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"Blackbird" by Peregriner

43K views 167 replies 31 participants last post by  MtnMan 
#1 ·
OK guys, if you are looking for a sweet build to keep tabs on, this is probably not it. I wanted a thread where I could just upload some pictures and information as I purchase various small bolt-ons that I am super stoked about. Of course, who knows, that's how all the threads start right?? Since I already added a few things, I wanted to put this up before I got too crazy and didn't document anything!

Well I've done a few things I can put in this first post already that I'll glaze over a bit since I don't have too detailed of step-by-step photos or anything. So here goes!!


I purchased my 2014 TB FoST on Nov 5, 2013. The first thing I did was get winter shoes after a disastrous attempt at driving in the snow ... I cannot stress enough how this is absolute suicide ... lesson learned!

I figured steelies would be fine for now. Got 195/?/16 Nittos ... can't actually remember the profile exactly off the top of my head.
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Hatchback Mid-size car


This is my old truck. I had it since I got my license. I sold it to my dad for the down payment on the ST, so in reality I still get to drive it whenever I want!
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Automotive tire


One other personal addition which was quick to go into my car. This angel was in my grandmother's car and I got it when she passed away. I look at it as though she is my guardian while I am driving.
Silver Fashion accessory Crown Metal Silver


So, through that first winter I didn't really do much except drive, and enjoy driving! I started to think about what to do with my wheels when I was ready to put them back on. I knew the brake dust was a huge issue for me since I am a neat freak, and I decided that Plasti-Dip was an obvious solution. I'd get to keep the OEM paint, while protecting my wheels from the dust if I couldn't get to cleaning them very often. So the day came and I started my work! This was my first attempt at dipping, and it went pretty well! No need for commentary.

I used flat charcoal with a silver flake metalizer, followed up with the glossifier.
Alloy wheel Rim Wheel Tire Auto part


I was able to figure out popping out the center cap, luckily LOL!
Tire Alloy wheel Automotive tire Rim Wheel


Tire Alloy wheel Automotive tire Wheel Rim


Land vehicle Vehicle Car Alloy wheel Ford


Notice the dent above the front passenger side wheel well ... yeah ... It is still there as of this post.
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Alloy wheel Motor vehicle


More coming!!
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Roush CAI

OK, onto the next group of parts!! So, CJPP was offering the Roush CAI kit for a killer deal and I had been eyeing it for a while. Call me a nerd, go ahead ... but I really liked it for the looks of the airbox! So I bit and ordered it for myself for my birthday at the 1 year, 1 month mark with my car. Because of this, the snowball has started (not out of hand by any means yet!) and I fear it may keep growing, but it is yet to be determined.

Original!
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Of course, Green filter first ... I wanted to hear it!!!
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Ford motor company Engine


Of course, the biggest PITA of the whole project was attaching the provided coupler with the turbo inlet. I didn't remove the cowl so I could barely fit my arm. I could only manage hand tight so at my next oil change I had the tech tighten it down, since being on a lift it'd be easy to go at it from below. I had to show him where it was <facepalm>. I shouldn't make fun, I was a noob not so long ago, too!!

Finished
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Engine Auto part


More finished. I actually wish I had put it on the intake instead of on the outside. But It worked out in the end, you'll see.
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Windshield Hood


And the video of course!


Of course, more to come!!
 
#3 ·
Recaros and Steeda Bushings

OK so at this point, I have pretty much been disappointed with the fact I chose an ST1 over the ST2/ST3. Somewhat about the entertainment, but mostly about the Recaros!! CJPP came through for me again when they started offering the FR Recaro set for $1K. I figured while I had the seats out on the install, I'd do shifter base bushings and cable bracket bushings from Steeda. Ordered these with the rewards points I got from the seats!

Product Car seat Bumper Vehicle Car seat cover


Started with removal of old seats ... good riddance! Although my gf wasn't too happy...
This was actually remarkably easy.
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Compact car Ford fiesta


Then we started tearing out everything for the bushings!! This really wasn't that bad. It was actually a lot less hassle than doing the cable bracket bushings. Steeda's instructions are solid, and if you follow them step by step, you won't break too many things! Since the seats were already out, it made it that much easier, but its not necessary.

Vehicle Car Driving Vehicle door Car seat
"It would appear something is amiss here ..."
Vehicle Car Center console Auto part Vehicle door

Vehicle Car Bumper Automotive exterior Auto part


Study the instructions ... it does help.


Lets just skip to finished and begin install of new Recaros!! This was super easy. As long as you have the correct sized hex bit, you are golden. The only tricky part is the outside rear bolt can be difficult to get to at a decent angle where you aren't going to strip it. Since I was using an impact driver, I didn't want to accidentally destroy it. What I did was put about 3 extensions on it and I cleared the obstacle that was keeping me from hitting it straight on. No biggie really. 10 minute install. 8 of those minutes were devoted to getting the right tools!

Car seat cover Car seat Vehicle Car Head restraint

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Mode of transport Car seat cover

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Car seat cover Car seat


In the end, I really love that mine say Ford Racing. Its a bit unique!

Finishing touch that I got a few weeks later, in addition to Steeda's short shift plate. I am planning on selling the plate and replacing it with the Breedt shift arm, in case anyone is interested.
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Gear shift Center console


More to come!!
 
#6 ·
ST Center Caps

Look what came in the mail today!

Footwear Slipper Shoe


I am impressed with their quality and the adhesive survived some spirited test driving. I think these look great!

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Alloy wheel Hatchback

Land vehicle Alloy wheel Vehicle Car Wheel


The plan is tomorrow to paint the calipers with the G2 high tempt paint. As well, I'll be installing the Steeda spacers!!

Carton Box Cardboard Electronics Packaging and labeling
Auto part
 
#7 ·
Steeda Spacers

It rained today so I decided against doing the brake paint because the humidity was very high. So just spacers!!

This job was surprisingly more difficult than anticipated. Not that it was inherently that haard, it was just that I didnt know really what I was doing. so without further delay:


Pink Textile Paper Table

Tool

I started by using some VHT Ford Red engine enamel.

And so it begins.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Hood Bumper


This seems important... Engine Auto part Vehicle Car Automotive engine part
Engine Auto part Vehicle Car Automotive engine part


Two things here. First .. oily  so going to need an OCC. Secondly, that workbench is made from a bowling alley lane. Yeah, I know. Auto part Engine Automotive engine part
Auto part
Engine Auto part Vehicle Car Compact car
Engine Auto part Vehicle Fuel line Car


This little bastard ... the simplest part couldnt even go right... this christmas tree clip was supposed to go flush ... I hit it with a hammer... it would not go flush. Auto part
 
#9 · (Edited)
They add volume to the intake which adds power and torque allegedly. The Steeda throttle body spacer is also spiraled to put a spin on the incoming air. Its fancy ... does it add anything? ... <shrug>

I will say this, I could feel a difference on my test drive. A definite increase in throttle response. The companies who make them claim 5-10hp increase, something like that. I am no expert though, I just like buying shiny things that I know I am capable of installing. :RockOn:

EDIT: According to COBBST, Steeda throttle body spacer: +7 hp at the dyno!
 
#11 ·
Weekend Goodies!

OK, this weekend I got a couple of things out of the way before "my" exhaust install.

Steeda oil separator, Steeda SS delete and Breedt short shift arm. I forgot to start taking photos until after I had already installed the symposer delete and separator ... but those are pretty straight forward, nothing crazy to see.

Let it begin!:

Oil separator. It is tucked in behind the intake, underneath the cowl. You can kiiiinda see it.
Vehicle Auto part Cable


Symposer delete. Yup, its pretty straightforward. I painted it like the spacers, with VHT engine enamel, Ford Red.
Auto part Vehicle Engine Tire Automotive exterior


So, begin with the AWFULLY difficult shifter arm. As you can see, I previously had the Steeda short shifter installed.
View attachment 99438

So the big hangup is the awful roll pin that holds the arm on. So, getting it soaked in WD40 I had yet to find a useful punch to pop it out. Looking in my bag of goodies I keep with all my OEM parts, I find my stock intake manifold bolts. Turns out they are the PERFECT diameter for that roll pin, AND they are strong enough to withstand the hammering. You can only use the very end to start the pin, because the threading on the bolts is too wide to go into the hole. It almost immediately started moving as soon as I started tapping. Once I got it started, I switched to smaller bolt and it was pretty straight forward tapping it all the way through.

So here is THIS bad-boy!!
Trunk Vehicle Automotive exterior Auto part Bumper


That's a wrap!
Auto part Fuel line Engine Automotive engine part Vehicle

Engine Auto part Vehicle Car Automotive engine part


OK so final note: I got a change to drive it of course. A HUGE difference between the plates. It is noticeably lighter now, but immediately felt a bit clunkier. After driving it a little more, as I got used to it I realized this is how it SHOULD feel!!!! I LOVE IT! As for the symposer... since I don't have my exhaust on yet, I thought it was going to be weird. Turns out, I really like not having the competing engine bay and cabin sounds. I thought you should only do the delete if you get an exhaust ... now I see that I should've just had it the whole time! And finally the oil separator. Its a separator ... I mean ... not much to say really ... I've driven like 20 miles so far, not exactly going to see it fill up!
 
#80 ·
OK, this weekend I got a couple of things out of the way before "my" exhaust install.

Steeda oil separator, Steeda SS delete and Breedt short shift arm. I forgot to start taking photos until after I had already installed the symposer delete and separator ... but those are pretty straight forward, nothing crazy to see.

Let it begin!:

Oil separator. It is tucked in behind the intake, underneath the cowl. You can kiiiinda see it.
View attachment 99441

Symposer delete. Yup, its pretty straightforward. I painted it like the spacers, with VHT engine enamel, Ford Red.
View attachment 99442

So, begin with the AWFULLY difficult shifter arm. As you can see, I previously had the Steeda short shifter installed.
View attachment 99438

So the big hangup is the awful roll pin that holds the arm on. So, getting it soaked in WD40 I had yet to find a useful punch to pop it out. Looking in my bag of goodies I keep with all my OEM parts, I find my stock intake manifold bolts. Turns out they are the PERFECT diameter for that roll pin, AND they are strong enough to withstand the hammering. You can only use the very end to start the pin, because the threading on the bolts is too wide to go into the hole. It almost immediately started moving as soon as I started tapping. Once I got it started, I switched to smaller bolt and it was pretty straight forward tapping it all the way through.

So here is THIS bad-boy!!
View attachment 99443

That's a wrap!
View attachment 99445
View attachment 99444

OK so final note: I got a change to drive it of course. A HUGE difference between the plates. It is noticeably lighter now, but immediately felt a bit clunkier. After driving it a little more, as I got used to it I realized this is how it SHOULD feel!!!! I LOVE IT! As for the symposer... since I don't have my exhaust on yet, I thought it was going to be weird. Turns out, I really like not having the competing engine bay and cabin sounds. I thought you should only do the delete if you get an exhaust ... now I see that I should've just had it the whole time! And finally the oil separator. Its a separator ... I mean ... not much to say really ... I've driven like 20 miles so far, not exactly going to see it fill up!
Can you talk about the Steeda oil separator, ive been looking around the forum and see people running oil catch cans. It appears (from a quick search) that it sounds like it eliminated the same issues a catch can does, but this is only 60 bucks rather than 200....
Can anyone comment about the two??
 
#12 ·
Guess who's coming to dinner ... COBB!!!!

Thursday is the install. I am taking it to a local exhaust specialist who I know and comes well recommended by friends (and Ford). I don't have a lift or much of a driveway, so I figured $100 worth not crawling under a car (I'm also claustrophobic). I picked up this exhaust used for under $500 and it looks in great condition! The installer wants to weld the joints ("gaskets leak, my welds don't") which I am OK with since I am fairly certain I am not going to be disappointed with the resulting sound ;) And if I am? I'll cross that bridge when I come to it ...

Machine tool Machine Tool Metal
Muffler Auto part Material property Metal


Also, the lady picked up this gem last night!
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Sport utility vehicle Ford
 
#13 · (Edited)
COBB Installed!

I love it. I love it. I love it. I picked it up used, shop charged dirt cheap. I couldn't be happier!

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Bumper Sport utility vehicle
Auto part Bumper Automotive exterior Automotive exhaust Vehicle


A sound clip will come I'm sure soon. What is the point of having an exhaust without a cellphone exhaust video on youtube???
@CWLFielden ... you might like to see this.
 
#20 · (Edited)
2015 DIB 1.6L Ecoboost Escape

So, the girlfriend let me put a Green Filter that I bought off a forum member to put on her brand new Ecoboost Escape. I thought this was awesome :RockOn::ford:


@Quantim0 ... you might like this!
 
#28 ·
So I have been thinking about this engine cover thing. I have a couple of ideas that I have been playing around with, so I thought I would post them. Couple of things to note: Firstly, I named my car "Blackbird" for two reasons. One is a reference to the SR-71, which was developed by Skunkworks. That is why there is a Skunk. Second, I will paint the gray part chrome, but it is difficult to get that effect in photoshop quickly so you'll have to pretend. Obviously, I probably wouldn't do this until I purchase my tune from ... well I think you can figure that out...

The skunk will be a gloss black, but again, hard to make look right quickly in photoshop.

Vehicle Auto part Engine Car Mid-size car

I was thinking that I would just mask the "Unleashed" logo when I chrome the silver part, so the logo would be the original color.

Vehicle Auto part Engine Car Technology
Vehicle Auto part Engine Car Mid-size car


I was also thinking about throwing Ecoboost in there somewhere ... since I love racing, Ford Performance has been championing it, and our car doesn't say it ANYWHERE! The problem is that it was too much ... so I am still working that problem.

I am not a real flashy person ... for instance, I had decals all over my windows and decided to take them off because it didn't feel right to me. I am an artistic person (graphic designer after all) so I wanted my mark on something. This seemed a logical choice.
 
#30 ·
I wanted to throw Ecoboost in there somewhere (I contemplated EcoBeast because I LOVE it), but it just seems too much. I might just get a standard badge and place it next to the ST logo or something ... idk ... Like I said, Ford Performance has been touting the EcoBoost name and I don't have it anywhere on my car and it makes me sad ...
 
#43 ·
Well, its been a little while since I've updated this thing ... but its not even really an update.

I removed the Intake Manifold spacer ... the funny part being the reason ... the engine cover relocation doesn't like to stay put and only relocates one stud ... I didn't like it, it gave a feeling of being Jerry-rigged. Since it doesn't really add that much anyway, I decided I'd just remove it. I am on a de-mod kick right now, so we'll see what else ends up coming off. I am thinking the oil separator because it feels Jerry-rigged as well and doesn't catch much in the position its in. I am definitely leaving the TB spacer in ... mostly because it was super annoying to take the manifold off with all the obnoxious wire harnesses. Also, because I think its cool. I also will not be separating with my shifter arm, so don't ask! My shifting is heavenly right now ....

It the meantime, I will be posting those two parts up to sell as soon as I get pictures, so keep in mind in case anyone is interested. Is it kosher to advertise on my own thread? LOL.
 
#44 ·
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen!

I decided I wanted to put into writing what my thoughts were on the future of my car. I don't feel like I am modding without a purpose anymore, so I kinda have developed a plan. Some things are set in my heart so don't try and change my mind, other things I would love any input you might have!

If you haven't read this whole thread, here is a RECAP:

Engine Performance:
Full 3" intake with snorkel and green filter, 3" cat-back exhaust, throttle body and manifold spacers, and upgraded intercooler.

Supporting Performance
A "stage 2" rear motor mount, transmission cable bracket and shifter base solid bushings, short throw shifter arm and Hawk ceramic brake pads.

OK, the meat and potatoes ... WISH LIST!!!!

Engine Performance:
Obviously, downpipe and tune. I have been building to this. Downpipe will be catted, looking at Depo. I want to go with Torrie's Unleashed tune, but recently been looking at Stratefied because I love what you guys do on the forums.

Supporting:
This is a weird project. I do not like Steeda's engine cover relocation that comes with the manifold spacer kit. I DO like the Boomba one ... but I don't see spending the extra money to sell and rebuy just for that part. So I am going to need to come up with something myself. Ball studs are easy enough to come by, but I am still working on the bracket part. I like Boomba's system, maybe I will try and mimic it somehow. Unless someone who has a Boomba kit, willing to sell theirs??? :D I suppose I'll have to find a friend with a 3D printer!

Brakes:
I have big plans for this! Firstly, I have decided I am going to keep my stock calipers and just upgrade the rotors. I don't track or AutoX and if I do in the future, it won't be often at all. Stock calipers will do just fine for me. So, I want to paint them because brake dust brown is ugly. I already have the G2 caliper paint system, so that part is out of the way. I'll want to paint the clips as well, but not red ... what do you think, silver or black?

For the rotors, I want to perform a front and rear upgrade. Going to the stock late '14-'15 13.1", 332mm rotors from my 12.6" by purchasing the bigger OEM caliper brackets (and subsequently rotors, obviously). I also want to perform the awesome Frankenbrake upgrade. Long story short, Mazda brackets, Volvo rotors!! 271mm to 302mm, easy peasy! Part two is what style rotors do I go with?? I understand that slotted and cross-drilled are debatably no better than modern plain rotors. But, they look sooo cool. So there is a company that I bought rotors off of before for my truck called Brake Performance. They are priced well, no matter what style I choose, and have a lifetime warranty against warping and cracking. Sure, its no name brand, but it doesn't need to be. I will probably just buy a kit and get their pads with it ... I will do ceramic because f--k brake dust, it is my biggest pet-peeve.

Finally, since I will have to remove the calipers to paint them, which means disconnecting my brake lines ... I might as well upgrade to stainless steel. Any suggestions on those, as well as brake fluid??

Wheels:
This is a subject I have been ignoring. I have finally picked out my wheels ... I want to go with the Team Dynamics, in anthracite. With the bigger brakes, I will have to sell my winter wheel set (16", 195 on Nittos) and I will just use my stock snowflakes for winter. Tire thoughts are Blizzaks (of course) for winter, Michelin PSS for summer when my F1s take a s--t. Thoughts?

So, I know there is suspension thoughts out there and body modifications I've thrown around. But just whisps of partial thoughts is all I've put into it. I have been seriously considering Boomba wing risers (I haven't decided if I think it is rice or not), and Triple-R splitter/skirts although that may be farther from stock I want the body to go. I do love the SS-tuning splitter/skirt/diffuser but its really expensive ...
 
#45 ·
Love the Build!!!

Personally I'm wanting to do the Wing Risers and Triple R all around, if the wing risers were any higher I would agree that they're a bit much IMO, as for the Triple R splitters, they aren't as noticeable as the SS ones so they shouldn't cause that much of a difference in body style... The car looks great!
 
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#46 ·
There are angles I look at the car and think ... man, sure could use a bit more aggression in the wing! Which is what that does exactly ... then I think ... man, tough to justify spending $$$ for a couple of spacers. A couple of precisely engineered and beautifully anodized spacers, yet still just spacers. I will probably do it, but it would be after a lot of other things I think. I agree with you on that triple R thought ... it is probably the route I'll go ... but again, long way down the road. I want to be as stock looking outside (within reason).

On a side note, speaking of ricer, I have always wanted those old '09 RS hood vents like on the Shelby ST :D
 
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