Mikester's Fun-mobile~

[Mikester]

Hey everbody. My name is Mike; I've been trolling here for a few yrs... and decided to post my last few yrs work. If any of y'all were in Okinawa between 2005 & 2008, and into cars; you may remember my old 180SX that I built up from fairly stock form:

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^^That's not me lol... She was a friend of mine who wanted to pose with it for a swimsuit calendar.

ANYWAY... When it came time for me to leave, I packed up just about everything from the FMIC to the tailpipe & brought it back to the states and sold the body.

My dream has been to reicarnate that car in LHD form; so in 2009, I flew down to Dallas for a nice, rust-free car to bring up to St Louis and get to work on.

Here it is (was lol):

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First order of business was to rip apart the interior and redo it. So I tore it all out, cleaned and/or repainted everything; then added sound deadener.





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Then put it all back together nice & clean with:


- R33 seats
- Kouki 180SX rear seat
- New [to me] dash
- New OEM speaker grills & shift boot
- New Essex carpet
- Nismo floor mats
- New headliner w/fixtures & visors dyed to match the darker shade of grey
- New power window switches
- hydrographic carbon map light
- New Canadian-spec A & lower B pillar side panels
- 180SX seat belts & upper B-pillar panels
- LED dome
- 180SX cluster
- 180SX digital climate control
- Painted glove box door (graphite)
- carbon scuff plates
- Razo carbon pedals
- Momo wheel
- Kenwood Excelon deck w/Pyle Red label speakers, 320w amp & Kicker Impusle 15" sub
- carbon C-pillar bar
- Cusco carbon rear tower brace
- GT Spec trunk cross brace

Looks & smells lie a whole new car in there lol!

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- There are still a few things left to do to the interior, but it's SO much nicer than it was... and there were a lot of other things I did to it as well, but I am trying to keep the narrative short.

In between some the above work, I did a 1yr stint in Afghanitraz. While there, I bought a whole bunch more stuff for it on top of what I brought home from Okinawa. When I got back 8 months ago, I did some other prep work & started on the rear underbody portion of the build...


- Completely redid fuel tank (cleaned, undercoated/repainted)
- Summit -6AN braided fuel lines
- Walbro 255 h.p. pump
- Deleted evap system
- Undercoated entire underside & rear fenderwells with Herculiner
- Had rear member, sway bar, spindles, lateral supports & LCA's powder coated
- Moog ball joints
- Energy urethane subframe bushings
- RS-R urethane main bushings
- R32 GT-R rear brake/5-lug swap
- 300ZX (2+2) ebrake cables / extension brackets
- Ray's Volk Racing GT-C wheels 17 x 9 +13 / Nitto 555R 275/40/ZR17 drag radials
- HKS Hipermax Performer coils
- Drift-Spec RUCA/toe control rods
- GT-Spec lower tie brace
- 180SX VLSD
- Driveshaft Shop Alum driveshaft

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Then I got started on the front underbody prep


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Aside from all of that, I did a bunch of other prep-type stuff done while waiting for the front stuff to get back from powder coat... Like the tranny lol!


- CA18DET tranny w/SR bell housing
- Cusco baffled center plate
- HKS return springs
- Nismo pivot ball
- C's short shift
- Circuit Sports urethane mount


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Sent the manifold to Jet-Hot- very happy with the turnout=)
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Looks damn near new- I beat the piss out of it in Okinawa for 2+yrs.


FReddy intake... Got it free:


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Sent it to St Louis Plating for polish:


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Cleaned 20 yrs worth of shit out from behind the old tails & garnishes... Slapped the new setup in


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Continued front prep

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^^Had the rear cut up to the body line & pinch-welded in prep for overfenders.

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DIF/Tokico Z32 MC

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Now that it finally had brakes again; and good ones at that, it was time to to drive it...

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Felt like a whole new, yet underpowered car!!! LOVE the URA's tails~

Picked up the motor from the builder (Adrenaline Motorsports, St Peters, MO)


Very happy with their work~



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Typical machine work (hone, tank, deck, polish crank, line bore etc), all new [OEM] bearings, thrust washers, gaskets yadda yadda...

PLUS some other stuff:

- Wiseco 86.5mm forged pistons (9.0:1)
- Eagle rods (kit comes with ARP HW)
- ARP main studs
- ARP head studs
- BC valve springs/retainers
- Tomei solid lifters
- Tomei 260* solid-type Procams
- Powder coated crank pulley & bracketing
- Billet blue CAS cover
- Nismo ratchet-style oil cap
- Tomei Super oil block
- Tomei oil pan


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^^Mmmm sexy~

It was time to my buddy's shop to toss the KA, start building up the SR and get the engine bay ready for paint... so I got some stuff ready for it.



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Pulled in and went to town:

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Bay is ready to stage the engine in to cut the holes for the piping:

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[Mikester]

LOL too many pics- Had to break this up into 2 posts :wiggle:

Just about done building up the longblock. It's been a lot of fun so far. The biggest challenge at the moment is finding time to go to the shop to press on... Between me & the guy w/the shop; our time is pretty limited. Here are the highlights:

Freshly unwrapped after fresh rebuild:

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This car is being built to keep for the next 20-30 yrs and for fun (not just the track); so I can't live without A/C. CodyAce compressor adapter was just what the doctor ordered :D Fit was perfect and the workmanship is second to none. Ended up painting it black later to blend in & keep it from rusting.

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Didn't have an S14 water neck handy; so I got this to delete the coolant return behind the block/head...

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Moving right along...

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Motor is pretty much together... Just waiting on a couple more odds/ends to finish up the new intake mani setup. Also contemplating fabbing up a support bracket for it.

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Staged it in to measure out where we're gonna cut the holes for the piping. First time my SR has been in an engine bay since Feb-Mar 2008. Even tho it has to come right back out to finish the prep/paint; I am BEYOND excited~

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Hoping to have the bay painted & motor in & tuned in the next 2-3 wks... but if it takes longer, I don't care. Since I plan to keep the car forever, my focus is on quality, not on time ;)

Thanks for checking this out. Any/all feedback, tips tricks & advice welcome!

--Mike

[Hoffman5982]

Very nice. I'm interested to see what kind of power you make with the m8270

[STL240SXDRIFT]

AWESOME! So many killer parts. Love to see this type of built in STL. Can't wait to see this thing around town.

[rednissan180]

lookin awesome man, what brand undercoating did you use?

[Mikester]

Very nice. I'm interested to see what kind of power you make with the m8270

Thank you~

Me too! My last turbine ran out of breath about the 380rwhp mark; so I am keeping it for a spare ;) I am hoping for 400 - 420 at the wheels with this one & the supporting mods I chose. I will be happy [for now] with anything 400 or above~

Will post the numbers when I get them... Hopefully in the next 3-4wks.

AWESOME! So many killer parts. Love to see this type of built in STL. Can't wait to see this thing around town.

Thanks dude! I will be bringing it to Midnight Madnesses out at Gateway next season, and hopefully by spring/summer it will be out & about frequently on the nice days.

lookin awesome man, what brand undercoating did you use?

Thank you very much!!!

I used Herculiner brush-on truck bedliner. $30 a can, but worth it since I am building this car to last as long as possible.

[future]

This is a dope ass build

[Bmxer300zx]

this build has no attention to detail....
wait i kidd, i kidd
lol dope project man def sparing no expense

[jr_ss]

Looks pretty damn good sir. I cringed when I saw that you cut the rear fenders though, that always disappoints me.

[Mikester]

This is a dope ass build

this build has no attention to detail....
wait i kidd, i kidd
lol dope project man def sparing no expense

Thank you guys! I am trying to do it right... or at least as "right" as possible. I feel very lucky because the guy I am working with to get it ready for run-up/tune works as a fabricator for a race car company here in the metro area- Without his expertise, this portion of the build wouldn't be nearly as far along as it is; nor would I have ever had the cajones to to DIY the paint prep in the bay to this level.

Looks pretty damn good sir. I cringed when I saw that you cut the rear fenders though, that always disappoints me.

Thank you very much- I have been trolling your build for ideas; and I very much appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge/experience with me. Please feel free to interject if you see something that I could do smarter or better... or if you have any ideas whatsoever, good sir~

BTW, I am not a huge fan of cutting the rear fenders either; but there are only 'so many' things a guy can do to fit 275's in the rear with a +13 offset wheel and decent ride height. Once the overfenders go on, it will look pretty good methinks.

Will update again when the bay is prepped & primed...

**Again, I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, so I welcome any/all feedback, critiques etc.

Thanks everyone for the kind words so far :bigok:

[dreamin240sx]

fucking looks sick as fuck!!!

[ForeignMuscle]

I hate it Mikester!! :D

Just kiddin' bud. Glad you decided to show it to the Zilvians. I'm ready to see this ride tearing up the streets.

(This is Ketchup from 240sxf btw)

[stylo1]

Mike, Its insane how precise you are with everything. Respect sir. :bowdown:

[Draggin A$$]

Looking good Mike!

[Mikester]

fucking looks sick as fuck!!!

Fuckin thanks! I'm fucking stoked as fuck! :)

I hate it Mikester!! :D

Just kiddin' bud. Glad you decided to show it to the Zilvians. I'm ready to see this ride tearing up the streets.

(This is Ketchup from 240sxf btw)

Yo whats up dude!!! Thanks- I can't wait either~ Will definitely be contacting you or 4x4le & trolling your builds for advice here & there!

Mike, Its insane how precise you are with everything. Respect sir. :bowdown:

Thanks Steven- You will get to drive it next year as long as you promise to keep the fronts & rears on the same line ;)

Looking good Mike!

Domo!

Well, the BAMF helping me with this got the holes cut for the IC piping- everything came out GREAT- of course I FAILED by not taking any pics of his awesome work... it looked really good with the motor staged in and the piping all connected.

Aside from that, used a heat gun & angle grinder to adapt the USDM S13 pillar pod to the Canadian A-pillar. Came out pretty good:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8215591529_0640594cbe_b_d.jpg

Going back to work on it some more Tuesday evening. Thanks again everyone!

[Mikester]

More minor progress last night. Installed S14 throttle pulley, fitting for the brake booster behind the intake, sensors on oil block & gauges in the pod. My time has been limited... nose in books- got a great chance of getting promoted this time around.

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^^ That pic didn't look blurry on my phone lol. Been so long since I packed them, I didn't realize the Defis are 60mm, not 52... Had to grind a bit on the pod to get them to fit... and of course finding an LHD pillar pod for 60's is next to impossible; so it all worked out.

Andy did some fiberglass work in the wheel well/engine bay where he removed a bracket that is no longer needed- of course I FAILED to take a pic (facepalm).

The last bit of hose to finish out the under-intake coolant setup should be here in a couple days... The motor should be ready for drop-in & the the bay prep/prime will begin on Tuesday.

It's going slow... but at least it's going lol- which is all that matters. I start a 2 week reprieve from work this weekend; but I need to spend the majority of my time studying... 10 days after I test, my little ones get here for Christmas- nothing to do with the car, but I am nonetheless STOKED :)

[andrew600]

woooooooh!!!!!!!! looking good mike.

[Mikester]

woooooooh!!!!!!!! looking good mike.

Thanks Andy! Definitely excited seeing it come together little by little.

[future]

What does the BMC stopper thing do?

[ghoti]

What does the BMC stopper thing do?

Might be the same use as Miatas. Gives a better brake feel by decreasing firewall flex when pressing the brake pedal

[Mikester]

Gives a better brake feel by decreasing firewall flex when pressing the brake pedal

^^Yup.

Plugged throttle body coolant ports with 5/16" vacuum caps, high temp RTV & clamps.

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Engine bay holes are cut, seam sealer in.

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Andy fabbed us up a dolly so we can get everything else outta there for primer/paint. Works like a champ! I am very lucky to have that kid's skills handy~

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Hoping to at least have the bay primed by the end opf the weekend...

[PG BOOSTED]

clean. what bodykit are you going to run? type X will look good i think.

[Driftwurks]

It looks like you put a lot of planning and thought into this build and it shows. I like what i've seen thus far.

[tricky_ab]

I can't wait to see what that turbo can do. FINALLY someone who actually owns one can comment on it :)

Build is looking good so far!

[PG BOOSTED]

I can't wait to see what that turbo can do. FINALLY someone who actually owns one can comment on it :)

agreed. i heard its suppose to spool strong and quick. cant wait to see the numbers on it.

[Mikester]

clean. what bodykit are you going to run? type X will look good i think.

Meh, after 6yrs of living in Japan, I've seen way too much Type-X aero... but it does look vbery classy. I am however, going to run a Type-X spoiler. As far as the kit goes, I'd like to keep it to myself for now... but it will be here in a few more weeks- I will post a pic of the mock-up :D

Should have the widebody, kit & paint done by Apr/May... I hope at least... Right now just trying to concentrate on getting the prep done and the motor in & tuned.

It looks like you put a lot of planning and thought into this build and it shows. I like what i've seen thus far.

Thank you very much=) Been waiting to do this since March 2008... so at this point I am trying my very best for quality vs. throwing it together in a hurry. It feels really good to be making progress; even if it's slow.

I can't wait to see what that turbo can do. FINALLY someone who actually owns one can comment on it :)

Build is looking good so far!

Thank you!

Me niether :D I hope it will perform similar to what Tomei posted. Not running SR22, but with the 260's & other stuff, it should be close.

agreed. i heard its suppose to spool strong and quick. cant wait to see the numbers on it.

Boostin IX runs the M7960. He's making something like 349rwhp and says the spool is amazing... His tuner said with the 8270 I can expect 400-420... which is all I want... But I'll take less in the name of a fatter power band. I will definitely post the sheet as soon as I get it. I was a little hesitant at first when I read the "ARMS boost creep" thread; but hearing Boostin's first-hand experience made me feel much better about the purchase.

Thanks everyone~

[drscooper]

wow this build is great! great parts cant wait to see more done! subed forsure

[TallguyBoost]

Absolutely excellent work. You're building a brand new car! Keep up the good work and the documentation.

[Mikester]

wow this build is great! great parts cant wait to see more done! subed forsure

Absolutely excellent work. You're building a brand new car! Keep up the good work and the documentation.

Thank you; I really appreciate it guys~

Today's progress-

- motor is finished & ready to go in. No need for pics; looks the same... just fitted the last couple coolant lines under the intake.

- dropped power brace, front member etc... tomorrow or Tuesday gonna start cleaning/moving pieces onto the member I had powder coated:

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- Started cleaning/scuffing it for primer:

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- Finished up the undercoat in the tranny tunnel & under the new plates. Herculiner is a MESS to work with for this application, but it's durable as hell; and even stood up when the new metal was being welded in right next to it!

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AND here is how she currently sits; awaiting final cleanup, acetone & primer:

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[Mikester]

So last night we filled in some seams & stuff, taped off the majority of the holes & riveted in an extra firewall grommet.


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Other than that, cleaned all the dust out of the bay. Hope to get a coat of primer on it tomorrow evening.

[jr_ss]

I suggest wiping the bay down extremely well. Get some wax and grease remover as your wipe down detergent. Use lint free cloths and turn it often, also get some powder free latex gloves to keep your hand oils from contaminating the surface. I like to keep my rag wet vs letting it get to try as well.

Everything is looking pretty good so far.

[ShadowMan]

Nice hatch. Wish I would have taken the time to do all this when I had my motor out. I like that extra firewall grommet.

[Mikester]

I suggest wiping the bay down extremely well. Get some wax and grease remover as your wipe down detergent. Use lint free cloths and turn it often, also get some powder free latex gloves to keep your hand oils from contaminating the surface. I like to keep my rag wet vs letting it get to try as well.

Everything is looking pretty good so far.

Thank you=)

We will be using acetone as our cleaning media... and will definitely be using latex gloves. Will throw my lint-frees in the car to bring over there... been meaning to bring them anyway ;) Wet as in water/cleaner or just cleaner?

This is new territory for me. Luckily, Andy is there and he is almost "too" anal sometimes lol. We are only doing the prep & prime- a guy who actually does body work for a living is coming out to shoot the paint. I assume we need to wipe down after sanding between coats as well?

Also, the booster needs new paint... Would it look goofy the same color as the bay?

Nice hatch. Wish I would have taken the time to do all this when I had my motor out. I like that extra firewall grommet.

Thank you! That grommet is key to not having any unnecessary lines or wires crossing the bay... and I like it that it will be pretty much hidden under the booster once everything goes back in. Trying my best to balance longevity & maintenance-friendliness.

[jr_ss]

Acetone tends to remove your base coat already in the bay. It can also attack your seam sealer. Wax/grease remover is less likely to deteriorate them as it is less volatile.

[KoukiMonsta]

WOW, i like what i see. quality parts here.

whats kinda hose is that from IACV to cold pipe? i cant find anything the right size..

i just made a build thread but this is way cooler haha

[xoxide]

Quality build! Cant wait to see more.

[Mikester]

WOW, i like what i see. quality parts here.

whats kinda hose is that from IACV to cold pipe? i cant find anything the right size..

i just made a build thread but this is way cooler haha

Thanks dude! It's 3/4" or 19.05mm ID hose from www.verociousmotorsports.com (http://www.verociousmotorsports.com).


Quality build! Cant wait to see more.

Thank you very much!

Update:

Tonight I focused on cleaning 20yrs of shit off the rack & moving everything on to the powder coated front member.


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Meanwhile, Andy commenced to BAMF-ing in the bay:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8285716953_4c89a9746c_b_d.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8286772366_3d3b8ac436_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8286769980_c9a7357899_b_d.jpg


Coat #1 finished:


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8286768860_f1fa667239_b_d.jpg

[future]

Looks great man

[240drifter1]

One of the nicest builds on here. Good job.

[codyace]

Nice stuff Mike! Glad to see the AC brackets in a build thread on here :D

[Mikester]

Looks great man

One of the nicest builds on here. Good job.

Nice stuff Mike! Glad to see the AC brackets in a build thread on here :D

Thank you very much guys!

Codyace, those brackets are AWESOME! Thank you again for such a great service~

Minor update:

Andy was tied up with another project today so we weren't able to do anything with the bay... So I did some trimming on my pillar... and slapped this in with some cool white LED to light it up:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8297451557_f5c0960452_b_d.jpg

Very convenient that SuperbrightLED.com is based here in St Louis!

Next time, my plan is to start laying out the battery relocation kit while Andy shoots the primer. Realistically, it won't be till after Jan 6th... My kids are coming out from Cali tomorrow evening and every ounce of my spare time will belong to them ;)

[Danial]

Any new progress?

[AWahl]

I like those wheels to hold the front up that was a good idea!

[Mikester]

Any new progress?

Should have some progress tonight or tomorrow night- My kids were out for Christmas/New Year so the car went on the back burner.

I like those wheels to hold the front up that was a good idea!

Thanks- that was all Andy's idea. If it hadn't been for him, this build would have been much less in-depth.

[Teigen]

Looks very great man, I usually don't like S13s but yours is an exhange hehe
Keep it up

[liveordie72089]

Hey man just finished reading your entire thread as well as "jr ss" thread and you two are definitely putting in some great hours into your cars, and the outcome is definitely showing. I look forward to more updates and you definitely inspired me and my build. Fantastic job, *Stands up and claps*

[Mikester]

Looks very great man, I usually don't like S13s but yours is an exhange hehe
Keep it up

Thanks very much! Wish there was more time to work on it... I dream of driving it every day!

Hey man just finished reading your entire thread as well as "jr ss" thread and you two are definitely putting in some great hours into your cars, and the outcome is definitely showing. I look forward to more updates and you definitely inspired me and my build. Fantastic job, *Stands up and claps*

Thanks man... jr_ss is light years ahead of me; and I learn something from him almost every time I read his posts and/or troll his build... He does some seriously cool work! I'm just lucky enough to be friends with a kid who can fabricate and is about as anal-retentive as a guy can be during a build.

ANYWAY, minor progress today...

Well, I got hung up on the damn clips that hold the A-pillar panel up... Had to order new ones; and they weren't the easiest to find. So here is the Nissan part # for all who ever would like to know:

CLIP

01554-00061

Putting the pod back on the pillar was a bit of a challenge, but I was lucky enough to have the best help in STL:

ANYWAY, after doing some sanding in the engine bay, I pulled apart my oldskool BOV, cleaned/lubed it up & put it back in its home...

All clean... Love how simple this thing is:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8417706577_5d5396121b_b_d.jpg

Added the upgraded spring since I will be pushing 1.6bar (24psi). Definitely a difference between new (top) and old... Even on the loosest setting, it's stiff as hell- when trying to put it in, I actually launched the piston across the shop; it went really far lol:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8417705393_e55330e66c_b_d.jpg

All together:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8418795548_20e23ab4bd_b_d.jpg


Can't wait to hear this thing in action again :eek3d:

Not much of an update :-/ but at least SOMETHING got done for a change;)

[Mikester]

Ordered one of these:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8440043860_7099b045ae_o_d.jpg

Also managed to get a little done today... Coats 2 & 3 in the bay... Left us with some sanding to do- only 1 deg above coldest recommended painting temp today so the primer didn't go on as nicely as it should have :(



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8439795276_17ec342fec_b_d.jpg




While Andy was shooting the bay. I stepped to the rear & yanked the antenna & wiper.



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8365/8439794446_3e418cbd55_b_d.jpg



Just need to get rid of those stupid-ass red side markers when she goes in for final body work and I will be happy=)


Since the prep work in the bay will essentially be done, but still too cold to spray at Andy's shop- I might go ahead & pay a body shop to shoot the color/clear since they have heat in their booths. I need to get this done before the season starts, otherwise I'll be waiting FOREVER to get it tuned.

[codyace]

nice updates mang!

[Mikester]

^^Thank you sir!

I am currently out in Cali on an inspection team... but apparently Andy made me a present out of a sheet of CF he had laying around:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8448984453_93892a3439_b_d.jpg

Once fully touched up, it should look WAY nicer than that sticker-on-aluminum bezel I had in there before~

[Mikester]

We finished the prep in the bay and got her for paint on Monday. They called and said it's ready. They texted me 4-5 pics, but I was only able to upload one from downstairs (no phones allowed at my work)...



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8491886535_3f09a2d8e3_b_d.jpg

Even tho it's blurry, it is DEFINITELY a nice, shiny bright red :D

Unfortunately, the only metal flake they had that is compatible with their paint was not nearly as fine as I would like- Gave it the "bass boat" look- not my bag... So I just went with red. When it comes to the exterior, I will not settle so easily ;)

Will post clear pics later.

[Mikester]

More blurry pics from the painter:


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8493447678_3d475a4bfc_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8493452968_7f5318b6e1_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8492349817_5434c9eabf_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8492350537_2fdf49bce5_b_d.jpg

[greenwood]

neat thank you for sharing.

[Mikester]

Um, thanks lol

[Mikester]

Went & paid up... Took a couple clearer pics. Very happy with the paint guy's work!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8498238991_98f210c856_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8498239793_309950c32a_b_d.jpg



Here she sits till next weekend... snug as a bug in the trailer=)



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8499968352_b923332c2d_b_d.jpg

[voiddweller]

Thanks for keeping your post updated. Very nice to see all the progress. Looking great!

[Mikester]

Thanks for keeping your post updated. Very nice to see all the progress. Looking great!
\
No problem- thank you for the compliment & taking the time to check it out=)

* Always nice when boxes clearly marked "FRAGILE" show up to my door all squished & torn:


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8507652683_941bed69dc_b_d.jpg

Even so, the new fan made the trip from the land down under blemish-free :D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8507653593_df939f59b5_b_d.jpg

Looking more forward than ever to getting back to it~

[liveordie72089]

Updates??? :x:

[Mikester]

Goose egg.

Had to concentrate on school this weekend... Hoping to start this week/next weekend. I am sorta pushing to get her together sooner vs. later so I can get it tuned before the season starts... If not, I'll be waiting for effing ever before I'll be able to drive it.

[Mikester]

In other news, I just got one of these throttle cable adapters from Xcessive.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8527812837_92cac4f017_o_d.jpg

Should work nicely.

[atvrider647]

subbing. 10 chars

[Tomme]

subbing. 10 chars

atvrider, you don't have to post to subscribe. you can do it using "thread tools" at the top of the page.

---

Mike, this build is looking great! I was also thinking of coating my subframe with a dark gray hammertone. Probably going to do my LCA's, front arms, and front member in the same color, too. Keep up the great work!

[fliprayzin240sx]

Damn Mike, you planning on retiring first before being able to drive the damn thing?

[dsc4130]

nah i have an very hectic lifestyle that keeps mike from working on and ultimately finishing this. btw im andy

should make some good progress on this this weekend as long as my boss doesnt call me in over the weekend. (race season starts this week so it might happen lol)

[codyace]

That's a slick piece for the cable!

[Mikester]

Mike, this build is looking great! I was also thinking of coating my subframe with a dark gray hammertone. Probably going to do my LCA's, front arms, and front member in the same color, too. Keep up the great work!

Thanks! Powder coating definitely adds an element of cleanliness as well as durability. Also a little tricky trying not to scuff/crack the coating when pressing new bushings & ball joints in... If you do it, take your time, use lots of grease on the bushings, lots of padding on your vise; and only the minimum amounts of force needed to get the job(s) done.

Damn Mike, you planning on retiring first before being able to drive the damn thing?

Oh hey Ray what's up lol... Yea man- Hoping to drive it over to collect my first social security check ;)

nah i have an very hectic lifestyle that keeps mike from working on and ultimately finishing this. btw im andy

should make some good progress on this this weekend as long as my boss doesnt call me in over the weekend. (race season starts this week so it might happen lol)

Ladies & gentlemen, ^^This be the BAMF helping with this [the biggest] part of the build... and by helping, I mean doing pretty much everything from fabrication to babysitting me to make sure I don't do anything too dumb. Can't thank him enough for all he's doing :)

That's a slick piece for the cable!

Domo sir! :bow:

As stated above, hoping to make some progress over the next few days. Planning to go over tonight & do some stuff.

[Mikester]

Well, the throttle cable bracket didn't work with the S14 pulley.. May have to get an S13 pulley, or just make a bracket. Will prolly opt for a fabbed bracket since I already paid $40 for the new S14 pulley.

Got a few things done. Redid the AAC valve coolant lines, painted the brake booster & installed the new fan.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8538718214_ca1c386fd8_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8538715942_5b306f7654_b_d.jpg

Also received something I've wanted ever since back in the day when I first got into modding my 180-

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8537610861_d9b608dbba_b_d.jpg

\BAM!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8538717168_93c12777d8_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8537612031_19c0a15197_b_d.jpg

I loves me some carbon :D

Should have her rolling on all 4's this weekend... Feels good to be back at it.

[Mikester]

Upodato:

Freshly waxed engine bay...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8543018433_d0331e87c9_b_d.jpg

Slapped in the crossmember...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8544111486_d821306e7e_b_d.jpg

Meanwhile, Andy did that BAMF shit he always does... grommets, wipers/cowls/seals etc... (Thank you broham!)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8544112084_063c1fb677_b_d.jpg

Back on all 4's!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8543017099_1fa289d9c7_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8544113986_d4b442f810_b_d.jpg

Great evening's work- damn near ready for the motor... still need to connect the brake lines, hook up the line lock and a few other things... but great progress!!!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8543016083_d1cb2ce0b1_b_d.jpg

Heading out to clean up the body harnesses.

Starting to look like a car again- Ever so close :D

Special thanks to Kate- she was damn near everywhere tonight- manhandling the crossmember, putting in the coils, sanding/repainting the booster... and I'm sure a bunch of stuff I missed... Like Andy, she is AWESOME and her help & friendship are greatly appreciated!

[801nismo104]

looks so clean! good luck man

[Mikester]

looks so clean! good luck man

I appreciate it- Thank you very much for checking this out!

[rednissan180]

sooooo shiny!! :yum:

[Extreme Dimensions]

WOW this is nuts!!

[STL240SXDRIFT]

Sooooo...this wont be there Friday?

LOL just joking man! Looks great! Hopfully it will make it to a few MidniteMadness this year.

[voiddweller]

Very nice. Good to see progress :)

[JdmOdz]

Loving the prigress

[dsc4130]

WOW this is nuts!!

You aren't kidding lol

[Mikester]

Sooooo...this wont be there Friday?

LOL just joking man! Looks great! Hopfully it will make it to a few MidniteMadness this year.

Haha thanks!!! Even tho the body work will probably not be done by the end of the season, I'd still LOVE to take it out & run the 1/4mi & hard park it at an MM or two :D

sooooo shiny!! :yum:

WOW this is nuts!!

Very nice. Good to see progress :)

Loving the prigress

Thanks erryone!

Last night's progress,

Cleaned & ran body harness (I cleaned, Andy ran lol), slapped some stuff on...



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8574067018_a784e54658_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8572973363_7e05ca309c_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8574064646_9a391d0c8c_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8574066218_d663494ac8_b_d.jpg



Received the wrong damned A/C condenser :facepalm: Need to return it for the correct one. Also had to take some time to figure out where to cut the fuel feed/return lines & where to mount the regulator & monsta-truck filter... Pretty sure we have a plan. Need o-rings, A/C system solvent (going to back to PAG instead of Ester), new clutch MC & couplers to get here; also to install the line lock before the motor goes in... and possibly another couple fittings from Summit.

Going slow, but making progress. Hoping to hit it again Thursday evening.

[Mikester]

FINALLY some progress =)

Trimmed fuel lines & put compression to -AN fittings on:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8595202160_7c983e840f_b_d.jpg


Clutch....


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8594103281_798f2ba4e8_b_d.jpg



Tranny, starter & lower harness:



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8594103915_5dab792b9a_b_d.jpg


VOILA!!!


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8594106311_c86c274847_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8594105319_84b57b884a_b_d.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8595207246_372f768c6e_b_d.jpg


I love that there is absolutely nothing between the block/head and the firewall now!


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8594104485_499dfd6f69_b_d.jpg

^^LOL of course I realized there will be that one A/C line back there... but no coolant hose to fuck with... still a win.

Only a few things left to do to her before she will be ready for the dyno... Excited as fuck!

[s14kate]

I am amazed at how fast everything is coming together. It looks so fantastic Mike!!

[Mikester]

I am amazed at how fast everything is coming together. It looks so fantastic Mike!!

Thank you- Definitely stoked at the progress!!!

Would not have come this far without your help, young lady- you are AMAZING & I'm so thankful for that!!!

:kiss:

[jr_ss]

Everything is looking great Mike!

[HiddenCharacter]

Very nice, I like where this is going.

[Mikester]

Everything is looking great Mike!

Thank you very much man! Also, thank you for being so cool with keeping me pointed in the right direction. Believe it or not, I'm much more of a booksmart science nerd; not very mechanically inclined... common sense bus passed me by at birth lol- So having people like Andy who builds race cars for a living to help with the fabrication & other hard stuff, as well as actual gearheads like you, 4x4le, ForeginMuscle & a few other BAMFs on the forums to get advice from has been absolutely awesome... Happy Easter.

BTW not sure where you're at with the 14, but I'd love to see a vid & hear what she sounds like running & tuned.

Very nice, I like where this is going.

Thank you! Been dreaming of this since 2008 staring at bunch of parts boxes I brought home from Japan... Will be very happy to actually drive this thing with the SR built & nothing left but the exterior; which will be the easiest part (drop off at body shop, tell them what I want, pick it up when it's done lol).

[jr_ss]

Mike, no worries man, it's a labor of love. I am actually. I further along on the S14 as I was in Febuaury. I've been super busy at work, in and out of town, that I haven't had much of a chance to work on it. I'm hoping after this next trip things mellow out a bit and I can get a few hours a night to work on it.

Another thing that will be intervening will be the purchase of my first home. It needs quite a bit of work so the car will probably see the back burner more often than not. I will not be getting rid of her though, so when I do find the time, it will be worked on and brought back to life.

[blksylv]

nice build and love the wheels btw

[Mikester]

Mike, no worries man, it's a labor of love. the car will probably see the back burner more often than not. I will not be getting rid of her though, so when I do find the time, it will be worked on and brought back to life.

Dude, I can totally relate- I had to stare at a pile of parts boxes for 4 yrs thanks to a very expensive divorce. Now it's going on 5, and once I get it up, running and tuned [between work & school] it will go right to the bottom of the list while the kids are out for summer. Nice to know there is another dude out there who sees the value of a patient build vs. throwing shit together in a hurry just to 'get it done.'

nice build and love the wheels btw

Thanks! Funny story behind the Volks- When I first saw them, a buddy of mine had them on his 180SX... and I fell in love w/the way they looked on it... Then the very same set ended up on another buddy of mine's Tourer V... My [ex]wife knew that I loved those rims & managed to sweet talk him out of the set for a ridiculous good deal before he left the island [military]... and she gave them to me as a Christmas gift in 07'. To this day, I love the look of them, and will likely keep them until they turn to dust.

Thanks for checking this out- really appreciating everyone's feedback~

[Mikester]

Minor progress tonight. Got the driveshaft in, serviced the tranny & installed the shifter.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8617420749_1043f4b2d6_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8618530534_ab6aca5d33_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8618531564_cc3a2cd792_b_d.jpg

^^It was kinda cool feeling my shifter out after so long of 'wishing'

Took this pic just because I thought the bay looked cool in the light:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8617419333_3ea11f8a63_b_d.jpg



Yea I know, not much progress, but progress nonetheless!

Slowly but surely inching toward the dyno ;)

[codyace]

NICE!!!!

With those little fuel lines you made, did you go from a -5 to fitting, or did you flare it to a -6 and go from there?

[jr_ss]

NICE!!!!

With those little fuel lines you made, did you go from a -5 to fitting, or did you flare it to a -6 and go from there?

Cody, I'm going to take a guess that you a referring to the AN adapters he used on the hardlines? If I'm not mistaken he bought the 5/16 fittings and they are a perfect fit. They must be the SS ones though, as the aluminum fittings don't compress the steel hardline, they just distort the compression fitting and ultimately end up leaking.

[Mikester]

^^Yup.

5/16" compression to 3/8" NPT, and 3/8" NPT to -6AN... all SS- Thanks again for saving my ass on that one~

Codyace, I'm not that smart (more of a weekend wrencher than actual mechanic) lol. I was only gonna do -6 AN straight from hardlines like I did on the 180 until I saw jr_ss' build. Lucky for me, he was nice enough to let me know that the aluminum fittings I had ordered wouldn't work. The SS compression to NPT fittings were only 5-6 bucks apiece... The NPT to -AN were expensive as hell lol.

[alexanderig]

Great build with a lot of attention to detail keep it up

[Mikester]

^^Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by to check this out!

VERY minor progress... Went in with a plan, only ended up getting the fender harnesses secured back up & the PS reservoir in.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8627273038_a0f141dd1c_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8627273612_7de5829230_b_d.jpg

Oh well, still a step forward :)

Separate and mildly related, I bought another piece of carbon for her (I'm a sucker for CF)...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8626329897_53ec0a335d_c_d.jpg

[Mikester]

AC condenser & lines went in like a champ! Just need to see if I can relocate the filter/drier a bit to the right so It won't interfere with the fan shroud.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8635818401_2256cfb1f0_c_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8635819139_8054201f16_c_d.jpg


Started early stages of laying the main harness


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8636925862_cb0f697fde_c_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8635817797_d9b77ff112_b_d.jpg

Also decided to relocate the washer reservoir to the other side of the car, and use the space & hole for the oil cooler block/lines.

[STL240SXDRIFT]

So close! Looks awesome!

[bc.]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8626329897_53ec0a335d_c_d.jpg
:picardfp:
I have an even lighter and cheaper version of one of these; I take it out of my car when I don't need it. :rimshot:

[greenwood]

ahahahahhashahah

[Mikester]

:picardfp:
I have an even lighter and cheaper version of one of these; I take it out of my car when I don't need it. :rimshot:

:rofl:

Thanks for the insight Brad!

Good thing saving weight is not a concern ;)

[Mikester]

Well, pretty impressed. Only 2 days from the time I ordered it, I found my shiny new PS line in a box outside my front door:


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8640945706_2954d1307f_c_d.jpg

Not sure who the guy was that I talked to on the phone, but he was mega-cool. Wasn't expecting this until next week :)

This next thing is either going to be brilliant, or a complete fucking disaster. Andy is a lot smarter than me and advised against it, but I am going to try it out anyways... My own method to line up the heater hose ports where we cut them under the intake, and the ports on the firewall:



Mikester home-made HOME DEPOT heater hoses:

- 5ft of blue PEX hose ($2.98)

- 4ea 90* 3/4" PEX elbows ($8.80)

- PEX crimp-on clamps (Free, just checked receipt, she forgot to charge me :D)

- PEX crimp tool ($24.76)

- Military discount (-$3.65)

TOTAL WITH TAX: $35.68

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8640316767_e321604ab6_c_d.jpg

My original plan involved some type of metal or maybe PVC. I decided that I don't want to wait to have even more stuff welded, and that PVC may become brittle and snap due to heating/cooling and engine torque...

This PEX stuff is pretty badass... It comes on a roll, can be bent (with some effort) however you need it- and the crimp-on clamps are gnarly as hell! Aside from being sturdy and flexible, this is what sold me on giving it a try:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8641422318_98603087e1_c_d.jpg

Considering that my average temp is 64C & I have NEVER seen my water temp go above 74C (162F)... not to mention my rad cap opens WELL before 100psi, I am confident that it should work nicely.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8641420262_a024b7b382_b_d.jpg

I leak checked it, and it held 120psi... Then dropped it in boiling water, pulled it out & tweaked on it a bit (didn't budge a bit in the clamp)... and leak-check it again- STILL fine at 200+ degrees.

Of course checking it in a relatively controlled environment vs. checking it under operational duty are 2 different animals... But STILL, I am convinced this should work.

If anything, I think the weak link will be the lengths of hose I will need to use as couplings (3/4" 4-ply silicone).

Guess we'll see. Will definitely post a thread about this if it works.

Was gonna go work the car tonight but Andy had some family biz to attend to. Updates maybe tomorrow or Saturday.

Cheers~

[Mikester]

Not so much of an update... Just couldn't resist posting a pic of the new hat rack:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8644031194_be2cda3f6f_c_d.jpg

It's gorgeous! Wasn't expecting something this good for the price.

[Mikester]

Today's progress.

Installed slave cyl, clutch & brake lines...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8646415631_df189e8714_b_d.jpg


Please excuse the JB Weld- Sorta stripped that sensor... cranked it too tight lol


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8646415007_633c818fe6_b_d.jpg

^^Need to spend some time straightening out the lines on the firewall & installing some aftermarket separators... The misalignment drives me effing NUTS!!! Added to the neverending list.

Power steering lines all cleaned up & back in...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8647510370_4940c8026a_b_d.jpg

Will adjust the new high press line once I see exactly how the turbine inlet & hot pipe are gonna sit.

Also spent some time revisiting that Excessive throttle cable bracket with the S13 pulley back in. It works, but it's very sloppy. It needs to be about 1" - 1.5" closer to the throttle body. The way it goes in, there is no way to adjust out the slack in the cable:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8647513212_794ff3bd85_b_d.jpg


Which not only leaves it un-adjustable... but also incredibly "not secure" in the bracket; and ultimately results in this:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8646417747_a269744c2b_b_d.jpg

^^ No bueno. Gonna talk to Excessive and see if they either A have a known fix for this, or B maybe sent me a bracket that wasn't made to specs.

Well, the good news is that she's ready for PS, brake & clutch fluids. Andy's gonna mount the oil cooler & make the bracket for the filter block- Then she should FINALLY be ready to come back to my garage for power-on checks & finishing touches :eek3d:

[Mikester]

Minor update... Talked to Xcessive- they were HELLA cool! There was a different series bracket I needed that is shorter and will hold the jamb nuts perfectly: Online Store - Xcessive Manufacturing (http://www.xcessivemanufacturing.com/ONLINESTORE.html?cid=52&step=4&pid=334)

Gotta send this one back and they're gonna switch it out for me. I'm happy :)

[Mikester]

Tonight, slowly started sorting out the harness while Kate filled the clutch & brake MC's up w/RBF 600.

Got as far as this (becauseoldslowguy):

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8658704321_1a9bb52223_c_d.jpg


Yuri (WS guy) hooked me up with extra wire length at the injectors so I could do this, which I love:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8658702473_046af2c5a3_b_d.jpg

Took gratuitous nighttime shot

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8659807872_b3aaa6f10c_c_d.jpg


^^Not liking the dust & fingerprints all over everything lol.

Came across some fitment issues involving the suction pipe & the PS line. Need to take it to Nocturnal for some shaving & TIG-work; then to St. Louis Polishing & all will be well. Also, due to pipe length, my BA heater hose idea didn't pan out. Had I known then what I know now, I totally would have cut the pipes under the intake about 1.5 - 2" shorter. Oh well, gonna save that one for Adrenaline to sort out. Gott have an angle cut out & bead rolled on my hot side FMIC pipe- not fitting hot pipe. Then will need to mess with the fuel stuff & radiator/shroud to see how/where we can relocate the filter/drier. Basically a bunch of little shit left- got a list on my iPhone to keep track.

Not looking forward to battery relocation. I'm sure I can do it... but hope to come across a good writeup so I can do it clean & legit.

Inching toward the dyno :D

[bc.]

good work, curious to see what that Tomei turbo setup will make.

[Mikester]

^^Thanks Brad- me too lol~

[ShadowMan]

Once you figure out which power distribution block you want to use and where you want to locate it, your battery relocation should be pretty straight forward. That and where and how you want to mount your battery. Here is how mine turned out and it's annoying everytime I drop something between the box and tail light. It doesn't happen often but when it does, out comes my magnet on a stick. It doesn't help that this box is a bit bigger than neccesary either.
http://imageshack.us/a/img694/267/p4230465.jpg

[Mikester]

Once you figure out which power distribution block you want to use and where you want to locate it, your battery relocation should be pretty straight forward. That and where and how you want to mount your battery. Here is how mine turned out and it's annoying everytime I drop something between the box and tail light. It doesn't happen often but when it does, out comes my magnet on a stick. It doesn't help that this box is a bit bigger than neccesary either.


^^Thank you very much for the pic & advice... Got any pics of the engine bay side you can show me?

[jr_ss]

I'm personally not a huge fan of hideous boxes for the battery. It's a pain in the ass to find a good mounting location and they are just so damn bulky. Grab a sealed battery so you don't have to use any of that battery box nonsense. It's not like you are going to have the truck popped at car shows to show it off anyway.

The S13 has very few places to mount the battery in the trunk and most of the time I see them mounted in the middle of the back seat on the deck, directly over the axle or slightly off to the passenger side to compensate for driver's weight.

Make sure you use a 100am breaker, 75amp will pop if you try to start the car multiple times in a row. Run the 4gauge wire on the inside of the car as well and put it as far away from any speaker wires or antenna, otherwise you'll get that damn stereo whine. Broadfield may have more tips for you as well as he does stereos and a lot of high end audio stuff requires additional batteries.

[Driftwurks]

How do the HKS Hipermax Performer coilovers feel?

[Mikester]

I'm personally not a huge fan of hideous boxes for the battery. It's a pain in the ass to find a good mounting location and they are just so damn bulky. Grab a sealed battery so you don't have to use any of that battery box nonsense. It's not like you are going to have the truck popped at car shows to show it off anyway.

The S13 has very few places to mount the battery in the trunk and most of the time I see them mounted in the middle of the back seat on the deck, directly over the axle or slightly off to the passenger side to compensate for driver's weight.

Make sure you use a 100am breaker, 75amp will pop if you try to start the car multiple times in a row. Run the 4gauge wire on the inside of the car as well and put it as far away from any speaker wires or antenna, otherwise you'll get that damn stereo whine. Broadfield may have more tips for you as well as he does stereos and a lot of high end audio stuff requires additional batteries.

Great advice- thank you sir!!!

Will definitely take that to heart when I tear into the battery reloc... Except for the part about the battery box lol... I got the Summit kit already; so I'm gonna use it. Since I don't drift and compensating for driver's weight isn't really a concern, I left a spot on the left side of the trunk area sound deadener-free where it's gonna go. Not exactly sure how I intend to do it; but power & ground distribution blocks are coming to mind... Whatever it is, I HAVE to do it clean... and will definitely keep the power away from my stereo & other wiring =)

How do the HKS Hipermax Performer coilovers feel?

I love them! I started out on JIC Magics and HATED them... Too goddamned stiff! I was 5'11" , then 5'10 1/2" when I sold them haha!

I like drag, backroading/road course & street... The Hipermax's are a very nice balance. Forgiving on the street... Not too hard to launch, and very responsive to steering input... and AMAZING on the highways- I assume by your username your a drifter... Pretty sure you would like them... but for a full-duty track car, I don't know enough about drifting to recommend them to ya.

WELLLL

Well, continued sorting out the rat's nest of wiring... Got the Splitfire system all in and most of it figured out. Starting to look a bit closer to the picture in my head:


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8666090691_828572a8e2_b_d.jpg


Gonna secure the booster line under the firewall lip; and hopefully the MC heat shield will cover the rest. Still some werk to do for sure... Need to sort out the grounds, mount the filter/drier away from the fan shroud and a bunch of other small odds/ends... Speaking of the fan shroud, it's not as shiny as the one I rocked in the 180... but it's about as "factory" as it gets :D


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8667192410_88059116da_c_d.jpg

Radiator has to come back out to mount the condenser fan & get to the oil block fittings... but the good news is that it dropped in easy-peasy past the slightly smaller GKtech fan with room to spare :)

Hoping to do some more to her tomorrow... but school is effing KILLING ME atm :(

[Big Zee]

it ended!!! I was hoping for more!!!

haha, great thread so far Mikester, keep the updates coming!!

[Mikester]

^^Thank you, and I will. In the meantime, if you haven't; you should give jr_ss' VET build a look... absolutely INSANE with simple 'less is more' sleeper look to it.

[Mikester]

Minor update... Got my turbine inlet pipe back from Nocturnal- had the 2 small bungs and one big one TIG'd shut, and a 5/8" (-10AN) bung installed where the catch can line will go Omar & co. do great work!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8675623033_a47af12454_c_d.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8676729270_ceca40f44e_c_d.jpg

In case you are wondering why I didn't just have the whole big bung shaved & welded smooth, it's a cast-aluminum pipe and doing it any other way would have been detrimental to the inside of the casting. The best part is that my fitment problem with the Chase Bays PS line is solved :)

[Mikester]

School coming to a close; finally able to do some stuff...

Got the heater hoses & behind the block/head semi-squared away:


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8129/8704765930_3ca1682117_c_d.jpg


Given how 'busy' it is in that area now, I had to relocate the feed to the center of the rail... A bit bummed seeing as how I just put in an order at Summit yesterday; only to now need a 135* -AN elbow for this location. FAIL.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8703641597_1967f6c30d_c_d.jpg



Good news is this will actually be a bit more conducive to where I plan to mount the filter & regulator.


Got the hot-side IC piping ready to roll- had the cutting/welding done... Everything seems like it fits now http://www.zeroyon.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png Also mounted the catch can just to get a feel for how it will need to be plumbed.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8275/8703642337_d5688f850e_o_d.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8139/8704765908_663f0c4478_o_d.jpg


Messed with a bunch of other little odds/ends in the midst of it... Took some "put-together' notes so my old ass won't forget lol

Funny- the 'to-do' list is getting shorter, but I had forgotten how all the little piddly finishing up stuff takes up so much damn time. Of course, once the ass-pain of getting those heater hoses in was over with, the rest seemed to go pretty quick.


Gettin' there~

[Teigen]

WHat? where is the twinturbo setup?? hehehe :)

Maybe SR20DETTTT is next?
Seen RB30DETTTT :P

[bc.]

I like everything!

except for the blue hoses and couplers. (I can't stand blue in a red bay)

And I know what you mean about the piddly crap stuff taking forever, I just installed a DIF steering linkage bushing and that took like 2 hours. I used your write up on DriftSTL too.

[codyace]

This thing is gonna be burnin the tires in no time!

[Mikester]

WHat? where is the twinturbo setup?? hehehe :)

Maybe SR20DETTTT is next?
Seen RB30DETTTT :P

Funny you should say that... There was a Garage Wing 180SX in Okinawa that ran twin 20g's... It was MONSTROUS!!! But not my style=)

I like everything!

except for the blue hoses and couplers. (I can't stand blue in a red bay)

And I know what you mean about the piddly crap stuff taking forever, I just installed a DIF steering linkage bushing and that took like 2 hours. I used your write up on DriftSTL too.

Thanks dude- The blue actually blends better when everything is together... at least IMO :)

Awesome- Pretty sure I stole it from nico and cited it accordingly ;)

This thing is gonna be burnin the tires in no time!

Sure hope so man!

/////////////////////////////////////////////////

Was able to get a few hrs in last night...

- Mounted 'overkill condenser fan, wires will tuck nicely underneath.

- Located filter/drier clear of the fan shroud

- Andy worked the oil cooler/filter block dilemma... He is designing some pretty ingenius bracketing for that, the filter/drier, fuel filter & FPR

- Xcessive Series-2 throtlle cable bracket worked perfectly- top of intake mani stays nice & clear, which I LOVE!

- Driver's side just about completely together, misjudged the amount of space I had to work with- should have had the bung welded onto the inlet about 45* lower... Will probably have to stick to flex line instead of the -10AN I ordered for it. No biggie- still looks okay I suppose. Can always change up later. Inlet clears everything it used to interfere with perfectly now that it is shaved down... WIN!

- 120* fuel feed did not clear between rail and surge tank- good news is that it clears the heater hoses nicely so I can stick to the original plan to feed from the rear & return from the front :)

- Starting to look like my baby again~

Pics:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/8720548728_222dc6bf5e_o_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/8720548742_9b476a2d99_o_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/8720548750_c3fde3fc08_o_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/8720548786_53921ca29b_o_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/8719424563_25370f76ba_o_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/8719424617_f94403d58c_c_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/8719424521_93fc896d4e_c_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/8720548854_ba9a15b08a_b_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/8720548836_357b8a4063_b_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8720549134_251d6e2c4b_b_d.jpg

Hoping to have her rolling under her own power in the next 3-4 weeks depending on how much time I will have. My kids get here next month for summer- really would like to have this phase wrapped up by then... NTM run her down the 1/4mi while the weather is good :)

[bc.]

That catch can is the tits!

[Mikester]

^^Thanks man! I will be much happier when the valve cover gets modded to feed it from the top.

[Mikester]

Finally some progress!

Trailered the car back to my house last night... Worked on it on/off all day today!!!

First... Check out thread brackets Andy is making me for my filter block, FPR & fuel filter:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/8822405058_5c299552a7_b_d.jpg

He still has to finish welding them up & I need to have them powder coated; but they are pretty BA!!!

Installed the battery box in the trunk. Pretty happy with the turnout:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/8811826451_0f07f3469c_b_d.jpg

I still wonder if 0.2 ohms is acceptable resistance for ground... was the best I could get no matter where I tried; so I am pretty sure it's gonna be okay... but asked in tech just in case.

Put in the vacuum manifold for the BOV, boost controller & link:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/8822407186_92b9b49ba1_c_d.jpg

I don't like vacuum lines crossing the bay, so I stashed the input between the condenser & intercooler...

Installed the MC heat shield... test fitted the tower brace to make sure it would clear... It does!!!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/8811820721_1e936bf288_c_d.jpg

...although it still needed a hole for the stopper:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8811828355_da66bb2bfb_c_d.jpg

Pretty much done with the driver's side of the bay... Just need to mount the boost control solenoid & run the lines to it...

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/8811823621_2fc9fa79c6_b_d.jpg

Tomorrow's main plan is to finish the battery relocation; and a few small odds/ends.

Happy to be back at it!!!

[Nickys13]

Nice!
Build

[davirene]

What branch are you? Active or Reserves?

I was at Futenma OKI Active duty USMC.....now I am in the ARMY Reserves....Fulltime MILTECH March AFB Riverside Calif.

This was along time ago when I was in OKI....I use to be an American Muscle Head....so riding around in Skyline powered taxis and Aristo Taxis didnt faze me while I was there.....

Oh well making up for it now.......

[Mikester]

^^I'm active.

Busy weekend. Mounted boost control solenoid:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8861791623_132b7f0526_c_d.jpg

^^The little grommet we installed by the booster came in VERY handy!!!^^

Put a 2-gauge terminal where the positive battery connector used to be:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8858701771_02df776f72_c_d.jpg

0-gauge cable is very stout lol... So I ran it into the bay like so:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8859317726_16afc52fbe_c_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8858713119_9633b81684_c_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/8861771937_a520131a20_c_d.jpg

5 years, 3 months wrapped & packed... Parole time hehe!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/8861775101_c55590bfdc_c_d.jpg

SUCCESS... all previous settings intact :D

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/8861777785_f3d4afe927_c_d.jpg

Connected the oil cooler lines to the block & started cleaning up the wiring...

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/8862390836_f4fca8ae04_c_d.jpg

Was having issues with the ignitor... So I threaded the holes and mounted it sort of in reverse lol...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/8861783851_b08a6c8a90_c_d.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/8862397752_29b2f323b2_c_d.jpg

Pressed on cleaning up the wiring... Just a few things left to stash & secure...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8862414676_06be698162_c_d.jpg

After that, I get to drop the muffler & secure the battery box... Then mount the oil cooler & cooling system... Then start piecing the interior stuff together.

Bracketing should be done this week. Once complete, I can take care of the rest of the bay; and at that point she should be ready for her fluids to be bled & first start on the dyno! (*fingers crossed*)

[jr_ss]

Looks good Mike! Surprisingly I'm on the last leg of my wiring mess. I hope to be in the same boat with starting soon too...

[tricky_ab]

5 years, 3 months wrapped & packed... Parole time hehe!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/8861775101_c55590bfdc_c_d.jpg

SUCCESS... all previous settings intact :D

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/8861777785_f3d4afe927_c_d.jpg



Damn, and here I thought that I was sitting on parts for a while...

I'm pumped for you :bigok:

[Mikester]

Looks good Mike! Surprisingly I'm on the last leg of my wiring mess. I hope to be in the same boat with starting soon too...

Thanks Glenn! Unlike your 'wiring mess,' mine has likely been much more simple than the badass-ness you are putting together... Wish I hadn't already ordered my harnesses before seeing that Canon plug setup you are doing- I would SO much rather have that! Really excited to hear what that VET is gonna sound like~

Damn, and here I thought that I was sitting on parts for a while...

I'm pumped for you :bigok:

Thanks very much, eh!

Yea I tore the 180SX down & boxed everything up in Feb/Mar 2008... Between recovering from the divorce & other 'normal life' happenings; it's about damned time haha! Now I just want to get it running & driveable so I can have fun with it, but put dropping $$$$ into it back on the back burner for a while. Got the body kit etc all picked out for her already; but realistically, it will prolly be a while before the external makeover happens.

Thanks for stopping by, guys!

[BoostinIX]

Hurry. Up.

:P

[Mikester]

^DUDE^ I.am!

Finished up the engine bay wiring & battery box mounting today...


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/8885617686_0fab4f675a_b_d.jpg

It got late & I have a test tomorrow so I had to shut down... Tomorrow afternoon gonna start figuring out how I want to mount the oil cooler.

[Mikester]

Mounted the filter block, filter/drier & fuel filter up on the super-BA brackets Andy made, mounted FPR, plumbed the fuel lines (still need to make the feed), RE-relocated the ignitor, Mounted the radiator & clamped up the catch can hoses.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/8920376715_b21815251f_b_d.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/8920988490_1f40a11d84_b_d.jpg

Nearly done. Today, I'm going to wire up the condenser fan, plumb the fuel feed & maybe mess with the oil cooler. Need 4 -10AN 90* fittings for it to work...

After yesterday I am dreading building the fuel feed... let alone redoing the oil cooler hoses- I already feel like if I never again have to build another braided line, it will be too soon :eek3d:

[jr_ss]

I've developed a knack for building those lines. Do you heat the rubber with a heat gun? I also use some assembly lube to help the fitting slide on.

[Mikester]

Glenn you are a fucking GENIUS!!! No- I've just been wrapping it tightly with electrical tape and doing my best to stuff it in lol. Tried it with some lube but it would pull the fitting off as I screwed it in. Built a lot of these lines for aircraft test equip, but the hoses were just rubber so WAY easier to work with. Told ya- not a natural mechanic ;)

Will employ my heat gun when I get back to it. Decided to take today off from the car & hang out w/my girl.

As usual- thank you man!

[jr_ss]

Glenn you are a fucking GENIUS!!! No- I've just been wrapping it tightly with electrical tape and doing my best to stuff it in lol. Tried it with some lube but it would pull the fitting off as I screwed it in. Built a lot of these lines for aircraft test equip, but the hoses were just rubber so WAY easier to work with. Told ya- not a natural mechanic ;)

Will employ my heat gun when I get back to it. Decided to take today off from the car & hang out w/my girl.

As usual- thank you man!

Don't get crazy with the heat, just enough to soften the rubber up so the fitting will slide down into it easier. Only heat it up when you are ready to thread the hose end on.

Also, when you are sliding the "threaded nut or hub" portion over the hose, use a small regular screw driver to help push the braided portion into it, working your way around until it's all in. I know building those hoses is a PITA, but figured I could pass on some ideas that helped me.

[Mikester]

^^All great stuff! I already figured out about using a screwdriver to get it in... But the heat gun thing is genius! Will give it a shot this afternoon.

[bc.]

I will race you to see whose car is done first. I think it is gonna be very close.

[Mikester]

Hahahahaha! If only one of us is thinking in competitive terms, can it really be called a 'race'? ;)

[jr_ss]

Mike, I see that you are running a clutch fan setup. Is it factory?

I've been thinking about doing away with my FALs and getting the GKTech upgraded fan and factory shroud(simple and easy and I won't have to run extra wiring for the e-fans, which I forgot to add into my harness, Doh!). However, on their site it's saying their blade cannot be utilized with Nismo mounts, which I have had for the past 5+ years.

[Mikester]

^^I read that too and I don't think that is accurate dude... I run the GKtech fan...and I run Nismo mounts... everything clears fine. The diamter of it to me actually seemed SMALLER than the stock clutch fan...
Stock:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8177865518_81b95f805b_c_d.jpg

GKtech:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8537609781_5e81ed172f_b_d.jpg

I think the diameter is either the same or slightly smaller. As a matter of fact, I couldn't help but notice that it was MUCH easier to get my radiator in/out over the GKtech fan vs. stock. The only thing I have NOT done yet is re-attach the lower part of the shroud... Even then, if there are clearance issues there, it's pretty easy to modify; and won't make a huge difference in cooling capability of left uninstalled. I'll let you know tonight- been meaning to put that damn thing on lol.

[quickdiversion]

That oil cooler setup is looking real familiar there buddy.

Looking good though!

Hows that arms turbo pulling?

Does it spool up like the 2871r? and then keep going?
Or is it totally different?

[Mikester]

That oil cooler setup is looking real familiar there buddy.

Looking good though!

Hows that arms turbo pulling?

Does it spool up like the 2871r? and then keep going?
Or is it totally different?

LOL yup- Minus the block & filter housing, it's the HKS kit I got from Mark Morioka right before he PCS'd...

Actually, I figured you'd be much happier to see your old intake mani all polished & put in a good home ;)

Won't be able to give you performance specifics till next week or the week after brother. She goes in for alignment & initial tune next Wed/Thurs... then I gotta put 500mi of spirited ring-loading on her... change the oil & go back for the final full-out tune. If they can get her in Tuesday, I may be able to take leave and knock it all out by Friday night... We'll see. :2f2f:

[Mikester]

So I was able to at least do some drilling & mount the cooler where it's gonna go...


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8950446307_156c5a8fe5_c_d.jpg

$75.00 later, I am ready to finish mounting it, service it & press on wiring the condenser fan...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8268/8950441327_ec72981e4a_c_d.jpg

[jr_ss]

I personally like the Redhorse fittings. My local speed shop carries them.

That's what I figured you were running for a fan setup Mike. I havent made my mind up on it yet as I can use the factory A/C fan wiring to operate my E-fans. I also already have the items needed to run them and I wont have to dish out nearly $400 for the clutch fan setup...

[ultimateirving]

Mike I(Just finished) enjoyed reading your build thread. Love when guys use AN fittings for near everything. I hadnt realized that your car wasnt running all this time. You sig pic looks good I didnt realize that your current vehicle has been in the build stage.
Good luck once it gets running, and just like everyone else, I am anxious to see what that set up will do for you.
Keep plugging away at it! you are so close!

[Mikester]

I personally like the Redhorse fittings. My local speed shop carries them.

That's what I figured you were running for a fan setup Mike. I havent made my mind up on it yet as I can use the factory A/C fan wiring to operate my E-fans. I also already have the items needed to run them and I wont have to dish out nearly $400 for the clutch fan setup...

They seem pretty cool.. I like that they are more blue than red lol... Hey I checked the GKtech fan today- it's CLOSE to the shroud... but clears it by 2-3mm. Worse case, I will grind a couple mm off the tips of the blades and it will pull 57% more air instead of 60 haha!

Mike I(Just finished) enjoyed reading your build thread. Love when guys use AN fittings for near everything. I hadnt realized that your car wasnt running all this time. You sig pic looks good I didnt realize that your current vehicle has been in the build stage.
Good luck once it gets running, and just like everyone else, I am anxious to see what that set up will do for you.
Keep plugging away at it! you are so close!

LOL yea the car in my sig is my 180SX that I stripped in 2008=) Thank you for the kind words- been doing my best to get this done...,

Speaking of- I got as far as getting ready to figure out where to cut the hoses for the new fittings:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/8953927175_e47291fb54_c_d.jpg

Then had to stop for the night so I could call my oldest son's GF's parents and inform them that we are all going to be grandparents. :eek3:




FML :facepalm:

[05subysti]

roflmao how olds your son??? :drama:

and such a fan of your old 180sx! but im liking your build now even better:hsdance:

[240boi115]

hey i love the build even more but i its been bugging me since the beginning of this thread... what seats are you using?? the passenger one has 2 knobs to adjust it... they look nice and i want them lol where can i get them?

[Mikester]

roflmao how olds your son??? :drama:

and such a fan of your old 180sx! but im liking your build now even better:hsdance:

He's 19. Actually being much more mature and responsible about it than I was at 21 when his mom told me she was knocked up lol.

Thanks- the 180 was a lot of fun... but being in Okinawa & knowing I had to leave the body there; I only did 'so much' to it. Here in the USA, I can go all out b/c I never have to get rid of this car :)

hey i love the build even more but i its been bugging me since the beginning of this thread... what seats are you using?? the passenger one has 2 knobs to adjust it... they look nice and i want them lol where can i get them?

Thank you!

The seats are R33 Skyline (GTS25t) seats. The passenger seat was the driver seat in Japan, hence the adjustments on the wrong side of the USDM car lol... Easiest way to get a hold of them cheap is to join the USAF and put in for Japan lmfao!

[bc.]

Then had to stop for the night so I could call my oldest son's GF's parents and inform them that we are all going to be grandparents. :eek3:




FML :facepalm:
FHL
That is why it's best to use the :mrmeph:


Dumb question: what did you do with your window washer fluid container?

[Mikester]

Brad, there is a screw loose in there- I'm certain of it :D

Thanks for reminding me... Great question: Washer fluid reservoir is going to be billet, shiny, and located on the other side of the bay... Haven't firmed up on exactly what, where or how yet, but I have a plan that should work out nicely.

[jr_ss]

Hey I checked the GKtech fan today- it's CLOSE to the shroud... but clears it by 2-3mm. Worse case, I will grind a couple mm off the tips of the blades and it will pull 57% more air instead of 60 haha!

Then had to stop for the night so I could call my oldest son's GF's parents and inform them that we are all going to be grandparents. :eek3:




FML :facepalm:

I bet that was an interesting conversation lol... Oh well, as long as he sticks to taking care of and being there for the kid even if it doesn't work out between him and baby mama. I have no respect for dead beat dads that don't step up to the plate when they decide to kick a goal.

My concern with such little clearance is when the motor torques, how much more is it going to interfer with the shroud? Keep me posted. My E-fan setup never let me down, but if, for some reason it does, I'll convert to the mech fan.

[240boi115]

i had a feeling your son was mature enough to handle his priorities Mikester.. i mean if he has any of the traits you possess which we can see in the amazing attention to detail in this build then he has a good head on his shoulders....thanks for the seat info and im honestly thinking of running that fan setup because i just dont trust the electric fans with high hp or driving in hot weather...

[Mikester]

I bet that was an interesting conversation lol... Oh well, as long as he sticks to taking care of and being there for the kid even if it doesn't work out between him and baby mama. I have no respect for dead beat dads that don't step up to the plate when they decide to kick a goal.

My concern with such little clearance is when the motor torques, how much more is it going to interfer with the shroud? Keep me posted. My E-fan setup never let me down, but if, for some reason it does, I'll convert to the mech fan.

Very proud of my boy... and yea I have the same concern- Will definitely let you know in the event I have to switch to e-fans. If they tap the shroud during torque, I will prolly try to trim them before going to e-fans.

i had a feeling your son was mature enough to handle his priorities Mikester.. i mean if he has any of the traits you possess which we can see in the amazing attention to detail in this build then he has a good head on his shoulders....thanks for the seat info and im honestly thinking of running that fan setup because i just dont trust the electric fans with high hp or driving in hot weather...

Thanks for the kind words dude! My son has a much better head on his shoulders than I did... I was never a 'dead beat' but was definitely in 'responsibility denial' for a while while his mom was pregnant... I'm still not the most mature guy for almost 42 lol. I attribute most of his awesomeness to his mother doing an outstanding job of raising him. BUT- He inherited his handsomeness and inability to out-think his little head from my side of the family~

Nothing wrong with e-fans. I don't prefer them due to the current draw vs. the utter simplicity & dependability of a clutch fan. My temps have been retarded low with the OEM clutch fan, good radiator & thermo- no reason to rock the boat... In the event I ever have to switch to electrics; the key is just like everything else: Don't skimp- use quality parts and don't cut corners on the installation.

Finished the oil cooler installation last night... Waiting for the pics to upload. Will post them shortly.

[Mikester]

Install:

Had to relocate the ambient air temp sensor etc to behind the core support; and trim the hoses to fit a bit more snugly than they did at the old lengths...


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/8969125172_de46b3db83_b_d.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/8967940057_943a9af0f0_c_d.jpg

The way everything is currently, I am still trying to figure out a ninja way to run the line to the overflow tank... Will probably run it a bit more directly once everything goes back together.

[jr_ss]

Im happy youre proud of your boy and that's good that he has a good head on his shoulders. I wasn't suggesting any differently. I reread my post and it seemed like I was suggesting something, which is not the case. I was just stating a generalization and didn't mean anything by it.

I personally am looking forward to being a parent. It would be my greatest accomplishment thus far in life, that's for sure.

Have you thought of turning it at the far right side of the radiator towards the motor and then tucking down underneath the intake piping and over to the resevoir?

[quickdiversion]

LOL yup- Minus the block & filter housing, it's the HKS kit I got from Mark Morioka right before he PCS'd...

Actually, I figured you'd be much happier to see your old intake mani all polished & put in a good home ;)

Won't be able to give you performance specifics till next week or the week after brother. She goes in for alignment & initial tune next Wed/Thurs... then I gotta put 500mi of spirited ring-loading on her... change the oil & go back for the final full-out tune. If they can get her in Tuesday, I may be able to take leave and knock it all out by Friday night... We'll see. :2f2f:

Good to know I could give you plenty of ideas!!!

Yeah i saw the intake, it does look good!!
I just got sick of sanding that damn thing.

I am surprised you didn't go top mount injectors though.
Now that I have them, I wish i did earlier!

[quickdiversion]

I am still yet to do a build write up on here.

I did it on cardomain, zeroyon, and innersanctum though.

I just don't have the picture storage space on here!! haha

[Mikester]

Good to know I could give you plenty of ideas!!!

Yeah i saw the intake, it does look good!!
I just got sick of sanding that damn thing.

I am surprised you didn't go top mount injectors though.
Now that I have them, I wish i did earlier!

LOL I sanded on it for about an hr... then said 'fuck it' & took it to St. Louis Polishing... Worth every bit of the $140 for the job they did considering you are awesome & gave it to me for free ;)

You should totally post build threads here... definitely a lot you could share with the community here.

[Mikester]

So yesterday evening:

- Cleaned/installed upper radiator hose & some support grommets I found at the Pick'n'Pull

- Bought a 1" wrench to torque down the oil fittings- really needed a crow's foot for the ones at the block, but was able to get it done.

- Cut/fitten the fuel feed... realized that even the best plans don't go according to plan lol... Found myself short of one -6 AN hose end... Luckily, I made some phone calls and found one locally... Going to pick it up at lunch.

Hoping for a productive weekend... Finish out the last little bit of engine bay work, service/bleed fluids, put the interior back together & she should be ready to go. Wish me luck~

[Mikester]

WELL, finished up the motor, interior etc and got her all back together...

Too late to post up all the pics, but did manage this:


G2sIxhATl_o


If I didn't post right, here is the link: Mikester's Fastback lives!!! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2sIxhATl_o)

Pulls like a MOFO at 1 bar on the wear-in tune...

So effing thrilled I can't see straight!!! Will post the pics etc when I get some rest. Did all-nighters every day since Friday trying to get her done!

[moonkid]

i love this thread and the attention to details man!!

[ShadowMan]

I've developed a knack for building those lines. Do you heat the rubber with a heat gun? I also use some assembly lube to help the fitting slide on.

I have also used boiling water to heat the hose ends as I do not have a heat gun as of yet. Aside from having to wait for the water to boil, it has worked rather well.

[BoostinIX]

Just wait till you actually get into boost :P That's WG pressure....so low for that turbo ;)

[jr_ss]

Glad to hear its up and running Mike! I'm happy for you. I cannot wait to get mine moving under its own power again. Btw, your video didn't work for me, maybe others are able to see it though?

[drftngs14]

Congrats man! great work and attention to detail, staying on top of your progress is encouraging to get mine up and going

[Mikester]

i love this thread and the attention to details man!!

Thank you- it's been a lot of work... and plenty left to do ;)

I have also used boiling water to heat the hose ends as I do not have a heat gun as of yet. Aside from having to wait for the water to boil, it has worked rather well.

Funny- the heat gun seemed to work well and all, but there seemed to be no two ways about it with the -6 line... It was a mofo no matter what I did... The -10 on the other hand went together like butter.

Just wait till you actually get into boost :P That's WG pressure....so low for that turbo ;)

Yea I'm pretty stoked dude... Definitely a different feel with the cams. Doesn't really start to spool until over 4,000; but when it does, OMG it's fucking rad! Pulls hard & steady all the way to the top~

Glad to hear its up and running Mike! I'm happy for you. I cannot wait to get mine moving under its own power again. Btw, your video didn't work for me, maybe others are able to see it though?

Meh. dunno... I posted the link to it as well... Nothing fancy, just 20sec of accel & really cool oldschool Blitz BOV sounds lol

Congrats man! great work and attention to detail, staying on top of your progress is encouraging to get mine up and going

^^Thank you very much for the kind words!

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I still have to mount the circuit breaker & attend to an exhaust leak. Also need to change the oil, mount the cooling plate, top off the coolant & a few other things lol So tired & don't feel like doing any of this just yet- but will probably at least take her around the block a few more times & do it all tomorrow or Saturday.

Pics:

Final oil cooler installation, all serviced up...

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/8993507031_6c812e3897_c_d.jpg

Croustibat was absolutely correct- I am not looking forward to draining/refilling it one bit lol! I also ended up relocating the intake vac/boost source line underneath the fan shroud w/the condenser fan wiring... I'm sure I've already said this; but I seriously hate seeing lines crossing the bay and will stashe them at all costs!

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/8993500887_aed6d6df6d_z_d.jpg

Going back to those damned -6 AN lines... They all clear everything nicely...

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/8993503833_742f7431ca_z_d.jpg

Ran the coolant overflow into the wheel well

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/8993509389_9a8fd90f8a_z_d.jpg

Motor all done (FINALLY!!!)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/8994706844_401f9b04c3_z_d.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/9031731447_ba5df19a73_z_d.jpg

Since the new washer reservoir is going to be on the other side of the car, I went ahead and switched the lines & mounted it back up with the dampers...

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/9033962792_946d260551_z_d.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/9031741627_74057a7d72_z_d.jpg

^^For those of you who have not explored installing hood dampers; I will say that they are one of the best 'bang for the buck' mods ever! The hood opens way farther, and access & light in the bay is way better.

ANYHOO, putting the interior back together was tedious messing with all the wiring etc... but worth it.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9033975614_645725ea78_z_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/8994719350_0ee45f1028_z_d.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/9033971666_e503d4faf5_z_d.jpg

^^ Very happy w/the turnout!

Finally got the clutch & brakes fully bled thanks to good buddy of mine.... so we loaded her on the trailer & took her to Adrenaline.

First order of business was alignment... Great time to wipe stuff down & take a few pics!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/9033986194_4d8f3a7cc3_c_d.jpg


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9034004996_4fa6377c74_z_d.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/9031786403_ba8ac141a6_z_d.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/9031794689_f6a31f8407_b_d.jpg

All said & done, I drove her home... Played w/her the whole way... AWESOME feeling!!!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/9031796745_bccdd85045_c_d.jpg


Aside from the few small details left, the body work should be all that's left.

Thanks for looking!

Mike

[codyace]

I'm not sure if I should say congrats on becomming a grandfather, or for getting the beat running!

How about both!

Rock n roll Mike! Always good to see it work out for ya. I say to heck with that big ole mechanical fan, you know the Altima fans will be cleaner/easier/better :D

[dudermagee]

Coolant dumping on your wheel and brake assembly seems like a terrible idea to me.

[Mikester]

^^ Thanks Cody!!! Altima fans = HELL NO lol... If I ever went electrics, it'd have to be someting with a shiny shroud & blue fans... Probably will never happen tho~

dudermagee, coolant won't be spraying the brake, if anything, it will drop onto the road & maybe get on the tire.

[Mikester]

Andy got to give her a little shake-down today~

VpKV0O8tBgo

He said it was a "savage SR." I'll take that as a compliment ;)

LOVE her exhaust note!!!!

[future]

Nice. Looking good

[jr_ss]

Andy got to give her a little shake-down today~

VpKV0O8tBgo

He said it was a "savage SR." I'll take that as a compliment ;)

LOVE her exhaust note!!!!

Sounds good Mike! I miss that sound that's for sure. Any plans to hit a dyno any time soon?

[shinhed]

This is a Honda-Tech quality build here. Way too nice for most of Zilvia's half-assing, bass boat paint flaking, S-chassis butchering motherf&*%ers.

[STL240SXDRIFT]

^Wut?

Anyways this car sounds killer!!

[Mikester]

Sounds good Mike! I miss that sound that's for sure. Any plans to hit a dyno any time soon?

Thanks Glenn! She'll go to the dyno after 500mi of boring-ass ring seating & another oil change. Hoping to get her final tune & first 1/4 mile runs early July.

This is a Honda-Tech quality build here. Way too nice for most of Zilvia's half-assing, bass boat paint flaking, S-chassis butchering motherf&*%ers.

Uh... Thanks?

^Wut?

Anyways this car sounds killer!!

+1

Thanks man! That is the OG 5-Zigen exhaust that came on my 180sx when I bought it in 2005... even tho it's been to hell & back, I absolutely love the sound and will keep it till the bitter end=)

[S13slida]

Wow awsome build man!

[bc.]

Cool Mike!

How did you break it in? Did you need to break it in?

Also, you win the contest, mine is not running yet.

[Mikester]

^^LOL still working on seating the rings... Got one more issue I'm sorting out. Aside from that, still pushing to have her on the strip 12 July.


Slacker :p

[ShadowMan]

Well it looks great Mike. No doubt about it, fine job ya did here.

[BossHogg]

+1 sounds good. Glad you are having a blast gramps. lol

I think the honda-tech guy meant it as a compliment. Although all nissan guys take any honda reference as a direct insult lol. I did LOL though. He vented random anger. Always worth a chuckle.

[bc.]

Mike, how did you prime your oil system? did you do anything special or did you just start it?

I tried this last night: SXDS15 Mazworx SR23VET - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fMSCeV_U8U)
But I had forgotten how long this guy had to crank before he saw pressure in the drip wands, I only cranked for like 15 seconds and didn't see drips so I got nervous and stopped :/

[Mikester]

Well it looks great Mike. No doubt about it, fine job ya did here.

Thank you very much man... REALLY happy with it; even with the few bugs left to work out.

+1 sounds good. Glad you are having a blast gramps. lol


HEY!!! I represent that remark :D and thank you too~

Mike, how did you prime your oil system? did you do anything special or did you just start it?

I tried this last night: SXDS15 Mazworx SR23VET - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fMSCeV_U8U)
But I had forgotten how long this guy had to crank before he saw pressure in the drip wands, I only cranked for like 15 seconds and didn't see drips so I got nervous and stopped :/

Have no idea what a drip wand is... Like an oil squirter?

Well, not sure if this is correct or not; but basically, we left the fuel pump fuse out, and he had me turn it over like 5-6 times folr about 10sec a pop... Then we gave it fuel and started her up... Of course it took her a couple of iterations to start, but when she did, the oil pressure and everything were fine...

IIRC, on warmup idle, my Oil press is right around 3.5-4bar (50-60psi)... I have also seen it as high as 5-6bar under boost; but steady-state, it seems to be about 1-1.5bar at idle and about 3-4bar driving her hard.

I figure, as long as it isn't reading below 2bar under accel & 1bar at idle, it should be GTG.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Anyhoo:

Back in 2006-2007ish, my buddy Jack and I did a 'fix' to accommodate 4" suction pipe in the 180SX. Basically, I had limited tools at the time & turned the PS pump feed 180* and RTV'd the hell out of it for it to clear. Of course after all this time and having completely forgotten about it; it finally gave out and started leaking. Pretty easy to see why:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/9117050869_94b16ab0db_c_d.jpg


So I finally put a proper fix on it. Turned it back to OEM config; then lopped it off right at the 2nd lip and used -10AN line back up to the reservoir... Like a glove~

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/9121362935_a5db708c15_c_d.jpg

After doing all this driving seating the rings, I noticed my coolant temps were high (68-70C) ;) , so I decided it was time to unpack the cooling plate & put it in:


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/9121365595_f65509a110_c_d.jpg

Temps are now back down to 64-65 where I like them=) Liking that GKtech fan; it seems to compensate for the oil cooler in the mix nicely!

Last but not least came the tower brace... This was actually a PITA to install. By design, it has to be preloaded to fit... But in the end, very much worth it~

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/9121393357_e8458df38a_c_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9121407505_43b23dbf64_b_d.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/9123633214_5f638a6ccb_c_d.jpg

^^ Note the main fuse box cover- I am a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due... and if it hadn't been for Andy's mad fabbing skills and countless other contributions; this engine bay (or the car so far) would not be nearly as badass as it turned out to be:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9123608404_4c2e700ee9_c_d.jpg


So I grabbed up my 'other' pride and joy and drove out to a friend's house.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/9121418867_a491c47f23_c_d.jpg

Umm, no sweetheart- That's the 3DS, not the Commander :l101:

THEEEEN-

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9121421787_79d032c887_b_d.jpg




Welcome to the Midwest

About 10pm, it stopped & the freeway was dry enough to get home... Guess I got some more cleaning to do ;)

[badbob2121]

Looks great Mike, cant wait to see it at an event soon!

[quickdiversion]

I remember when my engine bay was clean and pretty, all shinny and nice. 3 months later on NJ salty roads, terrible rain, ridiculous weather, and constant construction. It was a mess. Its a struggle now to clean it.

East Coast bash is this weekend, and guess who is gonna be cleaning and polishing........


Looks very nice, cleaner than the 180. Just needs the body work now!!!

[bc.]

Great job Mike! We should drive sometime, I just got mine running this week :P

Maybe I should get back on DriftSTL and see if anyone has been organizing cruises..

[Mikester]

^^Thanks Bob, Bryan & Brad!!!

Funny you should mention that... been hoping for a nice cruise or meet to go on! The only thing I require is decent roads... Spent way too much time on the underbody to fuck it up lol! Regardless, she'll be running the 1/4mi at MM 12 July... Going in for full-power tune next week or the week after.

[dsc4130]

Not gonna lie, kinda looking forward to seeing this on the strip tomorrow( if the rain holds out)

[Mikester]

Not gonna lie, kinda looking forward to seeing this on the strip tomorrow( if the rain holds out)

^^Hope it was worth it :tardrim:

For those of you who weren't there:

So there I was... First time at the track after 5+ years of patiently waiting, buying & building... and first time ever at an actual 1/4 mile strip; excited as a teenager watching porn for the first time...

First launch: Me and a Corvette... I totally botched my launch; damn near stalled... He ran 13.196 @112.26mph. I still managed a 13.374 @ 110.73 (1.2bar).

SOOO I decided that I wasn't gonna let that happen again! So Next time around, I decided to LAUNCH that bitch...

Long story short, I found out real quick that 7,000rpm launch + OS twin plate + fully prepped track =

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/9205961258_21b62a07d1_b_d.jpg

A shattered tranny and a free ride home courtesy of roadside assistance.

Sometimes learning new things sucks.

:facepalm:

[bc.]

wha wha whaaaaaaaaa

[dsc4130]

Vht and drag radials tear up some shit

[jr_ss]

Mike, think its time to upgrade to a more robust transmission...

[Mikester]

^^Yes & no... I'm pretty certain that even the mighty Z32/RB25 missions won't stand up to too many hard launches on a prepped surface before going 'boom.'

Right now, the easiest thing to do is buy a tranny rebuild kit and have it put back together... Once again, Andy came to my rescue with an SR tranny for me to use for parts.

I'm not one to cheap out... but right now, the economics are just not in my favor with respect to a tranny upgrade.

Next time out- Only mild rolling launches. After that night, I have an even greater respect for the level of abuse that true drag cars are built to withstand~

[jr_ss]

^^Yes & no... I'm pretty certain that even the mighty Z32/RB25 missions won't stand up to too many hard launches on a prepped surface before going 'boom.

Those transmissions have gone through 1000hp drag cars, I think they'll hold 400hp just fine for along time.

I'm not one to cheap out... but right now, the economics are just not in my favor with respect to a tranny upgrade.

I never said you were, but spending money on something that is just going to break isn't the best investment. Either way I understand completely and I wish you luck.

Next time out- Only mild rolling launches. After that night, I have an even greater respect for the level of abuse that true drag cars are built to withstand~

Drag cars are pretty insane. Imagine 7000hp and dead hooking. There's some seriously engineering in those cars and the components that allow them to go fast.

[KiLLeR2001]

I would go with the Z32TT transmission! Dooo it!

[jr_ss]

I would go with the Z32TT transmission! Dooo it!

TT or NA, everything is identical between the two minus the bellhousing and speedos.

[Mikester]

I would go with the Z32TT transmission! Dooo it!

I just don't have that kind of cash right now...

$100 for a rebuild kit plus a free SR tranny to get whatever other parts I need seems the best option to get her back on the road. Will definitely upgrade down the road...

Will most likely do it a few yrs from now when the clutch needs to be rebuilt.

[bc.]

Dewey sells SR transmissions for $200, fyi.

[ShadowMan]

Damn Mike that sucks. That's always a bummer to find a weak point at a track event, especially when it's your transmission. Too bad the funds are MIA for a beefier upgrade, but ain't that the story for most of us. Hope you get it up soon and your rebuild is smooth and quick. Looks nice on the tow truck tho....

[Mikester]

^^TRUE DAT^^



So when the driveshaft came out, the view inside the yoke didn't quite look right:



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/9267356792_7d4ff1e395_c_d.jpg



Needless to say, the tranny was NO FUN to pull out over the twin plate; even with the motor mounts fully loose.. However, thanks to greasing everything copiously prior to assembly; one good smack on the floor was all it took to get the rest of the output shaft out of the driveshaft yoke http://www.zeroyon.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9265377625_727c499310_c_d.jpg



Tranny, spare tranny & rebuild kit are at the transmission shop... Should be ready to go back in Monday/Tuesday.

[jr_ss]

I do have a request this time. Can we get a dyno video and some numbers before you pull this stunt again? What's the "new" launch procedure?

That's really a freak accident though, usually they just grenade the gears. I managed to grenade the gears in my S14 SR trans. That's the main reason the car has been down for years now...

[Mikester]

I do have a request this time. Can we get a dyno video and some numbers before you pull this stunt again? What's the "new" launch procedure?

That's really a freak accident though, usually they just grenade the gears. I managed to grenade the gears in my S14 SR trans. That's the main reason the car has been down for years now...

Yes Glenn i will definitely get the numbers before busting it again lol!

New VHT launch procedure: start a quick roll as if in a hurry from a stop light, then pedal to the metal once rolling with clutch fully engaged.
After this shit, I will likely never again launch it aggressively on the strip :-)

[codyace]

If you rev it out and side step it's going to brake something almost every time.

With a setup like you have, you just rev it up, and then literally go WOT while slipping the clutch until it's up and out. You'll be getting that clutch hot so just be aware that you'll smell it. Essentially you're using the clutch as an 'rpm hold' sort to speak.

[KoukiMonsta]

Dang man, bummer

Very glad to hear it made it out though. That's a lot more than I can say!

Ps z trans!

[Mikester]

Cody- definitely a drawback to making semi-decent power!

Will do some experimenting on the street to figure out where that 'happy' point is between falling on her face & grenading things haha

Kouki monsta- z32 tranny later.

[Mikester]

Wishing Z32 tranny swap were a hair cheaper right about now... Rebuild ran $400 in labor.

[bc.]

Ouch, $400 for a grenade with a longer fuse?

Like I said, JDM Hookup sells SR transmissions for $200. You could have two for that price.

[Mikester]

^^LOL... I got a parts tranny for $25 and a third for free to keep as a 2nd spare... $400 was just the labor that I would have had to pay anyway to have whatever I put in's 'fuse lengthened' lol

Love Dewey's products and the service he provides... but not those prices.

[jr_ss]

Ouch Mike... Well you know how I feel, no use in beating a dead horse.

How do you launch? I typically hold revs at X-rpm and slip the hell out of the clutch to get her up and out of the hole.

I use to rev and dump, fortunately I never broke anything, but that's not my angle of attack anymore.

[Mikester]

^^Gonna play w/it a bit.

Just got a call from the transmission shop. Bearings, seals etc in the rebuild kit are correct- synchros are not. FML.

Contacted the seller- hopefully they have good news. I verified fitment on their website.

Parts tranny I'm using is a KA tranny- they don't fit either that or the SR one.

[KoukiMonsta]

^^Gonna play w/it a bit.

Just got a call from the transmission shop. Bearings, seals etc in the rebuild kit are correct- synchros are not. FML.

Contacted the seller- hopefully they have good news. I verified fitment on their website.

Parts tranny I'm using is a KA tranny- they don't fit either that or the SR one.

Hah jr_ss. I was going to use the exact wording 'ouch' on the price tag for rebuild.

But now I'm thinking :( rebuild kit don't fit bummer.

AFAIK sr/ka tranny internals are identical? I work in auto parts, quite often we see rebuild kits that aren't entirely correct. I don't always understand it. Hope you easily get it sorted.

Keep it up, and keep us posted!

[Mikester]

^^Will do Kyle... Hoping DM's deal is good enough to not pass up... If so, I'll go ahead and keep my $400 rebuild & driveshaft; but put everything back together w/Z32.

[bc.]

It almost makes sense to me to just go straight Z32. How much did you price that conversion at Mike?

[Mikester]

Well I am holding out to see what kind of deal I can get before making final decision.

[jr_ss]

Well I am holding out to see what kind of deal I can get before making final decision.

Mike, I know someone that was getting rid of a Z32 trans setup. I just sent him a text, I may be able to work something out and get it relatively cheap. I'll keep you posted.

[Mikester]

That would be awesome Glenn! The kid I was dealing with was asking $700-800 just for the adapter kit with a tweaked driveshaft yoke... And was talking about how he paid $1500 for the tranny rebuild. I told him GLWS lol.

[jr_ss]

That would be awesome Glenn! The kid I was dealing with was asking $700-800 just for the adapter kit with a tweaked driveshaft yoke... And was talking about how he paid $1500 for the tranny rebuild. I told him GLWS lol.

Well, unfortunately the guy sold it off. Sorry, if I got you a bit excited.

Just for a reference point, I paid $700 for a rebuild on my RS5R, which included a new reverse and 5th gear. So $1500 is a bit steep.

[Mikester]

What's the difference between the NA & TT Z32 trannies? Will an NA hold 400-500 ft lbs without grenading?

[jr_ss]

What's the difference between the NA & TT Z32 trannies? Will an NA hold 400-500 ft lbs without grenading?

The only differences are the bell housing, specifically around the starter. It's thicker there to accommodate the large flywheel used on the TT's. The other difference is the speed sensor. The TT's have an 18 tooth gear, where the NA's have 20 teeth. Other than those they are identical and they are everywhere.

I have an NA behind my motor and people have used factory RS5R's into the 1k hp range drag racing without issues.

[Mikester]

^^Good to know- makes the decision WAY easier!!!

Good news: Bought a Mazworx adapter kit w/aluminum driveshaft

Bad news: Bought a Mazworx adapter kit w/aluminum driveshaft

Going on $2G since this whole snapped tailshaft fiasco started, I'm now in the market for a Z32 tranny (facepalm).

[jr_ss]

^^Good to know- makes the decision WAY easier!!!

Good news: Bought a Mazworx adapter kit w/aluminum driveshaft

Bad news: Bought a Mazworx adapter kit w/aluminum driveshaft

Going on $2G since this whole snapped tailshaft fiasco started, I'm now in the market for a Z32 tranny (facepalm).

Sell fixed SR transmission, make sure you post the receipt from the shop that rebuilt it in the collection of pictures in you FS thread. Recoup, $500 doll-hairs...

[Mikester]

^^FS thread posted... Can provide pic of receipt at anyone's request. Sale include's C's short shifter if you still want one hahaha!

[KoukiMonsta]

Ahh yes, I like what I read.

[Mikester]

Lol makes one of us. Moving toward the 400 club is expensive :)

[bc.]

Lol makes one of us. Moving toward the 400 club is expensive :)
$2G? shit, I am afraid for my transmission. I was thinking about upgrading to Z32, but yeah $.$

[Mikester]

^^Yup- close to $2G. $420 for rebuild, $120 for the rebuild kit + $1280 for the adapter kit w/aluminum shaft.

Buy my tranny & driveshaft Brad... You will LOVE the feel of it. Have threads here and on DriftSTL w/pics/specs.

[bc.]

^^Yup- close to $2G. $420 for rebuild, $120 for the rebuild kit + $1280 for the adapter kit w/aluminum shaft.

Buy my tranny & driveshaft Brad... You will LOVE the feel of it. Have threads here and on DriftSTL w/pics/specs.

Not until I blow mine up XD And seeing how I am only running 10psi with my new setup, it might be a while.

Also, trying to buy a house...

[jr_ss]

Not until I blow mine up XD And seeing how I am only running 10psi with my new setup, it might be a while.

Also, trying to buy a house...

You under estimate just how fragile(pronounced just like in "A Christmas Story") really is. I think they are only rated for 275ftlbs of torque? Granted there are some people putting down decent power, but they never attempt to "hook-up" with their setup. I made 315 @ 13psi on a 8.5:1 2liter. I'd becareful what you do with yours, especially launching.

[Matej]

Buy a fancy new gearset and have the coolest transmission in town. :)

Par-Engineering - Gearsets (Nissan FS5W71C) Synchromesh (http://www.par-engineering.com/sections/products/products.aspx?typeId=gearsets&manId=nissan&sectionId=5)
Par-Engineering - Gearsets (Nissan FS5W71C) Dog (http://www.par-engineering.com/sections/products/products.aspx?typeId=gearsets&manId=nissan&sectionId=4)

[bc.]

You under estimate just how fragile(pronounced just like in "A Christmas Story") really is. I think they are only rated for 275ftlbs of torque? Granted there are some people putting down decent power, but they never attempt to "hook-up" with their setup. I made 315 @ 13psi on a 8.5:1 2liter. I'd becareful what you do with yours, especially launching.

Hmm, I will keep that in mind. I only want to drag race a couple of times, just to show Mike who's faster, lol (and Kyle, haha) but that is gonna need to be more than 10psi.

[Mikester]

Lol maybe me- but not Kyle ;-)

[Q.Smooth127]

Nice build. Gonna wait more on your mazworx z32 kit experience as i too am lookin for the adapter kit (gonna be pickin up a NA z32 tranny tomorrow) and seein what be the best route to go with

[Mikester]

Nice build. Gonna wait more on your mazworx z32 kit experience as i too am lookin for the adapter kit (gonna be pickin up a NA z32 tranny tomorrow) and seein what be the best route to go with

Will definitely let you know how it goes... So far, this is what I've gotten:

http://www.mazworx.com/content/products/110/main.jpg

Mazworx SR-VG adapter kit.

Got it with aluminum driveshaft & had the shifter bracket & cover plate removed from the order because I went with the Xcessive shortened shifter bracket:

http://www.xcessivemanufacturing.com/prodimg/bracket.JPG

and...

http://i1.frsimg.com/images/detailed_images/SPLShifterBushings.jpg

SPL shifter bushings

http://i1.frsimg.com/images/detailed_images/Circuit%20Sports_CRP-R3234-GD_01.jpg

Circuit Sports... supposedly stronger than Nismo; and 1/3 of the price.

plus this from Zcarfever-

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRio74CGJA7Pdqfr9Zoe064jAEslF4fi qBNCszF2pmH0GEtUGsy2g

and I have a bid out on Ebay for a spare.

[Mikester]

Won the bid on the 2nd TT tranny. Gonna rebuild it & keep it on the side for when I have to rebuild the clutch. Also got a possible avenue for shipping my body panels over for a much lower rate~

[Luvs2slide]

How much u get the trans for Mike?

[Mikester]

^^Got one for $475 and the spare for $600. Big plans for the spare :D

[Mikester]

Minor update...

Z missions got here along with everything else.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9513285560_64a9ac6f31_c_d.jpg

Unfortunately, neither of them came with a speed sensor installed, so I'll need to order one along with fresh front & rear seals. If anyone knows the correct one, that'd be awesome. I'm noticing there are two- one with a longer shaft than the other...

For those who haven't seen a good visual, here is a shot of how much stouter the Z tranny is over the SR:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/9513287596_428ec4bb51_c_d.jpg

Gonna pull the bell housing off one of them tonight to send off to Mazworx for machining. Hoping to get her back on the road soon.

[jr_ss]

You need the MT speed sensor which is the longer one. The shorter VSS's are for the AT transmissions. You'll have to order the NA manual speed sensor and the gear separately. I believe the NA transmission has the 20T gear(Red). If you have a TT trans it would be the 18T gear(Blue).

Nissan 300ZX Speed Sensor - AM Autoparts (http://www.am-autoparts.com/Nissan/300ZX/SpeedSensor/AM-2350308459/680312.html)

Are there any part numbers on your transmission to verify if it is in fact an NA transmission? I'm sure it is, but it's always nice to know.

[Mikester]

^^Well FUCK.

They are both TT trannies according to the item descriptions- didn't end up getting NA ones. Good to know about the gear- I was sorta baffled when I looked inside the trannies & saw the plastic spline thing just like S-chassis & the weird ends on the Z speed sensors haha... Couldn't make sense of it!

Also, maybe Mazworx can tell me 100% whether or not it's NA or TT by the bell housing(?) just to be certain. I will also try to get numbers off of them.

As usual, thank you Glenn~

[jr_ss]

No problem Mike. If they are in fact the TT trans, you'll need the Turbo VSS.

[Mikester]

Got what I needed on order from Z1... Thanks!

Actually needed an NA VSS with a TT gear to account for the rear diff ratio (4.08). What a cluster fuck haha!

Does anyone happen to know where to get that little boot on the back of the tranny that covers the shift linkage? It's torn on both trannies. I suppose I could source one from Nissan.

[KiLLeR2001]

Does anyone happen to know where to get that little boot on the back of the tranny that covers the shift linkage? It's torn on both trannies. I suppose I could source one from Nissan.

Shifter :: Popular Parts :: 300ZX Parts (Z32) 1990-1996 :: Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com (http://www.courtesyparts.com/300zx-parts-z32-1990-1996/popular-parts/shifter/-c-882_8638_8656.html)

Upper dust boot the one you are talking about? Looks like its only $8.

[jr_ss]

Got what I needed on order from Z1... Thanks!

Actually needed an NA VSS with a TT gear to account for the rear diff ratio (4.08). What a cluster fuck haha!

Does anyone happen to know where to get that little boot on the back of the tranny that covers the shift linkage? It's torn on both trannies. I suppose I could source one from Nissan.

Shifter :: Popular Parts :: 300ZX Parts (Z32) 1990-1996 :: Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com (http://www.courtesyparts.com/300zx-parts-z32-1990-1996/popular-parts/shifter/-c-882_8638_8656.html)

Upper dust boot the one you are talking about? Looks like its only $8.

Steven, I think he is talking about the shaft boot that comes out of the rear of the trans, correct me if I'm wrong Mike. Mine was completely missing when I acquired my trans. I had a new one installed when I had it rebuilt, seems like they all deteriorate and end up missing.

Here you go Mike.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/32891-boot-rubber-300zx-z32-1990-1996-p-40219.html

[Mikester]

^^Yep- that's the one sir! It's completely effing dry-rotted & torn:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/9563727789_0260820e8c_c_d.jpg

Bracket fitment seems really nice... Just waiting on the shifter to see if those SPL bushings will work w/it (Mazworx isn't sure).

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9566529726_7c2a1e1a09_c_d.jpg

BTW I found this inside the bell housing on the gearbox side:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9563731641_6aefec39ef_c_d.jpg

The shape seems pretty distinct to place it, but I have zero damned clue where it should go after looking all over hell & back.

Also, what's that little 'thingy' behind the plate held in by 2 bolts, w/the spring and ball bearing that goes into the BH?

OH- Kicking myself in the ass- checked the shifter return springs against my other spare SR tranny- nearly identical to in form/fitment... Should have kept the HKS's (facepalm). Gonna check Home Depot etc for some similar but stiffer springs...

becauseanalretentive

Heading to the post office to mail my shizzle to Mazworx... Excited~

Thanks for the help guys!

[jr_ss]

Mike, I need pictures of the "thingy"(no homo).

You could've dropped your bell-housing off at a local shop to be milled, but I think the cost of milling is included with the Mazworx kit correct?

[Mikester]

Mike, I need pictures of the "thingy"(no homo).

You could've dropped your bell-housing off at a local shop to be milled, but I think the cost of milling is included with the Mazworx kit correct?

Yes Mazworx includes the machining in the price of the kit... Much more comfortable having them do it since its a 'regular' thing for them; ntm they are BAMF's lol...

Don't have a pic of the thingy- but it is behind the plate with the zip tie hanging from the loom guide... Realized it needed to come out when everything else was off but the BH still wouldn't come off:

59570

59571

It seems to be some type of guide (?)

Any idea where that slotted washer goes?

Thanks again for the link to that boot- ordered :)

[jr_ss]

Looks like that piece is for the interlock stopper.

http://www.300zx-twinturbo.com/s.manual/mt/010.gif

[Mikester]

Cool- wonder what it does LMAO

any idea on that baffled washer?

[Mikester]

Okay, thanks to Rutger (you may have heard me mention him a time or two in the tech sections), he provided me these links:

http://300zx-twinturbo.com/cgi-bin/manual.cgi?list=mt&dir=&config=&refresh=&direction=forward&scale=0&cycle=off&slide=9&design=default&total=37

http://nissan4u.com/parts/300zx/el_z32/1992_1/type_1/power_train/transmission_gear/illustration_2/

which tell me that baffled washer is the reverse idler thrust washer. My only question now is "Is it normal for this to come off during BH removal, or is something seriously wrong with this tranny?"

Either way, I'm not sweating it as I have 2 TT trannies- heading down in a bit to go investigate the split one with the above pics in-hand to maybe see for myself.

Also did this (http://zilvia.net/f/z-chassis/531277-z32-5-speed-shifter-spring-upgrade.html) yesterday- Fricken awesome and only $4 at Home Depot!

[Mikester]

So Mazworx sent an email saying the BH and the rest of the kit are on the way :D

Time to get the prep done!!!

I had to take the rear casing off to put that damned thrust washer back in...

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9630568575_b07801e897_c_d.jpg

Strangely enough, it's held in place by virtue of being 'pinned' in the small hole (looking into front of rear casing)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/9633805478_12dccc2d45_c_d.jpg

...which makes it seem odd that it came off... It must have come off when the rear half came un-sealed while wrestling the BH off... Still weird that it ended up in the BH lol!

Since it was completely apart; I gave it a look-see... Everything else appeared to be good... Albeit, I prolly wouldn't have known if there WAS anything else wrong haha!

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/9633808518_cc5aa0247b_c_d.jpg

So I went ahead and cleaned up the casing, put the striker rod boot on, replaced the F/R seals & put the new pivot on... Came out pretty nice.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/9634060834_62d95c6e51_c_d.jpg


Might have to put a fresh coat of black on the top cover & dust shield... They just don't look "Mikester' enough for some reason ;)

[Mikester]

Minor update...

Got a package in the mail yesterday :D

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9683608065_85aa65076f_b_d.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9686850466_dd93b2eaac_c_d.jpg

All goes well, will be driving her home Saturday; and FINALLY getting the long-awaited numbers next week~

[Teigen]

Nice.

keep the numbers posted, and video.

Will you enable Antilag or Launchcontrol in your ecu?

[jr_ss]

All I hear is blah, blah, blah. Where are the videos, numbers and the smoke machine?