Actually, once I'm warm and fuzzy about the condition of the engine itself (the mechanicals, including a compression test which the service advisor said would be done, but wasn't done), the next step will be to get the handling as good as it can get, then I'll start going nuts with the engine. Including tuning it on the dyno.
The shop that sponsors kcsubaru.com recommends strictly Cobb stuff, and the dealership said that Cobb started out with Subaru, went his own way, and is being brought back in to Subaru.
However, as I understand it, Cobb tuning is accomplished via reflashing the PROM. Which is a problem for me. If I end up turning this into a 850-horse beast, I'd like to be able to detune it to something more reasonable for rain use, and something pretty tame for when anyone else drives the car (wife, son, valet, etc).
The PROM can only handle about 100 flashes.
Also, I'm seeing nothing from Cobb or Cobb-compatible that'll give any kind of display. I'd like not only a display, but the ability to select different maps from within the car. Much like the Edge w/Attitude I use in my truck.
So, I want something that uses a piggy-back computer and has a display screen that not only gives me tons of valuable info in realtime (as well as storing it for later replay), but also lets me make adjustments on the fly.
I think TurboXS might offer what I'm looking for.
Oh, and the Scoob specialist that brings cars by the trailer-load to Imagine Auto to tune on their dyno refuses to work with Cobb cars.
So, I'm casually shopping for engine management stuff, but not too serious about it yet. I'm unsure of the mechanical condition of the engine itself. And though the pricetag is a bit steep for a major part of a toy, I think the peace of mind and the much larger envelope might be worth it to simply replace this engine with a Cosworth-built one, which I think is good for 8500 rpm. And if mine's in good enough condition, I'm sure I could sell it for enough to offset a large part of the Cosie's cost.
With the problems I'm seeing with stock Subaru engines that are being largely tweaked externally and through software, this really might be the way to go for something whose life is going to be much like that of a rented mule.
But, aside from making sure the engine is working correctly, my focus will start with suspension and braking. And the braking's pretty good with the Raybestos ST41 pads in front, except for the vibration that I strongly suspect is caused by front wheel bearings not pre-loaded enough or some other component (ball-joint, steering rack) not tight enough.
A couple items on the to-do list for this weekend are to check how much torque is on the axle-end nut through each hub, and to dismount a tire each from the stock BBS wheels and the new ASA's and weigh them.
The dealership actually tried to tell me the reason I'm getting pulled by an identical car on the straights is that my ASA wheels are a lot heavier than the BBS wheels.
I don't think there's that much weight difference, and any weight penalty there might be, I'd be paying more in the braking zones than in acceleration.
Well, those are on the to-do list after helping my son with his motorcycle engine. Yamaha XS650 that we're finally ready to put together as a 750 with a pretty aggressive cam. That and buying a power washer and cleaning the backhoe, especially the battery box. It won't start, and I suspect that the batteries being completely surrounded in mud is preventing them from getting much of a charge and letting much juice make it to the starter. Figure I can do that while he's cleaning and bead-blasting engine covers and parts, then I'll have to do the engine assembly.
Too bad his tank and seat aren't ready yet. They're out getting painted. Would very much love to go for a test-ride on this bike when we get the engine done. Although I have no idea how much of the rest of the bike is done. I know he brought the frame with him, but have not idea if anything's actually on the frame and am pretty sure he's counting on me to do all the wiring.
Should be a really cool bike, btw. He's going very minimalist with it, including the frame being powder-coated the same aluminum color of the engine, and we're going to try to make sure no wires are visible anywhere.
