Offsets

I finally decided to go and get measurements for some new wheels. It isn't 100% accurate, but it gives me an idea of what I'm looking for. I'm trying to see if I can fit an 18x9.5 +10 in front and an 18x10.5 +5 or an 18x11 +o in the rear. I'm also trying to figure out tire sizes as well, depending on the offset I get. I'm trying to keep the sizes modest, per say. I fit on some 19s a few months back and it looked sick. Unfortunately, I only had a camera phone at the time, so the pictures didn't come out so well. In the meantime, I'm deciding if I want to go 18s, 19s, an 18/19 stagger, or 17/18 stagger.

It looks like I may need to run coilovers to fit those aggressive offsets, but I really don't want to. I had JIC Magic coilovers on my previous ride and although it gripped like a maniac, it was too uncomfortable to daily drive. I do love coilovers though, the adjustability and stability is amazing, but I don't see myself using them to their full potential.

You can see how the body shop installed the roof spoiler backwards. I pulled it off and am measuring it up to make sure it's even. I have to sand it down so it fits a little more flush, but it's almost there.

I had a coolant leak coming from the top of my radiator. The level sensor thread cracked and loosened up the sensor, causing coolant to spray out when the system is pressurized. I replaced it with the extra unit from my Koyo. Hopefully that slows down my coolant consumption, I still need to save up some funds for a rebuild so I can replace my coolant seals.

I need a rebuild, soon!

I took my car to Alex's shop (Integrated Performance) to have them install my Banzai Racing oil pan brace. My oil pan has been leaking and I've failed to fix it twice already. I've taken the car to Alex's shop twice already and so far it's still leaking. While installing the oil pan brace, they noticed that my motor mounts were bad so we replaced them with Mazdaspeed motor mounts from Mazdatrix.

I've been keeping track of my fluids; I keep running out of coolant. All signs point to a coolant seal failure, which could be catastrophic if I don't fix it soon. I'm also leaking transmission fluid and it feels like there's an air pocket in my brake lines. I'm going to squeeze in some time to install my Speed Bleeders today to remedy the brake problem. If I have time I'd like to fill up on some transmission fluid, but I don't think I have the proper tools to open up the filler bolts.

I forgot to mention that my clutch slave cylinder stuck on me. I wanted to replace it with a new unit, but I couldn't find one. Instead, I bought a rebuild kit, a steel braided clutch line, and a new clutch master cylinder.

More random pictures

Pictures galore!

Phase 4

In an attempt to learn how to tune, I purchased a used Apex'i SAFC II. While tearing things down I installed a set of Samco Silicone hoses, and replaced my HKS filter. The paint job had a few things wrong with it. The roof spoiler was installed backwards and one of my fender mouldings fell off. When I got my car back from the shop one of my JDM side marker lights was missing. I'm not going to dwell on any of the other imperfections, you get what you pay for, right?

Right now I'm working on the roof spoiler. I took it off and am now in the process of sanding it down and refitting it properly. I've got a Taurus E-fan and Koyo radiator that I need to install, and I just recently changed out my battery terminals. That should pretty much catch up to where I am today.

Saftey 21

Here are some pics I took when I was installing my 5-point roll bar. Unfortunately it's for RHD, but I'm not complaining. I think I'm going to do a crossbar in the back and have someone weld on a harness bar. It works for now though.

Brake upgrade

My brakes were on their way out, so it was time to replace them. The car originally came with single piston front calipers and non vented rear calipers. I had a set of four piston front calipers and vented rear calipers from a Turbo II and some steel braided brake lines from Corksport. I just needed to get some rotors and brake pads. I really didn't want to install the calipers just yet because I wanted to rebuild them and have them powder coated.

I really needed to change my brakes so I decided to go ahead and spend the money on the conversion. I would have to buy new rotors and pads anyways so it made sense to go ahead with it. I cleaned up the calipers and painted them flat black.

Exhaust work

I needed to do something about my exhaust for two reasons, 1) because of the bodykit, the tip was sunken in and melting the bumper, and 2) the rear had cutouts for the stock dual exhausts. My first attempt was to take my car to an exhaust shop and have them extend the exhaust. This worked out perfectly, but because the bodykit had two cutouts, it bothered me.

I found a decent set of Apex'i N1 Dual exhausts, so I bought it and bolted it up to the Pacesetter headers. I then ditched the headers and picked up another Bonez midpipe, this time with a high flow catalytic converter. I noticed some good gains with the dual exhaust!

After a while I felt the exhaust was too loud so I went with a Racing Beat Rev II catback. This is made for Turbo II models so I had to extend my midpipe and add 3 inch diameter flange. I'm pretty happy with the setup being legal and not too loud. I can't wait to go turbo to really put the exhaust to good use though!