Kay's Red Comet Special ['12 SE Sport HB] Progress Thread

[RedComet]

I've decided to do a build/progress thread for my lil '12 FoFo hatchback. I'm in love with this thing. I've got things that I'm planning to do with it, and I'll sort of keep a running tab of what's on it, planned, or nix'd. I'm hoping I'll get some feedback, advice, and constructive criticism on the build. Base equipment is as follows; 203A, 5MT MTX-75 transmission, 17 inch machined/painted wheels, Sport Package (Touring suspension, rear discs, sport seats), SYNC with MyFord. Thing to bear in mind is this my DD, and I have to share it with my fiancee (though, the latter isn't too big a deal, she's as mod happy as me). Currently running on 87 Octane, going to switch to 93 when either the exhaust or intake get put on.

Planned Perfomance Mods:
FSWERKS 2.5 inch Race Exhaust - (July or August)
Steeda Cold Air Intake (Same as above)
MS3 Rear (Stock) Motor Mount (July)
Steeda Short Throw Shifter (Undecided, waiting for reviews other than REDFOCZ's.)
Airbox Resonator/Lid Delete (K&N drop in going in next week)
H&R Sport Lowering Springs (until coilovers can be obtained; taking recommendations)
Steeda Rear Sway Bar
StopTech SportStop drilled/ventilated brake rotors (all four corners)
Hawk HPS Street brake pads

Cosmetic Apperance Stuff:
Rear debadge
Rear plate frame removed
Front whiskers blacked out (Plasti-Dip)
TFB Designs Black/chrome Ford badge overlays
Blacked out/replace wheel center caps
Blacked out Fog Bezels (soonest opportunity)
Lamin-X yellow fog overlays (Soon, when doing the black-out)
Lamin-X Smoke Tail lamp overlays (See Above)
Lamin-X Tinted headlight overlays (See Above)
35% all-round tint

Wheels/tire Plans:
Current setup: Stock rubber on 17-inch machined/painted OE wheels, will use these wheels (possibly dipped to protect the machined aluminum) for winter.
Summer setup: Probably Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 17x7.5 with 225/45/17 Dunlop Direzza Star Spec Z1s. Enkei J10s are also a possibility.



Here's the car as she sat before anything, bone stock.

[RedComet]

Plasti-Dipping the front whiskers (1st Coat)



Finished:



Also, removed the airbox lid/deleted the resonator. Here's the brief clip I've posted elsewhere:

YouTube Video

Rear completely debadged except for the Ford emblem.

[Waffles ZX3 Kona Sport]

Wow...Love it. Nice work! [THUMB]

[Djzx3]

Good list, and nice work.

I didn't even notice that the front was plastic dipped when we met.

[stilix]

Looks great. I think you should for for 18inch wheels. the 17 inch might look small on a 2012.

[RedComet]

Originally Posted by stilix

Looks great. I think you should for for 18inch wheels. the 17 inch might look small on a 2012.

Not too sure about that. 17 offers arguably better performance and economy, especially in snow, and are cheaper as well. I could be enticed to run 18x8 in summer, but I'd have to run 235/40/18 to keep the speedometer happy and make the most of the wheel rim. That's an expensive tire size. I think Star Spec Z1s are about $900 for a set in that size.

[Drumr90]

Posted via FF Mobile
What did u use to paint the front peice in lookin to do that with a chrome peice i have on my 2006

[Djzx3]

Plastic dip^.

And now that I think of it Kay, I remember you did point that out, I too have a bad memory. Sorry.

[808domi54]

Direzza Star Spec's are in my opinion one of the greatest street tires. My buddy paid around $600 for all 4 in 215/45/17

[RonMaiden]

Stick with your 17"s and I think you'll be happy to have some rubber around the rim when you whack a pothole or something in the road. I think 17" are a more practical size and IMO fit quite well but 18"s still do look good.