Brian757's "Stormtrooper" Build Thread

[Brian757]

This thread needs to be organized. So I will be periodically updating the first post on here, to make it easier to navigate. I didn't think I would get into modifying my truck this bad. I blame everyone here

 

[1blink]

This thread needs to be organized. So I will be periodically updating the first post on here, to make it easier to navigate. I didn't think I would get this into modifying my truck. I blame everyone here

That sounds fair.
+1 on that

 

[Skidmarcx]

This thread needs to be organized. So I will be periodically updating the first post on here, to make it easier to navigate. I didn't think I would get this into modifying my truck. I blame everyone here

That's usually how it goes! LOL

 

[Brian757]

Let me put this here for reference, a couple things to buy before my Nags Head trip in 2 weeks:


Volant Cool Air Intake System
Manufacturer's Part Number: 18634
Source: volant-intakes.com
Price: $229.87 (Cheapest)
Shipping: Free
In stock.

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KOYO Radiator
Manufacturer's Part Number: A1998
Source: 96-02 Toyota 4Runner KOYO Radiator A1998 1640075181
Price: $128.95 (Cheapest)
Shipping: $19.90
In stock.

Total: $229.87 + $148.85 + Tax = ~$378.72

 

[Brian757]

Update: I will be posting my BEFORE and AFTER video once I have compiled all of my info together. I also have install photos.

One thing I will say, the install was a PITA, and I will blame my body lift. Some of the breather hoses were too short and the MAF mounting location required modifying because the MAF sensor wiring was too short. I made sure to do everything properly, so I wouldnt have to dive into THAT project again.

 

[downpour11]

It sure looks purdy though!

 

[Brian757]

So, ever since my K&N filter oiled up my MAF sensor, I had gotten a Spectre dry filter. Well, here are the before and after pictures:




Had to drill holes for MAF:



Got the box in:


Got the Powercore Dry Filter installed:




Here is my attempt at a Video:

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y985vYUvu_M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

CONCLUSION: I have found that my truck runs a lot quieter at idle and when cruising down the road. The engine bay doesn't have so much *whizzing* sounds going on, and my engine is hopefully getting better air.

 

[Brian757]

I got to WOT my cold air intake this morning on the interstate. So, the changes I've noticed are:

1) During coasting, without throttle, the idling is lower and not as loud, or throaty as usual. (My Spectre had a lot of engine bay hum.)
2) Acceleration is only a hair more reponsive, but the general feeling from the pedal is MUCH better. I don't have to lay into it to get results. I can already tell the truck is responding better. Now I just need to get a TRD Supercharger, 2.2" URD Pulley, water/meth, and 7th injector, etc.

Possibly going to get 4.56 gears in the near future.

Like I said earlier, I am going to focus on performance at this point. I had my focus on sound systems, then lifting, and now I'm onto performance. We will see where it leads me. Probably broke... :/

 

[downpour11]

Might as well regear to 4.88's and bump up to 35's :shrug:

 

[4ever4running]

The Volant intake looks good!

On a completely unrelated note: I know it's been a while, but thanks for offering to help me with my timing belt. I actually found another member who is local to help me out. I don't want you to think I forgot about you or anything, it will just be easier since I don't have to drive.

 

[Brian757]

The next step is:

1) Install KOYO radiator with B&M 70268 Trans Cooler
2) Flat black paint sliders, weld them on, touch up, and get adhesive backed step grip.

Prepare for supercharger and regearing. Going to possibly 4.88's. I want 35" Toyo Open Countries or Mickey Thompson MTZ's.

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Damn, this is my 1000th post. I will update this post within the near future to make my 1000th post more productive.

Wow, being a senior member really makes ya feel old! Haha :trophy:

 

[Brian757]

So I finally got my interior on! It was sort of a PITA, but it ended up looking awesome!

Here are some photos:

My floodlights make the front seats look like 2 different colors. They are the exact same.



My subwoofer had to be removed:

[/URL]



Here is the leather all set in:


http://s280.photobucket.com/user/briann757/media/DSC00943_zpsd4823bc8.jpg.html

 

[Brian757]

Put the amplifiers back in. That was the biggest pain in the ace* about this whole project:




Installed the wiring. Had to ground wires and re-splice the new power seat wiring harnesses. It wasn't bad:
(The sunlight looks like stains on the seats, but these things are almost flawless.)

 

[SCRunner12]

Looks good! I like the leather look a bit better in these third gens. Plus its easier to keep clean.

 

[downpour11]

Another Memphis fan!! I have two Memphis M3 12's and a Memphis 1500 watt competition amp, still sitting in my room for too long...took it out of my old 4runner when I sold it. :cheers:

Seats looks great dude I bet you're happy! Must be a big difference. You also inadvertently reminded me I need to swap my front passenger seat bottoms.

 

[Brian757]

Looks good! I like the leather look a bit better in these third gens. Plus its easier to keep clean.

Oh, for sure. I feel a lot better in the leather seats.
The pros:

• I can slide right out of my seat to get out, vs. cloth, that would grip me to my seat.
• Easy to clean
• Powered, so very convenient
• Feels more plush than cloth seating

Another Memphis fan!! I have two Memphis M3 12's and a Memphis 1500 watt competition amp, still sitting in my room for too long...took it out of my old 4runner when I sold it. :cheers:

Seats looks great dude I bet you're happy! Must be a big difference. You also inadvertently reminded me I need to swap my front passenger seat bottoms.

Oh yes, I love my Memphis amplifier. It has the ability to be ran at 1 Ohm of resistance, and runs superb, over most of my Alpine amplifiers.

And thank you for the compliments. I am very happy.


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All of the seats in place:
Front:


Rear:

 

[tre9er]

I'm reading and reading, so I'm sure you addressed this, I just haven't gotten that far yet (although I've been reading for the better part of 30 minutes!)....but...

On your rear shocks it looks like you just made a new mounting location since they were eye-to-eye mount? How did you determine the location and what made you choose the Taco bilys?

 

[Brian757]

I'm reading and reading, so I'm sure you addressed this, I just haven't gotten that far yet (although I've been reading for the better part of 30 minutes!)....but...

On your rear shocks it looks like you just made a new mounting location since they were eye-to-eye mount? How did you determine the location and what made you choose the Taco bilys?

I determined the location because it was the meatiest part of my frame that was able to handle shocks, and not contort the shocks at the same time. The typical long-travel goes on the outside of the frame, and looks great. I sort of used that idea in mounting mine.

And I drove my truck up each side, a 4 foot ramp and everything checked out. Nothing rubbed, nothing pinched, and no components were really out of their comfort zones.

I chose the Bilstein shocks because now I can do eyelet-to-eyelet mounts with most shocks, and my buddy's local shop had a complete front and rear Tacoma Bilstein 5100 shock setup in stock, so I grabbed it. Also, another determining factor would be that I don't tow that much, so Tacoma Bilsteins are perfect. And they ride great.

 

[tre9er]

I determined the location because it was the meatiest part of my frame that was able to handle shocks, and not contort the shocks at the same time. The typical long-travel goes on the outside of the frame, and looks great. I sort of used that idea in mounting mine.

And I drove my truck up each side, a 4 foot ramp and everything checked out. Nothing rubbed, nothing pinched, and no components were really out of their comfort zones.

I chose the Bilstein shocks because now I can do eyelet-to-eyelet mounts with most shocks, and my buddy's local shop had a complete front and rear Tacoma Bilstein 5100 shock setup in stock, so I grabbed it. Also, another determining factor would be that I don't tow that much, so Tacoma Bilsteins are perfect. And they ride great.

Thanks, I just found the post where you explained this. Were the mounting locations exact, ie. did you feel like you had to find the perfect spot or else the shock wouldn't travel in the proper arc? I'm trying to imagine how to get them just right, or maybe it's not important to be nuts-on...?

 

[Brian757]

[MENTION=96546]tre9er[/MENTION]: You would just mount them in a way that does not harm the frame or contort the shocks under pressure.

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I want to thank [MENTION=91306]r34sklnnsn[/MENTION] for the knob donation! That was awesome that you did that!