My Journal *56k WARNING*

[Greg]

OK I give in. Heres my story.
My name is Greg and I'm 22 years old. I have a house in Sugar Hill about 5 minutes from the Mall of Georgia, and I'm a Deputy in Forsyth County. Before becoming a cop, I got a degree in Motorsports Vehicle Technology and worked for various race teams including Pratt & Miller (Corvette Racing), Elan Motorsports (Panoz), and I worked at the Panoz Racing School before it became Skip Barber. I left that line of work due to the unpredictability of the job, and the hectic schedule.
I love what I do right now, I have fun while I'm at work, and on my days off when I get bored, I always end up wishing I was at work.

I drive a 2006 Subaru Impreza STi. I bought it new in 2006 from Troncalli, and have done quite a few things to it since. Below is a list:

Power and Performance

Custom made 3" turbo back exhaust

Cobb AccessPort Engine Management (Stage 2) Protuned by Scott Siegle

APS cold air intake

Kartboy short shifter and bushings

Exedy Clutch

Suspension

Whiteline 24mm front swaybar

Whiteline 27mm rear swaybar

Whiteline spherical endlinks (F+R)

Helix DNA coilovers with camber plates

Wheels and Tires

5zigen FN01R-C 17"X8.5"

Falken Azenis RT615 225/45/R17

Exterior

JDM Front Lip Spoiler

Custom painted headlights

20% tint

WRXatlanta.com sticker ;)

4TOUGE sticker ;)

Interior

Custom carbon fiber XM radio mount

Custom harness bar with Sparco 4-Point harnesses

Valor double din DVD/TV/CD/MP3/FM/AM 7" screen

2 12" Rockford Fosgate Punch subwoofers with 1000W Sony amp

(removeable for mountain runs and track days)


This is when the car was stock (Besides the gay sticker lol)
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/100_0637.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/100_0639-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/100_0633.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/STi001-1.jpg
This was the setup for a televised autocross event on SPEED.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/AutocrossLayout2-1.jpg
This is how it looks now, plus a few extras.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/Dragon-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/MountainRun.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/e009-2.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/joey-1.jpg
A movie that a friend was working on
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/movie.jpg
My clutch went out, and its MUCH easier to pull the engine than to pull the tranny since its AWD
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/sti069-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/sti073-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/sti074-1.jpg[hr]
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/IMG_0349-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/CH233692-2.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/CH233691-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/DSC01370.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/DSC01371.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/DSC01374.jpg

[MeFryRice]

Cool. I used to want an STi for the longest time but kind of grew out of them. Car looks good!

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

So are you graduating to a real car now? :D

[Greg]

I've always wanted a Miata :)
Now that I'm able to buy a second vehicle, I want one lol
Plus, I'm just about done putting together everything I need to do the 20g with meth on the STi, so I'll need something else to drive for a while.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Nice STi. Recently, I lightly modified a buddy's of the same body style, and it was a really nice car to work on.
Funny, I carry one the same way in the Miata.
Get a 5th (maybe 6th) point to properly finish those harnesses! 4-point setup is not optimal in a wreck.

[Greg]

Yeah I have the 5th strap, but it wouldn't be very effective unless I cut a slot in the seat for it. I wear the normal seatbelt on the street, but when I'm at the track I use the normal seatbelt and the harnesses together.

[MeFryRice]

I wouldn't use the harnesses on the street either, majority of them arn't DOT anyways. (I don't believe the Sparcos are).

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

What kind of harness bar is that? I'm pleased to see it actually drops down behind the slot properly. I always get up set when I see people with incorrectly installed harnesses that'll kill 'em.

[Doppelgänger]

Trust me, cops won't ever care to look if the belts are DOT... unless your name is Greg and you're pulling over some ricers. But in that case, I probably wouldn't tell them how to do it right in hopes they crash and learn the hard way :lol:

And for the record, i do use my 6-point o nthe street.... because i don't have my airbags and i have the harness correctly installed.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Ah ok. One of my biggest pet peeves ever is people running the 4-points and that's it and thinking it's going to save them. Oh well. lol

[Greg]

Heres my new daily driver :) I have a few plans for it, but nothing major.
1992 Mazda Miata
STOCK
83,000 miles
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/001jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/003jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/004jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/005jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/006jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/007jpg-2.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/009jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/010jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/012jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/013jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/014jpg-1.jpg

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Awesome. How do you like it?

[Greg]

I love it! banana
I haven't driven the sti since I got it lol
I feel extremely gay, but I don't give a **** lol. Its fun
Its also nice to be able to drive a car that is quiet and won't break your back when you hit a bump.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

There's nothing gay about them, they're small RWD and got a decent power to weight ratio!

It's only when 2 big males are squeezed together for a while it seems a bit fruity!

[MoD_Scotty]

Congrats! You're gonna have a blast with that car.

[Roadster]

There's nothing gay about them, they're small RWD and got a decent power to weight ratio!

It's only when 2 big males are squeezed together for a while it seems a bit fruity!



In a stock mariner blue NA with no rollbar...Some mods and it becomes more acceptable.

[Greg]

Yeah, I think the rollbar, flares, wheels, and paint will make it more manly :)

[Roadster]

Paint? What's happening to the paint?

[Greg]

its getting painted a satin black after I install the fender flares.
Similar to this:
http://www.automotiveblogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/flatmustang.jpg

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

nooo! The white looks perfect as is. It's also a physically cooler colour and better for under the hood temperatures :D

[Greg]

haha I'm tired of having white cars. All of my cars have been white. I've always wanted to do a black on black car.

[MeFryRice]

Black is hard to keep clean. If you don't wash it correctly then it shows are the marring in the paint which makes it look like complete ***. :(

[RotorNutFD3S]

Yep. My FD was black. The things I went through to keep it looking good...

[Doppelgänger]

If i had my way, my car would be pearl white:cool:
I've only had white, green, and now titanium. The titanium covers up everything :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

Mine is the first red car I've had. Hasn't been too bad. Only stuff it really shows is big bugs and road tar.

[MeFryRice]

I've only had green, yellow, black, red, and blue...

[Sawyer]

I've only had silver and orange.
The orange shows a LOT more dirt...

[Doppelgänger]

I'd imagine it looks duller faster. Have you waxed/buffed the car yet? One of my tricks is to keep an Absorber around when everytime I come home after it rains, i dry the car off... and I keep a bottle of Meguiars Quik Detailer and a microfiber handy. It prolongs the time between car washes substancially.

[MeFryRice]

Her car doesn't look dull and she actually waxed it not too long ago. Speaking of wax, mine could really use a touch-up layer....maybe that's what I'll do tonight...

[Sawyer]

Yeah, it got waxed about a month ago! Still looks all shiny and water beads up really well!

[Greg]

Finally got the Hard Dog M2 rollbar in the other day and go to work installing it this weekend. It wasn't really hard, just time consuming.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/015jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/016jpg-2.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/017jpg-1.jpg

Had to cut some slots in the tray to allow the braces to sit all the way back.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/018jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/019jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/020jpg-1.jpg

I also had to cut the carpet and plastic interior pieces to fit around the bars.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/021jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/022jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/023jpg-1.jpg

I went ahead and just cut the back window out because it was all cracked and brown... Just waiting on the new soft top to come in now.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/024jpg-1.jpg

[RotorNutFD3S]

Looks good! Welcome to the club! :)

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

banana Your Miata grew a pair!

[Greg]

haha it does feel like it...

[MeFryRice]

The car looks to be coming along pretty nicely!

[Greg]

Still waiting on the soft top to come in, and getting the wheels and tires friday

[RotorNutFD3S]

Way to waste no time at all! :)

[Greg]

I still need suspension tho...

[Greg]

Sorry for the ****ty phone pictures.
Finally got the wheels, suspension is next.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/IMG00900.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/IMG00901.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/IMG00899.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/IMG00897.jpg

[RotorNutFD3S]

Got the 4x4 wide wheel thing going on! :P
I know you were looking into flares, if you go over to ClubRoadster, Autokonexion has a special going on with the flares like I have on my car.

[Greg]

Where is a good place to get the mud flaps too?

[wildfire0310]

I swear I have seen that STi over on 4touge, that and the monkey lol

BTW anyone know what happened to that site?

[Greg]

Lol yeah we started it a while ago. Whats your name on there?
Its still there, just the main page is down. I forget what the actual forum url is. I
'll call Keegan and see whats up

[RotorNutFD3S]

IDK, I'm looking for the flaps too because the rocks thrown up by the wider wheels eats at the paint on the front edges of the rear flares. Hoping they might help reduce that aspect. I may look into doing something custom, so they look "right" with the flares.

[wildfire0310]

Lol yeah we started it a while ago. Whats your name on there?
Its still there, just the main page is down. I forget what the actual forum url is. I
'll call Keegan and see whats up


I have the same screenname. I need to go around and change all of them, as I am getting board with this screenname and have been using it since oh HS.

I'll have to try and figure out how to get back since the home page is down.

[Greg]

Koni Yellows. Hopefully get them on by Monday
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/IMG00903.jpg

[jesseealexander]

what springs are those? wheels look good btw... i really like low offset wheels on miatas.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Be prepared for the fender rolling!

[Greg]

Oh yeah I know. They'll have to be rolled pretty good if not pulled some

[Greg]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/025jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/026jpg-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/027jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/028jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/029jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/030jpg.jpg

[RotorNutFD3S]

Nice! No more 4x4 Club! Get it aligned yet?

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Nice, you're making quick progress! Get it aligned at

http://www.americasbestautomotive.com/ClubSpecials.htm

Just point out the mx5 sticker and you'll have a fantastic alignment for $70.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Haha! That's why I asked. You beat me to the punch Jack!

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Yep, I got it aligned there today. Really good place, they know what they're doing and they're alot cheaper than GTE. You can sit in the car during the alignment or play GT3 on the ps2 :lol:

[RotorNutFD3S]

I'd rather sit in the car and have it aligned with my weight in the seat. :)

[Greg]

Nice, I'll keep that in mind :)

[Greg]

Not finished yet, but really close. Just a few more things need to be sprayed and the tail lihts tinted. So far Kyle at Crosswyse Innovations has done an awesome job. Satin is hard to pull off.


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/054jpg.jpg

[RotorNutFD3S]

Not a big fan of the flat black/satin, but I will say that looks pretty damn good.

[Sawyer]

I don't like flat colors either, but the satin is a tad better. At least it has a little bit of shine to it.

[Doppelgänger]

If you're going to do it... do it right... and you did. Looks mean. Now get a nice aggressive bumper and fill it with intercooler and a r-pkg/wings west rear lip spoiler.


If you had done it with a rattle can i'd kick you in the nutz.

[Greg]

lol noooo I hate rattle can ****

[Doppelgänger]

are you going to ditch the ugly front lights in favor of some TSi's?

[MoD_Scotty]

I hate to be a hater, but I'm not digging the huge offset and stretched tires. I've just never been a fan of that look. On the other hand, the satin came out awesome. Looks really nasty (in a good, metal kind of way).

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Not finished yet, but really close. Just a few more things need to be sprayed and the tail lihts tinted. So far Kyle at Crosswyse Innovations has done an awesome job. Satin is hard to pull off.


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/054jpg.jpg


Like others not normally a fan.... but that looks mean as ****. With a few of Mike's recommendations this could be one of the meanest looking Miata out there.

[Greg]

Thanks man.
Yeah the wheels aren't set in stone... If I can find a good deal on something else, or a trade then I'll jump on it. These were just the cheapest option at the time.

TSi lights....? Do tell.

[RotorNutFD3S]

TSIs = Turn Signal Intakes

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/RotorNutFD3S/ExteriorMods/APRMirrors/DSC01690.jpg

A lot of places sell them, you can sometimes find them used for a good deal, but this is where I know they're in stock: http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=36482

[Greg]

That would look good. But damn! $124...? You'd think they were carbon or something

[RotorNutFD3S]

lol Yeah, they're expensive new. Just watch for them, I see them sell around $50 used all the time.

[Greg]

Keep an eye out for me ;)

[RotorNutFD3S]

Will do. :) I've been able to snag some good deals lately for others.

[Doppelgänger]

Meh, I had no problem paying that for a set.... remember they aren't some chinese made part :)
They do make the front end of the NAs look so much more aggressive....helps get rid of the "smiley face" look

[Greg]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/049jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/048jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/055jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/057jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/058jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/059jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/060jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/061jpg.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/GPJamesMVT/062jpg.jpg

[Roadster]

Damn, you're moving quick on this thing. It's pretty much become the exact vision that I had for how I wanted to do my first Miata. Love the satin. Just needs wheels. They don't suit it quite right.

Oh, and some power to back up that stance. :P

[RotorNutFD3S]

Looks good. But why do the doors not match the fenders?

[Greg]

Cause I told him to quit messing with it lol. He was trying to make them match perfectly (in the picture) but I just told him not to worry about it. He gave me a killer deal (I think the paint cost more than what I paid).
But they look off in the pictures, but you can barely tell in person.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Ah, figured in person it would be different.

[GraffitiPanda]

Greg... im jealous... that looks ****ing awesome!

[Doppelgänger]

Hey, Moss has a special on the TSi's for $100/pair

[RotorNutFD3S]

lol You beat me to it!

[Doppelgänger]

get you catalog too? lol

Greg, when ya bringing the car out?

[MeFryRice]

The car looks good! Not to sound like a deutsche but why didn't he fix the tear in the rear bumper for you? I would have taken the opportunity to have the fenders rolled/flared as well but it's your car and it still looks good! :clap:

[RotorNutFD3S]

get you catalog too? lol


Well, that and I clicked the link I posted because I needed to look something up.

[Greg]

get you catalog too? lol

Greg, when ya bringing the car out?


Prob thurs.
I didn't get the stuff fixed because its getting painted again when he gets time

[Doppelgänger]

Prob thurs.
I didn't get the stuff fixed because its getting painted again when he gets time



Whatcha gunna be sprayin on it now?

[Doppelgänger]

WTF Greg?? You selling it already?

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/944060460.html

[RotorNutFD3S]

lol I posted that up in the CL section. Makes no sense.