Need input/opinions. Which car to bring?

[djmtsu]

So, I have a dilemma. Which car to put together and bring to DGRR '15.

I will do my best to describe each, and where they stand.

Cosmo #1

This car has been in my possession for quite some time. Last year, it almost made it, but a delay in some parts arriving forced it to stay home.

Pros-
Engine rebuilt (0 miles)
Trans resealed
New clutch
New clutch hydraulics
New brakes including hydraulics
New struts/shocks
New tires
New bearings and seals at all corners

Cons-
Pretty ratty looking
Everything electronic is untested
Hasn't been on the road since 1999 (or earlier)
Exhaust needs to be sorted out as well.

Here's how she sits now.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Mg944dRZNsA/U5S-9tWF4JI/AAAAAAAAEiA/F7EOApUprXI/w962-h541-no/20140608_145136.jpg

Fenders, bumpers, trim, etc need to go back on, fuel tank needs to be cleaned. Need to rewire the ignition for the electronic dizzy, and S4 alternator as well. Need to install new fuel pump and hoses, and fill all vital fluids.

Cosmo #2

This car was recently acquired. It was originally a 13B, 5spd car that the original owner got tire of, and had a 12a with an auto trans installed a long, long time ago. I do have the clutch pedal assembly, so its an easy swap back. There is a hitch with this one, however. I do not currently have the title for it, but that should hopefully be taken car of quickly.

Pros-
Everything works on this car.
Was on the road 2 years ago.
Can easily swap the 13B and trans from silver car into it.

Cons-
No title (as of me typing this)
Untested brakes.

Here's how it sits. Haven't touched it really, since it might become a parts car ( :( ). But it really needs little. Some cosmetic buggers, but these aren't show cars (yet).

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-naYJ3swrYLA/VBsM21Tf4nI/AAAAAAAAE3A/QDmf0D92tLE/w1008-h567-no/20140918_114717.jpg

Now, all that being said. The title for the white car should be acquired within 2 weeks. The silver car deserves to go, since it has missed out for longer than I care to discuss.

Deep thoughts?

[t_g_farrell]

Hands down the white one. Its just a swap and go for the most part and it looks helluva lot
better than the grey one.

In fact why not just drive it with the 12A auto in it and just clean the hell out of it.

[djmtsu]

Hands down the white one. Its just a swap and go for the most part and it looks helluva lot
better than the grey one.

In fact why not just drive it with the 12A auto in it and just clean the hell out of it.

Because a 12a slushbox in a car the weighs as much as an FC would be tragic.

Now, if I get the white one going, should I run it with the 14's, or the black 15's.

[GySgtFrank]

Because a 12a slushbox in a car the weighs as much as an FC would be tragic.

Now, if I get the white one going, should I run it with the 14's, or the black 15's.

Refresh the originals. Might need to find the trim rings though. I wouldn't want to place any bets on the condition of the suspension/brake parts on the white one though.

[TitaniumTT]

White one.... and if it gets split up for parts so will your manly bits :squint:

[djmtsu]

White one.... and if it gets split up for parts so will your manly bits :squint:

All I can do is wait for the title, as long as there is no issues. I know it isn't stolen (a police officer friend ran the VIN for me), and there sure as hell won't be a lien on it.

[djmtsu]

Refresh the originals. Might need to find the trim rings though. I wouldn't want to place any bets on the condition of the suspension/brake parts on the white one though.

I can't afford that right now.

Although, the engine needs to come out of the Silver car anyway, since it will be getting an S4 engine soon.

[almoststockfc]

Silver, but needs to be done soon. That way you can test everything. I wouldnt want my 0 mile motor busting ass through the gap

[djmtsu]

I'll do a driveway break in.

[GySgtFrank]

I can't afford that right now.

Although, the engine needs to come out of the Silver car anyway, since it will be getting an S4 engine soon.

Huh? sandblasting the wheels and spraying them with etching primer and silver paint is not all that expensive. When done right even the rattle can paint lasts better than powder coating. 14" tires are pretty darned cheap as well. I wouldn't want to make that kind of a drive on old crappy tires. If they do blow out it will most likely be catastrophic and cost you a lot more in body repairs than new cheapy tires will. You can find trim rings for 14s used and in decent shape for pretty darned cheap too, they don't need to be brandy new Mazda specific ones.

[djmtsu]

Whoops. I thought you meant refresh the 12a.

I'm thinking 'why?'

[Johnny_K]

white car on 15s.

[Pete_89T2]

White one with the 12A as it is. Just slap a set of new tires on, do whatever needs to get done on the brakes & suspension to keep it safe and have fun with it. If you get that done early, tackle the cosmetic stuff (paint the wheels, trim rings, etc.).

[djmtsu]

I could try to see if the 12a will run, but there is no way in HELL that I am keeping the auto trans!

So, if I can source a trans, clutch, clutch hyros and lines by next week. Maybe. If there is a driveshaft issue, I'll just steal the one out of the silver car.

[estevan62274]

Silver one for sure! An auto is way to boring:001_07:

[t_g_farrell]

Despite all the work on the silver one, the white one is the better car unless theres rust
issues we can't see in the pics.

Get it running, make it reliable, clean it up, then swap trannys.

[djmtsu]

Fuck it. Silver one is getting put together tomorrow. You guys will have to wait until next year for the white one.

Still don't have the title for it in my hands, and I'm not going to risk not having it in time.

I haven't turned a wrench in anger for quite some time, so tomorrow should be fun!!

[rx7 vinnie]

Take the most expensive car on the lot....... BOOM problem solved.

[FC Zach]

^ Yes :icon_tup:

[djmtsu]

Progress today.

Fenders are on.
Grill and headlight bezels are on.
Fuel pump installed
Cleaned up some wiring under the hood.
Trunk lid is on.
Tail lights are on
Door cards are on.
Shifter installed.
Fuel tank soaking (again)

Only thing left is to top off some fluids and get Charles over here to help wire it up. Also need to take the tank to Charles to flush it.

[djmtsu]

More stuff:

Did some work today, with some much needed help from Charles.

-Cleaned up the engine harness. Now there is only about 5 or 6 wires left.
-Wired up the electronic dizzy and coils
-Wired up the S4 alternator
-front clip back on
-fuel pump and lines installed

We put power to it for the first time in at least 16 years. Amazingly, nearly everything works.

Here's a list of what still needs to be done.
-figure out why I have no brake lights
-figure out why the wipers/washer doesn't work
-bleed clutch
-fill rear end
-fill trans
-fill oil
-fill coolant
-clean tank (happening Sunday)
-fix oil leak at oil cooler thermostat
-figure out why driver side mirror doesn't work

Should be all buttoned up this weekend. Knock on wood.

[t_g_farrell]

Prove it with pics or it didn't happen!

So silver one it is. Can't wait to see it.

[djmtsu]

No pics yet. The dizzy and coil wiring is clean and pretty. The other few wires are waiting until I install the positive cable and oil pressure sender before I clean up that small bundle.

[ROTORX7Holly]

Can't wait to see it DJ.

[djmtsu]

I honestly don't know how I'm going to be able to make it there in the Cosmo. There isn't a lot of work to do, but I just have no time. Working all the time, getting home late, then having to deal with wife and kiddo, and house stuff. Its killing me. I am going to try to finish up all the small stuff tonight and tomorrow night. The tank is the elephant in the room, since nothing can happen until its done.

Oh, and I still haven't registered and tagged it....

[reddozen]

In the roof?
http://www.earthtouchnews.com/media/385734/elephant-car-scratch-4-2014-08-08_GalleryLarge.jpg

[djmtsu]

Ninja edit. Cracka.

[rx7 vinnie]

That's racist!!!

[reddozen]

He's just jealous of my elephant in the roof....

[djmtsu]

Imagine that on your MR2. Massive elephant schlong all in your face.