Restoring a Clapped Out FRS: A Full Build and Lessons Learned

Initial Assessment and Goal

• 🎯 The project began with a 2013 Scion FRS, described as "clapped out," with the goal of transforming an "unloved car" into something special through time, friendship, and hard work.
• 🚗 Initial inspections revealed significant issues, including a $6,000 repair quote, leading the builder to tackle repairs himself.

Structural and Mechanical Repairs

• 🛠️ Key structural repairs included replacing the front core support and addressing a notorious RTV flaking issue in the oil pan, which can cause engine failure.
• ⚙️ The build involved replacing the CV axle, a task that became a friendly race between team members.
• 🔧 Accessing spark plugs proved difficult due to frame rail proximity, highlighting engineering challenges.

Bodywork and Widebody Installation

• 💥 The car had a poorly installed widebody kit, jagged fender cuts, and interior spray foam, necessitating extensive bodywork.
• 🚧 Addressing rust and corrosion was a major focus, involving removing foam, proper sealing, and welding.
• 🎨 Installing a new fiberglass widebody kit (Robot Craftsman) required significant prep work, including blocking, smoothing, and addressing fitment issues.
• 🖌️ The team tackled body gaps, cracks, and imperfections, using techniques like drilling crack apexes and applying epoxy.

Paint and Finishing Touches

• 🟡 The car was painted Porsche Signal Yellow using an Amazon inflatable paint booth, with help from a friend experienced in painting.
• 💨 Challenges included achieving proper paint coverage and accidentally breaking the windshield during disassembly.
• 🚗 Professional auto glass installation was required for quarter glass due to the risk of damaging irreplaceable trim.
• 🎨 The paint job received a C+ rating, acknowledging numerous mistakes but also pride in the DIY effort and lessons learned.

Performance Upgrades and Challenges

• 🚀 A Jackson Racing supercharger and nitrous setup were installed to significantly boost horsepower, aiming for over 300 crank horsepower.
• 🔧 The supercharger installation involved new pulleys, belts, oil cooler, and intercooler piping, with the oiling system running independently.
• ⚡ A dry nitrous setup was added, spraying directly into the intake.
• ⛽ Upgraded DeWorks 900cc injectors and a Link ECU were installed to manage the increased power and modifications.
• ⚠️ The car initially wouldn't start due to a grounding issue with the direct injection control unit, a minor but critical fix.
• 📊 The final output was approximately 314 horsepower at the crank, exceeding the initial goal.

Interior and Final Touches

• 🔊 The interior was inspired by early 2000s maximalism, featuring a custom double volcano speaker box, TV, and GameCube in the trunk.
• 💺 An RSR half cage, Sparkco seats, and a Sonbon shift knob were added.
• 🔊 The sound system, including two 12-inch subwoofers, was a significant feature.

Drivability and Reflections

• 🛣️ The car's drivability as a daily driver was questioned due to scraping at a relatively high ride height and fitment issues with the widebody kit.
• 💨 The weight added by the sound system and widebody kit was noticeable, even with the supercharger.
• 🔄 The builder reflects on the challenges of maximalism, acknowledging that the car isn't perfect for any single purpose but is a fun project.
• ❤️ Despite numerous issues and compromises, the builder expresses growing love for the car and a desire to fix its remaining problems.
• 💡 Key takeaways include the importance of repetition, learning from mistakes, and not getting ahead of oneself with too many ambitious modifications.