Hoffman5982's 2 for 1 Build

[Hoffman5982]

Seeing as how Nico gets no attention any more, I think it's finally time to move my build to Zilvia. I guess an intro is required to properly start off any story.

I'm Steven. I come from a little po-dunk town out in Alabama, recently relocated to the ass hole of America that is Florida. I'm 21 and work part time while attending school. I currently make a measly $8/hr. That's personal business, but I state it ahead of time to show all of the kids that are "ballin on a budget" that It can be done properly on any income. So let's get started from the beginning.

It's 2007, and I'm freshly 16 and needing a whip. Being a spoiled little shit, I refused to take my brother's hand-me-down purple Ford Escort with some sweet spider webbed chrome hub caps. After bitching and crying I finally got my parents to relent and buy me a different car. At the time I knew nothing about cars. While searching I came across a 1995 240sx. I didn't what they were, I just knew it looked sporty enough. I did, however, immediately join Nico to see what they were about. So we go and look at it, and I fell in love. Looking back, it was clean enough. It was bone stock, automatic, and had 183k miles. The interior was all there, although I think the PO ripped most of the panels out without unscrewing them. For $2500, it was clean enough.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/l_7c19bcde8631bdb1e90a10d074648686.jpg

So I'm 16 with a "sports" car. Most of you know exactly what that means. I was an idiot. Everywhere I went I had the gas pedal pinned. I drove way too fast with no regard to the law or the well being of others. I had no idea what maintenance was. On multiple occasions I was reminded to check the oil, only to find there was none on the dip stick. The engine was a trooper. I inevitably became aware of the whole drift scene. I had to do it.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/l_4c5bc02703e80635f6bd0e5e52634db4.jpg

A rainy day meant fun. I slid the car as much as I could with an open dif and auto trans. It was really just gunning it into a corner and have the ass slide out. No real skill was involved, but I felt like a bad ass. So after a year of reckless driving, I obviously wrecked the car. It had to happen at some point. I was driving out to my girlfriends house after pretty big storm had hit. My rear tires were bald, but this wasn't on my mind. I was driving too fast for the conditions and while going around a corner the back came out on me. I fish tailed and ended up sliding through a barbed wire fence, a field, and into a poll. No seat belt or anything. Not a scratch on me.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/002_2.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/009_9.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/040_40.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/042_42.jpg

I'm sad that it had to come to that, but in the end I had come out alive while getting all of the stupid shit and reckless driving out of my system by the age of 17.

So I need a new car. I loved my first s14. I wasn't ready for something different. I started looking on Nico and found nothing. That was when I joined Zilvia. After a week I found a really clean s14. It was a manual, which I wanted, and it was very clean. I lowballed the owner enough to rightfully feel insulted, but luckily he didn't take it personally. We eventually agreed on a price and set a date to meet. I drove 6 1/2 hours to GA to look at it. I'll never forget his garage door opening and seeing such a clean s14 rear end. I was speechless. I was sold at that moment.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/SL01.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/FL05.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/INT_FDD.jpg

The car was immaculate inside and out. It had very tasteful mods done. Engine wise it was stock other than the RS*R ExMag exhaust. It some decent suspension work done and z32 brakes front and rear. So it was paid for and I had the pleasure of learning to drive a manual in an Atlanta traffic jam.

So that's really where the journey(read as death of my financial life) begins. This was in January of 2009 during my sophomore year of high school. During this whole time Nico and Zilvia were my bible. I followed all of the well-detailed build threads and learned as much as I could about these cars. I was inspired by the owner of this car and people like Broadfield and Positron for how meticulous they were. I knew I wanted a clean, well put together car, I just didn't have the experience to make that a reality. For the first few months the car wasn't touched, other than the maintenance I made a habit of doing at the proper intervals. I got my first job at Best Buy and finally had money to throw at this thing. At first it was basic things like restoring headlights, painting the valve cover
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01780.jpg

and brake calipers.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC02439.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC02445.jpg

Then I did the typical subwoofers. At first I just wanted two 12's that filled the trunk and rattled everything loose in the car. I succeeded. After quickly growing out of that phase, I still focused on the sound system. I bought some Kenwood Component speakers and an amp to run them, and picked up a nice Alpine head unit.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01820.jpg
Now I had a decent sound system, but so many rattles, and too much outside noise drowning it out. At some point I had some wiring issues causing my stereo to intermittently shut off. So the dash came out to work on the harness. While that was out, I pulled the carpet up and filled all the dead space with Great Stuff foam, an idea I got from an old build thread here on Zilvia. It mimics the sound deadening foam that Ford used in their vehicles. What a mess..
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01795.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01796.jpg

It definitely worked. The car sounded a lot more solid afterwards. Before putting the carpet back in, I dyed it black to make the interior a little darker.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01803.jpg

I also re-did my door cards:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01775.jpg

After that, I just drove the car around for a few months and enjoyed the fruits of my labor.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/SDC10636.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/SDC10650.jpg

Next thing I know, it's January of 2010, and I had some cash saved from working the Christmas season at a retail establishment. I wanted coilovers. I didn't want a super harsh ride. After a lot of searching, I settled on some Stance LX+'s, so I happily spent my money. Ordered them in January, didn't receive them til the day of my highschool graduation, May 26.

In the mean time, I had slowly collected new wheels.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01778.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01777.jpg

Clean right? They were refinished 350z Track Wheels v.1 which were Forged by Rays if you couldn't tell. I liked the clean OEM-ness of them. I acquired them before coilovers, so I rocked them at rally-like height.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/_MG_1968.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/_MG_1981.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/_MG_1959.jpg

And I removed my grille and fog lights because I thought the open-ness was cleaner. I was clearly still an idiot
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC02482.jpg

My coilovers finally came in at the same time as I was realizing that my car was way too far off the ground
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN0364.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC02627.jpg

I didn't slam it, because at the time I thought it was stupid and I was too cool for school.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC02631.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC02634.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC02644.jpg

Now it's summer. I was happy with how the car looked, but I was getting to the point where I felt the KA was too slow. I considered boosting it, but didn't feel comfortable with doing so without a rebuild, something which I didn't trust myself doing. So I started searching for a new motor. I went back and forth between the RB25 and an SR. I decided that the RB25 wasn't worth the trouble since I would be starting college. I set my sights on a notchtop SR. I figured since it's an s14 chassis, I wouldn't be putting an s13 motor in it. That's silly. In the few months leading up to the purchase, I collected parts. I wanted to do it right so I bought all new gaskets, a water and oil pump, all new belts, along with upgrades like a Fidanza 2.1 Carbon/Kevlar clutch kit, CXRacing FMIC, Godspeed Radiator, and quite a few other things. So I bought one from JDMOnline. Fuck those guys. It was supposedly compression tested. Cyl 4 was dead. I didn't find this til way too late to warranty it out.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN0806.jpg

The trial and errors I went through with this slut of a motor went on for a little over a year. I'm going to skip through all of it and go straight to the end. I had run into literally every single problem a person can have. Everything on the motor except the bare head, block, and crank had been replaced with new OEM parts. Out of the year, I got a solid month of driving with no issues before it blowing the ringlands on two cylinders the first time I took it to 6k. It turned out that the shop that assembled my bottom end forgot to gap the rings. Fuck me right?
Some pics from along the way:

Repainted bay:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN1004.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/IMG_20100811_143037.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN1085.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/IMG_20100825_142551.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/IMG_20101209_122944.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN0389.jpg


During the down time I started tucking the bay. I had purchased a WS Premade harness to replace the short-ridden oem harness. Best purchase I made at the time
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN0747.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/FtPickens018.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN0625.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN0630.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN0657.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN0848.jpg

Hooked up the AC with CodyACE Brackets
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN0856.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN0853-1.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN0861.jpg

Hooked up Cruise Control with a g20 throttle body and custom throttle cable brackets
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN0982.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/IMAG0121.jpg

Then we were nearing the end of this poor pathetic motor. It had blown for it's last time, and I was sick of it. I had started looking for a new motor. Another notchtop, because that's what all of my parts were for. As fate would have it, at the same time I started looking, an automatic motor popped up. At the time these were rare. I knew auto's were generally driven easier, so I wanted it.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN2148.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN2156.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN2162.jpg


I'm going to stop here for the night. This brings us up to Feb. of last year. My laptop is about dead and so am I. Until next time..

[Broadfield]

It's nice to see you over here Steven!

[KiLLeR2001]

Finally I don't have to stop by Nicoclub once in a blue moon to check up on this build. Excited to read the next installment!

[KendallH]

I currently make a measly $8/hr. That's personal business, but I state it ahead of time to show all of the kids that are "ballin on a budget" that It can be done properly on any income.

This is so true. The key element is just a little patience. Build looks good so far :bigok:

[Okinawandrifter87]

Loving it! Looks great and keep up the great work!

[FaLKoN240]

Subbed because it's nice to see someone with their head on their shoulders putting a car together. Instead of ruining it because "Racecar"

[jr_ss]

I miss my Rays V1... They pretty much complete the stock car look. I wish they came in a tab bit wider sizes though.

[tricky_ab]

Subbed because it's nice to see someone with their head on their shoulders putting a car together. Instead of ruining it because "Racecar"

Co-signed!

I'll be following this build...I am never on Nico, so I didn't realize that you had a build thread...

[Hoffman5982]

Thanks a lot guys, I really do appreciate the support.

I'm going to back track a little because I skipped a few things in my intro.

If you couldn't tell by now,m y main goal was to make this car a nice daily driver. The only time I slide the car is in an open lot in the rain where wrecking it isn't a possibility, and even then it's once in a blue moon. I'm sure some people noticed the "doing it right" and then the CXRacing FMIC and the Godspeed Radiator. I "cheaped out" on these because they were proven to be more than adequate for a stock to mildly modified set up.

So let's move on. While I was waiting on finding/buying the new motor, I had acquired all the parts necessary to spruce my interior up with the s14 digital climate control. My stock manual controls were showing their age and I was about to order new buttons from Courtesy Parts to make it look better, but the DCC fell into my lap for super cheap. I used the Chuonthis guide for reference, but I didn't like not having a full functioning unit. So I pulled my dash to add the 2 pins to the intake door motor plug to retain the 20% recirculation and 20% fresh air functions.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN1767.jpg


After a few hours of wiring it came to life
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/AC.jpg

So i threw it back together. This pictures poory shows my gauge setup. They're the Prosport tinted gauges. I removed the tinted covers and mounted them behind a tinted piece of plexiglass. I have since re-done it to make it look cleaner.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2106.jpg

For anyone considering Prosport gauges, I highly recommend to stay away from them. All three of my gauges have eventually failed after only 2 years. They start with randomly jumping up and going back to where they're supposed to be, then will finally just completely die. I've contacted Prosport and they basically told me I'm SOL.

So the new engine is on its way. The old one needs to come out.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN1107.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2142.jpg

With the old motor, I had followed Positron's thread and painted the motor with the Duplicolor Cast Aluminum paint to make it look new. It looked good, but to me it makes it look fake. With the new motor I wanted to keep the natural aluminum color. The motor came in on a Thursday, and I spent that night and most of the next day scrubbing it with degreaser and wire brushes to make it look as clean as it could. I freed it of it's automatic-ness. I threw my barely used Fidanza clutch setup and resurfaced OEM flywheel on and bolted the transmission on.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2185.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2178.jpg

Friday afternoon, the day after the motor arrived, I had some really good friends who have helped me out more than I will ever be able to repay come over and work double time with me to get this thing in and hooked up.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC03899.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2297.jpg

And and the first start up:
n9issPCvH80


So what had happened was..The seal for the sandwich plate between my oil filter for the oil pressure gauge got pinched and broke. The sound that my friend mistook as belt squeal was the sound of about half of my oil coming out and onto the floor. Took the plate off and went and picked up more oil and she was good to go. After a year and a half of dealing with a motor that gave me nothing but problems, the simple fact that this thing idled so smoothly was enough to make me happy.

[Hoffman5982]

So with that I was able to actually get out and do stuff. The fact that I was able to get out and make the friends I did when I did nothing but try to fix my car was a blessing
The first time in months that the car had seen anything but the inside of a garage. Shitty cell phone pic incoming..
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/419814_3204057014336_1053425946_3137815_1495579229 _n.jpg

My friend showed me an open lot that is covered in hard packed clay. You can literally slide out here for 30+ minutes without burning through tires. Only issue is the clean up afterwards
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/424229_2798988775352_1277499039_32371265_145224364 9_n.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/424318_2798989295365_1277499039_32371267_149068658 7_n.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/422390_2798989055359_1277499039_32371266_612876750 _n.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/429642_2798989855379_1277499039_32371269_114743563 2_n.jpg

To give you guys an idea of how mint this motor was, I had started replacing bolts in random places with newer/brighter ones, and this is what the water pump looked like when I changed those
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2012-03-09_19-15-21_975.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2012-03-09_19-44-26_184.jpg

So now I have a perfectly running car. I can actually spend money on upgrading stuff instead of fixing something. The first thing on my list, something that I wanted to do since painting the bay, was get rid of the horribly bent up brake lines.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2364.jpg

I decided to go with the Suspicious Garage kit from AceUpMotorsports. Vitaly was awesome and hooked me up with a matching clutch line instead of the ISIS line I had ordered at the same time.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2012-03-25_22-29-44_1771.jpg

So off came the wheels
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2358.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2363.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2369.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2370.jpg

These route between the oil pan and cross member
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2396.jpg

And the aftermath
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2403.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2377.jpg

Then I focused on the cars stance. It had a lot of reverse rake, so I evened it out.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2420.jpg

Then I went JDM and ripped the bumper off.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2012-04-19_18-50-41_120.jpg

But really, I was remaking my intercooler brackets to lower the core and allow me to run the OEM fog lights, something I was desperately wanting back on the car. I also installed a new bumper retainer so my bumper would be right and I'd have the brackets for the grille. I was lazy before and just cut through it all dumb like.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/456601_3512651329001_650691132_o_zps1a78be84.jpg

I also picked up some OEM mud flaps, which I painted to make them look less old.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/459680_3512648208923_1218839053_o_zps2aaf856f.jpg

I really do miss how well the Z wheels cleaned up.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/416422_3565660374194_2006420568_o_zpsf5f45d98.jpg

All of this was prep before the first decent sized meet I had attended.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2534.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC04896.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC04923.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC04924.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC04963.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC04980.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC04967.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC04982-1.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC05024.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSC05017.jpg

[Hoffman5982]

I then tinted my turn signals, painted the USDM side markers, and cut my fenders for EDM fender markers. I wanted something a little different, and I always thought these were coo..
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/472275_3661730655891_1053425946_3326407_120810011_ o.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/416404_3661732895947_1053425946_3326410_1046549923 _o.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/413326_4071203572458_194330184_o_zpsf038393e.jpg

Sometime afterwards a buddy of mine shot some pictures
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/matt2.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/475650_10151412302623102_1542986224_o.jpg

At this point, I wasn't feeling the OEM black valve cover. I needed something different. So I hit up a member here(Silviaks2nr) and sent it off.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2625.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/7919468108_9a1a4658ce_c.jpg

Before installing I put some Circuit Sports rocker arm stoppers and some fresh OEM gaskets(Instagram quality)
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/970930_10200773960845378_1803518457_n_zps4e7ebf57. jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/460353_3697188702320_1053425946_3343503_1606168753 _o.jpg

Then I focused on the harness. On the original harness, I had actually depinned it all and sleeved it with some nice nylon sleeving, and I also tucked a lot of it. I really didn't want to cut into my new WS harness and jeopardize it's quality. So I kept it simple and desleeved it to move the ignitor inside the cabin. This was easily done and only required the ground to be extended about an inch.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2605.jpg

I "tucked" the coil pack and o2 sensor section. By this i mean I shortened them so they wouldn't extend past the back of the head and stayed, for the most part, out of sight.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2606.jpg

And I extended and sleeved the MAF and CAS connectors about an inch to allow me to run the under the lip of the head. I was no longer running the recirc pipe so I didn't want these to be randomly running across the front of the valve cover. (I apparently took no pictures of it on the car, so look for it in later pictures)
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2610.jpg

Went to another meet and didn't take any pictures while there. Lowered my car a hair more before I left
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/614448_4201147940986_738239135_o.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/603461_4193774236648_1285716045_n.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/7919473398_91ddea1f78_h.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/304416_4197318005240_676528726_n.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/304311_4193061818838_1119782374_n.jpg


The next thing on my list was the power steering. You may have noticed my Monster Can being used as a coolant reservoir. I grew tired of feeling so ghetto. I had relocated the factor ps reservoir to the corner where the factory coolant overflow was. I threw both of these out. I put the stock coolant overflow back in and picked up some AN lines and a LEE aluminum power steering reservoir. It was actually pretty nice and was one of the few I could find that were baffled and didn't cost $100. For the 10AN pump fitting, I cut the barb off and had a bung welded on. I had already had a Russel Performance high pressure line installed for a few months at this point.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2941.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2943.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2946.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2950.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2953.jpg

This setup looked more professional and cleaned the bay up. Also not having a reservoir that sweat fluid out the cap was nice.

I had been running with the bov off a hose coming from the cold pipe. I believe this pipe coming off the cold pipe was intended for the stock bov. I had always noticed that I'd have to be accelerating fairly hard to get the bov to actually open. So I capped that off and had a flange welded on. I had just picked up an new HKS SSQV v.3 to replace my v.1 that had gotten scraped up being against the radiator. I decided not to run recirculated at this point for aesthetic reasons(dumb, I know).
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2955.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2986.jpg

My engine bay and exterior had now been shown some love. Time for a few mild interior upgrades. Picked up a leather steering wheel that was in decent condition. I picked up leather seats as well, but at this time I hadn't put them in, and I didn't take pics when I finally did have them in. I also got a new S15 shift knob to go with my new found love for leather.The old Alpine unit wasn't doing it for me anymore, so I bought an Kenwood KIV-701 head unit. I really like this thing. I prefer the look of Alpine units, but this actually has an LCD screen which just looks newer.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2974.jpg
The gauges had been removed temporarily.

I noticed that the mirror adjustment switch was old and crusty.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN1128.jpg

So I picked up 2 different switches off an older(same as kouki switch) and newer Sentra. Couldn't decide which I liked more, so I wired both plugs in.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN1129.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN1137.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN1140.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN1142.jpg

[Hoffman5982]

It's now getting close to the end of 2012. I loved my Z wheels, but I wanted something that fit a little bit better. The wheels came due to the tires being dead. I didn't know what I wanted but I wasn't going to buy new tires only to sell them a week later. So back to stockness!
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3355.jpg

I also polished my intercooler piping
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3648_zpsf7e7c786.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3671_zpsd2f36642.jpg

Being this high wasn't all that bad. Speed bumps weren't a problem and riding with the Stance LX's on full soft was super comfy. Shortly after this my J30 differential killed itself after I put poly bushings in. The bolts on the back cover had backed out after 2 years and emptied the fluid. The VLSD itself is fine, the bearing are pooped out. At least it looked nice.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3307.jpg

While waiting for new shoes, I put some work into the brakes. I had noticed the last time I changed the pads that one of the boots on a front caliper was ripping. So I ordered the Z1 Motorsports kit for the front and rear. I decided that the red wasn't working for me anymore as well.
The culprit:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3714_zpsb15e2d35.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3722_zps5c1cd6f6.jpg

Torn apart:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3671_zps34657798.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3675_zps2608ea66.jpg

Luckily the threads of the bolts holding the halves together were clean. I had seen where people found the threads had stripped out.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3681_zpsc2f578d1.jpg

The new color:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3710_zps5300ddaa.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3734_zpsb821020b.jpg


Around this time I picked up a Circuit Sports oil filter relocation. I threw it on during my next oil change.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/photobucket-43257-1356734611607.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2012-12-28_16-09-25_795_zps840184dc.jpg

I immediately noticed how bad my fuel lines were intertwined. It looked awful. So I tucked them under the intake manifold.
Before:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN3737_zpsb4c2e644.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN3739_zps49472e34.jpg

I removed the small hardline section that comes off of the rail so that I could curve the lines to run under the runners. The fuel filter was relocated to the back behind the manifold. Changing it is now a bitch and a half.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN3740_zpsc5672453.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN3743_zps3eda1fec.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN3747_zps7804ab11.jpg

After:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN3749_zps3b9da583.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN3752_zps2b870af9.jpg

My only gripe with the CS kit is the length of the hoses. As you can see, I have them fold towards the fire wall. I guess it was intended to be mounted elsewhere. They will be shortened eventually.

[Hoffman5982]

I was tired of looking stock. My wheels finally sold right after Christmas, and I made enough off of them to basically trade straight up to the new Konig SSM's.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3684_zps8552201a.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3686_zpscda805bd.jpg

They're the 18x10 +15's all around. I went with Federal SS595 225/40 tires. Major step up from my old Nexens.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2013-01-27_23-03-42_425_zpsae54732d.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2013-01-28_13-52-37_799_zpsbc2acc5a.jpg

So I threw them on:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2013-01-29_14-45-55_968_zps586f39d3.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2013-01-29_14-46-27_502_zpsca8e5180.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2013-01-29_14-46-45_930_zps784cf858.jpg

A spacer is required in the front. Mine rubbed the coiloverover without it. It also rubbed the chassis harness where it exits the firewall on anything over 1/4 turn to the left. That was a no go. I had already relocated the harness above the lip, but I went ahead and pulled the fender to notch the chassis to raise it higher.
Before:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2013-01-29_21-43-49_198_zps0bb3e25a.jpg

After:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2013-01-30_16-56-31_472_zpsac5d5a58.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2013-01-30_16-56-42_793_zps35657ff3.jpg

This helped, but it still rubbed the elbow where the harness comes out and curves up, as well as the hood latch cable. So I notched the hole upwards and made a plate covering it, and pulled the hood cable a good inch and a half higher as well.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/859967_10200175019432217_159844012_o_zps4b7d86ce.j pg

This finally solved it, and I was on my way to scrape everywhere.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/669334ec-024b-4f2e-a2ef-d44986b0bef2_zps20142fd9.jpg

The red lug nuts didn't clash well with the new color scheme of the brakes. Fixed that.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3805_zps87610d8e.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3807_zps472093c0.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3811_zpsea41e4a9.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3868_zpsa19a8af4.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3870_zpse86357d8.jpg

Going this low made my rear all out of whack, so I purchased these fellers
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3982_zps83169059.jpg

If you've ever held SPL arms, you know how nice they are. I couldn't believe it. They were light and nice to look at. The adjusting collars were a gift from God.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3986_zps6da38e55.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3995_zps5749be4e.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN3989_zpse892e30b.jpg

I rubbed really bad now. So I broke out the ol baseball bat
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/522008_10200543304639117_1519987465_n_zpsb107e38f. jpg

Then turbo craved some attention
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/883455_10200456923839651_1091445743_o_zps6c18387a. jpg

Decided to buy a full OEM turbo seal kit
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN4000_zps1137ad15.jpg

A new filter was needed after.:bite:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN4009_zps713cccde.jpg

I found that my turbo has absolutely no shaft play. I was super happy about this.

Then my buddy shot some more pics with the new wheels. At this point, he has gotten pretty good at editing and whatnot:
http://i.imgur.com/OfCsyJy.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ibj9hXq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2O70M1C.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2wtmG74.jpg

We are now pretty much caught up to the present. About a week ago I attended a local meet that had a decent turnout. The week before I sanded down a bunch of imperfections in my bay and repainted most of it to brighten it back up.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/401903_10200813550715100_1103587838_n_zps0a5c7c77. jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/970055_10200818732804649_1077826175_n_zps6d385d13. jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/431905_10200829394791192_859984230_n_zpsd35099b8.j pg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/IMG_3846_zps0bcf03e8.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/967210_467854589965238_1846836130_o_zps69226b7e.jp g
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/976202_629868910358843_1854745047_o_zpsa5c16922.jp g
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/IMG_6909-XL_zps32f355df.jpg

And here we are, all caught up. What can we look forward to?

My dash recently cracked, and my dash harness has developed a short or two over time that has left me with the inability to adjust the brightness of the cluster lights. I have, over time, picked up a fresh dash with uncracked windshield vent, and a new dash harness that I have been rewiring for the DCC in the most oem way I can. I have also acquired a full Energy Suspension bushing kit, along with the ES differential bushing kit. I have a full rear end out of a car with 90k miles, and the subframe bushings look brand new. A new j30 VLSD will be put in at the same time with a special touch :naughty:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/412854_3792548166247_960250966_o.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN1752.jpg


I also plan, hopefully by the end of the year, to have the motor pulled to have tubs done to allow me to go full lock without rub-a-dub-dubbin. At this time I will properly paint the bay and actually clear coat it this time.

Other than that, it will be whatever else I can find to throw at this thing.

[Hoffman5982]

Wait a second... "What the hell did he mean by 2 for 1???"


So back in November I was searching Craigslist, something I never did. 15 minutes before I had gotten on, a posting was created for an s13 shell. This was the only pic.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/3L93Je3pe5Lc5Ka5Hecc2fec003b4662b1429.jpg

I thought the side decals were rad, so I sent an email asking if I could take a look. I got a reply the next morning with an address and a time. When I got there a lady came out to greet me. Turns out, she was the owner. Her mother had purchased it new back in '89, and about a year ago the head gasket went. She attempted to drive it home with it over heating and killed the engine. This shell was mint. The interior was complete with a crackless HUD dash. The only rust was in the battery tray, or where the tray would have been. 100% stock. I was sold. We talked price and I snagged it for $500. Picked it up the next night.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/2012-12-06_18-12-38_687.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3431.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3434.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3422.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3440.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3438.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3437.jpg
The purpose of this car is unknown right now. It was just a good deal that I didn't want to pass up. I was originally looking for a shell in rough shape that I wouldn't care to beat on. After all of the time and money I've put into the s14, I've grown afraid of driving it to its full potential. It defeats the purpose. This car will have less time and money in it, so I won't be afraid. With that said, I have no intentions of destroying such a nice piece of history.

I'll call it a night here. I need to upload all of the progress on the s13 and have a post sometime this week. Hopefully some people have sifted through my ungodly amount of typing.

Until next time..

[RB180sxChris]

awesome build man i wish i had the time for my s14 to do this =/

[yomisiu]

sweet. looking forward to see updates

[KiLLeR2001]

Everything you've done looks great. Definitely my kind of build. My only gripe is the hella stretch factor you got going on. 225's on a 10" wheel is pretty weak. Obviously you did it so you can fit it, but still...


I thought the side decals were rad, so I sent an email asking if I could take a look. I got a reply the next morning with an address and a time. When I got there a lady came out to greet me. Turns out, she was the owner. Her mother had purchased it new back in '89, and about a year ago the head gasket went. She attempted to drive it home with it over heating and killed the engine. This shell was mint. The interior was complete with a crackless HUD dash. The only rust was in the battery tray, or where the tray would have been. 100% stock. I was sold. We talked price and I snagged it for $500. Picked it up the next night.

Very similar story with my two-tone. 88,000 original miles, perfect body, blown HG. Owned by a little old lady who purchased the car new in 1989, and it's a factory 5 speed! :love:

[fliprayzin240sx]

http://images.wikia.com/victorious/images/3/38/Clap_gif_klatschen_funny.gif

[Burris167]

Its about time you made a build thread!

[mikerbike]

Best graphics ever. Is that a dealer option or an enthusiast afterthought? Brings out the early 90s in that car. Jealous.

[fliprayzin240sx]

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3440.jpg


What are those strips on the trunk for? Those supposed to allow you to strap things down on the trunk without scratching it? I've seen 1 or 2 other coupes that has them but its pretty rare now a days.

This is so clean, I'd just toss some coilovers on it and leave it alone. Hell, I'd rock it with the stock wheels.

[S14Serge]

Your thread was the only reason I really checked nico lol! Glad you brought it over to zilvia.

[keifer]

Knowing that most of this build or some of it, is you doing 8$/hr is awesome to me. I made that right now and i figured i'd put off buying an sr20 to start my 240 adventures till i got another job making 12$/hr. But fuck it. Now i'm saving every god damn penny. That s13 is pristine too! Goodluck with your build! Super clean car!

[Hoffman5982]

Everything you've done looks great. Definitely my kind of build. My only gripe is the hella stretch factor you got going on. 225's on a 10" wheel is pretty weak. Obviously you did it so you can fit it, but still...

I definitely did it to fit them. 225 is as extreme as I'll go. I have a friend running like a 205 on a 10" wheel and it's ridiculous. But so far I haven't had any problems with sidewall flex or anything.

I wish the s13 had been a manual shell. Drilling the firewall for the clutch pedal without even a compact drill was a bitch and a half!


Best graphics ever. Is that a dealer option or an enthusiast afterthought? Brings out the early 90s in that car. Jealous.
They were dealer installed. She mailed the window sticker and a couple of other historical artifacts that showed what all came on it. I'll get them scanned and uploaded for you guys.


What are those strips on the trunk for? Those supposed to allow you to strap things down on the trunk without scratching it? I've seen 1 or 2 other coupes that has them but its pretty rare now a days.

This is so clean, I'd just toss some coilovers on it and leave it alone. Hell, I'd rock it with the stock wheels.
I figure that's exactly what they are. I already plan on mounting a cooler there whenever I go to the river or beach. I just recently saw a trunk lid, same color, with them on it for sale here on Zilvia.

As of now, I plan on getting coilovers and throwing them on. I'll probably rock it as high as I had my s14 in between wheels so it still looks fairly stock. The wheels I'm choosing between are both 5 lug, so I can't do them until I convert. Most people call me an OEM whore. If I could get one of these brand new from the factory I would in a heart beat and never touch it.

Knowing that most of this build or some of it, is you doing 8$/hr is awesome to me. I made that right now and i figured i'd put off buying an sr20 to start my 240 adventures till i got another job making 12$/hr. But fuck it. Now i'm saving every god damn penny. That s13 is pristine too! Goodluck with your build! Super clean car!

It's all about patience. It was a couple of months before I could do the swap. After buying the new motor I made a good bit off of parting the old motor out, which helped a lot.


Thanks for the kind words everyone! Hopefully I can keep you guys entertained with future updates.

[FaLKoN240]

n9issPCvH80


You just use the last bit of code to embed videos, for future reference. n9issPCvH80 would go between the youtube embedding code.

[fliprayzin240sx]

I started looking up those brakelines since I need something like that to clear my damn RB25 turbo kit, did you have any issue when you first installed them? I read somewhere that 1 or 2 people said something about the banjo bolts being too long. Did you have the same issue?

[khal.lawson]

Amazing progress man, it's inspiring. Amazing find on that S13!

[Hoffman5982]

I started looking up those brakelines since I need something like that to clear my damn RB25 turbo kit, did you have any issue when you first installed them? I read somewhere that 1 or 2 people said something about the banjo bolts being too long. Did you have the same issue?

Actually I did. I'm using the Tokiko z32 master. Killer made aware that the description says something about being for s13 master's, so they may not have this issue. I had a friend with the Chasebay's kit who experienced the same problem. He just ground his down a little.

In any case, if you run into this issue, go to an auto parts store and pick up two packs of these:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2371.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN2372.jpg

Dorman part #66272. Just go to the help aisle and they should be there. I needed one extra per line in between the banjo and MC and it bolted down perfectly.

[S14Serge]

I'm interested in what you did to the intercooler brackets to lower it and fit the zenki fog lights? Did you just redrill the existing brackets and lower it or did you get another bracket all together? Looks great love that look!

[STL240SXDRIFT]

Nice build! Leave the 90's graphics...ha!

[greenmachine300zxtt]

nice build! keep it going

[FaLKoN240]

This helped, but it still rubbed the elbow where the harness comes out and curves up, as well as the hood latch cable. So I notched the hole upwards and made a plate covering it, and pulled the hood cable a good inch and a half higher as well.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/859967_10200175019432217_159844012_o_zps4b7d86ce.j pg


More info on this? I just rubbed the shit out of my harness yesterday at an event.

[jr_ss]

It's basically removing the piece of plastic the harness runs through right there, pulling it up as high as you can get it and bolting on a piece of rub resistant material to protect the harness there. You can also notch the metal right below the top frame rail to pull the harness up straighter, away from the wheel.

Glad you see you hung around Hoff. I remember when you were complaining about this site(must have been a recent relocation from Nico) and talked about leaving indefinitely...

[Hoffman5982]

More info on this? I just rubbed the shit out of my harness yesterday at an event.

Pretty simple. The hole where the harness comes out of the firewall was cut upwards about an inch an a half. I then cut the plate out of sheet metal and secured it with self tapping screw. I had someone hold the harness as high as it would go while I screwed it in. I have a metric shit ton of the edge guard laying around so I put that under the harness to keep the plate from cutting into it.

At the bottom left of the plate you can see the extension where the hood release cable originally came out. I drill a hole under the harness and just pulled the grommet through. All in all, took about 15 minutes to make. Of course your fender being off makes it a hell of a lot easier.

I'm interested in what you did to the intercooler brackets to lower it and fit the zenki fog lights? Did you just redrill the existing brackets and lower it or did you get another bracket all together? Looks great love that look!

It's really all about getting it low enough to the piping to go under the fog lights. You can see the original mounts here:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/DSCN0389.jpg

The core was pretty much mounted straight vertically. When I did the fog lights, I angled the core a bit more to sit flush against the bumper cover. I used the same mounts and just bent them downwards and added an extension. Nothing crazy.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/2012-04-19_18-50-41_120.jpg

To do this, the core has to hang pretty low. Without an SE lip, it looks horrible. With the lip you can only see it if you look under. I haven't had any issues with scraping or anything.

I've been contemplating re-doing it and connected it to the bumper retainer just to make it cleaner/more structurally sound.

[FaLKoN240]

Okay sweet. Thanks for the in depth description. My harness goes through the engine bay and it still wasn't enough to keep it from getting chewed up. The starter wire was catching signals from all sorts of shit so I couldn't drive until I "fixed" it.

http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/a689f202ded611e29a4922000a1fb37b_7.jpg

I like yours more because it looks really clean. If you painted it, it would look almost OEM.

[ClintFiske]

Hey man. Loving this build, however.. your pictures appear to be messed up. I hate photobucket.

[Hoffman5982]

Okay sweet. Thanks for the in depth description. My harness goes through the engine bay and it still wasn't enough to keep it from getting chewed up. The starter wire was catching signals from all sorts of shit so I couldn't drive until I "fixed" it.

http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/a689f202ded611e29a4922000a1fb37b_7.jpg

I like yours more because it looks really clean. If you painted it, it would look almost OEM.
Lol whatever works right? Before this I just had a metal strap that I had screwed in to hold the harness back. It was ghetto and took a few chunks out of my tire.

I'd like the spray the wheel wells with truck bed liner in the near future. I just need the s13 running so I have something to drive.

Hey man. Loving this build, however.. your pictures appear to be messed up. I hate photobucket.

Ugh. I hate photobucket. I'd convert to imgur but there's too many photos to re-upload and then re-link in this thread, so I've up-ed my photobucked to the 20gb bandwidth. You people need to stop checking my page out:wan:

Edit: photos still aren't loading. Does anyone know if I have to wait a little while for it to take effect? Surely that didn't change all the photo URL's?

[bc.]

that coupe screams 80's! It looks like the engine bay needs a bath too.

[S14Serge]

Wow thanks for going a bit more in depth with how you did your setup Hoffman. I'll be doing this for sure on my swap in two weeks super stoked to finally installing it! Anyways im subscribed to your thread so bring on the updates as often as possible lol!

[FaLKoN240]

Edit: photos still aren't loading. Does anyone know if I have to wait a little while for it to take effect? Surely that didn't change all the photo URL's?

Pics work fine

[Hoffman5982]

Yeah it just took a little while to update.

I should have an update in the next couple of days. I haven't gotten much done due to apartment shopping.

[Hoffman5982]

Update Time

Let's catch up on the S13. In the beginning progress was slow. When I pulled the KA out of the s14 it took me almost 3 months to sell it, and even then it only sold because I dropped the price down to $350 for everything. When I bought the s13 I thought "I'll have a KA in less than a week for about that much". Wrong. These things have become scarce apparently. The only ones I could find usually had a knock or something. One person wanted $600 for a motor with a spun bearing and a blown tranny. Crazy. So the car sat.

In February I finally got a lead on a motor. It was a long block. The guy said it belonged to his friend who was pulling it to put in a built motor he had bought, but he knew nothing about these cars. The motor was an auto and had ~130k. According to him it ran fine, just had a few leaks. So I went and took a look. It looked like a long block. I asked him to text his friend and get a price. $60. Sold.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3793_zps40ddbfa7.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3794_zps94ade3b7.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3795_zpse4e2ecbf.jpg

It had a lot of grime.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3820_zps19331cb7.jpg

I popped the valve cover and it looks clean enough.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3798_zps5ed74904.jpg

It didn't have an oil pan so I could see the crank and all and they seem to check out. I peeked through the valves and could still see cross hatches on the cylinder walls. Hopefully all is well with this motor.

I decided to replace most of the gaskets on the engine. This included:

Front Main Seal
Rear Main Seal
Oil Pan Gasket
Intake Manifold Gaskets
Exhaust Manifold Gaskets


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN3801_zpsed2d15ea.jpg

Anything is better than nothing. The front cover is what the PO told me was leaking, so I pulled that off and replaced that gasket as well. I ended up replacing the front cover with a newer/cleaner one as well.

Over the next month or so I gathered most of the missing parts for the motor. A good friend of mine really hooked me up with most of it.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4022_zpse047eff3.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4023_zps95146eb5.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4024_zpsbae3d1ca.jpg

The intake manifold is off an s14 motor. I got the subharness with it so running it shouldn't be an issue. Losing the butterflies should help the top end a bit.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4025_zpsd12997c0.jpg

Everyone I know with a KA has had an issue with their EGR at some point. I decided to circumvent this and delete it.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4028_zps40579d50.jpg

The oil pan I got had already been tapped for an oil return. I had planned on doing this beforehand anyways just in case I decided to boost it later on, so this made me happy. The cap is worrisome though..
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4038_zps87f86838.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4039_zps44dd3797.jpg

So the engine is almost complete. I needed a clutch. I decided to go with an XTD. I know these are hit or miss, but having a $500 clutch setup on a $100 motor seemed silly for me. I got the stage 3 with the lightweight flywheel. I figured I might as well go with a clutch I can kick with out any issues if I decide that's what I want to do with the car.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4043_zps86236d2b.jpg

Threw the new rear main seal in before I started.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4044_zps837cb8fd.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4050_zpseecd3ad2.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4057_zpsc1828cd3.jpg

Then I learned not to clean these things with brake cleaner. Never had this issue on my Fidanza...
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4060_zpsdec4f6c1.jpg

I ended up getting an SR tranny(friend hooked me up) and somehow managed to find a ka bellhousing for cheap within the same week. Got it mated up(IG quality)
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/540717_10200581546915150_514793656_n_zps5a6d8787.j pg

At this point I had stripped the bay(within the first week) and pressure washed it as best as I could. I got the engine in without any issues.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/902255_10200591254797841_1674868582_o_zps5a563d14. jpg

The battery tray area was pretty bad. I had found one that looked structural sound in the junkyard, but I looked under and it was about to fall through. All I've done was wire wheels it and cut anything that was more than surface rust. I primered it for now until I can figure what to do with it.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4166_zps292b433e.jpg

I've slowly collected just about everything I need for the engine.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4172_zps4ae93374.jpg

Moving to the interior, I threw in my old S14 SE seats within the first week to replace the ripped stockers. I also picked up a Tomei Duracon 90mm Shift knob and an ebay shift boot. For all of you people who "ain't care" and run without a boot, search "240sx shift boot" on eBay and buy the $9 suede boot. There's no reason to make your interior look crappy. These are more the sufficient if you just want something cheap. Be careful though, I ordered red and got gold. Didn't look too bad though.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4187_zps8c8c8fb7.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/544619_10200532337484945_543458358_n_zps1e98a67f.j pg

I have the retainer coming in the next couple of days so that the boot is secured properly.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4193_zpsc8ed0121.jpg

As I said before, this was an auto shell. I picked up a manual brake and clutch pedal. Turns out the kid sold me s14 pedals, so I just cut the auto brake pedal and put the manual cover on. Drilling the hold in the firewall was the biggest pain in my ass. I should have invested in a compact drill.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4184_zpsdb6ff745.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4180_zpsb6162fff.jpg

Now we're about up to speed with this car. After buying two harness and having them either cut worse than I thought or being for a single cam instead of dual cam, I did a little online searching and got an clean, uncut upper and lower harness for a pretty good price. The harness had one plug that was already broken and one single wire plug that broke off while installing. both were an easy fix. I started last night by replacing the dash plug with the single cam plug.

I solder everything I do, no matter what.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4147_zpsb5db142f.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4155_zpsaf780890.jpg

A little heat shrink. The marine heat shrink from harbor freight is my new best friend. It's adhesive lined which really does help.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4158_zps023f1910.jpg

And then I depinned the leftover wires.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4160_zpsda87302b.jpg


Then I threw that shit on the ground.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4163_zps9b83848d.jpg

Then picked it back up because it didn't make sense on the ground..
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4176_zpsa1325b8f.jpg


And that's where I am with this. So what's left?

Need to install driveshaft(sitting in the trunk of my s14)
Install the ECU
Buy a clutch line
Buy a clutch slave cylinder
Repin two tranny plugs since it's an SR tranny
Fluids
Battery
Start


As you can see, I'm close. At first it won't have A/C or power steering, since I haven't collected the parts needed for that.

Now that the s13 is caught up, let me catch you guys up on last weeks endeavors with the s14.

I needed a shifter for the s13. The transmission came with the plate, but nothing else. I had a v.1 short shifter on the s14, so I decided to put it on the s13. I ended up getting a v.2 because it was cheap and had decent reviews. This may sound blasphemous, but I don't really like B&M shifters. I've felt 3 and they all seem to twist when going side to side, if that makes any sense. If I were to spend a decent amount on a shifter it'd only be for a Tomei or a C's shifter. Moving on, with the shifter I ordered an OEM shifter base boot and an OEM bushing to make my cheap shifter 1/4 legit. I ordered an intake manifold gasket as well but I haven't put it on, so disregard that.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/IMG_20130608_214822_931_zpsad310341.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/IMG_20130610_154406_852_zpsef41b6ca.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/95%20240sx/IMG_20130610_160245_598_zps040d70d3.jpg

Then my alternator took a poop on me. I can't complain since it was a second hand unit that lasted me over 2 years. I was running one off a '96 Nissan Quest, using the CodyAce Brackets. Since I work at an auto parts store I pulled one out for a '99-'02 to make sure they were the same as far as exterior. Reason for this is the '98 and below are 110 amp, and the '99-'02 are 125. Both are an upgrade over stock, but they both cost me the same, so why not?

Old and New
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4120_zpsafed177f.jpg

To use the CodyAce Kit, you have the drill the mounting holes out. I highly recommend covering all vents with tape. Metal shavings inside are no bueno.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4122_zpsaa98ac52.jpg

The kit is very straight forward. You have to remove the top section of the factory alternator bracket.Then you just put 6 washers(only 5 pictured, 6 needed) on the bolt between the alternator and the bracket. This has to be done to adjust the bracket and tighten the belt.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4125_zpsb3efe201.jpg

You bolt that end to the top ear of the alternator, and the other end to the mounting hole of the stock bracket you removed.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4135_zpscca9cec4.jpg

And you just adjust it light you adjust aftermarket suspension arms, tightening the lock collars when you're done.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4138_zps18ade331.jpg

That's it for now. I have a day to myself tomorrow so I might try to get a few things done. We'll see..

[Hoffman5982]

Small Update

It has been storming the last few days so progress on the s13 has been put on hold. Until today.

I got sick of waiting so I kicked my mom out of her garage bay and pushed this piece in.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4223_zpsa57e13d3.jpg

The other day I picked up a clutch slave cylinder and went and had a clutch line made. I had been planning on just buying an Agency Power/ISIS line, and I wish I had just done that. I went to a local place that everyone told me was awesome and cheap. It was neither. I went in and asked for a 3/16 banjo on one end and a 90* on the other. The guy behind the counter informed me that they were out of stock of the 90's, so I asked for just a straight fitting on the other end. According to this guy, who works at a place who's sole purpose is making hoses, told me there is no such thing as a straight fittings. A bit bewildered, I tried explaining that I just needed the hose to go straight into the slave cylinder. Doesn't exist. So I ended up with banjo's on both ends, which still works. For the material, I told the guy I didn't need anything fancy. I said it was being used for a clutch so as long as it worked as it should it can look like garbage for all I cared.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4208_zps01a332fc.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4211_zpsc20ee590.jpg

I routed the line the same way I did in the s14.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4216_zps761ca141.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4219_zps28108485.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4221_zps7e2c486b.jpg

Overall length was 62", which was perfect. However, I bled the clutch as much as I could and there doesn't seem to be a lot of travel when engaging the clutch. I have a sneaky suspicion that the line is flexing. Has anyone experienced this kind of line and know whether it's suitable for a clutch line?

So anyways, that was done and it's nice to have all the pedals in and working. Next I got the driveshaft I had picked up installed. Nothing special.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4235_zpsfd032b29.jpg

Then I pulled my box of ES bushings out and noticed I had steering rack bushings. I ripped the old ones out. They weren't horrible, but new is always better right?
Old vs New
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4226_zps359f7be1.jpg

Can't tell, but they are installed
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4227_zps3380d286.jpg

Next up were the sway bar bushings. As of now I've only done the front as I'm missing one bushing for the end links in the rear.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4236_zps441a42ee.jpg

Old vs New again
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4240_zpsa6bf7b23.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4243_zpse082fa4c.jpg

While I was under the car I noticed that I desperately need tie rod boots :bite:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4231_zpscc59ab7b.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4232_zps72194667.jpg

And that's it! Like I said, small update. Tomorrow I plan on doing the rear sway bar bushings and, if I feel frisky, the much needed tension rod bushings and sub frame inserts. We'll see what else I can get into. It's the first sunday I've had off in literally months, so I don't want it to go to waste.

Thanks for looking!

[Hoffman5982]

Not really an update, but my buddy shot some more photos of my car today.

http://i.imgur.com/PtD66Qd.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/7PQjF0C.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZpDFcAH.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yJCyD1R.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4Eq92EP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mE2sG5g.jpg

The engine bay shot would have come out better if I had actually cleaned it in the past 2 weeks. Oh well.
I'll post any more that he uploads.

As far as progress, not much has happened. I got my new fuel pump in for the s14, but I didn't think about it
and filled up on my way home yesterday, so I'm holding off until I have about half a tank.

I attempted to start the s13 the other day. Didn't get anything but a click from the starter, so I'm taking it off
and bringing it with me to work to test it. I have a spare I'll test as well. I know for sure I need to do the wiring
side of the 5spd swap to complete it, and I'm willing to bet my issue lays somewhere in there. We shall see.

[Supra_Lover]

Great build siieeer!!

[Hoffman5982]

Hey guys, it has been a while since I updated this, but I finally have enough new content to warrant bringing it back from the dead. I'm still in the process of uploading pictures and videos, so it will be another day or two. I'll leave you guys with this to hopefully get a little hype going

http://i.imgur.com/qb19uVK.jpg

Have a merry Christmas everyone

[Chrisk0]

Wow! Excellent build and a good story. You have motivated me man. We have a really similar story.

I got my first job at Best Buy at 16. For my first car I wanted a stick shift. That was my only requirement. I went to a local used car dealership literally in walking distance from my house. I bought a wrecked, ugly, horrible interior, abused Nissan 97' 200sx SE. It was a 5-speed sports car. I wasn't really spoiled, I pay $2100 cash. BUT! I was an idiot. I learned how to drive fast and did no maintenance. Abused the ALREADY abused engine. Burnouts every day. No clutch left, slid with my ebrake in the rain every time it did so. And then one day my stupidness got me in a wreck.

About that time my uncle got an s13. I was in love with and was searching on my hands an knees for 240sx. I wanted to drift so bad. In the time of searching for one, (roughly 6 months of money saving and searching) I was researching everything about them. Doing a tranny swap, an sr swap, how to drift, coilovers differences etc.

Well I found one last month. A 91' 240sx s13. It had a blow engine. It was in excellent condition for sitting for 10 years though. I wanted to do an SR20DET swap anyways, so I got ahold of the guy. He was asking $1000. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. I gave it a couple of days to think. And I didn't wanna waste his time with price until I had the cash in my hand. 4 days later... payday happened. I called him and we settled on $750. So me, my grandpa, and my close friend slapped a trailer on the back of his f-150 and we rode off to Fort Smith, Arkansas for a road trip experience. When I got there I looked and it was in excellent condition. I wanted it because the body was in awesome condition. I didn't care about the motor.

Now I have it at my house, I'm 17 and I am saving up for my sr20det swap. Still haven't decided on my coilovers. I know how to save money on a budget, so if you have some decent ones in mind lemme know because I still don't know much about them. I figured you would enjoy this post because we are so similar. And what I have got from you build thread, I will learn from. Thanks man. And keep up the good work.

Sorry for such a long winded post lol. :werd:

[future]

I know it's only two pages. But that was a ton of reading! Thanks for my entertainment in this long ass holiday wait at the Barber shop

[jlchron]

Your attention to detail is amazing. You don't see that a lot for 240s. Love how u keep the car friendly but fast. Will be watching this one.

[Hoffman5982]

Thank you guys for the kind words. It really keeps me motivated to work on these buckets.

Alright, I promised you guys an update, so here it is. Unfortunately, I have photos spread out among 3 cameras, and the one that had the bulk of my content is not in my possession, so I will have to edit that in at a later time.

I know it has been a while since my last update. I'd like to say that in all that time some complete transformations have taken place, but that simply isn't true. I recently moved in to my first apartment, and that took a good bit of time away from my cars. I also haven't been able to work on my cars as much as I used to because of living in an apartment that frowns upon working on vehicles.

Let's start with the s14, because I have barely done anything other than maintenance and destroying the pristine lip.

I thought my fuel pump was going out, causing the stumbling problem that I'm still dealing with today. So I replaced it with a Deatschewerks DW200. I gotta say, I'm very happy with this unit. I was running an OEM z32 pump, and this thing is much quieter. It's virtually silent. The first time I let it prime I wasn't sure if it was even working. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade. Enjoy a picture of a box.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/7174e48a-fd20-47ec-8546-0d1ddd0ce84e_zpseebc2fe5.jpg

I'm not sure if I've posted my gauge setup, but I tried to make it a little different. I have the ProSport smoked gauges mounted in a triple DIN mount under the headunit, and I removed the smoked covers. I then cut a piece of plexiglass to fit over them, and tinted it. The result is a completely blacked out hidden look when the car is off, but a pop when it's on. Recently, the tint decided to bubble pretty bad, so I pulled it all out to fix it. Yes, I know the edge under the face plate is rough, I've lost a few nights of sleep over it. Luckily, it's fairly hidden when sitting in the car. PS-Don't get Prosport gauges. All of mine have failed.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131116_174223_zps3f21c27f.jpg

And a horrible representation of when it's on(Notice the maxed out oil pres. and a/f gauges. Shitty mcshit-shits)
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/IMG_20130712_212859_zpsd9b29f94.jpg

Then, the clutch slave cylinder pooped out on me, so I ordered a new Nabco unit from FRSport and threw it on. It was then that I realized the undercarriage really needs a cleaning, so that's on the list of things to do.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01834_zps06c6229e.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01851_zps0e321d1e.jpg


The End.

I do have some things in the works for the S14, so don't be discouraged by its neglect. Here's some motivation:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131206_165014_zps8ca5f2f8.jpg



On to the s13. In the last update I had just put the harness in. I really can't remember why, but it was quite a while before I even tried to start it. In the mean time, I focused on other aspects of the car.

I realized very quickly how much I disliked the stock suspension. It had to go. I got a super good deal on some BC type BR coilovers.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20130810_154535_294_zpsafb6be51.jpg

I actually thought this would be low enough. I'm pretty sure it was higher than stock. These definitely won't go as low as my Stance's, but that's ok.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/IMG_20130831_190033_zps2e4fc4fc.jpg

Then I wen't to replace the bellows, and the tie rod ends literally fell apart. I threw some OE replacements on for now, but will be upgrading to some adjustables soon.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20130927_150439_133_zps139b8b19.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20130927_150946_462_zps25567552.jpg

When I got the car, the steering wheel was rough. The top section had separated, which was no bueno. I picked up a Grip Royal for fairly cheap. It has some flex, but I only notice it when I actively try to make it flex.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20130918_155345_zps9747ad71.jpg

Got the horn button to match
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20130927_144349_zps305ce365.jpg

At this point I finally got anxious enough to get this thing running. I got the battery and power system all sorted out, and this was the first official start.
r_93-oZbiE0

I was slightly scared that something major was wrong, but I plugged a pretty bag vacuum leak and it started up, but sounded like this:
Igkn_sl9DOI

Again, I was discouraged. It was clearly noise from the chain, but I had removed all the guides that weren't mandatory. So I pulled the upper front cover and fount that the tensioner had not popped out. So I used a flat head and pryed it out, and started it back up. Finally, she purred.
2Bf5LWUxNGE

So it's finally running! I couldn't drive it just yet because it had a coolant leak. I ended up replacing just about every hose under/inside the intake manifold to find it. After that I was driving it around the neighborhood and what not. It needed to make a 1 1/2 hour drive to Alabama to get registered(cheaper), and I needed to know it was somewhat reliable. In the mean time, I painted the valve cover to spruce up the bay a little.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20130918_183613_zps5d6930ad.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20130927_160616_981_zpsa1d9dd69.jpg

I don't really like the color, but it's bubbling so I have a reason to change it.

After about a month of driving it around the neighborhood, I decided it was time. Before I could make the trip, though, I found the transmission was leaking from inside the bellhousing. Great. I knew exactly what it was: The input shaft cover. I should have replaced it when I was switching the KA bellhousing on to the SR tranny, but nothing I could do about it now except replace it. Which I did.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131002_172357_zps1203bdc5.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131002_172810_599_zps5cce9da3.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131002_164751_638_zpse7533792.jpg

What a pain in the ass. Having to roll the transmission over to get it in and out without any help kicked my ass. I can't tell you how many times it rolled off the jack.

Now that the leak was gone, it was time to get it legal. The night before, I decided to attempt getting the SOHC tach working on the DOHC motor. The result:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131014_155802_054_zps7b742b05.jpg

One wire. Seriously guys, whoever said it couldn't be done is a fucking idiot. I also hotwired the ignition coil, but I really didn't notice a difference other than smoother start up.

The car made it to AL and back with no issues. It did great, actually. The very next day, it died on my way to work. Got a lift to work, and when I got back to it a few hours later, it was fine. Weird. Over the next few days, it kept happening, until one day it didn't start, and I had to tow it home.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131021_154105_zps03efed03.jpg


It turned out to be the distributor. Easy fix. That was in Novemeber. I drove it around for a month, enjoying every minute. It had no power steering, no speakers, and was a lot harsher than my s14, but I could beat on it with no regrets. I found out there was an End of Year Bash out in New Orleans at the NOLA Motorsports park, so I signed up. I needed to get the car ready though. First off was the Open Diff, for obvious reasons. I had gotten a J30 VLSD in a straight trade for an open diff I had laying around. I didn't want to go welded, but I didn't want to put the J30 in and have it be worn out. So I shimmed it. I took the stock shim out and put two 1.25mm shims in.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131121_183332_zps582378a2.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131124_151618_159_zpsfd1cb687.jpg

I ended up putting the j30 pinion in the s13 housing because I didn't want to file down the half shafts. I put it back in the car, and what a difference. Honestly, it's like a welded. It skips tires when turning, but I think it might be starting to wear in and go away.

Next on the list was brakes.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01864_zps36391705.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/IMG_20131213_173126_zps1650605e.jpg

And lastly, I needed some wheels. I wasn't sure what I wanted though. Part of me wanted to stay small and go 15's, the other part wanted bigger. So I bought these super cheap steelies to hold me over. Whatever I decide, these can just be drift spares, so It worked out. Honestly though, I'm digging the look.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01894_zps2cd5a1e6.jpg

I had to run a 5mm hubcentric spacer up front, as well as removing all collars and bottoming the front coilovers out
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01898_zps33efd684.jpg

The outcome:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01911_zps14373695.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131220_125405_zps1c426b0a.jpg

It was finally time for the event. This was my very first drift event. The only drifting I had done was in a small parking lot at low speeds, and only one of those times was with the new diff and power steering(one of the things I have to edit in). The only other experience I had was Gran Turismo 5, with my G27 steering wheel setup. I know it sounds silly, but that really helped.

I knew I'd be beating on this thing all day, and anything could happen, so I decided to tow it vs driving there and risking getting stranded. I got her loaded up and headed out super early to get there by 9am
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01912_zps0c6b9627.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131221_040907_zpse32735ea.jpg

I decided to run through my stock wheels with almost dead tires before putting the new tires on. It turned out to be all I needed for the whole day. This track was really easy on tires.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01929_zps5103a5d6.jpg

So my first run out was pretty bad, but I was still proud of it.
JfjhPeCam4U

I really picked it up quick though. This was my third run:
OSzSIWFwjTQ

What had happened was: I had rigged a plug for the egr pipe on the header. It blew out and it sounded horrible. I was able to crimp it but it still leaks a little. Regardless, I was pumped. I didn't think I'd be linking the whole course so soon. The rest of the day went about the same, so I'll let the pics and videos do the talking.

HS-9xYbR-uY
WdMtwJCO9QM

One of my best runs, minus the cone slaying
UvLdIoZdNp4

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/736245_192779714258131_62161338_o_zps2ca86e07.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1492158_682552055117681_478642572_o_zps0bb2aab9.jp g
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/11520565463_3902a9abe5_o_zpsc327cdd6.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/11520329724_5092dbc731_o_zps3da9a363.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/11507911036_687b0dfa0d_o_zps7700318e.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/11507956393_8034953442_o_zps23fb6f31.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/11520482974_8ca1e70b50_o_zps1bba1528.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/886528_192779767591459_1632388532_o_zpscdc727ec.jp g

I had a lot of fun. The car did great, although it started over heating towards the end. I got it home and it kept getting super hot, so I replaced the already new thermostat thinking it wasn't opening. While down there I found that the water pump pulley would spin freely, and when I poured a gallon of coolant in, it all came out of the seep hole. Can't have that.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131225_201015_zpsa29351ec.jpg

And that's pretty much it. The car is running cool now. The next items on the list are a bucket seat, suspension arms, and steering mods. I know I'll be getting aftermarket Tie rods, but I'm problem going to put the bolt on spacers as well. I was at full lock a lot at this event, so I'd like a little more room to grow. I'm planning on going to the Chasebays event up in Birmingham on Jan 18, so hopefully I can have some of those things done before then.

In the mean time, I'm going to enjoy this cool weather. Thanks for reading!
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/IMG_20131224_162807_zpsf0364a18.jpg

[sleepyS14se]

dude, get your ass back on here and make another page for us to read!!!!

i love 240sx stories like this with so much WIN!!!

[stroked_jz]

loved the read. but you have to share a secret with the rest of us. how the fuck are you budgetting $8/hr into living expenses and building 2 cars. My supra took me forever to build, and even at that i was shaving corners on a 40k year salary.

[sleepyS14se]

^ kinda wondering the same thing lol. :D s14 is sick and the s13's side decals make me love s13's even more.

[Hoffman5982]

Thanks guys!

As far as budgeting goes, patience is the biggest thing. My parents pay my rent, while I pay the utilities. If you look at how long of a gap it was between the last update, and how little was actually accomplished, you'll see how patient I have to be for some of the bigger purchases. For the first half of this year I was working 50+ hours a week and was able to establish a savings account, which I dip into a lot for this car.

[sleepyS14se]

sweeet. i love how everything is done right and is so clean!!!

[stroked_jz]

i need to learn better budgetting. that or less money spent on food an cigs... I had budgetted between 1500-2000 a month towards my build, and dont get me wrong, it always felt like christmas. but it still took forever... after a year of building i felt like i had accomplished nothing more than a bpu swapped jz mk3. then i looked around at what i could have bought for cheaper.

[sleepyS14se]

^ consider yourself lucky. I was spending around that much too until my wife and i made a baby. LOL



We need to start a budget thread so us folks with bad budgeting skills can converse and make better plans for saving money! LOL

Hoffman, how much did the aqua-dipped vc run ya from silviaks2ner?

[Kallixtos]

Very nice!

I miss my fog lights too. May end up doing the same.

Good stuff!

[stroked_jz]

^ consider yourself lucky. I was spending around that much too until my wife and i made a baby. LOL



We need to start a budget thread so us folks with bad budgeting skills can converse and make better plans for saving money! LOL

Hoffman, how much did the aqua-dipped vc run ya from silviaks2ner?

yah ive got a 3 year old little boy now. So funds fore my build are not moving quickly at all, ive got motor, trans, turbo, and aem. Just no car yet. Finding a good shell is a pain...

[S14Serge]

Any updates on your builds?! Lol

[Burris167]

Any updates on your builds?! Lol

I've been trying to get him to post an update for about 3 months and this is what I get, "But it's double rp weekend on gta".

[Oakville]

I've been trying to get him to post an update for about 3 months and this is what I get, "But it's double rp weekend on gta".

I would've done the same thing

[Hoffman5982]

Well I guess it's about time I update this.

We'll start with this beast:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01989_zps9561bc56.jpg

I'd love to report that some drastic changes have taken place with this car. Unfortunately, the only thing that has really happened with it is that it was vandalized and then backed into. Fucking apartment. "Gated complex with courtesy officer patrolling the lot all night every night!" Bull. Shit.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/1620693_10202563988474950_1088064098_n_zps81320973 .jpg

On top of that, I came out one morning to find someone poured maple syrup all over the car. The lady in the office had the audacity to ask me if it looks like maybe someone was carrying an open container of syrup and tripped and spilled it on my car, I shit you not :facepalm:.

So after that I kinda lost motivation for the car. What's the point of painting and and make it look awesome if some kid is going to mess with it or someone is going to hit it?

I've since moved out of the apartment and into a house with my own driveway, so progress should be made soon. The wiring is slowing going to shit. First it was my starter wiring. Everything checks out fine, just doesn't work. New relay: nothing. But if I jump a wire from the signal to the output wire at the relay, it works, but the ECCS doesn't get the signal so I have to pump the gas a little for it to start. Cool. Then my a/c just stopped working. Ok, it's low on freon. Nope, it's perfect. Checked everything per the FSM, and everything is fine. It just doesn't get the signal, so I have to rewire that as well. We'll see what's next.

Other than that, i've replaced the 6 year old shift boot from Redline Goods. It's still in good shape, just faded.
Old:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140910_132530_zps461b6c63.jpg

New:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140910_132503_zpsbd4d492c.jpg

And I also finally re-covered my door cards to match the seats:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140710_192305_zps1da534a7.jpg

If you can't tell, I'm focusing on the interior right now. I'd really like to re-cover the seats with leather, but I haven't decided if I want to do the black leather with tan stitching to match the shift boot, or if I want to mix it up and go saddle leather like this:
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii12/Purdue3kgt/genesis.jpg

I've always liked tan on black interior. I guess time will tell. Until then, this car will just be sitting pretty
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140825_163239_zps13d4aa9d.jpg


So now onto the s13.

I skipped a little bit from the last bit, mainly the power steering.
Out of everything I had to search for for this car, this was by far the hardest to fine. Luckily when I did find it, it was bnib.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4439_zps01f5b1ff.jpg

I had some new Earl's Power Steering fittings sitting around, so I just had to order the fugly blue hose
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4427_zpse3f40684.jpg

And put it all together
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4448_zpsc0c616d7.jpg

I decided to run a Hayden power steering cooler. It was cheap, so why not?
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC02062_zpsd2ad1d8d.jpg

You'll notice I also relocated the ignition coil. I also did the hotwire mod. I'm not sure if it made a huge difference. It definitely starts up smoother though, so I guess it was worth the 10 minutes it took.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4436_zps797df4c7.jpg

After the first event, the car felt great. However, I wanted a little more angle. I was having no problem holding it at full lock, which meant there was room for improvement. Moreover, I wanted to be able to transfer more aggressively without over-rotating.

Knuckles would be silly, but the 7mm slip ons didn't seem to do much. So I bought a bolt on tie rod adapter, PBM eccentric rack bushings, Z32 Inner tie rods, and S14 outter tie rods.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01995_zps47644452.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01998_zps5518ecb9.jpg

Now, the reason for the Z32 inners was length. At first I ran the stock S13 inner/outter tie rods, but even after cutting them shorter I had a little bit of toe in with the adjusted all the way in. The Z32 inners are shorter and gave me perfect range of adjustment.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4558_zpsa2c50f32.jpg

Install was simple:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4574_zps6ab60d3d.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4580_zpsc9225e0c.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4584_zps54294137.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSCN4578_zps1f731d5d.jpg

This was definitely worth the upgrade. For a stock KA, I couldn't use more angle if I tried.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/1796437_10202584819755719_1785444460_n_zpse749d18b .jpg


Next I bought some Agency Power SS Brake Lines. I really like the solid brake pedal feel in my s14, so I wanted the same for this car.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/DSC01958_zpsebe40b66.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01967_zpsf40503eb.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01977_zps2c540ff5.jpg

Shortly after, one of my rear calipers began to leak. I replaced it with a new one and decided to rebuild the others. That was fun.

Replacing the culprit
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4608_zps3476aacc.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4617_zpsdef67e31.jpg

The rebuild
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4589_zpsa7933abe.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4607_zps196b7819.jpg

The rears were weird
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4611_zps95123df1.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4614_zps0fcfa9dc.jpg

The brakes felt super good after this

Shortly after I attended my second drift event. Way more fun than the first.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1912207_737232399628437_2111586403_o_zpse59b75e3.j pg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1939728_737232349628442_1982632132_o_zpsd40eac5f.j pg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1836616_2075760328650_226051712_o_zps41d5ff65.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1796743_737232932961717_1955581460_o_zpseadee481.j pg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1512223_737234759628201_566872616_o_zpsff1d734c.jp g
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1618273_737233546294989_70160923_o_zps0a524ead.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1939615_737233492961661_2067040437_o_zps2f0eb9fc.j pg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1957721_737233509628326_1334324207_o_zps3ef9db9c.j pg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1909202_827269653953569_1494938107_o_zps31c07589.j pg

I also did my first tandem with a buddy and his s14 with s14 SR
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1655447_807122405969703_1441839519_o_zpscd5c9370.j pg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1899729_224853957717373_373912178_o_zpsd7e5ec08.jp g
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1654748_10202862500737570_74660816_o_zps69d63a26.j pg

And some video from the event:
xFUgCuS0f84&list
7Smco-8qgX8&list
swTUGWQYLF4&list

BrhQJD5IXH8&list
gESKbjfWbfA&list

I was really happy with how well I did for my second event. I was not happy, however, with how sloppy my transfers were. I hate the fumbling with the steering wheel. I wanted to focus on fixing this issue of mine by the next event.


That brings us to the beginning of March. I'll have more for you guys tomorrow

[Clutch Dog]

loving the side decals on that S13 man. you got a good combo. reminds me of a buddy who bough an 06 sti and started to modify it to the point he put in racing seats and a roll cage, one day he sat there looking at his car and mine and was like... dude.. i need a daily
so he bough a 13 wrx and "stanced" it and put a stage 2 kit on it. similar to what you go going on. a car you can play with and a car you can be seen in. tho the s13 is totally rad

[Hoffman5982]

If you guys haven't learned by now, "tomorrow" means "within a month or 6". Doesn't seem like many people follow this, but the whole purpose is really to document the progress of these cars. So let's move on.

After that event I found that my steering rack was dead. I managed to get a super clean s14 rack for cheap from a buddy, which worked because those PBM rack bushings were for an s14.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4630_zps9cadd1c2.jpg

Now, ever since swapping that rack in, I had a problem with my steering wheel shifting. What I mean is if I was going around the corner, and hit a bump, the car would actually straighten a little and I'd have to turn more. If I was driving straight with the steering wheel perfectly straight, and made a u-turn, upon straightening back out the steering wheel would be cock-eyed to whichever direction I just turned.

Obviously I would suspect the new rack since this never happened before. I ended up selling that rack and buying another. Problem still existed, and in hind sight I should have kept that rack because I'd be replacing it 2 more times due to leaks. In the mean time, I needed to find the cause of this shift.

I found one day that if I grabbed the bottom of the wheel I could shake it in and out. Dead ball joints. I decided to just get new control arms. Dorman OE replacements are dirt cheap.

Old:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140421_175637_zpsb1933ed7.jpg

New:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140411_215923_zps5b9090c0.jpg

Major difference
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140421_175622_zps5db07f92.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140421_181750_zps6242e115.jpg


The car felt quite a bit better, but alas the shifting problem was still there. Cool.

I decided I could live with it for now, I had other things I needed to worry about.
After the last event, I decided it was time for a seat. I had borrowed a Takata harness from a friend, which helped, but in order for it to be effective I had to have it so tight that it made me feel sick when buckled in. So I decided on a Corbeau FX1. Not expensive, and apparently comfy.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC02071_zpsfea02eb9.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC02075_zps37444f3c.jpg

Using some Circuit Sports dual lock seat rails(buddy club rails had my head against the roof), I was able to mount it. This seat is wide, so I was forced to bend the rails a little to make it work, and couldn't mount the seat on the lowest setting.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20140831_124640_zps2720cd5f.jpg


The next event was nearing, and the car was solid at this point. The only thing I needed to do was roll the rear fenders a little bit.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01980_zps13cf665d.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSC01983_zps73bd908c.jpg

I also scored a Koyo 3 row radiator for cheap(forgive the IG photos)
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/969307_10202957731998292_1486333424_n_zpsb169ed66. jpg

And a pig lip for free
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/1531583_10202967123993086_106858786_n_zps06b247dc. jpg

Right before the event, I scored this blown KA for $20
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/DSCN4623_zpsbf149006.jpg

Not sure what I'm going to do with it, but at the very least I have extra parts. I really want to do that high comp KA, put it in the s14, and transfer the SR to the s13. We shall see I guess.

So it was time for the next event
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/10155703_10202994254111322_4269605720514002452_n_z ps3cafdcb6.jpg

I did some skids
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/1398379_10152082184560748_8220072993247000768_o_zp s5fcecaeb.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/13771165655_38e14a7043_o_zps69818d7c.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/13705140573_77dfdacd60_o_zpsdaff0113.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/89%20240sx%20Coupe/1800171_734485623252209_221268783_o_zpsd361a5dc.jp g

Weird, only 4 pics? Unfortunately I got maybe 10-15 runs before I ran into issues.

The Koyo pushed the fan shroud extremely close to the fan. During the runs, I guess the mounting point gave out(it was iffy) and the shroud made contact with the fan, shattering it. Coolant was pouring, and it looked like it was coming from the seep hole on the water pump. I assumed the fan got locked and killed the pump. I later found out one of the coolant hoses inside the intake manifold cavity sheared off. Either way, my day was over.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/1979696_10202996496807388_9014347666266009622_n_zp s5a8ee685.jpg

The car ended up sitting for 2 weeks or so while I slowly fixed it an a couple of other things. I'll update with all of that soon.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/IMG_20140502_165555_zpsg9zx8vvw.jpg

[ka-titties]

That SR you have is so pretty, it'd be a shame to take it out of your clean S14.

i say turbo that KA after you put some pistons in it.

[Apex Eight]

Just went through the entire thread, great work. Update pls

[Jissan]

Killing it with the manual rack and stock KA.

[Bumpkin203]

Any updates on your cars man? Your Zenki is probably my favorite mild build on the internet. Just clean and simple, I love it!

[Burris167]

I've been trying to get him to update his thread for over a year now.

[Lees_Garage]

I don't know how I've missed your thread for the past 2.5yrs. Great builds. Subbing for an update!

[KevinAndrew]

Love both builds! Excited to see more!

[SoundEfx]

Nice clean build on both cars.

[TwelveAM]

Update this!!!! Loving your coupe. Nothing too crazy and by the looks of it, really fun to drive. Has the KA given you any issues?

[Hoffman5982]

Ugh, I know I need to update this, since a LOT has happened, including these 2 being added to the fleet:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/99%20Subaru%20Forester/20160113_113544_zpswgmxgttj.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/hoffman91/20160308_114247_zpsamu5jljx.jpg


To answer your question: No, the KA has been the definition of perfect, and I've done nothing but drive it harder and harder.

I will try to get an update up in the coming week. I have to gather/organize all of my pictures and then come up with something.

[OZELKOUKI97]

How many cars does it take to build this car?

[Hoffman5982]

Get the fuck out of here.

[rawgarage]

Get the fuck out of here.

Amen.... Seen you slide at NODrFt.... Pass on some deals from LA...ill come back

[Burris167]

Update your thread, its been over a year! You lazy asshole...