Max's vert thread.

[Max777]

So, I just got my vert.

first order of buisness will be to get it back in shape. After that, it will be prepped for auto-x, and drifting. The local scene is not too bad around here! (clubfr.net)

At the moment, the bodywork is crap, the interior is crap, and the engine idles funny. I need to get this car prepped for SCCA's D-Stock autocross class as soon as humanly possible! Today was my first day tearing into it.

Here's the girl in all her dusty glory:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_2949.jpg

cleaned up interior, and took out the remmants of a craptacular stereo install.

Interior with driver's seat out:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_2950.jpg

I DID get some nice speakers out of the deal, But the rest of the system was junk. A 10 year old can do better. Here's the whole mess finally out of the car:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_2962.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_2953.jpg

Mad tyte JDM exhaust, yo! The previous owner said the stock stuff rusted out, and he put in a single from the catalytic back, with a single glass pack, which probably burned out by now! I also think there is an exhaust leak in the header area.

[WE3RX7]

Looks like fun - I've seen worse. I want a vert someday.

As for the missing wheel key - its probably cheaper to get the tool to remove them. We used them at the shop years ago. I know snap-on sells them, I'll see if I can find a link.

[Max777]

EDIT: /\ I found the key.

[Max777]

double post.

[WE3RX7]

Yea - you can refinish those wheels.

I redid my GSL-SE wheel - started w/ some 100 grit and worked my way down to 1000 and then hit them with some aluminum polish.

Those BBS' those will be tough on the fingers for sanding - you might have better luck just painting...

[Max777]

Yeah, but I need to at least make em nice and smooth for paint! I'm thinking a dark color with a polished lip right now, but that might change....

[85rx-7gsl-se]

I will post some pics up soon of my GSL-SE...I just painted th stockers black w/red center caps and polished lips :D

[Max777]

Ok, so today, I got new oil, purolator pure one filter, wrench, thermostat, radiator cap, lower rad hose (getting the other one tomorrow) plugs, finally ordered my S4 TII mirrors to replace those S10 shop of horror ones, and removed the AC. I still dont know what was causing the overheat problem, but I know that all the crud in the radiator shurely contributed to it. I pressure washed it out, and flushed most of the coolant out. I also removed my AC because the system was already depressurized due to a leak. The lines were not so bad to fish out, but the AC condenser was a B****! I spent a ton of time on it, to finally just hacksaw the little devil out of there. I also got some degreaser, but the stuff aint working so well for some reason. I'm gonna go return it, and get some stuff from Autozone. Oh yeah, I also got some undercoating in a spray can.

Pictures of engine bay, AC, and other stuff tomorrow... my friend left with the camera. :D

[djmtsu]

You might need to double check the S4 TII mirror fit.

For some reason, I want to say that they might not fit. I was under the impression that the mirrors on verts were a little different.

[Max777]

I dont care, I'll make em fit....


EDIT: They fit.

[Max777]

So, here are some more pics. I finally got my mirrors in, and they fit just fine! Also, the old ones are from when my car first overheated, and I found out why! :D

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_3066.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_2973.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_2972.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_2971.jpg


Here it is again, this is as it sits at the moment, awaiting another engine.

right now, I'm redoing the front end since it shifted and is all crooked as hell. I got a new fender and headlight assembly to put in there, and I also removed the airbag impact sensors and wiring, since this is going to be a drift car, and the airbag wheel is going out in favor of a Nardi Deep Dish! :D

Also got rid of my fogs since they didnt work anyways.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_3061.jpg

[djmtsu]

OK, first you said you were going to Autocross it, now you want to drift?

Oh no.

[Max777]

lol... both, actually. But it's only auto-x untill I get a proper roll bar for it.

[MaczPayne]

Quoting yourself in your sig is very egotistical. :)

[Max777]

Umm, lighten up a little, dude!


I edited the thread a little to clean it up.

[Max777]

I decided to rip out the carpet for a good power wash since it was WAY nasty, and then dye it black, along with the dashboard. Then I got the bright Idea to pull out my whole air bag system, including all the wiring and sensors.

It took me 3.5 hrs to remove the dash the other day, but it wasnt "hard". I also decided to remove the headrest speakers, center console control thing for them, the rear antenna (it was broke and stuck in the up position) and all the associated wiring that goes to them. Contrary to what I throught before, wiring is easy as long as you somewhat know what you are doing.

I'm FINALLY going to get my engine tomorrow btw! I secured a 90,000 mile short block with a new clutch for sale for only $200!

It took me a long time to figure out how to get it home, since it was in cincinatti, but the guy is coming to Putnam Park raceway tomorrow and bringing it with him (it's only a 2hr drive from my place)

I also finally found an engine hoist that I can use to make this happen 1000x faster and easier. turns up one of my friends has one sitting in their garage, unused for the last 8 years.

Pics of car and engine tomorrow.

[Max777]

Pics:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0034.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0032.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0033.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0037.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/276740037_936771842_0.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/276740037_936771844_0.jpg

My camera died, so I dont have pics of the block yet.

[Max777]

Well, here's another update:

Engine is out of the car, the bay is fully stripped, and is almost ready for paint, just gotta clean it first. Taking out the wiring harness was a bitch, but I figured it out! I'm sandblasting my intake manifold, water pump housing, and alternator skeleton at a friend's shop ("nopis1o" on here) so I'm really happy about that. I managed to save my brake booster btw, it was disgusting, but I cleaned it up, and resprayed it black, now it looks dope! PS: I managed to get 6lbs of sound deadening out of the car with only a hamer and a screwdriver.... hardcore! :D

Here's some pics of the engine swap (stock for stock) for you guys:

The house where it all happens:
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0083.jpg

Figuring out how to unbolt the transmission:
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0058.jpg

Almost there:
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0064.jpg

Me:
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0067.jpg

My friend Joe Page of www.utahnissans.com
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0069.jpg

Me and Joe, finally done after like 6 hours of tying to figure out, we got it!
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/meandjoeengineswap.jpg


Well, that's all, folks!

[MaczPayne]

Must be nice working on concrete... :)

[VR8]

Congrats on all the hard work! Where do you find the time? I have TWO '88 verts I'm working on presently so I feel your pain. Good luck.

[Max777]

Well, I'm a high school student going into my senior year, and right now it's the summer, so I got a lot of free time, :D

The only problem is money, because my job search isn't going so well, lol. (but I'm trying)

PS: The reason that the whole front end is off is because the PO put the car through a fence (only cosmetic damage), and I wanted to respray the engine bay properly.

[Max777]

Ok, some more stuff!

I finished stripping the engine bat as well as the interior, then degreased the bay followed by a power wash, and stripping the old rust away with a wire wheel. Looks pretty good now!

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0085.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0087.jpg


http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/manualtopmod.jpg


http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0091.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0092.jpg

Found some wierd rust in the front most corners of the cabin floor, and the usual rust along the door beam... I cleaned out as much of the "Scale" and loose rust as I could on this side, and now I have a hole in the floor... gotta get this fixed after the car is running.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_0097.jpg

[Max777]

UPDATE!!!! 07-23-2008

Ok, so I have stripped the paint in the bay completely, sanded, and got all the frame rail/ subframe rust off. Then I hit it with 500 degree duplicolor white, and reinstalled the headlights, front fenders, crash bar, and some misc engine bay components. I put on a replacement fender, and replacment headlight assy. (Mine were bent from a previous owner's fender bender.)

I also cleaned up random stuff like brakets, and etc and recoated it with black paint to make the car look nicer. Next up is the wiring harness, and engine install.

Here's some current pics of my ride:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3291.jpg

Remember all that bare metal from a couple pics above? Well, it is NO MORE! :D

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3293.jpg

Here's some new body parts:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3297.jpg


And, just as some random stuff, here's a limited edition Craftsman wratchet my friend Joe let me borrow, it is titanium... oh so sexy:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3301.jpg

and here's my sister's Civic which I detailed for her a few days ago:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3289.jpg

[Whizbang]

that car is in pretty nice shape.

The parts vert i have has the same rust holes, in the same spots, only about 3000% larger than yours.

[Max777]

/\ lol, really? I would love some pics of that! :D

[VR8]

Lookin good Max! I'm going to take a look at one of mine today at the body shop. And I'm feeling a bit lazy compared to your efforts of doing it all yourself. I salute you.

[TehMonkay]

I have a similar hole in my car that i need fixed,only on the right side though.

[Max777]

I have them on both sides! I think that this car got left with the top down a few to many times, and the water never fully dried out, leading to condensing in that spot, and rusting it out.

It wasnt really a "hole" by iteself at first, just a ton of rusty metal. I started to "clean" up the rust and eventually got it down to that with just a screwdriver and a stainless steel brush.

I am not shure on what to do, but I think some cutting and welding in a new piece would be the best way.

I also got a good deal on a Racing Beat Header recently, pics as soon as I get it shipped! :D

[Max777]

ok, some more pics:

I finished the chassis harness re-wrap, and put it in the car.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3317.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3319.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3325.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3322.jpg



Got my SS clutch line:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3329.jpg

[TehMonkay]

i'd reccommend no putting the clutch line on until you have it on the slave or you will bind the hose and damage it.

learned that the hard way

[Max777]

Lol, dont worry, I just put that on there for the picture, it's coming off again until the engine is in. :D

[djmtsu]

Try to find some S5 mirrors!!!!

[Max777]

But I like my S4 turbo mirrors! The S5 ones dont flow with the rest of the car! If I wanted S5 i would have gotten S5, dont you think? :D

[WE3RX7]

Lol - I will admit that S4 mirrors on S5 looks a little funny, but to each their own.

Good progress thus far. Are you painting the entire car white? Just curious. Also, get some dry ice and finish the tar off. In the summer time its hard to remove since its so hot, it just gets "sticky", but with dry ice you should be good to go!

[Phoenix7]

DAMN, you removed the harnesses??? I'm being a puss about mine!

[SHPmainMAN]

wanna sell the vert?

My dad finally seen the light and got away from the american cars... he is now a 56 year old rotorhead. He came up with the idea to make a bridgeport TII vert and a GT42. So i need a donor car to drop my TII drivetrain in.


i dont expect you to sell it... but i like to give people a hard time.

Congrats by the way, hopefully ill be building ours by winter time, and when i run into something... you know who im talking to.

[djmtsu]

If you want to build a bridgeport TII vert with a GT42, Kevin Landers might be a better person to talk to.

LOL.

[Max777]

Sell it? Maybe if the price was right, but other than that, I dont know. I could sell it but it's not like you can expect to get anything for what I have so far... at least not enough to get another FC in good condition..


DAMN, you removed the harnesses??? I'm being a puss about mine!

Umm, yeah? WTF else was I supposed to do bro, paint over it? hahaha XD :D

[Max777]

Ok, so my birthday rolled around, and I ordered a bunch of parts with all the money I saved up:
RB header
poly engine mounts
transmission mounts
new shifter assy
shift knob to fit S4 shifter
water pump
corksport oil lines
S5 brake master cylinder from Phoenix7
front left brake caliper
S5 thermostat neck
clutch slave cylinder
throwout bearing
SS clutch line that I already posted


Will post pics soon!

I've also got HAWK pads and some new rotors coming in, as well as some new SS lines. I've got to also finally get a debit card so I can order that flippin transmission seal kit from RB and drop the new engine in.

[Max777]

Pics:

OMP line kit courtesy of the evil forum write up:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/ompkit.jpg

Banzai Racing Polyurethane motor + transmission mounts:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/DSCN3850.jpg

Bleh, RB collected header:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/DSCN3851.jpg

See that pool ball? Yeah, are you thinking what I'm thinking? :D

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/DSCN3848.jpg

[djmtsu]

Its getting there I see!

Are you going to repaint the whole car? If so what color?

I prefer white (obviously). When I repaint my FC, it is going to be Crystal White Pearl (same as my Mazda3). Looks just like the Crystal White on the FC, but really pops in the sun!!

[Max777]

Well, I would love to do an origin styling kit, and paint it white, but I've also been debating on going with dodge "go-green" (which would stand out like a mofo in my town) and a pastel blue color, like this:

http://www.superstreetonline.com/featuredvehicles/130_0704_mazda_fd3s_rx7/photo_02.html

EDIT: Like this, minus the wheels, roof, and no crazy wing for me. :D

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z291/ajgillett/hondatech%20and%20riskydevil%20meet/IMG_8800r.jpg

[djmtsu]

The fenders up front and the hood are a little much for me (aside from the wing you mentioned....not to mention the 80's American Racing Hammers in dubs yo!).

I kinda prefer a little subtlety. That is just me though. Think Landers' FC with either a stock aluminum hood, or a vented hood. That's me.

[Max777]

I dunno, I think that with some 17x9 RPF-1's in chrome, and that kit, minus: wheels, wing, & fender vents, and painted white the car should look clean!

I would keep the hood bcause I like V mount setups, and it would be a functional piece.

I also forgot to mention that all the body gaps, and lines would be straight and even, unlike a lot of FC's out there.

[Max777]

UPDATE! :D

Ok, so I got the car fully assembled, rust holes in the floor and rear wheel well cut & painted, everything is hooked up, I just need to figure out where these 3 ramdom clips go, fill oil, coolant, gas, and pray pray pray that it starts up!

Right now I need to figure out where these 3 wires go to, then hook up the battery and check that the wiring harness doesnt catch fire.

After that, if the car runs, all I will need to do is order brakes, paint my calipers, get an exhaust welded up, and weld in the holes I cut out in the floor during rust repair.

Man, this thing has been a lot of work, and a lot of money, but I'm happy it's almost drivable.


Here's some pics:

When I first got the engine in:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3861.jpg

Tired messing around with the exhaust, but I think I'm just going to have the shop weld one for me, the one my friend and I tried making wasn't that great.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3862.jpg

Just took these tonight with a camera stand:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3946.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3933.jpg

The interior currently (not done with it yet):

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3934.jpg

Custom REAL billiard shift knob: ( I got the idea from the 8 ball shifter, but thought that was too common, so I would drill and tap the 7 ball instead:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3935.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3943.jpg

I had what I thought was a "bit" of rust in the primered area, and it turned out to be a TON! I cut it all out of course, follwed by a wire wheel and a grinder:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3938.jpg

[Phoenix7]

damn, good job man....keep it up. Sorry I can't help with the wires...That thing is almost done, you're gonna need that cylinder soon!

[Max777]

Thanks Phoenix, I'm lucky to have understanding parents and a spot in the garage to work on my car and store my tools, it's gonna suck having to move out after I'm done with college, but oh well! :D

[Phoenix7]

haha, yeah, at least the car won't give you problems. Don't' forget to save.

[Max777]

Update:

Ok, so today, I replaced the fuel hoses in the back of the car, and noticed that my tank looks really clean! That is great because it means I dont have to take it out and do the whole muratic acid thing with it like I thought I might. I hooked up the last few random nuts and bolts, installed the battery, changed rear differential fluid, and filled oil. The car cranked over really well, even through the battery was a little low on voltage.

I filled the fuel tank, and coolant, put the fuse back in, and tried to start it... no go, but it felt like it was at catching a bit. I dunno why I thought it would help, but I decided to adjust the clutch pedal, and after that, with the clutch all the way to the floor, it STARTED! Holy shit, I was SO exited!!!

The car idled at about 2000 rpm, and seemed to hesitate a bit when I revved it up, but I DID forget to hook up one of the grounds on the engine harness, so maybe that's why?

BTW: Damn, with an open header, a rotary is LOUD!!! I couldn't let the car warm up all the way, because it was like, 9:30 in a residential area, and my mom wanted me to stop making all that racket! :D

Anyway, I'm gonna hook up a muffer to the header tomorrow, bolt up that gound, and adjust some stuff to make it run better, as well as check the compression just for good measure.

At this point, all I need are brakes, and exhaust, and to weld up the holes in the floor that were left from rust removal...

After that, it's FUN TIME! :D

[djmtsu]

Don't forget you said you would come to DGRR 2009! April is going to creep up fast! :D

[Max777]

Well, hopefully I will!

I am hoping that my engine stays together right now and doesnt blow up or overheat. I have a few bugs to sort out right now, and some more parts to buy, but it's coming together nicely! :D

My temp exhaust, lol:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3950.jpg

[Max777]

ok, so I just got:

steering wheel hub
replacement throttlebody
front rotors
rear rotors
Hawk HPS pads all around
MMR shifter bushing (the hard to find one)
Pass. side front caliper
Broadway 270mm wide view mirror
Stereo install kit and hookup.

Will mess with my car on saturday after work to see if the new TB will help it run better.

Peace.

Some pics:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/redcaliperpic.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4002.jpg

[Max777]

Wow, havent updated this in a while!

Ok, so far the brake system is all done, I ordered the OMP delete kit from Banzai, and an EDIT: RTEK 1.0 chip. (I am getting the stage 2 instead) I also just bought an HKS Silent Hi-Power exhaust, and am looking for an RB presilencer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260340774253&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=



I decided on the OMP delete to simplify the car a bit, and because I am going to be premixing regardless. I also ripped the intake back apart. I got some All-Data pages from school, and am going to redo some stuff a bit when the weather gets warmer.

Man, this is like, the most irratating part of the build... the car is almost done, yet there's so much shit left to do.

EDIT: I recently scored a set of S5 front turn signals btw, took me long enough, lol!

[Max777]

Here's a pic of the HKS exhaust, OMP blockoff kit, and my current daily driver! :driving:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4060-1.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4061.jpg



also got some wheels for drift days:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4071.jpg

Those are 16x8 Meshies I got off a friend for $75 a pair.

Cool shot of the car:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN3951.jpg

[Max777]

Update: Ok, I now scored an RTEK 2.0 N/A ECU. It should be here within the week!

I also found a great deal on this kit:

Koyo-R radiator
Samco hoses
Electric fan w/ relay and etc.
Aluminum Radiator panel

I can get all this for $350 shipped, and I already put down $50 as a deposit! Right now, I'm just happy as hell that I've been finding these killer deals on parts and what not. Shows that you really CAN if you poke around enough! :D

[need RX7]

Update: Ok, I now scored an RTEK 2.0 N/A ECU. It should be here within the week!


:icon_tup: Sweet. I've been considering getting one for my car once it's roadworthy again, be sure to let us know how you like it.

[Whizbang]

so how is a high horse vert? My stock one at 6700 feet is a bit lack luster.

[Max777]

Well, I havent driven it.... I did a shit job re-wrapping my wiring harness, so while I'm waiting on some money for a pda and hotlink cable, I'm gonna redo it. So far I removed all the emissions and other connectors I no longer need. I havent had much time to work on it lately....

anyway, once I get the car all done, I'm going to Ludwig Motorsports to get the car tuned.

[Whizbang]

ah well i stay tuned on the issue.

First thing i need to do is ditch my 3.9 final drive. Damn s4s.

[Max777]

So, here are some pics!

The RTEK:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4138.jpg

and a shirt from my friend's clothing company, AKC: http://www.aklothingco.com/wp/

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4144.jpg

[Max777]

Ok, today the koyo radiator, straight pipe, and elctric fan/shroud/relay setup came in:



http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4148.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4155.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4154.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4149.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4150.jpg

[Max777]

Ok, so I could not wait untill next weekend, and decided to throw on the exhaust today because we had such nice weather! (i could work outside in my t shirt in central illinois in the middle of feburary!)

Here are some pics:

FROM THIS:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/IMG_2953.jpg

TO THIS!

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image033.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image032.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image037.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image034.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image039.jpg



Hoever, I ran into a bit of a problem. The HKS was SUPER easy to fit on, all the hangers slipped right on, save one that was a bit tricky, but I got it. Then I tried to install my test pipe...

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image036.jpg



Something is wrong here!!! I pm'd Djmitsu, who donated the item, and he said that it has been measured and fit just fine on several different cars!

So, I took a look at my header, and noticed this funky weld, that looks WAY lower quality than anything that RB would do, and it also does not apear on the other headers I looked at!



http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image036-1.jpg


Anyway, so that's the story so far... I'm gonna bolt up the stock manifold tomorrow to see if i encounter the same problem.

PS: In case you've been wondering, here's the wiring I've been messing with:



http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image028.jpg

[Max777]

Here is a nice image I found online, and a look I'm going for. I love the stance, offset, and ride height of this vert, is awesome!

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/user87864_pic1079_1233608154.jpg

Amazingly it is really easy to fit an S4 koyo radiator into an S5 chassis, and it only requires that you purchase the s4 mounts and drill ONE hole! I was worried about having to fabricate new brackets, but it was really simple once I mocked everything up!
Also, on the koyo, at least, the radiator bleed hole is right about level with the thermostat neck, therefore, all my worries about trapped air bubbles are gone as well!

Yay for S4 Koyo w/o the ghey filler neck like the S5 model! :D

Pics will be up shortly!

[Max777]

So, I got my engine harness redone, with new grounds installed, sections of new wire soldered in, and all the unused emissions plugs trimmed carefully. This is the second time I've done the harness, and it turned out alright, but still a bit off on the lengths. Lesson learned from all this: dont fawk with it if it aint broke! :D

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4197.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4198.jpg

With some light modding, I managed to fit the Porsche 944 passenger seat(manual rails) to the driver's side FC3S seat rails. The seat is in decent shape, and is a LOT more comfortable than the stock pos. I also got a set of fresher stock seats out of an S4 just in case.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4191.jpg

EDIT: No pics of the Koyo because I had to send the Corksport oil lines back, since they kinked and didnt fit right at all. Trying to find some temp lines in the meantime just to get the girl running again, lol.

[djmtsu]

So, whatever happened with the exhaust issue? have you figured it out yet??

[Max777]

fixing it today actually, just gotta wait for my friend to get here with the welder! :D

I talked to the guy who sold it to me, and it WAS chopped and welded! I'm taking it of the car, cutting it, and putting in a piece of pipe, then rewelding it shut.

[djmtsu]

Whew! That is a weight off my back. I didn't want to accidentally derail your project!!

[Max777]

Ok, it's done!

I called my friend, and we went to an exhaust shop, got some free tubing, and grabbed his welder and a chop saw, then it took TWO tries to get the extension perfect! Zach tacked the piece in place, and then welded it using two jackstands as a support. Truck jackstands work really well for exhaust btw!

Here's pics:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4162.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4207.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4208.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4210.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4212.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4211.jpg

That's all, folks!

[Whizbang]

making good progress!

[Max777]

forgot to post these:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4214.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4215.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4222.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4221.jpg

[Max777]

A little something I've been working on. It's a bit ghetto, using sheet metal screws and all, but it was free, and I had fun making it. As far as quality goes, remember, this is just a prototype.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image066.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image068.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4267.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4268.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4269.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4270.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4271.jpg

Sneed's Speed Shop Custom Radiator Shroud.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4272.jpg

Thermostat, relay, 30A fuse, and a switch so I can turn it on manually just in case.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4273.jpg

Porsche 944 Passenger Seat (manual adjusting rails) bolted up to the FC seat rails. I needed to extend the holes a bit, but otherwise it bolted right up!

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4191-1.jpg

S4 Cloth seats I got from a friend:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/Image025.jpg

[djmtsu]

Max........


Technically, you have an FC3C....not an FC3S......

But anyway! Making progress, good stuff!


Don't forget, DGRR is a month away, and you said you would come! If I can rebuild a Miata in a month, you can finish this bitch!


DO IT!!

[Whizbang]

well double technically he has an FC35. Most others have an FC33.

[Max777]

i WILL DO IT!

Just got to get those effin oil cooler lines in, floor welded, and stereo installed. After that, if it doesnt blow up, I will put insurance back on it, and drive the bitch to DGRR!

hopefully, nopistons will go with me, but I dont know if we can finish two cars by april.


PS: FC3S sounds cooler!

[Nopis1O]

i WILL DO IT!

Just got to get those effin oil cooler lines in, floor welded, and stereo installed. After that, if it doesnt blow up, I will put insurance back on it, and drive the bitch to DGRR!

hopefully, nopistons will go with me, but I dont know if we can finish two cars by april.


PS: FC3S sounds cooler!


ha you worry about yours and let me worry about mine. as far as geting it done by april i might have it running and primed but not painted and interior done. even still i cant get off work i dont think so not this year but deff next year!!

OH and you get free seats, dash, suspension, ect and no where in this thread am i thanked by name. i see.:icon_bs:

[djmtsu]

The thanks you's and shout outs come when the project is finished!!

And Low Imp, you're right. Paul (Fero313) just picked up a 91 vert, and its VIN is FC35

[Max777]

yup! Bobby, I was going to do a "thank you" shout out when the car gets painted, and stage 1 of the project is finally done.

however, I do humbly thank Bobby, aka "Nopis1O" for being a friend, helping me with the car, and giving me some parts I really needed to finish the project!

[Max777]

Ok, so I just finished up my door panels. I bought some new foam, some suede cloth, and some thin yarn cloth (almost exact match to factory) to redo the speaker "vents".

My door panels were originally blue leather ones, and were pretty nasty. I took them apart, scrubbed all the vynil/plastic areas clean, and coated them with Duplicolor flat black vynil dye, which turned out amazing. I also put the little carpet areas through the washing machine, and dyed them black as well. This has been one of the most "fun" things I've done so far, and for what I spent I am VERY happy with the results!

Total budget for this:

$10 for 3M general trim adhesive
$5 (x2) for a can of Duplicolor vynil dye.
$12 for suede, foam, and speaker cloth

Having fresh door panels that look like they just came from Mazda: priceless! :D

I will post pics up in a little bit.

Pictures:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4303.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4307.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4308.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4310.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4309.jpg

On the car:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4311.jpg

[Max777]

Pics are up. /\

[Nopis1O]

looks good. might wana die the edges a little more but overall its a good turnout

[Max777]

Remembered about some rust while putting the driver's side door panel back on. In order to properly fix the rust spot, I had to pull off the door and front fender. Since this is a bitch to do, I neglected the repair untill now, and almost forgot about it. Taking the door off by myself was a PITA btw, you WILL hurt yourself, and probably break the door if you try, I just got really lucky cause I dropped it on grass. :D


This is a pic of it half finished, i took ALL the rust off before I coated the frame with paint, just forgot to take a picture of it, lol.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4316.jpg

Primered:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4320.jpg

Painted and clearcoated:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4323.jpg

[vex]

That black on blue would annoy the crap out of me. Good job getting rid of the rust though. What'd you use for primer?

[Max777]

I used Sherwin-Williams rust preventive primer, my friend who works at the comany (Nopis1O) told me that you can pretty much spray this over rust if you wanted to.

As far as the looks, I'm going to do the door jams in black, while the rest of the car will be white. also, this chassis is not that perfect shape either, and the FC is my "learners" car so i really dont mind if it's not "perfect".

[Whizbang]

rust is the devil

[need RX7]

rust is the devil

Yes it is :cuss::icon_tdown::(:mad::o10::18::squint::dupe::9 898::40::69:

[Max777]

Ok, so I just ordered the Oil Cooler lines from Mazdatrix, used 2day-air shipping, so they should hopefully get here friday.

I also got a Palm VII pda for $25 shipped, and a hotsync cable for it from here: garka.com for half of what it costs elsewhere.

Also bolted down the hood finally! Havent had the hood on the car since I took it off over a year ago, :D It took me a sec to get the hood to fit right, and line up the front end halfway decent, but I got it at least somewhat respectable.

At this point, I will bolt on the lines, hook up the PDA and setup the RTEK, after which, with a boatload of luck, this thing should fire again!

If everything is fine and dandy at this stage, I will get the car insured, registred, and take care of the floor, then put the carpet in, and it will be all set for the trip! This is gonna be good!


I tried my best to eliminate any vac leaks possible, as well as do everything else right (got new seconday injector connectors because stock were broke). anyway, we will see how this goes! :D

[Max777]

UPDATE:

So, I didn't make it. I got the car on the road now, but I've been plauged by mis-adjusted set screws on TWO sets of throttle bodies now. I purchased another one, and my car still ran like shit, so I suspect that my issue has something to do with all the adjustments....


In other news, I got some work done on the interior...

I finally found out that you can get dry ice at the blood bank, (which I didn't know before, and no one else sells it in Champaign) and went to work on the rest of the sound deadening crap in my car. I also cut out the annoying spare tire brace that was useless and taking up valuable space.

I still need to weld the floor, clean up some rust, spray bed liner, and install fresh carpet (power washed and dyed black) so shit aint finished yet, but it will be soon.)

I've also been thinking of foaming the rocker panels, but the foam shit is so expensive...

Oh yeah, and I also got some lowering springs...

Here's some pics:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4513.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4514.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4515.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4516.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4517.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4543.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4544.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4546.jpg

Here's the car lowered from it's 4x4 stance:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4547.jpg

[Max777]

Well, I've been thinking about stuff, and I might end up doing a turbo swap. If I go through with this, I will have a number of good items to sell off, some of which are:

2.0 S5 N/A RTEK with PDA and Sync Cable. $250
Racing Beat Street Header $120
S5 N/A Injectors $100 (Cleaned and flow tested by Witch Hunter, cost me $80)
S5 Rotor housings and irons
S5 N/A Transmission $50
S5 N/A Starter $30
S5 N/A MAP Sensor (2x) $15 each
S5 N/A AFM $20
S5 N/A Stock ECU $50

If you see this, and there is anything you need, please send me a Private Message or post a reply here.

[djmtsu]

Make a decision man. You need to make it to DGRR '10. A turbo swap is insanely easy, just get everything before starting. You can save some time and money by keeping the N/A trans for now. (been using mine for almost 5 years)

That way you won't need to sell/buy:
-starter
-transmission
-driveshaft

[Max777]

I thought of that, but the N/A trans wont hold up to drifting abuse... =(

[Max777]

i think I decided! I will use the N/A Drivetrain until I can source a rear end for a sufficient price, and then I will convert it to FULL TII with an FD Torsen LSD in the back.

[Max777]

Just as an update and a farewell to this car, the engine got torn out and sold, and all the S5 goodies got put in my TII, and she's currently sitting naked at my house, awaiting someone to pick her up and give her a new life...

Here are some pics of the carnage:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4980.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4981.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4984.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4986.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4985.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4989.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Cars/My%20FC3C/DSCN4990.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/DSCN5112.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/DSCN5121.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/DSCN5122.jpg