My Simple Rb25 Hatch Build

[slidewayz240]

At 7:30pm on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 21st, 2015 I traded my northern 1991 Infiniti m30 for a rust free southern 1990 s13 hatchback. The 240 was gutted behind the doors, was lowered on Megan track coil overs, and came on a set of 4 lug xxr wheels. The SOHC had been swapped out in favor of a s14 ka with an intake, header and exhaust. Aside from the kouki tail lights shoved into the 240sx tail light trim and a rattle can paint job, the rest was essentially stock.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNFJYNHJvZnB3Z0E

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kX2ozTWJGa2Y4V1U

When I received the car it was only running on three cylinders. Some quick diagnostic work lead to a faulty fuel injector. Monday morning I woke up early and headed to the junk yard. I got a set of 4 injectors off an Altima and the issue was resolved. At 3pm, having owned the car for less than 24 hours, we set off on a 700 mile trip to NY for thanksgiving.

I only had two issues on the trip. a hose clamp rubbed through the signal wire to the distributor, and I found the castle nut on the right front tie rod was loose when I developed a wobble. Once we arrived in NY, a crazy week began.

I parked the car at about 6:30 am on Tuesday morning. After a quick nap, we were off to the garage. By Tuesday night the KA was out and the engine bay was degreased and pressure washed. Wednesday we stole my rb25 out of my coupe and dropped it into my new chassis, and after some quick wiring it came to life. Thursday was spent having thanksgiving with the family. Friday was spent buttoning up final details and street tuning. Saturday we left at 6 am for the return trip to Wilmington. Surprisingly there were no issues on the return trip.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kX3JSZjFmSmNEeUE

I have been toying with my RB in some form or another for the last 8 years. In its current configuration I am running a Holset hx35 turbo at 22psi, on a custom made stainless twinscroll top mount turbo manifold. I am using dual Tial 38mm wastegates and a Greddy RS blow off valve. 750cc Deatschwerks injectors supply the fuel, and a Nistune chipped z32 ecu controls all of it.

After the trip I focused on the interior of the car. I found replacement parts for the rear of the car, and a nice crack free dash.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kMGdsVDRjX010SjA

I then put a pignose lip, and some sideskirts I had on the car.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kSUF3TTl1aXFPcEk

After driving the car for a couple of weeks I was starting to notice some wiring gremlins. I started with completely going through the engine harness again and cleaning everything up.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNmt3VUJ2Zi1aUEE
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kdnJFaE1rakx6NkU

I then tackled the chassis harness, eliminating all the plugs that weren't needed and using two marine fuse blocks in the driver's side kick panel to replace the factory boxes. The only wires that go through the engine bay are for the lights and electric fans.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kOE9kUUNJVWtZZlE
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kVGRXdVhLWlc5S1k
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kWG1OWlIzbDRPaTA

While I was taking on the wiring project, my roommate tackled some fender tubs. I knew I wanted the car low so we made sure to clearance everything that we possibly could. We also extended the front control arms .75" and cut and welded my front knuckles for some more angle.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kbk41bnlZOHZSQXc
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kdkI2anB6UTVjOXc

Once all the fabrication work was done I did some body work, laid down some seam sealer, and sprayed the bay.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1keTVPcGc2aUhvNmM
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNmpjZjFmaHpkRm8

Shortly after The cable on the passenger's side window regulator broke. I found a good deal on power doors out of a junk yard, and swapped them on and wired everything up.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNnZGUF80SkFxdEE
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kWVlJdXJweWFwZW8

Then I went drifting. The people that put on events at Myrtle Beach speedway are some of the most fun and relaxed people I have met. I had an absolute blast!

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNThHOHlsSUhTSzg

I happened to be poking around Ebay one day and found a set of Chuki side skirts about 4 hours away in Virginia, so I went and picked those up. Did a quick test fit then tucked them away in the garage.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kaWhzWi0tUHNUejQ

I also picked up a new center tail light section and metal trim piece for my kouiki tail lights from Kriskouki on here. Amazing seller BTW.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYUVici1CLURYRVU

In July, my parents came down to visit for my birthday and my Dad gave me some help with some much needed body work.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kOVpGLW9XTkp1TTQ

Then I did some more drifting.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kQVZBZFFXYVJvZlU

In August I took another seamless road trip up to New York. I grabbed my Nardi wheel, and Tien Super Drift coilovers off of my coupe.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kU1FuZnBHdzAyY00

When I got back I tackled my bacon fenders. I wanted more durability than fiberglass could offer, so I decided to make some metal flairs for the front. I used some 1/4" steel rod bent in the shape of the front wheel well opening as a base. I then made a template for the shape out of masking tape, and laid that down on a flat piece of sheet metal. Once the piece was cut out I welded it all into place. After the driver's side was done I did the same steps on the passenger's side.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kUmxXR0pIME1mdUk
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kbVNBQXJtNU5vVkU
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kdVVXMEFRdVdvOGM
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kY2V3U0E1OVVCSWc
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1ka2VYUzBIYm5lSlE

After 9 months of only having a driver's side door speaker, I decided it was finally time to upgrade the audio some. I bought 6" round Rockford Fosgate speakers, and started on a custom fiberglass sub box for my Rockford 12" sub.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kcjJXTmhSVHVLTWs
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kcDB2WG9ZbkhwTms
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kRFRJMUR6dThNd2M

The next project was to get some more rear grip. With around -4* of rear camber I was having a hard time keeping up in tandem. The rear uper control arms were almost out of adjustment, so I had to cut and lengthen them. The tow arms got the same treatment. Once the wheels could be stood up straight i cut the fender metal loose from the inner fender and worked the metal out wide enough to cover the wheels and tires. I then used some spare sheet metal to fill in the gap and sealed it all back up.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kZGZkMUNELUVWTkE

The Thursday before thanksgiving this year I gave the car its first real bath, then installed all of the parts I had collected for it.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYnNxSThheElFc0U
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kOUpjenMwTEpzM2s

After work the next day, I left for New York.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYmk4WTFaYkxlTkE

I arrived mid day Saturday, and began disassembly. The next week was spent with my dad in the garage doing body work, paint prep, and spraying the car. I cant begin to thank him enough for all the help he has given me over the years. By Wednesday, the body work was finished and the car was in primer.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kV3lsWGlTWkcxaFE
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kaTBGd3Badi1KdTA
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNF9Rb2E1TU1jT0k

Thursday was spent wet sanding in the morning, having thanksgiving dinner, then spraying the roof that night.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kbnhSVWl2cWNPOVk

Friday we sprayed color and clear (I forgot to take pictures). and Saturday we assembled everything. One of my good friends came by and took pictures of the final assembly/wet sanding bits, as well as a few shots of it completed.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kcmxPb1pQRmxfV3c
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNTNtT2hRZTIwWnc
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kMnN2RkZQTWc0dHc
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYmZST2NtclBCZzg
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kUzRvalg3VGtjZzQ

Sunday morning, we left to return to North Carolina. My roommate used my suburban to bring is Northstar swapped Fiero back with us.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kdDNKS3ZJTlhWbTQ

13 hours into out 9.5 hour trip we had to stop for a break. I took the opportunity to snap a picture of it in parking lot light. It ended up taking 15.5 hours to make the trip due to the holiday traffic.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kR3lCeTBZaXctRVE

When I got back in town I washed all the road grime off.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNDgwZktrb3pJb3c

Last weekend I took a cruise down to Myrtle Beach to hit one of their Friday night meets before it started really getting cold out.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kY3AxR3VjS2MteVE

And that brings us up to current day. Next step is to replace all of the worn rubber bushings and the remainder of the stock suspension arms with some adjustable bars with hymn joints on them. Then I'm really just looking to finish up the rough bits of the interior and enjoy driving it. If i can come across a good deal on type-x rear valances I'll probably pick them up to finish off the rear of the car.

[corkscrew]

Pics aren't working

[slidewayz240]

Should be working now.

[supersayianjim]

neat paint choice. what is ur current hp?

[slidewayz240]

neat paint choice. what is ur current hp?

Thanks man. Last time I had the engine on a dyno was about 3 years ago. I self tuned it while learning Nistune. After 65 dyno pulls and complete heat soak I got it to 396hp and 387ftlbs. It would overheat after every pull, so have to imagine I lost a solid amount of hp with all the heat. Next time I'm back in NY I'd like to get it back on the dyno and freshen up the tune now that I have a better idea of what I'm doing.

[LaMaR-]

is that a KA-T? Pretty damn sweet if you ask me.

[Standard]

is that a KA-T? Pretty damn sweet if you ask me.

Can you read or see?

Haha nice work man!!! Love the fact you drove the car to ny, swapped it, and drove it back on a holiday weekend, props for that!!!

Also, interesting paint choice. Not what I'd do, but unique for sure!

In for more updates :)

[LaMaR-]

Can you read or see?

Haha nice work man!!! Love the fact you drove the car to ny, swapped it, and drove it back on a holiday weekend, props for that!!!

Also, interesting paint choice. Not what I'd do, but unique for sure!

In for more updates :)

On going joke.... Slidewayz and myself have been good friends for years lol

[z31andrew]

Clean a** Build man, loving every bit of it honestly. The Type X rear would just complete it perfectly. :bowdown:

[OBEEWON]

Love the paint.

[supersayianjim]

Thanks man. Last time I had the engine on a dyno was about 3 years ago. I self tuned it while learning Nistune. After 65 dyno pulls and complete heat soak I got it to 396hp and 387ftlbs. It would overheat after every pull, so have to imagine I lost a solid amount of hp with all the heat. Next time I'm back in NY I'd like to get it back on the dyno and freshen up the tune now that I have a better idea of what I'm doing.

ha, I also self tuned and dyno off nistune and I made 348whp.

[Dolph_KYAS13]

loving the spoiler. Replacing all the old bushings with poly or buying arms with spherical bushings will make the car drive 100% better. On my recent build / I did everything all balljoints, bearings and bushings and it drives like a new car.

[slidewayz240]

Thanks for the compliments guys!

Last night I went and picked up a used HX35 to have rebuilt. After 4 years of abuse my ebay brand turbo is starting to show signs of play. I am having the new one rebuilt with billet wheels to drop spool time some.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kcGU4ZXBuelZrTFE

Gas station ass shot.
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kQ0llQnF5bDRZSWc

This weekend I'll be placing an order for spherical rod ends, as well as taps and dies for the threads I will need. I desperately need to get some new suspension arms built.

[slidewayz240]

Last night I finally ordered all the pieces to rebuild this worn out suspension.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kTHNiSFBTcjI0bzA

[slidewayz240]

This weekend's project was replacing the super worn stabilizer bars. Until I get a chance to make a full tubular control arm/stabilizer bar setup I decided to build off my extended factory LCA's.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kbDBsYW4tdDVmdGs

I knew my bushings were super shot, but I'm impressed at how much this improved steering feel. I'm anxious to get to building the rest of the suspension.

[slidewayz240]

The holidays were super busy, my family came down from NY to visit for the week.

Last Friday was absolutely beautiful so I spent some time cleaning up the car. Did a good wash and cleaned out the interior.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kbm5Zc2d5MDNvV2s

Saturday was Christmas Eve, and my Dad and I spent the day wet sanding and buffing the car.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kZXB0TF9GRkFBYkE

For Christmas my Lady friend got me a framed picture of our cars together.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kR09PalRfcDZoNDA

I had to improvise a way to hang it.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNkJTUzFQU0dBeWM

The day after Christmas was spent at the beach with our pups.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYlViaElJelRkM1E

LaMaR- found me an awesome deal on some type x rear valances so hopefully those will be heading this way soon. Once I get the rain guards on the exterior of the car will be pretty much how I want it. Then it'll be time to buy more wheels.

[slidewayz240]

After Christmas I picked up some stuff to wax and detail my car. After a year of rattle can and primer its great to have some nice shiny paint.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYVpPYlZ4NFhHOTg

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1keVdqLTVhUzN2UUE

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kU1RpODl2c0ZfNWM

I spent most of the last month just driving the car and not working on it much. Last weekend I took care of a few issues that had developed. First I replaced the worn and leaky steering rack with a reman unit, then I replaced the passenger's side door weather strip to eliminate a wind whistle, and replaced the rear hatch struts. I also spent some time putting blue leds in the gauge cluster and HVAC since a lot of the bulbs had stopped working.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kaTkwazR0aEtFYWM

Last night we melted down some aluminum and made a mold for some subframe bushings.

These were some dsm wheels cut down and melted into ingots for future use. About 75lbs worth of aluminum in this bucket.
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kUjg0Q1k4ZEstT28

A furnace my roomate made to melt the aluminum down.
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYlI1MHd5al9vQjQ

Melty
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kcXNQY3dwT3ZTblk

Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of us pouring the aluminum. We let everything sit over night to cool down. More pictures in the next update.

[LaMaR-]

By far one of the cleanest builds currently going on here in zilvia. Can't wait to see what's next

[jaalow1]

AWESOME BUILD, loved the work on the fenders i am super interested and wanna do the same to my hatch

[slidewayz240]

Alright, so I left off at casting the rear subframe bushings. The casts came out awesome. they looked like old russian hand grenades.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kcHNoY3gtVVlHUTA

All machined down and ready to insall
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kaENxZy1tOUpzRk0

While my roommate was doing the machine wok, I started on a fiberglass bumper vent for a power steering cooler. I used an old bumper I had to build off of.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kMktHQWZZN2lYdzQ

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kOTd4dGF2WjZ2ZGM

It has been cold for the last week so the bodywork process got put on hold. This should be done by the end of this week.

I got a good deal on a set of DorkiDori carbon wrapped type-x rear valances. Apparently these are a 1of1 piece that one of his friends made. Kind of a shame to paint them, but the carbon just doesnt look right on my car. They will be installed once they are painted.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kQWtyRndtdHdDaFU

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kWmNPT0hpNTJ2eU0

I picked up a sr swapped hatch with no title to part out. Gave one of my friends the sr and kept a few things I wanted for myself. The rest will be listed in the classifieds shortly.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kQ2E0MVBEOWpIZ1E

Some good friends and a few beers got it stripped in impressive time.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kS2NmMkFwdUZKU28

I spent this last weekend removing all of my mismatched painted black interior with an all oem black interior, and fitting the d2 coilovers onto my car. I cant believe the ride quality difference over my tired teins.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kZllQYlN0S0VTZjQ

I fit the rear with some 255/40/18s, and the front is now running 225/35/18s. I love the feel of the wider tire on the rear, and the new front size lets me turn full lock and not hit the fender even at the now lower ride height. The 255's did need some shaving to fit. Excuse how nasty the wheels are, they had been sitting in my garage for a few months.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kSThsM29GSXFBRTQ

New ride height.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kRk8zS0FYU1J2amM

After a productive weekend, I went and grabbed some food with a few of my friends.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kdkp0dm5WZlY5bk0

The orange 240 is a just over 400hp sr, and the 260z has a rb25 swap in it that we just wrapped up.

A quick shot before I went into work this morning.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kRlNQYko3SHRvREE

I am so in love with this car. I cant wait to finish up a few of the things I am midway through so I can have it be "finished" for a bit and just enjoy driving it.

[CodyG]

Damn bro that's a clean ass Datsun ��

[LaMaR-]

Fun fact is that you just drove this car home Florida. Balllllerrrrr lol

[supersayianjim]

wait wait WAIT!!! did you just make ur own alum sub frame inserts?? what the fuck???

how hot did u get that furnace??

[MistyBlueS13]

Love this build and that color! Interested choice, but I think it looks great. Keep up the good work!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hanzbrady]

wait wait WAIT!!! did you just make ur own alum sub frame inserts?? what the fuck???

how hot did u get that furnace??

Well I believe that aluminum usually melts around 1200* F, home forges are pretty common if you go down enough rabbit holes on Youtube haha.

[slidewayz240]

supersayianjim, we made subframe bushings. My roommate made the furnace, and has a lathe in his bedroom. I really don't know the specifics. This is one of those times I just let someone that knows better than I do, do their thing.

MistyBlueS13, thanks for the compliments. I wasn't 100% sold on the color until it was on the car. It was a last minute gamble and I'm glad I went with it.

It has been a while since I have updated this. I finally finished up the power steering cooler and vent.
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYzFnWmZ4dmliSEE

As Lamar mentioned, in March I went to Florida to hit up an OSW drift event. I had an absolute blast, but it was an experience of a trip. We left Wilmington at 5pm on Friday after work. The entire trip down went amazing. I towed my car, and my friend Ian drove his sr swapped hatch down. We got to Lamar's house in Jacksonville at about 1 am and passed out. The next morning we got up and spend some time checking out his new 1j swapped fc.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kaURBTnAyMzZydzg

Around 3 we left for OSW, and this is where things went down hill. About 20 miles from the track the right rear wheel bearing on the trailer locked up. We were 7 miles from a tractor supply so I unloaded my car and we drove to tractor supply for parts. We got to OSW at about 7pm. Ian and I prepped to do some sliding, and my roommate tackled trying to repair the trailer. After ripping all the threads out of a slam hammer trying to get the hub/bushing assembly off, we decided fixing the trailer was a lost cause. I would just have to drive my car back to NC from Orlando.

The event they put on was awesome, but I found some issues in the current setup. The junction in the high pressure power steering line blew out and caused a bunch of issues. I also found that the strut to knuckle mount on the right front shifted and let the wheel hit the coil spring (didn't notice this until the next morning). This threw the front end alignment off and made it impossible to drive. Apparently hand tools had enough clamping force to handle street driving, but not being tossed into a corner at the track. Being 8 hours from home I decided to just park the car before anything bad happened. I had an 8 hour drive back home the next day and a broken trailer. Ian let me take his car out on the oval a few times. It was his first drift event and he was more than happy to see his car link the track.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kR2VZMDdsMHNBVzQ

Sunday morning we left Jacksonville. Stopped for some breakfast on the way out and snapped a pic of mine and Ian's cars together.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kc3FlQ3ctR1IzejQ

Before we left I thought to myself that I should probably be smart and raise my car some, but I decided it looked too good as it sat and left it slammed. The entire trip went well until we got into South Carolina. About 15 mins over the boarder they had done some road work. There were three trenches across the road, all about 3 feet wide. The first was an inch deep, the second about two and the third a solid five. My head bounced off the roof, and a cloud of smoke billowed from the car. The oil pan had finally had enough.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kOEJEejdjTTRYSjA

While I waited for some of my friends to get some jb stick and oil I lifter the front of the car. The jb stick held for the remaining 4 hours home.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kYm1zUDBVck9YVms

When I got home I dropped the oil pan. I saw two flakes of brass in the bottom of the pan, but attributed it to the old RB the pan was on, and dismissed it. The car made it 4 hours home, so it had to be fine right?
I got right to work on modifying the oil pan to be a bit more durable.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kc2QzV2l6VjFtQkk

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kTkNoUUhRcXFpRkU

I also took some time to redo the lower control arms. Once I got it all back together, the car made it 6 miles and the bottom end locked up. I pulled the RB out the next day. Cylinder two had spun the connecting rod bearing, and cylinder five had locked up on the crank.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kMVpLUURJNk9mbzA

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kN1BtSjY5bGlUelE

After 8 years of messing with rbs, I was done. It was time for something new. I took the opportunity to visit my family in NY, and pick up a vh45 I have had sitting in my garage for about two years.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kaU9NakJPdTkwZlk

Someday these two will make it south.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kZkpWa0xOcUF3ajg

I had a local machine shop take 1/2" off my spare z32 bellhousing, and I started making an adapter plate to mate the trans and engine together.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kRElxZ3dGN29nYW8

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kR2ZuSmo2Zkx2Vnc

Around here I sold the complete RB swap. It was sad to see it go, but the money halped me progress with the vh swap.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kWWNXNmxRMmJXUGc

I kept the ACT clutch and pressure plate from my RB for the vh45 swap. I have had this clutch in a car for over 8 years and it still looks new.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kNkcwbHhlbjJIN00

With the trans mated up, I set the engine in the car and made motor/trans mounts. I brought my silvia hood down from NY so I could have a hood on the car while I worked on it. Before everything is done I'll be ordering in a fiberglass flip up hood to modify to clear the intake manifold on the vh.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kMmJfclVpb1Z2dnc

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kb2xLak9LQjBpOEk

I modified the cross member so I could set the engine down low.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kUW0wT0lKZ0ROd3M

With everything sitting happy in the car, I started working on the exhaust. I have a lot of pie cuts, and a lot of welding ahead of me. I am going to do my best to make equal length headers in the limited space I have available.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kM0dkWGdBeVBRNUU

The vh45 starter doesn't fully engage on the z32 flywheel, so I had my roommate take a bit of meat off the mounting face of the starter. This should help the issue some.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kTEI1MlQ0S1cyYlU

I am really hoping to get a good chunk of the manifolds finished this weekend. I just started a new job that doesn't leave me a lot of time to work on things during the week. Anyways, that brings everything up to date. I'm really anxious to get this back on the road. I have never driven anything with v8 torque, so I'm really looking forward to it.

[tougefactory]

Holy cow, awesome job man...

[koukizhang]

Your roommate just has a lathe in his bedroom... no big deal...

[slidewayz240]

So, I did a thing.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B7kS3figeb1kenpDOWN6ZUVzXzQ

Twin Garrett gtx2860r turbos with Tial exhaust housings and supporting hardware.

[slidewayz240]

6 month update!

I went back to NY for my birthday in early July, and used it as an excuse to bring my coupe down to NC.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14sWRMcxvt6vM3heQHZh5SoiinJV4Gctg

I became hyper motivated to get it running to take to drift events. I found a complete ka engine set, ordered in a 4.9 rear gear set, and got to work getting the car running and track ready.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1U9FsfptplbCb8BNJdPFvXpTVr1-XnlfY

Once it was running I realized it will always be a rough northern chassis, and I traded it for a '91 miata. The car came with raceland coilovers, a brand new soft top, some 15x9+15 wheels, running on megasquirt, and came with a complete turbo kit.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17H0UgA5u4YNpU1GXsByn1USkMtYrJjrb

I ordered in a lip kit, lowered it a touch, and picked up an oem hard top.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OTl5oAHz0enoItA1yPkqgIQTUtSykd_6

Drove it 7 hours to Ocean City, MD for h2oi and cruised the strip a bunch.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11XFdsYwiVanjjKwV9jtgMR89HY4uravr

When I got back to town I painted the hard top, ordered in some new wheels, replaced the clutch, cut and welded the knuckles, and welded the diff.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cZB8uTldY05VwhsrOA_aiSYsB-0RFlL-

A few weeks later I took it to myrtle beach drift's last event of the year. I qualified 7th my first time ever in the car, but spun in my competition runs. this car is an absolute riot on the track.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1br9EMJVtnkBiVYnYRhmgYXT6n1DzNJ5j

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18B40IDINUwjkfuD1spuqDpmuLzHnjj8F

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yQ7nhD2LAuNHiQrZMwC_t9-ivY72yjUd

After the drift event, I finally found motivation to dive back into the vh45dett build. I started by cutting apart my engine bay and building turbo manifolds.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Js4BCnvThuY0_9WYO3EvYKznCII2B1G7

New front frame rails, and a cross over pipe.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10PDE70Rgw7Xx1O0FIjdLfG0Auv1qLfo0

Core support and headlight mounts all done. Starting to look like a car again.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ct89IFXj6RxVhi5p9kgDnFBMOAPecrTe

Made some radiator mounts.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1V70rrusLpjTsEfWWFWjZSpY468riFXzo

And this is how she currently sits.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k_KG8AYjhFgaHaQQbVgYumoKsaGGwIS0

I need to order in some 3" intercooler pipe and couplers to finish up the charge piping. Once I have that mocked up I can start doing sheet metal work in the engine bay. After the holidays I'll be ordering in a carbon hood to modify to clear the intake manifold.

Till then, Happy Holidays!

4dezJ_BpKxQ

[DayTex]

Holy hell, that vh turbo setup looks rowdy!

[bardabe]

"melted down some wheels, cast a mold and machined sub frame bushings out of it." dude that is fucking rad.

[tuzzio]

Bring more shitboxes up here next time you come up. All trash up here.

[jumpman2334]

lathe in the bedroom and the hand casted subframe booooshings are hands down the coolest thing ever to happen on zilvia.


a random Miata appearance was a nice touch too. kinda makes me miss my NB.

[w1zeman]

Interested to see how your hood comes out. Im also vh swapped and would love to see how someone with your skills solves the issue. Ive got a 00 mustang gt style hood scoop riveted to my hood for the time being.

[slidewayz240]

wow, it has been a good long time since I updated this thread.

I spent a lot of time screwing around with my miata, making it a stupid but fun car. I found a deal on some prelude lambo door hinges, so I cut them up and made them to fit.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1L-zLxVIvKrLDk-2D3dmG5kAnnqzK8xIu

The house My roomate and I were living in got sold, so we had to move everything. We held one last tire changing party before I moved everything in to my new shop space.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nxiCRj_p7JHaVl1lH7zZaDc9gnYFcspM

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BHvfzCTA25QA7dlMghKtnpJICjCgz5Va

In order for the car to sit as low as I wanted it to, I had to have the springs drooped and it rode like shit. I solved this issue by raising the shock towers 6 inches in the front and rear, then tubbing the front inner fenders for clearance.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16vHD_JbOwubbwZiVRab2UGSj3vVIqtDZ

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XUUnOMCXefdTuD5GWHD-GLN4d-G-YEYy

I then set the engine in to check clearances before paint, and made some metal fender flares to fit the extended upper and lower control arms.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KcClqbCcIVrphU5olRUaQucDfvi9nmwR

Primed and painted

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gTVXEamyZFOoSvcE-T9zq4V7OHxE6vn8

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Mtx_KHDT__W4Q3_CbKO0EiYGt_BJqufi

I put everything together and the head gasket immediately went bad. I sold all the 1.6 turbo stuff and put a 13b out of a 88 rx7 into it.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rz4BFdkbPepT-4RdspNvMfTMwuUQWLUN

then did burnouts

ZkSurFYapeY

With the miata happy and running it was finally time to dive back into the vh45de-tt. I decided I didn't like the turbo placement, and that tube fronts don't belong on street cars. So I cut the front off and put on an oem front clip. I added a removable center section so it was easier to put the engine in and out.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16FWiBCSrAJnrRFfwGU3iLTgkU76R_pb1

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bnyjOYOjNOx3ABAaJP_BLO0Dq9RwwEsk

Somewhere in there I got a vented hood from my buddy Luke at SRZ Performance in Myrtle Beach, and cut it up to make it fit over the intake manifold.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AtlmzDaI9L0zoFF4X7SVfq372WpGL9o2

I added a vent off a BMW to the low pressure area at the base of the windshield for some more venting

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IdVsMFU18L72BvSS9GyAPYrRXiO9kHGW

Ordered in some stainless to make proper manifolds with

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13JDVgVrLLB3NCXwLGvPdCwuVWg6ykyfr

New manifolds completed with custom oval tubing down pipes because clearance issues EVERYWHERE.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Bs1AOePCRjZGTRK_nPrf5r6bWDds04G4

Oval tubing under the car for ground clearance.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kdDkfp7H0j5ZluTAoCd9NsHPZqg-WY0m

Started working on new fender tubs for the new setup.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10alsIOgOuqBoK4lmAw2z1DU5F6py9wHF

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AhedE_bSA2shuKRO8a3H-LcahVKY9455

Made smooth headlight pockets and ducting for the radiator

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bp1zwyNz1Armz4EpACSJXDiTdEpdekrt

That gets us about caught up. The passenger's fender tub should be done by the end of the week. Once the major fab work is done I can pull the engine out and weld in all the extra holes and start body work on the engine bay. Its been a bit over two years with lots of distractions, but it's getting really close to being finished.

I know this has been a miata heavy post, but here is one last picture from the drift event in Myrtle last weekend. I promise mostly s13 content in the next post.

https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11ED8KcLI8-2fOktgpvVcmGYgPyUY39hF

[EFITTZY]

Another revived build thread! :hide: Thank you, I needed reading material at work!