SOCON's Diary of a blue car

[SOCON]

The previous owner or a shop used apparently replaced the clutch without using an anti-seize compound and / or over torquing or cross threading both starter bolts, which despite mine and AeroKroil's best efforts promptly wrung into.





I twice attempted to weld nuts to the exposed threads which promptly wrung off as well. The evening was finished off by drilling out the offending bolts with left hand bits, while the whole time was hoping for a grab and extraction. All of this left the holes pretty fockedop.







This morning began with creating a cardboard template of the block face which I will use to fabricate a drill guide for threaded insert installation.

[SOCON]

Using the template pictured above, I fabricated a fixture that would align both the required 31/64 drill bit and M10x1,25 tap for the two offending starter holes. Using an insert for reference, I preset the depth of the drill bit with a 1/2" lock collar. Bolted the fixture to engine, drilled, tapped, and installed thread repair insert. Couldn't be happier with the outcome. Starter bolted up good as new.






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[SOCON]

Took advantage of downtime and while the supercharger was suspended out of the way changed oil, filter, and spark plugs at 82,200 miles.

[GabeoHuncho]

Bummer on the bolts, Impressive effort on the extraction

[SOCON]

Well, a little over 500 miles on the new clutch and lightweight flywheel. A real pita to drive around in stoplight traffic, I keep stalling the engine. Finally have overcome the additional rotating mass of the supercharger and then some. Revs like a beast. My old reflexes can barely stay up with the first-second second shift, and third comes fast

[SOCON]

Just replaced the very worn P Zero Nero tires with Nitto Neo Gen 225-45-17
~91000 miles

[SOCON]

Finally had a little time to go out playing. Had a really good time at the May Red Hills Region SCCA autocross. I still suck at it, but had a good time none the less.
Missed the spring Tougefest but made the Dragon for Memorial weekend. Saturday was very crowded but Sunday afternoon was a lot of fun. Somewhere on the way back Sunday evening crossed the 100k mark.

[SOCON]

Time for a little bit of maintenance. Last few months the car has been increasing difficult to get into first gear when fully stopped and belt life has been very poor since supercharger installation.

Drained Motul and filled transmission with Genuine Subaru HP SAE 75W-90
Replaced belt tensioner with Gates 39359
Replaced belt with Master Pro K060994 (13/16x 99-7/8)

Flushed brake lines with fresh HD synthetic DOT4 fluid

[SOCON]

I have not updated this thread in a while, life gets in the way sometimes. Aside from regular services and a flywheel and pressure plate resurface, have not done a lot. Rode down to Jacksonville and picked up a Tomei Ti cat back from a nice young man who unfortunately lost his BRZ in a crash.

[SOCON]

I guess that I have reached a level of deafness to really start enjoying the exhaust note. So on to the next task of locating a 3" mid pipe, preferably catted, just because.

[SOCON]

Serviced today 117k miles.

[SOCON]

Took some time off work to explore some new roads. 4 days, 1730 miles, 34 hours 48 minutes of seat time took me to some amazing places in GA, NC, VA, WV, and KY. In addition to the usual TOD runs, I hit the Back of the Dragon which was spectacular. The newish Kuhmo 730s never disappointed! Met a couple of guys with a focus rs and gr86 for some touge time on the TOD which was exciting.

[SOCON]

122k miles on the clock now. Spent a full day doing some major maintenance this weekend. Attempted to change the oil in the supercharger which Eaton recommends at 100k. Despite what Edelbrock shows on their website, there is no drain plug on the blower at all. So wasted half a day there R&R that for no reason. Replaced plugs Denso 22401AA801 ZXE27HBR8 iridium. Replaced water pump which although squeals randomly was not leaking. Aisin WPF-027. Refilled with Subaru Super Coolant. Replaced a very tired ACT stage 2 lightweight clutch and flywheel with a Spec stage 2+ aluminum flywheel and clutch. SU33A and SU332 respectively. Replaced intercooler coolant with a 50/50 mix of Prestone.

[cmiovino]

I saw you were running the Motul Gear 300 LS version way back when. Still using the LS for the rear diff and regular in the transmission? I've heard both of using the LS type or just the regular 300 for both.

Also, given your mileage, I'm always curious on the engine oil weight. I assume 5w-30 now with the super charger? Remember if you ran 20 or 30 when it was NA?