Re: Project Lex
 

Well thought I'd update this with some recent workings.

First, big thanks to Peter for helping me come up with a name for this sucker. With the Green Dragon gone (01 Galant), and Saables gone (06 Saab), it was time to yet again come up with a name. The funniest thing I think we came up with was Green Bean. It's green, and kinda roundy shaped like a bean, so it fits! So I dub thee...

Project Green Bean (or also 'Teh Bean)
Could a mod please change the thread title to reflect!! :D


So, on to what I've done. The turbo is officially on order. I spent a long time researching, and speaking to many (what I'd consider) experts before choosing. In the end I chose a Borg Warner 84-75 (84 being the compressor exducer, and 75 being the turbine inducer) in a .91AR Divided T4 housing. Without getting into a ton of details, I spent a good 3 weeks researching turbos before finally deciding on this setup. In a nutshell, it's 61.4mm capable of flowing 72lb/min, and spooling quite quickly. I felt this matches my goal of being able to make some decent power, while maintaining as good of spool as possible to keep as wide of a power band as possible. If you care to learn anymore on this specific turbo, there are huge threads on Supraforums, and EvoM with lots of good input from Geoff at Full Race.

I've been researching EMS systems, and at this point am 99% set on getting the Megasquirt setup I mentioned earlier. Just waiting on a couple more answers from the gentleman I'll be purchasing from before it's a done deal. Right now I'm contemplating installing that before I boost, just to help as it may be easier to get it running well on a stock car that's already and pretty much perfect running condition.

Late last week removed the Climate Control unit, cracked it open and removed, and soldered in new backlight bulbs (6 total) and the LCD screen as those were known issues before I got the car. Everything went pretty smooth and is working good as new :) Pics of the process, and a final pic of it working!
Out with the old
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...8&d=1286243907
In with the new
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...0&d=1286243917
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...9&d=1286243907
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...4&d=1286243233


Today I started removal of the ghetto bass. This is actually proving to be a little bit of a mess. This car came stock with factory amps, and a CD changer I think. So when this guy installed his new setup, he had to do all sorts of wiring, and it's a friggin mess. But all the old stuff is out, and trying to sell it. I haven't chosen one yet, but will be purchasing a new new Double DIN CD/DVD/Nav unit, and probably just run one of my old amps and single 10" sub from the Talon for the time being. The ghetto bass was just too much for me. A single 10" is perfect for me as all I'm looking for is something to clean up the bass sound a little more than the factory system can putout. Also this whole time I had been wondering what was behind the stock trunk carpet as it seemed there should have been a lot more trunk space deeper in the trunk. Today I realised that, well, the reason that part of the trunk is blocked off is because that's where the gas tank is, ha! Some pics of everything torn apart, as it sits today :)
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...5&d=1286243233
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...6&d=1286243255
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...7&d=1286243255

Re: Project Lex
 

you sure are motivated. Wanna practice working on sc's with my car?

Re: Project Lex
 

Looks good Brandon

Re: Project Lex
 

Is that seriously a stock fuel tank setup?

Good progress Brandon, can't wait to see what it'll make.

Re: Project Lex
 

Should be pretty easy to do a fuel pump. :)

Re: Project Lex
 

Yeah prety sure its the stock tank. fits like it belongs there. Seems odd but whatever. Fuel pumps should definitely be easy!!!!

Re: Project Lex
 

Yea, its stock. It sucks for a rear strut bar, but meh. No rusty fuel pump assemblies!

Re: Project Lex
 

Damn it this thread makes me want to turbo my M. :drive:

Re: Project Lex
 

Your stereo headache is the exact reason I am choosing NOT to bypass the factory amp.

Re: Project Lex
 

I'd probably do the same if I were you. My decision isn't as easy since mine is already hacked into by someone else :(

Re: Project Lex
 

hahah. wow, awesome progress. that fuel tank is freakin' weird...I thought you did that! lol.

Re: Project Lex
 

The tank looks relatively narrow and tall. The center of gravity might not be helped by the location but it should feed more reliably than the X. <cough>

Re: Project Lex
 

Eh its not that big of a deal. Did it in my M and old audi. Just have to run speaker wire to each speaker in the car, which should be upgraded anyway if you put any decent speakers in a car.

Lookin good green bean!

Re: Project Lex
 

Get some bumpin tunes in this hog and bring it on the cruise!!

Re: Project Lex
 

Well gave the car a waxing. I'm no pro waxer or photographer, but I think it turned out alright. The pics make it look better than it really is. Maybe someday I'll pay someone to do a real good exterior detail (depending on what that costs).

So here's some pics after the waxing. Also a pic of some clear coat issues the front bumper has. Once the performance stuff is done, I'll probably start doing more body work (new bumpers, spoiler, new paint, etc).

Re: Project Lex
 

Looks pretty good. If you decide to get an exterior detail done, I would recommend the guys at the Sunshine car wash detail center in Hopkins. They have done a few of our cars. Your exterior will look and FEEL new when they are done with it. I cost me somewhere between $100 and $200 if I remember correctly. I will probably get it done again next spring since this weekend is probably the last time I will drive my car the rest of the year.

Re: Project Lex
 

Thanks :)

What do they do exactly? Just wax? I used some swirlX stuff to help get swirls out, but I don't think I did a very good job. I'd like to get something like that done, along with a wax and what not.

Re: Project Lex
 

I have a friend in Isanti that would probably wash, buff, wax, and detail your car for $50 and a case of beer. He has done my cars and he's done great work, I've always been very happy. He buffed out quite a few flaws on the WRX before I sold it that I didn't think would come out.

Re: Project Lex
 

Well I sold my cams off the Talon, so that paid for a nice new China-bay GPS head unit :) Half the people say these chinese things are good, half say they suck. I haven't seen anyone yet with this one in particular. So I'll just be a guinea pig and give it a shot. And if it works or sucks, I guess I'll find out. I'll post up a review at sometime so others can know. If it ends up being good, well then sweet!! And I'll get another one for the Voy :)

What I like, is it's got GPS, DVD, and Bluetooth capabilities. I also like that it has an Aux In and a USB, both located on the FRONT. I Was having a hard time finding that on Pioneer, Kenwood, etc type units that cost under $500. One other thing I wanted was a Volume Knob. There were some cheaper china ones, but they had tiny little buttons which i didn't like. I like to be able to adjust volume quickly with a knob. And lastly I wanted double-din so that was also important to me.

Here's the link to what I got if anyone cares to check it out and tear me a new a-hole for buying china junk :D But trust you me, it's the first of many Chinese parts that will end up on the bean. Chinese turbo kit will be purchased sooner or later, haha!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Re: Project Lex
 

U know this broke nigga wants some of that action.
Hit me up tomorrow, I wanna see it.

Re: Project Lex
 

I just bought it off ebay today, so it'll take a lil while to get here from chiiyyyna.

Re: Project Lex
 

The Chinabay headunits I've seen are actually nice for the price. Some are Windows based so that should tell you something right there, bluetooth is usually a bit sketchy. But for $200 or less it has more functionality than my $800 base Kenwood unit.

Re: Project Lex
 

They wet sand, buff, polish... I brought my car there the morning after I was at a BIR track day (first I ever went to actually) and it was covered with dirt inside and out from leaving the track a few times. I didn't even have time to bring it through a wash by the time I brought it there. When I got it back that night, the inside was clean and the outside was detailed despite me only having an appointment for an exterior detail. I couldn't believe how much shine the car had and how smooth the finish was.

Re: Project Lex
 

Awesome, detailing is something I want to get into. sadly I don't have the $$$ to get teh equipment.
I looked at that page and they had some nice flip out joints for this guy.

That one you ordered looked slick I can't wait to see it, next year!! lol. j/k j/k

Re: Project Lex
 

hmm sounds good. I'lll have to look into that, thanks.

Re: Project Lex
 

I should get into detailing more... I have a $250 buffer and a full assortment of pads that I've used maybe 3 times... haha

Re: Project Lex
 

Well no pics today, but i further tore the interior apart today trying to figure out this stereo wiring some more. I'm still amazed by the cluster of crap.

Anyhow, I got some more of the old wiring out. Dan if you want that RCA cable come get it. I went to Best Buy and just bought some speaker wire. I ran the wires for both rear speakers. And ran the wire for the front right speaker. So just gotta run the wire for the front left speaker and that crap job will be done.

Re: Project Lex
 

Detail looks good, just needs moar. :)

The front bumper is peeling clear coat, not much you can do for that besides get it repainted.

Re: Project Lex
 

Well got just a little bit done this weekend. Got all the wiring ran for all 4 speakers. Did some work trying to clean up the wiring behind the radio area a little too as it was a mess with cut wires everywhere. So I cleaned it up so it looks 100x better back there. Still going to clean it up some more once I get the new stereo deck.

Connected Bass-Blockers to the front speakers. Ordered the Double DIN mounting kit for these cars off Amazon which should be here in a few days.

Temporarily wired in the old CD-Deck from my Talon just to make sure everything worked and it did! I definately need to get a sub back there though. Currently trying to decide what exactly I want to do as far as that goes.

Anyhow, that's about it. got most the interior back together but still have a little bit left to do yet. Nothing too exciting I guess.

Re: Project Lex
 

Well a couple pics after a little more work today.

Installed my old 10" that's been kickin strong since '01. Powered by cheap ass Crunch amp that has been goin strong since '98. Make fun of them not being JL/Kicker/Boston/etc... all you want, but this crap has done me well for a looooong time :) That amp has been in all of my best friends cars, acting as old faithful when theirs have failed. It's had a hard and abused life, but just won't quit!

I like this setup much better. I actually have trunk space now, and things just seem much cleaner overall. I reused the interior fabric that the guy had in there, but I think I will make a trip to the fabric store to try and clean it up a little nicer someday. The sub actually hits pretty damn good in there. I have it turned up maybe halfway, and am golden! Just needed some clean tasteful bass, not ghetto booty shakin trunk poppin gangsta noise.

Also, a little pic of my temp stereo just laying there, haha. It's sounding great, and filling it's temp role just fine :)

On a good note, I had a slip from DHL on my door today. They will get it to me tomorrow. It's either the mounting kit, or overnight head unit from Chiyna. I'm hoping is from Chiyhuh!! :D

Re: Project Lex
 

Have you conisdered a halltech for engine managment? I seem to remember a lot of IS300 guys useing them when going turbo.

Re: Project Lex
 

Any sub will sound good in a hatch back car for some reason. I used to use a 10" Jensen X'Bass sub with a average Alpine amp and it sounded good in all DSM's. Just throw your Too Short CD and your good to go. :)

Re: Project Lex
 

Looks good! Im kinda pumped to see this chyna head unit. haha

Re: Project Lex
 

Looks a lot nicer back there.

Re: Project Lex
 

Ch cha, ch ch cha Chyynaaa!!!!!

Still waiting on the mounting kit, but got it installed! Went on a test run, so far I'm loving it!! Thanks for helping with the install brownman. :)

Here it is all packaged up:
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1286931060

Opened it up, and inside what's this?? It's in ENGRISH, SWEET!!!!
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1286931060

Everything looks nice so far...
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1286931060
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1286931060

Wired it in and did a test run and it worked. Bluetooth sycn'd right up to Brownman's phone after maybe 30-40 seconds :)
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1286931060

Final mounting complete. Going to have to fill that gap below the it however. Other than that, pretty much done. Here we are watching GI JOE on DVD !!!
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1286931060
http://mitsustyle.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1286931060



First impressions are, I can't believe this cost less than $300!! 296.00 was my final total. Arrived in less than a week from the motherland herself. GPS worked decent, although we thought the voice was a little bit quiet. The system in general sounds really nice with the sub and everything. I think one of the rear speakers is blown though, but I plan on picking up a new pair from Peter once he can find them.

The user interface seemed decent. Keep in mind that I've never dealt with a touchscreen unit ever. But my impression is that the interface is decent. I'd say 3.5 out of 5 as it does take a little getting used to. But I think with a month of use or so, I'll get the navigation of this unit down much better, and will be closer to a 5. And I guess I kind of assume that'd be the same case with me no matter what unit I got, as I'd have to learn it anyway.

Wiring up was just as easy as any other deck. There is a brake wire to hook to your e-brake which I believe is to disable searching in the GPS unless the car is parked. But there's a menu option within the touchscreen to turn that feature off, so I just didn't hook up that wire, and left the touchscreen option disabled.

Anyone interested in getting something similar to this, I'd say consider these for sure. They aren't for everyone I'm sure, but if you are on a tight budget, this seems like it'd be worth considering w/out a doubt at this point. This seems like a steal! I'm going to play with it for a month, and if I still like it this much after a month, I'll be getting another one for the Envoy!!

Longevity of it, well I guess I can't comment on that as I just installed it. Time will tell if this thing lasts.

Re: Project Lex
 

There something on the will call shelf at MAP for you too!! I went to call the number on the invoice, and was like "wait a sec....I know that name.." hahaha

Re: Project Lex
 

Yeah I got a message from someone there that my turbo arrived :) Didn't have time to come get it today however, I was busy installing chinese gadgets :D

Re: Project Lex
 

Looks awesome dude! Ill have to take a peak and play with it a bit. Hopefully if you come on the cruise! woot!

Re: Project Lex
 

Went and picked up something a little more fun from MAP today.

Full Race custom spec turbo:
BW S300SX 84-75

Now it gets to sit on my shelf for a couple months, while I continue to acquire more goodies, haha.

Re: Project Lex
 

hmmm vodka how i miss thee.

I shouldn't drink with you 2jz with turbo the way it should be would make me want to hear it all the time.