beaterX project thread
 

Ok, I'm starting to build some momentum on this thing. This car was abused by the previous owner, so the beginning is going to be all about fixing this thing up and getting it to a level that will be make me happy. I've always said that my ultimate X would be the 2010-spec MR with the Touring Edition package, but with a 5-speed.

My goals for the first part of the summer:
-fix up nasty gashes and major/minor scratches in the body work
-fix/replace rota P45F's from my evo8 and try them on this car (currently it has snow tires on it)
-detail/fix interior, specifically floor, dash, doors, and headliner.
-AWC relocate/factory bluetooth
-ralliart heated leather seat factory option
-a few power mods for the stock turbo: 300whp on DB's dyno
-try leftover evo8 mods for fitment on the X
-ecu hacks for the X

This list will obviously grow with time, but I've got to get more cash out of the parts I had for my evo8 before I can get any 'serious' mods on this thing. I've cut my budget WAY back due to some unforseen problems....needs new brake pads, the power steering issue, needed to buy a new wheel/tire, etc. I'll be keeping the custom 3" exhaust that's on here, as it has a decent muffler on it, and I'll be keeping the FMIC and UICP that came on it: they actually look to be fairly decent quality.

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2438.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evox-...2512.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evox-...2507.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/car-s...2420.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/car-s...2430.sized.jpg

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Any wingless pics? I retract my previous statement about wrinkle blacking that UICP, you should do wrinkle red. That would look mighty nice.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

First up, baseline. This is actually from the test drive LOL. I had shane see how healthy the thing was, and this was his idea of the quickest way to know! Red line is as it came off the dealer's lot with a few mods and MBC, green is with literally five minutes of shane's time and two dyno pulls. Black is some other car with similar mods and an intake:

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/...fmic.sized.jpg


Shane also said to be sure to replace the fuel pump relay, which I had read about previously.

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_1224.sized.jpg

Initial compression numbers were right around 130. Mivec does weird shit to compression numbers, so I was fine with them as-is.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

I bought the car on a Friday. When I got to work on the next monday, it had puked out all of its power steering fluid. 20,000 miles of a poorly placed hose clamp resulted in a pinhole in the line. It took four bottles of fluid to limp the car home, and pull it apart way sooner than I had planned. :(

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_1232.sized.jpg
(black stuff is jb weld I had attempted to put in place in the parking lot at work)

A snap of the FMIC while the front end is apart. Garret core, measures 3 x 18 x 11.5. Endtanks are decent, but nothing amazing. It isn't huge, but should do alright for now.
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_1233.sized.jpg

Bleh. Still oil everywhere.
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_1234.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_1235.sized.jpg

Dizzle's idea, worked perfect.
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_1236.sized.jpg

Re: beaterX project thread
 

The next day I discovered that the 'ok' brake pads I had inspected in the dealer lot were in fact down to the squeel bars and making noise. I guess a few good test drives/rides pushed them over the edge. So, I ordered up a fresh set of ferodos from MAP. Sigh.


Wednesday of that week, lomker came by with some leftovers from his car! I got a smokin deal on an aFe drop-in air filter and a set of Deutschworks 800cc injectors. Doesn't sound like much, but the X fuel system is pretty beefy from the factory. CBRD says he has several cars running 400whp on pump gas, 800's and the stock fuel pump. Me likey!

After installing the air filter, the car feels snapper and smoother through the gears. I consulted several people, and we all agreed that the afr could lean out a bit, but if it did it wouldn't be more than 1 point. Shane had it pretty much set at 11:1, so even if it did lean out a full point, it wouldn't be dangerous.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

dumping and dumping more and more money into it..arg.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

looks great man. im still surprised at how much hp you've added with some simple add ons.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

After a week of ownership, I was ready to start fiddling with the car. I had a pretty empty weekend and decided to devote some time to it.

First thing was to get logging working. Lomker borrowed me his 2.0 tactrix cable a while ago to work on ACD reflashing on the evo8/9. I never got to try it :( But, logging on the X is pretty easy! First mod was to enable tephra's Mode23, which basically sets up the ecu for performance logging. It works awesome. From the factory, this car has a 3.3bar map sensor, IAT, MAT, and I even figured out how to wire in my LC-1 in place of the rear o2 sensor, so wideband should be working shortly :)

Once I had logging working, I could do some before/after for my next little power mod for the stock turbo: tightening the wga. Lots of people talk about doing it, I tried it, it works!
http://scheides.com/misc/pics/evox/e...nk-dynojet.JPG

Car is starting to feel like it can go now. 27psi at 3100rpm, yay mivec!


Sunday morning I made the plunge! Off with the wing!
http://i.imgur.com/dqJ0B.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/33JkY.jpg

I spent the rest of the day working with my buddy tephra, he has just about completed everything for his first round of mods for the X. :)

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Now for some serious bidniz! These took HOURS AND HOURS to install, but have completely transformed the interior:

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2530.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2531.sized.jpg

Note the seat in this pic, about where your right thigh would sit...ugh, IDK what's on it.
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2532.sized.jpg

Now, a small pile of parts! Off with the steering wheel, apart with the console, power up the dremel! Woohoo it's bluetooth! Also, relocated the AWC controls (tarmac, gravel, snow) to the center console to make room for the 2010-spec steering-wheel-mounted radio controls. Yummy.
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2533.sized.jpg
I did this while watching HIMYM :)
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2536.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2537.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2538.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2539.sized.jpg

I didn't bother taking a pic of the bluetooth module or the mic, they get stuffed behind the dash and ceiling lights. Gonna wire in my valentine1 up there too, just need a few vampire clips!

Re: beaterX project thread
 

I'll admit, the X looks better without the wing than the 8/9 do, but I still like the wing better. :)

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Looking good!!! was the bluetooth install as hard as you thought! Looks really factory how long did it take? Hows it work? Cant wait to check it out in person.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

In for more wingless pics. Looks like you aren't wasting much time in digging into this thing!

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Wingless FTW.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Looking good never liked the X wing.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Pulling the steering wheel and such off was what I thought would be the worst, and it was the easiest. Mounting the bluetooth module and modifying the wiring harness I thought would be the easiest, they were the hardest. Still, the whole job was pretty easy, took a total of about three hours, including me making dinner, eating, watching HIMYM, and about 45 mins of the jbweld drying (attaches the bluetooth controls to the rest of the steering wheel). Oh, and installing the floor mats, that took FOREVER! :)

The new controls all work beautifully, almost like magic. So cool, I almost wanted to do the peanut butter jelly dance!

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Interior looks great, should have kept the SSS wing though!

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Thats pretty sweet scheides. You always do great work!

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Lookin good! Ill have to see the wingless look in person but Im actually prefering it as of right now. Which is weird because I like 8,9's with with wings better.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

I think the black looks really good wingless. I'm not as keen about it on my car but I can bolt on the APR monstrosity whenever I want to.

Scheides, will the leather be a DIY install?

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Nice progress!

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Nope, it'll be at the dealer for that. For the price I'm paying and the warranty it comes with, I'm not even going to bother. I am getting the heated front seat option, and I'm not sure which controls that comes with, so that part I may do some fiddling with myself. I put the AWC button in the middle position with the intention of putting the seat controls on either side.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Here's where the switches go for the touring edition. Might try and make them work (right underneath the armrest):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2567/...ee005807e1.jpg

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Same here. For a while I was thinking about getting different seats but now that I've lost 20lbs and don't need a Winter jacket, I like the fit well enough.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Welcome to another installment of 'fuk this beater!'

Well today was an interesting day. Found out that the pads I was expecting to come in Thursday would not even be shipping TO MAP till next Tuesday :( I knew I needed front pads asap so I just decided that I'd install my used front pads (ferodo ds2500's) off of my crashed evo8. I canceled my order with MAP and put the money towards a new order: Megan test pipe, perrin intake pipe, and AMS street front motor mount inserts.

I made a deal with Lomker to help him with his brakes if he helped me with mine. Holy christ did the guy come through for me! He was waiting for me when I got home, and he happened to have a fresh set of Ferodo DS2500's and two cans of ATE Super Blue in a box waiting to go in his car (but not for a few months). Gah! I about hugged him (maybe I did, I don't remember!).

Front pads were a *bit* thin!
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2554.sized.jpg

Matt D. came by too to give me some cash for parts he picked up from my part-out (LOL I just realized you forgot to give me the cash nukka!), and I'm glad he did. I got the front pads done in about 20-30 mins, but the rears gave me all sorts of problems...actually one big problem: the goddamn pins that hold the pads in place would NOT come out! Seriously, its like they were machined too big or something, they were motherfucking impossible to get out! With some persistance, swearing, cussing, and bloody knuckles, they came out, kicking and screaming the whole way (both me & the pins).

We got the whole mess installed and did a full flush of the brake fluid--not taking any chances on this damn beater!
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2555.sized.jpg

This thing stops like a motherfucker now! Needs some summer rubber stat.


While we had the wheels off, we scoped out the suspension that came on this thing. Figured out its the Tien Monoflex coilovers, they're $1999 on MAP's www site! I was so pumped I did the peanut butter jelly dance.
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2545.sized.jpg

http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2552.sized.jpg

They handle awesome, but as-is they're a bit bouncy, and I have no idea if they'll last another winter (or three). I'm going to get the keys to adjust them and see what happens.
http://www.scheides.com/albums/evoX/IMG_2540.sized.jpg

Last thing, we test fit my thrashed Rota P45F and they fit great! The offset is about 8mm wider than stock, and should look decent when I get them on! The replacement rim I ordered should (finally) be here on Thursday, so hopefully I can get the tire mounted and these things on for dyno day!

Thanks for reading 'fuk this beater'

Re: beaterX project thread
 

sounds lame. But glad you can stop safely now.

Cliff notes, hugged some dudes, put new brake pads on, the susp. that looked like Tein's are Tein's. I bought more shit. BRB.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Damn there wasnt much left of those on the inside! How did the rotors look? Glad you were able to find some pads!

Re: beaterX project thread
 

All you need now is some stainless brake lines. :)

Re: beaterX project thread
 

I had those with me as well. He didn't ask for them. lol.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Double you tee eff?

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Heh, I put SS lines on my last evo at 30k miles. I thought about it but the budget is a little tight right now, so that's one thing that got put on the back burner. Stock lines look minty fresh, so I'll just put on SS next time I do pads/fluid flush.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Woot for non easy installs. lol

You should really grease up that suspension, soak it with WD 40 and smear grease all over the threads. Should keep things from getting crusty and rusty.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Yea, what is the proper procedure for maintaining these things? Scrub them clean, then lube them with something? If so what? I don't wanna attract MORE dust/dirt that already gets stuck on there.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Not sure what the "proper" procedure is, I doubt anyone really every lubes them, but I would.

Id spray them down with WD40 and then smear regular grease on anything that needs to move. Sure dirt and sand may collect on the grease but every 3-4 months while youre doing something else up there, just wipe off the old grease and reapply.

Im a big fan of grease keeping things nice and non rusty/corroded.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

He really did.

Changing brake pads on these cars makes me never want to change brake pads on any other car.

My suggestion for the coilovers is this: Don't use them in winter. The only cars you see with pristine coilovers are track only cars, or those that never see inclement weather. Mine were trashed after just one winter, a second winter was the end of them.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

I think that's a good call. The KW v3's come with stainless bodies but that may only mean they last one more Winter than other coils. I figure that coils have to be pulled and serviced every few years anyway so if mine need to be replaced every 3yrs then so be it. These cars have so may wear items, what's the difference?

Re: beaterX project thread
 

You could try a dry lithium spray; I know LPS makes one that comes in a teal/white aerosol can.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

+1
Grease idea works really well to keep away the corrosion.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

Just spit on the coilovers, that should sufficiently lube them up.

Looks like you're doing work on this bad boy. Nice to see ya didn't waste any time getting it up to your standards. I'll have to take a peek at it at the dyno day.

Re: beaterX project thread
 

You mean the Xs or Evos in general?

Re: beaterX project thread
 

I think Matt's implying the pads are a lot easier to swap on the Brembo calipers.