Foo - Rice burners

Getting an interest in what mods are on these cars nowadays. Any Foosters have anything they'd like to brag about? Let's see some pics and specs!! :)

Please, no pictures of burnt rice, pots of rice or rice cookers. I've seen enough of that kind. :rolleyes:

umm, I got a 1.25" receiver for our '08 Fit (base) so I could put a Thule Hitching Post on it, does that count?
No? How about the ipod/aux jack I plugged into the factory stereo?
We also have rubber floor mats and keyless entry...

Well, I guess we're pretty boring, then.

I wish mine burned rice.

Alas, it burns gas like everything else.

I'm living on the edge...tinted windows. The front ones are illegal. Shh! And the hatch has been modded with lots of white dog hair.

And although it's only two wheels, I added a brake light modulator (https://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=3) to my Yammy. It flashes at an exponentially decreasing rate until it's full on after 4 seconds....really gets the attention of the idiot on the cell behind me.

I'm living on the edge...tinted windows. The front ones are illegal. Shh! And the hatch has been modded with lots of white dog hair.

And although it's only two wheels, I added a brake light modulator (https://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=3) to my Yammy. It flashes at an exponentially decreasing rate until it's full on after 4 seconds....really gets the attention of the idiot on the cell behind me.

Actually, those things are REALLY cool. Everyone with a motorcycle should have one. Oh...and as for the post, sorry, I drive a Ford.

Awww yeaaaa!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/psydotek/Official%20Car%20Gallery%20-%20Bike%20Rack/P1010131.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/psydotek/Official%20Car%20Gallery/post-36-1113830178.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/psydotek/Official%20Car%20Gallery/wide4.jpg

Otherwise, everything underneath is stock. Except the front brakes (4-piston calipers). And my radiator (Koyo Racing radiator because my original one cracked). And most of the suspension parts (replaced struts, springs, endlinks, rear stabilizer bar, added rear strut tower bar). And alot of driveline bushings/mounts (firmer mounts and bushings means better/more precise shifter feel). Oh, and I have an aluminum skidplate underneath the engine bay.

i gave up rice a while ago, but might start having it again, in the form of an awd boxer engine :) waagon

i now drive some tea and crumpets and sometimes a rigattoni :)

I am going to get a throttle body spacer, cold air intake, and an exhaust system when I have the money to throw at it of course.

I used to have a 4AGE powered AE86 Corolla hatchback with a nice 2.5" stainless exhaust.

I miss that car - was a lot of fun to drive.

I used to have (back in the day) a 1980 Trams Am with a Chevy 400 four bolt main mouse motor, a Holley 4 barrel carb, headers, EdelBrok intake, completely rebuilt and painted, a short tail 400 turbo trans, stainless dual exhaust, and a posi rear. But you said new stuff......nope, nuthin' here 'cept this. ;0)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/stumpyspic/burnt-rice.jpg

You and I have so much in common (well, except the burnt rice I asked you not to post - dang, you are such a rebel....) I had the Smokey and the Bandit ltd. 6.6 liter. But my current one smokes that. :D

I was curious about mods because I've seen so many out there but when I inquired about mods for mine, I was told not to mess with it. I guess they are more sensitive technology wise than muscle cars. This is all new to me.

Psydotek that's a pretty rad car you got there. :thumb: How do you like the brakes? Mine stop on a dime, almost as good as the Baer's on my T/A. But here's the funny thing. When I got the brakes installed, my friend said "Oh great. You can stop on a dime AND stop the car behind you because HE can't stop on a dime." :notamused:

Awww yeaaaa!
One set of bug-eyes wasn't enough? ;)

Getting an interest in what mods are on these cars nowadays. Any Foosters have anything they'd like to brag about? Let's see some pics and specs!! :)

Please, no pictures of burnt rice, pots of rice or rice cookers. I've seen enough of that kind. :rolleyes:

You're in So Cal? Who ever told you not to mess with the under-hood stuff was correct - big fines if you're caught driving a fairly new car around town with a modifed engine. Some folks do modify the engine, but have to change it back to stock every time they need to get a smog check (a real pain!!). If you want to improve performance, do like Psydotek did - suspension, tires, etc. You'll get improved stability/handling/cornering, which is the better 'bang-for-your-buck' for city driving anyway.

If you really want to hop-up a car in So Cal you'd have to get a pre-1967(?) model, and fixin up one of those is really going to put a crimp in your pocketbook.

You and I have so much in common *well, except the burnt rice I asked you not to post - dang, you are such a rebel....) I had the Smokey and the Bandit ltd. 6.6 liter. But my current one smokes that. :D


I don't know about rebel, but I'm def a pain in the ass! (I have a problem with authority types) I know, my wife tells me every day! ;0) you know there used to be a shop somewhere out in Jersey that used to build those Smokey and the Bandit Trans Ams, wonder if they're still in business?

(well, except the burnt rice I asked you not to post - dang, you are such a rebel....)

ban him!!!

I've gone the Euro direction. Mine is completely stock and it will stay that way. Even though I have discussed performance cams, ECU upgrades and even superchargers (http://www.namotorsports.net/detail.cfm/part_cd/VFK02-01/xref/base) with my vee-dub enthusiast friend. :)

I would consider upgrading the wheels, as the stock tire is nearly impossible to get in an all-season variety.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/StupidlyBrave/Vehicles/95_Passat/DSCN0165.jpg

umm, I got a 1.25" receiver for our '08 Fit (base) so I could put a Thule Hitching Post on it, does that count?
No? How about the ipod/aux jack I plugged into the factory stereo?
We also have rubber floor mats and keyless entry...

Well, I guess we're pretty boring, then.

08 Fit eh? You need one of these: http://cms.kraftwerksusa.com/id/12/Fit-Base-Supercharger-Systems/

My rice cooker often overcooks rice :( But doesn't burn it!


1976, IIRC. At one point, smog-exemption was a rolling target of 25 or 26 years ago, but that changed a year before my at-the-time 1977 vehicle would have made it. Bleh.

Yep.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm
1975 or older model years don't need to be smogged.

The last two cars I modded (a WRX and a Yaris) just had short shifters and suspension work.
The car before that (DSM) had about 50% more power than stock, engine work, ton spent on suspension.
My present Datsun (MY1983) is going to be getting a LM3 some day - possibly stroked, with a cam, stand alone, and obviously a custom exhaust (probably duals with an H pipe)
My Lotus is getting a mostly stock motor cycle engine instead of rebuilding the mega expensive and underpowered 60s vintage Renault engine.

Some panda rice:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3694688796_c0cc4414d5.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/3680015529_4a6f2b637f.jpg

Sadly, I don't own that car anymore. It was a blast to drive. Had a dual cam n/a EJ25 with a 2.5" open exhaust with no cats. Combined with the fact the car weight 2200lbs from factory, it handled quite well.


Four points for identifying the car, make and model. Year not necessary, though six points if you can.

Mini trucks count?
159303

washed the xt today. Was a great day really

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/zipfile333/0711101908b.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/zipfile333/0711101907.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/zipfile333/0711101907a.jpg

its a little rice. But sounds fantastic!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/zipfile333/0711101908a.jpg

Here's my daily - epitome of rice! I started off a Euro snob but when my brand-new car was at the dealer four times the first year (for issues that were thankfully covered under warranty), I went the Honda/Acura route a few years later and haven't turned back since. Easy to wrench on yourself, and just a great no-hassle car. I haven't had any issues with local law enforcement with my mods - key is to try not to attract attention by driving erratically/blipping throttle at stoplights/etc. -


Here are some pics -

http://luwin.smugmug.com/Cars/2005-Acura-TSX/Picture-070-copy/275487662_nuFN4-M.jpg

http://luwin.smugmug.com/Cars/2005-Acura-TSX/Picture-054-copy/346275432_qsWrC-M.jpg

http://luwin.smugmug.com/Cars/2005-Acura-TSX/Picture-060-copy/346275662_5hzas-M.jpg

http://luwin.smugmug.com/Cars/2005-Acura-TSX/IMG2396/811058487_qfsuK-M.jpg

http://luwin.smugmug.com/Cars/2005-Acura-TSX/IMG2383/811058393_B6qob-M.jpg



And a general mod list: (I can get into specifics i.e. brand/model/etc. if you want, but figured I'd just be general as this is not an Acura forum)

Engine: Cold air intake, ECU reflash (Hondata), headers, full 2.5" exhaust
Suspension: Adjustable coilovers, upgraded sway bars, strut tower brace
Brakes: Porterfield R4S pads, steel-braided lines, Dot-4 fluid
Wheels: 19x8's, 235/35/19 tires
Misc: Short shifter, Ipod integration, body kit, tint, debadging, etc.

Haven't had any issues passing smog, and it's been a good daily with a few track days thrown in for fun. Strapped her to the dyno after the Hondata ECU reflash and it puts down a little over 200 to the wheels, but what I'm more happy with is the smooth curve of the graph.


I miss my former rice rocket, which I traded in for a responsible (also rice) SUV -

http://luwin.smugmug.com/Cars/2003-Honda-S2000/For-Sale12/47829232_mp3DK-M.jpg


In regards to what folks are doing nowadays (speaking from someone who likes to read/look at what's going on but doesn't really have time to venture out to events/shows, etc.), it looks like a hot thing is the "hellaflush" look - where aggressive wheel/tire fitment is used. Often you'll see a wide wheel with crazy offset running a stretched tire on a slammed car - how it works is you end up dialing in a whole lot of negative camber, and rolling/cutting/modifying the fenders as well to avoid rubbing. When done properly, looks great. Can't speak for the performance gains of such a setup, though. But I do respect a tuner's willingness to take a risk with a super-aggressive fitment that's never been done before.

What'd you get, Siu?

Four points for identifying the car, make and model. Year not necessary, though six points if you can.


I wanna say a late 80's RX coupe? The precursor to the WRX, I believe - a souped up version of the GL series??

I wanna say a late 80's RX coupe? The precursor to the WRX, I believe - a souped up version of the GL series??
Four points.

Its a 1988 Subaru RX.

i've gone the euro direction. Mine is completely stock and it will stay that way. Even though i have discussed performance cams, ecu upgrades and even superchargers (http://www.namotorsports.net/detail.cfm/part_cd/vfk02-01/xref/base) with my vee-dub enthusiast friend. :)

i would consider upgrading the wheels, as the stock tire is nearly impossible to get in an all-season variety.

Why wouldn't you upgrade the wheels!?!? :eek: Stock tires are good 30k, tops. My current rice, Mazda 3 MT hatch came with Goodyear Eagle RSA's....not a bad tire IF you live in a 1-season state. Horrible if you ever have to drive in 1/4" or more of snow.

What'd you get, Siu?

Your rice is hawt, Luwin! :thumb: Actually, I like looking at EVERYONE'S car here! :D Although what you all posted - name brands and such, I've never heard of only because these are rice mods. Coming from a muscle car background, this is all new to me. Looks like I got a lot of homework to do.

[pics of cars deleted]

I used to have a steet legal 10 sec Firebird. But after speneding gobs of $$ on it I got rid of it and now enjoy my new found wealth. :)

Your rice is hawt, Luwin! :thumb: Actually, I like looking at EVERYONE'S car here! :D Although what you all posted - name brands and such, I've never heard of only because these are rice mods. Coming from a muscle car background, this is all new to me. Looks like I got a lot of homework to do.

[pics of cars deleted]


adopt me.

Dang Siu, can I have a cutting off your money tree and a care sheet?

GAh. Seems like I'm boasting. Not intended at all. Pics deleted.

Empty canvasses. Now what do I do?



Gorgeous cars, Siu! Looking at the second one, it looks like it's already got some stuff on it? Wheels/tires, and if I'm correct in assuming from your avatar picture it's got an aftermarket big brake kit put on.

There's a whole lot you can do to those cars - it all depends on what you are looking for. (i.e. all-out performance / classy, subtle upgrades keeping with the luxury theme, etc.) You can go all out with the 1st-gen IS (the silver one) as there's been a big market for modifications in the past 6 years or so. You can go wild with a turbo setup, or keep it mild with your usual intake/headers/exhaust combo.

I'd personally tackle the stance/suspension first - a nice set of adjustable coilovers (especially on the newer one) to bring down the unsightly fender gap and to tighten up handling. Seeing that you have a nice set of wheels on it already (especially the rear, with that nice lip!) having it sit right at the fender would make it look oh-so-righteous. You can also add a subtle front lip on the bumper to make it look a bit more aggressive up front - there's an OEM one as well as aftermarket options, including some in carbon fiber, which would go nicely with the color if you wanted to add a little bling.

Depending on how low you go, you might want to get a camber kit to dial in the camber once you lower it to save yourself some tire wear in the future. I run a hella lot (norcal word reference for you, Siu!) of negative camber in the rear and I have to dismount/flip/rotate the tires every 3-5k miles just to save myself from having to buy a new set ever so often. Here's a sample of that "hellaflush" look I was referring to in my previous post -

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c28/pedro-siR/HellaFlush/is250.jpg

(Note the subtle but cool trunklid lip spoiler as well as the rear bumper lip and aftermarket exhaust)

And a nicely done-up 1st-gen one -

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3986167876_963f6912fe.jpg

This one's a bit more aggressive but it works for the show scene (not sure about practicality of daily driving)

http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagames/NFS/speedhunters.com/Images/Rod09/Cars/misc/1463430185_6b6338c03e_b.jpg

Not boastful. Did not seem that way. YOu work hard for your money and should enjoy it. It is not like you don't pass the good fortune along my friend. I know you have given more than one car away.

Now, do you drive any of these cars in a Snuggie?

so, is rice cheaper then gasoline?

Now, do you drive any of these cars in a Snuggie?


It's almost like the Snuggie was MADE to be worn while driving! A sleeve that allows for the freedom to maneuver the shifter or sip my vanilla soy latte, other sleeve that lets me freely demonstrate an artful middle finger to moronic motorists if need be, and an opening in the back so I can enjoy my heated seats - absolutely ingenious!!!!

Let's see:

--I didn't like the OEM low-profile tires because they were so hard, so now I have big, fat touring tires on stock 16-inch aluminum rims and they ride very well.
--The badges on my car kept falling off, so I took them off, so now you can't identify the kind of car I have.
--I put those little circuluar mirrors on my side mirrors because they don't go out far enough to cover my blind spots, not even close.

Does any of that count?

It's almost like the Snuggie was MADE to be worn while driving! A sleeve that allows for the freedom to maneuver the shifter or sip my vanilla soy latte, other sleeve that lets me freely demonstrate an artful middle finger to moronic motorists if need be, and an opening in the back so I can enjoy my heated seats - absolutely ingenious!!!!

You're awesome.

Luwin, thank you for your post.

They both are stock from the factory. The 350 has the F-sport package, which is a special order: 19 inch wheels, with 8" in front (225 35 19), 9" in back (255 35 19) with ZR rated Michelin Pilot sport - don't ask me why they did that - the tires cannot be rotated because of this and the fact that they are directional. 6 piston caliper brakes, drilled rotors. Cat back true dual exhaust (yes, I peeked and there are two mufflers). There's more to it, mainly suspension so far. Kind of afraid to mess things up, I've been doing a little bit of homework and finding out that mods that seem not reverent will mess up readings and confuse the chip. One guy was talking about how just changing the Xenons to HID messed up his steering. But then again the Xenons on it are the lights that turn with the road.

I already messed up the compass by using one of those mylar reflective windshield shades as well as the sensors that tell you how close something is to the body of the car. Confused it big time. It's okay now but DANG it freaked me out.

My car uses spent plutonium. No wimpy rice here...

You're a Honda man, aren't you? Let's see some pics!

Luwin, thank you for your post.

They both are stock from the factory. The 350 has the F-sport package, which is a special order: 19 inch wheels, with 8" in front (225 35 19), 9" in back (255 35 19) with ZR rated Michelin Pilot sport - don't ask me why they did that - the tires cannot be rotated because of this and the fact that they are directional. 6 caliper brakes, drilled rotors. Cat back true dual exhaust (yes, I peeked and there are two mufflers). There's more to it, mainly suspension so far. Kind of afraid to mess things up, I've been doing a little bit of homework and finding out that mods that seem not reverent will mess up readings and confuse the chip. One guy was talking about how just changing the Xenons to HID messed up his steering. But then again the Xenons on it are the lights that turn with the road.

I already messed up the compass by using one of those mylar reflective windshield shades as well as the sensors that tell you how close something is to the body of the car. Confused it big time. It's okay now but DANG it freaked me out.



Sweet - seems like there's not much to do to the car - it's amazing the way it comes already! While in theory you can't "rotate" the tires as they are directional, what you can do is have a reputable shop dismount the tire from the wheel, flip the tire around so it faces the other way, and run it on the opposite side. (Hope that makes sense) - that way you can get a bit more life out of the tire (i.e. if the inner edge tends to wear out faster) - of course, you can only do the fronts with the fronts, and rears with the rears, as it is a staggered setup. The reason it's a staggered setup is because it's a RWD vehicle, and having a wider wheel/tire in the back gives the drive wheels more available traction, as well as makes for lighter steering with more feedback as the front tires are narrower. (Another plus is that it plain looks good) =)

Modding the engine nowadays is a delicate situation at times due to the amount of electronics that are involved. If you are happy with the performance and power level of the car there's really no need to risk messing something up in attempt to gain 2 or 3 horsepower. Besides, if my memory serves me correctly, the F-Sport package already comes with a high-flow intake and axle-back exhaust, so there's not much you'd want to futz around with.

Given that you have the sportier/upgraded suspension with lowering springs, you're already pretty golden in the handling department also - not sure how much lower you'd want the car, but I'm sure there are aftermarket spring options available if you want to bring it down just a tad. Usually it is advisable to upgrade the shocks when you do lowering springs but seeing that the F-Sport already has the Bilstein shocks they'll do the trick just fine.

When can I come up for a spin? =)

GAH! Luwin you know a lot more about this car than I do. Maybe I should just chill on this thought for a while. I can't make this a muscle car.


Twin turbos, Siu! GO!

:D Way better than supercharging. Let heat. ;)

Oakback, I'd love to see pics. Did you happen to take any?

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/black%20friday/DSC00768.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/black%20friday/DSC00765.jpg
not all mods may be pictured or listed:
-koni yellow struts
-racers edge coilovers (torsion bars are gone)
-hypercoil springs
-968 MO30 sway bars
-kla sway bar supports
-kla adjustable drop links
-kla strut brace
-kla upper strut mounts
-17in cayman wheels (16in clubsports for the track)
-1/4in spacers
-911 wheel studs
-wilwood 4 piston brakes
-stainless steel brake lines
-dansk stainless steel catback
-fidanza aluminum flywheel
-sachs spring clutch
-944 spoiler
-autopower 4pt roll bar
-lindsey racing AC delete
-evap system delete
-rear seat delete
-e-code headlights
-mono steering wheel
-momo shift knob
-classic 9 shift boot
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/black%20friday/DSC00774.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/thirdgenbird/porsche%20pars/img1278769728525.jpg

08 Fit eh? You need one of these: http://cms.kraftwerksusa.com/id/12/Fit-Base-Supercharger-Systems/

I am certain that a supercharger would REALLY improve my wife's visiting nursing drives around town and the endless dog-and-baby shuffling. :)

What's been done:
Cold air intake,
Better headers,
High flow cat,
Twin tip exhaust,
Lower, stiffer springs,
Adjustable shocks,
Stiffening struts fore and aft,
Double hoop roll bars,
Chrome fuel lid.

Still to come:
Big brake kit,
Butterfly frame rail brace,
Radio with a working LED screen,
Working AC.

My next car will be an Subaru Impreza STI 5-door hatchback unless they miraculously have the Exiga or Forester STI available here in the 'States (i'd even settle for a Forester or Legacy wagon with a 6-speed manual). The STI pretty much would be perfect for me. I wouldn't need to mod anything short of adding some driving lamps, mudflaps, and a bike rack (and maybe replacing some shifter bushings). And i'd have more cargo room than my current WRX sedan.

Siu, if you had the time, money, and wanted to go all-out and say a big F-you to the warranty, it IS possible to drop the Supra's 2JZ-GTE motor in there. Of course, you can also probably say goodby to smogging it and will probably encounter all sorts of other headaches. But the wow factor sure is cool =)

http://my.is/forums/attachments/f47/11205-team-falken-lexus-is350-drift-car-formula_d_07_006.jpg


I'm not sure if the tuners out there have figured out the engine management yet for the IS350 (as there's probably not a lot of owners out there that are looking to seriously mod their motors) - last I heard that there's a lot of complex harnesses/electronics going on, and companies like AEM haven't adapted their management systems to work yet. But then again, you've got an already competent motor in there - the amount of money you end up spending on it you're probably better off getting some 400hp V8 muscle in the form of the IS-F. It's already pretty much a wolf in a luxury sheep's clothing - I would just do a few subtle things and be content. The 1st gen - that's a different story . . . there's a whole lot more you can do with that one . . . =)

You can also upgrade the ICE (In-Car Entertainment), but being that Lexus usually has pretty good systems from the factory, it's a matter of not wanting to mess around too much with it. Here's a flip-out/DVD setup that I had on my S2000 - (it was a challenging install because I had to cut into the dash and modify the A/C vent piping) -

http://luwin.smugmug.com/Cars/2003-Honda-S2000/S2k-Interior/20359169_XLZJG-S.jpg


And a little more all-out on my old '99 C-Class - (it was a magazine-feature/show vehicle running a full system with DVD/Playstation)

http://luwin.smugmug.com/photos/12187430_aj5qd-S.jpg

http://luwin.smugmug.com/photos/12187427_AAAFw-S.jpg

http://luwin.smugmug.com/photos/244385079_NBL3a-S.jpg


Nowadays it's not uncommon to see carputers and such - I think an integrated iPad setup would be a sight to see . . .

Would a miata with a 289 shoe horned under the hood (and probably into the drivers compartment as well :p) still be considered a rice burner?