NoRotors.com - RX7 Engine Swap Forum
Technical Information => Build Threads => Topic started by: GSXRATED on May 09, 2010, 07:56:34 PM
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I had this build on the other forum and I though people on here might want to check it out, so I figured it would be a good time to make a thread detailing the build. It started off by purchasing a right hand drive 1994 Efini RX7 R2 model parts car with only 50k miles on it that I found on ebay of all places. After a quick trip to Philadelphia, I had my starting point for the project. This is what it looked like when I first picked it up. The black interior was in dire need of a good cleaning and some 303 protectant for the dash and other vinyl parts.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7032.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7028.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7027.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7026.jpg)
The body was in decent shape, but the front bumper had a large scuff from someone running into something, the front plate holder riveted to the bumper had to go,and there were several dents on the car. The paint was also aged and therefore in need of some bodywork and a new paintjob done by myself. I decided to update the color by switching to Subaru Aspen White from a 2005 STi, the car I had right before this one. Here are some pictures of how the car turned out after the paint:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3473.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3469.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3468.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3467.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3493.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3491.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3489.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3487.jpg)
The next thing on my list to do was lowering the car on the factory Ohlins suspension, and giving the wheels a much needed makeover. I also finished up my DIY ?99 spec taillights while I had the car apart. Don't mind the tag on the car, it was on my last LS6 FD so I temporarily had it transferred to the R2. It's no longer on the car.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX71.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX72-1.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX74.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX75.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX76.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX77.jpg)
As much as I hate running a front plate on the car, I did not want to take any chances getting pulled over on the drive up, so I made a quick bracket to mount it out of the way as much as possible without drilling any holes into my newly repainted bumper. I actually attached the bracket to the front tow hook. After driving it around for maybe 600 miles or so, it developed a bit of a hot-start issue common to rotaries that the compression is getting low on. About a week before I was supposed to drive the car home, it began to burn coolant and smoke, so it returned on our trailer. I began pulling apart the motor to find the following:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/Pudding.jpg)
This pudding-like mixture of oil and coolant was literally in every cavity in the motor. It was in the oil pan, in all of the coolant passages, and it was even in every bit of the charge piping, intercooler, inside the engine, and also managed to puke itself backwards through the intake on the air filter as shown above. Oh well, I had big plans for the car anyway, so it was no big deal to me. I parted out the longblock and transmission and began to buy parts and materials for the real build. I already built an LSx RX7 the year before, so I decided I wanted to do something just a little different. I did some research and decided to use the infamous 2JZGTE engine found in the Toyota Supra turbo. I choose the motor for several reasons; It can make good power on the factory shortblock, it sounds amazing, and it is less common than the LSx swaps in the FD. Since I would be replacing many of the factory parts, I decided to save myself some money and picked up an Aristo 2JZGTE. It is the same engine as the Supra, but with a front sump oil pan, smaller cams, ceramic bladed turbos, and a couple other small differences. I considered using the Getrag 6-speed in the car, but realized I wanted a drag car that could see some street duty, not the other way around, so I chose a built TH400 transmission from ATF with a reverse manual valve body built to handle 900+ hp. I made sure to get an SFI approved JW Superbell bellhousing for safety reasons, and it was CNC machined to gain some extra clearance around the engine and transmission tunnel. (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0483-1.jpg)
In order to mate the GM transmission to the Toyota engine, I used an aluminum adaptor plate and an SFI approved billet aluminum flex plate that bolts to the 2JZ engine and has a GM torque converter bolt pattern.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0481-1.jpg)
From there, I ordered some chromoly and got to building my custom subframe and transmission mount. I had several goals when building the engine mounts and subframe that included: using the stock hood on the car without adding any scoops or a cowl, minimizing the bumpsteer induced by lowering the steering rack, keeping the engine as far back and as low as I could to keep the CG and F/R balance in check, and utilizing solid mounts for the engine via ?? rod ends. Here are some pictures from the subrame build:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/100_3126.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/100_3125.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/100_3115.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0511.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0530.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0517.jpg)
After finishing up the subframe, I powder coated it with a chrome base and then a candy blue top coat. It came out really nice and sits the engine exactly where I wanted it. (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0534.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0535.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0536.jpg)
The next step for me was the exhaust manifold fabrication. Sure, I could have just purchased a Supra manifold and called it a day, but I like doing things on my own and being able to say I built 90% of the parts on the car. I also wanted to use one of the new Tial V-band turbing housings, so a custom manifold was in order. I ordered some 321 stainless steel from Burns Stainless for its resistance to cracking at extreme temperatures, low thermal expansion, and excellent corrosion resistance. The head flange was CNC machined from 304 stainless steel also. Of course, I needed a turbo before I could make the manifold, so I picked out a Precision GT4276 turbocharger and ordered a Tial V-band turbine housing. This is what I received several weeks later:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0630.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0629.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0627.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0625.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0621.jpg)
Here is a ping-pong ball for a size comparison, lol.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0635.jpg)
After I had the turbo, I got to work on the manifold. I?m using 1.75? primaries, two 3-1 double-slip merge collectors, and then two 2.25? secondaries that merge just before the v-band flange. (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0599.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0603.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0604.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0606.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0608.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0611.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0612.jpg)
While I was working on the car, I also cleaned up the bay by removing the ABS and I am working on pulling a lot of unnecessary wiring from the body harness to make the engine bay as open and clean as possible. (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0613.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0616.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0615.jpg)
The manifold is mocked up and mostly tack welded in place for the time being. It took about 23 hours of work to get it to the current state. The header is finished and the wastegate has also been put on. The intake manifold was designed using Unigraphics NX6 and CFDesign 10.0 in order to create an even distribution of airflow into each cylinder. The manifold has the head flange, runners, and plenum base plate welded, ground, and smoothed into each other also. The custom CNC throttle body flange are cut and I just need to weld them onto the plenum. I will put up some of the CFD screenshots I took for the analysis I performed intake manifold as soon as I have access to my laptop again.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/tbflange.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0685.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0683.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0682.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0680.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0688.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0700.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0710.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0713.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0715.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0716.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0719.jpg)
I finished welding the intake manifold and added a fitting on the bottom to route to a vacuum block. I also set the Wilson 90mm throttle body in place to get ready for mocking up intercooler pipes. The intercooler core has been fitted flush against the front of the frame rails, and one bar across the front of the rails had to be removed due to the intercooler's size. I have also made patterns for the backdoor end tanks and will be fabricating them tomorrow most likely. The radiator arrived and will have mounts built for it once I permanently mount the intercooler and add a new support. The intercooler is about 4 inches wider than it looks in the pictures since I covered up some of each end with the end tank templates. It's quite massive, lol.
On to the pictures!
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2921.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2923.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2922.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2918.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2910.jpg)
I finished fabbing the intercooler end tanks, welded the v-band flanges to the back-door end tanks, welded the end tanks to the intercooler core, removed a bar in the way of the intercooler's location ( a chromoly support will be replacing this behind the intercooler), and made mounts for the intercooler and also welded those on. The front bumper cover has been trimmed to accommodate the massive intercooler. I also went ahead and welded a v-band flange onto the Wilson 90mm throttle body that will allow me to eliminate a coupler location to ensure no couplers blow off on the car under high boost. The afco radiator placement has also been finalized, but I did not have time to make mounts for it yet. I also removed the factory brake master cylinder and am replacing it with a Strange manual brake master that is shown mocked up in its location in the pictures. That part will save me some weight, gain extra clearance for the downpipe, clean up the engine bay even more, and get rid of one more vacuum line on the car. I have also removed the factory gas tank and have already modeled a 10 gallon aluminum tank to take its place in the car. I did some more wiring removal and clean up as well to get rid of 4 unnecessary relays and a bunch of associated wiring. Intercooler tubing and downpipe construction is next on the list.
Onto the pictures:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/20.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/22.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/19.jpg)(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/16.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/15.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/10.jpg)
Notched part of my frame rail for clearance and fabbed up both of my intercooler pipes:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2928.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2933.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2938-1.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2936.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_2935-1.jpg)
Now that's what I call short route intercooler tubing :) The v-band flanges I machined myself and added an o-ring groove in order to provide a nice seal. I have viton o-rings i will be using for this. I also have tacked in one of the two pieces of 4130 tube that will reinforce the radiator support and provide a mounting location for the radiator to attach to.
Some more progress. I welded in my chromoly cross bar and radiator cross member support. I also fabricated my radiator mounts off of the new cross bar. My fuel cell will be built this week since I have now finalized my dimensions, and I will finish up my delrin bushings for the front suspension I'm making.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3002.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3003.jpg)
So, 6 hours of wiring later I have removed a ton of unnecessary wiring, relays, connectors, and relay boxes. The new front half of the body harness is probably 1/4 to 1/3 as large as the original. On the passenger side of my car there were originally about 30-40 wires that passed through the firewall. Now, there are 5, lol. I have a picture of the box of wiring/relays etc. that I pulled out of the car below. It's actually a lot more than it looks like since I wound up the removed wiring and packed it into the box. The body harness of the car is now pretty much finished. I relocated one necessary relay inside the firewall, and have to find a place to tuck away 2 small relays, then I can re-wrap the harness and tuck it away.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7R2002.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7R2004.jpg)
Over the past couple of days I built my own lube groove delrin front suspension bushings and 4130 steel bushing inserts also.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3015.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3016.jpg)
I fabricated my downpipe and wastegate dump tube. I also welded 90% of my fuel tank and installed my brake master cylinder adapter plate.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3070.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3071.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3073.jpg)
Removed my engine, trans, intercooler, radiator, etc and did a little engine bay prep. I welded shut about 50 holes that were no longer being used and sprayed some primer until I can get some high build stuff and then paint the bay soon. I also made some block-off plates for the factory a/c firewall pass-through and the factory engine harness grommet with provisions for some deutsch connectors that will be used for the engine harness.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7R2011.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7R2012.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7R2013.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7R2014.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7R2015.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/RX7R2017.jpg)
Finally, I have some more progress (albeit minor) to post up. I painted the engine bay and touched up the wheel wells. I should be able to put my front suspension back on now.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3273-1.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3282.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3275.jpg)
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Fricken sweet man. White car with blue subframe and under parts. You car is just like mines :D
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/FadedFD/LS2%20FD%20build%20progress%20images/IMG_0239.jpg)
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Glad you posted this up, one of my favorite builds. :)
That engine bay looks beautiful all painted up!
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Fricken sweet man. White car with blue subframe and under parts. You car is just like mines :D
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/FadedFD/LS2%20FD%20build%20progress%20images/IMG_0239.jpg)
Haha, I guess we both have great taste!
Glad you posted this up, one of my favorite builds. :)
That engine bay looks beautiful all painted up!
Thanks, I'm glad you like it. It's always nice to be complimented on my hard work. The bay looks 10x better than when I got it, and now I really can't wait to get the engine cleaned up, polish some parts, and get everything back together. It's amazing what a little paint can do to make a car look so much better. I've got a new water pump, oil pump, head gasket, L19 studs, and some other odds and ends for the motor and then it will be back in the car.
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You have some talent there, wow. And all that in a two car garage, impressive. Do you have a lathe/mill in there too?
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You have some talent there, wow. And all that in a two car garage, impressive. Do you have a lathe/mill in there too?
Yeah, it's not the best of work areas, but I get it done. Luckily I have access to a CNC Mill and CNC lathe through a machine shop, so that's where I did all of the CNC work. We're in the process of building a larger garage with a lift and a dedicated paint booth also, so hopefully I will have a better work area before too much longer.
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This car is badass. Aspen white, 2jz, FD... drool
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Any progress to report?
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Man, I have been so busy lately between starting a new job, moving, and trying to build a shop, I have not had any time to get any more work done on my car. Anyways, I'm finally in a position to get back on this project, so I have ordered some GSC S2 cams and a billet timing belt tensioner. I'll be getting the motor ready soon, finishing the fuel system, completing the wiring, and getting this thing done over the next few months.
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updates?
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updates?
X2
The workmanship is very nice.
We need an update please.
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Bumpsteer sorted?
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very nice build i wish i had a right hand drive :'(
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Sorry I have not posted any updates in so long. Unfortunately my new job keeps me really busy and I moved 500 miles away from where the car is currently stored. I did finally get the motor back together (Added crower valvesprings and Titan 272 cams with ARP L19 studs) and it is ready to go back in the car anytime really. I just need to finalize a support for my turbo manifold and then get some ceramic coating on it, the turbine housing, and the downpipe and then the final assembly and wiring can commence. I'm actually looking for a job back in VA again so I can be closer to the shop and get some work done on this thing. It's killing me not having it done yet.
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slow lol
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FINALLY, some more progress. Working on some wiring. I removed all unnecessary wires and am using some Deutsch connectors at the firewall:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3151.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3148.jpg)
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w00t, progress!
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Hey nice to see some progress on this. I saw the pics on the VT forum. I really like this car.
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slow lol
qft
I saw the pics on the VT forum. I really like this car.
same here!
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Thanks guys. I am finally back on track to finish this thing up this year.
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Have you sorted your bumpsteer yet?
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Do u stay in Blacksburg or near by - i would love to see this thing in person one time. :cheers:
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Pretty sure the car is in the Richmond area.
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Sorry for the missed question, but yeah the car is in my shop in Richmond.
Relay/fuse box relocation:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_20111002_184121.jpg)
Timing belt and billet tensioner installed:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3171-1.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3173.jpg)
Also, got my PTC Race converter!
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3175.jpg)
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More Progress:
On the lift!
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3180.jpg)
Oil cooler installed, just need to figure out how I want to route my lines. Keeping the pop-up headlights means I have even less space on an already small car.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3184.jpg)
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Gorgeous car, great work on the fabrication! This thing is going to be amazing when its complete.
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Gorgeous car, great work on the fabrication! This thing is going to be amazing when its complete.
Thank you sir! I am glad I am finally back in the same state as my car so I can get this thing finished! It's been sitting about 2.5 years now.
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Billet flex plate and adapter plate mounted:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3186.jpg)
Transmission attached, and oil thermostat mounted also:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3187.jpg)
New undercoating:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3189.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3191.jpg)
Engine/trans back in the car:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3193.jpg)
Also, made my lines to the oil cooler today. I will have a cooling panel that will cover the lines on top of the radiator. The zip ties are of course only temporary.;)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3201.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3202.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3206.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3198.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3200.jpg)
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This is such a beautiful car, and craftsman ship. Keep up the good work and updates!
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Nice build! Do you use a certain kind of wire to weld chromoly and car body?
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Thanks guys. I appreciate all of the compliments.
Spacevomit: I use ER70S-2 rod for the chromoly and general welding.
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are you going to change the rear over to the cobra 8.8 ?
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I'm pretty sure he is. He mentioned it before, when he was starting the build.
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We'll see on the 8.8 rear. With the auto transmission and being able to preload the drivetrain, the rear may last for a little while. I just want to get the car running and driving before deciding the direction I want to go with the rear end. With this big of a build all at once, I want to work out any kinks before moving to the rear.
How is your RX7 coming along Steve?
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+1, I have a ford 8.8 for mine but I'm not going to address that until it runs/drives.
the 7... is being slowed down by buying other toys. I chose to buy a truck instead of an engine cradle. And then off course, I had to buy a 2nd one for spare parts lol. I should be ordering one soon though cause people have finally started buying some of my turbo setup from the Scion. I promised myself I wasn't going to buy anything else for the car until I got rid of some of the old parts. We need to make room in our garage badly. We've got 2 Jeep straight 6s, 2 SBCs, 2 Ford Big Blocks, a Boston whaler, 2 jeeps, a tractor, a tiller, a canoe, a kayak, 7 mountain bikes, like 6 solid axles (and 3 outside), 7 transmissions, 6 car seats, tools, etc in our garage..... kinda ridiculous
I'd also need a driveshaft and a like $400 in random unforseen things of course.
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Yay boxes:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3218.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3219.jpg)
The new shop tool:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3220.jpg)
And what good is a Dynasty without a water cooler:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3221.jpg)
Specs:
New Dynasty 200DX
Coolmate water cooler
Weldcraft 250A water cooled torch
etc.
I needed a new welder, so I decided to get something nice. I'm looking forward to using it on this project soon.
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Damn son, not playing around. :)
Glad to see this coming along, I really, really like this build.
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Haha, you know it. I'm glad you like the build. I'm really itching to get it running soon.
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I want one of thoooooooooooooose.
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Thought I had given your build a (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif) before, so (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)(http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Have 2 comments I would like to make based on my experience with this combo. The rear may last (for a while) footbraking, but you are going to need a high stall to get enough boost for the launch. With that, the 4.10s in the stock diff is not going to work well or at all. With the high stall and low overall 1st gear ratio, 1st gear will be somewhat useless and on the big-end, you will run out of RPMs before you can realize the potential of the engine. I estimate 8,800 to trap 150 with 26" tires. With a built engine and that turbo, 150 is easy.
The other comment has to do with the WG or more specifically, the piping to WG. I am having a big problem with my header/WG setup and wondered if you have a pic of the header showing the piping that goes to the WG to see if that might also be an issue with yours.
Good luck with the project.
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Thought I had given your build a (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif) before, so (http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)(http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Have 2 comments I would like to make based on my experience with this combo. The rear may last (for a while) footbraking, but you are going to need a high stall to get enough boost for the launch. With that, the 4.10s in the stock diff is not going to work well or at all. With the high stall and low overall 1st gear ratio, 1st gear will be somewhat useless and on the big-end, you will run out of RPMs before you can realize the potential of the engine. I estimate 8,800 to trap 150 with 26" tires. With a built engine and that turbo, 150 is easy.
The other comment has to do with the WG or more specifically, the piping to WG. I am having a big problem with my header/WG setup and wondered if you have a pic of the header showing the piping that goes to the WG to see if that might also be an issue with yours.
Good luck with the project.
Thanks.
Believe me, I know the stock rear end/ratio is not matched well to this setup at all. My intention at the moment is to get it running and driving, and then swap it out with an 8.8 and evaluate my gear options. I appreciate the comments though! I have pulled so much apart, and the car has been down over 2 years now, so I really want to get it driving and work out the kinks before moving on to the rear end situation. Also, fwiw, I plan on using a small shot of nitrous to spool the turbo on the brake.
As for my wastegate, I am using a tial 44mm with a nice, shallow approach angle to the exhaust flow to hopefully keep control of the boost pressure. You can kind of see the angle I am working with in this pic:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_0683.jpg)
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I really appreciate all the effort and loving detail on this project.
Clearly, a lot of thought has gone into the design so I have to ask, what is the logic behind the oil cooler placement?
It would seem logical/optimal (/channel Spock) to put it on the driver side and shorten the hoses (and obviate the need for hiding & securing them across the width of the chassis).
I assume I'm missing something obvious.
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amazing build.
There is a guy semi-local (ND) with a similar setup in a fox-body goes 9.0s all day at 155ish.
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I really appreciate all the effort and loving detail on this project.
Clearly, a lot of thought has gone into the design so I have to ask, what is the logic behind the oil cooler placement?
It would seem logical/optimal (/channel Spock) to put it on the driver side and shorten the hoses (and obviate the need for hiding & securing them across the width of the chassis).
I assume I'm missing something obvious.
Long story short, I already put the fuse/relay boxes on the driver's side and did not have room for an oil cooler there as well.
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This is some fantastic :bacon: to be sure. Both manifolds looks great.
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Thanks guys. Not much progress lately, but there will be more to post soon!
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Put the front sus back together with the delrin bushings. She is now sitting on the ground, suspended, for the first time with the engine/trans in the car:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3255.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3252.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3254.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3249.jpg)
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Progress!
Getting the wiring sorted, and the interior is slowly going back together:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3336.jpg)
Gauge lights still work, yay!
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3338.jpg)
Putting the engine bay back together, ran fuel lines to the rail, mounted the master cylinder, etc.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3342.jpg)
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very nice build, great attention to detail
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Loving that intercooler.
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Thanks guys.
I'm happy about the way the intercooler turned out, but there are a couple of improvements I will likely make on my next project. I didn't have a ton of design space on this build.
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Woohoo!
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I guess it's aboot time for an update:
I sent off the manifold, turbine housing, downpipe, and dump tubes to be ceramic coated by a friend.
In the mean time, I welded/blended in some -10 AN fittings for my future catch can and powder coated the valve covers wrinkle black. Also, I made my throttle linkage bracket, and throttle cable adapter for my Wilson 90mm TB since the existing points didn't work for my setup with my Lokar throttle cable:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3352.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_3358.jpg)
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level 12 awesomeness
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I guess it's aboot time for an update:
Canada Eh?
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siiick build
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where are you going to mount your trans cooler ?
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where are you going to mount your trans cooler ?
Likely in the rear near the fuel surge tank. I have already mocked it up in a few different locations back there and should have room.
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awesome build! love all the self-built stuff.
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I appreciate all of the compliments! It's nice knowing I have built almost everything myself.
Update: Got my parts back from the finisher. Here is a sneak peak of the turbine housing:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_4049.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_4048.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_4050.jpg)
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Ooooooh, shiny.
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOFAnpb8I3E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOFAnpb8I3E#)
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straight fugly
Devin, learn how to build a car already.
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straight fugly
Devin, learn how to build a car already.
I don't think I can ever live up to your standards Steve.
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4 month update:
Installed the magnafuel FPR, polished & installed the fuel rail, and installed the ID1000's.
I also put in some heat reflective foil, installed my brake proportioning valve, and ran the line from the valve to the factory rear brake line.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_4079_zps691806da.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_4084_zps88be1924.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/IMG_4080_zps060611c5.jpg)
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Looking good.
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Awesome build. BTW, some time ago I had my FPR on the firewall of one of my cars and the local track told me I had to relocate it. If you plan to run the car, might want to check with the track before you get further into the build.
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I dig the finish on the manifold and cover
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Looking good.
Thank you sir.
Awesome build. BTW, some time ago I had my FPR on the firewall of one of my cars and the local track told me I had to relocate it. If you plan to run the car, might want to check with the track before you get further into the build.
The track I usually run at is pretty slack to be honest, but that is a good point. I will double check on the exact rule. I know there is a gap by running non shielded braided fuel line in the engine bay passing by the flywheel as well that I may need to address. I appreciate the heads up.
I dig the finish on the manifold and cover
Thanks. I had other plans initially, but decided to go with wrinkle black in the end. I think it came out better than I had imagined.
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Super clean as usual.
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I still would have gone 4l80e any day over TH-400
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Where did you get the gold heat reflector? I need!
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I still would have gone 4l80e any day over TH-400
For a mostly track driven car? I would agree if I wanted OD, or intended to mostly street drive the car, but I got a TH400 for the lower cost, smaller size, and lighter weight, tons of spare parts available, and no wiring necessary (save for the brake). I would have gone PG, but I wanted to occasionally drive it on the street to local shows.
Where did you get the gold heat reflector? I need!
Pegasus racing carries it.
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Holy crapola, three thumbs up!
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Got the header mounted with some ARP M10x1.25 stainless hardware, mocked up the turbo oil lines, installed the wastegate & dump tube, and put my throttle body back on:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/C5E2339C-0145-4B10-ADCB-EE745F287F68-13357-0000169B54BCE8C6.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/353DE00F-17D3-488B-B8F9-B8E9B165780E-13357-0000169BA57F4F2A.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/5FD22A78-C027-4591-95CB-D0514D7FB666-13357-0000169B652ED706.jpg)
I also finished up my fuel lines and had a chance to pressurize the system and check for leaks (had to use my phone to record video since I couldn't see the gauge and provide power to the pump at the same time. This is the sound of the Magnafuel MP 4301, lol:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/th_062D5CE1-7C82-491A-A535-2736ECDCB969-13357-0000169BE1314120.jpg) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/062D5CE1-7C82-491A-A535-2736ECDCB969-13357-0000169BE1314120.mp4)
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ID1000's, why such small injectors? What fuel are you going to run?
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Intercooler looks awesome as does everything else.
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ID1000's, why such small injectors? What fuel are you going to run?
To make a long story short, I had ID2000's but they were stolen. At the time I could not afford to buy them again, so I just went with the 1000's to have something. I am still on the stock bottom end currently, so if I end up keeping this engine setup and building the bottom end, I will likely step back up to the 2000's. For fuel I was planning on E85 (my own blend with E98 and 93 octane).
Intercooler looks awesome as does everything else.
Thank you sir. I would change a few things if I were to build it again from scratch, but I am pretty happy with the outcome.
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:o
How did I miss this build??
A+++ Would read again.
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A few updates:
I powder coated my modified water outlet in wrinkle black, along with the charge pipes. Welded on my Tial Q BOV flange and installed that as well. I also finished my upper and lower radiator lines and installed my turbo oil lines (wrapped in DEI heat sleeve). Then I made some upper radiator mounts and welded those onto the radiator.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/376BAFEB-D068-4C7D-9ECF-937FA50BEF6E-14511-000013E52028ED1B.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/B8AA1ED6-226C-4CB6-8F57-444F65927BD2-14511-000013E51AC5ECC4.jpg)
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Looks great. I'm a big fan of wrinkle black.
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This is pimp I tell you.
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I agree with the two above. There's something classy about wrinkle black. Oh and that intake manifold looks great.
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Thanks guys. I agree about the wrinkle finish. It really makes the parts look OEM in my opinion. I initially had planned to polish more parts, but I really liked the contrast between the white bay and the black engine pieces.
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nice work as always!
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Vacuum block installed and push-to-connect hose ran to intake manifold, FPR, and BOV.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/C0ECC083-3FFE-46D2-AC5A-006F24E8E075-17325-000019B312276B5E.jpg)
Belt tensioner cleaned up & painted, and installed a 6-rib pulley & shorter belt to account for my lack of A/C & PS.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/2747E59F-06B1-4BB5-BDA1-C31D6F7F3439-17325-000019B3028F558B.jpg)
I also built a catch can and put my down pipe in place. I need to finesse the angle of the turbo slightly so the charge pipes and exhaust line up to where they should be. Getting closer to the first start up!
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/7C9187DB-65CB-4593-AEFC-8A366B1DD717-17325-000019B31B0E1B11.jpg)
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Ran a couple of lines, and my air filter I ordered showed up. I also adjusted the turbo orientation and clocked the compressor slightly so everything lined up like I wanted it to:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/072602E0-4E3B-43A0-B46A-DA176D91C474-18551-00001B78B48260E4.jpg)
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Had a chance to work on my trans cooler mount. Sorry for the iphone pics:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/4D791F92-09F5-4576-9F0E-1D7578626F53-2722-000009990B4D7384.jpg)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/98310EBD-700E-4AC4-8679-5AAE1547E8BA-2722-00000999198BA23B.jpg)
Still working on my catch can location & line routing:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/9DEA5293-B867-46CF-BBD6-15F6E6D628EE-6220-00000715457CAE57_zps39a16aa7.jpg)
I have now topped off the oil, trans fluid, and added coolant. I just need to do a functionality check with the ECU, finish the trans cooler lines, and tie up a couple of loose ends before the first start up.
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Nice! Engine bay looks awesome!
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interesting trans cooler location, I may have to replicate that. Have any more pictures of that? How is the airflow going to be with it there?
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FWIW, I had a transmission cooler in the same spot on my car. Worked fine for my 2004r.
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interesting trans cooler location, I may have to replicate that. Have any more pictures of that? How is the airflow going to be with it there?
I don't currently have any other pics, but basically I made an aluminum plate that has three holes in it. 2 of the holes line up with the OEM muffler shield attachment points, and the 3rd hole uses a 2" long spacer between it and a tapped hole in the "frame rail." The cooler has about 1" of clearance to the plate, so it has room for air to flow over the core.
FWIW, I had a transmission cooler in the same spot on my car. Worked fine for my 2004r.
That's good to hear. I didn't really have another good location for it, and I figured it would get good airflow back there. The fan should help out as well. I plan on probably dumping my exhaust out the side of the car as well, so there should be no heat below the cooler.
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A+ on all the fabrication skills... I've been tig welding for a few weeks now but not anywhere near your level. Awesome build!
Are you concerned at all with the motor flexing and causing trouble with your intercooler piping being solid like that with no couplers? Or are you running solid mounts everywhere?
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A+ on all the fabrication skills... I've been tig welding for a few weeks now but not anywhere near your level. Awesome build!
Are you concerned at all with the motor flexing and causing trouble with your intercooler piping being solid like that with no couplers? Or are you running solid mounts everywhere?
Thanks man. I appreciate the kind words. My welding is ok, but not anything to brag about IMO. I need to get back to practice. My engine is solid mounted and the trans has a poly mount, so it should not move much at all. I actually did come back and add some silicone couplers in each pipe for good measure though. You can see one of them in post #79.
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Awesome build! Do you happen to have any underside pics of your trans mount?
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Thanks! Unfortunately, no, I don't have any pics of the trans mount installed and the car is stored about 45 minutes from where I live currently.
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Holy thread revival Batman...I finally got my ass in gear and got back to work on this 6 year long project! I spent some time double checking my wiring, and made an exhaust downturn, before adding some fresh 93 octane to the tank. The result (after realizing I was missing a ground and chasing a weak spark) was the first start. This is still running stupid rich, with a base tune that I definitely need to tweak, but it's alive! I had to feed it throttle to keep it running, and I need to top off my oil and trans fluid since it filled the lines/cooler, so it's only a quick vid. I'll be tuning the idle over the next week or so, and then working on getting a driveshaft measured and getting a rear diff brace.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/th_IMG_2208_zpsbsxrdr2g.mp4) (http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/IMG_2208_zpsbsxrdr2g.mp4)
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Samberg rear diff brace has been installed (mostly) and I just received my custom DSS aluminum driveshaft! Also, did some minor tuning and got the idle a little more smoothed out, and the cold start is getting closer.
https://youtu.be/TUSbgUp4Q6Q (https://youtu.be/TUSbgUp4Q6Q)
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What gear are you running?
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It's the stock rear end for now. 4.10 gear.
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wao awesome build sir
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Samberg rear diff brace has been installed (mostly) and I just received my custom DSS aluminum driveshaft! Also, did some minor tuning and got the idle a little more smoothed out, and the cold start is getting closer.
https://youtu.be/TUSbgUp4Q6Q (https://youtu.be/TUSbgUp4Q6Q)
Tuning appears to have paid off. Not bad idle quality. Keep up the solid work. Your fab skills are excellent.
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Front fenders reinstalled, coil cover put on, and steering rack all buttoned up:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/6DC4D20B-9F4C-4D40-B6FC-B02E0F0F0CC8_zpsp3mgs0dn.jpg)
Also, working on a switch panel for line lock, trans brake, trans cooler fan, and WBO2 gauge:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/54192E65-ABA1-4BBC-995C-3CE5A8075C85_zpskcdc6ivz.jpg)
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Finished up the wiring for the (from left to right) transbrake arming, line lock, and trans cooler fan, and added the momentary switch for the transbrake on my double din panel. It's starting to feel more like a complete car again. All I have left for wiring is the DD tach adapter now.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/19C2DCA3-12C4-4CA7-AD47-F204CE8A1635_zps03kdjgst.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/GSXRATED/media/1994%20Efini%20Project/19C2DCA3-12C4-4CA7-AD47-F204CE8A1635_zps03kdjgst.jpg.html)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x163/GSXRATED/1994%20Efini%20Project/1A0A3ED4-9AFD-4C03-A84D-0264264FB9D8_zps0jkzvcsz.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/GSXRATED/media/1994%20Efini%20Project/1A0A3ED4-9AFD-4C03-A84D-0264264FB9D8_zps0jkzvcsz.jpg.html)