Silverback

Turbo lag has decreased. Its a bit more responsive in daily traffic e.g. taking off from the lights, squirts through traffic etc. The Stainless Steel was a combination choice, i.e. I wanted the underbonnet to be clean looking, and stainless fits the bill, plus I got it for a reasonable price. The mild steel for the rest was recommended by the exhaust shop, basically it has a slightly different note, and it is cheaper. They painted the system a nice dark grey (heat treated, rustproof) and it looks nice. The system was designed for my requirements (i.e. no increase in noise at cruising speeds, which is good for highway driving (90 - 120)), but its got a lovely note around 70-80k's which is great when cruising in traffic with the lock up clutch engaged in the auto.

My Stagea really has been transformed with getting a new exhaust to free up the beast. I went for the AM performance stainless Split Dump pipe, a full 3" Mild Steel Exhaust with bolt on flanges, a high flow cat which was recommended by the exhaust shop (its a good un') and two large bodied mufflers which actually have a straight pipe right through, but resonators to keep it quiet. I also opted for a twin pipe setup at the back to keep the right look with my body kit, and keep the stealth factor. Its got a higher flow panel filter and stock ecu. The performance is much smoother through the rev range, particularly as it starts to get through the 3,500 - 6,000 rpm band. It just feels much less restricted. The torque increase in the mid range is noticable, and the fuel economy is much better. Smooth, hard acceleration is rewarded with crisper performance, and the RB25 just seems to love it. I have had this setup on now for the last couple of months. It feels as if the ecu has remapped itself to take advantage of the new setup, as it has been consistently smoother since. Its just a much more rewarding car to drive. I would totally encourage you to invest in a good, well designed exhaust and you wont regret it.

We got ours about 7 months ago. We needed a reliable 2nd car, something that is practical, looks cool, has plenty of grunt when you want it, and is different. We've got 2 young un's and I did a fair bit of research (thanks to you guys) and realised that the Stagea was just perfect!!. We picked up a Series 2 with all the good gear, very genuine condition, with plenty of Dayz extras. Doing the exhaust was a great move, and its great on a trip. There are a few in Canberra now, and its really cool seeing them getting around. P.s. I know my avatar looks squished, but its very Van Goh!!

Thats about as good as it gets below an Autech or Nismo.......!

Was having a look at Motovation imports site, and they have a fantastic looking RS4S, in Black, with a hot looking body kit.........someone's gunna love it!! http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/...p;model_id=4606

Spotted another white Series 2 turning right onto hindmarsh drive about 8.45am. Looked great, with nice wheels and in mint condition.

I have been reading this thread with interest as my Stag also did this when I first got it. I dont know how much of this type of vibration etc is due to the fact that the cars sit around for a long time in JP before being sold at auction. When I first picked up my car I was shocked with the amount of vibration in the drivetrain. It seemed that when it kicked down a gear, the torque was twisting the auto box mounts (thats what it felt like). I have now done 10,000 odd kays now, and the problem has all but disappeared. The auto is much smoother, with kickdowns not causing any problem, there is also far less vibration etc. I am wondering whether the long period of inactivity, coupled with the hardening of bushes, seals etc might have some effect on other seals and bushes. I also had to replace the right front CV boot, which split and made a bit of a mess. It was attributed to hardening of the rubber components. Since that has been fixed, and a full power steering flush (the workshop (Stagea owner) recommended it, as the compliance workshop changes the fluid, but doesnt flush it), the steering is much better, with no play in the steering at all. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

No, didnt get a probe. There seems to be some type of plug hole in the back which must connect the circuits. Its right in the middle. ?

Thanks Alex. btw, the middle gauge is Oil Pressure. The things on the side are actually plastic mountings. I am also wondering whether I can change the location of the climate control to the middle slot, and fit the gauges on the top (for ease of vision).

This is the GTR gauge that I just picked up. Its got the torque split, oil temp & boost.

I have purchased a GTR Din Guage from the forum. I am hoping it will fit the Stagea, and more importantly whether I can get a feed to the Torque Distribution guage. The Guage has a carbon fibre look which will fit in well with the Dayz Carbon Fibre kit. I have read AC's thread on removing the front console, Stereo console etc. Anyone wired one of these up ?

Phil White - Iamshe is excellent. I would highly recommend Phil for getting compliance done.

Thats pretty fast....how did you deal with the speed limiter?

After a brief country drive, followed by some city driving, I have managed to achieve best figures of 450km's. I'm pretty happy with that, cos thats a huge increase from my previous best of 320ks! More to come with the DFA ?!

I've managed to get better fuel economy lately with the new exhaust. On a combination of country and mainly city driving, I've managed to squeeze out about 450km from a tank.....and thats fairly normal driving. Only got horny a couple of times! LOL

Actually, 3 is correct, but the fog didnt lift till 10.30 this morning!!

After going for a really fantastic drive in the Country today (without the bowling hat LOL) it got me thinking about some of my favourite stretches of road, and some of the driving enjoyment I have had. Tell us your stories about driving enjoyment in your Stags, and roads etc that others might enjoy driving.... I will start it off with todays drive in the Stag. A beautiful day in Canberra today. Woke up in the morning, a thick fog covering the neighbourhood . Made some preparations for a trip to Wee Jasper with the kids for the day. After checking all the vitals, we loaded up the back with all sorts of stuff, eskys, picnic baskets, clothes for the kids etc etc (Those with kids will know what I mean), then headed off with the sun breaking through the fog (and the Sun Roofs) to reveal a brilliant blue day. Headed down to Uriarra crossing, and up the back road through to the Wee Jasper Valley. The Stagea was brilliant on the road, with the extra weight in the back giving a much better ride on the shocks. As we cleared the edge of Canberra and started to cruise, the roads started to clear of traffic, and the Stagea really came into its own. During the 55k drive, there are many varied road conditions, from slow climbs, long uphill sections through to some serious twisties, linked with some well graded gravel roads overlooking some beautiful high country. The split dump really makes a difference in providing smoother power, especially through the hills. The Attessa working brilliantly as we powered out from some of the twistier sections, with my appreciation of the Stag as a great touring wagon growing all the time . Arriving in the picturesque Wee Jasper, and stopping in at the general store for a steaming mug of coffee, I realised that I had just added another section of road to my "favourites" list.

My gf calls me her Silverback, the protector and head of the Gorilla families. I didnt realise I was that hairy!

Best I have got so far is 370k's for a tank (City Driving). This is about 50kms more than previous best of 320. Thats completely stock apart from exhaust mods. Was driving pretty sedately though. Gotta put on the DFA!!!!

I'm pretty sure mine is a Dayz edition S2. It has the full carbon fibre interior kit with Dayz on it, it has the full body kit, including front bar and rear spoiler. It might not have been ordered with the Nismo exhaust, but its got one just as good on it now.

Hehehehe ....yep, must be down to under 1900 kg now LOL!! At least the conversion has started now mate, the first step down the road to manual heaven.

Good luck with it, looking forward to seeing the pics!!

Drove for about 5 minutes behind Terminal along Belco Way. I was in the XR6T behind you at the lights. Impressed with the acceleration!

Looks like it was a big night out....!!!

Hi Hugh, I am pretty sure that the snow button engages third gear in the auto, so that there is less slip during takeoffs in snow conditions. It's probably something that is more use in a country like Japan or NZ where there are more of these conditions, however its handy to have.