Tinno's introduction/build thread [MY03 STI]

[tinno]

Hi guys,

I thought I’d finally introduce myself and start up a build thread while I’m at it. I’ve been lurking around and browsing the forums silently for a bit over a year now. I haven’t really had the need to post anything as every question I’ve had so far, I’ve managed to answer using the search function

My desire for a subie all began a few years ago when a mate of mine took me for a spin in his version VI STI. The pull, grip and boxer rumble – I just had to have it. And so the saving began. Being a uni student and only working part time, it took some time before I was able to set aside enough money for one. Finally, around October 2010, an MY03 STI popped up for a ridiculously good price. I enquired, had a full inspection done by the boys at MMS and everything was all good. And so, I finally joined the STI club.

The car was pretty much completely stock with the exception of a cannon muffler and ‘Pedder’s’ lowered springs when I first purchased it. Here are of a few pics from when I first bought it:





I enjoyed the car as it was for a while. I figured it was better to enjoy and learn the limits of the car in its stock form and then deciding what needed to improved afterwards. After a few skid pans, I began to have a feel of what I wanted improved. And so, the modding began. At this stage, I still use it as a daily and so most mods are basic bolt-on’s. I intend on hanging onto this car for a very long time and thus will be taking my time in terms of modding. My eventual goal is to turn it into a track warrior, but until then, my approach to modding will be quite sedate. Anyways, enough chit chat, here are some pics

Hitting up the skid-pan earlier this year:




Various shots taken by a friend:




Mods list as of Dec 2011:

Engine:
- HiTech 3" turbo back with splitter mod in dump pipe
- verso tune [259.7hp / 366.8Nm @ the flywheel) with stock VF35
- Walbro 255Lph fuel pump
- APS 65mm cold air intake (CAI)
- ProSpeedRacing silicone turbo inlet
- Running Motul 300V Chrono 10w40
- CBRD BBK-L 290hp/360.1Nm @ 22psi
- Tomei Expreme equal length headers
- Process West FMIC
- ID1000cc injectors
- Grimmspeed bcs

Electrical:
- Defi BF series gauges (oil temp, water temp and boost)
- Defi link unit
- ATI centre triple gauge pod with carbon fiber face
- Defi Sports VSD HUD (still to be installed)
- DIY earthing kit

I.C.E:
- Alpine DD linear's RT17s 6.5" components (rated at 40rms)
- Alpine 9887 single DIN head unit
- Alpine MRP-F450 70 rms x 4 amplifier
- Kenwood KFC-W3012 12" subwoofer
- Stinger 4 gauge amp wiring kit
- DIY center console red light mod

Suspension:
- BC BR Coilovers [8/6]
- Genuine Spec C titanium front strut brace
- Whiteline 22mm 3 point adjustable sway bar
- Whiteline heavy duty end links
- Whiteline roll centre adjuster kit
- H & R triple C camber bolts (rears)
- DBA 4000 slotted rotors F
- DBA 4000 T3 slotted rear rotors
- Genuine braided STI brake lines
- Ferodo DS2500 brake pads (F+R)
- Castrol response super dot 4.1 brake fluid
- Work Emotion XD9s 18x9 +30
- Kumho KU31 225/40 for daily duties
- Advan A050 r-comps for track work

Lighting:
- Aerpro T10 SMD LED parker bulbs
- Morimoto mini H1 bi-xenon projectors with E46 shrouds (DIY retrofitted)
- Morimoto H1 HIDs [35w 4300k]
- Morimoto 3-five ballasts

Other:
- Genuine STI front lip
- TKO 35% tint all round
- Genuine STI duracon shift knob
- EvoR spec silicone radiator hoses
- Kakumei radiator shroud

[Pic of my retrofit. I hated the cut off when fitting HIDs into standard reflector housings, but I wasn't a big fan of after market projector headlights. So I took the plunge and did my own retrofit]



Mods to come in the next few months:
- Enkei RPF1 in matte black 17x8

Overall, I'm still relatively new to modding cars. However, to me, it's just one big learning curve. I'm hoping that one day my build thread will be as inspiring and 'epic' as the more senior members on here. But until then, I'm still a "scoobie noobie" .

Thanks for reading,
Tin