Finally an S14

[onehundredoctane]

well, I've had my eyes open for a good deal for a while now, and finally got one (I think). For some reason for the last few months I've been wanting an S14 worse than ever, I found a few Zenki's but just not too fond of those front ends, but I guess good things come to those who wait, I stumbled across this one the same day it was posted on Craigslist for sale, and bought it exactly a week later, clean title and all.
I picked it up middle of last week in Columbia, SC, towed it to my girls house, and there it sits now. You'll be able to tell that I've put some time in to cleaning the engine bay since I got it.
It's a 1997 with 187k on the odometer, but still have alot of get up and go suprisingly, even came with a K&N filter installed.
No, I haven't given up on my S13, it's a long term project and too far away to work on right now, and in too many pieces, but the girlfriend lends a hand on it the weekends I go back to work on it, so you guys should start seeing some real progress soon!
http://a981.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/42/l_0e8984d354dd382decab2d2e2c7b963c.jpg
http://a604.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/14/l_ff4237768ec7fd8556dc3ed1ce09ca2b.jpg
^damn at that oil and road grime!
http://a859.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/88/l_9d7ce349e003eab5aef576ad768fcaca.jpg
^more dirty shit
http://a240.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/91/l_e4c36e2f7d497d1374de3467fa212897.jpg
http://a595.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/36/l_31267e0151b3224bded9fa88406fc79a.jpg
^ oddly, the paint doesn't look as great in person as it does in this pic, first thing on the agenda is a paintjob then 5 speed swap, and eventually some lowering springs.
http://a900.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/101/l_2965702963790b9bde42e0553211f77b.jpg
^ now that is more to my liking! the cleaner the better
http://a949.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/23/l_8332716a924dd74a6f6e2e2d2c4ae544.jpg
http://a696.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/36/l_3cde863de956e0884bcc3587ea15c84f.jpg
http://a433.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/38/l_93b048354c6a6a64b8ce38fcd3f6c6f0.jpg
so far the only things I've found wrong are:
-at idle it's up and down between 300 and 1000 rpm, probbly a sensor or something since the check engine light is on, but since the car isn't insured, or registered it's not getting driven to Advance to have the code pulled, any suggestions are welcome.

-the passenger side fog light is missing (like I really care)

Other than those 2 small details, it runs, drives and even spins the tires over when you take off with the pedal floored. Let me know what youguys think or if you guys have any parts laying around collecting dust that you think I might be interested in, lmk!


MATT

[jrbump]

Hooray for Kouki Love!

[cc4usmc]

Congrats! I liked having an s13 because there are so many more parts here for sale for them, but i had to get an s14 because they look so much better to me. How much did you end up paying?

[onehundredoctane]

some of you might think it a bit much but $2,500

[5t341tH]

wow 2500 for a kouki...
my frend paid 2800 for a zenki

[P_856]

some of you might think it a bit much but $2,500


shit i wish i would of found one for 2500 around here thats a great deal.....good find

[MikeisNissan]

yeah i paid 4k for my kouki but it only had 70k at the time and it was 5 speed and ubber clean.

[eek]

2,500? 4k? man, try living here in cali. Your lucky if u can find a 1/2 clean kouki for 6k. Most sell for 7k+ anyhow.. besides that its an auto and has high milage its still a great deal. Good find.

[essforteen]

lucky guy nice find. now do a five speed swap hehe

[onehundredoctane]

yeah, luckily here in the Carolinas if you can find one, they are usually pretty cheap.

essfourteen, read up, I've already planned a 5 spd swap, sourced the parts locally for about $250 less the drive shaft.

[rowdogg03]

Nice find.. looks clean..

Just pull the code yourself..

[DreamN]

very nice. good find, especially for the price.

what did you use do clean your engine bay and how long did it take?

[jspaeth]

Good find....any body damage or accidents? Looks amazing, and love that color stock. Good price too!!

[acheron]

:bowdown:sweet kouki, ...i bought one few months ago, found it on craigslist too after it was posted for an hour, called up the owner and the car was mine 2 days later, funny thing is i had the fog missing too on the pass. side and it was auto. im in the process of swapping the trans and painting the bay now. good luck with the kouki..

[onehundredoctane]

^ damn fog lights!

um, for the engine bay I used a combination of letting purple power soat on the greasyist (<--is that a fucking word?) parts, then went back over it with engine degreaser from Adavance Auto, and the grease dripped right off, rinse with water, use a brush if needed.

the body does have a few small dents here and there, nothing bigger around than a quarter, and nothing that one weekend worth of work can't fix.

[an_orange_s2k]

snice car and thats a pretty good price

[onehundredoctane]

thanks for the compliments guys! if anyone has a passenger side fog light i'm interested!

[onehundredoctane]

started sanding the car down for paint the same week I bought it, while sanding I found some dents in the lower quarter panels, which has ended up slowing down the body work process, I did however go ahead and trim out the trunk jam, bumpers, and fenders.
Here you can see that I tore down the front end to trim out everything around the edges,
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Myrtle%20Beach%20Drift/S14/Picture011.jpg
some of the dents I have to work out now
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Myrtle%20Beach%20Drift/S14/Picture015.jpg

taped up for trimming it out
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Myrtle%20Beach%20Drift/S14/IMG_4810.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Myrtle%20Beach%20Drift/S14/IMG_4814.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Myrtle%20Beach%20Drift/S14/IMG_4821.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Myrtle%20Beach%20Drift/S14/IMG_4822.jpg
^Ok, enough about the body work, I've got alot done on other parts of the car as well.

I found a set of 2001 Q45 brakes at the junk yard, slapped them on, and bolted on my new wheels to see what it's gonna look like.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/IMG_4898.jpg
I'm not really digging the wheels now that I see them on the car, but that's all I have to work with for now. I ended up picking up a set of coilovers from my cousin who had wrecked his S14 not too long before I got mine, in death there is re-birth, the set up feels great. As always, you can't take pics with dirty hands while your working, so all I end up with are finished product pics. Running 225/45/18 up front, and 245/45/18 out back.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture005-4.jpg
I'm already looking for another set of wheels, maybe some Rota G-forces? I'm not baller enough for the SSR Type F's. I haven't mentioned this but the soul purpose for this car is for it to be a reliable daily driver until I finish my S13. That's why this thread isn't titled "my S14 build", rather I finally have an S14, so there ya go.

While replacing the front main seal to fix the oil leak I found that the water pump was leaking as well, so after a long day I replaced the water pump, thermostat, water pump, front main, and all the belts too. Now the car runs 100 times better and doesn't leak a single fluid.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture002-6.jpg

probably the last pic taken before I start the paint
http://www.axcessmypics.com/photos/photo02/4d/8b/56eb9fa6d987.jpg

I should be starting on the final paint over Thanksgiving break if I can finish working out the quarter panel dents. Next up, I'm putting together a 5 speed swap, but I'm not really in a hurry there.

[ManoNegra]

Did you paint that yourself?
What's the paint code?
Looking good so far.

[JVD]

wheels look extra weird because the tires are too big.

should have 40 series at least...maybe even 35 up front...

like the paint coloUr though!

[zenki_240sx]

nice job! keep us updated!

[SpuGen]

Aww shoulda kept the colour.
I love that colour on S14's.
You probably could've cut the time in half by just doing a full hardcore detailing job on it.

But I like.

[onehundredoctane]

Did you paint that yourself?
What's the paint code?
Looking good so far.

not sure on the paint code, sorry. The body supply place here in town had mixed it for a local body shop and then they never showed up to buy it, so I picked up all the paint stuff for under $300.

Aww shoulda kept the colour.
I love that colour on S14's.
You probably could've cut the time in half by just doing a full hardcore detailing job on it.

But I like.
I don't have the car here at my place, my shop is full and I refuse to park my cars outside. So until I get something moved out of my shop it staying at my dads and I work on it on the weekends. So biting off small pieces really makes the most sence.

[wgJoY]

wow. very nice man!
i picked up a kouki of my own about two months ago for $1900.. salvaged though. 67k on the motor.

clean car though, nice work with the engine bay.

[onehundredoctane]

started painting the car today, bad things happened :(

when I started painting the car the paint started having something that looked like solvent pop in the base, I double checked and I had mixed the paint properly, so I guess my problem was the product I used to clean the surface before I started paint, which is odd because I've used the same process before with no problem. Cleaned the surface with laquer thinner then surface prep final wash, and for the life of me I can't figure out what happened. I had already mixed all my paint so that is a waste now, I'll have to buy new, to sum up this whole weekend in one word, I'd have to use "fuckery".

[allntrlundrgrnd]

sucks to hear man, that color is sexy though.

lol @ tires being too big

[Bigsyke]

Holy! I thought I got my zenki auto for a steal at 5k.

[theronin]

our car prices may suck here in cali, but we still have the hottest women.

[Ceepo]

Wow 2500 i got my Zenki SE, Auto, for 4500 but it also came with coilovers, wheels lol, looks sexy bro.....

[brunswick240]

awesome man. i got my 98 se (auto) for 3000. came with 2 sets of wheels, exhaust, intake, and headers along with a very nice egr tube leak. lol. but looks good, i like that color. not too sure about the wheels though......

[origin_s135]

damn you got this car for dirt cheap. most kouki's i see in cali got that jdm tyte yo drift tax. haha

[yota man]

Damn man that sucks to hear. I'll be back from school on the 13th, hit me up we need to chill. Oh and F you for not calling me back to check out your new full race stuff. J/K man. But I got mine fixed finally.

[VROOOM]

great price!!! good luck with the build

[chelosx]

nice s14!!! how much was it!??

[VROOOM]

read, young one

[onehundredoctane]

nice s14!!! how much was it!??

I have a gift for you. . .
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f244/HunterIrked/ReadingForDummies.jpg



I'm already looking for another set of wheels, not fond of what i have, remember the car is going to be daily status for a while so I'm thinking about getting a set of Rota G-Force's just incase I mess them up on a curb or pot hole I won't have that much tied up in them. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what went wrong with the paint (didn't take pics, sorry) it's eatting at me, but I might as well get over it and just move on, buy more paint, wet sand the car all over again, and try over. What sucks is this will be at least my 7th full paint job on a car, and it's the first time I've ever had this problem.

[onehundredoctane]

after being put on the back burner for a long while, the S14 should be getting re-painted very soon. I don't wanna give an exact date just in case it gets pushed back due to the body shop getting more important (profitable) work coming in :)

hopefully I'll have something up for you guys in the next couple of weeks.

[dz1]

Dam you got a hell of a deal. Good luck with your project.. I like the color keep up the good work.. seems its getting harder to get s14 specially a kouki I got my stock zenki og 5 speed 100K for 4k but worth every penny no regrets:drool:

[D C]

Wow, it sat waiting for paint for a year and a half?

[tricky_ab]

^^ Ah it's a project car...I've heard worse...Good luck with the paint this time around...

[onehundredoctane]

Wow, it sat waiting for paint for a year and a half?

I'm pretty sure it's already been stated, but since you missed it, I didn't have room for the car where I'm living at now. It's been parked at my parents house and that is 2 hours away from me, so needless to say it hasn't been getting any attention up until now. Ease up man, your taking life a little too serious there and this isn't even your car.

ON WITH THE UPDATE!!!!

Charcoal grey metallic is the color of choice. I was kinda hesitant as I hadn't seen a car this color in person, but man it is great! I can't wait to see it in direct sun light! It was raining all day so I just snapped some pics in some horrible indoor light :) We're painting everything off the car that will come off, it started as you'll see with the fenders, front bumper and side skirts, next time we'll get the doors, trunk, rear bumper and mirrors. ENJOY!!
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs313.snc3/28315_431368595378_502775378_6001104_4765745_n.jpg
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs313.snc3/28315_431368610378_502775378_6001106_5305976_n.jpg
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs313.snc3/28315_431368640378_502775378_6001109_1431437_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs323.ash1/28315_431368645378_502775378_6001110_7174238_n.jpg
^ this is before wet sanding and buffing
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs323.ash1/28315_431368655378_502775378_6001112_5674389_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs313.snc3/28315_431368665378_502775378_6001113_8311439_n.jpg

a Z32 I helped prep was getting ready to be picked up, I had to snap a few quick ones of it too
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs313.snc3/28315_431371570378_502775378_6001202_7150441_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs323.ash1/28315_431371585378_502775378_6001203_7243564_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs293.snc3/28315_431371590378_502775378_6001204_7120724_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs293.snc3/28315_431371610378_502775378_6001205_826183_n.jpg
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs313.snc3/28315_431371615378_502775378_6001206_7190206_n.jpg
like a mirror!!!

Hope to get the body of my 14 painted this week sometime, kinda have to work around my job to get this done tho.

[cc4usmc]

Can't wait to see pics once you get the car put back together and outside, I think that might be the color I want to go with. Or at least something similar.

[spooled240]

nice, i'm diggin that color-would go nicely with some gold wheels
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/forum04pl/n42409422_31270037_7093.jpg

but get that tranny swap asap!

[dorkjoey240]

looks good man i love your paint.

[Rabboni]

our car prices may suck here in cali, but we still have the hottest women.


I have to agree with you on the beautiful women part, but i picked up my zenki for a grand with a clean title, suspension and a nismo 2 way lsd. Granted, it was in a small accident and needed a few repairs though.

Forgot to tell you good luck with your kouki. Its lookin good.

[keeeban]

And I thought I got my '96 SE with 120k for $4,000 for a steal. ): Awesome color too, one of my favorites. Can't wait to see the finished product!

[s142jzkillav10]

Welcome to the kouki club broski. The color should realy standout in the sun and will be melow in the shade.

Keep up the grat work. Awsome price btw.

[onehundredoctane]

it's been raining here for days, so I haven't been able to get a good pic of the panels in the sun light. you'd think it was Seattle with all this rain! i'm very happy to report that the remaining parts and body should be painted on Saturday and should make for really good pics!!!! thanks for the compliments guys!

[97nismo]

pics man??????

[JDMSTYLE]

wow such a cheap kouki. doing a great job keep up the good work!
waiting for some more pictures!

[onehundredoctane]

wow such a cheap kouki. doing a great job keep up the good work!
waiting for some more pictures!

should have better quality pics today after work

[onehundredoctane]

finally got some pics of the paint in natural light today when it wasn't raining, let me know what you guys think!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs293.snc3/28315_432087835378_502775378_6022309_2267707_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs313.snc3/28315_432087850378_502775378_6022310_1676813_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs313.snc3/28315_432087860378_502775378_6022311_2358245_n.jpg

when the whole car is done and bolted back together we'll be going over it with 1500 or 2000 grit then buffing it out.

[ZX88]

looks so good!

[cleantune]

lovin that color! the paint looks so smooth too. Great job! keep us updated

[xoxide]

Hai you have the same shitty camera I have lol. That color is sick bro, looks awesome. Cant wait to see it put together.

[initial_jc]

looking good, did you mix the paint yourself?

[onehundredoctane]

the base coat is a dupont brand that finishmaster mixed, the only thing done before spraying it on is mixing the color with a medium reducer. hope that answers your question.

[stockbee]

defintely awesome. I like that you're going about the paint first. I wish I had had the time and the expertise (and the money) to do paint on my car when I got it originally. it's keyed on the sides and on the bumper. and the paint is flaking off the front from where it was painted over.


haha, good luck.

[d-wade]

Paint looks great. What paint code is on the Z32?

[onehundredoctane]

no clue on the color of the Z, the owner of the car took all the left over base coat with him when he picked up the car. I want to say the painter told me it was just a bit darker than the original color with added metallic. I hate I didn't snap any pics of it out in the sunlight before it left, but o well.

For the guys that mentioned the 5 speed swap, I'm down to 3 pieces left, I should have 5 speed pedals next week, then I'm down to the driveshaft and clutch pedal fluid line.

[onehundredoctane]

time 4 moar pictares

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture113-2.jpg
jammed out
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture114-1.jpg

SPOILER ALERT!!!
JK
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture116.jpg
Doors should be back on the car after the paint is finished drying, then the body gets paint!!!!
I feel like a little kid I'm so excited!!

[Gjohnson7]

I'm loving it! Keep the updates coming.

[onehundredoctane]

starting to put the car back together, anyone know where to find the plastic clips that hold the oem side skirts on the lower rocker panel? nissan wants an arm and a leg for them and I haven' found an after marker resource for them yet. . .

anyone? Bueller?

[The High & Mighty]

im liking the gray paint

[onehundredoctane]

Ok, the car is done with paint, keep in mind nothing has been wet sanded and buffed yet, so hold off on any neg comments, it's not 100% done!

That said, enjoy the pics! I finally figured out what I was doing wrong that made all the pictures load uber small, FIXED!
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture0251.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture028-3.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture026-5.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture032-4.jpg

Word

[93nismo]

damn dude. looks nice. ill never forget the feeling of rollin a freshly painted car into the sun. lol i just painted an s13 candy orange. epic sexy.

[cc4usmc]

Love the color.

[DreamN]

Wow... That color is lovely. Bet it looks 10x better in person.

[onehundredoctane]

damn dude. looks nice. ill never forget the feeling of rollin a freshly painted car into the sun. lol i just painted an s13 candy orange. epic sexy.
I agree! The first time direct sunlight hits new paint is magic!

Wow... That color is lovely. Bet it looks 10x better in person.
Exactly!

[s14silvia10]

you painted this in the paint booth

[onlydrinkkoolaid]

Ok, the car is done with paint, keep in mind nothing has been wet sanded and buffed yet, so hold off on any neg comments, it's not 100% done!

That said, enjoy the pics! I finally figured out what I was doing wrong that made all the pictures load uber small, FIXED!
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture0251.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture028-3.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture026-5.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture032-4.jpg

Word


I love the color choice

[thefro526]

I love this color - It looks a lot like what was on my first S13.

Ahh... nostalgia.

Good work dude.

[onehundredoctane]

you painted this in the paint booth
I take it your are asking if I painted it in a booth?

I personally didn't paint it, it's been too long since I painted so I decided to give up the idea of doing the paint personally. I found a local guy that worked with me on the price and let me help to make it cheaper. He doesn't have a booth just a one bay garage he works out of, but trust me, he does great work!

By no means is it ready to be driven on the street just yet, I still need a 4 wheel alignment and the lights and lenses need to be installed as well. The one thing I'm not looking forward to is dialing in the ride height, ugh.

Thanks for all the positive comments guys!

[tricky_ab]

I'm loving the colour! :)

[ChrisS14209]

Wow beautiful Kouki

[Gjohnson7]

Wow..... Inspiration. I really need to get my Kouki in the paint booth.

[racebredZ32]

nice. im lookin for 1 too.

[racebredZ32]

looks sic so far.. i want one so bad!!

[onehundredoctane]

PICTARS!!!!


http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture256.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture257.jpg
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/Picture254.jpg

still have a few odds and ends to tie up before I start driving it, overall I'm very happy with the color, I literally picked it out of a paint chip book at the body shop without ever seeing it on a car in person before. I still have some work left to do, mainly on dialing in the coilovers so the stance and ride quality are to my liking. Planning on getting 15% tint on it too after trying the 18's I have back on it, not sure what the car will look like with those wheels and the new body color but we'll see.

Hope everyone likes!

[angels12]

Nice!! Great job dude

[Gjohnson7]

Paint the windsheild wipers black and keep the pics coming!

[onehundredoctane]

Coilovers adjusted and wheels installed, still not 100% sure I like them but they look better than the stock SE's. I might go back and add a spacer to the front, looks like it's dippin in a little too much.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs112.ash2/38939_450184005378_502775378_6535439_2299858_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs232.snc4/38939_450184010378_502775378_6535440_7227538_n.jpg

[volkrps13]

id get some new wheels. even the stocks look better IMO. paint looks good though

[onehundredoctane]

id get some new wheels. even the stocks look better IMO. paint looks good though

#/f/wheels-tires/323891-stern-18x8-35-a.html

#/f/wheels-tires/324133-stern-st4-pro-titanium-18x8-35-5x114-3-a.html

^those are my previous attempts at moving these things so I can get something different, they look ok, but I know I can find something that looks better.

noticed your in NC, are you a member on carolinanissans.com???

[volkrps13]

No i am not. I poke around on there sometimes. I am just not a big forum kind of person. I work construction all day and dittle with my car on the weekends. I just wrecked it so ill be looking for a new project maybe this winter.

[onehundredoctane]

finally got it on the road today, took it to work and snapped a few pics
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs280.snc4/40358_455502000378_502775378_6703122_1507018_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs128.ash2/39736_455501965378_502775378_6703121_6657724_n.jpg

[onehundredoctane]

Thanks to Danny for snapping some pics this weekend. I have adjustable rear toe links on order from Enjuku, after they get here I'll drive this thing more often, don't want to wear the tires out with the horrible toe I has right now. Still need moar LOW tho!

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/S144.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/S143.jpg
mine 4x4 S14 next to dannys bone scrapper

[Josh7X]

Nice. I love the Kouki front end. I have a Zenki and I'd much rather have a Kouki.

[dreamin240sx]

i love it man

[onehundredoctane]

Gold wheels have been up for sale a while now, no bites. . . in other news the car is much lower now and with the Enjuku rear arms installed and a 4 wheel alignment corners GREAT! On and off ramps, twisty roads, etc, are much more fun! I'll post some pics after this weekend at VIR for OctoberFest!

[theronin]

please hurry and make that bitch a manual. auto 240's make me sad in pants.

[Dazzla]

post some pics of it lowered on those black se's! I kinda want to paint mine black but I'm not sure if its better then leaving them stock coloured lol

[onehundredoctane]

please hurry and make that bitch a manual. auto 240's make me sad in pants.

patience young grasshoppa. . . . I just moved for a new job and don't have a place to work on my car just yet.

post some pics of it lowered on those black se's! I kinda want to paint mine black but I'm not sure if its better then leaving them stock coloured lol

check back after this weekend!

[onehundredoctane]

found this one on my phone, I snapped it before going to work today, maybe it'll hold ya over till I get some better quality pics
http://thumbp8.mail.vip.ac4.yahoo.com/tn?sid=1518555403&mid=AExhxEIAAMUQTKvosAS2MQhl3QM&midoffset=1_1143077&partid=2&f=568&fid=Inbox

FAIL!!! TINY PIC, UGH.

[onehundredoctane]

a friend snapped this over the weekend @ Virginia International Raceway, if you've never been I highly recommend planning a trip! VIR has to be one the the best all around road courses ever! In fact Car and Driver recently named it as one of the Top 6 Road Courses in The United States! Anyway, enough advertising, and a pic as requested Dazzla. . .
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs782.snc4/66251_738457483487_36619897_40475969_7232416_n.jpg

I snapped this one, not the best tho,
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs811.snc4/69155_479031915378_502775378_7263846_8220285_n.jpg

[uLmighty]

this sound like same situation to me bro. i always wanted a 240sx and i had my eyes on s14 too but all i could find were mostly zenkis but i jst waited and waited till i saw a kouki on craiglist for $6100. i txted the dude and told him if he can take off some stuff to lower the price and surely he did and sold it to me for 5100. its as clean as urs xcept the engine bay was CLEAN!! haha


http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/4838/28349394188932212726927.jpg (http://img651.imageshack.us/i/28349394188932212726927.jpg/)

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/2010/28349394188927212726927.jpg (http://img191.imageshack.us/i/28349394188927212726927.jpg/)



http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/2619/28362386943602212726927.jpg (http://img837.imageshack.us/i/28362386943602212726927.jpg/)

[uLmighty]

2,500? 4k? man, try living here in cali. Your lucky if u can find a 1/2 clean kouki for 6k. Most sell for 7k+ anyhow.. besides that its an auto and has high milage its still a great deal. Good find.

i agree, cali is so ridiculous somtimes. especially their emissions

[onehundredoctane]

^thanks for the thread jack, just to summarize. . . you bought an auto Kouki, paid $2,600 more for it than I did mine, and somehow you and I are related now? Really? Go post whore someone where else kid.

[s14unimog]

^ haha!

msglnth

[fckillerbee]

no...... you read it wrong. he paid 2,600 more cause his engine bay is cleaner! totally worth it!

[onehundredoctane]

The way it sits now I've got less than $5k in it.

[onehundredoctane]

prior to removing the stock rear rotors and pads
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs620.snc4/58042_10150107717110379_502775378_7927706_2731559_ n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1380.snc4/163281_10150107717190379_502775378_7927709_4267119 _n.jpg

on the left is the stock S14 rear rotor, notice the groove in it? on the right is a rear rotor from a 2003 Altima, noticeable difference in diameter!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs754.ash1/164553_10150107717260379_502775378_7927711_2375409 _n.jpg

cut off the dust shield and installed new rotor with Hawk HPS pads
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs085.snc4/35632_10150107717490379_502775378_7927718_8278220_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs038.snc6/166821_10150107717585379_502775378_7927722_5969555 _n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs032.snc6/166287_10150107717665379_502775378_7927726_4014022 _n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs063.snc6/167326_10150107717780379_502775378_7927730_1434848 _n.jpg
^tucked inside the stock S14 16" wheels

Not much to it really, well worth the added stopping power for around $100! Personal opinion, the car doesn't nose dive nearly as much under braking as it did with the stock S14 rear rotors. I'm running Q45 brakes up front with Hawk pads as well, and with the new rear combo I gotta say its almost scary how fast it comes to a stop. For anyone looking for a cheap basic upgrade do yourself a favor and grab the 03 altima rotor, Z31 brake brackets and call it a day.

[sncs14]

Man, this thing's come a long way!

Hurry up and replace that o2 sensor, then call your friend...

[whitefedorafilms]

looks good. theres gotta be kouki love. they need to stay clean and treated right. our S13's are meant to beaten the crap out of.

[Nick_04K]

looks good. theres gotta be kouki love. they need to stay clean and treated right. our S13's are meant to beaten the crap out of.

Bull shit. S13's deserve equal treatment haha. I personally think a well treated s13 can look just as well as an s14..kouki or not.

[onehundredoctane]

Got the oxygen sensor replaced, check engine light off now, but I think I may need to replace the idle air control valve as the idle fluctuates up and down sometimes. Next line of business is to get a J30 or Q45 brake master cylinder and modify it, with the Q45 front calipers on this car the pedal feels softer than stock despite the system being bled and everything being in working order.

[onehundredoctane]

Small taste of what's to come in the near future. . .

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q239/fakeshemp44/2011-02-15_18-57-43_629.jpg

[Nick_04K]

OH NO!!! Did you buy a ka24der kit? Or are you doing it yourself?
Im very excited to see this.

[onehundredoctane]

this is actually the first plate that the guys at KA24DER made (i'm told), I plan to make the tensioner bracket, intake tube and other parts required with the help of a friend that works at a machine shop. A friend has the kit on his S14 and has already seen 14 psi just from running a smaller pulley!

[k.man]

loving the color, good job dude.

I just noticed something..a bit too late haha but since you guys don't need a front license plate, have you thought about shaving off the mounting area on the front bumper. so you will get a nice smooth area going across..just a suggestion.

up here no body does it, and people who do it, they always get pulled over for not having it mounted on the bumper and sitting on top of the dash.

[onehundredoctane]

2013, back from the dead.


So I got tired of keeping the thread updated and had Phlip take it down, (set to invisable), I kinda hated to do that considering how many actual Koukis there are. So here goes round 2.

I did the 5 speed swap, put in an ABS S14 vlsd with low miles, works great! Then she gave up the ghost at 202k miles, rod knock. I knew something like this was coming, I just knew it. The previous owner (as I'm the 2nd owner), didn't take care of this car and when I removed the valve cover it showed. Sludge in the head, baked on hard and thick. I'm surprised the car lasted this long with the thrashing I've put on it.

I hadn't initially planned on doing anything more than a stock rebuild, but then while looking for some ARP hardware I was contacted by another forum member that not only had the ARP hardware I was looking for, and also had a set of Wiseco pistons and Eagle rods, after working out a deal I nabbed these bad boys. The bottom end was already getting torn apart, why not add a little insurance to the bottom end? https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/735189_10151511607105379_1083527334_n.jpg If you'll notice the rod on the far right (which is #1 on the install), it's been overheated from a spun bearing. . . when I got it I was told it was still useable and in spec. Adam convinced me to have it double checked by a machinist and I thank him for doing so. Turns out it was warped, but $20 later Hollis at HP Engines had it back in shape! While I was there I had to look around. . . https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/735050_10151510713635379_557413354_n.jpg

The Plymoth Duster isn't really one of my favorite muscle cars, but this one looked great! https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/536312_10151510720905379_1312854160_n.jpg

You'll notice a Honda B series on a dolly, Hollis does machine work on everything. I'm pretty sure I saw a Toyota R22, a Honda H22, plenty of big blocks, small blocks, and even a diesel engine. Hollis had a lot going on, and I made sure to thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to fix my connecting rod. Hollis also did all the machine work and assembly on my SR20 that's in my S13, on the dyno alone that thing has taken a beating in 112 degree heat. After hanging out for a little while it was time to get to work, Adam jumped right on assembling the bottom end with my newly refinished connecting rod. https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/551924_10151513397270379_1404348882_n.jpg Before it goes in the car the block is going to be painted black to look stock again. Adam is busy trying to convince me to paint it Chevy orange but this isn't a fan boi, attention whore, mommy and daddy didn't show me enough attention, car. This is an occaional daily that I plan on tracking at V.I.R. in HPDEs and auto-x from time to time. We're not getting crazy with the rebuild (yet). While home for the weekend I also got the chance to take out a few skeet, skeet. https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/64147_10151513530465379_332355675_n.jpg

And also got a chance to meet the newest addition to the family! My sisters new puppy Kelsie :) https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/544095_10151509877635379_319537967_n.jpg

[gist864]

funny i bought my Zenki in Columbia for 1100

[onehundredoctane]

What was supposed to be a Friday and Saturday ordeal turned into a 25 hour push to get it as close to back on the road as possible. Here's now far I got.

Since the block had been cleaned at HP Engines (the HP stands for the owners name, Hollis page), it was bare metal in places and had minor surface rust. Nothing a wire brush and high temp semi-gloss black couldn't fix. Adam having a wood stove in the shop helped the paint dry.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/58543_10151524672985379_272645940_n.jpg


While the paint was drying by the heater, Adam needed a hand picking up an LS1 at HP Engines, so we went and picked up this beauty, all you'll notice on the outside is the after market heads and ARP hardware. This thing is def hiding some dirty secrets.
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/541305_10151524945015379_1315425831_n.jpg


While we were at HP Engines I got a sneak peek at my cylinder head torn apart, Hollis mentioned he would have it done before the end of the day, perfect!
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/150405_10151524544075379_1426044924_n.jpg


After getting back to the shop I pulled the intake manifold off, then started stripping the block that was in my car to transfer the needed parts over to the engine on the stand. As much of a pain in the ass as it was, I took every part, piece by piece, that came off of my old block and put it thru the parts washer. Each bolt, nut, bracket, etc, was cleaned before going on the new block.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/523573_10151525259635379_696729022_n.jpg


Hollis finished up the head, so we made another trip back to his shop to pick it up! It's amazing how clean this thing is now, before cleaning it had 200k miles of sludge build up in it. I can only assume the previous owner didn't take good care of it and IF he changed the oil was using cheap regular oil and not synthetic. Now it's a clean slate! Staring at mile 0!
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/734373_10151525348555379_1248209002_n.jpg



While I was busy working Adam asks for a hand dropping the rear sub-frame assembly (which houses the trans and axle assembly) along with the torque tube on a customers C5 Corvette, I wish I could tell you more about this car but it's a grudge match car and I'm not even allowed to snap a picture of the car itself. . .

With that out, back to the S14. ..
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/45327_10151525348835379_201662902_n.jpg

A little later I got Adam to return the favor and man the engine hoist as we pulled the block out, I left the A/C compressor and p/s pump in the car, work smarter, not harder!
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/483908_10151525491195379_1101613699_n.jpg


With the engine out of the car now it was time to finish up the engine on the stand, this was about 2 a.m., I had been up since 5:30 a.m., things were starting to slow down due to lack of energy. Adam got the timing chains on, and a few other things knocked out while I replaced the pcv valve and cleaned out the aluminum housing the pcv valve screws into, that housing was full of crap, but is clean as a whistle now!
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/554499_10151525793430379_895227652_n.jpg


Around 5:30 a.m Saturday morning we had the engine back in, surprisingly we didn't have to fuss with the engine too much to get it in and the input shaft from the trans into the clutch disc.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/541097_10151525943760379_2129985319_n.jpg


And that's where we called it a night, it was almost 6 a.m., I was falling asleep on the creeper under the car while trying to bolt the trans back on. . . productivity had slowed to a halt.

More to come.

[onehundredoctane]

I removed all the egr bullshit and installed a block off plate, which explains the check engine light. Glad to have her back on the road! Nistune is on it's way now, not really pushing her too hard till I get her dialed in.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/625509_10151540386555379_2092336068_n.jpg

[onehundredoctane]

Here I am all excited that the S14 is back on the road and making plans to get the front bumper painted once I get a lip to slap on it,
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8661965734_be8ab6372d_b.jpg

and the alternator dies. . . had it towed home only to find one of the wires going to the plug on the alternator was cut, odd.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/603855_10151580407930379_798260885_n.jpg

After getting that fixed it was back on the road!

[onehundredoctane]

Ditched the Q45 calipers and rotors in favor of the Wilwood Superlite 4 pistons and Z33 track discs, this set up feels great!
https://sphotos-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1827_10151808973930379_1975106759_n.jpg

[97nismo]

Isn't that bumper gonna be tough to match.... Since it was not a stock color?

[onehundredoctane]

Isn't that bumper gonna be tough to match.... Since it was not a stock color?

Well it isn't the stock color on this car, but it is a General Motors stock color, so it shouldn't be hard. The only thing I'm worried about is that the car was green originally and that may prove a worse match since this charcoal color has green under it :(

Although I've been toying with the idea of re-spraying it in bright silver. . . :)

[Om1kron]

welcome to brake dust hell my friend.

[onehundredoctane]

I've already cleaned them once since installing, Purple Power really loosens the brake dust up.

[SupaDoopa]

Purple Power + Simple Green clean almost anything. Best inventions ever.

[jr_ss]

The car looks great. I can't wait to let mine see the light of day.

If you pull your wheels off again, grab some paint sealer and wipe them down with it. It helps close the pores in the wheels and a lot of the brake dust will just wash off without a degreaser of any kind.

[onehundredoctane]

I've heard of paint sealer before but assumed it was spray on. . .? Is this something clear that dries quickly?

[crash n' burn]

https://sphotos-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1827_10151808973930379_1975106759_n.jpg

your car is leaking matt.










nice brakes too i guess. :hey:

[onehundredoctane]

A/C

Yes, it works!

[onehundredoctane]

Took the car to the dyno now that it's thru the break-in period.
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1377128_614203761954487_2035676616_n.png

[jr_ss]

I've heard of paint sealer before but assumed it was spray on. . .? Is this something clear that dries quickly?

It comes in a bottle and you wipe it on. You let it haze over and wipe it off much like wax. I'll get the name of the stuff from my buddy who details boats/cars. He says it's better than wax as far as protecting your paint from the sun as well because normal wax(Carnauba) breaks down around 180* and we all know if your car is sitting in the summer sun it can reach that temp frequently. The paint sealer breaks down at a much higher temp.

Looks like you have a healthy KA, time for some boost.

[onehundredoctane]

It comes in a bottle and you wipe it on. You let it haze over and wipe it off much like wax. I'll get the name of the stuff from my buddy who details boats/cars. He says it's better than wax as far as protecting your paint from the sun as well because normal wax(Carnauba) breaks down around 180* and we all know if your car is sitting in the summer sun it can reach that temp frequently. The paint sealer breaks down at a much higher temp.

Looks like you have a healthy KA, time for some boost.

Please do post up that info!

As far as boot, I have more displacement in mind first!

[enderr]

more than half your pictures dont work...... Nice color though. diggin the rfp1s.

[onehundredoctane]

Sorry about that, no telling where they are hosted from, I'll see about fixing that when I get a chance.


Can I make it up to you with promises that I'm putting a V8 in it? :)

[jr_ss]

Sorry about that, no telling where they are hosted from, I'll see about fixing that when I get a chance.


Can I make it up to you with promises that I'm putting a V8 in it? :)

Blasphemy!

[KravingAKouki]

Did you ever post the sizing on the rpf1's? 18x9? Sorry, just curious

[onehundredoctane]

Did you ever post the sizing on the rpf1's? 18x9? Sorry, just curious

17x9.5 +18 front
17x10 +18 rear


Engine and trans came out in about 2.5 hours
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/10213640955_1f79247d55_c.jpg

Then I had my good friend Adam from Aquadale Speed Shop come by and pick the car up so we could start getting the new engine and trans ready to put in.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/10275846994_0d2927e825_c.jpg

Thank God for the trailer having a winch, pushing the car inside would've been a bitch! All loaded up and ready to head out!
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/10275917606_c9fcd10535_c.jpg

Next updates should include the engine being prepped to put into the car!!!!

[sleepyS14se]

its been a little over an hour since the last update..... waiting for more pics lol :) jk

[holemilk00]

Wait what?? When did they put a shop in Aquadale/Norwood?? Damn I've been gone too long.

Nice build. Can't wait for the V-H8

[onehundredoctane]

Adam opened the shop about 2-3 years ago, he specializes in Chevrolet V8 builds and tuning, but he'll turn a wrench on anything. Brake jobs, oil changes, timing belts on Hondas, SR20DET swaps, you name it!

[enderr]

Sorry about that, no telling where they are hosted from, I'll see about fixing that when I get a chance.


Can I make it up to you with promises that I'm putting a V8 in it? :)

mmm v8 my body is ready.

[onehundredoctane]

Got an update from the guy I bought the engine from, he just got around to pulling it from the 2003 Tahoe. It isn't an LS1, but instead a LM7 which is a 5.3 liter. This was the last production year for this engine and it makes more power than the previous LM7 engines. 285 hp and 325 torque while only adding 60 lbs over the weight of the KA24DE due to this V8 being an iron block unlike the aluminum LS1. The 5.3 has proven itself with minimal boost to be capable of 500+hp on stock internals and in some instances hold over 15 psi. . .

I got this engine with 91k miles for $700, that's the engine, wiring harness and ecu, not bad for a gaining 135 hp, 170 tq. Pennies to horsepower, this might not have been the cheapest option, but considering all the LS1 go fast parts bolt directly to this engine, it's hard NOT justifying going this route. An LS1 stock cam ( I picked one up for $80) will bump power up a little, as well as give it a lumpy idle. I'll have to ditch the LM7 intake manifold because of clearance issues with the hood. The LS6 or FAST intake manifolds would be upgrades and introduce a little more power as well, however the LS6 intake manifold used is still $400+ and the FAST is even more.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/10330040466_89319f5d65_c.jpg

[Big Zee]

Very nice!!!
I look forward to more updates!! :D

[onehundredoctane]

Very nice!!!
I look forward to more updates!! :D

Thanks man.

Small update here, I picked up an LT1, T56, 6 speed transmission for a steal. Now, because it's not an LS1 T56 it will not bolt right up to my LS based engine.

Solution?

The web site / web store thegearbox.org has all the parts you need to rebuild or convert any T56 trans, these came in some all manual trans Camaros, Firebirds, some Corvettes, Vipers and Cobras. . .

Just for sake of those interested, I paid $500 for the transmissions, now, you might ask, "Matt, why didn't you just buy and LS1 T56? Wouldn't that have been easier?". Yes it would've been. But an LS1 T56 easily goes for north of $1,200. Any transmission I buy I would have torn apart to inspect anyway, why buy a perfectly good LS1 T56 for $1,200-2,000 and tear it apart? Instead I paid $500 for a transmission that I don't feel as bad tearing apart because I have to already to change the mid plate, input shaft and bell housing on. Any problems I find will be addressed from there. I'll have less than $1,000 in this converted LT1 trans this way. To some it may seem like more work for less benefit, but it makes sense to me.

[UnknownGuy]

^ doing a little extra work to prevent a headache later. Makes sense to me.

[sleepyS14se]

Thanks man.

Small update here, I picked up an LT1, T56, 6 speed transmission for a steal. Now, because it's not an LS1 T56 it will not bolt right up to my LS based engine.

Solution?

The web site / web store thegearbox.org has all the parts you need to rebuild or convert any T56 trans, these came in some all manual trans Camaros, Firebirds, some Corvettes, Vipers and Cobras. . .

Just for sake of those interested, I paid $500 for the transmissions, now, you might ask, "Matt, why didn't you just buy and LS1 T56? Wouldn't that have been easier?". Yes it would've been. But an LS1 T56 easily goes for north of $1,200. Any transmission I buy I would have torn apart to inspect anyway, why buy a perfectly good LS1 T56 for $1,200-2,000 and tear it apart? Instead I paid $500 for a transmission that I don't feel as bad tearing apart because I have to already to change the mid plate, input shaft and bell housing on. Any problems I find will be addressed from there. I'll have less than $1,000 in this converted LT1 trans this way. To some it may seem like more work for less benefit, but it makes sense to me.


thats makes perfect sense to me..

i am doing a classic ol SBC 350 bored 30 over in my s14. I will be using a 350 trans 3 spd...mayybee a 700r4 if i can get a deal on one to have built to hold at least the 500hp i will have. :)

good luck and keep us posted!! :)

[onehundredoctane]

Finally got some time to tear into the T56, first time I've worked on one and it was ten times easier to disassemble than a Z33 trans.

Here is the trans the way I got it
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/10449438273_41d9ca11fa_c.jpg

First to come off is the bell housing, as I've mentioned before this transmission is from a LT1, so the bell housing has to come off to be swapped out for an LS1.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/10449257856_09e098caf7_c.jpg

Next to be removed is the mid plate, again, it's different than the LS1, so it's gotta go!
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/10449274865_6ec4c85258_z.jpg

Now you can see a little of the internals of the transmsission,
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/10449272395_3be9529fee_c.jpg

At this point you'll find out the hard way if the transmission was drained or not... yeah, in my instance it still have at least a quart and a half left... the guy I bought it from said it was empty. The picture below is after about a half a roll of shop towels, sure am glad I put down that card board now.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/10449269425_6dc9eb2c17_c.jpg

[onehundredoctane]

While cruising LS1tech.com I found someone had this LS1 intake manifold with throttle body, fuel rails and injectors for sale, was too good of a deal to pass on! All the ones I'm seeing on ebay and forums are going for upwards of $350-400. I managed to snag this for $250 shipped!
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/10548695724_cb81dfb837_z.jpg

After unboxing it and taking a closer look it turns out it came with an EGR block off already installed, double score!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/10548651105_3d54dc5699.jpg

Hopefully I'll get to set the engine and trans in the car this weekend.

[ferrariowner123]

NICE DEAL!!

Cant wait to see this beast alive!

Keep the updates coming!!

-Kyle

[onehundredoctane]

Had a couple hours to tinker on Saturday so I spent that time doing a little prep work on the engine once I got it on the engine stand.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/10677319684_eee42de409_z.jpg

After getting the engine on the stand first priority is to remove everything that is either getting replaced or not getting used in the swap. First off would be removing the exhaust manifolds, the cast iron manifolds weight a ton! Then I moved onto removing the wiring harness.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/10677300656_31e4434a4e_z.jpg

Next to be removed was the A/C compressor. In the future someone might come up with a conversion kit to keep A/C on the S14, but for now making all that stuff is just too much work and headache.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/10677258905_6115f90b1e_z.jpg

Next was the intake manifold, the stock 5.3 intake is great for making low end torque on the trucks this engine came in. Sadly this intake manifold is too tall to work in the S chassis. I'm not sure where all the grime came from on the valley cover, but I'll be addressing the possible oil leak next time I get to work on it.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/10677327704_ae7417b76b_z.jpg

After removing the stock motor mount brackets I installed the Holley conversion brackets, these are made of very thick aluminum and came with new hardware for the install.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/10677308266_cd938893a0_z.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/10677526193_74f20f2463_z.jpg

Next the Creative Steel motor mounts that the Holley brackets were designed to be used with.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/10677528803_442c8df59f_z.jpg

The stock LM7 oil pan won't work with the S14 sub frame and instead of getting a stock GTO oil pan I chipped in a little bit more for the Canton 6.5 quart, baffled oil pan that is designed for use in the 240sx. It's like Christmas getting to open all these boxes :)
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/10677272325_d231683283_z.jpg

Now, I'll admit I didn't order a new oil pan gasket and planned on reusing the stock one, that didn't work out so well seeing as GM uses some type of pop rivet to hold the oil pan gasket to the oil pan to speed up the assembly process. So when I went to pull it off. . . it didn't go to well. So for now the Canton oil pan is bolted on for sake of test fitting.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/10677539733_d231a7fa72_z.jpg

You'll notice the shop rag stuffed in the bung on the side of the oil pan, on the LM7 (and LS1 also) this bung is used for the oil level sensor. Since this a swap, and I won't have means of displaying any error messages due to oil level, this sensor is pointless. I'll be putting a bolt where the sensor should go.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/10677348844_407402a98d_z.jpg

Another baux?! With HOOKERS inside?!
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/10677341154_6fac7f4c82_z.jpg

Test fitted and they fit great, yes I know they will need to be removed before the engine can be installed. I think it's awesome Hooker is still around, I remember growing up and seeing Hooker Headers signs and stickers all over my dads garage.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/10677344164_1b4b8acb6c_z.jpg

Hopefully I'll get some more work done this Friday and have more updates for you guys!

[dat925stunna]

Sick so far same exact setup ima do on my s14


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[2muchboost]

Very nice build. I myself am jumping into my S14 LM7-turbo project. Those Holley brackets and Canton pan look great....keep up the good work bud.

FYI...ssshhhh dont tell anyone but these iron block LM7s have seen way over 500 hp & tq in stock form when force fed. Worst case scenario....if you mess that block up you can always try to find the aluminum 5.3 block in order to save some weight....which by the way some have pushed past 900 rwhp in stock form as well :) Hell I have a complete spare LM7 short block sitting in my garage for shits and giggle which I paid a grand total of...$250.

[ferrariowner123]

Okay, this thread has inspired me to do this to my S14 when i finally get my broke hands on one!

Plus, once the new Highway Patrol Caprice's hit the used market, were talking prime, swap-able, well maintained LS3's!! I cant wait to see this thread done with the results!!

-Kyle

[onehundredoctane]

Okay, this thread has inspired me to do this to my S14 when i finally get my broke hands on one!

Plus, once the new Highway Patrol Caprice's hit the used market, were talking prime, swap-able, well maintained LS3's!! I cant wait to see this thread done with the results!!

-Kyle

Do it! Those fleet maintained cars usually have high miles, but can be had for cheap as sin, throw a couple gaskets at em for good faith and roll on!



Back to the progress, had couple parts show up :) shit is better than Christmas!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/10799509993_48a43046c0_c.jpg

On the right side you'll see the LS1 input shaft, bell housing and front plate that I'll be installing on my LT1, T56, 6 speed trans. I also picked up some ARP flywheel bolts, and ARP pressure plate bolts for good measure. What I didn't order, and would l later realize I should have, are the race shims for the input shaft and 5/6th gear shaft for the transmission. Both go into the front plate, and when I installed the front plate the input shaft wouldn't spin, removed the shims and the input shaft spins freely, with much play. So shims are on order now, we'll get back to the transmission when those parts arrive. For now, the transmission is torn apart and with the LT1 input shaft and LS1 input shaft side by side you see the difference.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/10799355594_06a08e4a1f_z.jpg

Do enough searching and you'll find out that the S14 clutch master cylinder doesn't work well with the T56 slave cylinder. I picked up a Wilwood clutch master cylinder and this Rigid Racing adapter. I'm SOOOOO glad I stumbled across this adapter, for less than $20 shipped I'm not having to drill holes or make my own fix for this.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/10799272275_81f3fd29a2_z.jpg

After swapping over the plunger rod from the S14 to the Wilwood cmc it all went right together, easy as that!
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/10799276705_dd4e1bd394_z.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/10799269576_74333c2b6b_z.jpg

Since I'm at a stand still with the transmission I decided to just get as much prep work done as possible on the engine. I removed the water pump, alt, p.s. pump and all related brackets. I've heard of people getting away with running these truck accessories with the LS1 intake manifold but I just don't see how it's possible. . here you can see that the intake manifold doesn't even sit properly against the heads due to contact issues. Here is the throttle body pulley against the upper water neck...
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/10799231665_7a47eacbf7_z.jpg

And here is the throttle body touching the accessory bracket..
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/10799477953_4848d48545_z.jpg

So all that comes off and an LS1 water pump and accessories are ordered. The LS1 intake manifold I picked up did not come with the bolts to secure it to the heads, and of course the stock LM7 intake manifold bolts aren't even close. Add that to the parts list. . .
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/10799218934_0ff41a3560_z.jpg

With the water pump and accessories off the only taddle tell signs that this isn't an LS1 are the iron block which is painted black from the factory to prevent rust, as opposed to bare aluminum of the LS1, and the tall oil cap tube. The oil cap tube being a dead give away once the engine is installed in the car. . . I decided to order a short filler tube just for aesthetics. When I removed the intake last time I noticed a lot of grime and assumed there was a valve cover gasket leak, replaced the vc gaskets and cleaned the heads up a little while I was at it.

Didn't get as much done this weekend as I had hoped. . . next time I get a chance to work on the car I hope to have some shims for the trans, and hopefully get the trans and engine bolted together.

[onehundredoctane]

Thought this was rather interesting, a friend posted on my build thread on another forum that the LM7 in his 2002 Tahoe with an intake, full exhaust, and a tune made 321 WHP!

I'm anxious to see what the long tube headers do compared to stock numbers now. . .

[mad-ass]

should bump you up about 30whp or so. :)

Ditched the Q45 calipers and rotors in favor of the Wilwood Superlite 4 pistons and Z33 track discs, this set up feels great!
https://sphotos-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1827_10151808973930379_1975106759_n.jpg

and PM me this setup or post up some details please....I'm super interested.

[onehundredoctane]

Got plenty done this weekend, but don't really have time to document it all right now, so here's a teaser.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/11050959156_27d7765eee_c.jpg

[jr_ss]

Man that engine bay needs a scrub brush...

Looks good so far.

[onehundredoctane]

Man that engine bay needs a scrub brush...

Looks good so far.

Eh, it might get a wipe down before it's done and back on the road. That isn't top priority however.


My new intake manifold gaskets and mounting hardware came in finally, with that I installed the intake mani,

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/11050912495_504d75a639_z.jpg

Also the LS1 "shorty" oil filler tube was installed, so much shorter than the truck version.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/11051078423_2be5cf3c61_z.jpg

One thing worth noting, using the LS1 intake on the 5.3 does create a problem with the fuel rail fitting touching one of the coil pack electrical connectors, a slight bent in the rail feed here and it's no longer a problem, just be careful not to pinch the line. When you're done it will look something like this.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/11051024474_69ea0fd8ab_z.jpg

While the engine is out of the car I went ahead and installed the LS1 water pump and LS1 crank pulley which is a requirement for this swap. Eventually I may change over to the C5 LS2 or CTS-V water pump which has a much slimmer pulley and will free up a little space.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/11050985696_2ef2d53a28_z.jpg

With the engine ready to come off of the engine stand I slapped the clutch and pressure plate on using the new ARP hardware I picked up.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/11051008414_361a7f27cb.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/11050893085_2c0744a2fb.jpg

Someone is bound to point out that this isn't a new clutch, which it isn't. It's a 5k mile clutch out of a Corvette that belonged to an older gentlemen, his wife didn't like it so he pulled it and put the stock clutch back in :/ his loss, my gain.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/11051068813_cdf6ac5716_z.jpg

With that, it's time to bolt on the transmission
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/11051000494_df0ea83e7b_z.jpg

While I did have access to a engine hoist I figured it would be quicker and easier to drop the car onto the drivetrain like they do in the factory, so I dropped the front sub-frame
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/11050975636_09b1a6fb10_z.jpg

So much room for activities now! Like beating a firewall with a hammer. . .
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/11051002814_ab6855ed85.jpg


Engine on the sub-frame, and time to drop the car onto the new drivetrain, excitement is building...
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/11070887385_944c6bb2df_z.jpg

And with that, the engine and trans are in!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/11050961966_399b3995c3_z.jpg

Now, I would be lying if I tried to say it's in and done. Negative. Turns out once the engine is in there is no room at all to attach the line going from the clutch master cylinder to the slave cylinder. So at minimum the transmission has to come back out, if that's even possible with this set up.

While everything is bolted up I'm going to go ahead and measure for the driveshaft and figure out the shifter situation too, the pic below is with the transmission in neutral. In 1st, 3rd, and 5th the shifter hits the plastic trim around the shifter. . .
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/11050964516_bec5b18fb1.jpg

I've seen shifters like this before, I may make my own or see if I can find exactly what I need for cheap. Any of you guys that have experience with this swap please feel free post up what you did.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/11050957006_2a14dc68bb.jpg

[mad-ass]

Steeda Tri-Ax. (about $35) is what you need.

Steeda Mustang Tri-Ax Shifter Handle 555-7153 (79-04 All) - Free Shipping 555-7153 (http://www.americanmuscle.com/sttrshha.html?utm_content=GSNoFitmentV1&utm_campaign=52921610242-avshop&utm_source=Google-pla&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=&adpos=1o1&network=g&AMID=sttrshha-GSNoFitmentV1&adtype=pla)

OR, Pro 5-0 shifter or MGW shifter.

now the clutch slave cylinder lines, I always had the inline attached to the transmission and also the speed bleeder attached to it perior to installing it fully in the car. not sure if you already removed the pin on the bottom and attached the adapter fitting or not, but if you haven't, the transmission has to come out. (sucks...but just unbolt the transmission from the bell housing and job can be done)

and just one more thing, you can flip the fuel rail around 180 degrees so the fuel inlet tube is facing the passenger side of the car, where all your fuel lines already are. (leave the injectors in the rail, slowly pry them up and should pop out with ease)

[onehundredoctane]

Thanks for the info!

I had entertained flipping the fuel rail but due to the angle of the injectors I assumed it wouldn't work, but I'll have to do that now!

[mad-ass]

Thanks for the info!

I had entertained flipping the fuel rail but due to the angle of the injectors I assumed it wouldn't work, but I'll have to do that now!

speaking of fuel...
don't get this fitting.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-644000
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/mediumlarge/RUS-644000_ml.jpg
#1 cause of engine fire, period. those things are known to pop off under pressure. so instead...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-644120/
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/mediumlarge/RUS-644110_ml.jpg
that's the one you want.

and if you decide to go with the steeda tri-ax shifter handle, start looking at new shift knobs in m12x1.75 thread pitch size...or make your own.

[onehundredoctane]

Damn you're an encyclopedia! I'm actually going to drill out and tap my old Greddy shift knob just to piss off the rice boys lol. Thanks for that info on the fuel fiting as well!!! I assume that fitting does away with the GM style quick release set up?

[mad-ass]

Damn you're an encyclopedia! I'm actually going to drill out and tap my old Greddy shift knob just to piss off the rice boys lol. Thanks for that info on the fuel fiting as well!!! I assume that fitting does away with the GM style quick release set up?

yes, so you'll be putting that fitting on directly to the fuel rail inlet tube. and of course you'd want to either run 99~03 corvette fuel pressure regulator/filter OR FPR and filter of your choice.
WIX Part # 33737
ACDELCO Part # GF822

[dudermagee]

Steeda Tri-Ax. (about $35) is what you need.

Steeda Mustang Tri-Ax Shifter Handle 555-7153 (79-04 All) - Free Shipping 555-7153 (http://www.americanmuscle.com/sttrshha.html?utm_content=GSNoFitmentV1&utm_campaign=52921610242-avshop&utm_source=Google-pla&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=&adpos=1o1&network=g&AMID=sttrshha-GSNoFitmentV1&adtype=pla)

OR, Pro 5-0 shifter or MGW shifter.

now the clutch slave cylinder lines, I always had the inline attached to the transmission and also the speed bleeder attached to it perior to installing it fully in the car. not sure if you already removed the pin on the bottom and attached the adapter fitting or not, but if you haven't, the transmission has to come out. (sucks...but just unbolt the transmission from the bell housing and job can be done)

and just one more thing, you can flip the fuel rail around 180 degrees so the fuel inlet tube is facing the passenger side of the car, where all your fuel lines already are. (leave the injectors in the rail, slowly pry them up and should pop out with ease)

MGW FTW. If you get a MGW, just bring the shift rod to a machine shop and get them to re-tap it to nissan thread pitch.....thats what I did.
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/cschwind777/2013-07-22_20-28-57_654_zpsbf7d3961.jpg (http://s700.photobucket.com/user/cschwind777/media/2013-07-22_20-28-57_654_zpsbf7d3961.jpg.html)

[onehundredoctane]

^I like that shifter set up! Is that the PBM adjustable height set shift knob?

[dudermagee]

^I like that shifter set up! Is that the PBM adjustable height set shift knob?

It sure is

[mad-ass]

Not sure if you guys are anal as me on shift knobs..but only shift knobs I will use is Integra GS-R or Tomei Duracon or small q-ball. I threaded the GS-R knob on my S14 shifter some how and been using it since 2008, wouldn't have anything else, other wise it just feels weird to me.

[dudermagee]

Not sure if you guys are anal as me on shift knobs..but only shift knobs I will use is Integra GS-R or Tomei Duracon or small q-ball. I threaded the GS-R knob on my S14 shifter some how and been using it since 2008, wouldn't have anything else, other wise it just feels weird to me.

I'm a shift knob whore, I have like 5 or 6 laying around the house atm.


OP post up some more pics of your fitment please. I'm pretty sure I'll be going to a similar set up next season....but with meatier tires.

[onehundredoctane]

I've been rocking an older Trust shift knob for a while, might have it drilled and tapped to work with the new shifter I picked up.

[onehundredoctane]

So a friend of mine posted this pic on my facebook page along with all the details and it really got me to thinking. He used the Pontiac G8 alternator bracket and hardware, the G8 power steering pump and bracket set up (which is the same as the GTO I've heard) since it sits further back than the typical LS1 set up, you can see in the pic how much further back the pulley is.
https://scontent-a-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/374046_10151273089471329_2101935297_n.jpg

Since I hadn't really given any thought to the alternator set up, but would like to take advantage of the work my friend had done to free up as much space as possible between the engine accessories and the back of the radiator. This will eventually mean changing over to the C6 LS2 water pump since you can see in the pic the pulley on the water pump doesn't stick as far off the engine either.

So mind made up, I went to GMpartsdirect.com and ordered the alternator brackets and hardware. I've heard good and bad about their customer service, but the prices aren't bad. I've heard that the truck alternator will work with this bracket, but I won't be 100% sure until the parts get here.
http://www.trademotion.com/media/images/oe/collision/F/FR08130.gif

I've been following a build on Grassrootsmotorsports.com for a while and the op documented his conversion from LS2 accessories to Cadillac CTS-V, def some room to be freed up in there.
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh232/stockbee/Hinson%20Radiator%20Install/coretopulley.jpg

VS this with the CTS-V accessories! Def creates a little room to work.
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh232/stockbee/CTS-V%20Front%20Drive%20Accessories%20Install/_MG_9973.jpg

[onehundredoctane]

:) updates coming!

[onehundredoctane]

So far one of my least favorite things about doing this swap is having to remove the steering column to install the driver side exhaust manifold. Having only one set of hands, not fun.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/11314615953_9e73bf9f72_z.jpg

After some back and forth the steering column finally went back in, and then the coupler, I'll get around to re-centering the steering wheel next time I have someone helping me.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/11314540926_732549f343_z.jpg

I'm glad I already had this Mishimoto radiator from when the car was still KA24DE, I put it back in, along with the electric fans. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/11314597793_9e3d7518cf_z.jpg

Then installed the radiator hoses, the upper is from a 2009 Civic I think. . .? I'm not happy with how it turned out after installing the fan controller. Doesn't look pretty, so I'll probably redo this.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/11314483635_d8e186d4e4_z.jpg

The lower fits like a glove, it's from a 1999 Chevy 1500. I had to cut it a little short in order to make it fit though.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/11314543526_4c8ded3b08_z.jpg

One thing I had been curious about, but found out once I went to hook up the throttle cable, is that the stock S14 throttle cable works with the LS1 throttle body! Now I just have to fab up a bracket to hold it in place.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/11314480535_30c6c4c4c5_z.jpg

Next objectives will be figuring out the fuel lines, installing the new fuel pump and figuring out how I want to do the exhaust.

[dudermagee]

So far one of my least favorite things about doing this swap is having to remove the steering column to install the driver side exhaust manifold. Having only one set of hands, not fun.


After some back and forth the steering column finally went back in, and then the coupler, I'll get around to re-centering the steering wheel next time I have someone helping me.


I'm glad I already had this Mishimoto radiator from when the car was still KA24DE, I put it back in, along with the electric fans.

Then installed the radiator hoses, the upper is from a 2009 Civic I think. . .? I'm not happy with how it turned out after installing the fan controller. Doesn't look pretty, so I'll probably redo this.


The lower fits like a glove, it's from a 1999 Chevy 1500. I had to cut it a little short in order to make it fit though.


One thing I had been curious about, but found out once I went to hook up the throttle cable, is that the stock S14 throttle cable works with the LS1 throttle body! Now I just have to fab up a bracket to hold it in place.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/11314480535_30c6c4c4c5_z.jpg

Next objectives will be figuring out the fuel lines, installing the new fuel pump and figuring out how I want to do the exhaust.


I just flipped mine upside down and did a little cutting.

[onehundredoctane]

Flipped what and cut it? The throttle cable bracket?????

[dudermagee]

Flipped what and cut it? The throttle cable bracket?????

yeah man
and a couple coats of black paint and it looks oem lol

[onehundredoctane]

Too bad I sold my whole KA set up :(

[RalliartRsX]

Can you PM me more info on the rotors as well as where you purchased them??

[dudermagee]

Too bad I sold my whole KA set up :(

Lol nah man the oem ls1 bracket

[onehundredoctane]

Can you PM me more info on the rotors as well as where you purchased them??


I can just post here for anyone interested. . .

Rotors up front are from a Z33 track edition, the calipers are Wilwood Forged Superlite Internal with 1.38" pistons. The part number is 120-11130 FSI Caliper, 1.38" pistons, to be used with 1.25" rotor. The rotors themselves total about $300 for the pair, the rotors were less than $150 for the pair. And the bracket you will need to use to bolt the calipers to the S, R and Z. A friend of mine actually designed and makes the caliper brackets, he usually sets up a group buy so he doesn't have extra sets laying around. GB: Brackets for 350Z Track Rotors and Wilwood Superlites - Carolinanissans.com (http://www.carolinanissans.com/forums/index.php?/topic/32118-gb-brackets-for-350z-track-rotors-and-wilwood-superlites/)

[RalliartRsX]

Well, I am more interested in the rotor as I have the rest :)

Can you give me full details on the rotors?? Also, do you know how much they weigh and where they were procured from?? I am needing a set and I was also looking into 2 piece design, but they are bonkers $$$$!!

[onehundredoctane]

Weight is over 10 lbs per rotor, they're beefy! I got these rotors from a friend, no clue where he got them from :( and yeah the 2 piece rotors are EXPENSIVE!!! But you save weight with em!

[blueshark123]

Oem ls1 bracket fits fine with stock cable all u have to do is trim off the sleeving a bit on the s14 cable near the firewall to make it longer.

[onehundredoctane]

speaking of fuel...
don't get this fitting.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-644000
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/mediumlarge/RUS-644000_ml.jpg
#1 cause of engine fire, period. those things are known to pop off under pressure. so instead...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-644120/
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/mediumlarge/RUS-644110_ml.jpg
that's the one you want.

and if you decide to go with the steeda tri-ax shifter handle, start looking at new shift knobs in m12x1.75 thread pitch size...or make your own.

I ended up buying the lower fitting you posted and it is too small to fit onto the fuel rail... :/ searching to see which one I should've have ordered.

[mad-ass]

too small? 3/8th is the correct size and worked on LS1 and LS2 fuel rails that I've worked on.

Reference this page..
http://www.russellperformance.com/mc/adapt_fit/fuel-efi.shtml

[onehundredoctane]

Yeah everything I'm finding online says that is the right fitting too, which makes me even more frustrated. Is it a REALLY tight fit or something? I didn't try tapping it on or putting a little oil on the fitting before sliding it on, guess I should try that?

[mad-ass]

Yeah everything I'm finding online says that is the right fitting too, which makes me even more frustrated. Is it a REALLY tight fit or something? I didn't try tapping it on or putting a little oil on the fitting before sliding it on, guess I should try that?
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/misc/tech_center/install/russell_auto/644120.pdf

yeah...I should have mentioned that it needs bit of lubrication...

hopefully the o-ring is still good to be used.

[onehundredoctane]

Are you sure it's not the 1/4" fitting?

[onehundredoctane]

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/misc/tech_center/install/russell_auto/644120.pdf

yeah...I should have mentioned that it needs bit of lubrication...

hopefully the o-ring is still good to be used.

I'll have to try that next time I get to work on the car. I may also order a 1/4" EFI fitting just to make sure I'm covered.

[juvi22003]

Love the color and progress on the car....keep up the good work !!!

[onehundredoctane]

Finally got a few days off work to really get some work done, started off by welding on the v-band flanges to the Hooker longtube headers.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/11931088655_be1d8da9e9_z.jpg

Eh, good enough. I'm not a professional welder, so get off my case.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/11931530454_746ef09ccf_z.jpg

From here back I'll be using a C5 Corvette exhaust I picked up for free, hacing it up of course.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/11931560484_c4e09c9865_z.jpg

Mocking both sides up, the passenger side will tie into the driver side exhaust piping...
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/11931640183_10d2ffa599_z.jpg

Working with existing bends was tricky, putting it together like a puzzle.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/11932215366_8a9acf9879_z.jpg

And unfortunately that's where I ran out of pipe :( I need to buy some pipe now. But hey, I got 99% of the exhaust done for free! :)

Shifting focus from the exhaust over to the fuel system, I pulled the stock pump out, which if you've never done this on an S14, have fun. Just remember to have less than half a tank of gas, or be prepared to get your arm soaked in gasoline. After pulling the stock pump and realizing that the Aeromotive Stealth 340 pump I had purchased wasn't a direct replacement, I just started modifying the stock fuel pump hanger.

To give you an idea here is a pic of the stock fuel pump I swiped off of Google
http://kuddy.net/200sx/_images/fuel_new_pump_small.jpg

The stock fuel pump is held in place by a rubber busing on the bottom side, and the rubber hose coming out the top. That's it. Because the Aeromotive pump wasn't a direct install I cut the lower flange off the fuel pump hanger and bent it in just a little so it would rest up against the foam on the new pump.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/11931353063_c9eaa97992_z.jpg

I also made cuts in the hanger and bent the metal in so that the hose clamps I'm using to hold the pump will not slip off. With that the new fuel pump went back in the tank to live a thankless life of service.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/11931904466_4e0f20db39_z.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/11931910196_d88fd8c643_z.jpg

I really appreciate one of the forum members turning me onto this Tri-Ax shifter. Originally designed for use in the Ford Mustang, it works great at offsetting the stock shifter location! I used a few washers to space it farther to the right however as when going to second gear the shifter was VERY close to the e-brake handle.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/11931368695_e7be8e0ae1_z.jpg

Moving onto the oil lines and remote filter. . . now, from the angle this picture is taken it would look like the oil line is VERY close to the exhaust manifold. In actuality it isn't as close as it looks. It's more like an inch if you look at it from another angle. You'll also notice that the "IN" fitting is missing, I had planned on using two 90 degree fittings there but turns out another 90 won't fit in there. I'm going to have to use a 120 or 150 degree there.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/11931665623_2ffe876261_z.jpg

FOR NOW, this is where I'm going to put the remote filter housing. The power steering pump and alternator may force me to move it closer to the radiator, but that's not a huge deal.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/11931829204_85c474f68a_z.jpg

So long for now, hope to have more updates soon!

[mad-ass]

nice progress!

[ferrariowner123]

Loving the build! Can't wait to see it done!

-Kyle

[crash n' burn]

all that work..and its not even an LSJuan :facepalm:



<3

if only you spent this much time on the coupe. looks good matt

[onehundredoctane]

Thanks guys!



all that work..and its not even an LSJuan :facepalm:



<3

if only you spent this much time on the coupe. looks good matt

LS1s require more work to hold the kind of boost that the iron block 5.3 will hold stock :)

also, fuck my S13. I've been piddling on it here and there, but I'm not motivated at all to finish it. P1 talked about buying it a while back, or at least the engine.

[crash n' burn]

I know your reasons, just fucking with you about it.

P1 won't do shit since he bought the big body lexus. You can, however, give it to me, I'll finish it.

[onehundredoctane]

Got a few hours in on the car today:

I started by bolting the alternator bracket on with the lower bolt then aligning the upper bolt hole with the block. The upper bolt hole doesn't exist on the 5.3 block, so it has to be drilled and tapped for the LS low mount alternator bracket can be used.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/12142852754_ece7b2ef2f_z.jpg

With everything lined up, I marked the spot.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/12143117486_6b047a6247_z.jpg

Drilled the hole, tapped it, then tested with a bolt.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/12142857334_ff30dfae06_z.jpg

Installed! Picked this alternator and bracket up from a member on LS1tech for $100 shipped, talk about a deal!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/12142467925_fc12fe78f2_z.jpg

Finally got the fittings for the high pressure side of the fuel system, cut hose to length and wrapped it up.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/12143129176_501788d1e8_z.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/12143133146_e3ca968abe_z.jpg

Baby steps!

[onehundredoctane]

No real news to report, I managed to find time to tinker a little over the weekend. I ditched the stock coolant crossover hose that had a fitting that went to the throttle body in favor of this braided stainless steel kit.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/13062476224_a85977efae_c.jpg
In the above pic you can also see the two sensors that are missing from the intake manifold, need to order those.

Here you can see where the line runs across the front of the block to the other cylinder head. You can also see the stock throttle cable bracket I installed. This is the LS1 bracket simply turned upside down and it works perfect with the LS throttle body!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/13062144465_ebc4a34a4a_c.jpg

[2muchboost]

Loving the progress. Just wondering if there was any chance you measured the Creative Steel Solid Mounts? Someone mentioned they were 2.75 inches base to base (not including bolts). I am trying to give my buddy a dimension for him to CNC me some solid mounts.

Cant wait to see whats next.

[onehundredoctane]

Loving the progress. Just wondering if there was any chance you measured the Creative Steel Solid Mounts? Someone mentioned they were 2.75 inches base to base (not including bolts). I am trying to give my buddy a dimension for him to CNC me some solid mounts.

Cant wait to see whats next.


I did not measure them prior to install, I may be able to measure them installed if that will help you in any way?

[2muchboost]

If you wouldnt mind and if it were not hassle then it would be greatly appreciated. Just want to be certain that the placement of the engine is similar to that. MUCH appreciated bud and once again.....nice build for sure.

[russian]

No real news to report, I managed to find time to tinker a little over the weekend. I ditched the stock coolant crossover hose that had a fitting that went to the throttle body in favor of this braided stainless steel kit.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/13062476224_a85977efae_c.jpg
In the above pic you can also see the two sensors that are missing from the intake manifold, need to order those.

Here you can see where the line runs across the front of the block to the other cylinder head. You can also see the stock throttle cable bracket I installed. This is the LS1 bracket simply turned upside down and it works perfect with the LS throttle body!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/13062144465_ebc4a34a4a_c.jpg

just FYI, beware, not having a steamport can cause issues at higher rpms. Its best to run a swirl pot off the stock steamport or route both to the pot. just something to consider. good luck on your build, Im 70 percent done with mine. looking good!

[2fastandfurious]

wow good find ;) I got my kouki for 5k but 2k that's good!

[crash n' burn]

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/l/t1.0-9/10325299_10152326132600379_6326845743139351992_n.j pg



<3 Look at those 3 D-bags.

Looks good Matt. Hurry. Up.

[1Day]

Have you tried flipping the shifter? I'm running the Tri-ax with my swap but mine is facing the other direction.

[onehundredoctane]

Have you tried flipping the shifter? I'm running the Tri-ax with my swap but mine is facing the other direction.

Wouldn't that put the shift knob up against the radio in all of the forward shifted gears? Interested to see a pic of you have one. . .

[1Day]

Correct! Sorry for that man. I had plans on mounting mine that way but ended up mounting it like you have bc I wasn't able to get it into all the gears. I'm running the GM Motorsports Rip Shift shifter base and my throw is VERY short, so that's probably why mine isn't against the e-brake. I had to mill and slot the bottom of the shifter handle to get it to work with the base, but there was no way I was paying 100 and something dollars and waiting 8-12 weeks for a GM shifter handle from AU.

[onehundredoctane]

Baby steps. . . drilled a hole for the intake air temp sensor and installed the sensor, since I don't plan on running a MAF for now the IAT sensor is essential for tuning via speed density. I also ordered and installed the ECM as the first ECM I received was was for a V6 and wouldn't even work with his harness.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15321702551_093c599a53.jpg

With all this out of the way only a few small things stand between me and this thing running and driving! Getting them excite feels!

[onehundredoctane]

Fired up on the first try! Had a small rattling noise to track down, otherwise, I ARE EXCITE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QILFuIWCICk

[RalliartRsX]

Fantastic! Glad you got it started.

What did the rattling noise end up being??

[mad-ass]

Congrats and I mma let you finish and all..but when you gon do a burn out?

[onehundredoctane]

Fantastic! Glad you got it started.

What did the rattling noise end up being??

Thanks, felt great to hear it fire up first try! I think the exhaust was rubbing up against the rear sway bar, it didn't make the noise while I was driving it, so I say it's good to go.



Congrats and I mma let you finish and all..but when you gon do a burn out?

Yeah, no burn outs yet, still have some small picky bull shit to square away before I tune / turn the tires over hard. A quick trip around the block tells me that the longtube headers hang down lower than anything else on the car and scrape a little on bumps, gotta raise the car up a little in the front :(

[onehundredoctane]

Soooo... my neighbors might hate me for this, but how else am I supposed to celebrate this shit? 50' of black marks in 2nd gear :)
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15601950115_0564c49fb2.jpg

As posted before I still have a little work here and there that I need to do, more creature comfort than anything else really.
Power steering needs to be installed and bled, HVAC needs to be re-installed under the dash and the coolant lines from the
water pump to the heater core installed.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15371757990_fbc92dd36c.jpg

[onehundredoctane]

Spent some time today installing the Canton oil pans dipstick.

I've done some digging and think I'm going to be able to make the V6 power steering pump work with this set up. SOOOOOO much cheaper than the LS1 power steering pump!

The V6 pump itself only cost $35, the LS1 pump is closer to $250 from Turn One which adjusts the pressure from the pump so it won't blow out the Nissan steering rack. With that in mind, I'll have to add a restrictor between the pump and rack, not a big deal since Turn One also offers a restrictor for $40. Below is a link to that part.
http://www.turnone-steering.com/AN-6-Flow-Restrictor-Fitting_p_31.html

[onehundredoctane]

Power steering parts are finally on order.

Found this do-hickey and figured it would work for my heater hoses so I don't have to drape 100 miles of black heater hose in the engine bay. I've got this part on order and it should be here this weekend to test / install. Rather excited about getting the heater working on the car, esp with it having been down as low as 13 degrees this week.
http://www.techafx.com/sites/techafx.com/files/imagecache/product_full/TechAFX_LooksriteHeaterHose_2.jpg

[2muchboost]

That is def a nice cleaner setup for heater hoses if it works. Looking forward to results.

[mad-ass]

i want those heater lines...where and how much. :)

[onehundredoctane]

i want those heater lines...where and how much. :)

I'll post up the info and a link after I test fit them, they're supposed to show up today, can't wait to see how they fit. They are actually for a 2010 Camaro and are listed as a heater hose re-location kit. If these don't work I have one other option, this option looks to have a little more flexibility but I don't like the crimped hoses, that would make changing out hose ends a pain if it's not a decent fit out of the box, and I don't like using hose unions as they create the potential for leaks, etc.
http://www.jdpmotorsports.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/550x550/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/e/heaterhosefuelkit.jpg

[onehundredoctane]

I've been working on the V6 power steering pump set up slowly. I found this handy fitting that replaces the stock outlet for the high pressure side and converts it to AN-6 and also restricts the power steering pressure down so that it won't blow out the Nissan steering rack. The part on the left is the stock part form the ps pump, the right is the new part.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8661/15672932189_035fa93b90.jpg

Side by side:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/15671397418_ddd024f762.jpg

Installed on the car, I used Earls PFTE line with Speed Swivel ends and XRP insulation over the line.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7521/15239266593_ec46071334.jpg

Moved on to the heater hoses,
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7564/15673148197_b31e77951d.jpg

Initial thoughts. . . PRETTY DAMN CLOSE! These are actually designed for 2010 Camaros to get the original heater hoses off the top of the engine and re-route them down by the strut tower, this helps with guys going to top mount superchargers.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7576/15239271353_25243146e6.jpg

Mocking up for now, def going to bolt right up on the water pump side.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8644/15858920135_8844df0c5c.jpg

Checking out the firewall side, I may have to bend one of the pipes slightly to get a better angle. The upper pipe is just gonna use the 90 degree hose that came with the kit, the lower will take a little trial and error, but DAMN that's close! Very happy so far!
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7578/15858922255_e5947b3fe2.jpg

[BoostinIX]

Ooooooooo.....do want.

[onehundredoctane]

I still don't have the power steering put together, but I did manage to do a little test drive testing out my GoPro. If you're impatient fast foward to 1:07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otu1gJ_nxFU

[onehundredoctane]

Headed off to get tuned :)
https://scontent-b-atl.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10394017_10152891521195379_3227523212711980137_n.j pg?oh=0a7b4df30255e042262a200b580ef076&oe=555CC45C

[2muchboost]

Did the heater hose end up working out? That setup looks sweet.

[onehundredoctane]

Did the heater hose end up working out? That setup looks sweet.

I little bending (and I mean not much at all) and it worked like a charm. I have heat now!

Small update, I got this pic in a text last night :)
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/15831398263_9a3a2271e9_z.jpg
My friend Adam (complete with his new born son, and three other customers cars waiting for various cam installs and tunes) found time to strap the Nissan to the rollers and tune it.

Take aways:

-One of the two radiator fans works when it feels like it, the other fan works great and is enough to get me by until I replace #2.
-Fuel injectors are cutting out at 6200. . . why?


Baseline pulled yielded 271whp/330wtq, some time searching online will tell you that from the factory GM rated the LM7, 5.3, iron block, aluminum headed V8 at a measly 285hp and 325tq. Post tune I'm very impressed, 306whp/351.9wtq.

Impressive. I've always known these iron blocks were torque monsters. Really looking forward to getting the car back this weekend and planning my first round of engine mods which will be centered around a cam and heads.

[mad-ass]

check the fan relays before you swap the fans out, way cheaper and easier. and also check out the settings for the fan on the PCM as well.

6200rpm fuel cut? check PCM as well.

those aren't bad numbers, deff. a fun street car.

[onehundredoctane]

check the fan relays before you swap the fans out, way cheaper and easier. and also check out the settings for the fan on the PCM as well.

6200rpm fuel cut? check PCM as well.

those aren't bad numbers, deff. a fun street car.


Relay was my first guess, luckily I mounted those in an easy to access area! My tuner even stated he had heard the relay clicking, so I'm leaning toward that or a ground.

I don't think it was a fuel cut as much as the injectors just fell off, Adam sent me a pic of the wideband read out, the line graph tapered off rather than dropping off all together. Adam had mentioned before that I probably needed to have the injectors cleaned and the flow rate checked. I'll probably buy new since they are cheap and easy to swap out.

[mad-ass]

oh yeah, what's the fuel pressure? and agreed with what Adam stated.

if you want to know if fan relay or the fan..just jump the terminals on the relay socket to see if the fans are operating like they should. I made a simple jumper lead wire with two 1/4" blade male terminals just for this purpose and it's the first goto "tool" to test out anything with relay related problems.

http://terryrolls.org/Images%5CBoschRelay.jpg

"Just in case" you don't know how...jump from 30 to 87 or 87a, depending on how it's wired up.

[smartoss]

I'd love to see some pictures of the heater hoses. i am torn between trying the G8 version which are a little shorter and the style you bought.

[onehundredoctane]

Had a couple free minutes this afternoon to do some simple troubleshooting. I swapped fan relays, and the problem stayed in the same location, did not follow the relay.

If you watch the passenger side fan, it kicks on and spins but slowly, just glitch like then stops, it repeats this cycle.

Without having a spare ecu here (would have to disable VATS if I DID have a spare :/ ) I'm blaming the fan for now. ( have a spare fan here that will work with my fan shroud kit, I can swap out fans without pulling the radiator so I'll be trying that when I have free afternoon.

[onehundredoctane]

Rigged up a wind screen (dead cat) for my GoPro, took the car out for a little test drive and man am I loving this car! TURN UP THE VOLUME AND RIP THE KNOB OFF!!!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z7g54lvLQ8

[2muchboost]

Love the video and congrats on the dyno #s. Just put a fire under my ass to finish mine since it's the exact same build as yours.

[onehundredoctane]

Love the video and congrats on the dyno #s. Just put a fire under my ass to finish mine since it's the exact same build as yours.

GET TO IT! These things are TORQUE MONSTERS.

I went out and laid down what easily looks to be 70 feet of black marks in second gear. I can't wait to daily this bitch.

[Skilz10179]

i'd love to see some pictures of the heater hoses. I am torn between trying the g8 version which are a little shorter and the style you bought.

x2
........

[onehundredoctane]

x2
........


Sorry, never saw the OP, you're def going to want to use the ones I bought, these were the perfect length. I'll post pics when I get a chance.

[onehundredoctane]

I've had a bit of bad luck it would seem. . .

While taking a friend out for a ride in the car the engine developed a very loud ticking sound. I know what rod knock sounds like, and that isn't what this is, thankfully. Talked to a friend and found out bent pushrods or noisy lifters are common in these engines. I pull the valve covers and it's milkshake city. . GREAT! Looks like this thing has had a nice water leak for a while.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8667/16521641988_4ba8982bca_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/raXJym)

Further evidence.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8623/16523105259_24d5e59965_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rb6exa)

I started pulling rockers and pushrods, found several pushrods that were clogged and not allowing oil flow. I'm getting mixed messages from the pic below, on the one hand someone took care of this engine and changed the oil regularly, as evident by how clean the heads are. On the other hand, there is water mixed in the oil, so the engine has either been over heated, or is victim of Chevy's notorious cracked heads.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8634/16501943337_0436986829_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r9dLQr)

I've heard of and seen youtube videos where guys flush the engine with some magical cocktail or chemicals and it cleans the sludge out or quiets a noisy lifter. I refuse to go that route. That is like trying to put a band aid on a severed limb.

Since I already have to pull the heads I've decided to do a mild rebuild while the engine is torn down. This is the plan for now:

-disassemble engine
-check bearings
-purchase 799 heads
-hot tank and vat block+new heads
-purchase LS7 lifters
-purchase Texas Speed hardened pushrods
-purchase Comp Cam trunnions
-reassemble engine, installing LS6 cam I already have on hand

This set up should prove more reliable with sustained high revs and also help me pick up some more power. After all, why do a stock rebuild at this point?

[Imarvin240]

That is a bit of bad luck, but it's good you already have a plan to get her going again. Looking forward to the rebuild!

[2muchboost]

Sorry to hear about the update. I would check out the BTR Trunion upgrade. There was a discussion about the material and manufacturing of each kit and the BTR stemmed to be more reliable and better built.

[onehundredoctane]

Thanks for the concern guys, I pulled the oil drain plug and to my surprise no water came out. . . That means the water was just leaking in thru the heads, maybe around the head bolts or thru the castings, both of which other people have had problems with in the past. No sense in tracing down the exact issue really. Went ahead and started pulling the accessories, water pump, power steering, alternator, etc.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8568/16106715954_ddb3052fae_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qxi8vd)

Since I don't plan to reuse the 862 heads that I suspect are leaking coolant into the oil system I decided to pick up these 799 heads which are very desirable. The intake valve is larger, while these heads were used in some Corvettes, the truck version didn't come with the sodium filled exhaust valve, but that's easy to remedy, also the flow characteristics are better all around than most of Chevy's early LS designs. Being that the 799s came in cars and trucks (L33, LS2 and LS6 from what I've read online) makes it a easy and budget friendly replacement head. I picked up this set for $320 from a local junk yard. These came from a 2006 Chevy 1500 that developed rod knock due to low oil.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8635/16541618410_83c0e4fedf_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rcJ7Rq)

A quick once over, then tear down begins. Removing rockers, spark plugs, and any other misc hardware that I can before taking the 799s to the machine shop to be hot tanked, pressure tested and have the LS6 valve springs installed.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8649/16703131466_2d196b52a9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rrZV4h)

Something I found during my inspection, it looks like the coolant jackets are coated from the factory. Most engines you see torn down have a build up or discoloration to the coolant passages. If anyone has any input on this please feel free to weigh in! I could be wrong, it may just be a raw casting, but damn that's hella clean if so!
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8665/16727809781_9d2af2e6a1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rubp4t)

With the rocker arm assemblies removed it's easier to see that these heads actually don't look too bad. I don't have a valve spring compressor tool here, other wise I would tear these down further. For junk yard items, I'm happy thus far, now off to the machine shop!
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8572/16541761340_62c4dbb243_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rcJRkJ)

[jr_ss]

Well that bites. I know how disheartening an engine failure is. Looking forward to the progress and update.

[onehundredoctane]

Well that bites. I know how disheartening an engine failure is. Looking forward to the progress and update.

Yeah, it's a tough pill to swallow. . .

After picking up the 799 heads I stopped by HP Engines, owned and operated by Hollis Page. This guy knows his stuff, hands down one of the nicest guys I know in the car community. I also used this opportunity to take my 4 month old son to the machine shop so he can get bit by the car bug :)
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7604/16548718347_bf5d4fc838_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rdmvq8)

While at HP it was hard not to drool a little! Here's a customers engine that they were finishing.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7612/16568589240_e077bb2dce_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rf7mkJ)

I initially just wanted my heads cleaned up and the ports opened up a bit and smoothed over. After seeing this 5 angle valve job on another customers heads I changed my mind quickly! The quality of work Hollis and his staff turn out is amazing. So... add a 5 angle valve job to the list lol
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7625/16568589040_46e98b4121_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rf7mhh)

My heads should be done this week, so I guess I need to get cracking on tearing down the V8 in my S14. I took the time to pull the driver side head since it's a bit easier to gain access to in my case.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7639/16133677864_0009e2877b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qzFjkJ)

While pulling the lifters I found the one I think was noisy. . . looks like it was dipped in a milkshake :(
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7647/16548717747_1192859ecc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rdmveM)

Updates to follow

[2muchboost]

Awesome pic with the little guy....love his look of amazement.

Sucks that the engine failed but it looks like you are in great hands as far as putting the beast back together. Cant wait to see the progress. Staying NA?

[onehundredoctane]

Awesome pic with the little guy....love his look of amazement.

Sucks that the engine failed but it looks like you are in great hands as far as putting the beast back together. Cant wait to see the progress. Staying NA?

I've already told my wife that if Ryan doesn't take an interest in cars then it's obvious I'm not the actual father lol

Plans for now, stay N/A with the 5.3, in the mean time I'll be rebuilding the 6.0 block that I bought for giggles. The 6.0 is going to be a boost build, not sure if I wanna go LSA blower or big single on it. Again, that won't be getting completed anytime soon.

[2muchboost]

LMAO well played sir....Sounds like an episode of Maury in the making.

Same plans here...I have a spare 6.0 that I am planning to destroke for higher RPM fun. Always love how the 4.8's sound when revving to 7500 RPM but that project is years in the making.

[onehundredoctane]

If you upgrade the valve train, i.e. trunnions, pushrods, lifters, you can push them to much higher RPM.

The thing I like about the 6.0 block is that the LS3 square port heads bolt right on, which will further allow you to install the OEM supercharger from the ZR1, ZL1, CTS-V, etc. With GM putting those superchargers on so many cars now they are plentiful online and cheap at times!

[4-20sx]

Damn that blows man. Positive thing is you got a new set of heads lol

[Kingtal0n]

Thank you for sharing this, I wish you the best of luck with the rebuild.

I hope you find where the water entered the engine from. Any chance to check the original heads for cracks?
I dont know about the newer engines, but old V8's I worked on required thread sealer on the threads of the head hardware because they threaded right into coolant jackets.

[onehundredoctane]

Thank you for sharing this, I wish you the best of luck with the rebuild.

I hope you find where the water entered the engine from. Any chance to check the original heads for cracks?
I dont know about the newer engines, but old V8's I worked on required thread sealer on the threads of the head hardware because they threaded right into coolant jackets.

I did some research into this issue, the 862 heads which came on my 5.3 are known to have casting problems which allows coolant to seep into the oil system :( it's a known and documented issue that Chevy didn't address until around 2004. My luck, this engine is a 2003. . . HOWEVER, the 799 heads I'm installing are from a 2006, so hopefully this won't happen again.

As far as having the old heads pressure tested, I'm not sure I even want to waste my time and money having them tested by the machine shop.



Got a call from the machine shop just before lunch, my heads are ready to be picked up! They completed them a day early and came in $20 cheaper than they quoted me!

Not to keep babbling on, but I did some reading ( See article: http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/1307-ls-cam-test-comparison/ ) and found out that swapping the stock 6.0 cam into the 5.3 will net 40 hp and 32 lb ft at 6,500 rpm. . . and guess who has a stock 6.0 sitting on their shop floor that they aren't doing anything with yet?!

SCORE!

[onehundredoctane]

Ordered a ton of parts in hopes to get the S14 back on the road in time for all this nice weather we are having here in NC.

Tore the heads off, cleaned the surface of the block, got it ready to put the new heads on.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8577/16833882165_970d3eef7e_z.jpg

Getting the new heads on, these things are so clean they made the rest of the engine look even dirtier.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/16211535804_a20b39fece_z.jpg

Both heads back on, oddly GM's torque rating for the heads is 22 lb-ft, followed by 2 sequences of 90 degree turns on all head bolts.
WHY THE HELL CAN'T YOU JUST TELL ME WHAT THAT ADDS UP TO!?!?!!?!
(deep breath)
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7588/16832768432_c26c00e602_z.jpg

Now with the heads on it's time to start re-assembling the rest of it. One step closer!
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7592/16646765730_963873c111_z.jpg

At this point I'd been working for 10+ hours, time for a beer.

[newdie]

I don't get those torque specs either. Flywheel bolts for my audi were like 50ft lbs + half turn.

[onehundredoctane]

I don't get those torque specs either. Flywheel bolts for my audi were like 50ft lbs + half turn.

Glad I'm not the only one! It's like "touque to 18 ft lbs, then add 90 degrees, then add another 90 degrees, then google to see if you're really doing this right"

GIVE ME THE TORQUE SPECS! lol

[BoostinIX]

Joy of TTY bolts lol. Comin along nicely

[shoguner]

I like this thing.
I didn't read through everything.
What front accesories did you use?
Water pump, pulley, alt, brackets, what car did they come from?

[onehundredoctane]

I like this thing.
I didn't read through everything.
What front accesories did you use?
Water pump, pulley, alt, brackets, what car did they come from?

I may not have covered this in a previous post.

Accessories are based off of whatever crank pulley you use, the truck crank pulley and water pump stick further off the front of the engine than the car versions. I opted for a late 90s Camaro crank pulley, so all accessories had to be based off of that. I've kind of pieced it together, the water pump is from a Corvette and since the belt line on it didn't line up I had to shim the serpentine belt tensioner a bit.





Small update: I fired the engine up last night, just to make sure that oil started coming up thru the pushrods and lubricating the top end. Held my breath for about a minute and finally oil started circulating. Need to button her back up and see what she's got.

[onehundredoctane]

Car passed NC emissions and OBD-II inspection, drove it to Cars and Coffee on Saturday.

Leaving C&C a early 2000 Corvette (complete with chrome door handles and chrome tail light covers) came up on me while rolling on the highway.

I didn't expect to walk off on him, but I put a good 6-8 car gap on him before I let off, then I dropped down to the speed limit and when he passed by he wouldn't look over at me :)

I'm signed up for my first Auto-x this weekend, we'll see how that goes with no power steering :(