Lowcountry

Let me start by just saying "SWEET!"

Ok, now that I've gotten that out of the way, let me tell you guys what I've been busy doing over the past 2 weeks or so. I'll try do do this in order of install...

1.) Installed custom "silver vein" **** and VTDA, along with 4-bar fuel pressure regulator (purchased from the master himself, thks again, Steve!). This was an easy job for the most part. I did have some trouble initially with the fpr, but advice from Steve and a remarkably helpful photo from Kareem (thanks again to you, too, sir) helped me get the job done right.

2.) In went the AWE vent-ring boost gauge. I was at first apprehensive about this one for several reasons. It involved removing the lower dash, for one, and it also involved monkeying around with vacuum lines. I wasn't too excited about doing either. I was amazed, however, at how easy this one was. I chose to mount it in the driver's side vent, on the port-side of the wheel. Despite the fact that I took my time with this one, it really only took me about an hour and a half. When I was finished, the gauge worked as advertised. I thought about tapping into the wire that powers the cigarette lighter (so that I could dim it), but went the easy way and attached it to the power terminal just behind and below the fuse panel. So what if it lights up during the day. You can't really notice that anyway, right?

3.) Next came the front and rear spacers. After much deliberation on whether or not to do this mod (I'm more of a performance over aesthetics guy), I bit the bullet and ordered 15/25mm H&R spacers from either TT Stuff or Pure Motorsports. I forget which. This mod was somewhat time consuming, mainly due to the fact that I used the jack that came with the car to access the hubs. Would've been much quicker with a nice floor jack and jack stands, but I didn't have those, so I did it the hard way. This one took me about an hour and a half, largely due to the fact that I had company and an 18 pack of Budweiser hanging out with me. Once done, though, I was extremely glad I chose to do this. The spacers just make the car look more aggressive and visually appealing.

4.) The next mod was installing the Koni Sport shocks and struts... well, kinda. I took the car back to the dealer from whence it came to have the work done. I informed them that I wanted the suspension components set to their firmest settings. They put her on the lift, stripped her of her wheels, and installed the struts. When it came time to do the rear shocks, I received a call from the technician. It appears that one of the rear shocks was not adjusting properly. After much fiddling, and a 10 minute phone call to Koni, it was determined that I had a defective shock. The rep at Koni (named Stoney, ha!) agreed to send me a new one out in exchange for the defective one at no cost, of course. This will be taken care of tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm driving on Koni struts up front, and probably some cheap-*** stock monroe-type shocks on the back. Oh well, just temporary. I like very much the way the front of the car feels now, though, and can't wait to get the proper shocks on the rear. This should happen within the next week and a half or so.

5.) Lastly, I installed the Boost Machine with grey tubing that I also purchased from the Modshack. This was probably the easiest install of the group. After getting the machine installed, I set the regulator at 3 turns, and drove about 20 miles to let the car adapt. I then pulled over and set the relief valve to one turn. 20 miles later, I opened the relief another half turn. I was a bit nervous about running the boost machine. After getting my boost gauge installed, I found that I was peaking at up to 25psi, and holding at up to 20psi. I know that the standard REVO setting, which is what I have, should have me peaking around 22, and holding around 18. I drove the car for about a year not knowing that I was 2 to 3 psi over those numbers. After running about 50 miles with the boost machine, I'm still peaking in the 24-25psi range, and holding anywhere from 18 to 21psi. That's a lot of boost, but it's also a lot of fun. I'll be sure to keep my eyes on the boost gauge, and also to make sure that I don't hit those high numbers too often. The last thing I want is a ruined turbo. Any suggestions here?

6.) Still waiting on that damn 19mm Neuspeed rear sway bar from TT Stuff. I have been informed that it is on back order, and will be shipped to me as soon as they get their hands on it. After that installation, I will be done with the car.

7.) Yeah, right! I'm sure that after 6 months or so I'll have to get a big break kit and some springs. THEN I'll be done.

All in all, I'm having a great time with all of this. Thanks for taking the time to read it, and thanks in advance for any advice that any of you may see fit to give me.

blackfnTTruck

Nice work, but pics would make it a lot nicer.

skiTTlez

yeah when you get those shocks fixed, post up some pics!!!

Lowcountry

I'll try to get some up after PBJ and Budweiser.

GeTT da NeTT

Well done!

Lowcountry

****, BM, and VTDA (still need to zip-tie my hoses and clean the bay)
<img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/lowcountrytt/DSCF0023.jpg">

AWE boost gauge
<img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/lowcountrytt/DSCF0027.jpg">

Spacers
<img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/lowcountrytt/DSCF0030.jpg">

Koni struts
<img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/lowcountrytt/DSCF0035.jpg">

The defective Koni shock
<img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/lowcountrytt/DSCF0036.jpg">

The result of all I've done so far
<img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/lowcountrytt/DSCF0001.jpg">

Lowcountry

Strangely I think this one will get more views than my mod pics...
<img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b231/lowcountrytt/pics002.jpg">

Kareem of Elise

Congratulations, and well done!