Member Profile - Ben

[Ben]

Long time between updates… Looking at the pics above car needs a wash, that detail was money well spent, the car stays pretty clean now - even for a black car.

Finally got some bits added to the car I have had laying around for about 6 months. HKS top mount and a full turbo back HKS exhaust with ES premium mufflers. Pretty chuffed with the result, car comes onto boost fast and definitely a different beast now. Serge said it best, "chalk and cheese" difference.

Also added one of the newer style 02 sensors and fuel consumption is WAY down, also hunting idle has disappeared for now which is awesome. Just love the sound of the car coming onto boost!! I reckon it sounds like an EVO crossed with a honda fart box LOL.

Have a few more bits to add then I will be calling it a day for now and just driving the car. Tune being one of them.

[teflon]

Nice parts Ben! The tune will transform the car again I bet. How are you finding the change in noise levels with the full HKS TBE?

[Ben]

Nice parts Ben! The tune will transform the car again I bet. How are you finding the change in noise levels with the full HKS TBE?

Fairly significant really… It was fairly quiet before but now it's much louder. Highway is maybe a tad quieter, WOT is LOUD but the performance is well worth it as it just flows. Normal driving around standstill to 60-70 is louder but quite nice at the same time, at speed it's quiet but getting there is either medium loud or LOUD with the berries. Sounds good though. The boss likes it which is a surprise to me as I was mixed at first but now the tinny sound is easing off, its nice.

Phan, how easy was the steering wheel install on your car mate? I have a zero sports one to go on and I'm not wanting to try it, care to help? I'd rather give you some money if you are confident with it than someone not in the liberty club?? Only catch being car is only here till the 4th and I'm on the Gold Coast, but will have to head up that way soon

[teflon]

Phan, how easy was the steering wheel install on your car mate? I have a zero sports one to go on and I'm not wanting to try it, care to help? I'd rather give you some money if you are confident with it than someone not in the liberty club?? Only catch being car is only here till the 4th and I'm on the Gold Coast, but will have to head up that way soon

The tune changes the exhaust note again Ben - that's what I noticed. I'm trying to decide whether to go the full 3 inch centre for the performance gains - already got the HKS Legamax and Phat DP but would be willing to sell off the Legamax for a japanese branded catback once the funds recover from Christmas etc. The videos of the HKS systems sound great - as long as they're not drony I would be willing to accept the noise gains.

Unfortunately I've moved back to Adelaide Ben but I would have gladly assisted for free. And honestly, I am not mechanically minded at all and managed to do it with the instructions on the ipad next to me... Use this walkthrough and you can't go wrong:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=1881734

I just used a normal socket piece (not a 6 sided one) and the nut came off ok. I didn't need a steering wheel puller either. Remember to undo the battery, press the brake a few times and let the car sit for a while before proceeding if you're paranoid about the airbag going off. My only other tip would be to mark out where the wheel is positioned (either with a pencil or some sort of sticker) before you take it off just to ensure it goes back on straight.

However, if you really don't want to give it a go, I'm sure Serge or Russell could do it pretty cheap if you're up Brisbane way... otherwise, Sunspares (the wreckers on the sunshine coast) quoted me $50 to install a steering wheel so that gives you a ballpark figure to work with if you end up paying someone (eg a local wrecker closer to you).