Attempting to locate the oil leak (rather substantial, but only while on the road)...it might be the oil pan juncture to the block. Seems hard to believe I could have messed that up...but since we have a new oil pan to install, would eliminate that possibility. Disassembled for cleaning - pretty impressive workmanship:


And:


We appreciate the workmanship/detail that went into the update. Diagonal trap doors should completely eliminate any concern for our application. Our 245 Rivals won't provide that much stick!

 

Love the detail on this pan:


Install was painless...actually easier than OEM due to slightly different pickup location (no finagling the pan into place):


Comparison of the OEM to Racefab pickup - notice the enlarged intake area:


Let it sit 48 hours and filled it with 6 quarts (2 more than OEM) and took it to the car wash for its first bath!


This will be a fun car - very quick steering and I noticed the faster we took the corners (rotaries!), the more my Assistant smiled. This may be indications of things to come! :grin:

 

Well, first attempt to pass inspection ended up with:


And:


The inspector wasn't pleased with the 'updated' exhaust...not unsurprisingly. Missed the noise limit by 1 db (96 db). Total of three issues - a slightly loose control arm (thank you inspectors!) and an exhaust mount that was askew.

I have since fixed two of the three nits. Awaiting this 'plug' (DB Killer) to lower the exhaust note:

https://www.dl-racing.com/Silencer-DB-Killer-45-114mm

In the mean time, passing 400 kms on the combination, gave a fellow car friend a ride - he was impressed although the 2nd gear 270 degree on-ramp took him a bit by surprise as the car transitioned between oversteer and understeer a bit - he took full advantage of the overhead 'bejesus' grab handle. :-)

Another appt on Friday (assuming the db killer shows up)...this time I will take the young female assistant to the event and see if we can gain a bit of ground on 'pity'. Ha.


I've already been followed to parking as well as engaged during other events for pics and inquiring about the car. :grin: Do EV's get this type of attention?

 

1 db? that is strict!

 

They gave two attempts at the sound meter. My db killer showed up...hate to drill into the tip to install, but it will only be temporary. Saying that...it is loud...too loud for my liking so...looking at other long term options.

 

Big news! Evo has passed the German inspection!:

After updating this sewer pipe size outlet:


And 'plugging' it with a db Killer:


End result!:


Sound went from 96-99 db (waivered) to a solid 92. I will say highway driving is now like an OEM exhaust...we realize this isn't good for HP, but a reaffirms the interest in a quiet exhaust...

We also did a few very minor adds...but lends to a finished car:

Missing clips:


Missing strut top dust caps:


Hopefully, now we can move to the next stage...tuning, dynoing, and a Ring visit (if it survives!)

 

Very nice! Those little finishing details set it apart.

 

You should go on June 14, the 5:15pm session.

 

RobbieOh: Thanks - we consider it part of the fun...new parts are like Christmas.

kaj: June is a good bit in the future...hopefully we will know if the 4G63 is going to go or blow before then. Will you be in town?

Permanent registration finally...new plates...and first family dinner outing to downtown Stuttgart (Five Guys!) for bit of torture test!


Passed with flying colors...also hit 23 psi and 6000 rpm :grin: :


Few discrepancies still, a clunk, loud exhaust, an occasional high idle (1500 rpm), and oil pressure (uh oh). Changed the sending unit out today (I've had Autometer sender failures before) as it was reading inconsistently and occasionally 0 at idle with no dash oil light or any other indications. We'll see after another oil change and few miles.

 

yeah, I know it's kinda far away. I'll be the guy wringing out the Clio RS.
Random, but I wouldn't suppose you are familiar with Cologne.....?

 

kaj: Rentals are the best handling car out there! I've gone with the prepped Swifts in the past - all are a blast.

Well over 1000 miles on the car...another oil change to synthetic


and 24 mpg on yesterday's 200 mile trip to Worms, Germany.


Uneventful...although next to no sound deadening, twitchy coil overs, lack of cruise control, and a dead radio didn't win my co-pilot over.

It certainly gets the attention - even on the autobahn in a stau, fellow enthusiasts start conversations...

 

You have absolutely no idea how refreshing this thread is with parts numbers and measurements.

Being American, we won't have access to these for 8 months. I already own one and am just playing the waiting game until I can have it delivered to the states.

Let me tell you, the only info out there is on UK based forums and they REALLY, REALLY love being incredibly vague with specific info. "How heavy is the RS diff"? "Pretty heavy lol". I have been at it for hours looking for specific information on the V with no luck on the UK forums.

If you ever get a chance, PLEASE post the weight distribution. There is no info anywhere on it. Nobody anywhere seems to know what the corner weight is for these.

 

Seleckt: Glad you like and glad it is useful to someone. I enjoy/prefer build threads...to avoid the same mistakes/research someone else has already done! It has been a fun journey for sure...looks like we will turn the first Nurburgring lap this Sunday...hoping I can keep my foot out of the boost to not damage the engine. Call it 20% laps!

Weight distribution: Well, that might happen. We are already inquiring about overall weight. Since this car has coil overs, it makes sense to corner weight the car which will come with cost. Unfortunately, I believe one of the struts are dead (B14 Bilstein) so... I'm certainly interested to see how much lighter it might be than STI/later Evo...under 3000 would be hoped!

 

I really hope it's under 3,000 as well. Though, a wet weight with all fluids topped off is approximately 3,200lbs with no driver. <3,000lbs is doable while keeping A/C and a full interior, but you'd need to have swapped out quite a few things for lightweight versions to reach it I would think. Seats, wheels, suspension components, and all the chromoly underbelly bits from Racefab *should* in theory get you to the 2,XXXlbs club without gutting any of the creature comforts. Though it'll cost a pretty penny.

 

Seleckt: My 04 STI with seat/front rear aluminum bumpers is 3100 without fuel. This car seems to feel (sound) like it is 100 pounds lighter. We will see...More miles and more smiles! Really enjoy driving this car over others. Perfect for my urban commute and taxi service to the family. It just works - no overheating, no leaks, small yet 4 doors and 4 folks able...quick steering never gets old. Just need to get it tuned! Seriously considering a Link ECU and move on...

Quick project...new shift boot to replace the aged original - admittedly, now it doesn't look much of a difference. Comparison old versus new:


Complete - such an easy car to work on - love Japanese:


Also investigated fresh speakers...wondered if our Tweeters are OEM. Seems not all have them - ours appear to be OEM - from part number to the ready for install door panel. Of course, our originals are broke too:


And lower door speaker:


Size:


I'm not a fan of much of anything, but powerplant sounds...co-pilot desires Bluetooth...will look for an inexpensive, simple system.