Category Archives: Mods

Re-Tired (and Wheeled)

December 20, 2014Maintenance, Mods, PhotosJasey Michelle

After last year’s beyond terrible winter performance from the stock Pirelli P7’s, I knew I wanted some true snow tires before the flakes came down this year. For ease of swapping over from Summer to Winter, I opted to have the 195/45R-16 Pirelli Winter Snowcontrol Serie 3 tires mounted on a separate set of silver 16×7 MSW Type 25 wheels.

To complete the winter trim, I also installed the R3T skidplate to help protect things, since the car is sitting even lower than last winter. I’m sure this all means it’s never going to snow ever again. Thank me later.

195/45R-16 Pirelli Winter Snowcontrol Series 3

195/45R-16 Pirelli Winter Snowcontrol Serie 3

195/45R-16 Pirelli Winter Snowcontrol Series 3 on MSW Type 25 Wheels

195/45R-16 Pirelli Winter Snowcontrol Serie 3 on MSW Type 25 Wheels

R3T Skid Plate Underside

R3T Skid Plate Top

R3T Skid Plate Installed

Winter wheels & tires

Winter Trim. Waiting for the snow

Intake it to the Extreme

November 21, 2014Mods, PhotosJasey Michelle

Colder air = better air, no matter how you slice it. Getting cool air into the intake becomes even more of a challenge when you have a turbo heating the air as it’s compressed (remedied by the intercooler), as well as heating the engine bay while it’s doing its job (solved by intake placement).

ATM came up with an innovate design that places the filter down in the bumper, where cool air is readily available, and then requires just a short, direct run to get to the turbo. The only thing in the way of this design (after the stock intercoolers are removed, and replaced with their front mount unit) is the windshield washer reservoir. So, add a simple remote-mount tank and bracket, and we’re ready to rock & roll!

K&N Filter with venturi

ATM Intake Tubing

Remote Reservoir & Bracket Kit

Remote Washer Reservoir

Remote Washer Reservoir & Filler Neck

Intake placement from the front

Intake Installed

Intake Installed Close-Up

Apex Washer reservoir installed

Washer reservoir filler hose routing

Washer Reservoir filler

Final Installation

Exhausted

August 10, 2014ModsJasey Michelle

Quite a few mods have been happening over the summer. Maybe I’ll get around to posting in more detail about them soon. They include a UniChip, rear swaybar, blow-off valve, underdrive pulley and bored TB. But this post is regarding the MPX axle-back exhaust I just installed. This kit was just released by MPx, and NGEN Customs & Performance was running a deal on it that was too good to pass up!

MPX Exhaust Assembled

MPX Exhaust Kit

MPX Exhaust Tips

Stock Exhaust

Stock exhaust ready to come out

Stock exhaust removed

MPX Exhaust Installed

MPX exhaust installed and back on the ground

Tints

June 3, 2014Appearance, ModsJasey Michelle

I couldn’t handle the the bright interior and looks of the car without tint any longer, so I made an appointment at Best Window Tinting, who did a great job of slapping on 50% on the sides, and 35% on the back 3. I decided not to go as dark as my other cars (35% sides, 5% back) to make this a bit more subtle and hopefully not get hassled by the troopers.

Just a few crappy driveway pics for now…

Going Down

May 29, 2014ModsSpringsJasey Michelle

I held out for as long as I could, but it was time to shrink some gaps and get Ri’s undercarriage closer to the Earth.

After much deliberation, I decided to go with the Neuspeed Neu-f springs, as they seemed to be the best balance of looks & performance, without going so low as to have clearance problems with driveways and rough roads.

The install is actually quite simple, without the need for a spring compressor. Air tools make the whole process only a couple hour job, but it can be accomplished with only hand tools without too much more effort.

So, what’s the verdict? Haven’t put on a ton of miles yet, but so far the ride feels great. Solid, but not harsh, and stable in the corners. As for looks, you be the judge!