Meet Gertrude...

[Mr Hox]

Well, figured after having the car for a little over a week is as good as anytime for me to start a work log. Bought the car on 9/16/2011 with a bit over 174k miles on the chassis - motor was rebuilt not 5k miles ago. The name "Gertrude" stuck as it was the first thing that came to mine that was both feminine and started with a "g". And she's old, at least compared to my previous cars by far.







Current mod list:
Drivetrain:
HKS P f-con adjustable engine management system
.20 over bored shortblock with Wiseco Forged Alum Pistons, 8.5:1
ARP Headstuds
Cometic MLS headgasket
ACL main and rod bearings oversized to middle of spec oil clearance
All valves fresh lap with new stem seals
Hybrid VF11/VJ14 turbo
Hallman MBC set to 15psi
Mandrel Bent 90, Custom Aluminum Intake assembly
Cone Filter
Custom 2.5 inch cat back exhaust w/resonator
Turbo XS BOV 100% recirc
ACT lightweight Aluminum flywheel
Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch and pressure plate
Catch Can
NGK Plug wires, NGK Plugs
Optima Red Top Battery
Redline Fluids, MTL tranny, 75-90 Gear oil transfer case
Mobil 1 15w 50 motor

Chassis/Suspension:
KYB Group 2 front Struts
KYB Blue Rear Struts
Lowering springs
New/Remanufactured Front Driveline NW axles

Interior:
Sparco 345 black suede dished steering wheel
Autometer Sport Comp Boost, EGT, and Oil Pressure mounted w/single pods on dash
Pioneer Stereo/CD Head Unit with Polk audio speakers all around
Engine Starter Button
Custom Double Din Delete plate
OEM Trunk Privacy hatch
Corbeau Driver Side Fixed back race seat on OEM sliders

Wheels/Tires
OZ Racing 16x6.5 ET45 with 205/40 R16 Falken Azenis RT615, Tarmac Spec
OEM 14” with 195/60/14 Nokkian Hakkapelliita 1, Snow Spec

[Mr Hox]

Immediate plans:

~ Flush coolant system, replace radiator hoses, replace pan seal gasket (leaks slightly)
~ Replace downpipe for exhaust system, install urethane mounts
~ Replace wheel bearings, swap in Brembo rotors, Porterfield RS4 pads, Motul RBF600 fluid, stainless steel lines
~ Install Kicker DS40 speakers
~ Repair and re-bolster the stock driver-side Recaro seat


Future plans:
~ Install door poppers, alarm system
~ Light tint, maybe 35%
~ Replace steering wheel with new one that doesn't have faded/cracked suede
~ Replace shiftknob/boot
~ Rebuild transmission
~ Install Greddy Profec-B (or similar) electronic boost controller into double-DIN panel
~ Move the wideband O2 sensor to the same panel
~ Powdercoat the OZ wheels either in white, or switch it up to gunmetal... also refinish the lips
~ Paint winter wheels semi-gloss black
~ Swap in new pedals for better heel-toe


And, I think that's it for ideas at the moment. Feel free to shoot me some stuff that might be good suggestions or if I'm going at it the wrong way. Looking forward to getting my hand's dirty! Just had the Brembo rotors and pads dropped off, so should come together soon.


Cheers,
David

[SPENONE]

Nice start. Those wheels are FAPTASTIC.......

[DeeAOne]

Drool at that interior..

[Mazda_Powered]

WOW clean car!!! I liked everything I read but the "door poppers" lol

[Iantboyd]

Pretty nice ride. Anyone know if there are any be gtx meets that take place regularly? I feel there are more than a few of us.

[bogaut]

mazdasnw does meetups every month, but its mostly speed 3's

[mazdasly75]

Wow! Nice car!! Looks good and what a great model to go deep in mods. Here down qc, winter took care of those models... you're lucky to found one in good shape.

Gertrude rocks!!!

[Mazdarx]

Looks like a nice car and a good start to a project. It's even got the factory side skirts on it, I wish I had those on mine.

[nickz]

Very nice looking gtx you got there Dave,Gertrude huh,maybe I should start calling my car something nicer?Other than,lil'effer,s.o.b.,piece of shyt or (crap),effing shytbox,m.effer?
Nah,those are so fitting.

[progt91]

nice car

[Mr Hox]

Thanks guys. She's definitely been a fun car for the few days I've had her... but certainly looking forward to polishing it up a bit.


And a local Seattle GTX meet would be fantastic. Would love to chat with some of you guys about the car!

[Mr Hox]

WOW clean car!!! I liked everything I read but the "door poppers" lol

Ha, don't worry... I won't be shaving the door handles or anything, just have been spoiled with powder door locks that it is something I'd like for the new car.


Plus I would then not have to teach girls how to close and lock the passenger door by holding the handle up...

[Mazdarx]

So you are talking about power locks rather than door poppers it sounds like. Cause poppers are for when you shave the handles so you can still get in.

[Mr Hox]

So you are talking about power locks rather than door poppers it sounds like. Cause poppers are for when you shave the handles so you can still get in.

Ha yes, that is exactly what I'm talking about.