2nd Mod, Daytime Running Light Bypass

For those who are not aware, more and more cars are equipt with daytime running lights (DRLs). Motor cycles have had them for decades. This means if the engine is running, then headlights are on. It uses the low beam bulb, some say with a second filiment. The head lights aren't as bright as regular head lights, I would say they are half as bright.

The fix is to ground out the handbrake sensor switch. Either mechanically locking it open, or cutting the wire, and grounding it. Another fix is to lift the hand brake to the first click. These solutions have a weekness.

When you "trick" the switch, it turns on the "BRAKE" light on the dash, and turn off the DRL's.

I don't like the hand brake click fix beacuse with a stick you are constantly using the hand brake, so you have to remember to let it off, then to one click, then the "BRAKE" dash light comes on, and the handle is up, just kind of messy.

Grounding the switch means the "BRAKE" dash light is ALWAYS on, and the DRL's never work. I myself, another buyer, or passenger may not like the results.

What I did was wire a switch in to the wire to the parking brake sensor switch. I put the switch in the comparment behind the brake. Then I wired from the switch to a ground.

So I can reach into the compartment, and flip the switch, and run without DRLs, and with the "BRAKE" dash light on, or flip it off, and it is stock. The switch is hidden, so the whole thing has a James Bond feel to it.

Some of you may say, "so what". To that I say number one, I did it to prove I could, and imagine not being able to turn off your headlights if you car is running, ever, for any reason, kind of annoying isn't it!!

First Mod, Air Filter

I upgraded to a K&N lifetime re-washable high flow filter.

The stock filter is on the right side of this picture.

The K&N Filter has a 1,000,000 mile warranty.

Should add some power, but mainly it is a high quality part, and can be clean as often as I want to improve performance without sinking more money into it.

Changing Cars

I sold my Accord. I really loved that car. It was a good car, never once left me stranded and ran well.

I have purchased a 2004 Subaru WRX. I love it!!! It was my father's, and it is mechanically perfect, which means I am going to bolt on a lot of parts. Why leave a good thing alone when you can make it better???

Yes I am an engineer, why do you ask... :)