New mods

Vibrant Streetpower axleback

Shorty antenna

Sparco Progetto Corsa pedals

Broadway mirror

Full kit Fit

Kit is GOOOO!!!!

Painted test fit

Birthday

Got some cash money for my bday. I knew exactly what I wanted to do – get that lip kit painted. After sitting in the garage for almost a year, it was time. I sanded the kit down with a sanding block (about 220 grit), then 400 and finally 800. I then cleaned them with soap and water. I ran them down to the autobody shop before work and cant wait to get them back and installed! I am also selling my wheels tonight and hope to be able to get the exhaust system squared away. After going back and forth, I think I am going to go with the Vibrant axleback. I may go custom in the future, but this exhaust will be completely bolt on w/ good fitment and I wont have to source gaskets, flanges, etc. It will also be cheaper than buying all the pieces and then having them mounted.

*these are sample photos, but should look very similar on my car

Footwork

This morning I got up and installed my Sparco Progetto Corsa (“Sparco Race Design” in Italian) pedals that I have been putting off since I got them for Christmas. The install was pretty painless – the Fit's cramped footwell was the biggest hurdle.

I took the stock pad off the brake, drilled 3 holes and screwed the brake pedal to the assembly. I could not remove the stock gas pedal and felt underneath – it was just a narrow pipe like piece. I screwed the new gas pedal to the existing pedal and secured it.

They look outstanding, simple and purposeful like the rest of the car.

Let 'er rip!

So I did something potentially redneck today – took out my rear muffler. The stock muffler was very easy to remove, loosen 2 bolts, rotate the muffler down and then shimmy it out of the rubber hangers. What's left is a flange right next to the passenger side rear spring.

It won't stay like this for very long. This setup doesnt allow exhaust gasses to escape efficiently – they sort of pool under the rear bumper area when the car is stopped. When the car is moving, this is not a problem, but traffic is almost always a possibility.

So I get the car lowered back to the ground, wash my hands, and hop in the driver's seat. This is always my favorite part of car modding – the moment right before you get to test the work you have done, the anticipation. So twist the key and a rumble escapes the rear and settles into a raw burble. It's not loud, but at the same time, not quiet either. I back out of the drive and away I go. Still not quiet, but not as obnoxious as my truck or some other setups I have heard. Moment of truth, I head out onto the road and mash the gas. Definitely louder than stock, but above 4k rpms, the engine still seems louder than the exhaust – not that that's a bad thing. From stop to about 15mph is when it's the loudest. From there, wind and road noise win for the most part. At 70mph, the noise is barely audible. If you go to pass, the roar is heard, but still not as loud as I was expecting. All in all, I am pretty pleased with how it sounds. Surprisingly deep with no rasp.

From here, I need to decide if I just want to straight pipe it to the back of the car or add a muffler or resonator in line. I would like it a tad quieter and I think running it out the back of the car will help regardless what I use. For now, it is echoing around on all the pieces under the car. I think that will help clean up the noise too. This is a slight, almost unnoticeable buzz right now. I think I will end up adding a resonator to help shape the tone, but not completely kill the noise.