JamesP1991

You may want to consider the TRD Aero Fins instead of the BRZ ones. The BRZ ones are half the price though! 
 
As for wheels, there are some BBK's that will fit under 17" rims. Having driven the car on both 17s and 18's, I would say 18's don't necessarily ruin the handling, but you'd need a light weight wheel and in 18" that rules out all the Taiwanese ones really. The stock brakes are absolutely fine on the road. Yes it is possible to get them smoking and to fade, but it tends to happen after a prolonged period of really pushing the car. So it won't happen that often. On track anything over ten minutes can get them smoking, but if it's a trackday there's no need to hammer the brakes all the time, though I appreciate it's great if you just don't have to worry about it. 
 
The thing is with 17" is that if you go for a 225/45/17 there is too much sidewall flex whatever you do, so it's better on a 215/45 which having less of a sidewall doesn't seem to have the same problem. This is why I run a 215 on an 8" rim. I may though when I burn off the Primacy tyres I've got on there try an Advan again but in stock sizes on my 8" rim as that may offer the best compromise. If you run an 18" wheel with 225/40/18 you don't get the sidewall flex option, but you need to ensure that you have a light wheel! It's complicated, but I've driven lots of other people's cars and experimented with tyre size myself, so that's what I've found. 
 
Coming from the Mini you'll be used to tons of grip as the Mini is fairly over-tyred really. This car doesn't flow unless you've got it moving around a bit I find, so it's a careful balancing act, especially if you are running NA. Too much grip and you don't get the joy of the handling. Too little and it's a handful, but ultimately more enjoyable! 
 
Choices, choices! 

I will be sure to drop by and follow this build Tweedbean, looks like you have big plans!

Cobra over pipe fits no probs.

I found out when installing my custom over pipe too that they have even put an indent into the standard pipe (bottom half on the right hand side) so that there is a lot of clearance next to the steering column. 
 
My over pipe is wrapped in titanium which obviously makes it rather thick. When taking the stock pipe off and putting it on, I realised just how little room there is between the subframe and the steering column. I spent an incredible amount of time making it fit without rubbing and vibrating on the steering column. 
 
With the stock one, it looks like they had to compromise IMO and put that horrible indent into it so that it did not rub on the front subframe and steering column, I can't think why would do it otherwise? Only trouble is that ruins the exhaust flow somewhat so that is why I wanted to replace it. 
 
Difference between mine and the stock: 
 

 

 
I took a picture too to show how small the gap there is: 

 
Ah not to worry, what else do you think you will get whilst there? 

Booked in for a Tomei EL manifold, sports cat and remap at Fensport.  Not sure whether to bother with overpipe or not.  
 
Looks like I shall have a Cobra 2nd cat delete pipe for sale! 
 
Anything else I should consider?  I know that while I am there the wallet will be raided!

you can get it from most motorstores 
 

Hope everything runs smoothly for you this time  

So yesterday I was bored of seeing the box sitting in my room and decided to get to work on installing the pipes! It ended up being nearly a 3 hour job but it was thoroughly worth it and I love the look of the engine bay now.

Firstly the problems, to begin with my trolley jack at home was not low enough to get underneath the car to the front jacking point! So after completely forgetting to use the spare tyre jack to raise the car just enough to get under it, I ended up borrowing a low floor jack from a neighbour of mine.

In addition to that, the clips used for the cooling pipes are just hideous spring loaded ones that are a right pain in the ass to both lock and shake off the lip of the pipes. It was here that me and my brother spent most of our time doing the job. The actual job took just 30mins, it was the clips that gobbled up the majority of the time!

Makes me wonder why they didn't use jubilee clips as standard like a lot of aftermarket parts? Especially as they so much easier to work with!

Anyway after much swearing I am pleased with how they turned out, and the engine bay is looking rather fresh now! Tested the system and there are no leaks so hopefully I have no problems

Here are a few pictures from the work!

On the jack ready to go:


Front jacking point just infront of the bash plate:


Pipes on the left hand side were fairly simple to fit:


Bottom pipe was a bit harder due to the location so the intake had to be removed (note we spent 1 hour trying to remove the spring loaded clip under the car due to it not locking open):


Finished product with coolant back in and everything back in place:


Overall I was very happy with the result and it was well worth the hassle

Well I met up with Kevin today, and realising we have similar number plates!
 
His car is very well set-up and i was duly impressed!  Will the EL manifold be too noisy?  Well I don't think so, so there's just Julia to convince!  In the end it cost me another £7.34 per annum to insure a remap and manifold change, so no argument there!
 
Many thanks to Kevin for travelling to meet me half way at the Pot of Peas.  Was great to chat to you, Kev, and to get your valuable input! 
 

2nd coat of primer



Then all sanded down before 1st coat of paint

I saw them on a red motor today, I think they look better on your 86 Rob..........
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Soft paint for sure Rob detailed mine last year but even though I have used a wash mit and been very careful it still marks to the point I have given up I wash my Yaris and wifes KA with a brick and they don't have a mark

Sneak preview:

Another 3.7kgs shaved off !
 
OEM Boot Lid & Rear Spoiler 8.8kgs Seibon Carbon CSL Boot Lid 5.1kgs   First off cut the holes for reverse camera, and boot release button.   Then trim the holes for the number plate lights :   Re-install the wires, and bolt on.......perfect fit !

WooHoo!
 
Fensport have all the bits for next week OTHER than the supercharger....... 
 
But they have a UPS tracking number for it!!!!!
 
Roll on Friday

Thanks Lauren Will give them a bell tomorrow on my lunch break

Spent the evening today gutting out that horrendous noise generator! Weight saved and engine bay cleaned up



Also got this email from Fensport today! Samco cooling hoses will arrive tomorrow!

The more I look at the 4.44 the more I find it would just bring the car alive that bit extra that it needs. A fair way off yet though, remap, brakes and other goodies are on the agenda over the next few months first  
 
Looking forward to seeing Fensports GT86R in the flesh for the first time! 

It is frustrating, James I agree. The first one going at 40K miles is not really so big an issue. The second one has only been on since last June though! That's not good enough. We'll see if I'm third time lucky or I'll be looking at other options if the next one breaks.
 
I think with the amount of mileage I do, I'm a good tester for aftermarket parts! 

Well my mind is made up! i'm getting one of these 

Me too mate slowly but surely, test fitted my new wheels today just need to wait till after 16th when it goes into service.
 
The drone first time I started it was like oh thats loud but then now I don't hear it, can happily hold a conversation in car at normal driving then foot down yes its loud but that's exactly what I wanted  overpipe and front pipe being fitted after service too can't wait.
 
I will be there Friday evening too would love to go for a spin   never know may order the header as soon as we get out your car 

Agree with Jamie in the wheels - mine are about 2kg lighter than stock each and you can definitely feel a difference!

To be fair a lighter wheel will do much more for handling and suspension characteristics then people think... All about reducing unsprung weight

Not that I can talk, think my Compomotives are 11kg, just went for the design, plus can't beat a classic rally wheel

The 86 is going into Fensport next Friday to get the Cosworth Supercharger kit, Tein Street Flex kit, Avo exhaust and front and rear bushes done along with complete Geo setup. My mate who is a ride and handling specialist will be helping me to dial it in once I get it back.

All being well we'll have worked out how to make it go fast enough by the time we get to TSS on 29th March at Snetterton.

Afternoon everyone,
 
Just got off the phone with the guys at Fensport a minute ago. 
 
Booked my car in for a remap and if they twist my arm enough on the day some Crawford Power Blocks too.
 
The date the car is booked in for is the Wednesday 29th April, so I just thought I would ask and see if anyone else is making the trip over to them on that day? 
 
They were fully booked in for all of March and Adrian is away In Oz early April so was the closet date I could get!
Be good to bump into a couple of guys and have a chat