What have you done to your car today?

[misnblu]

Well it's been a while since I posted any updates but I guess it's about time.
I just competed a drum to disc conversion using machined Dodge Neon caliper brackets and all Dodge SRT-4 components for the conversion.
So I went from going from this:

to this:

Custom Earls stainless steel brake lines installed.

Wilwood big brake kit is on the way to compliment the rear discs and M45 supercharger is on the way too.

 

[Giancarlo]

In a manner no way related to your car misnblu, am i the only one with thinks colored wheel nuts are silly looking?

 

[misnblu]

In a manner no way related to your car misnblu, am i the only one with thinks colored wheel nuts are silly looking?

No insult taken.
Just for your knowledge, these are the McGuard lug nuts, two piece, and hard anodized.
They cost a pretty penny for them and have been the best lugs I've bought yet. No rust like the other brands and the anodizing hasn't faded or chipped off.
And yeah, I wanted the red just for the heck of it.

 

[Philly]

oh ya sorry, forgot that in the states its different, well for you guys, i'd say i blacked out my windows 0% , meaning letting now sun rays through at all.

Over here, the percentage stands for how much tint it is, not how much sun light gets through.

At night on non illuminated roads, the blacked out windshield is a bit tricky to drive with, but luckily there are barely any roads that arent illuminated anyways

Wait... So your windows don't let any light through. Doesn't that mean that you can't see anything out of them? Because vision uses light and if there's no light than that would mean you wouldn't be able to see... And that would be a bit dangerous...

In a manner no way related to your car misnblu, am i the only one with thinks colored wheel nuts are silly looking?

They look pretty awesome on a Harlequin Golf.

 

[Slicks]

I installed a Turbosmart eBoost2 today.

It'll be a bit of a learning curve over how to actually utilize it - The operations manual is 20 pages long!

 

[Thatman]

extra lights like the S5! lol

 

[Slicks]

Lights 👍
Exposed wires 👎



I intend to wash my car this evening. Some idiot at work got salt or dust or some sort of watery stuff all over the back of the car... If it leaves water spots I will not be a happy camper.


Edit. Washed it. Did the wheel wells, and polished then waxed the doorjambs.

 

[Thatman]

Lights 👍
Exposed wires 👎



I intend to wash my car this evening. Some idiot at work got salt or dust or some sort of watery stuff all over the back of the car... If it leaves water spots I will not be a happy camper.

I know, Ill prolly take off that cover and stuff them under there before my next car show. I just didnt want to fiddle with them anymore err I should say my back had enough for that day., though there is nothing I can do about the one in the door sill...

 

[CyborgGT]

It's finally stopped raining for a while, so I'm getting my car washed (possibly detailed) tomorrow, and driving down to Denver to replace a broken taillight.

Ugh, it friggin' hailed near marble-sized last night (last I heard, some nearby town wasn't sure if it got hit by a tornado over night...)!!! The new lights are doing wonders for the looks though. While getting the taillight, I also picked up a factory stereo mount bracket (needed slight modification to work with the new deck). I'll try to post pics soon.

 

[Philly]

So I took the GTI in for the 60,000 mile service today. It was a pretty big service and cost around $500. With $200 in parts and $300 in labor. I'll really have to learn how to work on that car and save some big bucks.

They replaced: Oil, a filter, spark plugs, another filter, some additive and window cleaner. I also told them about the Air Con smelling and they said they'd run some sort of chemical treatment that was going to cost $160, with $135 in labor. I guess there was also a recall or something fixed under warranty involving the oil pan or something.

 

[CyborgGT]

^ Yeah, most of that's pretty easy DIY work. Doing your own definitely saves a ton.

Got new brights (nothing special), and took the car up to 112mph - my personal best! I've been looking into replacing the wearing speakers that came with the car, so Friday I'm putting in some Infinity fronts (the matching rears, which I'll have to drive a couple hours to Boulder to get, will have to wait another couple weeks).

 

[Joey D]

I had the Cooper aligned today, it was really really really off on the right side. I'm guessing it's due to the awful roads we have here. I think I can almost remember the pot hole I hit that caused it. While it was in the shop I had them rotate and balance the tires and do a full inspection of the car just to make sure it was in tip top shape.

The car needs brakes apparently but I'm going to let the dealer worry about that one. I have 3,000 miles left on them so when I get back from my Canada holiday I'll probably go and have them done.

 

[misnblu]

Woot, just got my money in for the M45 supercharger.

The above pictures are of the 62mm polished RSM throttlebody along with a throttle body spacer which has been drilled and tapped to house a nozzle for meth injection.
It also shows the M45 blower that has been fully polished, ported internally, polished internally, with ported and polished intake runners too. All this work done by Steigemier which specializes in supercharger modifications and rebuilds.
It comes with the 2.8, 2.6, and 2.5 pulleys and are all quick change type.

I'm now the proud owner of this low mileage blower by this weekend.
Once I get it, I'll post up pictures of it for all to drool over and then work on that list of extra parts I need to make it all work.
Woot, the 'blu goes boost.

Here's a video of this blower in action. It's sheer joy to the ears. 👍
http://i112.photobucket.com/player....et.com/albums/n180/smgautosports/100_2013.flv

 

[misnblu]

Well after much research and time spent in front of the monitor, I've made up my mind on what to do.
I just finished upthe Neon SRT-4 rear disc swap and I've also been pondering the front brakes since they're so old, stock, and need an upgrade too.

So I've wanted to do the NWF swap in which that would utilize the Camaro front dual piston calipers, Camaro rotors which are 12 inch in size, and Malibu aluminum knuckles which would entail me changing the ball joints, both axles to Malibu axles, tie rods, and new wheel bearing hubs.
Again doing all the math and me not wanting anything used from the junkyard on the components above, would have figured that the total would've been close to a grand for everything I needed for the swap and to have a big brake kit of 12 inches with aluminum callipers w/ dual pistons.

So again, I did more research on big brake kits. I looked at the Wilwoods, the Baers, and the SSBC brake kits.
Baer was wanting 1400 bucks for a kit that uses a floating caliper kit which is basically the same as stock and what the Camaro would be so that went out the window.
SSBC was also in the 1200 dollar price range and uses a radial mounting system for their calipers which is the better way to have your calipers for track days, autocross, and heavy duty use.
But the price was something that I really didn't feel although they fit onto the factory knuckle with no modifications like the Wilwoods.

So onto the Wilwoods and they had everything I was looking for in a big brake kit.
My only hesitance for purchasing is that I wanted to use the Malibu aluminum knuckles so that I could remove alot of weight off of the suspension for less unsprung weight.
But this would requiire the aluminum knuckles, both Malibu axles, outer tie rods, and new ball joints along with new Malibu wheel hubs for the lighter conversion.
For those not in the know, Malibu or the N-body uses a 71 mm center bore for their hubs whereas the J-body uses a 57.1 mm center bore for their hubs.
This is where things get iffy in me wanting the Malibu swap for the weight savings.

So in all the research the last couple of days, I've decided on this:

Now the main reason for the selection of the Wilwood setup is that the pads are so easily changed and you don't have to remove the caliper to remove and replace the pads.
This will come in handy during autocross events or track days.
The rotors are a two piece design with an aluminum top hat which shaves off precious weight. They only weigh 2 pounds for the tophats and the rotors which are vaned/ vented weigh around 9 pounds for a total weight of 11 pounds for the rotors.

I also did more research in replacement parts and there's more than enough parts available through Wilwood so I doubt that I'll ever have any issues with parts in 10 years or more.

So the monies spent on this and something that I've always wanted.

 

[Joey D]

Wow James, really went all out now didn't you?

 

[Eric.]

Most badass Cavalier ever. What was it that made you pick that car as your starting point anyhow? Just to be different? I don't think I've heard anyone going this far with one.


My turn.

Got my Vibrant Streetpower catback exhaust in yesterday and spend the evening installing it. Ended up doing it at a friend's so that I could use his garage, so I didn't even get a chance to take pictures of the process or even what the whole kit looked like before going on. I'll see if I can't get a few pictures taken of it installed tomorrow and some sort of video perhaps. I really love the sound. Its much louder and deeper, especially inside, but when you're not accelerating it really doesn't sound any louder than stock, so I can still keep a low profile when necessary. It also looked pretty low profile, since the tip isn't much bigger than the factory one (which was mostly a cover anyway with a black insert to look bigger) and its not a typical "fart can" canister.

Stock pic:

 

[TheBook]

Changed the thermostat in the ZX2 last night. Old one was in two pieces; no wonder my temp gauge was reading all sorts of screwy stuff.

 

[CyborgGT]

Screw waiting a day for the paycheck to clear. I cashed $115 of it, just enough for the Infinity fronts and a warranty. Of course, installation required yet more slight customization with the mounting brackets. I don't think I'll be getting the matching rears; I fixed the problem with the Eclipses that were already in.

Either a radar detector (are Cobras any good? I don't really need something like an Escort) or an iPod Classic for the stereo next.

 

[Joey D]

If you aren't going all out on a fuzz buster, don't bother. The lower end ones don't really do much.

 

[misnblu]

Cyborg, the Cobras are very good and no, you don't have to have the top of the line detector.
They all do the same thing and all you're paying for is extra features filtering systems which at times, can be over bearing with how it sees radar signals.
I've been using one for years and the Cobra ESD-6060 model to be specific. I've had it for well over 10+ years and I've never gotten a ticket while using it when I get a bit frisky on the open road.
I was so happy with it that I bought another one for the Cavalier. Once you actually use one, you'll eventually be able to tell actual police radar from the stores automatic door openers and everything else that may give you a false signal. I also keep my detector on the highway setting for full listening capability instead of the city mode which does nothing but attenuate the incoming signal to the point it's useless for police radar.

Eric, I chose the Z24 because I had a Civic for about 13 years and fell in love with the Civic/ Honda platform.
The Z24 was a platform that had a nice common base with the standard Cavalier base which meant that there would be parts forever and cheap too. I'd also seen potential in the car and with this build, am extracting every ounce of it that can be had from the Z.
And Vibrant makes very nice exhaust systems too so you should really enjoy it once you get it on your car. You going catless with your Civic?

Joey D, love the Coops man. I was taken for a ride in one that was non turbo and man, what a ride. The handling is sweet, tight, and very responsive for such a car.
A true joy ride to say the least.

 

[EA11R]

I deflated my front tyres, so now I'm running at 40psi/50psi front/rear.

Oversteer is niiice.

 

[Perfect Balance]

40 and 50 psi?!

Holy crap dude! That's like big truck tire pressures!

Try something like 30 and 35.

 

[Philly]

Those are pretty high tire pressures. We wanted to pump by friend's 9-3 up to 50 to go sliding when it rained, but I never thought anybody would run those day to day...

^ Yeah, most of that's pretty easy DIY work. Doing your own definitely saves a ton.

Yeah. I'm thinking I might pick up a cabin filter and try to change it myself if it's easily accessible.

But the GTI looks like it would be a nightmare to work on. Especially since it seems to have been designed to prevent DIY-ers to do their DIY stuff.

 

[CyborgGT]

misnblu, thanks for the info. But I'll have to wait for the detector. I just remembered I need to replace more of my exhaust system. I drove up into the mountains tonight (excellent roads ) and I noticed it buzzing more after getting back in town. I'm thinking of just leaving the resonator out; straight pipes from the cat to the muffler.

 

[Masi_23]

Bought comfy blue fluffy carpet like floor mats on my E46. Color doesn't match but i feel like im resting my feet on my dog's head.

 

[EA11R]

Those are pretty high tire pressures. We wanted to pump by friend's 9-3 up to 50 to go sliding when it rained, but I never thought anybody would run those day to day...

I basically just inflated it to 50 psi to placeate my family, who thinks the maximum printed on the tyre is in fact the recommendation.

Strangely, my Altima recommends 42 psi. Oversteer is still niiice.

It's much nicer now that only the rear CONSTANTLY wants to slip.

 

[Eric.]

Cyborg, the Cobras are very good and no, you don't have to have the top of the line detector.
They all do the same thing and all you're paying for is extra features filtering systems which at times, can be over bearing with how it sees radar signals.
I've been using one for years and the Cobra ESD-6060 model to be specific. I've had it for well over 10+ years and I've never gotten a ticket while using it when I get a bit frisky on the open road.
I was so happy with it that I bought another one for the Cavalier. Once you actually use one, you'll eventually be able to tell actual police radar from the stores automatic door openers and everything else that may give you a false signal. I also keep my detector on the highway setting for full listening capability instead of the city mode which does nothing but attenuate the incoming signal to the point it's useless for police radar.

Eric, I chose the Z24 because I had a Civic for about 13 years and fell in love with the Civic/ Honda platform.
The Z24 was a platform that had a nice common base with the standard Cavalier base which meant that there would be parts forever and cheap too. I'd also seen potential in the car and with this build, am extracting every ounce of it that can be had from the Z.
And Vibrant makes very nice exhaust systems too so you should really enjoy it once you get it on your car. You going catless with your Civic?

Joey D, love the Coops man. I was taken for a ride in one that was non turbo and man, what a ride. The handling is sweet, tight, and very responsive for such a car.
A true joy ride to say the least.

Yeah, got the Vibrant system installed and it's perfect. It mostly disappears at contant throttle but is very loud and deep inside at low revs and under load. Way louder past 5000rpm.

Got my first real kill in it last night also. Smoked a 2004 Mustang GT from 20-100mph. It had no chance. The mouthy owner didn't meet up after the run, instead he tucked his tail and ran home in shame.

Rice: 1
Domestic: 0

 

[Rotary Junkie]

It may well have been a V6 with an exhaust and 17s, Eric.

1. V6 owners are mouthy scumbags with slow cars for the most part.
2. Hood and rear bumper aside there is no difference between a 2002+ GT and V6. 99-01 GTs look identical to V6s aside from the rear bumper (and 17" vs 16" wheels)
3. A GT would absolutely murder you from about 60 onward.

 

[mustangGT90210]

Yeah, got the Vibrant system installed and it's perfect. It mostly disappears at contant throttle but is very loud and deep inside at low revs and under load. Way louder past 5000rpm.

Got my first real kill in it last night also. Smoked a 2004 Mustang GT from 20-100mph. It had no chance. The mouthy owner didn't meet up after the run, instead he tucked his tail and ran home in shame.

Rice: 1
Domestic: 0

I'm with RJ, thinkin' it was a done up V6. The GT puts down around 230-240 at the wheels, with close to the same weight. Or is there something you're hiding under the hood?

 

[Philly]

I accidently'd my rear bumper.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Strangely, my Altima recommends 42 psi. Oversteer is still niiice.

It's much nicer now that only the rear CONSTANTLY wants to slip.

Isn't that dangerous?