Freddy, the GM powered S14.

[vaughn4]

I guess you could say that this will be the second stage of the build process on my car. Some of you may have seen the car on freshalloy. This winter will primarily be exterior modifications, such as new aero, body repair, and full paint. Im sure i wont be able to stay away from redoing or modifying other aspects of the car.

Just for a small recap i will touch on the first stage. This consisted of taking the car from stock and doing all the suspension, brakes, motor swap, exhaust, and all that it entailed.

Started September 08 with this:
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/IMG_0024.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/IMG_0007-2.jpg

and finished around March 09 with this..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/n1299990492_31207257_407904.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/n1299990492_31207169_1237198.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/IMG_0447.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0078.jpg

Before I get 243 question about what mounts, headers, etc i used.. Please go through this thread to check out the entire build process. I really think you will enjoy it.
http://forums.freshalloy.com/showthread.php?t=186918&highlight=freddy

Now, from here we can begin with current plans and happenings. As of now i have began with the body work. The car was supposed to have been "super clean" when i bought it.. Well, upon inspection, it has been hit hard in the lt rear quarter at some point. Someone somewhere did a haggard job of putting a new quarter and lt door skin on. Bad enough that when you align the trunk lid with the good rt quarter, the trunk hangs over the lt quarter! The more major job will include cutting the lt quarter loose and pulling everything back square. I have already began repairing a rust spot in the rt quarter.

How the car sits now.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0239.jpg

Welded up the holes where the factory wing was installed.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0257.jpg

Current rust repair.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0245.jpg

Rust actually ate through the quarter, rocker, and finally into the inner structure. I had to start in and work my way out, making replacement panels.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0250.jpg

Treated and shot with weld-through primer
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0253.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0259.jpg

Made the replacement for the rocker panel
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0260.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0262.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0265.jpg

and a replacement for the quarter panel section
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0266.jpg

all welded up. not pretty, i know. it will be nice once i get it all ground down and a skim coat over it.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0267.jpg

I wanted to tackle a little project I have been thinking about. I wanted a real functional tow hook but didnt want something sticking out of the bumper or the hood. This style of tow hook seems to be pretty common from the factory on most BMW, Mercedes, Mazda, and even ford. This will also be temporary as i will be redoing the radiator support this coming winter. All tube with a more supportive tow hook design, still utilizing the bumper cut out.

I started out with my new bumper, which was a little scary, and drilled a pilot hole. Dont worry, I had the cover off about 10 times making sure i was on the correct spot of the rebar.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0304.jpg

I needed a factory style hook, so I actually picked this one up at the local True Value. It is rated at 2800lb shear. With actual rolling weight, I think it might work. I guess I will have to test it to make sure. Cost of hook... $9.00
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0305.jpg

Drilled the factory rebar where I needed to mount the nut.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0309.jpg

Made a reinforcement plate out of 1/8" steel.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0311.jpg

Welded 2 nuts together then welded them on the front and back side of the reinforcement plate. Then welded the plate to the rebar. I did make 4 plug welded to help keep the plate from pulling out in the middle. note: im not a good welder..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0314.jpg

Test.. you can see my nuts in there.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0316.jpg

I just happened to scavenge this from an old Mazda 3 bumper.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0306.jpg

Heled it up and scribed some lines where I needed to cut.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0317.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0318.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0319.jpg

Plastic welded it all together.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0323.jpg

Put in back on for one last try.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0326.jpg

Here it is in primer.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0362-1.jpg

I got my caliper relocation brackets. These brackets allow me to upgrade my Z32 front rotors to a z33 track edition rotor. The diameter jumps from 11" to 12.75" I got a set of Nissan rotors and kept my hawk hps pads. I cant wait to see what improvement these will make. In the future I would like to upgrade to a more aggressive pad and incorporate cooling ducts into the new bumper.

Old z32 rotors.. took some serious beatings.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0286.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0288.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0289.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0290.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0291.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0294.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0296.jpg

The people's champ.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0299.jpg

Saturday i spent some time filling in the top vents in my Origin hood. The hood is functional as it had these upper vents as well as some in the rear of the hood as well. I like the style of the hood but the louvered vents in the top were just way too cheap looking for me. I kicked around the idea of grafting in a hood vent from a BMW 740iL but when it really came down to it I decided to smooth it out. Since the hood has a cowl to it, I feel that smoothing it out will make the hood look longer.

Started by taking out the louvers and beveling the opening where i would be fiber glassing.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0270.jpg

Instead of just filling the entire opening with fiberglass mat I decided to make a patch panel. I made a template out of cardboard and transferred it to a large piece of fiberglass. In my case... an old camper top. I run a bodyshop and we just so happened to have two old damaged camper tops sitting out back. Saturday morning ran out there with a cordless sawzall and took a section out.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0271.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0274.jpg

Didnt fit too bad.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0273.jpg

I took fiberglass match and cut it into 1" x 6" sections. Lay tons of then and about a quart of resin to mold it all together. Once I had it all layed out I placed hammers on top of the section. The hood had a bow to it so the patch didnt wanted to raise up on the ends.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0275.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0281.jpg

Let it sit overnight and removed the hammers...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0285.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0283.jpg

[vaughn4]

Fast forward a couple month to this week. i got the car back from getting the cage put in. Now that its back i have to get to work on a number of things before it goes to paint.

Here are a few pictures of the cage. Its all 1 5/8 DOM. Really just handed the fabricator the rule books for D1, Formula d, and NASA. Im really happy with how it turned out. Obviously the stock seat will not stay..

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0804.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0790.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0810.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0791.jpg

Finished the ignition coil brackets yesterday. This simply moves the coils inside the car..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0796.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0797.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0800.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0802.jpg

Smoothed out the valve covers and added some breather fittings.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0639.jpg

Over the next few weeks i will try and get more pictures up as i get it ready to paint.

[IMPORTIMAGE]

always love these builds :)

[shiftdrift]

looking nice man.

[XxCAPTAINxX]

wow great build cant wait to see more

[SlideWell]

engine bay looks as smooth as a babys bottom. i look forward to seeing more.

[cc4usmc]

I envy everyone who can do that kind of work on their own.

[az_240]

Great build! Looks like quality work.

Any shots of the suspension setup?

[RUTH'LESSDET]

wow going from mild to wild love the work!! keep it up!!

[kris]

I wish I had as much time as you do you lucky devil. Lookin real good

[PinkPanther]

dude Jesse, if you get tired while driving you can just reach behind your radio and grab a coil AWESOME

[Smurf_240SX]

Looks like its gonna be good!

[GSXRJJordan]

I've seen a couple people relocate the coils to inside, and heard of some problems. You'll definitely have to report back when you drive it again.

Love your work, and love seeing LSx cars properly done.

[miravete]

nice, real nice :)

[Om1kron]

I think I've read all of these updates on freshalloy, the forum runs so slow and shitty I rarely go there. Mainly for your build and the pikes peak s14.

[RUTH'LESSDET]

I've seen a couple people relocate the coils to inside, and heard of some problems. You'll definitely have to report back when you drive it again.

Love your work, and love seeing LSx cars properly done.

Whats the purpose of relocating the coil inside of the car any how?

[vaughn4]

I've seen a couple people relocate the coils to inside, and heard of some problems. You'll definitely have to report back when you drive it again.

Love your work, and love seeing LSx cars properly done.

Just curious what problem you think i could run into? I know the plug wires will be different lengthes, but i dont think that could be an issue.

I think I've read all of these updates on freshalloy, the forum runs so slow and shitty I rarely go there. Mainly for your build and the pikes peak s14.

yeah, im just done with Freshalloy. Main reason why i have started a thread here.

Whats the purpose of relocating the coil inside of the car any how?

Mainly cosmetic, however i wanted to weld in fittings for beather lines and there just wasnt enough room beside the rear coil. I wanted to do something different and thought why not..?

[Flicktitty]

that thing is SICK! awesome job on everything.

[GSXRJJordan]

Whats the purpose of relocating the coil inside of the car any how?

Looks.

Just curious what problem you think i could run into? I know the plug wires will be different lengthes, but i dont think that could be an issue.

I didn't see any technical problems with it, but another guy that did it claimed high rpm/load breakup, and a different guy said they got "really hot". It would seem that being out of the engine bay would keep them cooler, but I guess the longer plug wire length could play into it. Coils are not nearly as robust as distributors.

I have a connection to Dr Jaime Meyer (head of GM Performance, and LSX god) through Conrad Grunewald, might ask him one of these times.

[Bumnah]

Quality work sir.

[driftsilvias13]

Clean as hell!

[Dazzla]

Great build!

[vaughn4]

Here is a quick peek at the gussett plates i started on lastnight. The idea is to keep the cage from moving around within the car. I used to have a caged EG a few years ago. You could put your hand between the cage and the roof and feel the body flexing around it. Hopefully this will really strengthen that up.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0822.jpg

[CDriver]

Nice work on everything!! Very clean and fuctional.

[D1S13]

love following your build

[younghatchowner]

nice...im following to

[vaughn4]

Since last time i finished all the gusset plates and stated making the rear firewall.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0825.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0834.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0839.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0856.jpg

The firewall was pretty difficult to make. Started out making this simple template...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0860.jpg

transferred it to 25 gauge steel
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0870.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0862.jpg

used a bead roller and a break to get it just right!
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0872.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0873.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0874.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0876.jpg

just have to finish welding it in and seam sealing around the edges.

[Fred Allen Burge]

That's one of the best looking 240 engine bays I've seen in a long, long time, nice work!

[Om1kron]

you have a fuel cell setup right? god I would hate life having to work on the fuel pump ever again with that thing in the way lol.

[vaughn4]

you have a fuel cell setup right? god I would hate life having to work on the fuel pump ever again with that thing in the way lol.

yeah, 10 gallon with a liter swirl pot, walboro 130lph lower pressure external pump that feeds the pot, and a Bosch 044 external pump that feeds the motor. Note that i welded up the stock fuel pump service opening...

[ZX88]

ooooohhh this is looking great.

[Sam_Well.13]

Very nice. Keep up the great work. That car bout to get its Beast Mode: ON.

[niteridaz503]

nice cheecks on freshalloy :hahano::hahano: hahaha lol jk. This build is sick keep up the great work & cant wait to see this beast finished.

[Om1kron]

yeah, 10 gallon with a liter swirl pot, walboro 130lph lower pressure external pump that feeds the pot, and a Bosch 044 external pump that feeds the motor. Note that i welded up the stock fuel pump service opening...

You are a fucking welding machine man!!!

[240lab]

i want updates....get to work lazy!

[Mangudai]

That's one of the best looking 240 engine bays I've seen in a long, long time, nice work!


Seriously. It almost doesn't look real lol.

[dreamin240sx]

nice ride man

[vaughn4]

Over the past few monthes a lot has happened with the car. Here is just a little that I can post up and the moment.

The car originally had a sunroof and I went over a few ideas of what to do since the car was now gutted and caged. I looked at a few companies that could make a carbon fiber plug but got very aggrevated with that whole deal. Either company would make a custom plug however they attach by riveting to weld on tabs or being glued directly to the roof skin.. not at all worth the money in my opinion. I decided to just look for a wrecked non sunroof car and transfer the skins.

First started by drilling all the spot welds and cutting the skin off where it was brazed at the posts.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0973.jpg

Removed the old skin.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0976.jpg

Here is the new roof. I found a zenki sitting in a field about an hour from here. it was wrecked, rusted, and parted out... left with sit in a field forever, perfect! The owner was more than happy to get some cash for the roof. I brought it home and chemically stripped off all of the old paint, primer, and any filler. There were a few little dings, but i was able to hammer them out from the inside.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0971-1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0977.jpg

Here is the skin all cut off and ready to be welded on.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0988.jpg

In this you can see the braces I had to transfer over from the doner roof. Since I used to have a sunroof, neither of these existed in my car. Without the braces, your roof skin would vibrated and wobble with the windows down.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0989.jpg

Here it is all welded in place and some filler on the posts. It was welded in all of the original spot weld holes. Notice a little POR15 in the windshield and back glass frames. Water can run off the roof and get in there, rusting this area over time.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1009.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1011.jpg

The roof is in primer now and ready to be painted.. just need to get the rest of the car to that point. Thanks for looking.

[Jason913]

I just came... twice. You sir are an artist... and that engine bay is your masterpiece.

[29psiHybrid]

VERY nice work!

[Darkvillin]

never seen an s14 with this much love, care, and attention go into its build. please keep moving ahead with this. u are inspiring me to keep building mine!

[JosiahP]

dude that car is so clean!!

[vaughn4]

spent some time over the weekend prepping the underside of the car.

Mechanically stripped all of the factory undercoating and seam sealer. I Went over any surface rust with an angle grinder. I used Eastwood's Metal Etch to get to any of the areas i wasnt able to grind or skuff. After the Metal Etch set wet for about 30 min, I cleaned it all with a wax and grease remover. Once it was all clean I brushed on a good coat of POR15. Turned out really well. I will be able to paint or undercoat the underside now with no worries or rust again.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1021.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1020.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1022.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1024.jpg

[s14freak93901]

awesome work. nice cage.

[vaughn4]

Moving on...

I got my breather box in a couple weeks ago from Suja 1. Everything in my engine bay is now going to be satin black, including the radiator, expansion tank, breather box, etc. As soon as i opened this thing up I went to work powder coating it to match.

Here is the Suja 1 custom breather box all sanded down. Two air filters sit on top and there are provisions for -10an lines on the side.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0983.jpg

Here it is powdered, before baking.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0984.jpg

Turned out great.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN0986.jpg

Cant wait to see it with the filters on.

[niteridaz503]

jizz................

more updates

[Wheelchair]

wow great work. Very inspiring. It sure doesn't hurt to have access to luxuries like a powdercoat oven eh?

Nice nice

[tqstarburst]

nice job,looking fwd for finished product

[rawgarage]

super ballin...no joke

[gsxr141]

um............ wow!

[Tantwoforty]

Very very nice.

[boyou2]

awesome build

very ice job ;)

[Slammed Assassin]

awesome work!!! +1 for doing work right and taking the time

[josephin510]

I was sleeping on this.. Why????

[kanekoa28]

wow amazing job wish I had the time/ knowledge and skills you do

[s13 @ fullboost]

very cool love the cage

[conrad_s13.5]

awesome!
i knew you were still around!!!!!
...just patiently waiting for updates!
:D

[satek]

Super clean build with A LOT of attention to detail, I like.

[rican_nick]

damn it.....



damn..... love the little details. Awesome build cant wait to see it done!

[burtonrida133]

jesus, great build...that cage is amazing.

[Irresistible]

Shitt, totally didn't realize you're kind of a local guy until I saw the plate on the Honda. Hahaha. Hope to see that thing next season, didn't see it last season. Or maybe it's not done? Idk. Either way, clean as hell.

[dudermagee]

you sir are mah hero

[Gjohnson7]

Wow. Mind blown! Keep the pics coming. Awesome....

[vaughn4]

Thank you for the compliments. There are a lot of hours going into the car at this point. I am in a crunch mode to get the car finished for the Hot Rod power tour. This year its starts June 1 and goes from Cocoa Beach, FL to Detroit.

Since last time I have been working on the front radiator support. First boxed the rails.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1035.jpg

Made panels to trim out the tubs i originally made.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1059.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1084.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1086.jpg

Over the past few nights I have been working on getting the radiator, oil cooler, and power steering cooler mounted. I designed a bolt in panel that houses the oil and power steering coolers. The oil cooler will have a 6" Spal fan mounted to the front of it. Here is a picture of what I have so far. The panel isnt finished welded or smoothed out at this point.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1094.jpg

Here it is mounted to the new radiator support.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1097.jpg

Just a shot of the new radiator tabs and the cooling panel support tabs. Also managed to get the aerocatch studs mounted tonight.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1093.jpg

[coup-emonster]

this build has shown me that going the extra mile isn't enough, haha seriously man you did the whole trip twice if that makes sense haha..but two big ol thumbs up man this car is a beauty and definitely a rising legend man

[S13loverdrift1]

man this thread makes me feel so poor quality on my work. Great job man keep it up. Love the LS

[96Turbo]

seriously dude.... ur making us all look bad!!

amazing build. i'll definitely be watching this one

[Coolwhip]

I love this build... glad to see it's further improvements on what was already a sick setup.

[ichihachizero]

i wouldve just zip tied it.

[Mister.E]

this shit is bonkers. i love what you did with the cooler setup, that looks cool as fuck. really nice work man, everything on this build looks great so far.

[240lab]

i have nothing to say but :drool:

[Killa_D]

super nice build

[xBlastoisex]

this is soo RAD. +1

[vaughn4]

Once again, its been a long time since my last update. I feel like I have been putting in a lot of time on the car but not much progress. All these little custom changes are really starting to add up in time. Over the past month I have finished the custom air intake, completed modifications to the hood, and ironed out all of the over all panel fitment.

Here is an overview of the air intake from beginning to end. Started with some 4" as well as 1.5" stainless tube. The would idea is to make an intake that will have more of a straight shot into the throttle body. Hopefully a design that will reduce velocity drop. Since I was making a custom radiator support, it made sense to have the intake go directly over the top of the radiator. The new radiator support was shortened by .75" and the hood was modified to make room for the air intake to squeeze below it.

Here it is in the very beginning stages.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1106.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1107.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1112.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1130.jpg

I, for some reason, didnt get any shot of me skinning the intake. The entire intake is made out of stainless. Here it is all body worked and ready for primer.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1176.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1178.jpg

Primed and guide coated.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1182.jpg

Blocked out with 400
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1194.jpg

I chose to use Hot Hues hot rod black simply because it always lays out nice and even. It does cost a little more than a standard single stage with a flattening agent. However in my option looks much more professional.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1195.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1197.jpg

I even applied a DEI heat wrap to the underside of the intake. Hopefully this will shield some of the heat from the radiator.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1202.jpg

Here it is installed. Notice that the air filter is offset to the passenger side. The reason is to be able to clear the 5.5" spal fan that will mount to the oil cooler.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1205.jpg

Also a final shot of the lower mount I made to support the air filter. Which still needs body worked and painted.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1208.jpg

[vaughn4]

Now, I will go over the modification of the hood. The easiest, but maybe not the best looking way, was to cut out the actual skeleton out of the stock hood. I will say, before I reinforced and heat wrapped the hood, it was very flimsy.

First things first, got the aerocatch latches installed.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1102.jpg

I will say, if you are going to use areocatch latches, you MUST buy a set of install rings from passwordjdm. The are drilled and tapped aluminum rings that allow you to sandwich the hood skin. They also comes with a PERFECT template that is laser cut from plexiglass to make the latches easy to install. Here is a quick pic of the ring on the latch.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1139.jpg

Here you can see where I cut out the skeleton and started to weld in my reinforcements.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1137.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1136.jpg

All ground down and ready to seam seal. This step totally improved the rigidity of the hood.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1151.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1155.jpg

The next couple shots are horrible but you can see the underside is finally painted and the DEI heatwrap is installed. The idea behind the wrap was obviously to keep engine heat from damaging the exterior paint but also to stiffen the hood skin. I was afraid at high speed the skin would wobble... now that this is stuck to it, there is no way.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1174.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1173.jpg

well, thats it for this update.. thanks for looking

one last shot with the door open on a sunny 70 degree day.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1166.jpg

[Tempo]

sooooooooo clean!!!!

[tinys s14]

omg... that has to be the cleanest sickest bay ever dammmm. that bay puts everyone to shame lolz

[GSXRJJordan]

I'm curious if you looked into aftermarket Corvette intakes? They look almost identical to what you've got, definitely have the R&D behind them, and would have saved you those hours. Other LSx swapped cars (FD RX7, etc) use similar 'intake over dropped radiator' setups as well with Vette intakes.

Your SS intake does look rad though, especially with the extra time you put into finish/paint. Love your hood mods too!

[JohnnyDrfiter22]

Wish i had your skill and knowledge!!! Incredible

When building a tube front end, what are you doing to mount the headlights and front bumper?

[destructn]

jesse, the car is looking amazing!! must... see.... moar!!

[Edwin562]

damn bro, looks sweet.. i admire your work... encourages me to take time and do best on the smallest details... keep up the great work... looking forward for more amazing updates.. SUBCRIBED!!!

[BlackZenkiS14]

Holy shit Vaughn! Wow man! I cant wait to see this thing in person!

You still in STL?

[scottie]

I am standing and applauding you. Simply..... WOW.

[blueshark123]

This is sick how much would u charge to do a front end like that lol.I wish i had ur skills

[Om1kron]

That new fancy cooling setup isn't going to block the radiator?

[statickx991]

This is sick how much would u charge to do a front end like that lol.I wish i had ur skills

i agree id pay to have this done

[Lees_Garage]

Great build, loving the quality of your fab work. Subscibed!

[Gjohnson7]

Absloutely sick work and detail. You make my LS swap look like crap.

Although, I'm wondering this too!

That new fancy cooling setup isn't going to block the radiator?

[chaos240sx]

Complete and utter awesomeness

[vaughn4]

jesse, the car is looking amazing!! must... see.... moar!!

Stop by and see it some time Kyle. btw, have you had the same user name since jdmcivic days??

You still in STL?

Well, Im still living in the same place. Carbondale, IL

This is sick how much would u charge to do a front end like that lol.I wish i had ur skills

Thanks for the compliment. I will be honest, floor plans are drawn and building project starts in august for the new shop!!

That new fancy cooling setup isn't going to block the radiator?

Time will tell... I dont think I will have a problem. Air will pass through the holes in the panel and through the coolers themselves. Im just thinking that most vehicles have an a/c condenser that air has to pass through. Im keeping my fingers crossed though!

[PITCH]

That OTR intake is the BEST set-up for an LSX peirod.

[blueshark123]

if u can make it worth the drive u have a customer lol

[destructn]

Stop by and see it some time Kyle. btw, have you had the same user name since jdmcivic days??

Thanks for the compliment. I will be honest, floor plans are drawn and building project starts in august for the new shop!!



LOL, yes, same name.. i've just always lurked and hardly ever posted over here.. i'll probably give you a call sometime in near future to see whats up

where's the new shop gonna be?

[psylent jimmy]

good stuff.. everything is so clean and well thought out. as near to perfect as possible id say.

[datsunnazi]

subbed.......

[vaughn4]

A little update. While the motor was out I decided to redo the finish.. Some of you may not like it now, but once its all together I really think it will look amazing. If you can picture this.. The car is titanium effect, a silver grey, off of the new 370z/GTR. The engine, radiator, fuel rails, breather box, all satin black. The engine bay painted body color with the new intake satin black. Wheels satin black, wrinkle black calipers, black interior, etc. Here are a few pictures of the motor right now. I still have some accessories and the fuel rails to powder coat.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1313.jpg

The plastic intake manifold has a texture to it that I really liked once it was painted. If you look close, after the valve covers where in primer, I sprayed them with a texture to match the intake.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1315.jpg

Here you can see the breather fittings welded in the back of the valve covers.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1318.jpg

The engine bay is finally in primer and ready to be sanded out and painted. I welded up a few unnecessary holes while I was in the process of doing the radiator support. If you look at the firewall, I have made the hole for the mil spec plug. Also on the passenger side fender apron, there is an additional hole for a smaller mil spec plug. It will include all the wiring for the illumination and cooling fans.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1319.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1321.jpg

Here is a close up of the radiator support tabs I made.. really proud of these for some reason.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g52/level7motorsports/DSCN1325.jpg

[atutt]

Here is a close up of the radiator support tabs I made.. really proud of these for some reason.

Because they look OEM!!!

[daftphunk]

Why didn't I see this thread before?! So dope

[patob27]

dang this build is sick

[Totyroby]

wow this is a great build.can't wait to see more updates

[FusionR240sx]

everything in here is awesome, that intake is badass.
just wondering... why did u choose to go with fiberglass rear overs?
plan on doing metal later on?
or just gona stay with fiberglass so u can just pull it off if u crack it and stuff?

[blueshark123]

Can you please update this thread. I really like where this build was heading

[conrad_s13.5]

^+8480168048

[scottie]

So whats going on? I have been more than patient lol

[conrad_s13.5]

haha,...damn i was really hoping for an update coming in here.

[Otto347]

wowzers, damn fine job.....

[Pandapants]

God damn I want to fabricate like this. Your work looks wonderful!

[anthonygrud]

MOAR NOW.



msglength

[memphis180sx]

why am i so jelly oh wait cuse this is awsome

[conrad_s13.5]

im about to jump on his fartbook, and demand an update here....lol

[S14DOOD]

I would have to say this one of my fav builds so far. I love how you fab so much and the way you pay attention to detail. This car is gonna be sick when its finished!

[atutt]

Jumping on the update bandwagon

[Darren]

amazing skill man, your car looks better than most and it's not even on the ground yet!

Love it!

[ZERTA RACING]

Any updates ? This build is amazing.

[S14TEENZ]

Impressive sir!

This guy is a DIY master. How do you sit with balls so big?

Oh yea update this please.

[slammed40]

i do body work for a living... and i now want to kill myself. this is amazing work man, im stuck staring at some of your pics for like 30mins each lol. cant wait to see more