27 Jul The Rear End
Today, we return to the LS-swapped WRX. With the headers finished, we turned our attention to the rear end of the car.
Originally, the customer-provided new subframe — which is built to accept the special differential we’re using for the build — had a couple fitment issues, namely contact in several spots, including the fuel tank and spare tire holder. Seeing as how we’re not about to just bang dents into the fuel tank to get it to fit, we decided to swap over to a fuel cell for the fueling system (which we’ll be covering later). With the gas tank out of the way, it was much easier to get the subframe bolted into place.
With the subframe bolted in, the next step was fixing the bushings in the haim joints on the new suspension arms. They bolt from the new subframe to their corresponding spots on the upgraded rear hubs (STi hubs, not just regular WRX ones). The bushings were too thick, creating a situation where the arms would not fit in their designated spots. With a little bit of time on the lathe, however, we turned down the bushings so that they would fit. Just a couple sixteenths of an inch, not a lot of turning down, but enough that they wouldn’t fit if we didn’t do this.
And yes, all the parts that were provided to us have been powdercoated pink. The yellow tape is merely there to keep the arms from getting scuffed while being taken in and out of the vehicle; originally, they were plastic wrapped, but that’s a bit more unwieldy and awkward than yellow tape. We also had an issue with the rear hub’s bolts; one of the bushings was stuck in place and needed to be moved, so a bit of torching helped out with that.
With that part of the suspension work out of the way, we also focused our attention on the motor. With the customer providing the proper oil pan baffles on Monday, we have a couple days to clean up the motor and remove as many carbon deposits as possible. We also fashioned an EGR block-off plate using milled aluminum and a pressed-in center, which we will weld into place once we’ve finalized the fitment of the plate.
So that’s where we are currently. The motor is being thoroughly cleaned, and we’re replacing the valve cover gaskets, as well. Everything’s moving quickly, so we should have some more for you early next week. In the meantime, have an excellent weekend!
No Comments