase as well. At least that is what I came to conclusion on. However, it does sweat a ton after a day or two of applying. A bit embarrassing since it looks like you didn't even remove it in some areas haha. But it comes right off on the next wash or even with a light wipe down.

I always use a drying aid. As you said, this paint (or any Subaru paint in general) is really thin and can mar pretty easily if you aren't paying attention. Using a drying aid will help keep any scratching or mar down to a minimum. I use anything from griot's spray on wax to adams h20 gloss and guard. I have been wanting to try out Ammo Hydrate, but haven't bitten the bullet yet.

Right now I've been using griots spray wax as it does the trick. Keeps a nice layer of wax on in between details and helps with the drying process. Another great tactic I use is sheeting and a leaf blower prior to drying. Less contact with the paint, the better!

[ScoobyFreak86]

Got my SubieLED 3S H11 fog bulbs for sale if anyone is interested!

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2852768

[ScoobyFreak86]

Hey everyone!

I have been exploring the idea up upgrading the speakers/sound system and wanted to get some opinions on which route to go. I am not looking to do anything crazy. I just want some better sound in the car with some bass. We all know the non-hk stereo has a lot to be imagined. I am not looking to touch the headunit as I want to keep it as clean and OEM as possible

I really enjoy the OEM+ Audio system as it is literally plug and play and very clean when installed. Only draw back to this is the price. We are looking at around 1100 for a sub, amp, and tweeters. The front and rear door speakers are not even touched.

OR

Going with a frankenstein setup at a local/trusted audio shop. I am not too sure what is good or what works best, but I would most likely go with what is recommended to me by the shop. I would want to do a simple amp, sub, front/rear speakers, and tweeters. I did some quick research and shopping on crutchfield and I selected some kicker speakers (front and rear), memphis tweeters, a slim alpine amp, and a bazooka sub (mainly due to the small amount of room it takes up). All of this came to around $500. Granted this is not installed, it would still be under the price of the OEM+ Audio setup.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[jesup16]

Originally Posted by ScoobyFreak86

Hey everyone!

I have been exploring the idea up upgrading the speakers/sound system and wanted to get some opinions on which route to go. I am not looking to do anything crazy. I just want some better sound in the car with some bass. We all know the non-hk stereo has a lot to be imagined. I am not looking to touch the headunit as I want to keep it as clean and OEM as possible

I really enjoy the OEM+ Audio system as it is literally plug and play and very clean when installed. Only draw back to this is the price. We are looking at around 1100 for a sub, amp, and tweeters. The front and rear door speakers are not even touched.

OR

Going with a frankenstein setup at a local/trusted audio shop. I am not too sure what is good or what works best, but I would most likely go with what is recommended to me by the shop. I would want to do a simple amp, sub, front/rear speakers, and tweeters. I did some quick research and shopping on crutchfield and I selected some kicker speakers (front and rear), memphis tweeters, a slim alpine amp, and a bazooka sub (mainly due to the small amount of room it takes up). All of this came to around $500. Granted this is not installed, it would still be under the price of the OEM+ Audio setup.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

An important thing to remember is factory head units typically have some sort of DSP (digital signal processing, not the equalizer) built in to:

1. Protect the speakers if the volume is turned up too loud
2. provide more bass and boost higher frequencies at lower volumes
3. cut bass and higher frequencies at higher volumes (kinda same thing as #1)

So this is a case of garbage in / garbage out. Simply adding amp's and better speakers doesn't guarantee better sound. Sometimes it exploits the DSP and sounds worse... just sayin. It's also a reason some people say the factory systems sound better with aftermarket head units that lack built-in DSP.

I don't know how bad the DSP is in the head units from Subaru. It's probably something you should investigate. There are a number of companies that make products to correct the DSP and provide good quality pre-amp outputs that support aftermarket amps.

I just got my 2018 LBP Limited (without H/K) 2 days ago and I'm also underwhelmed by the factory sound. It will probably be some time before I can get to the audio.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by jesup16

An important thing to remember is factory head units typically have some sort of DSP (digital signal processing, not the equalizer) built in to:



1. Protect the speakers if the volume is turned up too loud

2. provide more bass and boost higher frequencies at lower volumes

3. cut bass and higher frequencies at higher volumes (kinda same thing as #1)



So this is a case of garbage in / garbage out. Simply adding amp's and better speakers doesn't guarantee better sound. Sometimes it exploits the DSP and sounds worse... just sayin. It's also a reason some people say the factory systems sound better with aftermarket head units that lack built-in DSP.



I don't know how bad the DSP is in the head units from Subaru. It's probably something you should investigate. There are a number of companies that make products to correct the DSP and provide good quality pre-amp outputs that support aftermarket amps.



I just got my 2018 LBP Limited (without H/K) 2 days ago and I'm also underwhelmed by the factory sound. It will probably be some time before I can get to the audio.

Thanks for the input. I can attest to this as I put a head unit into my 13 Wrx and it improved the sound immensely. I need to research more on the topic, but I’ve heard the stock unit is fairly capable when paired with better components. I’m sure anything you do will improve the sound. But like I said, I don’t want to drop a ton of money into it in search of the best sound. I just want it to sound more full as it should be from the factory.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Does anyone have any experience with the GCS Apex Android V2 Headunit? Looks to be a really nice package and offers a ton of features that I would love to have. Not sure if this would increase the overall sound quality, but any experience or info is appreciated.

http://www.subispeed.com/2015-subaru...ti-17-forester

[dichoi]

I've been looking into that myself, but the lack of a volume knob is making me really hesitate. When i'm driving the car, I find it hard to even press the different channel buttons on the touchscreen due to how bumpy the car is. (Car itself isn't bumpy relative to stock suspension, but more so due to the roads and the nature of it being an STI). If you end up getting one, I'd be really interested to hear your feedback on ease of use.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by dichoi

I've been looking into that myself, but the lack of a volume knob is making me really hesitate. When i'm driving the car, I find it hard to even press the different channel buttons on the touchscreen due to how bumpy the car is. (Car itself isn't bumpy relative to stock suspension, but more so due to the roads and the nature of it being an STI). If you end up getting one, I'd be really interested to hear your feedback on ease of use.

I too prefer a knob for volume control. However, my wifes car and my previous WRX headunit I had in there didn't have one and I dealt with it no problem. Not to mention, I use the steering wheel control volume buttons more than the knob anyway.

The unit itself does look really nice. Super clean and OEM looking. Really updates the interior in overall look and technology. If it enhances the overall sound and is simply plug and play, it may be a winner in my book. I need to get more feedback on it though. I would like to get some personal experience feedback before I jump on it.

[Northern]

Originally Posted by ScoobyFreak86

Does anyone have any experience with the GCS Apex Android V2 Headunit? Looks to be a really nice package and offers a ton of features that I would love to have. Not sure if this would increase the overall sound quality, but any experience or info is appreciated.

http://www.subispeed.com/2015-subaru...ti-17-forester

I don't want to sound like an elitist dick, but they are cheap Chinese crap.
A local facebook Subaru group had a group buy for these, 5 out of 8 had issues with the screens flickering/fluctuating volume/soldered connections coming apart.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by Northern

I don't want to sound like an elitist dick, but they are cheap Chinese crap.
A local facebook Subaru group had a group buy for these, 5 out of 8 had issues with the screens flickering/fluctuating volume/soldered connections coming apart.

No worries at all! This is the kind of stuff I want to hear. I mean I didn't create it or buy it, so be an elitist all you want haha. The price seemed reasonable for the features you get, but after doing some quick research last night it seems like it's something I should pass on. My main goal is to keep everything functioning and looking stock, so the OEM+ Audio or getting some new speakers and an amp will be what I am after. I am slightly leaning towards the OEM+ Audio option as I really do enjoy the cleanliness of the whole system. I've heard great things about it too.

[ISSAWRX]

Have you looked into the Sony XAV-AX100 headunit? I know you said you wanted to look stock, and this has a really clean look to it. I was looking at using this when I get mine for the Android Auto support. Also there's a newer version coming soon with CD/DVD support.

Pic is from Crutchfield.com in a 2017 WRX.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by ISSAWRX

Have you looked into the Sony XAV-AX100 headunit? I know you said you wanted to look stock, and this has a really clean look to it. I was looking at using this when I get mine for the Android Auto support. Also there's a newer version coming soon with CD/DVD support.

Pic is from Crutchfield.com in a 2017 WRX.

Im sure the unit is awesome, but it's just not what I am after. I would rather keep the stock unit and just upgrade the components. Again, not trying to go for the best sound here. Just something that is respectable and better than stock.

[Northern]

The OEM headunit really is the flaw in the system.
Just swapping it out is the easiest option, but I get not wanting to go from a nice looking factory unit. I have the HK system in my sti, and it's not mind glowingly good, it is worlds better than a friends base radio.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by Northern

The OEM headunit really is the flaw in the system.
Just swapping it out is the easiest option, but I get not wanting to go from a nice looking factory unit. I have the HK system in my sti, and it's not mind glowingly good, it is worlds better than a friends base radio.

I originally wanted the HK system in the car, but the only cars on the lot that had the upgrade were in red. I most likely will spring for the better sound system if I get another STI after this one. For now, I will most likely go with the OEM+ Audio solution to get some better sound.

[confuzled]

Originally Posted by ScoobyFreak86

I originally wanted the HK system in the car, but the only cars on the lot that had the upgrade were in red. I most likely will spring for the better sound system if I get another STI after this one. For now, I will most likely go with the OEM+ Audio solution to get some better sound.

Theres a whole thread about the android headunit if you're still looking.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho...1#post45343891

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by confuzled

Theres a whole thread about the android headunit if you're still looking.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho...1#post45343891

Thanks. I actually contributed to that thread a few days ago.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Few minor updates!

Ended up having the driver side front axle replaced. There was a small tear in the boot and it was leaking grease out into the barrel of the wheel. Covered by warranty. Shew!

I also took the car on a weekend getaway with the family. I can't say how great the fortune auto suspension is. It was so comfortable the whole way. I was surprised by the gas mileage as well! Not bad for the ol ej. The new tires are just awesome and really make the car that much more comfortable to drive everyday.



Thinking about going a touch lower as I feel the car has some room to go down a bit. We shall see. Really enjoy the car in its current status. I got the audio and sway bar thoughts floating through my head so we shall see what's next.

[Obviously Tyler]

Glad you're enjoying the tires. I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but don't expect snow tire like performance from them come the winter time.

They're probably the best all seasons for snow, but they're still not snow tires. Especially in 265 width I was getting a little squirrelly last year on them but of course I probably wasn't being careful.

[ScoobyFreak86]

Originally Posted by Obviously Tyler

Glad you're enjoying the tires. I'm sure I don't need to tell you this, but don't expect snow tire like performance from them come the winter time.

They're probably the best all seasons for snow, but they're still not snow tires. Especially in 265 width I was getting a little squirrelly last year on them but of course I probably wasn't being careful.

Oh, I know. I am not expecting winter tire performance out of them. I ran both DWS tires in winter as well as full on winters (on my m3) and know the difference quite well. I just didn't want to be bothered with having multiple sets of wheels and tires and having to change due to the season. I prefer to have 1 set that can do it all. Sort of why I chose the STI over anything else. I wanted 1 car that could handle it all.

I plan on saving up for a set of volks (either ze40's or CE28n's) and getting a dedicated summer tire for down the road. I'll keep the 57dr's as my winter/beater wheel.