jumph4x

Wasn't a fast car, but it was a sweet car to go slow in with crew.

jumph4x

Put some photos on Instagram documenting the Cobalt SS FMHE failure mode.
Placed an order with VRP.

JoshTex

That VW Cady tho!!! My buddy's dad built one AGES ago. He put a 500 ci Cadillac Big block in the bed, run through an Eldorado front end. His shop is Vargas Turbo Technologies, in Hayward. Tony has some CRAZY cars.

jumph4x

Looks like FMHE redo project supplies will be here come Friday so I can start on Monday or so and do shakedown mid-week.

jumph4x

Some updates and wisdoms:

1. The VRP and the ZZP units use damn near identical cores. I don't know if they use the same supplier or one is a direct replica of the other, but the only discernible difference is the $100 in price and different mounting brackets.
2. The VRP mounting brackets are same exact width apart, but have slightly different geometry, longer weld seem and possibly sturdier, but only 2. (ZZP has 2 extra that aren't really usable on the W211)
3. The VRP mounting brackets are too narrow on mine and had to be cut away to clear the bumper over-brackets (see photo later in post).
4. The VRP mounting brackets came bent in the box (intentionally) and had to be gently straightened. Not a particularly cool thing to be doing to aluminum.
5. Both VRP and ZZP units come with plastic NPT to flange fittings, neither is confidence inspiring. VRP is straight-shot, ZZP is 90 degree elbow.



I installed aluminum-chrome elbow fittings and feel much better about it. This is the now fix:


This is the failure mode circa Winter Jam:




Here are the upgraded elbow fittings, feels good man:



Look at these, so similar:



The other thing I did tonight is mount up front and rear valences. I tried the "permanent" double sided 3M tape method and immediately hated it. Totally inadequate.
Might be acceptable for a daily driven car (even so, I'm skeptical) but this will not fly for how my car is being driven.

Ended up using SS hardware from Fastenal: allen head bolts (M5?) with locking nuts.
4 for the front lip, 6 fort he rear diffuser.

For posterity's sake: these are the elbow fittings The shipping is much quicker than the estimate would imply: ordered Feb 22nd, received Feb 26 in Oakland, CA.

jumph4x

Here's a teaser of a little sum sum:





]

eFifty5AMG

Here we go.

jumph4x

Pardon the dirt folks, car is moving shops yet again, it will finally live across the street from my pad! It took some work to get here.

Here's the valence pics. You can see the Hella tone if you look closely.

JoeJErnst

Lift kit + fender flares + 4Matic = Dapper Dirt! Can't wait to see it with the mudders on. ;-)

StarvingArtist

Never know what to expect with you. Keeps it interesting.

jumph4x

The painters tape on the fenders was the exciting news #1.
Then there is the obvious logical next step, which is exciting news #2.

After that is done, there is one last big project scheduled to make everyone feel warm and fuzzy. A big ole feel-good!

jumph4x

Smashed that front lip in two seconds on the first driveway. Jesus... hahaha.
Oh well. No lip for me.

tlambert

mondo

BraZZers always has the best ***...

jumph4x

Not for this project, but something similar may or may not be in the works for this summer, more of a personal Instagram project though.

jumph4x

Sup.







I has a very excite!

Strigoi

Yissss

jumph4x

Copying an altered form of my email to my sponsor for y'all's reference:

Upon closer inspection, TSW catalog really only offers 18x9.5 ET35/39 in 5/112 applications. Spacers will have to be involved.
Based on what it felt like running the finger along the old-vs-new fender lines:

• Front: +1" / 25.4mm
• Rear: +2" / 50mm

When it comes to the outer dimension, going from 8.5" ET32 to 9.5" ET39 means sticking out only 6mm more, which is basically nothing.
When it comes to spacers, it's looking roughly like this:

• Front: 15-20mm
• Rear: 25-30mm

Rear will have more or a tucked look, but so be it. Can revisit later if need be.
Bonus round: since going to wider wheels doesn't change the outer dimension, once spacers are mounted, both sets of wheels will be usable.

Currently running 245mm on TSW Vale 18x8.5 ET32.
Will be running 265mm (245-275 possible range) on TSW ??? 18x9.5 ET39.

w204_racing

jumph4x

Thank you for the kind words!

In my experience, and given the MB ownership demographic, these kinds of things are met with a lot of skepticism.
Show me your build, I'd love to see your direction.

Strigoi

He's actually doing it. All you've done is talk about it so far.

hayseed

iTrader: (2)

hahahaha

jumph4x

After measuring the fenders more scientifically today I've landed on new spacer math.

Front: 15mm
Rear: 45mm

Spoke with TSW today, placed an order for some very special wheels that will be here mid-April.

They liked the project, might give me a shout on the socials.
Excellent customer service, seems like an excellent company, BTW.

actech

OMG THAT IS GONNA LOOK AMAZING! where did you get the fender flares from? love that look.

jumph4x

All the way from Motherland, comrade.