Faster N' Louder

07/05/2026

Yesterday was probably one of the hardest “car days” I’ve had in a while.

The goal was simply to reinstall the turbo manifold with the exhaust gasket and then install the turbo. Well, the turbo fl**ge studs were the wrong threading (I forgot they needed to be retapped). Let me be the first to tell you; tapping stainless steel by hand SUCKS! Hours later, I got them retapped and threaded the studs in so I could mount the turbo. WRONG.

The unthreaded holes in the turbo fl**ge aren’t big enough to fit past the shoulders on the studs, AND one of the 12pt nuts on the studs is inaccessible with a closed end 12pt wrench (even a flat profile wrench).

So back to the drawing board…. I’m trying new studs (slightly shorter) with hex head nuts so I can hopefully get proper access from the side.

I was thinking yesterday; you really need to be the type of person who hates giving up or failing to modify cars.

07/03/2026

I’ve had a bit of a break from the turbo RX8 build, but WE’RE BACK! Ivan Peel has been helping me get this downpipe fabricated, and I just got the two pieces wrapped and ready to go.

In case you’re wondering, I used a thinner dimpled steel barrier for the tightest section, and titanium header wrap for the rest. Next up is removing everything and reinstalling it with gaskets. Getting closer!

06/14/2026

I’ve lived here 14 years and I just found out today there’s more than one lookout at the top of South Mountain. 🤦‍♂️

06/11/2026

Got out for an early morning ride—the new exhaust is AGGRESSIVE. 😆 I love it though!

06/09/2026

I got a new motorcycle and already started messing with it. 😅

I've only had this bike for a short period of time, but it has a na...

05/23/2026

This bike is just amazing looking…

05/22/2026

Finally got the ECU! These just came out within the past 6 to 8 months, so it’s been a little difficult getting these. This is a major component to my build!