krakenredbeard
New member
Ouch and I though 30 mins a day was bad lol
rsSteve's Build Thread
- Thread starter rsSteve
- Start date
rsSteve
New member
Installed the DP, Midpipe, and test pipe from a Turbo back kit a few days ago. I had to cut the flange off the end of the test pipe to make it connect to my catback since it is a slipfit. So far I am really enjoying the sound and turbo whine driving around. The hidden bolt/nut was the hardest part of install so i used it as an excuse to finally buy a flex head ratcheting wrench set. This is apparently the kryptonite to the hidden nut and made it super easy to remove. I am also using a j-fitting by vibrant on the o2 sensor on the midpipe and have yet to throw a code. (500 miles so far) So i can now confirm these are a viable option if you are untuned. I am considering buying a universal highflow cat and weld it to the testpipe as my 2nd cat just to help alleviate the gas smell for when i am driving in city/traffic (wifey isnt a fan)
Still have the MPfab FMIC awaiting install, hoping to do it within the next week or so.
opcorn:
It is becoming more evident that i need a tune with all of the mods i have done so far. Driving around at different throttle positions have my LTFL all over the place and under WOT above 3500 rpms i noticed a slight stutter. (only did it once and am not going to do again until i am tuned) Unfortunately real life things keep coming up causing me to spend the money i am trying to save for the tune. :sadbanana:
Still have the MPfab FMIC awaiting install, hoping to do it within the next week or so.
opcorn:It is becoming more evident that i need a tune with all of the mods i have done so far. Driving around at different throttle positions have my LTFL all over the place and under WOT above 3500 rpms i noticed a slight stutter. (only did it once and am not going to do again until i am tuned) Unfortunately real life things keep coming up causing me to spend the money i am trying to save for the tune. :sadbanana:
rsSteve
New member
I actually already have one from when i bought the exhaust from a member on here. I got him to throw it in
Hulty
Site Supporter
I actually already have one from when i bought the exhaust from a member on here. I got him to throw it in
Well done!!!
rsSteve
New member
I finished installing the MPfab IC yesterday. Quality of the kit is excellent! I am now building boost super fast (didnt think it was possible to build boost faster since its so quick anyways) pretty much as soon as i hit the gas even a little i'm in boost. :banana:
The install was rough though, no fault to MPfab. I got the old IC out and the new one mounted in about an hour so i thought i was doing good. However figuring out which connectors/hose clamps went where too quite a bit of time, I assume MPfab would have instructions if requested but i was already knee deep in it at that point.
The hardest part was getting the RS bumper to fit. I trimmed down both foglights and had to turn the passenger hot pipe connected to the IC as far down as it could go. I then placed some double sided tape on the frame because the IC piping was touching to prevent the rattle/damage. I still feel the bumper isn't lining up properly because the gaps under the headlight are a little off. I was running out of time and just left it as is. It is pretty close just a tab off. One day when i decide to remove the dip from my headlight rings and paint them i will try to get it to line up better.
All of my other mods were very easy to install this was by far the most complicated (to be expected) I would recommend having a friend to help. The extra set of hands would of helped immensely with mounting the IC and checking for clearance for the bumper. Also make sure you have plenty of time, this is differently a patience project to make sure everything lines up properly.
I will post pictures to the first post in the next few days
I do have to say that this IC made the biggest difference in boost and spool time of any other mods i have done so far. The quality is excellent and well worth every penny for what you are getting. This is definitely a must have for anyone wanting to take their sonic to the next level.
The install was rough though, no fault to MPfab. I got the old IC out and the new one mounted in about an hour so i thought i was doing good. However figuring out which connectors/hose clamps went where too quite a bit of time, I assume MPfab would have instructions if requested but i was already knee deep in it at that point.
The hardest part was getting the RS bumper to fit. I trimmed down both foglights and had to turn the passenger hot pipe connected to the IC as far down as it could go. I then placed some double sided tape on the frame because the IC piping was touching to prevent the rattle/damage. I still feel the bumper isn't lining up properly because the gaps under the headlight are a little off. I was running out of time and just left it as is. It is pretty close just a tab off. One day when i decide to remove the dip from my headlight rings and paint them i will try to get it to line up better.
All of my other mods were very easy to install this was by far the most complicated (to be expected) I would recommend having a friend to help. The extra set of hands would of helped immensely with mounting the IC and checking for clearance for the bumper. Also make sure you have plenty of time, this is differently a patience project to make sure everything lines up properly.
I will post pictures to the first post in the next few days
I do have to say that this IC made the biggest difference in boost and spool time of any other mods i have done so far. The quality is excellent and well worth every penny for what you are getting. This is definitely a must have for anyone wanting to take their sonic to the next level.
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SuperSonic12
New member
Hey rssteve did you have to take off the chrome grill part on the front to change it to red or did you leave it on and paint it that way? I was gonna change mine to white but wasn't sure how to do soo good job by the way soo far looks sweet feel free to check out my build thread in my signature
rsSteve
New member
So sorry for the delay SuperSonic, i got a little tied up IRL and didnt notice your post until now (even though i would lurk on sof weekely). I actually did not remove the chrome from the grill because the tabs were very tight in there and i was afraid i would break one on removal or reassembly. Instead i just tapped off around it. If you get close to my grill you can see the imperfections but from far it doesn't look bad. If i did it again i would probably take some extra time and see if i could remove it to make it look a lot nicer. The first time i did this i just kinda wanted to test it and see how i like it long term (which i do love it). The next time i do it i will use paint instead of plasti dip to make it look a lot nicer and to be more permanent.
rsSteve
New member
Just wanted to post an update. I got in on the black Friday group buy for Trifecta Elite Tune. I have had it tuned for a few weeks now and i am loving the added power. It really opened up for all of the mods i have on it. Before the tune my LTFL was bouncing anywhere between -20 to +20 averaging about +10. So it was quite necessary to get it tuned with all the mods i had at this point.
After being installed for 10k miles, I took off the TTR engine mount but left the Trans mount on. The drone was becoming a little too much for how much highway driving i was doing. It was even getting to the point of causing fatigue to where i would get really sleepy after 30 min of driving. This was making me scared since i drive 1+ hour one way. Anther annoyance was the little obscure rattles/buzzes from different areas of the dash was driving the wifey crazy. After i put the stock mount back in it was so refreshing. My sonic drives buttery smooth once again and all my issues of fatigue have gone away. (at first i wasn't sure if the fatigue was from the mount specifically but after removal i can confirm it was).
I do miss the responsiveness of when the motor mount was in, but the cons where outweighing the pros for me. I will probably keep the mount for a little while until i get to the track a few times in the spring to see what it can do. I will probably swap it in if i feel like driving more spirited since it only takes 10 min to do, but i may eventually end up selling in the classifieds.
I do love the trans mount. Even by itself there are no vibrations but the shifter feels so much better over the stock mount. Its notchy and clean, no more sloppiness.
I just installed some WeatherTech floor mats for the winter time. I was having a hard time deciding between the weathetech and husky but i dont think you can go wrong with either of them.
After being installed for 10k miles, I took off the TTR engine mount but left the Trans mount on. The drone was becoming a little too much for how much highway driving i was doing. It was even getting to the point of causing fatigue to where i would get really sleepy after 30 min of driving. This was making me scared since i drive 1+ hour one way. Anther annoyance was the little obscure rattles/buzzes from different areas of the dash was driving the wifey crazy. After i put the stock mount back in it was so refreshing. My sonic drives buttery smooth once again and all my issues of fatigue have gone away. (at first i wasn't sure if the fatigue was from the mount specifically but after removal i can confirm it was).
I do miss the responsiveness of when the motor mount was in, but the cons where outweighing the pros for me. I will probably keep the mount for a little while until i get to the track a few times in the spring to see what it can do. I will probably swap it in if i feel like driving more spirited since it only takes 10 min to do, but i may eventually end up selling in the classifieds.
I do love the trans mount. Even by itself there are no vibrations but the shifter feels so much better over the stock mount. Its notchy and clean, no more sloppiness.
I just installed some WeatherTech floor mats for the winter time. I was having a hard time deciding between the weathetech and husky but i dont think you can go wrong with either of them.
rsSteve
New member
Some more mods i have done since the last updated were mainly visual: I finally got rid of the plasti dip off my car and painted on all the stripes (wanted to make sure i was ready for the permanent solution before i committed to it), Installed the shark fin antenna, Rally Armor Mud Flaps, Boosted Snail and #Rememberthebuster sticker on the back.
Everything is starting to come together and am really happy with how it is looking and performing. I will try to find a nice place to take new pictures of it in the next week or two. I may even try to enter for SOTM
Went the track last night and met a great guy who drives a Honda Fit.
I ran a 15.930 for the first run (Bad launch with wheel hop, missed 4th, intake temp was 145 degrees), the second run I ran a 15.448 (forgot to re-disable TC, which didnt seem to make much of a difference in my 60', Intake temp was around 100 deg), my third and best run (finally got the kinks worked out) wasn't against him 15.334. Im not making excuses just giving information on what i did wrong for other people to see. *i did reinstall the TTR motor Mount for the track but will be removing it today*
Im hoping next time i can get it closer to 14.90's. I think the car can do it I just need to work on the driver mod for myself Although i may have to get rid of the crappy Hancooks
I was car 214, the Honda Fit (Myx) was car 200. The third run was a 5.0 fox body mustang.
Everything is starting to come together and am really happy with how it is looking and performing. I will try to find a nice place to take new pictures of it in the next week or two. I may even try to enter for SOTM
Went the track last night and met a great guy who drives a Honda Fit.
I ran a 15.930 for the first run (Bad launch with wheel hop, missed 4th, intake temp was 145 degrees), the second run I ran a 15.448 (forgot to re-disable TC, which didnt seem to make much of a difference in my 60', Intake temp was around 100 deg), my third and best run (finally got the kinks worked out) wasn't against him
15.334. Im not making excuses just giving information on what i did wrong for other people to see. *i did reinstall the TTR motor Mount for the track but will be removing it today*Im hoping next time i can get it closer to 14.90's. I think the car can do it I just need to work on the driver mod for myself
Although i may have to get rid of the crappy Hancooks I was car 214, the Honda Fit (Myx) was car 200. The third run was a 5.0 fox body mustang.
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rsSteve
New member
I cant keep my car clean enough for pictures with the construction in my neighborhood hopefully i will get new pictures soon.
I edited the first post to reduce the picture size and to delete a few to make it less picture intense.
Since my last update I installed an Innovate Wideband and Autometer Cobalt Boost gauges, painted my brake calibers red, installed a switch to cut power to instantly cut power to the ABS fuse so i can instantly fully turn off TC without having to hold the button for 10 sec.
Really happy with the switch so far, there have been countless times where i am trying to merge and TC kicks in and once you lose boost pressure it takes a few seconds to get accelerating again. I also no longer have to play with the fuse when I want to fool around which is now very enjoyable.
Up next I want to finally try to tackle the last little bit of chrome I have left on the windows and install the Lip i just got in the mail yesterday! I also have some red split wire loom i want to replace all the stock black loom with in the engine bay.
hopefully i will get new pictures soon.I edited the first post to reduce the picture size and to delete a few to make it less picture intense.
Since my last update I installed an Innovate Wideband and Autometer Cobalt Boost gauges, painted my brake calibers red, installed a switch to cut power to instantly cut power to the ABS fuse so i can instantly fully turn off TC without having to hold the button for 10 sec.
Really happy with the switch so far, there have been countless times where i am trying to merge and TC kicks in and once you lose boost pressure it takes a few seconds to get accelerating again. I also no longer have to play with the fuse when I want to fool around which is now very enjoyable.
Up next I want to finally try to tackle the last little bit of chrome I have left on the windows and install the Lip i just got in the mail yesterday! I also have some red split wire loom i want to replace all the stock black loom with in the engine bay.
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AdorableKaren
Asian Elite
Looking good!
rsSteve
New member
Thank you! Your sonic is one of the better looking ones on here imo