After visiting a great mate of mine, my boot was full of goodies :)
Pictured, FMIC Kit, RSR Springs and Shocks. I've decided to go for a more permanent lowered option, the coilovers are great (and very adjustable) but I have always wanted to go back to a traditional Shock/Spring setup. The Front Mount kit was on my mates car so I know it all fits ok. Its a Driven Performance Kit from NZ. I believe there was quite a bit of modification required to get it to fit. There is no structural modifications required to fit the FMIC, but I will need to trim the inside of the bumper slightly to clear the core.
Here is the FMIC Kit, Dump pipe on the top right and the Rear Strut brace i've had for a little while now. (not sure if i'll end up fitting it), still ermming and ahhing.
The core is the perfect size so the bumper support will remain unmodified, especially for insurance purposes its a good thing. The pipe to the bottom right of the picture below will be replaced, due to the pipe being a bit too short, and a joiner in between has been used to make up the distance. Its a simple 90 degree bend so its easy to find a replacement.
The new dump pipe uses a 3 bolt flange, the part after the stock dump pipe is a 2 bolt flange so I will need to get the rest of the exhaust modified to fit (the right hand side of the image below connects to the dump pipe), I will get the exhaust shop to remake up this whole section. I have been told that this particular part of the exhaust is extremely hard to replicate in 3" due to the close tolerances to the subframe and motor/gearbox. I hear that this part of the exhaust is the most restrictive.
As you can see in comparision to the new dump pipe (3") to the mid pipe currently under the motor, there is a huge difference. In particular some sections of the exhaust squash down considerably.
Here are the RSR springs and stock shocks. I wouldn't mind trying to find a set of Adjustable KYB shocks to replace the stock ones, but I think I might get them on and get the new shocks later down the track.
Should be an interesting few months ahead. I have also bought a full interior from the same model as my car, so I will be able to fix up the sunroof, replace the torn front seats and practice trimming my current set of door trims (since i'll have a spare).
Wow its going to be so much easier to change the plugs now. Seems I might have to paint that cam cover, its lacking a bit of colour now haha. I am hoping to get new Silicone Radiator hoses and a Fenix Alloy Radiator eventually.
Part of the intercooler piping on the passenger side goes near wheel well, and I needed to remove the resonator box that was there to quieten down the intake noise of the stock box. There was quite a bit to it. Should have saved 300 grams or so (MAXIMUM weight reduction SUCCESS!!)
Here is the other half of the resonator box
The intercooler pipes will go under the fuse box, there is a decent size hole under there for me to pass the intercooler pipes through.
I may need a sharper bend silicone hose coming out of the intercooler. The bolts on the exhaust manifold will also need to be replaced eventually, they look aweful at the moment.
I found Silicone Spray to be really awesome for cleaning the Silicone hoses, it literally disolves any dirt and gives them a really natural shine.