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Old 06-16-2013, 03:23 AM   #1
Board junkie
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Member#: 276538
Join Date: Mar 2011
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: SnoCo
Vehicle:
2003 Wrx Wagon
306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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So these are the Chronicles of my First Subaru, a 2003 Wrx Sport Wagon Midnight Black Pearl.

I bought this car in March of 2011 from a shady ass dealer off Lake City Way. It came with a missing MAF housing, a ripped out boost tee (and gauge), as well as two different sized tires in the front and back. I traded in my 98' Chevy Silverado Z71 in mint condition for this car; I was instantly in love the minute I laid my eyes on her.

She came mostly stock, however obviously someone had an aftermarket DP & Intake on it at some point because it had a missing turbo heat shield, and MAF Housing,yet a stock DP upon purchase.... It had the Koji headlight mod (blacked out) and some black 08' wrx wheels.

Here's a pic of it shortly after lowering it...




I went stage 2 rather quickly as well. I did my fair share of DIY mods, and just putting top of the line parts where needed along the way. I had my first child during the middle of all this a year later. So I took time off from modding, and focused on the family. I had been acquiring parts for over a year and the more parts I got the more eager I wanted to bolt them on. Being at Stage 2+ I knew the next level was a FMIC, Bigger Turbo, injectors etc....and a good tune + pray to god that my 150+k mile motor holds.

So moving along rather quickly through time we end up where I currently am now.

Power:
PDX 330 Turbo ported, polished, and coated
Perrin Top Feed Fuel Rails
ID1000 Top Feed Injectors
340lph Stealth Fuel Pump
APS 65mm CAI (custom wrinkle black)
APS Turbo Inlet (custom wrinkle black)
APS DR525 FMIC Stealth Black w/ custom wrinkle black piping
DIY TGV Deletes Ceramic Coated
Grimmspeed 8mm phenolic tgv spacers
Grimmspeed AOS
Grimmspeed UP w/ 38mmEWG Tial Coated Black
Grimmspeed 3-port EBCS
GFB TMS “response” Stealth BOV
Titek Downpipe - Black Ceramic Coated, Catless
Nameless Stealth black wrapped 3″CBE
DIY P&P/Ceramic Coated Stock Exhaust Manifold w/ Grimmspeed Hi-Flow Cross Pipe
Cobb Lightweight main crank Pulley
ACT Streetlite Flywheel
ACT HDSS clutch w/ HD pressure plate
IAT Relocated to FMIC piping
Optima Yellow top battery
Koya racing Aluminum Radiator 33% larger
NGK BKR7EIX Iridium plugs-One step cooler
Cobb AP v2 – soon to be Maxwell Pro Tune by Dom


Handling***8232;:
04 Sti Struts W/ Megan Racing Springs on ¾” Saggy Butt Spacers
17×8 +38 KOYA CrTek in Matte Black
235/40/17 BFGoodrich KDW 2
DBA 5000 D&S Front Rotors
DBA 4000 Slotted Rear Rotors
08 Stock 17’s w/ Toyo Studless for winter
STi Group N tranny Mount
MSI Solid Engine Mounts custom PC Green
Agency Power Aluminum Pitch Stop custom PC Green


Interior***8232;:
DIY Black Headliner and Pillar trim
Kartboy Shifter bushings and Short throw Shifter
Custom 2x10 Sub enclosure w/ 1000w amp
Green LED lights
Homelink rear view w/ temp & compass
Custom door cards (in the works)


Exterior:
JNA Front lip***8232;
JDM Rear mid waist spoiler
JDM replica Rain Visors
JDM replica Fog Light Covers
Plastidipped OEM side skirts
Hella Supertones custom DIY PC green***8232; (not yet installed)
Blacked out and cleared headlights***8232;
Debadged
Saab 92x Rear Windshield wiper arm (not yet installed)
Muteki Lug Nuts custom PC green
Custom Window Tint
Custom Roof Rail delete/ hybrid roof rack combo
Wishful items in the near future-
Grimmspeed license plate delete
" " license plate relocate kit
" " antenna delete w/ antenna relocate
" " black radiator shroud
" " master brake cylinder




Right now I've got the intake manifold pulled (gasket matched/polished/ soon to be powder coated), the TB ported and polished w/ new low profile screws, and cheap spray on ceramic coat, waiting on my Perrin Fuel rails to get here...
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Last edited by Board junkie; 06-17-2013 at 08:55 PM.
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Old 06-16-2013, 03:34 AM   #2
Board junkie
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Member#: 276538
Join Date: Mar 2011
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: SnoCo
Vehicle:
2003 Wrx Wagon
306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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New(to me) turbo vs. stock

IWG Will be coming off and a block off bracket will be fitted prior to install.

Before I pulled the Intake manifold, I did a comp. leak down test. It wasn't while the motor was warm unfortunately, but I feel as if I might have had good results.

Cyl #1- 22-24% LD
Cyl #2- 24-26% LD
Cyl #3- 20-22% LD
Cyl #4- 24-26% LD

Seems the drivers side read the same, while cyl. #3 showed the strongest.


Car has 160k currently.

I pulled the passenger side timing belt cover and took a peak at the timing belt. It looked new, and no signs of oil/fluid.



I'm curious as if I should get new Plugs. All of those looked normal, nothing out of the ordinary build-up. They have roughly 10-15k on them. Thought about doing the timing belts if I had to do the Valve covers too as it seems like I might have a slight gasket leak on both sides of the valve covers. I’m torn. The belt looked good. If I wanted to get into the timing belts, I’d try and justify a bigger/better oil pump and or pick up, so I’m not even going there… At this time at least. If the belt goes that will justify a new set of heads!

Last edited by Board junkie; 06-16-2013 at 04:00 AM.
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Old 06-16-2013, 04:10 AM   #3
Board junkie
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Chapter/Region: NWIC
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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I had this rear spoiler sitting around forever-

So I had a little fun drilling holes into my trunk deck. Okay, I didn't have any fun at all. I took ***** loads of time, and patience, and it still came out so-so. I couldn't find a template so I made one.



more to come on this one later... I took a break from it to plasti dip it.

Last edited by Board junkie; 06-16-2013 at 04:23 AM.
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Old 06-16-2013, 04:15 AM   #4
Board junkie
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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This was rather unsightly and totally all pitted out, causing intermittent leaks. I sand blasted it down, and then sampled my new custom powder coat-custom green.



photobucket is totally on crack and won't let me fix the picture. Either way I'm satisfied with the color outcome, so now onto the rest of the parts.

Last edited by Board junkie; 06-17-2013 at 09:07 PM.
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Old 06-17-2013, 09:12 PM   #5
Board junkie
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Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: SnoCo
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2003 Wrx Wagon
306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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Was hoping to get some feedback as far as the spark plugs and timing belt was concerned.

Were my comp. leak down numbers decent?

Has anyone out here in the PNW done the coolant bypass mod (for the throttle body) curious if this is even worth it?
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Old 06-21-2013, 07:13 PM   #6
Board junkie
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Join Date: Mar 2011
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2003 Wrx Wagon
306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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I see threads all over the NWIC asking for advice and people getting replies.

Hello, anyone? Lmao

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Old 07-03-2013, 11:14 PM   #7
Board junkie
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Chapter/Region: NWIC
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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Been busy as of late working on all sorts of stuff. Just going to update some pics. Got my Prosport gauges today still waiting on the pods :/





Thermal coated my TGV's, cross pipe, headers, down pipe. Still need to do the throttle body and turbo hot side.





Powder coated some goodies




Ready to re assemble my intake mani as soon as I finish my turbo inlet and cai. Just itching to install my phenolic spacers and Perrin fuel rails = busy 4th of July for me.
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Old 07-03-2013, 11:21 PM   #8
Gex
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What was the compression across the cylinders? The consistency across the board is a great indicator. The powder coated stuff looks great.
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Old 07-03-2013, 11:26 PM   #9
Board junkie
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gex View Post
What was the compression across the cylinders? The consistency across the board is a great indicator. The powder coated stuff looks great.
Cyl #1- 22-24% LD
Cyl #2- 24-26% LD
Cyl #3- 20-22% LD
Cyl #4- 24-26% LD

Haven't done just a straight compression test. I bought a leak down figuring it would tell me the most info. I'm going to borrow one from a mechanic at work and get a dry/wet number before installing new iridiums. Probably sometime next week. I had one done a year ago at smart service it was 150's across the board, but that was a year ago.. :-/
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Old 07-07-2013, 02:54 AM   #10
Board junkie
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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Tapped & threaded my driver side header for my EGT gauge. Then I did a quick blast and ceramic coat on the outside only of the stock heat shields.





Took my Valve covers off after all, just wanted to get at the gaskets with the motor so bare bones. It was super easy and took 5 min to yank off. SMFHx2 , one for each side after I took them off. They were Covered in grey gasket maker.





You see my frustrations. It took a ton of scraping via a flat head covered with a micro fiber and a copper wire brush. This is what came out of the groove the gaskets sat in.



Figured since I'm doing this, do it once, and go all out!

Wrinkled them black to match the rest of my FMIC piping, tossed in my APS 65mm CAI and Turbo inlet to boot.





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Old 07-07-2013, 03:08 AM   #11
Board junkie
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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getting a little closer each day. Fitted the bumper with the FMIC bolted up. Planning on mounting up the intake mani, and installing perrin fuel rails monday, had to wait on some seals, and a new filler neck o-ring. Installing the new MSI solid aluminum motor mounts and whatever else I can get to tomorrow... Waiting on t-bolt clamps and a few silicone couplings to come in before finishing the piping install.

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Old 07-10-2013, 03:29 PM   #12
Board junkie
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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Got around to mounting the new MSI motor mounts after stripping the stock nut during removal and had to grind the bolt off to lift the motor. It was not as a big of a PITA for me because my engine bay was so stripped of parts, but it did take a while with only one "click" ratchet turns.






Installed new valve cover gaskets on the freshly wrinkled covers. Insanely easy job with no exhaust, turbo, etc. in the way. No need to lift the motor 8)

Finally got my ATI clock pod and SMY Bezel pod yesterday. Super stoked with the quality of the prosport gauge and it's fitment with the SMY cluster maker.

Got my intake Mani partially assembled, planning to finish that today. Have most the day off Friday to grind out some more work.
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Old 07-11-2013, 01:43 AM   #13
Board junkie
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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A better shot taken by a camera and not a iPod. Shows the true color as good as it gets through a camera lens.



Installed pics of motor mounts

Before


After



Trying to source a new o-ring/seal for my reservoir tank above the turbo, where the lid bolts to the coolant body. not easy to find... May have to try and reach Jamie again tomorrow.
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Old 07-11-2013, 08:19 PM   #14
Fade2black02
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Location: Arlington, WA
Vehicle:
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I wish I was a gearhead. I love all sorts of motorsports, but I can barely change my own oil. Not messing with my car as a learner car at all. What you do to your car looks like an a$$-ton of fun.

...someday.
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Old 07-13-2013, 01:34 PM   #15
Board junkie
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2003 Wrx Wagon
306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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^ thanks it honestly is. My wife doesn't understand it, but it is just something I've always been a junkie about.

Wrenching as we speak, just took a break to look some things up. Got the 8mm phenolic spacers installed, along with the Intake manifold fully assembled w/ perrin fuel rails, and APS hard turbo inlet. Reinstalled the Power steering and Alternator as well this morning, now working on fitting the FMIC piping.Then possibly on to the fuel pump with hardwire kit...
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Old 07-16-2013, 02:12 AM   #16
Rabid_Machina
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2011 WRX WRB

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Nice job combing through the engine bay.
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Old 07-23-2013, 12:59 AM   #17
Board junkie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rabid_Machina View Post
Nice job combing through the engine bay.
^ Thanks

I guess the post I submitted awhile back didn't get through, my ipod app does that often.

On a good note, got my Prosport gauges installed and my fuel lines primed and pressure tested. Everything was good and sound. Still waiting on my IC pipe to get back from the machine shop (SS welded bung for IAT relocate).

The EVO AFR wideband won't shut off after the key is off like the 4 other Premium gauges do and they are all wired in the same..
Sucks ...I soldered everything and shrink wrapped it good because I was super confident in my work. Oh well, that's what I'm researching now.

Got my base map from Dom loaded to the AP and ready to install on the car come tomorrow. Dyno tune scheduled for saturday.

Still tinkering before bed, will post pics soon.
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Old 07-24-2013, 02:27 AM   #18
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Well got the turbo, DP, UP ect.&more misc. installed. Figured out the wiring goof on the gauge. Still waiting on the IC pipe, going in to pick it up tomorrow after work. Should have my DynoComp CAI relocation kit and Whistling trumpet attachment in the mail tomorrow.

Looking to have the car started for the first time in two months tomorrow. Getting antsy.







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Old 07-24-2013, 02:45 AM   #19
Rabid_Machina
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what ended up being wrong with the gauge?
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Old 07-24-2013, 07:59 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rabid_Machina View Post
what ended up being wrong with the gauge?
For some reason the EVO AFR gauges unlike the premium with peak recall, doesn't need one lead to 12v const. Instead both red and white wires go to a switched 12v source. Hence why it wouldn't shut off. lol

Oh well I wanted to wire an interrupter switch in the 12v anyhow so I didn't always have to have my gauges on.
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Old 07-24-2013, 08:59 PM   #21
Rabid_Machina
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Haha yea figured as much. Should of got you some Defi's. Much easier to install.
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Old 07-24-2013, 10:18 PM   #22
Board junkie
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rabid_Machina View Post
Haha yea figured as much. Should of got you some Defi's. Much easier to install.
I liked the green of the prosport and they came in a kit with the clock pod. Defi's are nice indeed. It wasn't too difficult at all, actually I have an electricians fish tape which made running the wires through the fire wall insanely easy all I had to do was remove the cluster and clock.

Well I'm installing my last coupler on the fmic piping. Putting the acc belts on and firing her up for inspection. Will be posting back with more pics an updates shortly.
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Old 07-25-2013, 02:02 AM   #23
Board junkie
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306awhp/277awtq-EWG/FMIC

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Well I got the car started and let it idle for 10min or so. No serious leaks to be found except a small one at the oil pressure sender which is an easy fix.

I did get two codes however-

P1507
P0037

I know the first one, I should have cleaned the IAC valve when I had it off... I replaced the seal, just forgot to clean it.

The last I'm assuming will just get tuned out? Considering I haven't ran a rear O2 sensor in years, or perhaps it will be another $100+ item to stack to the last minute things needed prior to tune...

Either way I'm hella happy and ready for Saturday! Will clean the IAC tomorrow and try again

Last edited by Board junkie; 07-25-2013 at 02:08 AM.
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Old 07-25-2013, 03:31 AM   #24
Rabid_Machina
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2011 WRX WRB

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should be able to jumper the plug for that with a resistor.
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Old 07-25-2013, 03:32 AM   #25
Rabid_Machina
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Location: Lacey, WA
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2018 WRX STI DGM
2011 WRX WRB

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or is that the up pipe one been a while since i messed with my exhaust.(2007ish)

one of the first mods was up/down pipe.
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