A Gaggle Of Mods - February 2004
UUC Stage II LTW Flywheel
M5 (Sprung Hub) Clutch
Redline MTL
UUC UDPs
Fan Delete Mod/Kit (changed thermostat housing to aluminum model)
MagnaFlow 14815s
H&R Springs
These were all done at one time, but the perceptible feedback can be broken into 2 sections:
1.Clutch + Flywheel + Redline
2.MagnaFlow 14815
The output from the UDPs and FDK are overshadowed by the LTWFW, but since I had acquired them before the LTWFW purchase, I figured I might as well have them installed as well.
Most Noticeable Differences:
freer revving
smoother shifts
softer clutch feel
makes the car feel lighter, more nimble
when engaging the clutch from high revs (i.e. first gear to coast) the rear end 'clunk' is now gone
Second to the MagnaFlows, this mod changes the personality of the car. The MC was no slouch before as far as getting up to speed, but now, it feels as if the MC has taken off the hiking boots and put on some track shoes. This feeling may be compounded by the Fan Delete Mod and the UDPs as well.
At idle, after the car warms up, with the clutch disengaged, there is a slight rattle. Does it bother me? Not a bit.
Maybe its just me, but the car seems to fire up / start faster
When engaging the clutch from high revs (i.e. first gear to coast) the rear end 'clunk' is now gone. I love this!
The MTL is buttah
Finally, I am very pleased with the mod
Here are some quick and dirty pictures of the mounting. It was cloudy and rainy outside today, and these pics are pretty low-res, so I'll post more once its nice outside and I have an opportunity to shine up the MC and the tips
Most Noticeable Differences:
um, THE NOTE!
An unnoticeable difference while driving is the weight, but the MagnaFlows are effectively 1/2 the weight of the OEM muffler, which is always good.
Now, I write this after only driving with the MagnaFlows after first installed, so they may mellow out after a few hundred miles from what I understand. That being stated, I'll give my "newly installed" feedback comments:
Upon start-up, you can tell, this car means business. With a quick woof, then the normal idle, it is as if to say, 'come on, push me'. There was a cabin resonance around 2k, and the most vocal point for the mufflers was around 3k-4k, and the tone returns to OEM levels around 5k.
The work was done by Denny's Muffler's in lieu of FatMan Fabrications in Indian Trail/Mint Hill. These guys did fantastic work. I was very specific in how I wanted the tips to come out just a tad, like OEM. Factory hangers were used where workable After welding the new sections of piping, they painted/coated the new pipe sections to resemble the factory pipes as solid black. Not sure what product was used for the coating; I'll ask soon.
Finally, I am very pleased with the mod
H&R Sport Springs
Most Noticeable Differences:
the absence of squat and dive during spirited starts and stops
the drop in ride height (pics coming soon)
This is the way the car should have come from the factory. The ride height is perfect. I'll give it a few weeks to settle, but the springs appear to have lowered the chassis closer to the wheels by about 1.5". Not so much to look slammed, but just enought to give a slightly more aggressive stance, especially with the OEM 17s (which will soon be removed). The ride quality is still taught, without being stiff, which is exactly what I wanted to acheive seeing as this car is driven on public streets 100%. I have yet to experience any binding or off sounds.