Twins, Bazzle... Twins!

BME Time Attack STI Build Update

Ok, after that comment this may not exactly be what you were expecting to find. Although I promise that it is pretty damn sexy...

Helping to put the power to the ground in the STI is Competition Clutch's new twin disc clutch kit with hydraulic throw out bearing conversion. Of course, we couldn't just receive this gorgeous kit and leave it assembled... So we're going to take you through full disassembly to show you exactly what is included in this package.

Old rickety clutch fork assembly...

Shiny new hydraulic goodies...

To be continued...

A turbo that can inhale a small child...

BME Time Attack STI Build Update

"...this was ordered just about 7 months ago and was sitting around a shop for 5 months to be used in development of some parts ... 5 months of sitting around and no work done so here it finally is in my possession. The turbo is an FP HTA82 ... aka FP's version of the GTX3582. As you can see I opted for the Tial .82AR turbine housing. I actually had to pay more than I originally agreed to so that this Tial housing could be rushed out of back order ... little did I know the turbo would sit around doing nothing for 5 months. For people who don't know how big a 35R is, I felt the NOS can would be a good size reference. I am pretty excited to get this thing spinning and see what it can do, it should move plenty of air for what I want to do..." -BME_Pat from his IWSTI journal

We're excited to have this, to say the least. Even with the setbacks, we're confident that the build will turn out being even greater than previously planned. We're going to try and do something that not many people have done with the GR. Hell, maybe a BME low mount turbo kit could be released as a result.

*NOS Energy Drink was only used for size reference, in no way is BME affiliated with, or claiming to be affiliated with NOS Energy Drinks. Although, NOS, if you're reading this, we wouldn't mind a drink sponsorship ;) We could use the caffeine with the long nights that we have ahead of us!

Army-Navy Fittings, Ready for Battle!

BME Time Attack STI Update

It's been a little while since we've updated you on the status of our STI build. We've had some disappointing setbacks with shipping delays, and now it looks like the turbo and intercooler setup are going to be a full custom kit designed by Pat @ BME. We're thinking v-mount FMIC with a low mount turbo maybe? Although we're having some trouble finding a radiator company willing to make us a proper radiator with angled fins...

Anyway, Pat's been busy prepping all of the new AN fittings are getting them slapped on the motor. All parts used in this build are provided by Fragola. The quality of their products is really top-notch. Everything from their fittings to their hoses have been outstanding. We will also be using the high quality products of Fragola with our BME catch can kits, keep an eye out for that soon, too!

Here are some pictures to hold you over...

Suspension Revamp Planning - AutoX WRX

Hello Everyone!

Of course we're not dead, just busy! Between setting up some upcoming product releases, working out the kinks on our STI build, and planning a new suspension overhaul on the WRX, we haven't had a whole lot of time to post song of the day. We apologize, but we promise that we will be back to normalcy in the next few days.

Anyway... I thought that we would share with you the latest on the AutoX WRX's new suspension revamp planning.

The car just recently turned the ticker on 70k miles. To say the least, the current suspension has needed to be replaced for a looong time now. But last season a blown motor changed the upgrade progression. Now that we've made it through the 2012 season, we figured that this winter would be a great time to begin the overhaul. Once all of the pieces have been collected, I assume Pat and I will spend a 3 or 4 day weekend with a couple cases of good beer pulling everything apart and putting it back together. Chicago winters have been less than kind, and everything needs to be sanded, re-coated, re-greased, and re-assembled.

So far, here is the list of what is needed and what needs to be done...

AST 4100 Coilovers (8k/7k Swift Springs)
MSI Street Front Camber Plates
BME Solid Rear Top Mounts w/ Built in Negative Camber
Aluminum STI Control Arms
MSI Trailing Arms w/ TIC Bushings
Stoptech SS Brake Lines
Kartboy Toe Lock Bolts
ARP Extended Wheel Studs
Muteki SR48 Extended Lug Nuts
Kartboy Front Endlinks
Replacement Rear Subframe
Replacement Whiteline Ball Joints
Fresh Camber Bolts
Torque Solution Transmission Mount
Sand and paint all pieces that will be retained...

Now for some pictures of goodies... We received these last week, they were bought used off of Nasioc but the deal was too good to pass and the condition is outstanding. Budget is important, and at BME we're all about getting the best parts at the best prices. The same goes with the parts that we offer, with no disregard to quality and function, of course!

Sticky Stuff Underway!

his week BME was able to source a vinyl shop that will be helping us out with all of our promotional and track day vinyl needs! John at One Cut Decals & Signs has been kind enough to offer us some special sponsor arrangements for our promotional stickers and track vinyl. He will also be our #1 source for our custom design track vinyl that we will be offering in our product line!

Give him a shout if you're looking for anything from sponsor stickers to magnetic race numbers... Custom Vinyl Decals - Home

Here are some of the vinyl goodies that were delivered today! Matte white and matte black vinyl will be used for our promotional stickers. 6" BME font logo will be included with all BME product orders. Larger font stickers, monkey heads and team BME logos will be used for our race cars and BME sponsor vehicles.

Here are some test pressings of the sticker designs we're going to have. These are not the "final" final, but this is essentially what we're going to have with some minor tweaks.

  

CCSCC Autocross - 09/22-23

This past weekend I had a chance to take the WRX out to an autocross for the first time in a few months. With the recent move, it was difficult to set aside the time to go out for an event. Now that I'm pretty situated, I was able to look into upcoming events and link up in my old stomping grounds.

The event was hosting by the Champaign County Sports Car Club (CCSCC). The event was CARmageddon 2012, which was a two-day event consisting of some great competition. CCSCC has been around for more than 50 years, with some of the most dedicated members I've ever encountered. The club is having an amazing year, posting record numbers at just about every event this year.

The WRX engine and braking felt great both days of the event. Acceleration was exactly what I had hoped out of the mighty little 68HTA turbo, and the brake did a great job of slowing the car down when I mashed on them. The newest addition to the brakes setup is a TIC MBC Brace, which provided a day/night difference in pedal feel and brake response. No more "wet sponge" feel when hitting the brakes. One thing that still needs attention is the car's suspension. With the corner speed capabilities of the vehicle and RS3's, I really need a higher spring rate and better damping. The obvious choices for upgrade are AST and JRZ. Although, the premium cost of JRZ Suspension may be a little bit hard to justify for the AutoX WRX at this time. AST 4150's will probably be the weapon of choice for the 2013 season.

Another thing that hurt my performance at the event was the rear swaybar. When we replaced the old Perrin endlinks with Kartboy, I decided to put the rsb at the stiffest setting. This was my first event with it like this, and the car was far too tail happy. I believe I spun the car 6 times over the course of the weekend... Anyone who is an avid autocrosser knows that you just can't be competitive when you're flushing half of your runs for something like this.

Anyway, enough rambling and onto some pictures... Thanks to Kevin V. from the Illinois Auto Club for taking these.

BME Radio: 09/19/12

Song of the Day

Here's something a little more relaxed to listen to. It's mid-week, and only one more full work day until my day off on Friday and trip to Champaign, IL for an autocross weekend! Reviews on the event(s) will be posted sometime next week, and should include some videos and pictures.

In BME land, development on our new products is moving along, and we're VERY excited to have received the first prototype of our Race version catch can! We expect to roll out several group buys in the coming months, so keep an eye out for those! We have also been working hard to convert all of our logos into vector format, which will allow us to print vinyl in any size we need, quickly and easily!

"Missed the Boat" by Modest Mouse

BME Radio: 09/18/12

Song of the Day

I just spent the last few hours working on a vinyl design for a client, then converting our battle monkey head logo into vector format. I really enjoy doing this more than finance... Anyway, here is some music to jam to.

"The Impaler" by The Acacia Strain

BME Radio: 09/17/12

Song of the Day

After a long day of physical asset reconciliation, I want to break some physical assets. This song should help.

Enjoy!

"The Sound of Truth" by As I Lay Dying

BME Radio: 09/13/12

Song of the Day

I rocked out to the earlier today while at my desk...

"Grand Scene for a Color Film" by Norma Jean

BME Radio: 09/11/12

Song of the Day

In honor of 9/11 I am posting a song by Thrice that was written about the events of that day. In memory of all of those who lost their lives that day, and to all of the soldiers who fight for our freedom every day.

"Broken Lungs" by Thrice

BME Radio: 09/07/12

Song of the Day

I saw these guys live a year ago, very intense performers. Seeing them play is more about the experience than it is about them playing studio quality music. Definitely a lot of fun!

Have a good weekend everyone!

"The City" by The Chariot

BME Radio: 09/06/12

Song of the Day

Yesterday was crazy... Not much else to say about it. At least the week is almost over. Anyone have anything fun going on?

"Breaking My Own Heart" by Haste The Day

"Janet's Planet" by Haste The Day

BME Radio: 09/04/2012

Song of the Day

Even though yesterday was a holiday, I will post 2 songs today to make up for it. I hope everyone had a nice extended weekend!

"I'm the best at ruining my life" by From Autumn To Ashes

"Short stories with tragic endings" by From Autumn To Ashes

Not Much Stuff To Strut

DIY: Strut Replacement

Here is a walkthrough on how to swap out a single strut on a GD Impreza. If you're installing coilovers, this would be much quicker and easier to do. In the case at hand, the suspension that I wanted is backordered for another month or two and I need the car drivable for now. So, I replaced the bent strut with a boring OEM replacement, KYB Excel-G

What you need:

Impact wrench and sockets (or hand tools)
Jack and stands
Spring compressor (if needed, lowered springs will not need this)
New strut
Passthrough wrench set, or vice grips
Allen keys (I forget which size it was)

Here are some of the tools you're gonna need

With the car fully on the ground, loosen the top nut of the strut (BUT DO NOT REMOVE!!)

 

Jack up THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR. This is important so that you take the tension off of the front swaybar to give you room to work. Remove the wheel and expose the full suspension assembly. Unbolt the brake line and abs/wheel speed sensor line

Remove the bolts from the lower bracket and the hub

Remove the 3 small nuts from the top of the strut tower and slowly pull the full assembly out of the wheel well

If needed, compress the spring using the tool you rented from Autozone (or wherever)

Once the spring is compressed, fully remove the top hat and pull it off of the strut. If you don't have an impact gun to zip it off, you may need to use your passthrough wrench and an allen key

Bent strut housing compared to the new one... Chicago salt is nassssty!

Reassemble the new strut

Put everything back together, and do your best to get the alignment set up on the new corner. But unless you really know what you're doing with the alignment, you should still bring the car to a good alignment shop to avoid burning through your tires quickly.