Bonestock's 92 LS-L project.
 

Some of you may remember I have been thinking of modding my 80k mile SVX. Every time I decide to do it, I back out. I just cant seem to justify it anymore. I dunno if I have finally "grown up" (yikes!) or if I had a major shift in priorities. I really want a CTSv but again, I can justify the 70k price tag. Maybe in a few yrs given GM's notorious used car values! :lol:

Anyway, I have got to do some work to the SVX. The struts and strut mounts are toast. My muffler has a huge dent in it from a broken piece of asphalt and the cat is rattling.

Parts to order:
Struts- OE or Koni inserts. I have never used the inserts but I doubt the process is very difficult. OE struts & strut mounts installed 2/1/11. $1,024 (including new antenna).

Lowering springs- I have got to get the Subaru nose in the air look fixed. Cut 1 coil from each front spring 2/1/11. Free

Catalytic converter- If I can find the Magnaflow 2 into 1 p/n. Did not use

Muffler- Probably a Magnaflow 3rd gen F-body single in, dual out in the 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 range. Installed 2 1/4 true dual exhaust 1/27/11 $684

Exhaust- took the car back the following week and had 2 Magnaflow resonators added to quiet it down. Its still a bit loud but MUCH quieter than before. Completed 2/4/11 $112

Bushings- I'd like to pick up a full set of poly bushings if they are still being made.

Wheels- Either a set of STi BBS or Some other light wheel. I may even have a look at what deals are being offered on Rota's.

Antenna- Got to replace my broken motor. Installed new OEM 2/1/11

Interior dash trim- The idea is to remove all the fake wood crap and wrap it in 3M DI-NOC Carbon Fiber vinyl. http://www.carbonfiberfilm.com/ Installed the 3M film 1/7/11 $200 for a 96x48 roll. This is way oversize for just the interior trim

Trunk lift supports- Replaced 2/1/11 $62

Trans- 5MT or 6MT swap

Tuning- Hydra Nemesis or Ostrich emulator in the stock ECU.

CAI- GDYI mod 2/10/11 $95

Valve covers- replace all seals and refinished in wrinkle red. Completed 4/6/10

Stereo- 03 WRX HU, SVXdc Plug & Play wiring harness, Polk Audio db6501 6 1/2 component fronts & Polk Audio db691 6x9 rear. Completed 2/6/10

Its going to be a busy month. I have been putting this off for too long. I have been REALLY considering a 5MT swap. The cost seems really high though. We will see. Hopefully next yr I can get a CTSv and then start a EJ25 swap on the SVX!:cool:


Notice how bad the stock exhaust was bent out of shape before being replaced!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...20cars/004.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...20cars/006.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...20cars/008.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...20cars/007.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...0211011723.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/BVM03/SVX009.jpg

New exhaust!
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...llphone034.jpg

Re: The plan
 

94007 for the OBD1s.

Re: The plan
 

I may be mistaken, but I don't believe you can use lowering springs with stock struts...particularly GC springs. Perch will have to be modified. ----now that I think about it I do think Dayle offers some springs that will work with the stock struts...

I do have the Koni/GC setup, and I will say even with the Koni's on a very soft setting (a quarter turn from zero'd out) you still feel every imperfection on the road. It's sometimes even uncomfortable, especially on poorly paved roads. I am riding stock rims btw. Ride is definitely better than my worn out stock suspension, there is absolutely no no nose dive when braking and squat when accelerating.

Re: The plan
 

You can use stock type lowering springs with stock struts OR stock struts with Koni inserts.
but unless they are Mychailo's or custom made they (the springs)will not help handeling.

Re: The plan
 

SVXfiles, thanks for the p/n.

As for handling, lol I am in Florida, we don't really have twisty roads around here! The springs are more for looks than anything. I cant stand the 60's Pontiac look (nose higher than rear) most Subaru's have.

Note, I ordered the 3M film today... $200! But I got the 96x48 roll. I plan on having some fun with that stuff. I am even gonna wrap the top of my computer desk! ;)

Re: The plan
 

Yea that CF stuff is nice. Think it would look tacky on the roof of a blue car? (not the trunk lid)

I've got a set of Dayle's drop springs if you want them cheap. Also an antenna motor from my parts car.

Re: The plan
 

"Drop" me a PM and let me know how much you want for them. I might not get back to you until later. I am going riding in this awesome 72f day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Re: The plan
 

The carbon fiber film has shipped. Is there a how to on how to remove all the fake wood trim?

Re: The plan
 

I'm inspired to try the CF film on the interior trim too. Do you really think it all needs to be removed to do it though? What are you planning to do about the A/C control labels?

Re: The plan
 

I would prefer to remove the trim and wrap the film over the parts. For the labels I am just going to trim as tightly to it as possible

Re: The plan
 

Cool, I think I'll start pulling the trim from my parts car and do the same. The interior is pretty difficult to take apart though (at least without breaking anything).

Any word on the rest of your plans? I've got a working antenna in my parts car I can part with. It stuck a bit when I first got the car but I greased it and it was fine for like 6 months after that. The little rubber cone thing that sits on the outside isn't the prettiest though. Interested?

Re: The plan
 

Magnaflow does make a 2 in, 1 out cat that fits the car. I have one on mine.
I don't have the part#.
I also have the Magnaflow Single in dual out muffler on my 92'.
It is quiet at idle and growls when you stomp on it.

Re: The plan
 

I have heard Andrews car in person and it sounds exactly as he describes it. Definitely a good option for exhaust.

Re: The plan
 

I am loving this 3M carbon fiber film. I wrapped a bunch of stuff yesterday. You can tell I got much better the more I did so I am going to re-wrap the gauge cluster. Those compound curves were hard. It didn't help that I was up till 2:30am and had to get up at 6:30. I am tired!

Pjcs aren't good. And I was too tired to care. The flash makes the "Wood" color stand out for the HVAC but its not as bad in normal lighting. I think I am going to try again but use masking tape and trim the lettering then apply the film. Once heated the outline of the masking tape should show under the film. The I can use an exacto and cut perfectly! I'll try that tonight. I didn't notice it but I also have the film in the wrong direction on one part too. Add that to the re-do list.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...onFiber005.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...onFiber008.jpg


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...onFiber006.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...onFiber002.jpg

I even wrapped the top of my computer desk!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...onFiber001.jpg

Re: The plan
 

Wow that looks great!! I was wondering if maybe you could put black window tint film over the wood grain area on the climate controls. Might be an easy solution.