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GoodTimesIndeed Build Thread...

GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
Woohoo, the new exhaust is here!

https://flic.kr/p/SYyPbA

Initial impressions right out of the box are good. Everything was packed well and the quality of the components feel great. The satin finish of the pipes make them look quite impressive and the weight of them gives a nice hefty feeling (.065" thick T304 stainless steel). The tips are gorgeous! I absolutely HATED the oem size tips. Can't wait to see how this all looks on the car!

Was so excited that I already took my old downpipe off.
https://flic.kr/p/SYyR9d

Sort of wish that I would have done a sound clip of "before" but I didn't want to get everything all warmed up then have to work around hot pipes and such. As expected that last bolt was a b!tch to get off. The other 3 came off with a turn of a wrench. Come to realize that my can of PB Blaster was empty (or not spraying for some reason) so had to WD40 them.

Initially I thought that the slow-ass shipping from ECS was going to screw me over yet again since my new gasket w/hanger isn't due to be delivered until Monday (seriously ECS?!). Come to find out that a new gasket was included with the hardware.... BONUS! Now I'll be able to get everything on and just have to swap out the hanger when I get it.

Tomorrow I'm going to put the PTP turbo blanket on and see how far I get with the install. I already wrapped the new downpipe this eve to save myself some time and hassle. Never did a catback install before so I'm not exactly sure what I'm in for.

Hopefully will have it ready to run soon!
 

GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
From this...
2017-03-25_11-23-06 by Justin N, on Flickr

To this...
https://flic.kr/p/TcfFNb

https://flic.kr/p/T21FRm

https://flic.kr/p/TfQ4ve

Overall not a bad project. I was really impressed by how well the exhaust fit and went together.

I almost gave up on the PTP turbo blanket. I'm not proud of the quality of job that I did here, but its done. It was nearly impossible to install this as intended without ripping half the car apart but I made it work. Extra bonus is sitting at a redlight while everyone stares at the smoke pouring out from under your hood HAHA.
https://flic.kr/p/TfPpuV

The downpipe went back on rather smoothly. I was able to reinstall all 4 nuts from underneath the car (yay for having long arms).

The tips could possibly need a minor tweak as one seems a bit lower than the others, but that might just be me being anal about it too LOL. Not sure how I would even fix it to be honest.
https://flic.kr/p/RYovHQ

The sound is fantastic! Even my wife commented on it. Its throatier and lower tone but not loud. It has a nice even sound and consistency from low rpms to high. Maybe a "little" drone when off the throttle coasting/coming to a stop but I'm not going to complain given that its 3" and catless. At 60mph its nearly stock sounding... till you hit the gas again haha. I think between taking the underdrive pulley off and now going to the 3" I might have lost a little bottom end grunt, but it almost seems more linear now midrange and up top (could just be in my head though).

I think the value to dollar ratio with this exhaust is fantastic. You get a lot for a decent price.
 

GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
So I decided to try a new product.
https://flic.kr/p/TkTavL

I saw it advertised on facebook (yes... seriously) and the product sounded interesting and results intrigued me so I thought I would give it a try. I'm not going to say that its the greatest thing since sliced bread but the results are interesting. I used it on every exterior surface, glass, rubber, trim, wheels, exhaust, the entire car. And....

https://flic.kr/p/TpPw9n

https://flic.kr/p/S8jQjw

https://flic.kr/p/TdpoJ2

https://flic.kr/p/Tdpqk8

https://flic.kr/p/SaXH7Z

https://flic.kr/p/S8jWMG

https://flic.kr/p/TdpsWk

https://flic.kr/p/SPP38G

https://flic.kr/p/SPP5v7

https://flic.kr/p/SPP8db

https://flic.kr/p/SaXNBB

Gotta say I think it looks pretty damn good. I think I was breaking a few necks as I was out driving around a little while ago LOL. I use Chemical Guys products almost exclusively but I never seen water bead up like it does with this stuff. I will be doing a road trip this weekend and its supposed to rain a good bit tomorrow. Will be interesting to see how the new coating performs.

Also did a quick cold start, step down video of the Eurojet exhaust.
https://flic.kr/p/S8kbLU

I absolutely LOVE this setup! I used to think my car sounded good before, but now it actually "sounds" like a sports car and even makes it feel sportier too and no doubt gained more power up top.

EDIT: Had the car out on the interstate a few hours. The exhaust does have a little drone and can be a little loud at certain mph/rpm combinations. Im not complaining but to someone else out there who might want whisper quiet this probably isn't the exhaust for you.

Weird thing happened about 4hrs in. Bumped from 6th down to 4th for a gear pull and the car sort of hesitated up top for a moment and the CEL flashed a few times. My polar didn't show any misfire or anything. Not sure what that was all about.

Also had a bird bounce off my front lower valance. Looks like one of the pieces popped out a little meaning I think part of the grill got pushed in. Thinking I'll probably have to pull the bumper to fix it.
 
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GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
Little update, not much to really report. Since my wife and I decided our main focus is on home projects the car has pretty much been forgotten.

Still haven't got the side skirts painted, not even sure when that will likely happen.

Ever since installing my drivers side underseat tray I have wanted to get one for the passenger side. Found a used one on here the other day and pulled the trigger on it. Just installed it today. The underseat trays are a must have interior mod if you ask me.

https://flic.kr/p/UkTref

Since the temps are near 90 and humid, I decided to finally fill up the meth tank and see how the tweaked setup runs. I went with a 60/40 mix ratio this time and just came back from a little cruise around. The car seems to pull well, especially in the top end. The longer I stayed in it the harder the car pulled. According to my flow gauge I still get a major spike when injection starts (needle pegs 1000) then it seems to settle in a bit. Not sure if I need to maybe adjust pump pressure down or what. I also seem to be getting some misfires once I come to a stop (noticeably cylinder 2). Not sure what thats all about. For how little I'll probably actually use it I'm not too concerned I guess.

The exhaust has gotten even better sounding now that it has been broken in a bit. Even get some little burbles now when off throttle and slowing down. Really like it!

Also went to my first meet here in MD a few weeks ago. It was small but some nice cars.

https://flic.kr/p/TXKi1w

Don't think one person even looked at my car or asked me about it. Oh well, supposedly another one coming up this weekend that I might go to.
 
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riceburner

Autocross Champion
Nice updates! I bought the other seat tray which is funny. Doesnt seem like the holt holes line up under my driver seat. Does the trays flange sit above or below where it bolts into the seat?

Also love the red pinstripe on your interior dash trim. I may have to copy that. Haha. Where did you get the hvac knobs?
 

GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
Car looks great Justin!

Thanks man! Been following your updates as well. Can't WAIT to hear that exhaust cutout and big turbo scream!

Nice updates! I bought the other seat tray which is funny. Doesnt seem like the holt holes line up under my driver seat. Does the trays flange sit above or below where it bolts into the seat?

Also love the red pinstripe on your interior dash trim. I may have to copy that. Haha. Where did you get the hvac knobs?

HAHA, was a pretty good deal on those trays (good seller too). There are SO many holes under the seat you just have to be patient to find the right ones that line up. I think from start to finish the passenger side install took about 10 minutes to do.

Not exactly sure what you mean by "the trays flange". The drawer itself almost sticks out in front of the seat, not under it. Did you check out the install video that ECS has posted? EDIT - Forgot I took some pics when I did my driverside a while back. Maybe these will help.

The red pinstripe on the dash was done a long time ago, was like one of my first interior mods. Its the result of being bored + having a roll of red pinstripe + drinking beer. I really like the look of it and it pulls some of the red exterior accents into the interior. It has held up really well so far too.

The HVAC knobs were purchased on aliexpress. They were originally like a burgandy color though so I resprayed them a red that better matched. Also drilled a little hole in the face of them so that the LED light of the original knob shines through. That way whether day or night, I can tell what setting everything is at.
 
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GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
Had to share a cool shot that was taken of my car at the meet this weekend.

https://flic.kr/p/UPcZmq
Photo credit: Tony Watson

Small turnout once again but had a good time. Had a wth moment on the way there. Car threw a solid CEL on the drive there. After messing with my torque app trying to get it to connect for like 20 min (new phone) found out it was "bank 1 too lean" code. Started the car (sounded like it had a big cam LOL) and listened around in the bay and started checking connections and stuff. Turns out a little rubber cap that covers the unused nipple on the intake manifold had split and was causing the issue. Luckily the meet was at a euro shop and they had something to remedy the situation. All good once again!
 

GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
Damn, can't believe that its been almost a year since I last updated this. Then again I haven't done much with the car lately either.

Maintenance time though! I'm about a month overdue for a brake fluid flush, and I figured since the car is a 2011 that I'd upgrade the lines as well. Going to go with StopTech Stainless Steel lines both front and rear. Even splurged for the Schwaben "Level 3" maintenance kit that includes the pressure bleeder, 2 bottles, wrench, and Ate 200 fluid. I've never messed with brake fluid and lines but hopefully this won't be too bad of a project. Will have to search for some DIY write-ups and videos.

Also going to be changing from oem Castrol oil to LiquiMoly Molygen 5w-40. I've only used oem up until this point and have had good luck with it but it seems like a lot of people run LiquiMoly so I figured I would give it a shot. Hopefully won't regret it haha.

Other than that the car has been running good. I do get a small "thud" sound at least once or twice when I have the car out but only at very slow speeds while turning hard (ex. pulling into a parking spot). Doesn't do it all the time either so not sure what that is all about?! And I noticed that my head liner is starting to sag ever so slightly right at the overhead storage compartment. Not sure what I'll do about that. Sucks because I always garage park it and take care of it too.

Hope to someday get those side skirts painted and some PDR done as well... sigh.
 

Tony48

Go Kart Champion
Damn, can't believe that its been almost a year since I last updated this. Then again I haven't done much with the car lately either.

Maintenance time though! I'm about a month overdue for a brake fluid flush, and I figured since the car is a 2011 that I'd upgrade the lines as well. Going to go with StopTech Stainless Steel lines both front and rear. Even splurged for the Schwaben "Level 3" maintenance kit that includes the pressure bleeder, 2 bottles, wrench, and Ate 200 fluid. I've never messed with brake fluid and lines but hopefully this won't be too bad of a project. Will have to search for some DIY write-ups and videos.

Also going to be changing from oem Castrol oil to LiquiMoly Molygen 5w-40. I've only used oem up until this point and have had good luck with it but it seems like a lot of people run LiquiMoly so I figured I would give it a shot. Hopefully won't regret it haha.

Other than that the car has been running good. I do get a small "thud" sound at least once or twice when I have the car out but only at very slow speeds while turning hard (ex. pulling into a parking spot). Doesn't do it all the time either so not sure what that is all about?! And I noticed that my head liner is starting to sag ever so slightly right at the overhead storage compartment. Not sure what I'll do about that. Sucks because I always garage park it and take care of it too.

Hope to someday get those side skirts painted and some PDR done as well... sigh.

Good to hear you and the car are still doing well! Good luck with the brake line change & bleed. It should be a piece of cake. Just don't get any brake fluid on your paint!

My headliner also started sagging a few months ago...on the recessed corner behind the driver's side fold down visor. It's not very noticeable so I'll probably ignore it for a few months until I decide I need a new project. In the meantime I have new coilovers, control arm bushings, and a subframe collar set to install, plus finishing up some work on my front brakes and other random projects :w00t:

EDIT: Almost forgot to mention, good luck with the Schwaben pressure bleeder! That thing wouldn't come anywhere close to creating a seal on my master cylinder. I just contacted ECS a few days ago and they sent me the aluminum MC adapter so I'll give that a try soon....I'm not optimistic though.
 

GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
Good to hear you and the car are still doing well! Good luck with the brake line change & bleed. It should be a piece of cake. Just don't get any brake fluid on your paint!

My headliner also started sagging a few months ago...on the recessed corner behind the driver's side fold down visor. It's not very noticeable so I'll probably ignore it for a few months until I decide I need a new project. In the meantime I have new coilovers, control arm bushings, and a subframe collar set to install, plus finishing up some work on my front brakes and other random projects :w00t:

EDIT: Almost forgot to mention, good luck with the Schwaben pressure bleeder! That thing wouldn't come anywhere close to creating a seal on my master cylinder. I just contacted ECS a few days ago and they sent me the aluminum MC adapter so I'll give that a try soon....I'm not optimistic though.

Haha, thanks man! Honestly I was going to hit you up to see if you would be willing to give me a hand (since you seem to be the brake guru) but ultimately decided to just buy/do the stuff myself. I appreciate the heads up about the lousy seal. I seem to recall some of the reviews mentioned the same. I don't really have other choices though so hopefully I will be able to get it to work.

Sucks about your headliner sagging too. How do you plan on going about fixing it? I'm afraid that if I try something I'll only make it worse haha.

Sounds like some good stuff going on your way as well. What coilovers did you go with? I would like to someday upgrade mine, leaning towards the BC coils. So many things that I would "like" to do though house projects seem to be eating up every last cent that I have.
 

Tony48

Go Kart Champion
Haha, thanks man! Honestly I was going to hit you up to see if you would be willing to give me a hand (since you seem to be the brake guru) but ultimately decided to just buy/do the stuff myself. I appreciate the heads up about the lousy seal. I seem to recall some of the reviews mentioned the same. I don't really have other choices though so hopefully I will be able to get it to work.

If you're struggling for a seal try some teflon tape on the MC threads. That's been recommended on here before. Some people said they put a 40mm o-ring inside the cap and that helped make a seal but I tried and it had no effect. I'll let you know if the aluminum cap works, tracking number says it should be delivered today (for reference, it's this one). Worst case scenario you'll have to do the 2-man method with pumping the brakes. Just let me know if you need a hand!

EDIT: I tried the aluminum cap and it was much better (I could actually build some pressure) but it still leaked down in less than 5 seconds. I think with the o-ring trick or some teflon tape I'll be able to get a full seal. The aluminum cap actually threaded on correctly and didn't sit cocked.

Sucks about your headliner sagging too. How do you plan on going about fixing it? I'm afraid that if I try something I'll only make it worse haha.

I think the only way to truly fix it is to drop the headliner, pull all the fabric off, scrape all the foam off, spray a specialty headliner adhesive, and reapply some OEM fabric. When I looked into this awhile back I found a few places that sell OEM anthracite fabric for ~$70. Here's a DIY on an MK5 to give you an idea of what's involved. I'm realllllly not looking forward to doing this haha.

Sounds like some good stuff going on your way as well. What coilovers did you go with? I would like to someday upgrade mine, leaning towards the BC coils. So many things that I would "like" to do though house projects seem to be eating up every last cent that I have.

I bought a set of ST coilovers. Couldn't resist the $150 rebate going on right now. They're not the best out there but since moving into the city I've really been wanting a comfier suspension setup. I know I'll miss the handling of my current setup but I'm driving over 60 miles a day now so comfort is a priority.

I thought hard about getting a set of BC's. I like the fact that you can buy all parts and do repairs if necessary. Just couldn't justify the extra expense especially since I'm aiming more for comfort than performance. I was certainly tempted though :laugh: and I'm sure you'd be happy with them. If you do get a set I'd love to take a ride for comparison. I also have a strut housing spreader tool and maybe even the correct size top mount nut socket if you need help with install.
 
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GoodTimesIndeed

Go Kart Champion
Guess I'll update with the good, bad, and the ugly from my brake project over the weekend.

The good - for the most part the project went smoother than anticipated. For some reason I was really apprehensive about swapping the lines and such but I think it worked out ok. Got the car up in the air and tires off. Went around and PB blasted all bolts. After a bit went around and cracked them all lose. Only one that gave me issues was the driver rear bleeder (more on that later). The tip I read on having MANY pairs of disposable gloves handy was good advice as this project was quite messy and brake fluid is super slippery.

Started up front and had no problems swapping out the lines all the way around. Actually was surprisingly easy. No issues with clips and didn't even have to disconnect brake sensors like I seen mentioned in some diys.

The bad - then it came to bleeding the lines and here's where things went downhill. As anticipated the power bleeder took a few tries to get a good seal on the reservoir. Unfortunately in the meantime this means brake fluid pouring out everywhere onto the transmission and below. What a mess! Finally wrapped some nylon tape around the threads and got a good seal. The fronts bled perfectly, just like they should. The rear... uh, not so much. I had good pressure in the bleeder and my bottle on the bleeder nipple. Go to crack the driver rear bleeder and nothing. I loosen it up a bit more and still hardly anything came out. Loosen it up even more to where I think it was coming out from under the nipple. Other rear side seemed to do a similar thing. WTH?! Now, when I was swapping lines earlier, fluid continued to pour out. I sort of wonder if by doing so that it almost "bled itself"?! But I'm still baffled on why this happened.

After a few attempts I sort of gave up. I changed my oil real quick and start it up while its still up in the air with tires off. Brake pedal feels ok and I don't see any leaks.

The ugly - So it comes time to put my summer wheels on (woohooo). I roll the one around the car and lean it up near the front of the car. I go back around the car to grab the other tire and I see something rolling past me..... and then it falls on its face :-(. Yes, apparently stupidity and gravity were with me that fine day as I scratched the outer edges of every spoke on 1 of my wheels. I was so (still am) upset. Not the end of the world but it pisses me off knowing that I did so.

Anyways, I get everything bolted up and go for a quick drive, being hard on the brakes any chance I could. The pedal feels ok for the most part, though I can't say I notice a difference with the new lines (not sure if I even should). I still wonder though if I got all the air out of the lines or why that happened? Does anyone know if the master cylinder and brake system in general will sort of eventually "burp" the excess air out after a few drives?

I have a long drive coming up this weekend, last thing I want to encounter is failing brakes.
 

jay745

What Would Glenn Danzig Do
A common bleeding method is gravity bleeding which entails leaving the bleeder open for an extended period of time. Because the bleeder valve is on top, the air will work its way out. Takes about an hour to complete the process I think. Most people don't do it this way because it's messy and takes longer. Get's the job done all the same though.

Those bleeders are a terrible design. Unfortunately you had to learn the hard way like many others including myself. I've made a similar mess caused from a bad seal on the bleeder. Ended up sticking an O ring in the cap and that solved it. After reading up on it, its very common. Sucks.
 
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