Rescue: Kouki Shark (7 photos)

[SHARKERIOcoupe]

So it has been my desire to upgrade to an s14 for some time now. I mean, I love the s13 coupe - but there is something about the 14 that just seduces me. I recently was presented with an opportunity I had to jump on - a 1997, silver moss s14 Kouki SE. I got her for an unbelievable deal - the circumstances...it's a rescue...

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/crash.jpg
This is how I found her - she was pretty bang'd up. Upon inspecting the injuries - I found a R33 front and R32 rear break set up, a motor intact what appeared to be no damage, a clean interior, and beautiful body (besides the injury). So lets say I bought a brake set up, and got the rest as a bonus.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/jer.jpg
This is where I took her for the reconstructive surgery - JER Development in Santa Ana. Upon seeing previous projects, crazy builds, and a conversational feel for the place, I knew this was the place to trust with my new project. We got to work quickly - analyzing the damage, potential and necessary steps.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0013.jpg
First was the body work - JER really took care of me here, doing an amazing job. A new front end was welded in like new and the frame is straight. I was very impressed with the job here.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/162722_1764742282161_1347247163_31883011_7778863_n .jpg
Moving forward we found the transmission was jammed, JER was quick to get in and analyze the situation. As I started searching for another KA transmission, I was informed that they were able of get in there and re-aline the forks - saving me about $250 bucks.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/20100109092413.jpg
So with that surpassed, I wanted to get this thing started. I threw on an aluminum radiator I had from Godspeed Project - it looks nice and feels nice.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/20100109092928.jpg

I also found a perfect transplant for my fusebox - from another 97' 240sx, even SE! They wired that thing in perfectly, and to my delight she started up perfectly. I drove around the block and JER inspected for the minor details now, which come with every project. I also had to change the alternator as it wouldn't stop charging and was blowing up my battery. I found also the rear sub frame bushings are bad, as I hear and feel a thud between gears. I will get some pineapple bushings at Megan Racing for that problem. They slip right in by just lowering the subframe versus removing it to insert the rubber bushings - a quick fix.

I also will replace my clutch disk as it is slipping - on an Exedy stage 2 clutch. I am now on the market for some headlights - where I might head to Fontana Nissan's Race Shop and scoop some OEM lights. I need a hood, and I'm opting for an OEM style CF hood. And - looking for a passenger fender...silver moss! Know where I can find one?

So stay tuned for future plans and updates, to see how the Kouki Shark is doing. Thanks to Lihn and the guys at JER development for their hard work, to Ken at Godspeed Project for helping me with the right radiator - and even to EddyT who hooked it up clean with the USDM bumper...in silver moss!

-PEACE

UPDATE 1-21-2011

Hey Ho!!
What's up. So the progress is taking me a little bit longer than I had planned, but don't judge me! I recently picked up a GODSPEED suspension from by buddy Jerry G. at Garage Made. It was for a Skyline - so the front coilovers were different. I went down to Godspeed, and Ken helped me out. I had the front changed out, and now I have a set ready to install.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0065.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0064.jpg
I can't wait to get them on. While I was down there, Ken showed me the new Gen 2 Toe Arms and Traction Rods, So I got a set of those too
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0045.jpg
They look nice and beef - a big improvement from the old gen 1. The Toe Arm is now a lot thicker, and features a bend for better clearance on the lowered vehicles.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0054.jpg
You can big time see the difference in the previous gen.
I can't wait to get these on...I might have to go back to Fatboy Garage, and pick up the other suspension components: control arms, sway bars, front and rear. Hint hint Ken :)
On a further note. I got the bumper on. I picked up a support from Jerry G. I also got the lights on, theres a few adjustments to make but I'm happy.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0022.jpg
I also found the fender I needed from a fellow Zilvian. It's primered - I don't think I'll paint...
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0023.jpg
I still need to get a hood! I'm opting for and OEM CF hood.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0027.jpg
I'm happy with the work though. Got the radiator support on good, I found the new fuse box and JER Development rewired it up, a new batter...I need a hood! lol
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0024.jpg
Oh And I like my breaks...
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0029.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0030.jpg
more updates to come...hopefully sooner than later.

[onehundredoctane]

glad to see so many people saving these things from the scrappers! good job man! just keep it tasteful and don't make it a waste of a repair.

"don't crush em', restore em"

[tricky_ab]

Damn after seeing the first picture, I thought you were going to use a different shell for the build! Anyways, this should be interesting :)

[miravete]

now THATS love for the art.....art of the 240 kouki :D

[Gjohnson7]

I could have swore you all ready started a build thread for this. Anyways, looking forward to the progress.

[SHARKERIOcoupe]

Thanks everyone I hope it comes out great - to my liking :)
It'll be clean

@Gjohnson7 - You might have seen some pics in Pahaf's rescue thread that I shared... There was more for me to tell, and will be more to share, and I don't want to thread jack ya know?

Resuce a car!

Lates

[fliprayzin240sx]

So just out of curiousity, how much did they charge you to fix the body? Most folks would have thrown that chassis to the scrapper, considering the frame looks pretty tweak. That bumper is sitting higher than where the headlights would have been...

[S-Nation S13]

lol damn what the hell did they hit, better yet what hit them, a rhino? i would also like to know whatthey charged you, from the looks of it it looks like alot of work.

[SHARKERIOcoupe]

Yes if you might have guessed the body work was the most. Work. I payed just under 1500 for that. The strut tower was crushed and the front end was from another vehicle and welded in. It was a pretty penny. But for the work and outcome and even xthe relative cost I am still very happy. I will try to some some more pictures of the body work

[SHARKERIOcoupe]

UPDATE 1-21-2011

Hey Ho!!
What's up. So the progress is taking me a little bit longer than I had planned, but don't judge me! I recently picked up a GODSPEED suspension from by buddy Jerry G. at Garage Made. It was for a Skyline - so the front coilovers were different. I went down to Godspeed, and Ken helped me out. I had the front changed out, and now I have a set ready to install.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0065.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0064.jpg
I can't wait to get them on. While I was down there, Ken showed me the new Gen 2 Toe Arms and Traction Rods, So I got a set of those too
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0045.jpg
They look nice and beef - a big improvement from the old gen 1. The Toe Arm is now a lot thicker, and features a bend for better clearance on the lowered vehicles.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0054.jpg
You can big time see the difference in the previous gen.
I can't wait to get these on...I might have to go back to Fatboy Garage, and pick up the other suspension components: control arms, sway bars, front and rear. Hint hint Ken :)
On a further note. I got the bumper on. I picked up a support from Jerry G. I also got the lights on, theres a few adjustments to make but I'm happy.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0022.jpg
I also found the fender I needed from a fellow Zilvian. It's primered - I don't think I'll paint...
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0023.jpg
I still need to get a hood! I'm opting for and OEM CF hood.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0027.jpg
I'm happy with the work though. Got the radiator support on good, I found the new fuse box and JER Development rewired it up, a new batter...I need a hood! lol
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0024.jpg
Oh And I like my breaks...
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0029.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t80/sharkerio/kouki%20shark/SANY0030.jpg
more updates to come...hopefully sooner than later.

[Nick_04K]

Double post homie!

Looks good though. But why would you not paint the fender? Are you planning on repainting the whole car soon?

[FaLKoN240]

Instead of buying up all those shitty suspension arms, you should put your money towards making the car look stock.

[uLmighty]

hey man, nice rescue on a kouki. i got a question how much did it cost you to straightin out the frame? i wrecked mine i dented the driver side =[ and front end is pieces.

[HPKMotorsports3]

hey man, nice rescue on a kouki. i got a question how much did it cost you to straightin out the frame? i wrecked mine i dented the driver side =[ and front end is pieces.

he said 1500... read bro it does wonders and good luck with yours as well...
op great choice on the rescue, continue the good work

[uLmighty]

my bad lol. i read all his details but dint bother to read comments so i kinda skipped his replied. and thanks!!

and OP u and pahaf are making me feel better by seeing you guys reviving koukis and im doing the same on mine!! thankss

he said 1500... read bro it does wonders and good luck with yours as well...
op great choice on the rescue, continue the good work

[upsdude]

wow the new godspeed arms look like pbm arms except in red lol,
nice job on the rescue have you brought it out to the rancho meet yet?

[SHARKERIOcoupe]

Double post homie!

Looks good though. But why would you not paint the fender? Are you planning on repainting the whole car soon?

No plan on painting whole car. I like the original color - if i do I'd just color match. the fender. I't doesnt bug me too much. depends on budget too lol


Instead of buying up all those shitty suspension arms, you should put your money towards making the car look stock.

They're really not shitty, but anyway. Why stock man? Not the plan. I will keep the OEM look though.


my bad lol. i read all his details but dint bother to read comments so i kinda skipped his replied. and thanks!!

and OP u and pahaf are making me feel better by seeing you guys reviving koukis and im doing the same on mine!! thankss

Dope - got any pics.

Yup 1,500. More than I originally anticipated. But there was a lot of work to be done. They also just did my buddies 14, I think he spent $300. I'll get pics


wow the new godspeed arms look like pbm arms except in red lol,
nice job on the rescue have you brought it out to the rancho meet yet?

Thanks - not yet. Not ready. I need to get the hood and suspension on before I roll out and drive. Soon after the clutch and rear subframe bushings.

[Gjohnson7]

@Gjohnson7 - You might have seen some pics in Pahaf's rescue thread that I shared... There was more for me to tell, and will be more to share, and I don't want to thread jack ya know?

Resuce a car!

Lates

Yeah, that must have been it. Well good luck with the build and keep us posted on the coils, I've had my eyes on them for a while, but considering my budget it may be a while.

My Kouki was a resuce as well, found it sit in the back of a old car lot. It had sat there for over 4 or 5 years, the paint was trash and quarter panel had been torn up.

[WanganNastyMachine]

Keep us posted man, nice save!

[Pure_JDM]

Nice job on the restoration... I just can't congratulate you on the choice of "upgraded parts".

[Fries]

Good save mate. I think you should reconsider and definitely paint the fender, no point in halfassing.

GL and enjoy the car.

[uLmighty]

ha ya i heard "a lot of work" the same thing the person who came to my house to do an estimate. post those pics of ur homie ^^

ill pm my pics when i have time and let me know if its really "bad." keep us posted on yours with the price too lol

[FaLKoN240]

They're really not shitty, but anyway. Why stock man? Not the plan. I will keep the OEM look though.


By stock I mean getting the stock parts needed to make the car stock, rather than making it into some slammed bucket looking car with a primer fender, beat up bumper, and no hood.

Priorities man.

Building your car isn't a race.

Do it right, or pay up twice.

[Highway Riding]

Nice rehab man.. That's some serious love

[migzs14]

checked out your car today when I stopped by to fix a leak. Nice CF hood

[AGNT84]

nice save....dude the first pic looks real bad :(...good job

[Hoffman5982]

Most people wouldn't have even touched a car with that much damage. I have tons of respect for you for bringing it back.

Quick question, why is the paint on those Godspeed arms chipped up? They look a bit better than the older arms. Let us know how they install and hold up over time.

Keep up the good work!

[towlie]

Before pics look terrible.

Nice work