Budoy's 1998 S14

[jbcm12]

We've been working on the car like crazy and I've been posting updates to my IG @buuudoy, but a lot of people recommended me blogging. With the plans of doing vlogs and finding out that photobucket figured itself out, I figured it was time to update this.

Around February of 2016 I started searching for an S14 because I wanted a project car and I was dallying my 2016 STI 72 miles one way to work. Originally I found a "clean title" white Kouki but ended up returning the car for all my money back. A little bummed, a seller on craigslist hit me up who I had been trying to negotiate with and gave me the deal I was looking for.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7639_zps6m2lxl6b.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7639_zps6m2lxl6b.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7638_zpsr3ncbguv.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7638_zpsr3ncbguv.jpg.html)

After returning the white 97 I found a 1998 Clean title Kouki S14 with 108k miles, no accidents, base model, automatic, and almost flawless inside and out. The price was steep but after a weeks he hit me back up because he wanted it gone.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/00H0H_bc8mc8VNvaw_600x450_zpsgrnhu1d0.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/00H0H_bc8mc8VNvaw_600x450_zpsgrnhu1d0.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/00v0v_fJjzJ8UR66j_600x450_zps4tdsecac.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/00v0v_fJjzJ8UR66j_600x450_zps4tdsecac.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/00z0z_iCXQNKRr2Ma_600x450_zpsfhkhpcpz.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/00n0n_UHht8QHexD_600x450_zpsmtocuvqt.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/00n0n_UHht8QHexD_600x450_zpsmtocuvqt.jpg
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/01010_drcyU1nNgaH_600x450_zpsy2laoqik.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/01010_drcyU1nNgaH_600x450_zpsy2laoqik.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/01212_kb0a5bmOhEn_600x450_zps4yhwigdw.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/01212_kb0a5bmOhEn_600x450_zps4yhwigdw.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

On the way home from Sacramento, the first fill up
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7698_zpsq5zccwxe.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7698_zpsq5zccwxe.jpg.html)
And the first time taking her around
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7752_zpsce0tyfwe.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7752_zpsce0tyfwe.jpg.html)


Almost immediately I ordered a new radio bezel, 5 lug swap, and locally found Z33 wheels
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7795_zpssotlbsot.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7795_zpssotlbsot.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7786_zpsvgfujgql.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7786_zpsvgfujgql.jpg.html)


Two weeks later with some time off from work I was able to get the 5 lug swap on with the new wheels and found an OEM set of Navan sides
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7859_zpshqwgvxxc.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7859_zpshqwgvxxc.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8129_zpsba2btft2.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8129_zpsba2btft2.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8133_zpspkmpj9yz.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8133_zpspkmpj9yz.jpg.html)

With the new wheels the setup was nice but sitting way too high, at the time PBM was sold out so I sourced a set of used coils
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8137_zpsfjj0jeay.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8137_zpsfjj0jeay.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8142_zpsaiyxpvfz.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8142_zpsaiyxpvfz.jpg.html)
Coils are in, photo at work
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8174_zps22g7i6rr.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8174_zps22g7i6rr.jpg.html)

[rawgarage]

Nice... had no idea Z wheels fit on stock suspension..

[2muchboost]

Very clean car bud. For the love of God please dont do what the rest of your generation is doing to these cars hahaha. Simple, effective, and attention to detail will make this old man very happy to follow your thread.

[jbcm12]

Nice... had no idea Z wheels fit on stock suspension..
Thanks, yeah it barely fits. I'm working on the lowering springs today and I'm afraid the wheels will hit the bottom of the front strut.

Very clean car bud. For the love of God please dont do what the rest of your generation is doing to these cars hahaha. Simple, effective, and attention to detail will make this old man very happy to follow your thread.
Thanks, but I'm very sorry. I didn't mean todo it, it just ended up that way. Hopefully I can still redeem myself.

With that being said, on the way home from that last photo posted the passenger rear tire popped on the freeway. I did a 180 through three lanes of traffic into the freeway barrier which helped me control the car straight and away from everyone. Someone actually got it on video.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8181_zpso03cya8w.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8181_zpso03cya8w.jpg.html)

Fresh off a 12 hour shift at 6AM, towing company told me they wouldn't be able to get to me for 3 hours. 680 has a freeway service that helps accidents but wouldn't take me home, so they came and checked on me and got me off the freeway. The car would be drivable at this point if I had a spare wheel but the two in the trunk didn't fit because they had the wrong bore. A good friend of mine woke up drove down with tools but took me back to his house to grab g35 wheels when we realized my spares wouldn't fit.

When I finally got home 6 hours later, I inspected the car and looked at everything that was damaged. Quarter panel, rear panel, rear under panel, bumper support, trunk lid, wheel, and tail light were smashed.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8187_zpsq764ewfj.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8187_zpsq764ewfj.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8186_zpsfprdcd4h.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8186_zpsfprdcd4h.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8188_zpsecp1ezvg.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8188_zpsecp1ezvg.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8185_zpsucgcn8ne.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8185_zpsucgcn8ne.jpg.html)

[RalliartRsX]

Damn..........busted without even trying to drift :(
Sorry bud......

[onehundredoctane]

Sad panda.

Fix that Kouki.

[lunchmeat]

Damn...my heart. Got a soft spot for green koukis.
Don't know about z wheels fitting, but I know g35 17" 6 spokes won't fit the front with stock series size(50) tire. My car's previous owner slapped on a set and the shocks ate the front tires.

[2muchboost]

Damn that sucks man. Glad you are ok thats the important part. Fix her back up and bring that beautiful color back.

[travon47]

Sorry to hear and see your car wrecked )-: If you are planning on rebuilding it I could sell you a right corner rear kouki light that is greyed like yours are so they match. I think it has a small chip but works fine. lmk if you ever need it

[jbcm12]

Damn..........busted without even trying to drift :(
Sorry bud......

Oh but this isn't the end. At this point, depression was starting to kick in. After considering my options I knew that it had to get fixed one way or another because I wasn't going to scrap the car, so the ONLY way todo it is the right way. I got quotes from two shops in the area and I started sourcing all the parts they would need to get everything straight.

Found a guy down in Stockton who got t-boned and was parting the car. Threw him an offer for what I needed, told me less if I cut it myself. And after 2 attempts I brought it home. With the deal I grabbed A-Pillars with tweeters, mudflaps, bumper support, rear panel, rear under, and the tail lights for a zenki.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8277_zpsjts4puxb.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8277_zpsjts4puxb.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8276_zpsud0oqglf.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8276_zpsud0oqglf.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8278_zpsrce5qfqz.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8278_zpsrce5qfqz.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8274_zpsj2tw5thb.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8274_zpsj2tw5thb.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8275_zpsjhglx4r7.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8275_zpsjhglx4r7.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8439_zpsri6wgmc0.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8439_zpsri6wgmc0.jpg.html)

Car still looks good at certain angles haha
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8232_zpseu519wto.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8232_zpseu519wto.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

I drove the car around for about a month while waiting for parts and saving, at this point the car had only been in my possession for 2 months so things were moving rather quickly. My goal for parts while it was in the shop was to only buy what I needed, but the shop I chose took about 3 months to complete my job only because he was pushing it off to the side. In this time I stripped the car for the shop, sold the PBM coils, and picked up JDM front and rear Kouki bumpers, USDM Kouki lip, Z33 wheel to replace the smashed wheel, PBM rear arms, Recaro CL9 seats, and Wedge brackets and sliders.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/13310623_1734858673429225_7754897655784849429_n%20 2_zpsis6mo7ba.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/13310623_1734858673429225_7754897655784849429_n%20 2_zpsis6mo7ba.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8977_zpsrkfsb0hx.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8977_zpsrkfsb0hx.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8271_zps5yrx1vu6.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8271_zps5yrx1vu6.jpg.html)

[bataangpinoy]

Budoy is the most pinoy nickname i have ever heard . keep the car tidy

[rawgarage]

Lemme buy thT usdm lip when u slap on the JDM front

[AscendaShogun]

Sell the Z33 wheels and buy my Nismo LMGT2s ;) 17x8+35

I know your pains tho. Wrecked my kouki last december. But it was only subframe and suspension. Had it back 3 months later.

Keep your head up. If you plan on drifting it, learn on that KA till it blows.

[jbcm12]

Sell the Z33 wheels and buy my Nismo LMGT2s ;) 17x8+35

I know your pains tho. Wrecked my kouki last december. But it was only subframe and suspension. Had it back 3 months later.

Keep your head up. If you plan on drifting it, learn on that KA till it blows.
I changed out all the arms, but its still not sitting properly. Its pushed towards the rear bumper as if caster was off. I need to pull the sub frame but my STI is going back to shop so i can't afford to lose both cars.

Forgot to add the photo of the PBM arms.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8463_zpsilsfeez7.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8463_zpsilsfeez7.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8374_zpstp93ahlu.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8374_zpstp93ahlu.jpg.html)

After three months of delay, longer than I owned the car, it was time for pickup and my best friend helped me out. Rear wasn't 100% lined up, I assumed it was the trunk being messed up but i was happy.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_9017_zpsvzmtrbyd.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_9017_zpsvzmtrbyd.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_8999_zps2t7gpt41.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_8999_zps2t7gpt41.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_9001_zpsakml3vl4.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_9001_zpsakml3vl4.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

It was great to have the car back again, could finally get all those parts out of my room. First thing i tackled were the tires, but I had a trip planned to Japan so everything else was on hold. After Japan I got the PBM arms on and alignment followed.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_9473_zpsegwllmdv.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_9473_zpsegwllmdv.jpg.html)

Wedge made my bracket and sliders so I could get my Recaros in. Pulled the rear seats and door panels for space and eventual cage. Seats, panels, and bumpers sold for cheap but it helped.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_0378_zpsird9jtxk.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_0378_zpsird9jtxk.jpg.html)

I believe this was my car after tires, PBM arms, and alignment
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_9594_zps9z9wq9lm.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_9594_zps9z9wq9lm.jpg.html)

Around the same time I scored an OEM JDM Kouki lip for about $400. When it came in I started cutting up my JDM bumper for the shaved look.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_0201_zps4gbjfmx0.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_0201_zps4gbjfmx0.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_0216_zpsz3uzwblm.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_0216_zpsz3uzwblm.jpg.html)

And heres where the big things start to happen. I tried sourcing the 5 speed swap piece by piece, but I had no idea what I actually needed even with the guides. Locally there was a dude selling a whole swap for $950. After debating and another sale falling through I picked it up from Brandon who was going LS and had his car at Drift Cave.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_0281_zps1xkekhon.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_0281_zps1xkekhon.jpg.html)

Sold the motor for about $500 and got a S14 transmission with ECU, drive shaft, Exedy clutch, Greddy shift knob, Mishimoto radiator, and AEM intake for about $400. Threw the intake and radiator on as soon as I could.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_0389_zpsaqx9b6tj.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_0389_zpsaqx9b6tj.jpg.html)

[rawgarage]

Nice come up... JDM grill next

[AscendaShogun]

You only REALLY need a few things for an S14 manual swap.

If you want it OEM / Perfectionist as fuck sure, theres a lot more, but you can get away with the basics, clutch pedal, slave, line, clutch, flywheel, transmission, shifter, subharness.

[jbcm12]

Nice come up... JDM grill next
It's on the list, there's so many small things I need that I'll get to it eventually.

You only REALLY need a few things for an S14 manual swap.

If you want it OEM / Perfectionist as fuck sure, theres a lot more, but you can get away with the basics, clutch pedal, slave, line, clutch, flywheel, transmission, shifter, subharness.
Thats the thing about most guides is that it's only the basics. The 5 speed is in and has been running for almost a month now. But a manual brake pedal was a must, every single one of the boots is what I'm gunning for now but those are pricey, and I did bare minimum with wiring so I don't have reverse lights.

[95_S14]

If like to know how you got a oem jdm lip for 400

[AscendaShogun]

It's on the list, there's so many small things I need that I'll get to it eventually.





Thats the thing about most guides is that it's only the basics. The 5 speed is in and has been running for almost a month now. But a manual brake pedal was a must, every single one of the boots is what I'm gunning for now but those are pricey, and I did bare minimum with wiring so I don't have reverse lights.



I forgot about the reverse lights. But that's part of the subharness and such if I recall. I didn't have reverse lights in mine either. And yes. It is. I think an R33 or S13 brake pedal should work fine. Go on AZ 240sx (Facebook) and inquire there.

Again. Selling some Rays Nismo wheels if you're interested. ;) hahaha

[spooled240]

Looks like it's all coming together nicely.

How are those wedge brackets with the Recaro's working out for you? I heard they sit a lot higher than stock seats.

[jbcm12]

If like to know how you got a oem jdm lip for 400
Being a nice person. Seriously LOL. There was a guy asking for help identifying the lip. After three days I was the only one to respond and ask him to find markings. I made him an offer and he accepted, even after people started offering $600 and $700 because I came through to help and I told him to sell but he wouldn't.

I forgot about the reverse lights. But that's part of the subharness and such if I recall. I didn't have reverse lights in mine either. And yes. It is. I think an R33 or S13 brake pedal should work fine. Go on AZ 240sx (Facebook) and inquire there.

Again. Selling some Rays Nismo wheels if you're interested. ;) hahaha

Haha, I can't afford it right now but those are clean. I found a s14 brake pedal before I did the swap.

Looks like it's all coming together nicely.

How are those wedge brackets with the Recaro's working out for you? I heard they sit a lot higher than stock seats.
I had todo a lot of cutting to get the seats to slide properly, was disappointed at first that I had todo that but it all worked out. As far as sitting high, it was super uncomfortable at first strictly because the OEM seats sit really low. But I found that no one really makes low brackets unless they fab something up. I kinda just learned to live with it, I was getting dizzy at first but now it puts me in a good position to drive.

So the 5 speed is done, it sat for about a month because I developed tendonitis when I over worked my body working 2 weeks straight, 12 hour shifts with little sleep and food. Didn't get very many photos because of this, but I did receive a lot of help from Facebook group members such as Jamar Alexander, Jonel Apilado, and Rick Crosby. Also picked up goodies such as OEM S14 wheels with 10 tires for $150, OEM JDM rear valences, and a cheap short shifter.

Photo bucket isn't working, so I'll edit this post with the photos later
*Edit in
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_0908_zpsi75gqwne.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_0908_zpsi75gqwne.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_0963_zpsjklbhwmx.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_0963_zpsjklbhwmx.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1140_zpsnjwd87mq.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1140_zpsnjwd87mq.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_0851_zpsyq1zedpc.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_0851_zpsyq1zedpc.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1224_zpsar0quvlx.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1224_zpsar0quvlx.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1216_zpso4e2hb9r.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1216_zpso4e2hb9r.jpg.html)

[spooled240]

I had todo a lot of cutting to get the seats to slide properly, was disappointed at first that I had todo that but it all worked out. As far as sitting high, it was super uncomfortable at first strictly because the OEM seats sit really low. But I found that no one really makes low brackets unless they fab something up. I kinda just learned to live with it, I was getting dizzy at first but now it puts me in a good position to drive.

Well if you end up getting tired of them being so high you can get the Bride MO rails. They are meant to be lower than stock, but with the higher Recaro's they sit around the same height as the stock seats.

check out this guy's write up: http://sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?575361-Recaro-Seat-Fitting-With-Bride-Rail-Guide-Diy-Reference

[jbcm12]

Edited photos in. After installing the JDM valences I started to hear the passenger side hit. Pulled over for gas and began to investigate. Turns out I finally found the problem for why one wheel sticks out more than the other. Passenger rear where I hit is all out of whack, I plan to pickup some subframe risers, pull the subframe in investigate.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1227-2_zps1boy99nt.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1227-2_zps1boy99nt.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1228-2_zpsgfye2vsp.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1228-2_zpsgfye2vsp.jpg.html)

[AscendaShogun]

Potentially just caster.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[jbcm12]

Potentially just caster.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I'm hoping, but I got my alignment done and the numbers were close to OEM. Going to check it out as I do my coils so I don't have to keep messing with it

[jbcm12]

So I've been out traveling and when I come back i like to come back to goodies. Before I left the clutch line got caught on the exhaust manifold and it burnt it out so I had to come back for my car a week later.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1740_zps7amt6rlp.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1740_zps7amt6rlp.jpg.html)

The day as I was leaving these came in, rebuilt them when I got back. Didn't realize that we loose the e brake unless you grab the assembly so I ordered those and conversion lines at the same time.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1878_zpsckdcs7ds.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1878_zpsckdcs7ds.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_2737_zpsdr598ewv.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_2737_zpsdr598ewv.jpg.html)

Fortune Autos came in while on vacation, and my package from GKTech was held at USPS.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_2709_zpsczb0s3vt.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_2709_zpsczb0s3vt.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_2747_zpsy18ah9fs.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_2747_zpsy18ah9fs.jpg.html)

After the install
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_3006_zps9upq18w0.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_3006_zps9upq18w0.jpg.html)

Wasn't sitting properly and was rubbing so I rolled my fenders and picked up some PBM spacers locally. Aero is currently off for repairs and I still need to figure out whats wrong with my alignment.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_2750_zpss11x6bur.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_2750_zpss11x6bur.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/18818371_1922371128011311_1497878575_o_zps4ggodps2 .jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/18818371_1922371128011311_1497878575_o_zps4ggodps2 .jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

Over the next few months I would slowly address small little issues and driving the car daily to work from Fairfield to Fremont.

One of those small fixes was the chrome inside the headlights, they started to peel and it bugged me. So I baked the headlights, opened them up, and hit the chrome with easy bake to remove any chrome.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1308_zps1dzzbeur.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1308_zps1dzzbeur.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1311_zps0g7mgcb2.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1311_zps0g7mgcb2.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1312_zpshl1yi5dv.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1312_zpshl1yi5dv.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1314_zpsaccnoxbx.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1314_zpsaccnoxbx.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1315_zpsrsvypcsu.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1315_zpsrsvypcsu.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

I continued to battle with motivation to keep the car as the quarter panel and alignment was giving me issues. Ended up sourcing a straight subframe and rear knuckles to make sure everything was straight, while also picking up Energy subframe bushings and all the parts for the rear Z32 ebrake assembly since I would be working in that area anyways.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_1933_zpsle49ts45.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_1933_zpsle49ts45.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_3669_zpscjjl8eai.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_3669_zpscjjl8eai.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_4043_zpsips1vedt.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_4043_zpsips1vedt.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_4044_zpsm9dbvqv9.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_4044_zpsm9dbvqv9.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_4051_zpsaonrmztp.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_4051_zpsaonrmztp.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_4050_zpsrkmlbseb.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_4050_zpsrkmlbseb.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

At this point the car was finally driving straight so I decided to go through with the build and get some seat time. Picked up some goodies from Street Faction and a Vertex steering wheel from fellow member WavyZenki.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_3617_zpsho6m7m8a.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_3617_zpsho6m7m8a.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_3666_zpsiut5lgsw.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_3666_zpsiut5lgsw.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_3161_zpsr3s55qme.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_3161_zpsr3s55qme.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_3167_zpszegu8jpu.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_3167_zpszegu8jpu.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

On the way into the gym after work one night I caught my driver side fender at a bad angle and the wheel tore up the fender lip. Part that sucks was that I had been driving like this for weeks without any issues and the fender roller was sitting in my garage. Out of impulse I picked up some Origin Labo front fenders from Wolfreign, but after realizing that fiberglass wasn't a quick fix I exchanged the fenders for a Origin Labo type 2 hood.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_4581_zpsfqn1axme.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_4581_zpsfqn1axme.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_5210_zpssygzqxuc.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_5210_zpssygzqxuc.jpg.html)

Around the same time I found a deal on some Takata harnesses so I picked them up along with an eBay harness bar.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_4700_zpsmg6a6a5l.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_4700_zpsmg6a6a5l.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_5125_zpsodavgzhr.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_5125_zpsodavgzhr.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

Picked up a flawless set of fenders from one of those resellers from Malaysia, before I put em on I rolled the fenders so I wouldn't bacon these as well. The OEM hood latch was sketch so I picked up Aero Latches and GKtech ganador reps. Also somewhere in between I picked up OEM foglights from @S14_joser.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_5414_zpsmgzq5zip.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_5414_zpsmgzq5zip.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_5415_zpsjmzbtuak.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_5415_zpsjmzbtuak.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_5833_zpserrn8uc1.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_5833_zpserrn8uc1.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_5890_zpslznwr8yp.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_5890_zpslznwr8yp.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6204_zps7167npd9.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6204_zps7167npd9.jpg.html)

[tuzzio]

Really cool you fixed the car.

How do you like the fortunes? A friend of mine picked up a set a few months ago and he was not impressed at all. I didn't overly care for them either. Seemed really bouncy, even with swifts. He runs soft spring rates cause he drags the car, but they're only a step below mine. I've also heard from a friend who is a fortune dealer they've gone downhill recently and he almost doesn't recommend them to people anymore.

[jbcm12]

Really cool you fixed the car.

How do you like the fortunes? A friend of mine picked up a set a few months ago and he was not impressed at all. I didn't overly care for them either. Seemed really bouncy, even with swifts. He runs soft spring rates cause he drags the car, but they're only a step below mine. I've also heard from a friend who is a fortune dealer they've gone downhill recently and he almost doesn't recommend them to people anymore.

The car isn't perfect but I'm very happy with where its gone and been through. Honestly I don't know what a good set of coilovers feels like. Other than the S14 I drive the STI around and its super comfy. Driving the S14 sucks as far as being bouncy and I'm at a 10k/12k spring rate. Honestly believe I just don't know how to properly setup my suspension yet but I'm not complaining because on flat ground the S14 is great and the car is also super low. Bay Area roads tend to be rocky at times tho.

[FaLKoN240]

Adjust your preload on the springs. You should be able to spin them on the perches.

Don't compress them with the locking collars.

[Krusty_s13]

Adjust your preload on the springs. You should be able to spin them on the perches.

Don't compress them with the locking collars.

This. even with 10k/12k it should not bounce much. You might have the preload cranked.

[jbcm12]

Adjust your preload on the springs. You should be able to spin them on the perches.

Don't compress them with the locking collars.

This. even with 10k/12k it should not bounce much. You might have the preload cranked.

I adjusted them to fortune auto's recommendations but ima play with it more when the car is running again.

Got the door panels welded, switches moved to the center console and Prestige Metal Coatings did threw some powder down for me.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6519_zpsbfxhtjlj.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6519_zpsbfxhtjlj.jpg.html)
Not very long after I ordered my cage and started to part ways with the heel plates, harness bar and still trying to sell the door panels.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6819_zps23btwv5y.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6819_zps23btwv5y.jpg.html)
While everything was out, we took some time to clean up and get the interior grey. With the cage we're trying to keep most the plastic so we only painted what will be seen.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6860_zpswkfqdzal.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6860_zpswkfqdzal.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6861_zpsbk2spduv.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6861_zpsbk2spduv.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

Car sat for a while waiting for parts. Scored on free shipping so I swooped up two new front bumpers. Redid the rear bushings with solid subframe bushings this time from PBM. Oh and I picked up new wheels.
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6506_zpsbkckc2zf.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6506_zpsbkckc2zf.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6511_zpstgyoxchd.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6511_zpstgyoxchd.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6533_zpsqbmla8r0.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6533_zpsqbmla8r0.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6643_zps8qfh9loi.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6643_zps8qfh9loi.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6647_zpsqsmpv8rh.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6647_zpsqsmpv8rh.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6646_zpsxerellj1.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6646_zpsxerellj1.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6645_zpsr69ugalv.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6645_zpsr69ugalv.jpg.html)http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6694_zps2srwrcjm.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6694_zps2srwrcjm.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6693_zpsbkixx99w.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6693_zpsbkixx99w.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6961_zps2yw00edt.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6961_zps2yw00edt.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6962_zpsc6zdjxgx.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6962_zpsc6zdjxgx.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_6964_zpsy34f0xsn.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_6964_zpsy34f0xsn.jpg.html)

[jbcm12]

So this is the most up to date post. Car is in pieces as I'm waiting for the roll cage to come in from Australia. Fuse box harness is in Japan being redone, we pulled the harness and cut the tubs for clearance, to protect the harness and to clean up the engine bay. Ordering a Villains extended lca to help with the front wheel fitment and even out camber a bit. Home Depot is having an online sale on Milwaukee tools so I picked up a 1/2 inch impact gun and picked up another headlight to replace the cracked glass on my passenger side.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7069_zps0mqqzkr5.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7069_zps0mqqzkr5.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7070_zps3hu5osy0.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7070_zps3hu5osy0.jpg.html)
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a614/jbcm12/IMG_7179_zpsbyn17cyn.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/jbcm12/media/IMG_7179_zpsbyn17cyn.jpg.html)