The Project Anklebiter Build Thread., 8/29 Lid latches and glamor shots... Options

[plymouth37]

Here's the plan:

Tub up restoration/customization (no cutting corners here).
Speedster styling.
40" tall
Under 1800 pounds.
350 horsepower WRX engine.

Let the games begin!

[plymouth37]

Today I made a wood template to ensure that I install the windshield at the right angle after I chop it.


Then I cut the thing off so I can modify it. Looks pretty cool huh?
I also test fitted my Getty F/G bumpers, they will need a little work but are pretty close.





It is so tempting to just toss the windshield all together.
Nothing like having to wear a helmet to go for a drive! (for some reason I don't think the wife would approve. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) )

[ninefourteener]

I really like what you are doing.... this is definately one of the cooler "mod" builds I've seen. Plus... I'm partial to Subies (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

With that.... I have to suggest you go a different direction with the wheels.

You've created (or will create) a low, fat stance for the car, and filled the wheelwells with these ricey, skinny-spoked wheels. I'd like to see you go with a more solid looking, less ricey wheel. I personally like mesh style wheels, but there are thousands of other options. Yea, you may gain a little weight, but I think that will be a small sacrifice for such a radical design.

What are you going to do with the "interior" portions of the car that are still painted?? Getting them all sanded down?? Just curious.

Are you sticking with the stock WRX TMIC setup? I was going to suggest a nice STI TMIC setup.... by the looks of the engine bay, I think it would fit nicely. I really don't think a FMIC would work with the radiator.... although that would be pretty cool.

[ninefourteener]

An upgraded TMIC is always a good idea, particularly over the 300hp range.

What brand are you going with??

My biggest concern is heat soak.... from a poorly ventilated I/C. How exactly are you going to draw air across the I/C with the new engine cover? I assume you're going to vent it somehow.... but how will you draw air across it?

Another question..... what turbo are you using.... and what EM are you using?

I'm REALLY interested in this build.... just curious about the route you're going.

[plymouth37]

An upgraded TMIC is always a good idea, particularly over the 300hp range.
What brand are you going with??

Bell intercoolers, they make some really nice stuff.

My biggest concern is heat soak.... from a poorly ventilated I/C. How exactly are you going to draw air across the I/C with the new engine cover? I assume you're going to vent it somehow.... but how will you draw air across it?

I was looking at air to water intercoolers but they are pretty heavy as well as being complicated and really expensive. I will be putting in a grate between the humps and drawing air into the intercooler with fans. This is really the lightest, best bang for the buck setup and if I get a little to hot on full throttle runs an N2O sprayer is always an option. The engine bay will vent through the rear of the car which will be pretty open above the diffuser (more on that later...)

what turbo are you using ?

I am using a stock turbo. I ran with a group of subie guys in vegas and with out fail every time someone would upgrade their turbo they would regret it, oiling issues, lag, overheating etc... Subaru put a good turbo on this engine and I intend to keep it.

and what EM are you using?

I had the stock computer tuned by Vishnu Performance who did a custom job to suit my car. These guys are really talented and can pull huge numbers out of the subie engine.

[ninefourteener]

I am using a stock turbo. I ran with a group of subie guys in vegas and with out fail every time someone would upgrade their turbo they would regret it, oiling issues, lag, overheating etc... Subaru put a good turbo on this engine and I intend to keep it.

You know...... you could go with a slightly used VF39 (Stock STI turbo), and a set of Subaru "blue" 06-07 555cc injectors (Stock 06-07 WRX injectors).... and still be 100% OEM Subaru parts....... and probably put down another 100-125 horsepower..... safely and reliably

You're always gonna have guys with oiling problems, tuning problems, backfiring, and all sorts of other crap. Without fail, every time I hear about guys having problems like that...... they've done something wrong, or cut corners that they shouldn't have.

It's just a suggestion..... I went that route... and just crossed over 30K miles... with zero problems whatsoever.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not beating you up at all... I think what you're doing is awesome..... in fact, I'm planning a similar project for the future.

In fact..... your car is the reason I bought my first issue of Subiesport.

Now, I own 2 Subies, one of which has one of the highest viewed build threads on two different national Subie sites.,.. and I even own my own Subie Site.

I just get the impression you're leaning away from a Turbo swap because of others' bad experiences. Do it right, the FIRST time, and you'll be absolutely tickled with the results.

Please keep posting.... I'm subscribed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)