Robert's build thread 17 white convertible GT PP

I'll now start keeping this first post updated with current progress. Each modification will be direct linked to the post in which I document the install.

Current Modifications:
Performance
Whipple (Gen 2 2.9L ) Stage 2 Supercharger
Ford Racing Sport (Borla) Cat Back Exhaust

Suspension
BMR Performance Lowering Springs
BMR Sway Bars
Steeda Front Camber Bolts
Steeda Rear Camber Brackets
BMR Rear Cradle Lockout kit
Steeda Rear Cradle Alignment Sleeves
Vossen Split 5 Wheels

Appearance
Roush Front Bumper Cover
Morimoto XB Headlights
Coyote 25mm Wheel Spacers (Front)
Roush Heat Extractors
Gorilla Lug Nuts
Stubby Antenna
Lethal Performance Carbon Fiber Pack
JLT Master Cylinder Cover
UPR Products Coolant Tank
Redline Tuning hood struts

Other:
Steeda jacking rails

Most Recent Photo:

oh look, he found a friend!


I have a Ford Racing cat back exhaust, C&L Racer intake in the garage waiting, and a Bama tuner on its way! Here is the intake next to the one from my ILX lol

Finally took delivery and made it official yesterday. Unfortunately, no new programs that helped me with the purchase price in October, although, Dplan is nice!

Nice looking 'vert! Enjoy!

Thanks! I am enjoying the heck out of it so far!

Put the Borla Sport exhaust on today. Bracing didn't go back on :( anyone have any suggestions?

robertwsimpson said:

Put the Borla Sport exhaust on today. Bracing didn't go back on :( anyone have any suggestions?

Click to expand...

What "bracing" are you referring to?

Convertibles have extra bracing that goes from the rocker panel area back to the rear subframe area. I can definitely feel the torsional strength that it adds. The car feels way more jittery without it. I'm wondering if I can get away with aftermarket bracing or if I should get the stock piece re shaped somehow...

robertwsimpson said:

Convertibles have extra bracing that goes from the rocker panel area back to the rear subframe area. I can definitely feel the torsional strength that it adds. The car feels way more jittery without it. I'm wondering if I can get away with aftermarket bracing or if I should get the stock piece re shaped somehow...

Click to expand...

My bad. I forgot you have a convertible. I would think the aftermarket (Steeda, BMR) would take care of it but you might try reaching out to Alton Johnson here on the forums. He has, or had, one of the nicest convertibles around and might have some good insight for you.

Ah after tons of searching, I found his solution. He got the bracing cut and then reshaped and welded back. I am willing to do that if needed, but I think I have another option that might work. I'm going to see if I can make it happen before doing that. Thanks for the help!

I'll also see what bracing there is that's aftermarket and if it might fit without the convertible bracing in the way.

I appreciate the suggestions!

Traded out the exhaust for the Ford Racing by Borla Sport.

Up in the air in my garage


Anyone able to remove the exhaust without removing these brackets? I don't have an air ratchet and some of these bolts were a pain. Just wondering! In other news, I will be buying an air ratchet!


Got the exhaust off of the car with no help, and I have the sore back to prove it! Anyone in the bay area interested????


The payoff! This is the first chrome that I have removed from my car. Lots more to come!

how high were you able to get the rear with those jack stands and are they on the pinch welds or the jacking rails? seems tight and would make me nervous cranking on bolts while under it. asking cause my exhaust is in the mail to me....

The jacks were pretty high... I also felt weird, but I wasn't really cranking on bolts that hard and I made sure not to pull myself in and out using the car. I have an impact gun, so that puts the torque directly onto the bolt instead of pulling the car all around. I also chocked the front wheels so that the car didn't move on me while I was under there. My wife was totally freaked out the whole time, but here I am! The jacks were on the pinch welds. I don't have jacking rails, but I imagine those would work too.

Hope your exhaust goes on easily! I changed mine before 200 miles, so bolts came out very easily!

Looks GREAT how do you like the sound? That is pretty high for Jack Stands..... :eyebulge:

I love the look!

The sound is awesome! Bordering on too loud, which is perfect. The sound is more high-pitched than I thought it would be, but I love hearing it cackling off of buildings when I'm driving around a down-town area. Can't wait to take it into San Francisco. The heart of the tree hugger empire.