Boom Plus Toys. They took several months to deliver, which made me quite nervous!

es

My google-fu is quite lacking here… I've not been able to find any info at any of the sites mentioned (or by "shotgun searching" either).

Anyone got a link to a JDM, UK or AUDM site that sells replacement parts (similar to http://www.hondapartsunlimited.com/a...ariable-engine)?

es

Weapon R Cold Air Intake
 

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...016_intake.jpg

Here's the latest addition… a Weapon R cold air intake. The install was fairly straightforward, although the fit of the unit is tight and I had to sub in a longer second hose to the breather pipe hard tubing as the connection on the intake sits higher than where it is on the OEM part.

I took my wife to dinner after the install, so I didn't get a chance to open it up :p but there is a different tone to the engine that I think I'm going to like.

es

looks nice. can you post a sound clip?

Let's try this:

2015 Honda Fit Sound Test

es

Thanks for taking the time to post that vid. Exhaust sounds good. Can't really hear the intake to be honest.

Any performance increase you can feel? Or is it just sound and looks?

I can only go by "seat of the pants," but I would say it does feel a bit snappier. (c:

It's weird, but the exhaust sounds a bit raspier to me after adding the intake, which I like.

es

Sounds pretty good, not too overbearing. nice!

You have any rubbing issues in the front with the Sport Tuning T9 wheels + 185/60 tire combo? Was planning on getting wheels/tires with everything of the same dimension as yours but haven't because a fear of it rubbing. Thanks.

No, the T9s don't rub at all (at least, not with the tires I have).

es

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...forsprings.jpg

Hmmm. Something's been up out in the shop this weekend. Stay tuned!

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Front springs?

Front Springs
 

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...forsprings.jpg

2Rismo2 guessed it correctly - I finally got time enough to finish my spring updates, as well as install camber bolts.

First step is to remove the strut nut covers:

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs01.jpg

On one side, the nut came right off, but I had to use a hex key on the other side to get it started:

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...springs01b.jpg

On the strut itself, you need to disconnect the brake line support and ABS line:

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs02.jpg

Then disconnect the swaybar linkage:

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs03.jpg

Finally, remove both strut bolts - note the floor jack supporting the a-arm and knuckle, which you want to keep from flopping out so you don't inadvertently pull the axle shaft out of the transaxle.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs04.jpg

With the strut out of the way, I used some cord to tie up the knuckle.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs05.jpg

Over on the bench, I used spring compressors to take the pressure off the spring (I read in several online accounts that there's very little spring pressure when you back the nut off, but didn't want to take any chances). I tried using a wrench and hex key to remove the nut, but no dice until I hit it with my impact wrench, which spun it right off.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs06.jpg

Here's the new RSR spring next to the OEM spring (and the new camber bolt):

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs07.jpg

Remove the rubber and plastic spring bushings and install on the new springs, then put everything back together in reverse order. The camber bolts I used did not require elongating the holes, so they just slipped right in. I realized after taking this photo that I had the long tabbed washer facing the wrong direction for the camber change I wanted, so I had to back it off and rotate per the instructions.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs08.jpg

Reinstall your sway bar links, ABS and brake lines, underhood covers and make sure everything's torqued properly. Put your wheels back on and it's time for an alignment! I imagine the car will sit a little lower in front after I drive it a little so the springs settle in.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._springs10.jpg

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Rear Axle Shims
 

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...forsprings.jpg

I figured as long as I had the car up on stands, I might as well tackle the rear axle shim install, too.

Even though my car is only 1.5 years old (37K miles), the brake drums were already recalcitrant. Some penetrating fluid and a good bash with the brass hammer convinced 'em otherwise! With the drum off, access to the four bolts that hold the axle stub in place is easy.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...16_shims01.jpg

I found after experimentation that you don't even need to remove the brake line, parking brake cable or ABS line. It's a bit tight getting the stub out past the mounting plate (be careful to not yank too hard and bend the brake line).

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...16_shims03.jpg

My shims came with a chart on which you plotted the desired toe and camber to determine how to orient the shim.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...16_shims05.jpg

I just wanted to change toe and leave camber alone, so these were my settings:

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...16_shims06.jpg

Armed with that knowledge, a template showed where to trim the shim to clear the mounting bolts:

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...16_shims07.jpg

Carefully slip the axle stub back in place and bolt and torque everything back down. The brake drum slips back over the studs, install your wheels and you're done!

Here's my alignment sheet from about a month ago (before camber bolts and shims), and I'll post an update after I get the car realigned. The handwritten notes are what I'm shooting for.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...salignment.jpg

es

LX Grille and Tow Hook
 

My final mod while I had the car up for springs, camber bolts and shims was to replace my EX grille with an LX grille. Since I'm planning to run my first-ever AutoX in a couple weeks, I also dug out my OEM tow hook, gave it a wipe of laquer thinner and then painted it red before installing in the front bumper. I didn't like the gaping hole left by removing the cap, so I drilled a hole in it and installed the hook through that.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...pringsdone.jpg

es

it looks really good. You're the test subject for the shims. I've had them for over a year and I just couldn't bring myself to install them. Did the hubs torque down properly to the torsion beam with the shims? I've heard horror stories of them crushing and not torquing to spec. I look forward to your alignment sheet. If this works for you, I'm next to do it :-)

Oh, as for negative camber, I found -1.7 is excellent for daily driving. Tire wear actually improved because most of the wear I get in stock form is on the outside. I have a completely stock Fit as well and these cars roll over so much turning onto on ramps and stuff the camber actually goes positive. -1.7 has no ill handling either, like tramlining on tar seams or brake squirm. Handles really well.

A/Xing and track is much more aggressive and I soon found -1.7 isn't enough. I'm at -2.5 and it's a little squirmy on freeways with tar lines, but only at 70+ mph. I am also noticing higher inside tire temps with -2.5, but -1.7 stayed virtually the same temp as stock 0 camber after long freeway driving.

Call the alignment shop and let them know what you want and ask if they will do it. It's surprising how many shops don't understand what you're trying to achieve.

Thanks. Since there are no shop manuals out for the GK yet (that I know of - other than the expensive subscription service, which I don't have), I used the TLAR* method, and they seemed to snug down evenly and with no apparent problems. The alignment will tell!

Thanks for the tip on camber, too. My autoxing coworker (Miata) recommended starting with -1.0°, but I'll go ahead and use -1.7° and see how it goes. The shop I use does some resto and rod work and should be cool with a custom alignment.

es

* "That Looks About Right"

Thank you for posting up the video. Sounds nice! Great pics of the suspension setup being installed too.

Your new stance looks great with your rims and fatter tires! Now remind me, you got the Down SUS springs right, not the superdown? I was looking to get the Down SUS ones because I don't want much of a drop, but I do want to stiffen the suspension. That Mugen lip would really finish it off if you went that route.

The stock tow hook looks good painted like that. For the front grill, what's the difference? The LX grill just doesn't have that chrome embellishment in the front? Any other differences? Why not shoot it with some dark paint?

As for tightening specs, I always went with German spec. "Gutentite" Avoid Russian spec of "Brokanoff" lol

Thanks! Yes, the springs are "just" Down, not Super Down. I didn't want much, if any, drop. The only difference in the grilles is the chrome vs. matte bar (which I found out is actually a separate snapped-in piece on both grilles). I had bought the grille right after I got the car, and before seeing others use plasti-dip, so I went ahead and used what I had. (c:

es

All the lines have to go through the center of the shim, yes? Did you cut the shim and slip the lines into the middle?

Caught me! :ohnoes: :rotfl:

When I made the first snip with my side cutters to remove the shim section (exactly per the instructions), the shim broke all the way through. I used my bandsaw to make the rest of the cuts, and when I went to install the shim, realized the break meant I would not have to remove the ABS sensor line. So I "broke" the other side, too. :rolleyes:

It's probably going to be a few days before I can get to the alignment shop. Patience, Grasshopper!

es

Is that Moog shim or SPC? Looks like Moog I think

Moog. Talked to the shop earlier today and they said my rear toe was right on 0*, so they seemed to have done the trick. They could only get -1.5* with the camber bolts without grinding the holes, so i told them to lock them there for now.

es

Picked the car up from the alignment shop last night and drove it to work today: it's fantastic! Front camber is -1.5° and 0° toe, and the rear shims did their trick, setting rear toe at 0° also.

My Miata driving coworker and I went out for a lunchtime drive (taking turns) on a very twisty-curvy road, and he was favorably impressed (he even said the CVT was "not as bad as he thought it would be" [grin]).

The car corners flat, and seems well balanced. The ride is harsher than stock, but not kidney-jarring. It should be fine for cruising the highways, even here in the frost-heaved Middle West.

Pics after my next mod install, which arrived over the weekend.

es

Mugen-style Front Chin
 

Next up on the mod list is a Mugen-style chin. Installation was simple - it fits right over the USDM bumper cover and took less than 15 minutes to install.

I won't have time to have it painted before this weekend's autox event, but I do plan to paint it MSM afterwards.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._mugenside.jpg

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...mugenfront.jpg

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...enfrontlow.jpg

es

Looks good. How is the fitment? I'm ordering one as well. My plan is to have it painted a gloss black to contrast the white orchid pearl on mine. I think it'll be a nice throwback look. Wouldn't it be better to paint before mounting?

Fitment is good, although I will plan to add an extra screw where the lip wraps around the wheel well/fender area, as it didn't snug down really tight there (slight gap). I would paint prior to installation, but it's easy to install or remove, so you can always pull it back off as I will do when I paint mine.

es

Good to hear that fitment isn't a problem. I was going to dry fit it prior to painting and then add some 3M tape to make it a more permanent fixture.

Your car looks great.

I think you'll like -1.5 long-term. It's close to what the rear is set right from the factory and it has no ill handling that I found. In fact, I experienced better tire wear.

Good to see the shims work. I think I'll pick up some of those and dial out the toe; dial in some more neg camber.

Autocross
 

Tomorrow, we drive. :vtec:

Here's the car on the trailer when I took it for the alignment. Now that I have the Mugen lip installed, it won't clear the ramps, so I'll be driving to the event.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._ontrailer.JPG

My gumballs are removable magnets and the numbers are spray-mounted paper printouts (ran out of time to make vinyl ones). All of the busy styling detail on the GK Fit leaves not much room for numbers. I may play with another shape for future events.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...016_autox2.JPG

I also may have to remove the hood and tailgate magnets - not sure if the markings rules will allow those (this is my first autox event). I'll be running as a "novice." Looking forward to it, and will post pics after.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...016_autox1.JPG

es

Looks good! They'll let the numbers go. As long as the number and letter size I scca compliant you're good. The others are just extra.

They just have to be visible out in the field.


Don't forget good close toe shoes, sunscreen, and a good hat. You'll have to work the course and you'll be out there in the sun.


Have fun, and just focus on your own driving.


Good luck!

You'll need an NOV on the side for the novice class too.

nice looking good. once you start autoxing you will be addicted to anything racing lol!

The Fit Acquits!
 

What a blast! I had a great time today running my first autocross event ever. The crew assigned me to work the track in the morning, which worked out well as temps were cooler and I got to watch folk's technique. We broke for lunch, and then it was our heat's turn to drive. I work in the building behind my car - my employer allows our regional SCCA club to use the parking lot for these events several times a year.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._readytogo.JPG

I gridded myself so I'd be driving near the end of our group, and rode with one of the "pro" drivers in his '94 Corvette on his first lap. Zounds. I now know how a bullet feels when you pull the trigger! His first run (with me) was a touch over 54 seconds and the record time for the day was just over 50.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road..._onthegrid.JPG

I was the only Fit in attendance, and the only CVT (or automatic of any kind). I was also the tallest car on the track, and the only one with REAR DRUM BRAKES! :wiggle:

I got seven runs in, and my time dropped from around 65.8 down to 62.9 for my best run (next-to-last). One thing I learned from my ride in the 'Vette was that I had not even begun to plumb the depths of the Fit's braking capacity (which I now know is surprisingly good). However, with my suspension setup, throttle-off hard braking in a turn makes for a very tail-happy Fit! I never turned off stability control, and felt it doing its job numerous times. I got a couple comments on how the CVT sounded ("strange, but sounded good"). Driving the CVT is like driving a turbo, though - there's a bit of lag you have to plan for.

As for driving technique, I started in S1 and let the rev limiter shift for me. I realize now (after sleeping on it - I was seriously buzzed yesterday after the event!) that I was forgetting to paddle "downshift" into the turns, which is why the car seemed sluggish out of some turns - it was in too high a "gear." Being my first time, I was in complete sensory overload. It's easy to think through exactly how you're going to drive the track when you walk it prior to the event - it's a whole 'nuther thing when it's coming at you at speed.

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...x/2016_mpg.JPG

Bad pic, but I was trying to capture my MGPs while racing: 7.3 on this run! (I got about 40 driving home, which is more than I can say for anyone else on the track!).

So how did the Fit acquit itself today? Well, after the handicap adjustment in my "bump" Novice class (five cars, including a BUILT Mustang),

http://www.peachtreeprairie.com/road...6_1stplace.JPG

I won First! :vtec:

(take that, you manual-driving weenies!)

es

Congrats! It keeps getting more and more fun as you progress.

And more and more expensive, I suspect! (c:

es

Here's the video from the event:

https://vimeo.com/167624767

es