So Ive posted a number of what I consider to be rather innovative and unique modifications over the years, but never started a cohesive work log. Ive been working on this current iteration of my probe obsession for a few months now and feel like Im finally at a stage where Im ready to start sharing some of my endeavor. I am currently working on the first of at least two stages for this project. This stage involves increased modification of the suspension, removal of most non-essential weight, wiring of aftermarket fun stuff, new wheels/tires, megasquirt, intake manifold replacement, exhaust work, a small amount of appearance improvement, and some upgraded safety items (really more appearance oriented than safety). I tend to be explanation heavy in my write-ups so feel free to just peruse the pictures.
The start of this project technically began with the exhaust, which has been catalogued here: http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread.php?t=1701307310 and here: http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread.php?t=1701309066
After I finished the initial fabrication aspect of the exhaust, I jumped into working on the front bumper. Id had a Corksport lip for a couple years and had been waiting to install it. I knew I wanted to remove the center bar from the bumper, and also didn't like how far back the bottom of the bumper seemed to extend with the lip installed. (Im aware that description isn't very clear and difficult to comprehend) It just so happened that I had a spare bumper with a break in it and an idea in my head; so I got to work.
Broken stock front
Performed a little cutout action using the natural curve of the bumper. This was one single cut and it came out pretty damn straight and even.
Measured out the placement and secured the lip with 8 screws
Installed on the car... I think I like it!
Little 6 month interruption to get and recover from a kidney transplant... ANYWAYS
I was pretty fed up with working on it in the driveway, so it was time to move the RWD project out, and move this project in. Took a few shots while in the process, and these actually are the only shots I have of the LED's I installed. The Corksport lip has those two little vents that no one ever seems to do anything with, so I figured Id try something out.
Took 2 tries but I found a pair of light bars that fit PERFECTLY
Don't worry about how she looks; she hasn't been washed in months at this point and that dull CF hood is going to be painted.
While working on the car in the garage an overwhelming urge to get new wheels and tires came over me so I ended up with some 245/45/17 Fuzion HRI's on closeout from tire rack for $65 a piece. I then spent a month or two searching for the perfect wheel, and came upon 17x9 +22 STR 606's in gunmetal... quite sexy if I do say so myself.
With all the weight removed from the car the originally low stance was now inches higher than acceptable. With Sprint springs in front and Intrax in the rear I knew I was as low as I could go without coilovers... plus I figured I'd probably have to cut the perches to fit the 17x9's. I know everyone on here has (what I believe to be) an irrational fear of ebay coilovers, but I opted to buy them anyways. I figured for $50, it wont be a huge loss if they don't work out. Went to install them along with escort mounts in the front and they actually RAISED my car .5"! After some searching and deliberating I decided to create my own coilover setup. I used the sleeve and coil hat from the ebay setup and bought 7"H x 2.5"ID 200lb/in coils for the front, and 7"H x 2.5"ID 175lb/in coils in the rear. I originally bought 8 inchers for the rear but it didn't lower quite enough. With my new setup I lowered the car roundly 2" in the front over the Sprint springs, and 1.5" in the rear over the Intrax springs. Best of all the low spring rates allow me to keep using my stock(ish) struts.
Crappy picture I know. Left are the 7"H 200lb/in front coils, middle is the Ebay special 7.25"H 450lb/in (estimated) coil, and right are 8" 150lb/in rear coils.
Front strut fully assembled
As mentioned I tried 8"H 150lb/in coils in the rear but they were a bit too tall. I replaced them with 7"H 175lb/in coils (couldn't find a correctly sized 150lb/in coil) which even though theyre a full inch shorter, only lowered the car about half an inch. Im thinking either the extra stiffness inhibited the full drop, or I may be riding on the bump stops! I guess we'll see when I drive it for the first time!
The start of this project technically began with the exhaust, which has been catalogued here: http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread.php?t=1701307310 and here: http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread.php?t=1701309066
After I finished the initial fabrication aspect of the exhaust, I jumped into working on the front bumper. Id had a Corksport lip for a couple years and had been waiting to install it. I knew I wanted to remove the center bar from the bumper, and also didn't like how far back the bottom of the bumper seemed to extend with the lip installed. (Im aware that description isn't very clear and difficult to comprehend) It just so happened that I had a spare bumper with a break in it and an idea in my head; so I got to work.
Broken stock front
Performed a little cutout action using the natural curve of the bumper. This was one single cut and it came out pretty damn straight and even.
Measured out the placement and secured the lip with 8 screws
Installed on the car... I think I like it!
Little 6 month interruption to get and recover from a kidney transplant... ANYWAYS
I was pretty fed up with working on it in the driveway, so it was time to move the RWD project out, and move this project in. Took a few shots while in the process, and these actually are the only shots I have of the LED's I installed. The Corksport lip has those two little vents that no one ever seems to do anything with, so I figured Id try something out.
Took 2 tries but I found a pair of light bars that fit PERFECTLY
Don't worry about how she looks; she hasn't been washed in months at this point and that dull CF hood is going to be painted.
While working on the car in the garage an overwhelming urge to get new wheels and tires came over me so I ended up with some 245/45/17 Fuzion HRI's on closeout from tire rack for $65 a piece. I then spent a month or two searching for the perfect wheel, and came upon 17x9 +22 STR 606's in gunmetal... quite sexy if I do say so myself.
With all the weight removed from the car the originally low stance was now inches higher than acceptable. With Sprint springs in front and Intrax in the rear I knew I was as low as I could go without coilovers... plus I figured I'd probably have to cut the perches to fit the 17x9's. I know everyone on here has (what I believe to be) an irrational fear of ebay coilovers, but I opted to buy them anyways. I figured for $50, it wont be a huge loss if they don't work out. Went to install them along with escort mounts in the front and they actually RAISED my car .5"! After some searching and deliberating I decided to create my own coilover setup. I used the sleeve and coil hat from the ebay setup and bought 7"H x 2.5"ID 200lb/in coils for the front, and 7"H x 2.5"ID 175lb/in coils in the rear. I originally bought 8 inchers for the rear but it didn't lower quite enough. With my new setup I lowered the car roundly 2" in the front over the Sprint springs, and 1.5" in the rear over the Intrax springs. Best of all the low spring rates allow me to keep using my stock(ish) struts.
Crappy picture I know. Left are the 7"H 200lb/in front coils, middle is the Ebay special 7.25"H 450lb/in (estimated) coil, and right are 8" 150lb/in rear coils.
Front strut fully assembled
As mentioned I tried 8"H 150lb/in coils in the rear but they were a bit too tall. I replaced them with 7"H 175lb/in coils (couldn't find a correctly sized 150lb/in coil) which even though theyre a full inch shorter, only lowered the car about half an inch. Im thinking either the extra stiffness inhibited the full drop, or I may be riding on the bump stops! I guess we'll see when I drive it for the first time!
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