VIP GT-BBB

[Mickyboy]

You're most welcome to follow me on the cruise Benny! Looking forward to the upcoming cruise all the more knowing you'll be there.

[bigBADbenny]

I agree, Gt - it's more than enough for me.

Mick: I just invested in a helmet in case any track day opportunities beckon

[Ben]

BBB, car looks great mate, nice blend of bling and subtle!

[brainy]

Have to say, that exhaust has a very unique sound.... I like it!

After you entered the freeway, Justin and I both leaned out of our car windows discussing it while we were waiting at the lights and we both agree, it sounds awesome.

[bigBADbenny]

Why thank you! It was an experiment, a semi stealthback.

I love actually being able to hear the zorst at all (compared to stock).

Combining a 3" TBE with stockish muffs to hopefully provide a torquey low end to suit the VF46 and daily driving.

I'm still contemplating getting a long taper 5"100cell Xforce 2nd cat: just to quieten the zorst a little further (thanks Bruce for the suggestion).

Next up:
getting the AEM failsafe going,
install STi pitch stop (thanks Lachie)
install SG Motorsports AOS
installing the replacement windshield gasket, scuttle, trims and scrivets (from the part-out wreck, big thanks to Ben & crew).
logging the Torqued Performance tune (thanks Eric!)

[bass_straitener]

logging the Torqued Performance tune (thanks Eric!)

What's this??

I thought you were Kido tuned..

Interesting..

edit: Sorry, I forgot you didn't engage Matt via Bryce and Kido. So you had a Throttlehappy tune then.. My bad..

[bigBADbenny]

I was and Matt was generally good in some respects, but there were multiple issues with the tune that prevented an acceptable result after 6 or more revisions.

When I initially got the TH tune, I had checked to see if I had the avcs issue, having read no lag Marks posts about it, I knew what to look for. Now I do have the issue. I'm not alone in that regard either.

Another bugbear was that i very clearly requested a conservative tune for economy, drivability and reliability.
Instead I got the same tune with peaky boost and hectic DBW setting everyone else got.
I put up with it (it is somewhat seductive after all) and by request Matt eventually toned boost and DBW down to a level I thought acceptable, but the damage was already done elsewhere.

Like you, I'm planning to get the avcs system overhauled along with a timing belt service and given the TH tune results so far, plus Matts apparent unwillingness to back off his avcs settings, I thought it would be in my interest to seek an alternative for now and in the future when the lib is fully sorted again.

Ill get around to making a full review of my experience with TH, good and bad, but for now members should read Bruce's review in his profile.

[Kekotic]

Hey Ben good luck with all the mods.

Why not go for a double catch can setup instead of an AOS? If you are going to be thorough with everything else you have done you might aswell go the extra mile with that too.

Also what was the "damage done" to your car? Are you talking about the AVCS issues? Need less beating around the bush here! Are you saying the TH tune has caused the avcs issues with your car?

[bigBADbenny]

I think Coyote laid down the law when he stated "any AOS is better than no AOS" and I'll stick with the SG as its an elegantly minimalistic solution with the added advantage of an oil condensing screen in in the AOS body.
Cruisn is using one with no issues. I'll consider adding dual catch cans to it (yes possible) when I go the rock star sump, baffle and pickup kit, with 1 micron bypass filtration... (thats a long way off).

The avcs system is prone to issues, its an extra layer of complexity deemed necessary for power and economy.
It's a common failure regardless of tune, mileage or maintenance. Even almost brand new BRZ/86's are affected.

I don't regard the gains from making the avcs tuning more aggressive to be worth the minimal returns or especially the extra stress placed on the system.
(or indeed some of the other unwanted side effects encountered, eg backfiring under boost*).

Matt was great fixing issues* when requested, issues that mostly shouldn't have been there in the first place, BUT the tune seemed too full of apparently experimental features for such a lightly modified, high K Lib.
Another major bugbear with the tune/s was that the drivability and economy would deteriorate gradually...
Given the choice I would have declined the option for these features, but it was mandatory and seemingly integral to his tuning style.

Our respected industry source has mentioned at least four Subarus with similar tuning in recent months requiring overhauls to the avcs system.
I'm not trying to trash Matts reputation, or cast aspersions on his many and varied skills, but just share my experience for the benefit of members. Bottom line: my experience didn't match the TH/Kido sales pitch.
As with Bruce, its a chapter I'll soon leave behind. The new tune is already miles ahead anyway.

[Kekotic]

Fair enough Ben. Can you please make your AVCS logging file public so everyone else can have a go at it?
I'm keen to try although I have not seen any issues with mine but just for testing would be good to know.

Thanks. And good luck again with your planned mods. sump stuff sounds a bit overkill though!

[bigBADbenny]

That's only about $1k worth of kit lol.
Click the avcs link below for a bit more info.

[Kekotic]

That's only about $1k worth of kit lol.
Click the avcs link below for a bit more info.

Hmmmmmmm yeah if you could just provide an actual loggercfg file to me that would be greeeeaaaat.

[tangcla]

Great looking brakes

Glad I got to see the nuggets before they went on the car!

[dr20t]

This thread has only just come to my attention

Well done Benny a very well balanced lib you have created

I love the small touches that set it off well

Keep it up and glad you're enjoying the vehicle as it should be

Mick

[bigBADbenny]

Cheers - with all the info you guys throw up here, plus all the assistance from members and businesses alike - how could one go wrong?