Saturday, February 17, 2018

Comfort, convenience and aesthetics.

Every single car I've ever owned has been modified to some extent, some more than others. This one is no exception. There are a few items that is standard for me to add/change to my vehicles. I'll highlight a few of them in this post which I've done to Knuckles over the winter that either improve comfort, convenience or aesthetics.

Phone & Tablet Mounts + Holder

I've been a fan of ProClip USA mobile mounting solutions for quite some time now. Suction cup mounting is just not for me if there are better alternatives.

I picked up a ProClip Angled Dash Mount which is specific for the BRZ/FR-S platform along with a Ram Mount 2 x 1.7" base with 1" ball
Ram mount 2" x 1.7" base with 1" ball



The ram base doesn't come with mounting hardware, the mount includes self-tapping screws. I opted to go with the same setup I had in my S2000 which was bolts+nuts.
I ordered Socket button head Alloy steal black oxide finish in #10-24 x 5/8" bolts with Hex machine screw nuts, stainless stell in 18-8 black oxide finish, #10-24

I then paired it up with a Ram Mount cradle holder which I use between multiple vehicles along with a Ram mount short double socket arm for 1" ball bases






















Which provides for the following sweet setups.



For my google Nexus 7 tablet, which I use for Solostorm data logging,  I use the


Alternative to all-season weather mats

Another company that I've been a fan of for many years now is www.weathertech.com
They make these awesome digital laser measured floor liners that provide custom fit protection while having more surface coverage. The material is some patent pending stuff which makes the liners rigid and easy to clean. They make these for almost every single modern make and model out there including larger vehicles with 3rd row seating(just got it for wife's 7 seater suv). I opted for both front and rear. Rear because I have 2 young kids who have already gotten back there with dirty shoes.

I love these things!
BRZ/FR-S weathertech floorliner






RACESENG Shift Knob

A very common modification done by car enthusiasts is replacing the OEM shift knob for one that is either heavier, shaped differently or simply for looks. I've been a fan of heavier shift knobs since the S2000 and was my sole reason for wanting to replace the BRZ's OEM shift knob. I was recently introduced to a local company who makes some really nice engineering masterpieces. Company is called RACESENG. Give them a few minutes of your time and check out their products. I think you'll find yourself drooling pretty soon. 

After much browsing and review reading I opted for their Sphereology shifter arm which is covered by a Black delrin cover and gate 1 engraving. The delrin cover is interchangeable with other colors. The shifter itself is made of solid 303 stainless steel. The shifter is compatible with the OEM reverse lockout so there was nothing else to purchase. They do offer a nice looking reverse lockout of their own, but not a must have. The shifter is also countersunk so no issues with a saggy shift boot. 

I mentioned earlier that my main reason was to go with a heavier shift knob. This Sphereology comes in at a whopping 470 grams - 1.04lbs. For reference the OEM shift knob is 200 grams - 0.44lbs. 
The shift knob I had in the S2000 was 430 grams, which helped me decide on this particular knob as some of their other ones are much lighter. So far I am very happy, love the shifting experience even more so now and its shape is very similar to the OEM shift knob. 





SCCA License Plate Frame


I've been a member of the Sports Car Club of America for close to 12 years now. I love the club and the sport they help organize. I have no issues supporting them through my membership and by purchasing some of their gear while helping advertise for them on my car.