This may be a little ridiculous - a $2018 challenge oddessey

Unfortunately, nope. Pouring rain and a chance of ice. Would be a miserable drive.

I was really looking forward to it too.

Old money: 2526.08

new money:

inner fenders: 20

new total: 2546.08

we covered a lot of work last time, and had no payoff posted. I aim to fix that.

So, I buttoned up the interior, creating a harness for the NA headrest speakers, installing the shift light and rear view mirror, debugging everything, etc. very happy with how it all turned out, and the new autometers are NICE to look at and work with. The relocated shift light is very visible, and actually accurate this time. I also scrapped the thermostat plan. Unfortunately, the just isn't ROOM for it. Would have worked fine, but just no space. I also finished relocating the air filter, and plumbing the AC system. Need to get fittings pressed on, as the clamp on style are leaking. Also need to get the correct size belt.

20191206_190035 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

20191206_190041 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

20191206_190625 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

20191226_131741 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

20191227_162507 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

20191227_162522 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

next up was finally fixing the broken diff. I didn't want to, and put it off as long as possible. The job wasn't fun, but wasn't hard.

First, assume the position!

20191208_090221 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

once I got the onld on out and on the bench, I found rust, pitting, gear wear, etc inside the case. It also appears to have been half full of water still judging by the color of the gear oil I drained out. No lie, I never even checked fluid level since ive owned this diff.....

20191208_155920 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

20191208_192804 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

20191208_192811 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

but its in. its noisy now, and im not sure if its just because I can hear it, if its actually louder, or if its due to delrin bushings. Regardless, its what I have. Id LOVE the 3.6 gears, but not for 1k. Or even 500. just not worth it to me. So for now, the 4.11 is back in and im calling it done.

20191209_190607 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

went ahead and finally installed the front inner fenders

20191210_181436 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

fixed the top weatherstripping, installed the splitter again, and test fit a potential spoiler option (it was free. Duct taped to the decklid. Appears to be the ebay $85 special. Im still torn on the looks.), then proceeded to beat on it for 75 miles, fix a few gremlins in the wiring that cropped up, and beat it some more!

20191220_110313 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

20191221_083200 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

ive started mapping out next season of local autocross. My wheels are 15x7, and im currently debating 205/50/15 or 225/45/15 federal rs-rr for the next year. Either way, ill be ordering next month.

Also on the to do list is the oiling system upgrades (pan still isn't done), 3500 top swap with a bigger throttle body, and install my Christmas present from my wife: sierra auto tops seat covers

20191226_131741 by Michael Crawford, on Flickr

I like the wing, actually. It goes well with the splitter, and if anyone gives you grief, you can truthfully say "because racecar".

I think if the wing were about 6 inches higher, it would be perfect. So, probably moving forward there!

I like the spoiler, would love to upset people and put one on the boxster

now starts the mental debate about pulling the whole interior again to make the tans match.....

I freaking love the gumballs on the side of this car. 

mazdeuce - Seth said:

I freaking love the gumballs on the side of this car. 

Agreed, love how it fits in with the overall aesthetic of the car.

Imho, that is something Duster does well. The car in every stage just looks right.

Thanks guys. Some cars just click in my eye. This one took a while, but is starting to get there. Ventedhood and new wing should really help.

+1 

I like the new spoiler and overall look of the car.

Got another angle on the spoiler? Really digging how it looks and trying to picture it on the boxster

Also just noticed the blacked out windshield frame. Me likey.

In reply to Mad_Ratel :

Unfortunately no.

But, the ebay 57 unch universal spoiler looks tlright

OK dangit, i guess my NB gets aero this summer.  What steering wheel did you go with? Or has the final decision been made?

Justjim75 said:

OK dangit, i guess my NB gets aero this summer.  What steering wheel did you go with? Or has the final decision been made?

Mine gets aero because yours is awesome if that didn't come out in the "tone" of my post.  Compliments to the chef, so to speak

I still have the 12.5 inch. Its marginal....

389.73 out the door. And tgey are already as grippy (straight line) in the rain as the sm7s were warmed up in the dry. I think i made a mistake at tbe challenge.....

how did the caliper brackets and rotor hats not get painted?

In reply to AngryCorvair :

Im shocked nobody's pointed that out before now.

I didn't notice i forgot until i pulled the wheels for the concourse at the challenge. 

And then forgot again after. Until now.

Thats my favorite budget 200tw tire. I ran them on my ACR at Mid O for some track days and they held up great.

Also are thoes the rpf1 356 reps?

In reply to Professor_Brap :

Yessir! Drag dr21. I like them.

And im looking forward to dry weather test drive tomorrow. Taking it to dads place to pull the k frame for oil pan replacement .

I ran the rs-r(single r) BiTD and loved them. I was still a green autoXer, but they transformed my car at an amazing price.

I am currently debating the rs-rr or fz201(s) as a budget tire instead of running used slicks, so that I can stop changing wheels/tires twice an event. I look forward to your impressions.

In reply to gumby :

Mine was between the rs-rr and the 615k what my reasoning is exactly the same as yours. I'm still incredibly green myself at this so I don't know how much feedback I'll be able to give you on the difference between rock hard slicks and the federals

In reply to Dusterbd13-michael :

Do you know if they come in 5x100

In reply to Professor_Brap :

No sir. Bought this set used with brand new tires on them for 300 bucks.

Oil pan swap time. And cooler.

And on springs: i have available:

4x 550in/lb

2x 450in/lb

2x 250in/lb

The car was undersprung at the challenge. It was on the 450/250 combo. Im thinking do the 550 in front, and add the rear bar back in?