Project Family Wagon

[IBenjieI]

New goodies arrived today!

[Bolesroor]

Originally Posted by IBenjieI

New goodies arrived today!

I had a JDM hazard switch fitted on Tuesday whilst service,mot and other bits being done. Now have 2 UK switches spare

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by Bolesroor

I had a JDM hazard switch fitted on Tuesday whilst service,mot and other bits being done. Now have 2 UK switches spare

It'll look nice when I get the fascias back all nice and shiny gloss black

Although, it look's like all the switches start as red because the back of my old one is... it's like it has been painted over.

[IBenjieI]

More goodies from the internetz!



- Afterburner Wrapped De-Cat Up-Pipe And Studs
- K&N High Flow Panel Filter.

Ready for the full de-cat exhaust fitting on the 5th February!

[Rdlangy1]

Awesome

[asperformance]

should have used a "trick" up-pipe..............

[SpecB]

Originally Posted by asperformance

should have used a "trick" up-pipe..............

I didn’t want to say!

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by asperformance

should have used a "trick" up-pipe..............

Originally Posted by SpecB

I didn’t want to say!

Oh dear! Now you’ve got me worrying!? What’s the difference?

[scooby doo]

The bore size , it's to large for stock turbos so floods them and reduces spool.
I belive stock sti is 42mm bore don't hold me to that ,

[SpecB]

The 'Harvey' up-pipes sold by Alan make a massive difference to spool by accelerating the gas flow into the turbo and reducing spin up time - When I swapped mine (Magnex) I was about about 250rpm quicker to 1 bar.

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by SpecB

The 'Harvey' up-pipes sold by Alan make a massive difference to spool by accelerating the gas flow into the turbo and reducing spin up time - When I swapped mine (Magnex) I was about about 250rpm quicker to 1 bar.

Hmm, well I've spent the money now so I'll have the de-cat up-pipe fitted first with the exhaust system, have the car mapped and see what happens. I'll be replacing the injectors at some point so I'll change the up-pipe then and tweak the map. Thanks for the info guys

[IBenjieI]

Okay, so I've had a couple of days with the car off the road having some work done. On Tuesday it was in with SMD having a Walbro 255lph fuel pump and full decat exhaust fitted






During the fitting Simon found the up-pipe too short and the flanges not correctly aligned, so the original was refitted. Unbeknown to me was the fact that the Hawkeye WRX already comes with a decat up-pipe, so I was happy to keep the original but unfortunately it wasted an extra 2 hours altogether.

It wasn't until everything was all bolted back into position that Scoobyworld replied to my message that the up-pipe actually had a slip joint to adjust the length! Ah well.

Overall happy with the look and sound, definitely sounds more manly now!

Video with sound:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/139693...7689567975502/

No more stealth approaches for me!

[IBenjieI]

Then today I carefully drove up to Surrey Rolling Road in Farnborough for Duncan to have a play.

After 5 mins or so it was clear the car was losing boost, on investigation Duncan and Charlie found the intercooler and filter box clamps all loose, every single one of them! It's rare that the car comes out of SMD in this state so not sure whether to ignore it or not!

After the clamps were replaced and/or tightened, Duncan set about the tuning and power runs.

Really happy with the outcome, a picture paints a thousand words so here you go:




And after a few final tweaks:




It made 287.1 BHP and 360 lb ft of torque!

Sooo much more fun to drive now, pulls amazingly through the rev range.


And on the way home, treated myself to a V10 STi TMIC... fins are pretty good, needs a good clean but should come up nicely.

[Rdlangy1]

Sweet! Nice power too

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by Rdlangy1

Sweet! Nice power too

It's a completely different car now, amazing power and pulls so well. Really happy with it. Duncan was saying the Hawk WRX comes with decat up-pipe and STi injectors as standard, so a turbo swap for a bug or blob one should see some incredible figures!

Can't wait to come to some meets this year now...

Just finished cleaning the TMIC:



Will fit once I'm certain the water has dried from inside.

[scooby doo]

Very nice some good power there and bet it pulls great from low down,
The Sti cooler and vf43/8 will make it even better but be prepared for things like a clutch etc and read into head gaskets etc I'm not really up on 2.5's,
Is it boosting 1.1 tailing to .6?

[Steve_PPP]

Nice one. The pink pen on the tmic tells me you visited JPP in Crawley

Very strange re: the issues with SMD, who worked on the car? Brent or another one of his guys?

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by scooby doo

Very nice some good power there and bet it pulls great from low down,
The Sti cooler and vf43/8 will make it even better but be prepared for things like a clutch etc and read into head gaskets etc I'm not really up on 2.5's,
Is it boosting 1.1 tailing to .6?

Yeah Duncan didn’t want to go more than 1.1 but it’s on demand pretty much, feels amazing and pulls really well! I am prepared for the big bucks once I go silly power haha.

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

Nice one. The pink pen on the tmic tells me you visited JPP in Crawley

Very strange re: the issues with SMD, who worked on the car? Brent or another one of his guys?

Haha, they were a god send when I had my imported DC2! But yes, picked it up for £255 with mounts, happy with the price. Although I believe I need a different silicone turbo to y pipe?

It was a guy called Simon, never had issues with Brent. I’ll put it as a one off as I’ve never had any issues with them before.

[scooby doo]

I'd be really chuffed to fella. 360ft makes it a lovley road car I bet.
Will you need a Sti under tray too for the cooler ? I know the scoops are the same just the tray ?

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by scooby doo

I'd be really chuffed to fella. 360ft makes it a lovley road car I bet.
Will you need a Sti under tray too for the cooler ? I know the scoops are the same just the tray ?

God yeah, the torque is fantastic. The power feels a lot smoother now.

I believe so, I was discussing this same topic with a blob wagon owner earlier today. I think I’ll end up getting an STi scoop as it seems to have a bigger mouth than the WRX and I’ll source an undertray too after I fit the cooler, provided I can get it to fit that is!

[NL03Scooby]

Good results, nothing beats that first drive after a few modifications and a map.

One of my favourite changes when I went through a similar process was changing to a de-cat down pipe, freeing up some noise was probably more exciting then freeing up power and spool.

As mentioned, be sure to try and source the matching undertray for the intercooler, they were designed to work in tandem and give the best results possible.

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by NL03Scooby

Good results, nothing beats that first drive after a few modifications and a map.

One of my favourite changes when I went through a similar process was changing to a de-cat down pipe, freeing up some noise was probably more exciting then freeing up power and spool.

As mentioned, be sure to try and source the matching undertray for the intercooler, they were designed to work in tandem and give the best results possible.

The deep tone from the exhaust is so nice now, it really sounds like a Scoob should. Turbo spool is a little quicker and whistles too, also puts a grin on my face!

I’ll have a look on eBay today for the scoop and undertray. Will the car need a map tweak with the new top mount? Not sure if there will be a change in boost pressure or not. I’m not sure where to find the correct silicone hose for the y-pipe either...

[boggissimo]

Originally Posted by IBenjieI

I’ll have a look on eBay today for the scoop and undertray. Will the car need a map tweak with the new top mount? Not sure if there will be a change in boost pressure or not. I’m not sure where to find the correct silicone hose for the y-pipe either...

Finding the scoop in the right colour is the hard bit, it took me ages to get one in 48w. Looks like yours is 02g which is a bit easier to find, but only a hawk scoop will fit AFAIK (certainly a hawk scoop wouldn't fit my blob, so assume it's the same in reverse)

[scooby doo]

The Scoop on a Hawkeye from wrx to Sti is the same so no need to worry its the under tray, try matty on S'net around £60 for the undertray you need.

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by boggissimo

Finding the scoop in the right colour is the hard bit, it took me ages to get one in 48w. Looks like yours is 02g which is a bit easier to find, but only a hawk scoop will fit AFAIK (certainly a hawk scoop wouldn't fit my blob, so assume it's the same in reverse)

As Scooby doo just said, I don’t need to worry about the scoop apparently so that’s one less thing!

Originally Posted by scooby doo

The Scoop on a Hawkeye from wrx to Sti is the same so no need to worry its the under tray, try matty on S'net around £60 for the undertray you need.

I’ll have a look. Thanks mate 👍 Also as I’ve asked further up, will it need a remap for the cooler? Not sure if there will be a difference to boost or not. Cheers.

[scooby doo]

Best to ask you mapper, but i doubt it will as its not a big change in volume compared to going Fmic, but always best to ask the mapper.

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by scooby doo

Best to ask you mapper, but i doubt it will as its not a big change in volume compared to going Fmic, but always best to ask the mapper.

Will drop Duncan a message. Thanks mate.

[IBenjieI]

Finally got around to fitting my newly sprayed centre console and fascias, looks really nice in gloss black. However, I can see me becoming obsessed with keeping the finger prints off!



On another update side, the car is booked into SMD in Newhaven on Friday to have some Tein lowering springs fitted. After the incident with the intercooler hoses and clamps loose, Brent phoned me to apologise and offered some gratuitous labour as a way of saying sorry.

I did say to him this was unnecessary as 99.9% of the time the car comes out of SMD with nothing wrong. But he insisted, so I'm taking him up on the offer and having the car lowered. It should drop the standard height by around 25-30mm

[Rdlangy1]

Nice offer from SMD there

Will look nice lowered and handle much nicer as well

[scooby doo]

Looks Good, The JDM switch looks good against the black too.

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by IBenjieI

After the incident with the intercooler hoses and clamps loose, Brent phoned me to apologise and offered some gratuitous labour as a way of saying sorry.

Nice... fair enough, mistakes happen sometimes. It's how they deal with it that makes the difference between a good company and a bad one

Not many garages would spot something on a forum and proactively phone a customer with an apology and and offer like that

[Frenchie]

Agree,really good of them.Most people know my opinion re SMD and Brent, best service I have ever found and wouldn't use anyone else. Even travelled over from France to have some mods fitted to my new STi

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

Nice... fair enough, mistakes happen sometimes. It's how they deal with it that makes the difference between a good company and a bad one

Not many garages would spot something on a forum and proactively phone a customer with an apology and and offer like that

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Agree,really good of them.Most people know my opinion re SMD and Brent, best service I have ever found and wouldn't use anyone else. Even travelled over from France to have some mods fitted to my new STi

Fully agreed with the above comments, this is why I use Brent. He's good at what he does, he loves what he does and always treats the customers car like his own. I will never use anyone else.

Speaking of which, just got home after picking the car up from SMD. I've had Tein S Tech lowering springs fitted and full geometry set up carried out, along with a road test.




Much better! Handles really well and looks really mean, I like. Now I just need a new set of wheels

Brent sorted me out with 50% off the labour as promised, he also resecured my intercooler and put brand new hose clips on the silicone collar. Once again, showing why we use him.

[IBenjieI]

Ok, so now I have more power and a more aggressive stance I’m looking into a nice new set of wheels. I know the PCD is 5x100, but which offsets will COMFORTABLY fit the Hawk Wagon? Obviously more offsets give me more choice for wheels, really tied on what to choose at the moment!

[scooby doo]

will you be likely to fit larger brakes in the future ? If so think of clearance when choosing them.
I'm looking at a new set for mine but staying 17inch So 17x8 et48 clears the brembo calipers . Stock v7-8 sti is Et53

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by scooby doo

will you be likely to fit larger brakes in the future ? If so think of clearance when choosing them.
I'm looking at a new set for mine but staying 17inch So 17x8 et48 clears the brembo calipers . Stock v7-8 sti is Et53

Not really likely to go for a bigger brake set up in the future so would be looking for stock fitments, 17 inches more than likely. ET48 I’ve seen a lot of...

[scooby doo]

You will find plenty that fit fine for stock wrx calipers.

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by scooby doo

You will find plenty that fit fine for stock wrx calipers.

Awesome. Thanks mate

[boggissimo]

Originally Posted by IBenjieI

Not really likely to go for a bigger brake set up in the future so would be looking for stock fitments, 17 inches more than likely. ET48 I’ve seen a lot of...

If you ever plan on taking it on track, I would really recommend considering uprated brakes. One of the best mods I've made to my wagon. There's a lot of car to stop!

If you're already going to get new wheels, it would future proof you to get some that would go over Brembos.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

[Rdlangy1]

As above - STi Brembo brakes would make a huge difference

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by boggissimo

If you ever plan on taking it on track, I would really recommend considering uprated brakes. One of the best mods I've made to my wagon. There's a lot of car to stop!

If you're already going to get new wheels, it would future proof you to get some that would go over Brembos.

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Rdlangy1

As above - STi Brembo brakes would make a huge difference

Staying 17” then and with the above in mind, et48 would be my best bet?

[scooby doo]

It depends on the wheel. Rota grids in 17inch will not clear brembos According to mags on s'net (wheel dude) yet rota fighters/ boost 17x8 Et48 clear.
Prodrive ppf7 or reps look cool but 18in but regularly come up for sale at good price, oem v7-8 sti wheels 17x7.5 et53 and no brake issues ,
Wheels are a very personal touch.
You don't have to swap brakes either if the car doesn't see track work. There's a range of good pad/disc/lines options for the oem 4pots that on the road will hold up well , but if your thinking of sti turbo etc and upping the power it would be a good move to swap to the larger sti calipers as they take the heat better.

[IBenjieI]

The little things really do make a difference, for as long as I've owned the car the nearside rear light cluster had signs of impact damage and condensation. I managed to source another set on a selling page for £40 delivered.



10 minutes later...



Much better

Ignore the dirt, the car has been washed since yesterday

[Rdlangy1]

Great job

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by Rdlangy1

Great job

Cheers mate. Very slowly tidying bits up here and there.

[IBenjieI]

After a bit of information today more than anything. Currently running 290BHP so naturally looking for more power. I’m after a simple turbo upgrade to allow me to gain a few more ponies, without having to go silly and forge the engine. I’ve heard a VF36 would be a good choice?

Basically I’m after plug and play power. Money isn’t a huge issue, but I don’t want to be silly. I’m thinking max 350BHP for a daily.

Much love Amigos. <3

[scooby doo]

Be prepared to bombarded with different views as this is a personal choice and pick carefully , vf36 is a Twin scroll so you won’t be fitting that unless you want the task of a full Conversion.
Personally these are your options

VF43/48 designed for the 2.5 Sti theses come up cheap
Vf34/35 more the 2.ltr but should spool great on a 2.5
Td04 hybrid good for 320hp
Td05 18g
Sc36

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by scooby doo

Be prepared to bombarded with different views as this is a personal choice and pick carefully , vf36 is a Twin scroll so you won’t be fitting that unless you want the task of a full Conversion.
Personally these are your options

VF43/48 designed for the 2.5 Sti theses come up cheap
Vf34/35 more the 2.ltr but should spool great on a 2.5
Td04 hybrid good for 320hp
Td05 18g
Sc36

Legend. That’s plenty to choose from, VF43/48 I think was the turbo I had in mind, no idea why I said VF36. Should be a simple swap considering they’re both 2.5’s. Although reading what you said, VF34/35 would be a good choice. I’ll keep an eye out for those ones. I’ll end up having the turbo rebuilt before fitting it, I want to make sure I’m not going to blow it up!

Thanks mate.

[scooby doo]

The vf35 was designed for the bug , blob sti type uk. Good for up to 350hp with all the mods needed. Will spool up nicely yours . It’s deffo worth getting them rebuilt I’ve bought a view turbos lately and they have failed as people selling duff bits seems to be on the high atm, there’s vf30 to bit better flow top end on the 35.

[IBenjieI]

Originally Posted by scooby doo

The vf35 was designed for the bug , blob sti type uk. Good for up to 350hp with all the mods needed. Will spool up nicely yours . It’s deffo worth getting them rebuilt I’ve bought a view turbos lately and they have failed as people selling duff bits seems to be on the high atm, there’s vf30 to bit better flow top end on the 35.

I’m guessing the 35 wouldn’t be a really simple swap. I’m assuming the up-pipe is different as well as the exhaust headers.

For a fairly simple swap I’d probably end up using the VF48 for its updated bearing over the 43, not to mention the fact it’s come from the same engine.