April update: month's retrospective and planning
Retrospective
Coolant issue was dealt with on the 17th as outlined above. Easy quick fix, cheap parts, what more could you ask. It was pretty bad at the end though, with coolant smoke pouring out of my hood at stops and puddles underneath at rest. I was relieved that it wasn't a more significant repair, but I'm at the cusp of the 8yr/80k mark for the water pump. Almost want to find a problem there so I can get a free replacement
Shortly before that I had my battery die on me. Not a fun surprise expense, I sensed it starting to die due to slower starts but I assumed I had more time and got caught off guard when it wouldn't start a few mornings later. I had a bit of a scramble because it was the first day at work in weeks that I had to be prompt and present. Thankfully someone was able to cover for me.
On the 21st I installed OE Euro-spec mk7 LED tail lights. Install was plug and play, with a slight adjustment to a clip to get it to fit. I'm really liking the look, but I need to adjust the seating on one for perfect fitment. And also do the wiring.
Planning
Suspension
I have had the Special Actives for a few weeks now, and I have time scheduled with Acadia to do the install by the end of the month. Will be doing mounts at the same time but nothing else at the moment.
Wheels and tires
The tires still have life, but they're fairly imbalanced. Debating selling the winter set (premium blizzaks but shit motegis also with balance issues) and getting nice all seasons, or keeping them and getting summers. Didn't even put on the winters this year so it seems kinda pointless to have them, but it's not like I can make best use of premium summers either.
Also could probably clean up all the curb rash accrued while I learned how much my new wheels poke out.
Cosmetics
With the tails installed I've been assembling the components to enable the full features suite: amber turns and rear fogs. I'm probably not going to get to it for a while since I need a few comfy weekend hours to pop trim pieces and run wires.
With the rear looking nicer, the need for tint has increased significantly. I also have great justification now for going in for some OSRAM headlights so I think that may be my next big purchase.
Car would benefit a lot from paint correction and detailing.
Quality of life
The shifter is stock, and I really need to go and make the usual changes. I'm planning to do a DG kit with the extras bits.
Like the loosey goosey shifter, I've been feeling quite a bit of movement under low loads and shifting power. Powertrain mounts are probably shot after 78k miles at stage 1. Per
this thread I may need to do more than just engine, trans, and dogbone, but it's still a good starting point.
Maintenance
The following components should get a refresh in Spring, either from symptoms of age or just peace of mind:
Brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, gear oil, plugs, engine oil, cabin filter, engine filter, tires, carbon cleaning...
I'd like to send my oil in for analysis at the next change.
I should look into an unidentified clunk that happens when I first touch my brakes after sitting for the day. Might be related to why the hill assist feels too grabby sometimes.
Dreams For Future
Thinking about a turbo back system from Jake. GF continues to give me shit for the magnaflow that the car came with, and the resonance present at 1100k and 2000k is kinda annoying for me too.
Thinking about enhanced fueling systems, which on is20 may be carts before horses. I don't really need more top end power, because I hardly get to touch it. Retaining/enhancing low end oomf would be preferable. I could probably drop in an is38 as it stands (a downpipe would be nice though too), but if I'm touching power I'm leaning towards going big rather than falling into the incremental increase trap.