by "Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
Published 04/20/2017 at 19:30
by "Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
Published 04/20/2017 at 19:30
No Tags
STARS: 3
Remember how I said I was going to start working on some projects on the Forester? Well, it has begun. Though the first project was small, it was something that has been bothering me for a long time.
Anyone who owns a 2008+ NA 4 cylinder Subaru (except for the BRZ) is probably familiar with the PZEV (
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle
) badge (
though some models get a sticker
). Those with 2008 and 2009 models are probably also aware of how they tend to discolor and peel, like mine above.
Now, I could have just removed the badge, like many people do. However, this badge bothers, annoys, and generally pisses-off my Prius owning friend... so the badge stayed, and my amusement continues...
With that settled, it was time for prep and paint. A bit of sanding, a coat of primer, and finally, a coat of Testors metallic silver. Both masterfully applied with a brush and my ever steady hands...
um, scratch that, incredibly shaky hands
, for that,
uh
, brushed look. The final result...
It’s not perfect, but it’s a vast improvement. I should have done this ages ago. I should probably add some form of a clear coat at some point. Maybe the finish will stay on for more than two years.
Also, I vacuumed my floors for the first time in ~2 years...
I also shampooed the floor mats for the first time ever.
There are a few other small projects in the works, both planned and things I’m looking into / considering. It may not seem like much at the moment, but honestly (
and occasionally to my disappointment
), the Forester doesn’t need that much attention. However, the first of the bigger, mechanical projects should commence sometime in May.
"citrus" (roamin)
04/20/2017 at 21:07, STARS: 0
You should ditch that pzev badge tho
*not a Prius owner
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
04/20/2017 at 22:57, STARS: 0
Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle=PZEV. I really never understood this, I think it has special catalytic converters and 100% evaporative recovery, so maybe a larger charcoal filter? My subi is PZEV too, and seems to emit very well.
"Matthew Keyser" (teisco15)
04/20/2017 at 23:54, STARS: 0
How can something be “partially zero?”
That makes completely zero sense.
"Nibbles" (nibbles)
04/21/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 2
My Focus was a PZEV. I told people it meant “Practically Zero Enthusiast Value”
"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
04/21/2017 at 16:40, STARS: 0
PZEV gets you:
1. A different main catalytic converter with finer mesh and twice as much catalytic converter surface area.
2. Tighter closing fuel injectors
3. Charcoal canister in the air intake in addition to the charcoal canister for the fuel filler that is standard across both PZEV and non-PZEV models
4. Different ECU programming for faster engine warm-up during cold starts
"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
04/21/2017 at 16:45, STARS: 0
It’s pure marketing speak and CARB bureaucracy; it was designed as a set of standards by CARB due to bargaining by automakers to delay the mandated production of “Zero Emission Vehicles” (electric and fuel cell vehicles)
It’s a complicated matter that, frankly, makes absolutely no sense.
"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
04/21/2017 at 16:46, STARS: 0
Yeah, that definition total works for the type of Ford Focus you’d find a PZEV badge on.
"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
04/21/2017 at 16:52, STARS: 0
It balances out my dealer sticker though...
(I like the old style, simple dealer stickers. Plus, this dealer doesn’t exist anymore...)