Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

I like the picture of the shoes with the shock. DId you do the work in those shoes or put 'em on for the photography? Also, Any time I've seen manufacturers put those stupid rubber sleeves over coil springs, they are rusty and/or broken. It's to prevent noise, I think, but my springs never made any noise. Good job so far. Wiring is easy, get it finished soon.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

FWIW, I used all Redline fluids in Janelle's WRX and she said the shifter feel was much improved.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Go baby go! Looking good man!

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

talk about mr speedy over here lol holy crap 4 weeks and almost done good job!

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

I am going to be going to Duluth this weekend. I could easily enough bring it back for you, should you wish.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

If you want the jdm sti bumbers,wing,skirts,ect let me know I know just a few people LOL

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Thanks Tachyon! but I'll be seeing what all he has too and making dealz.

Mark: oh rry? Let me know because the body will be JDM once it's done. Give me some contact info or links or whatever.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Oh and Andrew, I didn't put on the shoes just for the pic, those are my work shoes :)

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Damn, this build reminds me of my cousins gc8. Lookin good for the time period yo! :D

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Thanks man!

I'm downloading the ESM's as we speak so I can sort out relays and sensors. Aside from that I spent the night organizing the garage and getting parts together and ready to be reinstalled. I also got the engine hoist back and tested it, tomorrow we dine in hell.

Rear RS rotor vs new STi rotor
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7657033_n.jpg

STi struts and new exhaust components
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1445167_n.jpg

Engine Hoist in place, my garage is a fucking disaster
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2596338_n.jpg

Box of STi pedals with the slave cyl, Brembo calipers, WRX cluster, STi front aluminum control arms, etc.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...1_506984_n.jpg

I'm also throwing around the idea of getting a cheap ass FMIC kit. I know what you're thinking but the pic above is the stock TMIC I'm dealing with... my ball sack dissipates more heat.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

eww, thats even the 06+ one with the crappy plastic endtanks too.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Is that why after parties at your place dudes wake up with burns around their eyes?

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

get a ebay fmic over the tmic

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

I have an eBay intercooler sitting in my garage. :)

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Hey matt, how big and how much do you want for it? Could i take it for a bit and test fit it? Does it have any leaks or anything?

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

here is how you need to talk to for jdm parts
http://www.jhotimports.com/
http://www.jdm-intl.com/ (new site not up yet) get ahold of her here http://mirageforums.net/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=40688
they are the 2 that I know and get alot of stuff from. Both will take orders on what you want and find it and get it here

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Engine finally coming out.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7638962_n.jpg

The mandatory I'm in the engine bay pic.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7033982_n.jpg

One of the 3 wiring harnesses I have to figure out.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3351456_n.jpg

Old x-member being taken out.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...2_132194_n.jpg

STi pedals installed with the dash beam battle beginning (this took about 6 man hours to figure out)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...1_129471_n.jpg

Engine bay with new x-member bolted up cleaned with simple green.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5208474_n.jpg

The 2 wiring harnesses next to each other.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7447982_n.jpg

Modifying the heater core so that the STi dash beam will fit.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1677249_n.jpg

Modifying the dash beam so the heater core will fit ;)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6743405_n.jpg

AND... the final result, STi dash test fitted after 30 attempts and it's perfect. Heater core, STi pedals, blower motor, etc. all in with dash beam mostly bolted down we just have a few things to weld and fabricate.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6452314_n.jpg

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

RED Performance FTW!

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Dang dude, that's pretty hard core. Much respect fam.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Great progress!

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Holy shit dude, you guys really did work today getting that dash in.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

holy sh*t balls batman. that is insane. can't imagine the wire harness ordeal. looks awesome though.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Gas Tank Tube installed also showing the terrible fender condition right now.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5160988_n.jpg

Stock RS Tranny Mount pulled ready for polyurethane.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6242674_n.jpg

Hole cut in rear of the chassis for the nut that had the weld break off :(
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7608878_n.jpg

Swapping STi pedal to the Legacy pedal assembly
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4672955_n.jpg

Pedal Assembly installed.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3223747_n.jpg

Rear suspension test fit with '04 STi struts.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7652564_n.jpg

Tomorrow we're welding the new nut to the chassis, welding the hole shut and coating it. I'll also probably get the rear suspension installed so that I can throw the new rear diff in when I get it and call it done. It's nice to finally be putting parts back on the car ;)

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

That's great man! Can't wait to see this thing run next month!

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

looking great. so what to you think of full shell up swaps so far

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Thanks Hughes!

I like it so far, we haven't had to weld anything yet, just minor drilling and some light fabrication. But I haven't gotten to the hard stuff yet like the wiring and getting all the suspension/drivetrain to line up so we'll see. So far it's turning out fine though!

Once I get a house, in Texas, I'll be buying some welding equipment and taking classes, that's essential for projects like this and a major talent I personally lack. I hate having to rely on other people to get shit done.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

2 bolts had the frame nuts break their welds today. FML

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Got the trailing arm mount welded to the chassis and got the other hole welded shut last night.

Just arrived today:
STi Front/Rear sway bar
STi Springs for my struts

Picking up today:
VF39 turbo should be good for almost 300AWHP with my mods/engine

Arriving this week:
'04 STi rear differential.

Tasks to complete this week/weekend:
Rear suspension together, gas lines all hooked up
Rear Brembo's installed
Rear Diff installed with drive shaft connection swapped
Drive Shaft installed
Wiring harness installed
And if all goes well... possibly the engine in.

Anyone bored this week/weekend let me know I'll be needing some help.

Mod list on first page updated*

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Was it ever determined whether or not that shipping clerk was indeed hot?

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

That's always the question, isn't it?

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

She was not hot.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Got my turbo yesterday along with my STi springs/sway bars. The turbo was a close call, had to race someone from Hudson to Apple Valley, but he was delayed due to drinking in the bar. Thankfully the greatest weakness of a Wisconsinite is they're drunks.

Also got the trailing arms figured out for the most part and mounted. Along with rear sway bar mounted and bolted up to the new hubs. Just need to swap out the top hats onto my new STi struts with the springs and then the rear suspension should be done tonight!

Rear stock RS 18mm sway bar vs new rear STi 20mm sway bar
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6933291_n.jpg

IHI VF39 turbo for stage 3 WRX setup.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4072712_n.jpg

Shane (Red) fixing Sarah
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6431724_n.jpg

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

looking good.

If I knew you wanted some stock sti springs I had a set you could have had but they ended up in the trash can

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

If I had a nickel for every time someone said that to me... I would have all the money I would have saved (70 + 15 shipping in this case) and a shit ton of nickels :/

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Been a while since I've updated everyone. Made a LOT of progress. I got the rear differential finally and got that installed and the whole rear end buttoned up. Still need to swap the drive shaft plate on it but that'll be easier with it in the car.

I also got the fuel pump/lines figured out and the rest of the rear suspension all done, with the axels in place.

Below is the best way to take a stud out I found, works like a charm. Needed to swap the studs from the RS to the STi since the RS' was longer.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/...b6f33897_z.jpg

I then decided to get the transmission/engine installed. This is a MAJOR PITA, much more so than I expected but we got it installed.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/...0bab20f530.jpg

Below is the shot of my awesome clutch.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/...fa75181aaf.jpg

More updates tomorrow time for "bed"

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Very nice progress as always! Lets see a pic if the engine in the engine bay :)

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

So some of you might have noticed I wasn't at the dyno day, actually probably not. But instead I was in my garage hard at work and I have some good news, the car is almost complete.

As promised, here's a shot of the engine installed. Not very fancy yet, but I got the FMIC paid for today. I also "cheated" and bought an STi engine wiring harness for the Legacy/WRX motor. I figured it would all just plug in and I was right. Got the wiring diagram and made sure everything was plugged in correctly. So now all I need to do is plug in the internal wiring harness to the engine.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/...ee9b8f18f2.jpg

I got the rear end of the car figured out as far as wiring and wired/soldered into the STi wiring harness. I also took out all extra wiring/insulation I didn't need to save weight (you laugh but every bit helps) and reduce complexity. After that I routed the wiring and zip tied everything down in the stock wiring position.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/...7792b9acee.jpg

Other than that I've spent a lot of time pulling parts/stuff off of the car I don't need to save weight. Rear Charcoal canister, all sound material on the floorboard, electrical tape, whatever I can find to reduce weight. So far I think I've got around 40-50lb's in misc things pulled out.

As far as this week, I plan on figuring out the head lights and ignition system and getting the main wiring harness installed. Along with doing some tweaks to my powersteering lines and radiator so I can put all the fluids in the car.

I'm also waiting on the '05 STi drive shaft and shifter linkage. I'm hoping a couple of weeks and she'll be on the road! Not bad for a few months of solid work/research.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Looks good, that engine looks shoe horned in there.

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

Lookin good!

I actually did notice you weren't at the dyno day. /gay

Re: Project GC8 AKA USDM STi Killer
 

not bad at all

here is a link for all the jdm panels that are not far from chris in TX :)
http://stores.ebay.com/JHOT-Japanese-Auto-Parts