Just in case you kids don't make it over to LT much....
I spent all of last weekend in my garage, or so it seemed like it. I tallied it up after the fact, and I think I was in my garage for 24 hours. It sure beat the hell out of studying for my final exams. Yay for procrastination.
Anyway, on with the modifications to my 2006 Exige:
1. Turbophil's
Clam Hinge2. Arqray titanium single exhaust (thanks Sector 111)
3. Nitron sport pro SA suspension (argh, black Friday S111 sale killed me)
4. Rear speaker removal
5. Suspension ground bolt!
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First off, I had been having a hard time starting my car after I had the transmission replaced under warranty last month. Thanks to some fine folks here on the forum, I figured out it was because the ground wire on the transmission had come loose. So, I picked up a few bolts to reattach the ground. Naturally, the one that was the right thread pitch and diameter was too long (hate it when that happens).
Bolt:
Proposed solution for shortening bolt :evil:
Hm, that probably won't work. Luckily I have one of the coolest tools ever invented - the Dremel.
Oil change while I play around with the ground wire.
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OK, now onto the task of removing the rear clam to install the clam hinge. I had never removed the seats or rear panel before, so that took me a while. Finally got the seats out, just in time for a drink.
Next step was removing the rear panel. This was a real bit*h with the OEM harness bar. I later found out that the task is relatively easy if you use a socket swivel like this one.
But of course I didn't initially discover that. So I had a socket that was too long. HM. You can probably guess what happened next.
Oh, by the way - kids, when you're using power tools and metal bits are flying everywhere, don't forget to wear goggles. Safety first! (go Dolphins)
And so I was finally able to remove the harness bar. And the worthless rear speakers! And the rear panel to get to several bolts holding the rear clam in place.
When you're removing all of these randoms bolts, it's a good idea to keep them organized....bag & tag.
Next, I had to remove the side scoops. And the wheels. And wheel liners. And more bolts holding the clam in place, etc etc.
I had already removed the carpet in the boot (silly extra weight). But I had to remove the battery to remount it with Phil's new battery mount. And the bolts holding the boot/clam to the subframe. Oh, and I removed the emergency latch/there's a child stuck in my boot release. I saved a good 2 ounces from that I bet. I removed that to make it easier to remove the normal latch release for clam tilting.
At that point, I removed all of the bolts holding the clam down, and it was about 2AM. So I didn't have anyone to help me lift the clam off the car. So, onto other projects (sleep is overrated). Since I would be eliminating the rear panel of the car & providing a clear view of the exhaust, I wanted to upgrade the aesthetics of my exhaust from the Janspeed Stage 2 that I had (and lose some weight). Adios Stage 2.
Adios heat shield.
Adios rear panel!
Hello Sector111 RTD Brace (installed previously) - shameless plug.
Arqray vs. Stage 2.
Installed the Arqray and Phil's new rear panel. Mm, titanium.
Here is a picture I took later of my new rear.
Got some sleep. Woke up the next day & removed rear clam with help.
OH NO! Someone stole half of my car!!! Oh, there it is.
Then I proceeded to work on installing the clam hinge kit - extending battery cables, attaching fuel door to clam, slicing & dicing the rear wheel well liners, etc. No pics of this. I was tired of taking pics. Sue me.
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I do, however, have a picture of all the random crap I removed from the car. When I removed the clam, I found several things where I thought, "hm, that doesn't look essential."
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Before fitting the rear clam back on the car, I installed the Nitron suspension. Sweet.
I'm pretttty sure I have at least the front of the car too low now. I'll have to adjust. Wheel gap, what wheel gap?
I got the rear clam back on the car, attached everything necessary to tilt the clam, and away we go!
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Impressions/thoughts:
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1. Phil's clamhinge kit is awesome. I plan to install a supercharger in a year or 2. I can go from fully assembled Exige to tilted-clam Exige in 15 minutes.
2. The Arqray sounds amazing.
3. Nitron suspension is awesome.
4. I spend too much time & money on this car!
