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10 minute(s) of a 119 minute read
3-18-2015
2BEWBS
So, this happened recently 
Haven't had time for the build thread in a while, planning a mega update.
The mod list and to-do list on the first page have been updated though.
3-23-2015
Shoopster gets a facelift - USDM WRX to Special Edition STi (a.k.a big fogs!)
Ordered this special edition STI nose-cut from a JDM shop in Montreal.
(message me if you want store info, I don't think I'm allowed to post that info here)
In the yard in Japan
Picked up after 2 months of travel by shipping container
Not in perfect condition (used, shipping) so no worries about installing it before winter
OEM (USDM) bumper beam had to be modified, cut to make space for the big fogs, and a quick coat of Rustcheck.
That's a Zero Sports (JDM) splitter
Shoopster's caretaker <3
When the fogs are off, they look blue, but they shine yellow (look at the sofa). And that's me! 
With the STi hood too
P0457 Major Evap - solved!
P0457 Major Evap - solved! (bonus: winter gas-smell has also disappeared)
Last winter I had this terrible gas-smell in the car on cold days (recall, I know!).
So I went out and got the fuel-rail kit, but never got around to getting it installed (because removing the intake is no small job)
Earlier this winter though, a new problem appeared. A Minor Evap (Small Leak) CEL (ignored, deleted, ain't nobody got time fo' dat!) turned into a P0457 Major Evap.
Which eventually turned into a bad gas smell immediately after fueling.
So, I finally took the Shoop in for a smoke test.
Smoke came out from under the chassis, here (too) but we couldn't find the source.
And then we suspected the charcoal canister, a common culprit; discovered it has a tube that goes nowhere. Turns out it supposed to be like that, when the evap system is working properly, fumes are vented away.
Lifted the back seats; dirty as hell but no leaks
So then we go searching for the evap purge solenoid, which is behind the alternator.
Removing the alternator - what's this? Nevermind "loose" bolt, that' thing's not even in.
What's this? A hose that's not connected to anything (dead center of the pic, below/behind the alternator)
A 1/4 to 1/8 adapter between two hoses was broken
That blue T is known for breaking, but not this time.
But the broken adapter - the black one - to be replaced comes in the same package.
Boom! No more gas smell, not even in the winter.
Side-note, I also used to have a squee-squee-squee when backing out (turning) of my (indoor) parking in the morning. That's gone too; I'm assuming that broken bolt on the alternator was involved...
Maintenance and upgrades, in no particular order
- New U-Frame! Mine was so rusted, my boyfriend stood on it and bent it with his hands.
A new one at the JDM shops costs between $150-$200.
I can feel an enormous difference in stability when taking curves. Feels like I installed a anti-sway bar. Or two. Easily one of my best maintenance-upgrages to date, for next to nothing.
* * * *
Sometimes when you buy a JDM front end it'll come with some interesting things, for instance...
- Okada Projects Plasma Coils
My OEM coils were in bad shape, and the OKD are worth nearly $300 each. Yes, I'll take them please, thank you.
Up until this point, I was still on Matty's WTF safe tune. Custom tune got done locally, shortly after the coils install, update comin' up.
- Zero Sports rad shroud, matches the Zero Sports splitter I bought from a friend.
Clean engine bay 
- Rust check!
Had a bit of rust starting on the passenger rear quarter panel, just above the rear bumper.
No monies for a proper paint job before winter brings more rust (got quoted 350$ per quarter), so I decided to do a small fix using a dremmel and a small, light sanding tool.
I'm nothing if not thorough about paint prep (lol)
The size of the area is not much larger than a quarter (25 cents piece), sanded and primed
The finished job, the rest of the Grimmspeed WRB I used for the bumper last summer, and clear. Good enough 'til next year.
AEM UEGO WB02 Gauge & Central Air-vent-delete pod
Pop the dash bezel and remove the air vents
You'll probably break one of these clips
Central air-vent delete gauge-pod by Ortiz Custom Pods
I like the texture, I decided not to paint it
It said no modification required, but we did have to shave some of the back of the delete, as well as the OEM air-vent, to fit behind it
Really no big deal, very satisfied with it
Interesting side-story - because what can possibly go wrong during an install, right? My boyfriend passed the wires throught the firewall by drilling a small hole where the main harness passes through (it looks like a big rubber plug, passenger side). He finished the installation, turned the motor, and it ran like CRAP!! I thought my car was going to explode! PANIC!
Turned out he knicked a ground wire for the cam position sensor when he made the hole. Patched that up and everything's fine 
Next update, tooned!