Off the forums for the last 5 years - What advances did I miss?

[Di Bari]

So I'm finally back in a position where I can spend some money and time on the VR-4. Seems there have been quite a few advancements and changes on mods over the years, and hoping someone can give me the essentials crash course.


To give you an idea, my mods are from 7-8 years ago.

- Tec 15G's
- GReddy E-Manage Blue
- MAFT v. who knows...
- PPE FMIC Pipes / FMIC
- GReddy Type S
- RC720CC Injectors
- Walboro 255
- Stillen DP
- ATR Single Shot
- Spec Stage III
- 300M 18 Spline
- K Sport Coilovers (all blown)
- Stainless steel fuel loop


Ideally, I'm going to pull the motor and trans to do some basics (ABS delete, remove non essential things in the engine bay, remove cruise control, etc) I also need to redo all the subframe mounts, suspension, bushings, etc. Car has 132k on it, and has been running e85 for the last 5 years. Would appreciate any input on things to get the car up to do date, more reliable, simpler, and will never turn down power options, but I do think I'll stick with 15G's for now.


Thanks from an 3/S Old timer. Can't believe it's been 10 years now.


Random modification goals:
- Cooling system (smaller radiator or move forward to make more space)
- Fuel System (get it updated better for e85)
- Removal of ABS, AWS, Cruise Control, useless weight/items
- Suspension & Steering updates/mounts/bushings/etc


I'm selling a local car I picked up and will use this to help fund the restoration: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3969132090.html

[mb3000]

For your fuel system I would recommend the new E85 approved Walbro 400.

[IPD]

For your fuel system I would recommend the new E85 approved Walbro 400.

i'd go with aeromotive stealth. i don't like whinebros. i'd also just go to dual feed rails, rather than loop it--but that's personal preference.

if you feel like upgrading, flashable ecu > piggybacks now...at least that's what everyone keeps telling me.

there's some high-quality coilover offerings available now. jfast has a thread where people have been posting dyno plots on their shocks.

[sergechronos]

i'd go with aeromotive stealth. i don't like whinebros. i'd also just go to dual feed rails, rather than loop it--but that's personal preference.

if you feel like upgrading, flashable ecu > piggybacks now...at least that's what everyone keeps telling me.

there's some high-quality coilover offerings available now. jfast has a thread where people have been posting dyno plots on their shocks.

From what Chris Hill said, the Walbro400 doesn't have the same whine the 255 did. Debating between the Wally400 or the Aero340. If you're wanting to upgrade to E85, make sure that you use lines that are safe with E85. There are numerous choices if you want to make your own or buy from a vendor. IPS also made replacement fuel pumps hats as I recall that even had the AN fitting already built in, and somebody else did a guide on how to modify yours to make it work as well if your fuel pump hat is still in good shape.

Flashable ECUs are definitely a big improvement. Basically as far as versatility and capability it's between a full on Standalone and Piggybacks. Greg is working to change that, and for most street cars, the Flashable ECUs is pretty much good as it gets it seems. EVO guys have been using them for years.


As far as the coilovers, Jfast's thread is here. It is an excellent and informative read. I think his finally choices are around the last page or two with brand and rates and what not. he went with used Evo coilovers and had them redone to meet his goals.

Beyond that, Dynamic Racing's Dr650 and DR750 turbos are pretty much all the power most folks could want and they're TD04 with great spool and big HP.

Not sure how much smaller you could make the radiator, I recall somebody did something with theirs and angled it forwards a little bit or something which gave better clearance with minimal losses. The factory radiators are really quite good, and have good space savings when paired with 2 factory driver side fans. I think most of the aftermarket radiators tend to be thicker, not thinner.

I think GZP has most of the poly bushings for the front end, and PMP has solid bushings for the rear diff. Brakes have a few more options and people have done some different custom things like GT500 brakes and what not, although 2g calipers with better pads, fluids and braided lines is still a very competent choice.

There was a discovery that aftermarket cams have been made wrong for the platform for years, Pampena worked with BC to get new cams made that should be better, there should be results before too long.


If you're looking for cosmetic stuff:
Replacement seat skins mean the interior is easily fixed up if yours has cracked or worn seats. Can't recall who does those off hand
Most aftermarket bumpers continue to suck. Cianci still produces pieces although opinion is split on them, GZP carries them and says that the quality is back up to what it previously was.

[HellBringer]

From what Chris Hill said, the Walbro400 doesn't have the same whine the 255 did. Debating between the Wally400 or the Aero340.

I've owned both. The Walbro 400 is a badass pump and it's silent as a mouse. The A340 is a joke in comparison.

[j2k4]

This board is the most awesome advance.

Welcome aboard!

[green-lantern]

You had a different screen name on the other site right?

[Alex3000gt]

You had a different screen name on the other site right?

StealthXtreme I think.

[OhioSpyderman]

Hey, HI Matt!!!!

Bob.

[Di Bari]

Hey, HI Matt!!!!

Bob.

Hey Bob! Glad to see you're still around. How are things? It's weird do think about how much has changed! Went from having this car in High School, through college, and now I've been out for a few years, and just made my first career move and left Allstate for a newer Software company that is experiencing rapid growth.

You had a different screen name on the other site right?

Yup. StealthXtreme4 on the other. Join date of Jan 03. Started as a young dumb 16 year old, and have grown up with my car over the years. (Personally, and professionally). Graduated from Purdue, started as an Entry Level Network Engineer, and moved up to be the Manager and Technical Team Lead of F5 Engineering at a Fortune 100 company. Moved to Indianapolis 2 months ago for a company called Interactive Intelligence. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse, and figured no risk, no reward, so it was time to try another company and see what happens.