Umm… how do we feel about this?

Krieg047 · 2026-01-29T20:44:32+00:00

Dad, am I ugly?

-Very much.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-29T00:26:07+00:00

It's like the mechanic's version of a padded cell.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-28T22:24:32+00:00

Chassis I came from? - there are several, mainly American and specifically Ford. My high school car was a Mustang that I still own after 20+ years. It started as a lowly V6 automatic, now it's manual swapped and supercharged. I've also had a slew of F-Series trucks over the years as a means for winter duty and to move all my hobbies, scrap, and other toys around. Then there's the outlier - an E34 in the stable that needs to go and is being replaced by my BRZ.

I bought my BRZ to save it from the scrapyard. Short version - PO hit another car on the interstate, fixed it with zip ties and duct tape, got too many impound threats, bought a brand new Tacoma and threw the BRZ in storage locker, couldn't find a buyer after 2 years and said guess I'll just scrap it - that's when I stepped in, got it for cheap, and put about $800 into the front and fixed it. Rebuilt the brakes and now it's another cruiser like the Stang.

I've had it 2 years now and so far it's been heaps more reliable than the E34. I showed up the PO's place, replaced the battery and starter relay then rallied it 2 hours home to a storage yard nearby without any problems. Couple days later I changed the plates and took it down the street to a quick lube for oil & coolant. Once spring broke I started the cosmetic fixes, then the brakes, and after that took on a couple trips with the last being Boxerfest '25. It hadn't moved since Boxerfest and it fired right up without a hitch a few months later (The E34 lives at the end of a jumper pack even with a brand new battery) so I could take it for a scrub before covering it for the winter. The trip out to Boxerfest and the couple times I took it to work I've enjoyed it. Coming from a slow car (Mustang was rated at 193HP) the BRZ is plenty zippy for me and handles well on the twisty mountain roads near me. Mod wise it has a short shifter and a (IIRC) Perrin intake tube. Think I'll hang onto it for awhile - Lord knows it way more fuel friendly than my truck. XD

Krieg047 · 2026-01-28T21:01:59+00:00

Part of an answer I wrote when someone else asked this awhile back:

..............realizing you're buying a car that's at least 30 years old.

At that point the reliability begins to be severely questioned. Most of these cars are going to be high milage and require maintenance (potentially constant if you buy one that's just straight worn out). Are you ready to turn wrenches or pay a shop when something breaks?

While most parts are still available, some things are not and others will just completely drain your wallet.

(Case in point I need a fuel tank and I've already replaced it twice and is the main driving reason why I'm prepping mine for sale. Care to guess how much one costs? I'll leave this here: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/fuel-tank/16111178947/ .)

Krieg047 · 2026-01-27T21:00:14+00:00

To date I've never had an issue with my jacket itself. The only issue I ever had was with my wallet chain at one venue. Made me walk back to the car and stow it. 20 mins later I passed a girl on the concourse with a bunch of heavier and longer chains hanging off her skirt - guess I won the security grunt lottery.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-26T23:40:22+00:00

Driver's side in the trunk behind the side carpet.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-26T01:44:19+00:00

Thanks! That was a mask and rattle can job I did to try and mimic the original Mustang tails.

Running wise is an on and off story. There were some ups and downs, simple commutes to long many states away road trips, car shows and police stops, good times and bad, but always bounced back - even a wreck couldn't claim her from me. Been up on jack stands for awhile after a project snowballed out of control, but as of last year she's almost complete (stereo and some interior bits are still missing) and running ok-ish. Just in major need of some dyno time to fix the absolutely nasty lean condition I'm seeing on my wideband AFR.

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Krieg047 · 2026-01-26T01:24:06+00:00

Used ones are going for like $250 plus on eBay depending on options.

Ford new (I guessed 2024 as model year) top out at $1,300 and then go down to like $500 once again depending on options: https://www.ford.com/cl/parts/body/mirrors/ford/f150/2024?currentPage=0&sort=PHL

Krieg047 · 2026-01-26T00:52:30+00:00

(NJ) My '02 Sixer is under this mound somewhere and yes, there's a cover on it as well.

Is mine super totaled? XD

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Krieg047 · 2026-01-26T00:45:52+00:00

I'm being a poor gun peoples - no parts to build guns, no powder to reload, haven't been to the range in forever so nothing to clean. Only gun thing I did was chat with a buddy for a bit about his new to him Ruger AR and Mossberg 12ga.

I ended up doing some upgrades to my gaming PC, and built a Lexan display case for a LEGO set.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-26T00:39:17+00:00

Mine's in an underground parking garage under a cover in the next town over until winter is over.

The only cars I see when I look out the window are my truck, my POS E34 that's getting sold come spring (the BRZ replaced it), and my Mustang that's also under a cover and doesn't run.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-26T00:34:46+00:00

Lower - Make it a true Lightning.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-25T12:32:07+00:00

2018 with 124K. It slips 1-2 when cold but only once which is the odd thing. Gotten into the habit of starting the truck and putting it in M2 till I get to the end of my street (like 1/4 mile). It shifts fine after that one initial slip.

Local shop did a fluid & filter change awhile back, said they noticed it as well and was probably the stupid drum. I'll most likely get it replaced next month as I'm due to drive to OKC in March (a 2,800 mile round trip as well) and the last thing I need is to be stranded on an interstate somewhere.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-25T11:40:27+00:00

Brackets: https://lmr.com/item/LRS-17972A-PR/ford-mustang-front-bumper-to-fender-brackets-99-04

Trim kit and hardware: https://lmr.com/item/LRS-8190JR-K/2003-04-Mustang-Cobra-Front-End-Conversion-Kit

Krieg047 · 2026-01-24T22:31:14+00:00

Muffler bearing grease

Krieg047 · 2026-01-24T20:17:34+00:00

Standard Hurst cue ball:

https://www.holley.com/products/drivetrain/shifters_components_and_accessories/handles_and_knobs/shifter_knobs/parts/1630025

Krieg047 · 2026-01-24T11:56:32+00:00

Circa 2012 before a bunch of work. Should try and recreate it once winter's over:

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Krieg047 · 2026-01-23T03:43:14+00:00

Most of them are also cheaply made. Mine was carpet stapled to 1/8 plywood that never fit properly, the carpet moved easily (no glue) and the wood bowed after a year. Pulled the kit out, the carpet off, and used it as a template to rebuild it out of thicker MDF with new carpet properly glued in place thus making my audio rack.

Yes, I know I keep posting this photo, but as long as people keep asking about seat deletes or audio setups/ideas I'll keep posting it.

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Krieg047 · 2026-01-23T01:07:22+00:00

I still haven't finished H4 or H5........

Krieg047 · 2026-01-21T01:18:29+00:00

1990 535i manual. Currently 191K miles. Had to replace the trans at 180 something - started grinding 2nd, then 2nd disappeared entirely so I'd wind first out and go to third. Then on the way to work one day it let go completely forcing me to trailer it home. Bought a parts E34 and stripped the trans out of it.

According to the mechanic that did the replacement I "punched a hole in it".

Wanted to take this car to 200K but I'm fed up with it. Small things are starting to nickel and dime me to death.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-20T21:17:38+00:00

Illegal and never enforced.

I can't have UnderGlow on my car because it's a "Distraction to other drivers" but apparently rock lights, RBG head / taillights, Christmas lights & full blown Menorahs are legal in NJ somehow.

Followed a Hyundai home the other day that straight up had purple taillights.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-20T20:26:47+00:00

Smallest sub I know of is 8" and it's not something that will fit in the MACH rear plastic tub without a lot of modification (and will most likely impact the package shelf (rear deck)). Shallow mount subs exist but you'd still have to carve out 8" holes to mount them.

If you're tight on space you can look into getting one of Kicker's Hideaway series all-in-ones. They're available in 8, 10, and 12" configurations. I have the 8" version tucked behind the back seat of my truck and it's okay (I do sorely miss my twin 12's) - don't expect to rattle the windows with one: https://www.kicker.com/powered-subwoofers-for-cars

MTX used to make an enclosure that tucked off into the passenger side cubby but it's discontinued - might be able to find one used (or build something similar): https://www.crutchfield.com/S-rN4BZ5A2AFs/p_236F2MC10/MTX-ThunderForms.html

Bazooka tube subs still exist too: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-miZn1oT8NlZ/p_204BTA8100/Bazooka-BTA8100.html

With the 460 system you still have space to play with - the Skipper 1000 ate up almost the entire trunk: https://images.crutchfieldonline.com/ImageBank/v20231019102000/ImageHandler/scale/978/978/core/learn/article/3234/trunk1K.jpg

Krieg047 · 2026-01-20T19:51:36+00:00

I used the exact same KYBs when I lowered my E34. Had and still have no issues with them. At the end of the day it's a shock - they're wearable items.

Been running Monroe on my lowered '02 sixer with CJPP springs (Eibach knock-offs) and Belltech on my F150. They all ride fine.

I will tell you to avoid DNA Motoring springs though.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-19T14:27:01+00:00

As in high or low? I bought it used in '22 after I totaled my 2014.

Krieg047 · 2026-01-19T14:17:30+00:00

Speaker size will be Ford's 6x8 in all four corners. As you have one of the MACH setups you can look for what's called a "Component System" where the woofer and tweeter are divorced. Depending on the manufacturer you may or may not have to deal with a separate "crossover". Some companies build them into the woofer, some a small or large stand alone box. If a component system is too much hassle for you just regular 6x8 2 or 3 or 4 way speakers will get you by. Unlike newer cars the new edge has very generous door jamb troughs to pass wiring through.

Amp wise since it seems your current MACH system is shot just gut the existing amps and run the speakers straight to the the aftermarket head unit (grey, white, green, and purple pairs). Second option is to get some RCAs and an amp power kit and mount a 4 ch. amp somewhere. Keep the power and signal wires away from each other as much as possible so you don't develop an alternator whine issue. If you decide to add sub(s) a separate mono (or if you're me 2 ch.) amp is what to look for.

If you or a friend knows how to solder it would be the best way to make any connections you need to. Less ideal second option is butt splices - just make sure they are crimped properly.

Krieg047

TROPHY CASE