Got a few updates on the truck.
The retrofit headlights have been leaking for awhile and one of the bulbs/ballasts went out during the summer. So I just yanked em out and put my stock halogen headlights back in for the time being. It feels like my stocks are just small flashlights compared to driving with my retrofit. But I plan on doing another set of lights whenever I have money/time.
Mounted my Maglite on the driveside of the center console area next to the shifter. Great quick access and it doesn't get in the way of my leg while driving.
I also decided to get the help of my friends to install my new OBX headers. Fair warning, I've never attempted a header install on any vehicle before, but this was by far the most difficult thing I've ever done. My buddy and I were able to get the headers on, but one of the exhaust studs on the passenger side wouldn't go in so I had to just leave it like that. The next day we went to a local muffler shop to get the exhaust done. I deleted the first cat and added basically a test pipe in its place, got a new glasspack and exhaust tip. The exhaust was leaking very badly because I had lost the donut gaskets that I needed for the y-pipe. I had to drive for at least a 2 and a half months with basically open headers. I went to another muffler shop local to home to get the leaks fixed, they fixed the stud on the passenger side and got the donut gaskets in. Fast forward 24hrs later, and on my way to college station, the gaskets fall out on the highway. So I dealt with the exhaust up until the other day. I ordered new gaskets from OBX, guessing the size, took them to Bryan Muffler & Performance, and I helped them knock it out. Now my exhaust sounds amazing and it has never sounded so quiet inside. I will definitely say that there is a noticeable increase in power and throttle response. But I need to pull my EFI fuse & relay to reset the computer. Currently its stuck running very rich because of the last several tanks of open headers.
Stock header is so restrictive
I will get more pictures of the headers later on today, but they definitely look good.
Also I bought a grille from [MENTION=135677]michaeljtomey[/MENTION]. Freaking love it, and it looks sick. I also have always wanted to setup Raptor style LEDs in my grille and I did that as well. Felt nervous drilling into my beautiful grille, but it was worth it.
Stock POS grille that I painted in 10th grade
New goods
I also discovered that the trucks valve cover gaskets definitely need replacing and there might be a leak at the cam seal or on the front of the block. I'll have to tear into it during thanksgiving break, but for now I'll just keep checking the oil level and adding when necessary. Doesn't seem to be losing any level, but it looks wet in a lot of areas after I drive.
More pics and videos to come...