Marc's project SP20

[marcs_sp20]

Hey guys,

Well this is my little story on Jacob (seeing the old plates were JCB, name sort of caught on from friends :)). I bought it second hand on the 10th of October 2005 from a Real Estate Agent in the heart of Broadbeach for a sum of $15,800, seeing she had just taken delivery of a brand spanker 05 BMW 320i :eek: With 74,000 on the clock, a nice notey exhaust & being lowered 2” all round, I knew I had found my new car, seeing I upgraded from a 1980 Holden Gemini.:p

October 2005

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/755277.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/755314.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/755291.jpg

October 2007

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/afterwash2.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/afterwash.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/27102007008.jpg

April 2009

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/DSC00383.jpg

July 2011

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/5844982218_8e1e0f3e81_z.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/5845024660_1fd19731d7_z.jpg

http://www.astinagt.com/forums/vbpgimage.php?do=full&p=3930&d=1300975425

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/IMG_7511.jpg

I will keep this thread updated with photo's and info once I have completed each chapter and or add more...

Cheers
Marc

[marcs_sp20]

Basics
Car: 2002 Mazda 323 Astina SP20
Motor: FS-DE (slightly worn :p)
Trans: G-Series 5spd Manual
Owned for: 5 Years
Power:
81.8kw atw - with old exhaust setup
75.1kw atw new intake & exhaust - to be redyno'd :mad:

Mod List:

Engine
AutoExe Carbon Fibre SRI
Bosch Platinum Plus spark plugs
Upgraded Mazdaspeed Protege coilpacks
2.25" mid pipe from cat-back thru to 2" axle back to X-Force Twin Loop Muffler
4pc AWR mount kit
Tein bonnet Struts (yet to install one)
painted cam cover

Brakes & Suspension
Apexi front Springs - 35mm drop
Pedders Rear Springs - 35mm drop
KYB Front & Rear struts
RDA Slotted front Rotors & pads
AutoExe Rear Strut Brace
Carbing 3pt front strut brace

Interior
D1 Spec Aluminium gearknob
Polished Astina door steps
Painted dash cluster, centre dash insert, centre console & window switch panels
Standard seats
Black Leather Gearboot
StreetUnit Guage Rings
Carbon Fibre vinyl on centre dash
Carbon Fibre vinyl on Pass. Crash pad
Scan Gauge II in cutout steering wheel column
SP20 Nardi Steering wheel (replacement)


Exterior
18x7.5" +50 Gen2 MPS3 rims on 215/35/18 tyres
Clear Side Indicator's
T10 SMD/LED parker bulbs
Black side strip deletion mod
Genuine Autoexe Grille
Mazdaspeed grille badge
Modified Suzuki Swift stubby Antenna
Dark tinted weathershields
LaminX gunsmoke foglight covers
Repainted rear badges in Gunmetal Grey
Evil M rear badge
D1 Spec black lightweight wheel nuts
Team Pro5 decals
Carbon Fibre vinyled rear hatch handle
Bumper Clips
Bumper Sag Brackets
Stickerbombed AutoExe Front lip
JDM F&R slimline window visors
Lamin-X gunsmoke headlight tint

Lighting
HID kit: 35w 4300k H7 low beams
T10 SMD licence plate bulbs
T10 SMD/LED parker bulbs

Audio
JL Audio 120w 5x7" 2-way front speakers
Pioneer 160w 6" 2-way speakers
Pioneer AVH-P5950DVD single din 7" dvd player
iPod jack - for full functionality from H/U
Aux Jack for Ipod/phone Connection
12" 125wrms Kicker Sub in ported box
Pioneer 4x75wrms 4ch Amp
Pinoeer H/U remote
4guage Sony 4ch amp kit

Bought / In the Works / Waiting to be installed
Sport20 decals
AutoExe 22mm Rear Sway Bar (to be re-installed later this year)
JDM roof racks
Near new rear endlinks
H7R HID bulbs
Chrome indicator Bulbs
Valve Cover Gasket
1x Tein bonnet strut
Sticker Bombed centre dash peice

Plans
Repair bodywork & Detail
MS Seats
BC Coilovers
Engine work - Staying N/A ;)

[marcs_sp20]

Also as some may be aware, i had Dan place a bid on my behalf for a pair of recaro seat rails to suit a BJ, so they should be here within 2months or so...

What im thinking of updating to are the Recaro SR3 copies, so either just black or a black & blue combo like below...

This is an actual Recaro SR3 Tomcat seat, and could only imagine how much a pair would be :eek:
http://www.recaro.com/uploads/pics/SR-3_TOMCAT_Blue.jpg

OR, some MS3 seats: (pic courtesy of ScratchnSniff
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/letmeyagrill/145-1.jpg


----------------------------------------------------

And seeing I ran into some money, finally put tyres on the CX7 rims and decided to do a photoshoot with mate of AGT:

Link (http://cid-8e44949cad1e39ce.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Ippy%20Urban?ct=photos&lc=1033)

http://lqr7sw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1ptKG6rgtprFRORWDF7BlzxP4oqd-hyICfZgvaIIcxVx2Dhchezo7BBqFBl-QFGoFqT5D2PTTuunoodk9gfcJ8EQ/IMG_1920.jpg
http://lqr7sw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1p52nMk0AyjltWyJivcHsjLN9IuA2zZMocPkFNvnWoBPMnp8a S0cegDKSoExQuVscvMigb5DQN4mHAk3E6WFoZzw/IMG_1930.jpg
http://lqr7sw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1prfGhGifgnz2hNnh3VxdntEG5UEA5J4t8MPk_ITXCygQVNdW 80g9ElJnlFv9lYUL5fat384-ntmWcNFWm_vtcWQ/IMG_1931.jpg

[marcs_sp20]

My JDM goodness courtesy of a member off astinagt.com came today, im going to have fun on monday :D:D:D

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/DSC00625.jpg

might have a bit of trouble with the sport stickers though, as I think they rely on the placement of the rubber side strip, lucky I kept them ;)


installed the mazdaspeed badge to the grille, still not happy with it tho, will be adjusting the "m" side so it sits straighter..

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/DSC00654.jpg

Also got one of the Sport20 stickers on, have taken off all the SP20 decals now, just waiting for the weather to fine up and I'll install the door stickers :D

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/DSC00649.jpg

Cheers
Marc

[70NYD]

whoot 1st post looks the hots mate ;)

[marcs_sp20]

haha cheers man :D:D

Some pics of the SP20 at the skidpan day at Gympie:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/SP20skid.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/SP20skid1.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/SP20skid3.jpg

And one of mine & Mat's ;)
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/SP20sskid.jpg

Cheers
Marc

[02-KQ-LASR]

i gotta say marc, it looks really good man!
i honestly think (allthough ive tried before! lol) about an inch or lower and it would sit perfect!

[marcs_sp20]

i gotta say marc, it looks really good man!
i honestly think (allthough ive tried before! lol) about an inch or lower and it would sit perfect!

thanks man.

Nah its staying the same height, but gotta admit after the skidpan day I really need to replace the rear struts, buy some new springs & upgrade the rear sway bar :D:D

Im also doubting putting a kit on it now, kinda have been hooked on motorsport (ie motorkhana's etc) in a way, putting a kit would be messing with doing my new found interest, hence considering taking the rails ;)

Cheers
Marc

[Mad Mat]

lol marc are u goin to be a lawn mower like ryan??????? i'm in 4 the motorkhanas too. but just got to get the springs, struts and sway peaces on. lol

up i do agree with u. no kit. she looks hot as it is. plus if u leave it the way it is. we can be the blue's brothers lol :p (when i get my car to ur stage lol)

[bourbon]

except marcs is poiple :p hahaha! someone buy me coilovers :D

[marcs_sp20]

and purple pulls the ladies :p

Someone wanna buy me a autoexe lip? I'll be your friend :p:D

[Mad Mat]

and purple pulls the ladies :p

Someone wanna buy me a autoexe lip? I'll be your friend :p:D

ow and me too :D

[marcs_sp20]

And one of mine & Mat's ;)
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/SP20sskid.jpg



You know what, just looking at this photo at how much different mine is compared to a stock SP20, I like it! :D:D

[70NYD]

mate about your engine paint, i have to say it looks good. i dunno what it is but it gives it a real tough old school diesel engine look.. not something out of a car, the hammer effect is awesome. i wanna do something simmilar in black and white.. but i dont wanna go and get new gasket lol

[marcs_sp20]

im actually thinking about respraying the whole lot in gunmetal grey, the light blue kinda doesnt suit well with the dark blue exterior...

Oh, and that aint hammerfinish ;)

[70NYD]

:o it aint :( i thought it was the same thing :p hammer finish then i gess is lots of dimples??

[marcs_sp20]

nah thats just wrinkle paint with blue over the top.. cause it was raining the weekend I did it, the wrinkle paint didnt come out that well :o

[70NYD]

lol at that i got bad experiences with rain + not enough primer drying time :(

[project.r.racing]

motorkhana, as if you would! :p

[marcs_sp20]

motorkhana, as if you would! :p

Bahaha, sif you would :p

[project.r.racing]

Bahaha, sif you would :pI'll admit. I'm doing it on the 12th of July. I just cannot help myself. :p

[marcs_sp20]

I'll admit. I'm doing it on the 12th of July. I just cannot help myself. :p

Im guessing roadcraft again?

Seeing that the gauge rings have come in, going to have them painted and ready to go in around 2 weeks for when I get my father to paint some interior bits, kill two birds with one stone so to speak..

also, might end up polishing up the strut bar if I get bored! :p

[Rhys_Mazda323]

parts have arrived hey?

what colour you getting yours done?

[marcs_sp20]

parts have arrived hey?

what colour you getting yours done?

exterior colour of the car ;)

These should look good with some semi's :D

http://img231.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/users/4/2/2/6/superseven500-img600x450-1244281903ovsvek9333.jpg

[70NYD]

oh looki looki what santa bought u :D

[marcs_sp20]

hehe not quite, do want some before the end of the year though ;) after some other stuff is taken care of first!

[D-Train]

Should leave the rally tyres on those wheels, that looks phat! How u going with in the preparation for sprints dude, things coming along nicely i hope.

[marcs_sp20]

wont be ready unfortunately, hoping to be fully prepped by the end of the year..

Ryan has suggested 205/50 semi's for them, but yeah, wont be for a couple months ;)

[D-Train]

Awww! I just have to "represent" myself then. Yep already priced semis, exy but it doesn't bother me. I'm concentrating on the handling components ie. adjustable suspension, undercar braces and so on.

[marcs_sp20]

Buying an AutoExe lip with tax money has been abliterated, Jacob has some superficial damage that needs fixing now :(

Running late for work, and parking relatively close to the patio, I turned too early and hit the outside pole :(:(:(

Should be $600 for insurance...

I can say that the drive to work was very upsetting, as the rim was touching the wheel arch as it was ripped out..

Anyways I have pulled most of it out, but it'll need a new door skin and some extensive work to the wheel arch.. quite lucky I didnt fit the sport20 decals! :p

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/16062009117.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/16062009119.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/16062009120.jpg

[70NYD]

hi man sorry to c that ay :(

[Jay_Mazda3]

oh bugger :( sorry to hear it

[Mad Mat]

MATE :( :O thats a kill her my heart does out to to

[02-KQ-LASR]

hey mate,
sorry to see/hear. that sucks.

i did the same thing a few years ago... sorta. my olds just got a rollerdoor installed, and one day it jammed a bit and i wasnt paying attention an went into it. scratched the top and sides a bit on the rear hatch.. prob the worst feeling ever to have caused something by yourself. (but i was lucky enough to get my anger out straight away punching the door back into the hinges! lol)

if you need any help or anything (i doubt i can do much from here though) just let me know!

[marcs_sp20]

Thanks mate, appreciate it.

Hopefully when the car goes in to get repaired, im going to see how much it would cost to respray the bonnet & bumper as well, give it a nice clean look ;)

Cheers
Marc

[marcs_sp20]

Didnt update my dyno results!

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/agt%20dyno%20day/DSC00857.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/agt%20dyno%20day/DSC00859.jpg

Im quite happy with the result even though I am not running VICS & the valve stems are worn, and im still managing to get 600kms from a tank of go-go juice! :p

So as it sits, plans are:

July:
- get car damage fixed.
- replace clutch.
- replace mounts.
- pay remaining debt for seat rails.
- Spray interior bits exterior colour of car - Supreme Blue
- Fit AutoExe rear strut Brace

August/September/October
- Find & fit Recaro SR3 copies
- Modify & fit Jetspeed front bar (thoughts??)
- Make custom boot install

Cheers
Marc

[70NYD]

- Find & fit Recaro SR3 copies
hell yeah :D

- Modify & fit Jetspeed front bar (thoughts??)
i love the car as it is right now. not sure if it would make it better but it would make it different to the sp20 bar

- Make custom boot install
whoot im doing one of these eventually as well :D

[marcs_sp20]

hell yeah :D

:D

i love the car as it is right now. not sure if it would make it better but it would make it different to the sp20 bar

This is what it'd look like on:
http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo73/Boosted_MPS/Mazda%20SP20/100_0484.jpg

whoot im doing one of these eventually as well :D

Im going to have to, I think I'll have to mod the sub box due to the rear strut brace :(

[DavoAust]

uuhhhh, ugly. what happened to the autoexe front lip?

[marcs_sp20]

not happening due to pole mishap :(

And the bar is sitting in my spare room :p

[chicaboo]

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/agt%20dyno%20day/DSC00859.jpg
That looks very similar to the dyno for my small cam. :p

Gav.

[marcs_sp20]

That looks very similar to the dyno for my small cam. :p

Gav.

Yeah yeah shuddup :p

[bourbon]

i dont like that bar...hidious...talk to gavvie about the one he has ;)

[marcs_sp20]

the field break, nah that thing is horrendous!!!

Im considering doing the kit idea again... should have more money coming in soon :D

And you have to remember that its been modded to accomodate 4" spot lights..

[marcs_sp20]

Here's a quick shot of it:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/20062009121.jpg

[bourbon]

the side flare bit on the bar is disgusting and i dont like the 2 centre little vents...if the bar had the standard flaring (not the big ugly triangle shapped flare at the bottom) it would look a million times better...

[marcs_sp20]

I personally like the R33 vents, makes it look unique, and kinda agree wit the side flaring, but moddin to that can be arranged ;)

[70NYD]

i concur the massive hole next to the wheel is not cool. perhaps fill them in so the bumper is more solid on the sides and does not crack the 1st time u hit a kat :p

[marcs_sp20]

This is what im trying to accomplish, just with Gialla side skirts & rear lip..

http://www.msprotege.com/members/tidy%20protege/PICT0126smaller.JPG

http://www.msprotege.com/members/tidy%20protege/PICT0088smaller.JPG

[02-KQ-LASR]

anymore pics?
sp2nv is the best!!

i hope you will copy th engine too! lol

[D-Train]

A lot of coin's gone to that car but it so very well executed. Tweak It deserve kudos slaving over that engine every weekend for about a year. It is a sweet ass kit though Marc, go for it. You will have to fill the holes with mesh cos unless you got a turbo & intercooler set up your sleeve it probably would look sh!te

[marcs_sp20]

LOL, I would never get to that effort that car has in it!

Plan would be to add mesh, would look very daggy without it ;)

[marcs_sp20]

painting of interior parts takes place next weekend :D

[marcs_sp20]

and found a photo on ebay as to what it should look like, however Im not doing the bit that runs under the handbrake, oh and the carbon-fribre look peices on the centre dash peice..

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/4EBC72EE574B45D79F0A8EC0DF368595.jpg

[marcs_sp20]

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/11072009162.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/11072009163.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/11072009165.jpg

They may not suit everyones tastes, but I see it as the little things that count. Not bad for a father-son DIY job :p They didnt turn out as we planned, with years of amorall treatment, it had inbedded in the paint, so when we went to put a coat of blue on, it turned all blotchy. We decided to sand back to bare plastic...

[70NYD]

looks sexc marc XD

[project.r.racing]

hey looks good. matches the rest of the car me thinks.

[marcs_sp20]

exactly the look I was after ;). Stage 2 of interior done :D.

[project.r.racing]

does stage 3 includes a new steering wheel? yours looks a bit tatty.

[marcs_sp20]

not as bad as yours, I can recall yours being packing taped up?

I have one sitting here, just need to put it on. Stage 3 consists of new seats & DVD player...

[project.r.racing]

not as bad as yours, I can recall yours being packing taped up?Indeed 3 years ago. Replaced ages ago also.

not as bad as my old front bar. now that was tatty big time.

[marcs_sp20]

Indeed. It'll be put it in soonish, main concern is to get the cars exterior damage fixed first...

[Rix]

Marc i think you've done a good job:) really makes the interior standout and also matches the outside of the car

[marcs_sp20]

a better photo with ok light..

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/17072009179.jpg

[70NYD]

mate that is one sexc beast :D

[02-KQ-LASR]

your brake pedal is wonky! lol

looks good!!!!

[marcs_sp20]

mate that is one sexc beast :D

not in my eyes, but its getting there one mod at a time ;)

I'm really starting to like the Mazdaspeed Protege front bar, shipping would be the killer though :(

Here's a photo of what im talking about:

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr131/xDJ_DUBx/03%20lx%20exterior/DSC01886.jpg

your brake pedal is wonky! lol

looks good!!!!

Yeah came loose last night, will be taking them off/out tomorrow, over the look...

[02-KQ-LASR]

did you get that pic from the slammed protege thread? awesome thread!!
should see if they can do a deal on front bars man, i still am in the market for one...

[marcs_sp20]

did you get that pic from the slammed protege thread? awesome thread!!

Nah I actually got the photo from xDJDUBx's project build thread..


should see if they can do a deal on front bars man, i still am in the market for one...

I highly doubt they'd be willing to ship bumpers... and I have a bar sitting here anyways :rolleyes:

[Orion]

I highly doubt they'd be willing to ship bumpers... and I have a bar sitting here anyways :rolleyes:

Ken at ProtegeGarage has the Mazdaspeed Protege front bumpers for US$199 a pop. He has normally been fairly helpful with posting stuff over here. I've liked that bumper and would consider getting it if postage is silly - might reduce costs to get a few sent over in one hit. Although the last quote I got for a body kit from the US was quite high :(

[marcs_sp20]

ken doesn't deal with oem parts now, which kind of sucks :(

[Orion]

There are a couple of vendors on Mazdas247.com that deal specificallu with OEM parts but Im not sure how accommodating they are going to be with international shipping :(

[02-KQ-LASR]

anyone recon pg would do a aus group buy? I would love a few bits from there catalogue. An if others are keen might be a good deal...

[Rupewrecht]

Find me a part number if you can.

[02-KQ-LASR]

for the oem bumper?

[Orion]

Find me a part number if you can.

Hey Rupe,
Give this part number a go for the Mazdaspeed 2003.5 front spoiler:

0000 86 C02 00

Cheers.

[Rupewrecht]

Hey Rupe,
Give this part number a go for the Mazdaspeed 2003.5 front spoiler:

0000 86 C02 00

Cheers.

Cheers for that, will give it a go.

[Rupewrecht]

Nah, no luck.

[Ice88]

Hey marc

Seeing as Medievals no longer trading on ebay, what mounts you getting?

Mine need to be done within the next 5k.

[marcs_sp20]

fark, cant believe it!!!

Dunno aye, might have to get inserts...

[Ice88]

I cant remember if i read that AWRs wont work due to being designed for left hand side or not :/

[Orion]

I cant remember if i read that AWRs wont work due to being designed for left hand side or not :/

Hmmm, the steering wheel might be on the left-hand side but the layout of the engine bay is identical. I have 3 AWRs in with no dramas. Will be rounding out with the AWR non-gearbox side mount very soon :)

[marcs_sp20]

There are a couple of vendors on Mazdas247.com that deal specificallu with OEM parts but Im not sure how accommodating they are going to be with international shipping :(

Hey Rupe,
Give this part number a go for the Mazdaspeed 2003.5 front spoiler:

0000 86 C02 00

Cheers.

Just sent onlinemazdaparts.com an email to give me a quote all up including shipping, there website states that the bumper is $200US, which is surprisingly cheap! I wouldnt think shipping would be anymore then $300, so looking at around $620aud :eek:

Will keep ya's updated ;)

[marcs_sp20]

And I got a return email as soon as I sent it... not good news though :(

Regretfully that item is to large to ship to you via USPS. So the only way to ship it to you would be via UPS or ship freight.

UPS will be @750.00
Ship frieight would be @425.00 and would take 30-40 days for delivery


maybe in a years time :rolleyes:

[70NYD]

omg marc i CANNOT stress this enough. EBAY the mofo :p
there is SO many kits there for the BA but in europe, the ONLY reason i didnt buy was because the freight for the WHOLE kit was 400 lol which would of pushed the full price up to around 1000 so me being broke i said hell no.. seriusly bro give it a chance ul b suprised what u might find (b a ebay whore with me :D)

[Orion]

Yeah, shipping is expensive for large body parts from the US. I got quoted about US$1,000 to send a whole kit (front and rear bumper, and sideskirts) over :eek:

[02-KQ-LASR]

And I got a return email as soon as I sent it... not good news though :(



maybe in a years time :rolleyes:

is that 425 for the whole thing or just the shipping?

[Orion]

is that 425 for the whole thing or just the shipping?

That would be just for the shipping. Shipping things from the US of A is not cheap anymore. That and USPS have size restrictions, so basically body parts generally have to come via EMS (FEDUX, UPS etc) :P

[marcs_sp20]

I found a Supreme Blue protege5 with the MSP bumper, so I got it photoshopped with my CX7's on it, and I reckon it looks HAWT!!!

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/blueprotege5darkrims.jpg

Opinions??

[DavoAust]

looks good. now does the autoexe lip fit on that? cause that would be sex

[marcs_sp20]

nah, autoexe lip only fits the SP20 front bar, not that it matters cause I think it looks a lot better then with lip ;)

[project.r.racing]

that front bar and that big fibreglass wing the other dude (the one you got the cwest bar off) was selling, would be hawt. :)

[Orion]

Damn! Now I wants one too :D
Marc I think some more research needs to be done.
Namely, to see if there is any benefit in multiple bumpers being shipped etc.
Can you ask your contact at mazdaonlineparts.com as to how much 2,3,4 bumpers would cost to ship over.
Cheers.

[project.r.racing]

i want one, and i done even own a bj2.

[Evilist]

lovin this car man, i wish i had some more monies to get one :D they look hawt

[marcs_sp20]

Damn! Now I wants one too :D
Marc I think some more research needs to be done.
Namely, to see if there is any benefit in multiple bumpers being shipped etc.
Can you ask your contact at mazdaonlineparts.com as to how much 2,3,4 bumpers would cost to ship over.
Cheers.

I've just emailed mazdaonlineparts again for 2 & 3 bumpers to be sent...

[Ice88]

i kinda need a new bar so let me know :p

[70NYD]

hell man that looks sexy. kinda like the cx7 for some reason :p

[marcs_sp20]

This is what I received this morning... pretty vague I know, so I sent another email

To my calculations we would be looking @650 - 700.00

It really all depends on what the final order will turn out to be.


Cheers
Marc

[Ice88]

Is that postage or the bars?

[marcs_sp20]

yeah thats postage for all 3 bars..This is what I received just before:

That is just for the shipping of 3 bumpers.

Did you want a quote on 3 bumbers or 3 air dams?
.

I asked what was the difference was between and received this..

The air dam is the MSP specific ground effects front air dam.

The bumper is what it attaches to.


Um what the? can some on elaborate for us?

SO

figure in 650+600=1250/3=$416US each = $508AUD each :eek:



A hell of a lot cheaper then I thought it'd be!

[marcs_sp20]

Man im such a douche bag, its not an actual bumper, but a lip added to the SP20/Protege5/Protege/Mazdaspeed Protege...

This pic explains it all...
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Dr.Sound/03.5%20Lip%20Install/03.5%20Lip%20Install2.jpg

And just received this email to confirm...

It is one in the same.

The actual bumper is sold seperately


Still in darryl & Kris? Cant do it for a couple months though, that cool??

[02-KQ-LASR]

is anyone able to join in?

[Orion]

Still in darryl & Kris? Cant do it for a couple months though, that cool??



Hey Marc,

Because it is only an add-on lip and given the price, I think Im still going to pursue the Buddy Club 2 bodykit - just have to find some decent shipping :P

I will keep it in mind tho. Cheers.

[02-KQ-LASR]

you know carmate do the b/c kit?

[marcs_sp20]

you know carmate do the b/c kit?

I wouldnt trust carmate with a 10ft pole, best bet is to have it imported from a reputable US company then wait for 3mths & get nowhere...

[chicaboo]

Now you know its just a lip extension, do you prefer it to the AutoEXE/DGM ground effects front lip? You will lose your foggies with the MSP lip too.

Gav.

[marcs_sp20]

I dunno aye, they both look great, but will probably end up getting a AutoExe lip....

[Orion]

^^^^ Wot they said - not going through Carmate for several reasons. I also want the kit in VFiber :)

you know carmate do the b/c kit?

[Ice88]

Nah i dont have the SP20 bar.

I knew the the original item was a addon, wasnt sure if you could get the two as one piece now a days.

Might try tracking down a eurbuni lip and some blacked out SP20 lights.

[Mc_Nuggets]

do you get the honey comb parts where the fog lights where ?.

[Orion]

do you get the honey comb parts where the fog lights where ?.

Nope :(
They are a separate item that would need to be ordered as an extra.

[Orion]

Hey Marc,

Can you give a quick run-down of how you prepped your front strut bar for painting? Did you use the same methods for the plastic pieces such as the fuse-box cover?

Cheers.

[marcs_sp20]

just a quick rub down with some sandpaper, then i hit it with some prepsol to get all the excess grease & dirt off, sprayed on some undercoat followed by the colour. I then used a heatproof clear for the finish.

[marcs_sp20]

Here's a better writeup for ya darryl :D

1. gave the bar a scrub up with 800grit sandpaper, then 2000.
2. give the bar a wipe with prepsol to get the excess grease/dirt off.
3. hit the bar with a good couple coats of undercoat, 3 should be fine with 15mins between coats
4. spray on the colour, allowing 15mins between coats.
5. sprayed the bar with high-temp clear coat.

I used the wrinkle paint for both the strut bar & cam cover, and due to the bad weather, turned out crap. your best off doing this on a nice sunny day with little to no wind around...

Im going to be re-doing mine again in about a months time, but this time in a dark metallic grey & also putting the turtle cover on & respraying it, & putting a nice mazda wings badge on when I receive it :D

Cheers
Marc

[Orion]

Thanks Marc.

Will be getting on with this and about a dozen other little projects that have been accumulating :rolleyes:

On another note, I have been talking to another supplier about the Mazdaspeed front lips and he says that Mazda USA dont supply them anymore :eek:

They can do sea freight shipping so I might see if we can get them cheaper by getting OnlineMazdaParts to deliver to the ship State-side or something :p

[marcs_sp20]

ah, so your still eager on the idea of the MSP 2003.5 lip? could you live without foggies though?

This idea has crossed my mine though..

Hid's in the lower grille
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/cbrjeeper/Intake%20mani-install%20meet/DSC02868.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/cbrjeeper/Photo0358.jpg

[Mad Mat]

hey has that car got angel eyes????

[marcs_sp20]

here's a better pic upclose

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/cbrjeeper/Photo0345.jpg

[Orion]

ah, so your still eager on the idea of the MSP 2003.5 lip? could you live without foggies though?

This idea has crossed my mine though..

Hid's in the lower grille


Yeah, still thinking about it :P
Got a few other projects in the mix though so might wait around to see what $$$ and time are like when you are ready to look into them again.

Cheers.

[Mad Mat]

are they $$$$ to get???

[Ice88]

are they $$$$ to get???

Not get, but make. Id have already done it but im a lil worried about the electrical side seeing as im ducks at that crap.

You need:
Ballast
Harness
Projector
Bulbs
Shroud

The projector used in that picture is the Mercedes E55, with E Class shrouds. All the above would cost about 650 dollars delivered to AUS. End up about 35-40 dollars cheaper if you can make up a harness yourself :)

EDIT: Added cost.

[Mad Mat]

lol thanks bro :D
but i was talkin about the us lip

[Ice88]

lol thanks bro :D
but i was talkin about the us lip

Sorry, saw your post on the earlier page and assumed :o

[Mad Mat]

its all good bro :p

[marcs_sp20]

around $500ea for the lip, assuming 3 were to buy at the same time.

as for the HID's, figure in $100.

the headlights on the other hand, are a custom job :(

[marcs_sp20]

I've decided next weekend will be a dedicated car weeekend, and apart from giving the car a service, actually pulling apart the rear and installing the strut brace thats been lying here for 3 weeks now :p Theres also the matter of prepping & painting both the turtle shell, fuse box & strut bar in a more sedate metallic grey (as the bright blue kinda kills the look im after...)

My only concern is that when I install the brace, the sub box wont quite fit under the strut bar...

[Ice88]

Yeah im about to pop down to autobahn and pick up some spring compressors :)

[02-KQ-LASR]

how much are they out of curiousity?

[Ice88]

I got mine for 46. Cant get the ****n seat belts unbolted so i havnt opened mine yet. :(

Hope autobahn will take it back tomorrow.

[marcs_sp20]

I've solvered my problem in regards to sub... I'm just going to flip it so the sub is facing the roof/ front of car...

Before:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/stereo.jpg

After:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/14082009201.jpg

Bass seems to be the same, cant really tell due to blocked ears :( But thank fark im not having to fork out more money in the ICE department, I think the missus would kill me! :p

[Rix]

just out of curiosity why do you have a fire extinguisher? i know dad's clubsport has one. Is it standard with new cars now or something?

[marcs_sp20]

always good to have one as a precaution, was given that one as an 18th (before I bought the mazda) and is subsequently out of date, 1st pic is near 3 years old now..

[Rix]

true true, i think they are overpriced for what they are though, hope rotating it solves the problem man although u can't really hear it to test it fully:p

[marcs_sp20]

starting from $24.95, they are by far a great asset to have in any car no matter what.

I'll wait till monday (or till the pounding in my ears stops) to see if it is the same, missus says that her eyelashs were vibrating, so thats saying something :p

[Ghoru]

hmm 25 dollars or watch your car go up in a fireball (in whatever freak accident) i know what id choose

[Rix]

did you tell her to stop blinking:P

[Ghoru]

hey marc cabin firing a sub is good for passengers...free kidney massages. you should charge people for that sh!t

[marcs_sp20]

Im actually apposed to cabin firing subs, as with other installs I have had in previous cars they didnt produce the sub frequency I was after that rear firing offered.

Seeing as the sub is on a slight angle (25 degree's?), it seems to be ok, but more importantly giving sufficient room for when the strut bar is installed. Another good point is that the sub wont be damaged as well, so all is good :D

[marcs_sp20]

Bit the bullet & installed the strut brace this afternoon, took no longer then 15mins to disassemble the interior plastics, and another hour marking & cutting the seat belt towers to fit. Due to the beaded weld of the AutoExe's bracket construction, cutting was the only option.

Verdict? $140 well spent :D makes a substantial difference in cornering at 60km/h, makes it a lot more rigid...

Pics:

from the back
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/DSC00980.jpg

RHS bracket
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/DSC00973.jpg

LHS bracket
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/DSC00976.jpg

how the sub sits now
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/DSC00978.jpg

Going to be cutting the interior plastics on Monday afternoon, didnt have time this afternoon. Will update once done.

[DavoAust]

nice work bru :p (shouldn't it be under 'brakes & suspension' on your RR?)

you need to get a rear sway bar, you'll notice that a lot

[marcs_sp20]

ah, choice bru! (changed it in RR ;))

Trying to find one these days is damned near impossible, ****eline dont list it anymore more & the US boys having problems with a certain brand & clunking... so the 20mm one does me well for now :D

[Orion]

Trying to find one these days is damned near impossible, ****eline dont list it anymore more & the US boys having problems with a certain brand & clunking... so the 20mm one does me well for now :D

Get a Progess rear 22mm swaybar. It is a breeze to install (ask Gav - easiest install on the car to date :P) and comes with anti-clunk built-in. I got mine off eBay for around $200 and arrive quickly with no hassles.

[marcs_sp20]

Well today I purchased some seats:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/22082009220.jpg

There Autotecnica seats, ADR approved, and for $300 for the pair, I couldnt leave them there! good thing about these seats is that they really hold in my fat ass, something the SP20 seats dont...

I also took the seat rails out as well for fitment, turns out the rails are 15mm wider then the anchor points on the seats, so next weekend I'll be getting some 5mm flat bar steel to make up some brackets for fitment.

exciting times :D

Whats in store for the car after this? Not much really, get the side of the car repaired, and thats about it. front lip will come in time, but main thing is just getting out and driving it ;)

CHeers
Marc

[project.r.racing]

can you measure the anchor points for me please? width/length?

[marcs_sp20]

from centre to centre, 390mm wide, and from front to back, 255mm & 310mm respectively.

recaro rails I have are 410mm wide...

[70NYD]

oooh ssp26's im lookin and im LOVIN it bro cant wait to c them in the car, better have them in by the cruize :D
i had that problem with my ones, 4mm plate steel bars did the trick, holding them up really nice :D

[DavoAust]

they didnt sell them in white/gray by any chance?

[marcs_sp20]

This is them davo:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/PAGE_012_OFFER_000F271E.jpg

[DavoAust]

haha i just found them on the website. think i'd get them in gray or blue

might go take a look :)

[marcs_sp20]

I went black purely for the fact the grey was wayy different to whats in the car, not that it matters as these will be covered ;)

[70NYD]

yeah cover em dude, i got a chocolate stain on myn :'(

[Rix]

Lol Tony that'd suck:(

[Mc_Nuggets]

you should get them embroidered or something aye

[marcs_sp20]

I should get some iron on MS wording :D

[Mad Mat]

I should get some iron on MS wording :D

hahaha u make me laugh :D

[02-KQ-LASR]

nice buy marc! look nice! should suit your car really well!

[NaughtyGT]

I went black purely for the fact the grey was wayy different to whats in the car, not that it matters as these will be covered ;)

I've got some Recaro's Marc, outta the GTX I'm pilfering :D How would you cover these? :confused: I think the standard seats would be more kinda on the ass & back for the trip up to see you guys :p

[marcs_sp20]

I have those slip on seat covers, at least they will cover the front, not overly worried about the rear...

[70NYD]

I should get some iron on MS wording :D

haha there is NOTHING wrong with that, i have MS stickers on my seats haha :p

[Mad Mat]

haha there is NOTHING wrong with that, i have MS stickers on my seats haha :p

u have ms stickers on everything lol :p

[70NYD]

tru tru :p
like anyone who looks at it knows the difference anyway, the ones on the wheels have baked on by the sun, they look like they were meant to b there :p

[Mad Mat]

bahahaha nice as :P

[marcs_sp20]

dropped seats & rails off at my parents for work on saturday morning. Going to be using 5mm flat steel with a 20mm edge for a bit of strength, not needed but gives that extra strength (I do weigh 105kg's...) they'll be running the length of the rails, and will have to prop it up with washers to get the height needed to bolt them up to the seats (realised tonight 20mm is right butt up against the inside rail...)

Will have pics on saturday once in :D

[chrisw]

cant wait to see the seats in the car :D

[marcs_sp20]

nor can I :D

[marcs_sp20]

Seats are in :D will take beter photo's tomorrow...

Took it for a quick spin, man, these seats hold me in (and I aint a small guy either!) The rails need a greasing as they are hard to operate, but other then that pretty good :D

Pics:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/28082009004.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/28082009005.jpg

And finally in the car :D:D:D:D:D
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/28082009013.jpg

[chicaboo]

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/28082009005.jpg
That's how Mitch used to look in the breadvan. :p

Do you find the seats feel higher or lower now?

Gav.

[marcs_sp20]

around 100mm higher, which I have already changed seating position to compensate...

[chrisw]

lol wtf... are there seats in the car when you were sitting in it or were you sitting on the floor?

if those seats were in the car when you were sitting in there, it looks like you cant see over the dash :S

[marcs_sp20]

LOL that was before i put them in :p

[bourbon]

thats what i thought...i was like there is no way in hell those seats are in there and you could dirve like that! thats like full on ghetto but all you need was airbags in the front to start the bouncing :p hhaha!

[marcs_sp20]

lmao!

[chicaboo]

100mm higher??? Mang, that is Zappy spec! :eek:

[70NYD]

looking good man put up some more of it during day time :D:D
sex-spec :)

[marcs_sp20]

heres a quick pic:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/29082009017.jpg

[maztech]

they look good how easy were the standard rail to modify to fit seats

[Rix]

Marcs bringing sexy back;)

[70NYD]

man im loving them more and more each time i c them :)
whoot now we both have autotechnica seats XD

[marcs_sp20]

maztech
used recaro rails made for the bj, didn't quite fit (seat mount issues) but do the job ;)

cheers
marc

[project.r.racing]

100mm higher? like 10cm? you sure?

[marcs_sp20]

just checked, more like 50mm, although feels like 100 :p

[70NYD]

cus the seats are still stiff.. give it a few weeks :D

[Ice88]

Man if there 5-10cm higher i dont think id fit in my car if i got them :p

[chicaboo]

Well, I'm really worried now, cause I ordered and paid for them for the TX3! :eek: I might have to get lowered rails professionally done...

[Mad Mat]

hmmm i wouldn't think so mate... u have to remember the rails will make a differance too. not just the seats.... i think the seats a the same its just the the rails have been made 4 there seats... :) stress less :D

[70NYD]

its simple man, get the skiniest universal rails, that sit flush with the seats, amd get lowest possible brackets made.. if i had better brackets my seats would be down one inch..

[project.r.racing]

true, my rail sit 10mm lower than the originals, just gotta find a bride/recaro/cobra seat i like.

[Rupewrecht]

Hey Marc, you do realise the rails are height adjustable? The bolts at the front just above the mountng points shoulenable you to adjust them, from memory. Or are they already all the way down?

[chicaboo]

maztech
used recaro rails made for the bj, didn't quite fit (seat mount issues) but do the job ;)

cheers
marc
Did you compare the Recaro rails alongside the stock rails when everything was out of the car? If it's just a case of the Recaro rails being much higher for rice boys, I don't feel so bad now.

I might have to get some BF FWD Recaro rails from Dan. ;) At least that would give me something to hack up that I won't miss...

Still no word on my seats...
Gav.

[marcs_sp20]

Well, I'm really worried now, cause I ordered and paid for them for the TX3! :eek: I might have to get lowered rails professionally done...

Its the rails that have added the height, not the seats :D

Hey Marc, you do realise the rails are height adjustable? The bolts at the front just above the mountng points shoulenable you to adjust them, from memory. Or are they already all the way down?

lol, nope, didnt know that! I'll have a check tomorrow... Reckon it'd be adjustable for the rears too?

Did you compare the Recaro rails alongside the stock rails when everything was out of the car? If it's just a case of the Recaro rails being much higher for rice boys, I don't feel so bad now.

I might have to get some BF FWD Recaro rails from Dan. ;) At least that would give me something to hack up that I won't miss...

Still no word on my seats...
Gav.

unfortunately I did not, but if what dan says is true, i'll take them out & compare...

I ventured all through brisbane this afternoon, followed by a drive to the coast & home again tonight, and can say they are as nice to sit in as the factory items :D

[Rupewrecht]

lol, nope, didnt know that! I'll have a check tomorrow... Reckon it'd be adjustable for the rears too?

I'd think so, but i'm not positive.

[marcs_sp20]

its got me intrigued, im going out to check NOW! :p

[marcs_sp20]

OK,

The rails have 3 settings on both the front & rear, and all mine are on the lowest :(

I have been feeling like I want to slip out of my seat, so im going to see what taking the front up 1 setting will do tomorrow afternoon...

[Rupewrecht]

Doh!

[marcs_sp20]

Seats have settled down, no more slipping outta the seat now :D

Plans for Friday for the car:

Wash
chamois
Polish to get rid of swirls in paint
Prep & paint Turtle cover, cam cover, fuse box cover & strut brace
Oil & Filter change
replace Pod filter
replace spark plugs
Vacuum interior

im gonna be a busy boy :D

[project.r.racing]

you gonna ignore tash all day? you are brave! or did you bribe her with jett photos the next day? :p

[marcs_sp20]

lol, she'll be at work, so no bribing :p

Just been told by the woman herself that I have to now clean her car too! Geez louise! :p

[project.r.racing]

Well she is the boss right? The ring is on her finger now! Do her bidding... :p

[marcs_sp20]

I know, women, cant live with them, cant live without them :p

[gtarone]

Get a GF that lives in a different post code. Sorted. So Steve is looking to buy seats....

[marcs_sp20]

You know you want a set :D

[02-KQ-LASR]

why the change of mind with the seats???

[marcs_sp20]

cause i can ;)

answer my PM ffs!

[marcs_sp20]

to answer the question properly, Im basically stuck in a ruck so to speak, I dont know if I wanna keep spending money on the car or not, and what to spend it on...

The car is getting repaired in February due to recieving my rating 1 for life in December.

I'm still stumped as to If I should purchase an autoexe lip (when one comes up or if a damned US ebay seller would reply to emails) or paint up the front bar I already have, but then the rest of the kit wouldnt flow so would need different skirts...

So yeah, thats my dillema...

[70NYD]

unless the seats are uncomfertable i would recomend keeping them.. im used to myn now, and going in to standard ones i feel like im sitting in a truck, and its really heary around corners, cus there is not lat support there like im used to..
i do understand what u mean mate, really, i hit a peak now astina wise, and anything else that i want to do to it would mean financial comitments that outweigh the cost of the car itself..
best of luck man
tony

[marcs_sp20]

Their is a substancial difference between the race seats & the standards, all I have to do is sit in the laser for a comparison. No Side supports, very cushiony (which is not bad though) and well yeah...

also when trying to throw money in other directions (ie wedding, holiday etc) is always fun ;)

[marcs_sp20]

THE KIT IS GOING AHEAD :D:D:D

After a few long days of thinking, I have come to my senses & will kit the car after all, it wont get done overnight, but will be going ahead.

I have updated my readers rides with plans for the car, and hope to have them done by the time the car gets repaired, so giving myself 4 months... then its save for a wedding :( and maybe by then I'll have a new retro project :D

[Orion]

THE KIT IS GOING AHEAD :D:D:D



Hey Marc, Sounds excellent.

Im thinking about a kit as well and Im still looking at the Buddy Club 2 kit (although I might change out the rear bumper for a Wings West or something). I want to get a fibreglass/plastic composite kit - i.e. vFiber.

Im going to try to see if I can get a kit shipped from the USA on sea freight through I contact I have. I know that the next shipment they are doing is in December, so if you have anything you need from the States I can let you know if I have any success.

Cheers.

[02-KQ-LASR]

i bet youll change your mind! i give it a week! lol

[marcs_sp20]

3 days more like it :p

Took some random shots while at the coast yesterday...

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/02012009165.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/02012009168.jpg

once the bar goes, will keep that monies in reserve for either an Autoexe front lip or progress rear sway bar...

Cheers
Marc

[70NYD]

HAHAHAHAHA so much for what u said on friday night :p
looks good but :)

[marcs_sp20]

hahaha yeah I know, but im still being original :D

[project.r.racing]

autoexe front lip :D

[marcs_sp20]

if I can find one, the copies on Ebay are $150US, and then shipping is an extra $890!!! :eek::eek::eek:

[Ice88]

lol shipping :/

[project.r.racing]

yeah lol at shipping. ebay seller trying to make big $$$ from it.

none in japan?

[Rupewrecht]

Yikes! Even new genuine from Japan is way cheaper than that - and that's at a item cost of 25000yen!

[marcs_sp20]

$318 for shipping is wayyy better then $900...

[marcs_sp20]

some shots I took at esk on the way to up here on the sunny coast yesterday:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/DSC01140.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/DSC01138.jpg

[marcs_sp20]

Got the car booked in at Mr Muffler for changeover of rear muffler for next Wednesday, as I have purchased chicaboo's X-Force twin loop muff (when I pay the remainder off :p).

Will also be painting the cam cover, strut brace, fuse box & turtle cover. Im unsure if I want to take the CAI out & spray it metallic grey as well, what do you kids think?

I have also bought (awaiting delivery from ebay) a 3A racing pod as I can remember reading an article a couple years back in Autosalon Magazine that it came first, considering it was 2nd cheapest out of some of the big companies ;)

[Brisbane_boy]

i reccon leave the CAI stainless,

[70NYD]

awesome marc lookng forwad to piccies :)
r u sure about painting the CAI?

[marcs_sp20]

thats why i asked :p

See im not entirely sure, thinking it might be a little too much grey...

[Orion]

This a similar dilema to what I am facing at the moment. I have several items (yet to be installed) that are polished aluminium - K&N CAI, Autoexe strut brace, fuel pressure reg, fuel rail, and 626 intake manifold.

I generally want to keep things a metallic grey so that it doesnt have too much bling factor. Some things I wont be able to change the colour of like the FPR which is polished metal and dark anodised blue. Here is how I would like mine to go (hopefully to give you some ideas/inspiration:
- FPR which is already polished metal and anodised blue
- 626 intake manifold (metallic grey)
- fuel rail (anodised blue to try to match the FPR)
- strut brace (metallic grey)
- K&N CAI which is polished metal - think I might HPC coat it and hope it turns out like my headers (metallic grey)
- I also reckon I might get blue vac lines to help with the blue theme

Hope you figure out what to do .....
..... so I get some ideas too. Cheers.

[marcs_sp20]

See even im stumped, after looking through at least 40 pages of the Current Engine bay pics thread on mazdas247.com (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123639907), I just cant seem to come to a decision. A lot use that split corragated hose in different colours, and run aftermarket strut braces (GTspec).

What I might do is this:
leave the cam cover blue for some originality;
spray the turtle cover & fuse box lid gunmetal grey;
re-polish the simota CAI;
Sand back the strut brace to bare metal and polish up.

Im going to break the turtle cover up with a mazda badge I purchased off ebay a while ago... and hope for the best :p

Cheers
Marc

[Orion]

Im going to break the turtle cover up with a mazda badge I purchased off ebay a while ago... and hope for the best :p


Way ahead of you here ;)

It actually looks quite good and sharpens up the turtle cover quite nicely.

I just want to do do a proper sand on the cover and repaint it black at the moment.

[marcs_sp20]

Where do you think I got the idea from? :p

After the last attempt at painting, I wanna go in a more subtle direction, that doesnt wanna make you tear out your eyes :rolleyes:

[marcs_sp20]

OMG! Im back to half stock!! :eek:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/16102009207.jpg

Took the passenger one out and put the original seat back in as the missus has been getting terrible back pain from the seats, as with less rear cushioning and rigid ride with the 18's, its a little too much for her. No way im taking mine out :D

[marcs_sp20]

Got my Dad to polish up the muff before it gets installed tomorrow morning

Before:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/p0509091346.jpg

After :D:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/20102009231.jpg

im over the moon with the results :D:D

[chicaboo]

Dam, I haven't seen it look like that for looong tiiiiime.

[marcs_sp20]

and only took him 45mins! :eek:

[marcs_sp20]

Exhaust is on & loving it!

All I can say that the car is super quiet, yet I have A LOT more power at my right pedal :D

We did encounter a problem though, when I first took off I was getting a large clunk from the rear, but after a while it got a little worse. I took it back and we had found that the rear loop back into the muffler was hitting up against the rear endlink. After a chat with gav on the phone we came to the realisation that bending the exhaust hangers down would give us that space we needed to clear it when hitting a bump.

This reduced the clunk by 75%, and im assuming it'll go completely once I replace the springs & shocks in the rear...

Anyways, pics:
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/21102009236.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/21102009237.jpg

CHeers
Marc

[chicaboo]

Hell sexy! Now you too appreciate the twinloop power gains [11kW for me]. :D

[marcs_sp20]

now its save save save to get springs & shocks in before the skidpan day!

[maztech]

Looks great Marc

[project.r.racing]

very much hotness mr marc. i think i might do the same.

[marcs_sp20]

If I thought the car had oomph before, it farkin flies now! Seeing as though last fill up I put just plain old 91 in it, filled it up again with 98 and what I difference again! I can even chirp 2nd gear with a bung clutch! :eek::p

Ran into some monies today (gotta love a payrise & backpay :D), so purchased the Apexi springs rupe had for sale, and will be placing them on new KYB shocks for the rear in 2 weeks time :D It may raise the scraping stance by 15mm in the rear, but I couldnt really give a rats...

Never got around to spraypainting engine bay parts yesterday, but hopefully will on the weekend..

Cheers
Marc

[marcs_sp20]

Meh.

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/DSC01381.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/DSC01393.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/marcs_sp20/SP20%20pics/DSC01413.jpg

[70NYD]

hmm v nice marcus :)

[marcs_sp20]

very average, were taken before the car got wet this arvo :p

[marcs_sp20]

thinkin about this for the interior, in a darker blue, and with standard seats up front.

http://www.astinagt.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=7&pictureid=82

been quoted a $1000 for black vinyl with blue suede inserts, havent asked how much just to replace the grey and leave the black suede ...

[mussing]

Doesn't vinyl get really hot and sticky?

[70NYD]

1000 for everything?
now i c why u want to sell the seats haha very good choice mate ;)

[marcs_sp20]

Doesn't vinyl get really hot and sticky?

It does, but the car is mostly undercover most of the time.

1000 for everything?
now i c why u want to sell the seats haha very good choice mate ;)

you dont know how long I have been trolling the forums to find that photo, I absolutely love that interior, and thats my inspiration :D

[mussing]

Did you consider going with that place that does the leatherette seat covers with embossed logo etc? Pretty sure that was around $500, and I'm thinking you could get the doors redone for less than $500, meaning less than a grand in total.

[marcs_sp20]

they dont have the templates for the BJ astina, only BA & BG. For them to do the coverings they need your existing seat coverings, one thing I dont want to do. thats only for the 4 seats aswell, its more again for embroidery work & extra material for door cards, so realistically its close to $1000 plus then you have to put them on yourself..

$1000 i got quoted was for material, needle work & putting on the seats...

[familiagtx]

sounds alright....

just shop around before committing to one retrimmer.

thats the mistake i did when i built my kf/kh laser

[marcs_sp20]

Yeah im just undecided if I want to go the whole "leather look", or just just get the grey fabric replaced...

spendings on the car has been put on hold for the moment, xmas pressies dont pay for themselves :p

[02-KQ-LASR]

the only thing i hate bout my leather interior is its really tempramental if its hot the seats are hot an sticky, if its cold theyre cold!
but the looks far outway the negatives!