Azi's Spring Install

[Azi]

I am starting to get my car ready for the 09 season. I plan on running in some auto-x's around here. So to prepare, I have a few weeks (before the autox school) to build up my car. And yes, as some of you already know, I do have a autotragic. I am not going to let this disability stop me =P. My plan is to so as much as I can w/o being bumped up into a different class.

So the first thing I am doing is my exhaust. I ditched the small and heavy stock exhaust for something a bit better. I went with the corksport j-pipe, corksport power series exhaust, and corksport exhaust hangers. on the PS exhaust, the resonator has been replaced with a 2.5" hi flow cat.

In progress:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2201.jpg

Out with the old (Stock piping w/ MSP axleback)
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2202.jpg

In with the new - corksport j-pipe
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2203.jpg

2.5" mid pipe
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2204.jpg

I could not get the 02 sensor out for the life of me. It was like the sensor and j-pipe was 1 unit. I had to take it to a shop, and they heated it up and then it barley came out.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2208.jpg


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2209.jpg

All done!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2211.jpg

Tight fit, but its good
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2213.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2216.jpg

And for my autox tire, I went with the RT615 in 205/50R15. I think its going to be a good tire so start with. Maybe next year I will move to a R-compound. The rims are a bit heavy, but I am not going to go autox competitively so I dont care (for this year)

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Corksport/DSC_2205.jpg

Suspension to come soon!

[dead_cactus]

Nice work. Great choice of rubber, you won't be disappointed. I'm considering picking up another set of these for myself.

[00bluees]

post vids!!

good to see you finaly posting some stuff up here. i keep seeing tidbits of info on TMF but never any in depth info or pics.

will this year be your first autox? if so you've got some serious dough invested already. i'm going to hit some TLMC event up here but i'll just be bringing my car in its street clothes and a helmet (damn i need to find a helmet)

[shab]

looks brilliant!

[kc mazda]

Looking Good And Also Sounds Good....i Still Have The Battle Wombs From That Car.... But Thats Ok I Didn't Need My Fingers This Week Anyways...

[joghia]

Exhaust looks awesome

[Mazda_Son]

Looking good. I like the two tone colour on the skirts and rear lip.

Did you do the same to the spoiler underneath or is that just dark from shadows?

[Azi]

thanks for the comments guys. after a few days, I am really happy with this exhaust. People talked about how it sounds like crap on NA cars. But I think its great. Also helps cause I dont have a header. Dont plan on one either.

post vids!!

good to see you finaly posting some stuff up here. i keep seeing tidbits of info on TMF but never any in depth info or pics.

will this year be your first autox? if so you've got some serious dough invested already. i'm going to hit some TLMC event up here but i'll just be bringing my car in its street clothes and a helmet (damn i need to find a helmet)

vids will come soon! once this crappy weather goes away. or you can come out to the westside meet to see =D

yeah, this year will be my first year autox. I am excited about it. I am pretty sure I will be at the first event for TLMC. Right now, it looks like I am going to miss the 1st for HADA event.

Looking Good And Also Sounds Good....i Still Have The Battle Wounds From That Car.... But Thats Ok I Didn't Need My Fingers This Week Anyways...

thanks for your help bro! No way in hell I would have been able to get that 02 sensor out or hangers bent w/o ya.

Looking good. I like the two tone colour on the skirts and rear lip.

Did you do the same to the spoiler underneath or is that just dark from shadows?

the spoiler is 2 tone too. its not a shadow.

[The Destroyer]

Looks great Ammaar. Should be fun entering autox this year.

Any pics of the hiflow catted pipe? :D

[distr0]

looks good

props for actually getting your hands dirtry too :lol:

[Royson]

Wow. Those rims sure do look awesome. Where did you pick up those sweet rims?

[991.8l]

Wow. Those rims sure do look awesome. Where did you pick up those sweet rims?

lol, I thought they looked familiar.


Azi, your rear skirt looks AWESOME... love the two tone... damn... if you ever part out your car... please let me know.. :D A+

[midnitehour]

would tranny upgrades bump you up?

maybe not at the moment, but would you look into an upgraded valve body? higher tranny pressures to prevent slipping and chewing of the gears.

[Shasta]

You have to see his car to appreciate it, its really sharp and agree the black accents really breaks up the silver, looks great. Cool rubber, nice tread pattern. Exhaust must sound wicked.

[Azi]

thanks man. Here is how it sounds. I do have a silencer for it, but it isnt installed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXwyjtQ0T5o

Wow. Those rims sure do look awesome. Where did you pick up those sweet rims?

thats some hawt JDM ish I had to custom order from JDM land :lol:

would tranny upgrades bump you up?

maybe not at the moment, but would you look into an upgraded valve body? higher tranny pressures to prevent slipping and chewing of the gears.

I didnt look into tranny upgrades. But I am allowed to get a SS AFC. Just dont have the funds for a wideband and the SS right now. I will look into the rules some more.

[Shasta]

Oh sounds great.

[00bluees]

sounds great. i swear even though my car is that loud it sounds nothing like that, its disapointing really. :(

[dead_cactus]

thanks man. Here is how it sounds. I do have a silencer for it, but it isnt installed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXwyjtQ0T5o



Sounds awesome

[RicecookerP5]

I spy a set of rays :yes:

[Azi]

/\
that's for later ;)

I spent this weekend doing small jobs and setting up for next weekend. I wanted to start off the weekend putting on new rotors. That didn't go well. I ended up snapping the hex head bit. So no brakes were done this weekend.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2279.jpg

so then next on the agenda, I installed my lower tie bar. I gave up trying to find a longer bolt. Nobody had it in stock, and they all wanted a 25 min. for the order. so I put on the bar with the existing bolts and some loctite blue. The passenger size was a breeze. Lots of room. The drivers side was a huge PITA. There wasn't much room w/ the oil pan in the way. I was able to torque the passenger side. But my torque wrench didn't fit on the drivers side. That was done by hand.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2280.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2282.jpg

After this, I put together my struts and springs. The fronts were easy. but the rears were a little bit of a pain. I think mazda sent me 2 drivers side strut mounts. even though the bill and package say right and left. I cant get the passenger side to bolt together properly. Also, new strut mounts, links and hardware are stupid expensive. Ah well. Hope to have it sorted out by tomorrow.

Here are some pics of the j-pipe installed. Looked pretty cool cause the pipe had a goldish colour to it.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2284.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2281.jpg

[Royson]

Did you say thats a Corksport J-pipe? Where did you pick it up from? I checked out the corksport website and I didn't see it listed there.

[Azi]

its a part of the downpipe for the MSP.

http://corksport.com/store/large/h2nr/MSP/CorkSport_Power_Series_Downpipe.html

they wont sell it separately.

[CulRidr]

Looks great.
BTW, there wasn't much point in changing the rotors in advance of doing your suspension since you have to take your whole brake system apart to change that up...
Did you say thats a Corksport J-pipe? Where did you pick it up from? I checked out the corksport website and I didn't see it listed there.
As was mentioned, it's part of the whole setup. You interested in one? I'll have a brand new one up for sale once my header goes in :)

[dead_cactus]

I've never had to take apart my brakes to replace the springs and struts.

[CulRidr]

you have to remove the rotors, and the calipers are attached to the knuckles, which are attached to the struts...I'd be curious to see how you do it any other way??
If it actually is doable, I can't see it being easier that way though...

[dead_cactus]

Thats too much work just to replace the springs and struts. No need to touch the rotors or calipers, just move the brake line and ABS line out if the way, cut off the endlinks, remove the 2 bolts holding the knuckle to the strut and then the 4 bolts that hold the strut on the car.

[CulRidr]

that is if you can straight drop the strut downward, which is rather hard to do when you are only a foot off of the ground...as opposed to a lift. If you can do it then great, but I just find that extra 15 minutes of work to be easier on everything.

[00bluees]

is there lots of clearance between the new j-pipe and the oil pan (and anything else on the passenger side)?? i'm getting a custom one made up for when i ditch my ractive header and go back to stock mani/pre-cat. will be having it made up then i'll put it on the car, just want to make sure i won't have any major clearance issues on that side.

also i'm assuming thats a usec corksport system? is that the original front section (where the resonator was before you put a cat there) or what? it just looks much different than the rest of the exhaust.

[CulRidr]

I just realized something. Are those springs bolts stock or "aftermarket"? I'll need these for my exhaust install since my stock ones were done when I took them off. Any idea how much they are at the dealership?

[00bluees]

I just realized something. Are those springs bolts stock or "aftermarket"? I'll need these for my exhaust install since my stock ones were done when I took them off. Any idea how much they are at the dealership?

i was going to ask the same thing. the oem ones are about 5-10 bucks a pop from the dealer, but those dont look like they came from the dealer, they look better. mine came with stupid crush nuts which are a PITA to get on tight.

[Azi]

Thats too much work just to replace the springs and struts. No need to touch the rotors or calipers, just move the brake line and ABS line out if the way, cut off the endlinks, remove the 2 bolts holding the knuckle to the strut and then the 4 bolts that hold the strut on the car.

Thats the way I had planned on doing it. I'll do the brakes and suspension all at the same time now. I had time during the weekend, and I thought I could have it done

is there lots of clearance between the new j-pipe and the oil pan (and anything else on the passenger side)?? i'm getting a custom one made up for when i ditch my ractive header and go back to stock mani/pre-cat. will be having it made up then i'll put it on the car, just want to make sure i won't have any major clearance issues on that side.

also i'm assuming thats a usec corksport system? is that the original front section (where the resonator was before you put a cat there) or what? it just looks much different than the rest of the exhaust.

yeah, there's clearance all around. The only problem I had was getting to the nuts on the side of the j-pipe. the nuts were so close to the pipe that couldn't use my impact socket. I had to use a box wrench to tighten it until there was enough clearance for the socket.

yeah, it was a used system. it looks like whoever did the work used a regular steel wire, and its just rust that you see. that's why its not shiny.

I just realized something. Are those springs bolts stock or "aftermarket"? I'll need these for my exhaust install since my stock ones were done when I took them off. Any idea how much they are at the dealership?

the spring bolts are the OEM ones. list price is 11.22 each. But I used my own bolts, washers, and nuts to put it together.

[CulRidr]

so the spring is 11.22, or the whole nut/washer/bolt/spring is that price? If it's the latter, I'd probably use everything but the nut for reasons mentioned by 00bluees. Thanks :)

[Azi]

the springs alone are 11.22 each.

the bolts, nuts, and washer all came from brafasco. i dont remember the price on them.

[CulRidr]

I don't have a brafasco here so Rona or Home Depot or CT for me...any ideas on the dimensions needed? And where were washers used? I guess only near the head of the bolt? And last question would be is the washer-nut a lock one?

[Azi]

I used M10 hardware. So its a M10x100 hex head bolt, which is a bit long as you can see. you could prob get away w/ a M10x80

2 M10 washers (1 at the head and 1 on the nut side), and I used a standard M10 nut...not a locking one

the problem w/ rona/HD/CT is that they dont carry fully threaded bolts. they are all partially threaded. I didnt know if a partially threaded bolt would work. here is the addy for the brafasco in ottawa

OTTAWA (Brafasco-CTF) - Map (http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Ottawa&state=ON&address=10+Camelot+Drive)http://www.brafasco.com/images/mapIcon.gif
10 Camelot Drive
Ottawa K2G 5X8
Phone: 613.274.7000 | Fax: 613.274.3999
Business Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

[CulRidr]

Perfect, thanks a bunch! I'll pick this up on Friday :)

[Myk]

Love the tires. Where is the Spring install.....Oh I get it. :p

[thekid]

that is if you can straight drop the strut downward, which is rather hard to do when you are only a foot off of the ground...as opposed to a lift. If you can do it then great, but I just find that extra 15 minutes of work to be easier on everything.
If you were able to take the wheel off, then there is enough clearance to just drop the knuckle with brake assembly still attached, and be able to remove the strut/spring assembly. There is definitely no need to take apart the brakes.

[CulRidr]

^I'll remember that when I re-install my rear struts (mazdaspeed ones broke a tab last week).
I guess it just makes it easier to work without the rotor there is all (if you don't have an air ratchet/impact for example)

[Azi]

so I was trying to take out my last bolt for the rear subframe to install my AXR clunk fix and the bolt snapped. any ideas on how to get the bolt out?

[dead_cactus]

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/PowerToolAccessories/DrillBitsSetsAccessories/PRD~0543838P/Mastercraft%2BMaximum%2BGrab-IT%2B4-piece%2BSet.jsp

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0589132P/Mastercraft%2BExtract-it%2B5-piece%2BSet.jsp

[CulRidr]

BTW, thanks for the tip about Brafasco; got everything yesterday :)

[Azi]

so murphy really kicked my ass today.

So like I said I snaped the subframe bolt trying to take it off to get the AXR clunk bracket in. Alright, so I left it at that. I installed my struts and springs on the rear.

I went with H&R springs, and illumina struts.

Moved on to the front. Took off the front sway links via angle grinder. Strut assembly came out and went in no problems. Torqued the bottom 2 bolts, torqued the 4 strut mount bolts. No problems. Went to torque the nut on the strut. snapped. sheared right off. FML.

Right in the middle of the threads the piston rod sheared right off, and then all the strut oil sprayed everywhere. I am done for today.

[Mike_Moss]

WTF? Sorry to hear, Ammaar. :(

Have you tried to contact Tokico regarding warranty?

[solo.]

Damn, that does suck!

Did you buy your struts brand new?

[CrazyCaker]

Please tell me you weren't using an impact on it...

[CulRidr]

If you torqued it to spec and it sheared right off, that is a manufacturer's defect and you should DEFINITELY get a refund/exchange...shame about the setback though :(

[Azi]

Please tell me you weren't using an impact on it...

no I wasn't using an impact on it. factory spec is 58-81 ft*lb. My torque wrench was set to around 72 ft*lb.

[dead_cactus]

Were you using a torque wrench, if so what kind? I heard that people are having similar issues while using the Mastercraft and PA torque wrenches recently.

[CrazyCaker]

Were you using a torque wrench, if so what kind? I heard that people are having similar issues while using the Mastercraft and PA torque wrenches recently.

That's because they are not caliberated properly, or from ppl using them as breaker bars as well.

[kc mazda]

How is the car Azi???? I just finished the suspension for him and remove the broken bolt in the frame....How does it handle???? I hope its worth it.....

[solo.]

What did he put in the car? Stock stuff?

[Azi]

oh it was defiantly worth all the sleepless nights =P

so I got KC to remove my busted sheared rear subframe bolt. Thankfully the shear wasnt flush with the nut so he was able to work it out. While he had everything off the car, he thought it was the perfect time to put in my new suspensions which I had just picked up. He called me at home, and I brought what I had....but what did I have?

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2301.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2300.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2304.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2305.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2306.jpg

Oh yes =D I decided to go w/ BC Racing coil overs. Pillow ball mounts all around, and camber plates on the front. I didnt bother getting camber plates for the rear. Also I didnt have time to get a custom spring rate. So I had to go w/ their stock 8k/mm front, 4k/mm rear springs. That's 450lb/in front, and 225 lb/in rear. These are a thing of beauty. They came w/ custom front endlinks, and I used OE rear links.

As for the ride, at their softest setting they are so much stiffer than stock. They are solid. You can barley push down on the car. They are very quick to control bumps too. I haven't had a chance to turn up the dampening yet. I am going to do my best to break them in before the autox school this weekend.

Also, to go w/ these we installed a MSP rear sway bar along w/ the AXR clunk relocation bracket. This was the whole reason why my bolt sheared. Clearences are tight when installed, but it fits nicley. So far no clunks or anything.

With that, I my suspensions is almost done. Only thing left is to install my camber bolts. I hope it will all be worth it on the course.

Suspension Overview:

BC Racing Coilovers
Eibach Camber Bolts
Vibrant Front Strut Tower Bar
GT-SPEC Lower Tie Bar
MSP rear sway bar w/ AXR clunk brackets.

[Mike_Moss]

Looks badass, too!!!

[FunkRider]

LOL and those poor H&R's get passed around once again instead of being installed and loved.

SWEET!

[Cocco]

how much for the BC coilovers? And where did you get them from?

[CulRidr]

Nice hardware. You'll have a BLAST at autoX with that setup :)

[dead_cactus]

Nice, let us know what you think of the BC's after using them for awhile.

[Azi]

how much for the BC coilovers? And where did you get them from?

I got them from Import Image in the US. Had them shipped to a mailbox company in Niagara Falls, and then went to go pick them up myself.

So far, day 2 with them. I am getting a loud hollow clunk from the front right. Happens on hard bumps. I doubled checked all the bolts and nuts, and everything was tight. kc though about rotating the camber plate 180, but that didnt help. I think the pillowball is bad. the strut still dampens properly. I email import image, and we will see what they say. I always heard good things about BC Racing and their warranty.

today I tried out full stiffness on the rear, and 1/2 on the front. that was awesome. car has never turned like that before. with the MSP RSB and full stiff on the rear the rear didnt get out of line at all.

[00bluees]

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2304.jpg


hmmm made in taiwan, thats a shame. for some reason i always thought these were made in canada or at least the states, no idea why i thought that but its the main reason i really wanted them in the first place.

i guess it doesnt really matter as long as the product does what its supposed to do for a long time and the company treats you well.

[Azi]

/\
haha. BC isnt for British Columbia. Its for Bor-Chuann.

anyways, this morning I got the car corner weighted and aligned at can-alignment. Steering is a bit off center, so I will try to fix that tonight after the exam. But other than that its pretty good. -2deg camber all around. I didnt expect -2 on the rears. Also theres lots more adjustment to go on the fronts if I want more camber. 0 toe on the front. but 3/32 toe in on the rears. he maxed out the stock adjustment. I think I might need the hardrace links. but we will see later on in the year.

[timbit]

I defintely would like to get a ride in the car with those installed.
Been looking for a good quality set of full coilovers for my MSP. Eibach springs and tokico struts are good. But i need adjustability!

[Azi]

so friday for me was supposed to be a nice easy day. I was gonna put on new rotors, service the calipers, study for my exam and then rest for the auto-x school. Murphy was going to have none of that.

Started the passenger side. Everything went well. Rotors on, and calipers were good. No problems. Moved to the drivers side. Bottom pin was good. Top pin was seized. Damn. Messed around for a bit. Nothing was moving. I put it back together, and went to cram for my exam. Thankfully the GO bus travels near my house, and I took that to school. Got back, and started to work on it. its now midnight, which means no air tools =P. Busted out the propane torch, and after about 30 mins of heating, the sucker came off. Thank god. Polished it up, lubed the hell outta it, and put it back together.

Now came the autox school. It was an awesome 2 days. It was worth the time and effort. The car handled beautifully. It was awesome to change the dynamics of the car w/ a few clicks. 2 clicks harder on the front, and then the rear started to kick out. so went back a click. The only real problem was the cooling fan blew its fuse. thankfully I had the scangage and started to see the coolant go up to 225-230deg. That aint good. A/C on, heat on, and I managed to keep it in the 200-210 range, until I had a chance to replace the fuse. I always carry a spare fuse cause it has happended to be before. so that went in, and the afternoon i was max 195.

day 2, I had the coilovers dialed in, but the car ate many cones. the car didnt like trail braking. I got 2 autox runs in by myself, and she is a beast.

edit: a pic from the first day. courtesy of wes tanny and tanny motorsports.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/2009_04_25-School_5967-web.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/2009_04_25-School_6444-web.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/2009_04_25-School_6673-web.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/2009_04_25-School_6679-web.jpg
http://www.tanneymotorsport.com/gallery2/d/31064-1/2009_04_25-School_6673-web.jpg
http://www.tanneymotorsport.com/gallery2/d/31064-1/2009_04_25-School_6673-web.jpg

[FunkRider]

Looks like an animal! What alignment settings are you using?

In the future don't turn the AC on if the car is running hot. The AC only makes thing worse because it makes the engine work harder to run the compressor and the condenser will heat the radiator mounted behind it.

[Royson]

Nice, would have been a fun school to attend.

[Azi]

Looks like an animal! What alignment settings are you using?

In the future don't turn the AC on if the car is running hot. The AC only makes thing worse because it makes the engine work harder to run the compressor and the condenser will heat the radiator mounted behind it.

I am running -2deg camber all around, 3/32" total toe in on rear (stock settings are maxed out), 0 toe on the front. Those Hardrace links would have been nice =P

as for the A/C, I needed to turn it on, in order to have 1 fan running. because when I was waiting in line to get on the course, the car would be idling and not moving, and thus overheating, and turning off the car wasn't an option, cause the line moved every 30 seconds.

[CulRidr]

Mmmmm, tripod action.
Hope you had a ton of fun; our local AutoX school is in 3½ weeks and I can't wait!!

[thekid]

To get rid of the tri-pod action you may want to at some point consider a stiffer spring up front. I know it looks cool, but 3 tires touching the ground is less grip than 4!

Nice work Azi, really great to see another person really getting in to the Motorsports scene!

[Azi]

To get rid of the tri-pod action you may want to at some point consider a stiffer spring up front. I know it looks cool, but 3 tires touching the ground is less grip than 4!

Nice work Azi, really great to see another person really getting in to the Motorsports scene!

i was running the rear coils at full stiffness, and the fronts at half stiffness.

When I did turn up the fronts to be stiffer, I found the rear to be much looser. I am not used to the suspension yet. would you think the dampening settings would be enough to keep the wheel on the ground, or would I have to up the spring rate?

[Mike_Moss]

You would have to raise the spring rate as Brian said, or a larger sway bar.

The damping adjustments your suspension has will not affect how stiff/soft the car is but rather how quickly the suspension oscillates once it has been upset.

[Azi]

something I would think about for sure. I'll keep my eye open for a MSP front sway.

[Azi]

little update:

I went to put my summer rims on today. The car looks complete now.

But I ran into a little problem. The little metal spring clip tension ring that goes on the inside of the center cap was missing. I went to a local tire shop and they didn't have any and cant get any. Anybody have one, or know where I can get one?

[Azi]

I was sent a new wheel cap b/c of the missing spring. so all is well.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Photoshoot/DSC_2439.jpg

[991.8l]

^ car looks fantastic, nice choice on the wheels.

[dead_cactus]

That looks awesome, what wheels are those?

[amidalus]

Awesome wheels.

[The Destroyer]

Car looks great Ammaar! Lovin the choice of wheels as well.

P.S. Sell me that Corksport exhaust! :p

[Azi]

thanks guys. finally a 4 bolt rim that looks good.

[00bluees]

That looks awesome, what wheels are those?

Rays G-Games Sidewinder 77S in 17X7 +42 w/ 215/45R17 tires.



they look sick azi!! really sets the car up perfect. just pure hawtness.

[Mike_Moss]

sosoosososos sech!

[991.8l]

mmmm, let me know when you part-out.. I want everything!

http://www.ravspeconline.com/shop/catalog/images/ggame-77svaio.jpg

[shrews8]

I was sent a new wheel cap b/c of the missing spring. so all is well.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Photoshoot/DSC_2439.jpg

What kind of springs do you have?

[CulRidr]

^read the rest of the thread, since that is what the thread is about...

[shrews8]

found it :)

[Azi]

that wasn't too hard right? =D

[shrews8]

Man I want that low look, but I just can't imagine how rough the ride quality is.

[Azi]

it's not rough at all. I keep dampening at full soft. The only time it gets bad is big and continous bumps/pot holes in the road. It doenst have the same travel as a regular suspension so the rebond might catch you by surprise. But overall I don't think it's as bad as people think. If I go full hard then that is a different story and I wouldn't be able to drive like that everyday.

[shrews8]

I would love to take a cruise in a car with coilovers to get a real feeling. I'll be at the westside meet tomorrow eh eh. :P

[raghtal]

This is such an awesome thread.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Suspension/DSC_2281.jpg

I have serious downpipe envy. What did you do with the other half of this kit from CS?

[AKRISONER]

you have re assured me about my coils, I had major concerns about ride quality but you have put them at ease.

[Azi]

I would love to take a cruise in a car with coilovers to get a real feeling. I'll be at the westside meet tomorrow eh eh. :P

if your coming to Burlington on Thursday, come find me and we'll go.

[Royson]

something I would think about for sure. I'll keep my eye open for a MSP front sway.


I thought of you first when I posted this for sale. Incase you are interested..

http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50383

[Azi]

not really much of an update. Car has been driving awesome. The suspension gets put to work every other weekend and its taking everything like a champ. I have nothing but good things to say about these BC Racing coilovers. I love being able to change the dynamics of the car with a few clicks. Anyways, I thought I might as well post a pic that I made. First time doing a pic like this. Enjoy.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/zskylinegtr/Photoshoot/1stHDR.jpg

[The Destroyer]

Mmmm so nice. Best damn LX I've ever seen!

Your tempting me more and more to get coilovers. :p Great work!

[dead_cactus]

Awesome pic. I really like those wheels, they suit the ride really well.

[kuhl]

sickk buddd

[distr0]

i've never seen a car (both in terms of build, and use) more deserving of a proper transmission :(

[00bluees]

blast from the past...

………..Went to torque the nut on the strut. snapped. sheared right off. FML.

Right in the middle of the threads the piston rod sheared right off, and then all the strut oil sprayed everywhere. I am done for today.

no I wasn't using an impact on it. factory spec is 58-81 ft*lb. My torque wrench was set to around 72 ft*lb.

for anyone reading this....this is waaaaay to much to be torquing the top strut nut on the illuminas. it says in the illumina instructions to torque between 25-32 ft/lbs.........

.....now i say this because i read the instructions.....after i snapped the top of the shaft of my front passenger illumina today, had the torque wrench set at 60 ft/lbs and well, read azi's first quote above....same thing in my case. Fack! i learned my lesson.

[Azi]

sorry to hear man. I had no idea the illumina's had their own specs. Live and learn I guess. Hopefully nobody else in the club makes this mistake.

[yangsui]

blast from the past...
for anyone reading this....this is waaaaay to much to be torquing the top strut nut on the illuminas. it says in the illumina instructions to torque between 25-32 ft/lbs.........

.....now i say this because i read the instructions.....after i snapped the top of the shaft of my front passenger illumina today, had the torque wrench set at 60 ft/lbs and well, read azi's first quote above....same thing in my case. Fack! i learned my lesson.

Boy am I glad to have checked up on this old thread. Will be installing illuminas in the spring. This little post is a life saver! Thanks 00bluees and Azi!

[00bluees]

^ if you feel really greatful you can feel free to paypal me $100 to pay for half of the new strut i had to buy. you know, since you will save $200 by not breaking one and having to replace it.

lol j/k :p

good luck with the install.


and Azi. no updates in this thread on that certain set of wheels for this year?? any arrival date? on for first tlmc?

[Azi]

ah yes, this thread. This year is going to be a little more low key for me. Plans for the spring include:

Install MSP front sway
Install new guages (oil pressure and tranny temp)
Install Trans Cooler
Install new coil-over springs.
Remove Camber Bolts.
Order/Mount Toyo R888s on Nickle 6ULs.
Install Medieval Power Steering (not 100% sure if I want to to this yet)
Install Medieval Motor Mount Set.

the 6ULs are going to be interesting for sure. I should have them mid march so I can test install. I only ordered 2 rims, to see how its going to fit on the protege. If I have the space, I'll get 2 more 9". If I don't have the room, then I will get the 7". Cant wait until they come in! I plan to have them ready for May (1st event is the provincials @ Mosport DDT).

I think that is pretty much it for now.

Yang: Good call. Even in b-stock you will see a difference. Also, you gotta come out to DDT, even if you don't plan on doing the full provincials.

[yangsui]

^9" rims?! o_O The cornering G's will rip your face off!

New coilovers? What's wrong with the BC's?

Low key my ass. Good stuff!

I will definitely be at the DDT event. Can't wait! Might actually enter the full provincials. I hear there is a street tire bonus of some kind. I'll probably get slaughtered but should give me an idea of what I need to do in terms of both driver improvement and modding.

@00bluees: $100 is a little steep. How about lunch at an autoslalom event this season?

[00bluees]

^ lol. no worries, but if you insist.

[Azi]

^9" rims?! o_O The cornering G's will rip your face off!

New coilovers? What's wrong with the BC's?

Low key my ass. Good stuff!

I will definitely be at the DDT event. Can't wait! Might actually enter the full provincials. I hear there is a street tire bonus of some kind. I'll probably get slaughtered but should give me an idea of what I need to do in terms of both driver improvement and modding.

@00bluees: $100 is a little steep. How about lunch at an autoslalom event this season?

I cant beat anybody in power, so it might as well be the corners...lol. I bought their 8" rims. Really I want to fit 9". Once they come in, I will see how much room I have left to play with, and what mods I need to do to get them to fit.

As for the coilovers, theres nothing really wrong, other than the fact that I ripped both rear sway bar tabs. I still have to reinforce my mounts.

For the provincials, there is going to be a street tire bonus? I never heard of this. I think that was one of the main reasons why I got destroyed at HADA. Everybody ahead of me was on R's.

[yangsui]

Oops, street tire bonus is for something else. Sigh, but a man can dream.

What mods you need to make 9" rims fit? Remove quarter panels:P Kidding. Very interested in how this turns out. I trust you will keep the Protege community posted.

@00bluees: hey, anything to get more Proteges out to the races.

[AKRISONER]

Azi I just wanna give you some props, I love the fact your doing this shit on your own in your driveway as opposed to just paying everyone to do everything for you, definitely the dopest LX around.