tron_'s 2013 s13 build thread project bertstare *lots of photos*s

[tron_]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m66el4ld8f1rxkh8vo1_400.jpg



I thought I would start a build thread since this car has gotten a lot of love in the past and I'm sure a lot of people want to see how it ends up. First, I thought I would introduce myself; I'm Suraj, 23 years old, living in Michigan. I'm a huge Honda buff and ever since completing my Civic build, I've been itching to do a 240 build.

I spent a few months looking for a clean shell and I was having a hard time coming across one. Then my friend Damon decided to part out his car so I jumped on it since it was the perfect platform to build on. I picked it up in December (or was it January?) and after a crazy night, we finally got the car back to my house.

Plans for the car are to make it into a nice street cruiser that I can hop in after a day at work and just drive around town and enjoy the experience. I know I will probably catch some flak for this but I want to LS1 swap it since I already have a turbo 4 cyl in my Civic.

I'm really anal when it comes to building cars so I plan on doing this car right and updating this project log with a bunch of photos. Hope you guys enjoy the thread!

Car when we brought it home sitting next to my Civic
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8459067431_077a1e4d9e_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8459066925_c3b9bdc1d5_c.jpg

Another one of the party sedan
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8459067135_f9b3f97f42_c.jpg

Fueled Racing headers, got a great deal on these off a guy on silviav8.com
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8460169028_2b6ba9d12f_c.jpg

Next I ordered some Apex'i N1 EXV coilovers
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8459070815_33bde525df_c.jpg

Box was a little damaged but nothing too bad
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8459070719_751b1e36a9_c.jpg

Quality seems really nice overall, I have the Koni/Ground Control setup on my Civic and these seemed on par quality-wise
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8459070533_4ea5f0389a_c.jpg

What is this camber plate black magic
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8459070377_08288330a7_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8459070229_fac00444af_c.jpg

[tron_]

Yesterday I decided to tear into the car a little bit. I'm used to working on the trailing arm/double wishbone setup on my Civic, I couldn't believe how easy it was to rip through the suspension. Super stoked to get some progress done on the car.

Another shot of the car. It's in pretty good shape, lets see how this Nissan thing goes.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8459069915_ae729011b6_c.jpg

Heater fired up, time to kill some brian cells
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8459069745_5afefefda5_c.jpg

Decided to tackle the front suspension first
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8459069603_b57c174771_c.jpg

Springs/struts out along with the tension rods. Holy fuk McPhearson strut cars are weird
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8460171452_280d629f9d_c.jpg

Front looking pretty bare
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8460171350_e0be4fcbd2_c.jpg

Moving onto the rear
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8459069229_374c142043_c.jpg

Springs/struts, upper control arms, tension rods, traction rods out
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8459069099_cda10b7ef9_c.jpg

Old suspension out (ignore the d16 block, possibly doing a sleeved motor on the Civic eventually. Preferably before the end of the decade)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8459068907_08cb300d1a_c.jpg

Old vs. new
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8459068725_d35dc3d6e9_c.jpg

Front coilovers on
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8459068591_8a782d6f9b_c.jpg

Gonna sup at the hunny dips with my camber plates
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8459068469_f31e319d3b_c.jpg

Rear coilovers on
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8460170452_5953db171d_c.jpg

Thought I would vacuum out the car too. Using all the dog hair to clone myself a dogsled team.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8459068141_7483457985_c.jpg

*dealwithit*
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8460170166_975d87351d_c.jpg

Arguably the most important mod on this build: Project Mu reservoir cover I got at Tokyo Auto Salon
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8459067861_e1c28318b1_c.jpg

Used my extensive know-how and masterful skills to install the cover
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8459067725_1fab064385_c.jpg

This was one of the huge reasons that sold me on the car, the bay has fresh paint that is really nice. I decided to wipe it down with a spritzer bottle full of water and a couple drops of dish soap.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8460169458_fc2bd205a3_c.jpg

[Big Zee]

good looking base and great choice on the coilovers.
which motor are you going with ? VH or VK ?

keep updating :)

[KoukiMonsta]

Brake lines through firewall. Yes please. Keep it up

[treeafodo]

Like what was posted above, it looks like a good starting point. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.

[mugenjibz]

Nice pics, looking forward to further updates

[Ka24Power]

I'm here for the photography as much as the car. Build looks promising!

[tayloray]

I'm here for the photography as much as the car. Build looks promising!

agreed, great quality pictures.

[bc.]

someone taking pictures with a camera, not a phone!? no shit!!!

[gbaby2089]

You post in GDD, yes? I recognize the screen name/syrup eating avatar combo.

Do cool things, that shell is capable of them.

[Gar9854]

I thought that bay looked fimiliar, glad to see that his old shell didn't turn into a missile

[Extreme Dimensions]

Damn that civic is nice!

[240drifter1]

That Ek is dope man! I daily a '00 Si, so im alittle biased.

But damn why can't you ever find shells like that :(


This is gonna be a quality build.

[tron_]

good looking base and great choice on the coilovers.
which motor are you going with ? VH or VK ?

keep updating :)

Right now the plan is to go LS1 so I'm keeping an eye out for an LS1 out of a GTO (I hear the GTO T56 has more aggressive gearing which is desireable for LS1 swapped s-chassis).

agreed, great quality pictures.

someone taking pictures with a camera, not a phone!? no shit!!!

Thanks guys! My other big passion is photography so I try to get as many detailed photos as I can. Plus I'll probably make a ton of mistakes so hopefully someone in the future will find this thread and get their questions answered (I hate when you find a thread with your exact same problem from like 5 years ago and the poster never updated it haha).

You post in GDD, yes? I recognize the screen name/syrup eating avatar combo.

Do cool things, that shell is capable of them.

Yeah I actually just got done browsing over there :D. You sum kind of INV or something brah?

I thought that bay looked fimiliar, glad to see that his old shell didn't turn into a missile

I joke with him that it's getting turned into a missle :P

Damn that civic is nice!

That Ek is dope man! I daily a '00 Si, so im alittle biased.

But damn why can't you ever find shells like that :(


This is gonna be a quality build.

I appreciate it guys, I'm going to try my best to bring this car back to life with my own personal spin to it. Stoked about the support!


As far as updates, sorry but I have none :(. I ordered my brake setup which should (partially) be here this weekend. Here is what I have coming in terms of brakes:

-STi rear calipers (will machine myself the 3mm spacers this weekend)
-Evo rear rotors
-Wilwood Superlite BBK (with slotted rotors)
-Wilwood conversion stainless steel lines

[Oakville]

Pardon the noobness, camryonbronze's old car?

I like the project mu cover, only seen one other one before!

[silviaks2nr]

I can definitely tell you're a honda guy. I haven't seen anyone buy apexi coils in ages! Looks good so far.

[gbaby2089]

Yeah I actually just got done browsing over there :D. You sum kind of INV or something brah?

Yazz Krew bruh.

[EratBP]

Dang it Tron, so you don't share anything with the local homebrews. :(

I had no idea you bought Damons car.


I know you'll take care of it.

[tron_]

Pardon the noobness, camryonbronze's old car?

I like the project mu cover, only seen one other one before!

Yeah this is his old car, I was looking for a clean 240 shell when he decided to part his out so I figured I would jump on it!

I can definitely tell you're a honda guy. I haven't seen anyone buy apexi coils in ages! Looks good so far.

Not going to lie I wouldn't mind if there were a few Honda cues on this car :)

Yazz Krew bruh.

Do you even #GEH doe?

Dang it Tron, so you don't share anything with the local homebrews. :(

I had no idea you bought Damons car.


I know you'll take care of it.

Thanks dude, yeah I hope I can bring it back to life with my own flavor to it!


I'm still waiting on some parts so I figured I would update this with a little new new. I sorted out the spare parts that came with the car last night and today I got my STi rear Brembos in.

These are in really nice shape so I'm reconsidering getting them powdercoated to match the Wilwoods since I really don't want to disassemble/rebuild these. How stupid do you guys think it would be if I kept these gold in the rear and the Wilwoods black up front?

Straight out of the box
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8480245392_542b54483c_c.jpg

Approved upon inspection
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8480245166_4fb0308c66_c.jpg

Starting to take the old pads out. Kind of weird how they use pins to hold the pads in.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8479156001_a7302a5620_c.jpg

Managed to take things apart without setting the house on fire
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8479155755_0e4dafe363_c.jpg

Both calipers broken down (house still not on fire)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8479155519_9b27cd4321_c.jpg

They were kind of cruddy (aint nobody got time for that) so I thought I would give them a quick wash
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8480244198_c1dbd6dc91_c.jpg

Post bath
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8480244058_c8a2125e54_c.jpg

Dried off. Definitely reconsidering getting these powdercoated haha.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8480243838_f05b6fc7b7_c.jpg

Pins were pretty cruddy too (aint nobody got time for that either) so I thought I would clean them up.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8480243648_33a380323f_c.jpg

After
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8480243466_2631fd7d49_c.jpg

[Bumpkin203]

Lookin good man! I could see myself dailying a civic sedan.

[ryans523]

looking good!

[PG BOOSTED]

I like those calipers.

[tron_]

More parts have been trickling in slowly but surely so that's nice. Hopefully getting the rear brake setup done this weekend. My Wilwoods were supposed to be here this week but they got delayed. On a scale from 1 to hearing this car start, hearing my Wilwood kit will be delayed until Monday was about a -1.65.

In other news my Evo 8/9 rotors showed up. So glad my mom finally let me buy rotors (just kidding).
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8493254971_c0204e22b5_c.jpg

Got slotted Stoptechs to keep the slotted look of the Wilwoods
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8493254817_eddb185288_c.jpg

These are bigger than the Prelude rotors on my Civic! ~12" rear rotor should provide for some big time stopping.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8493254677_883bfa2f69_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8494355254_658e8a9399_c.jpg

Next update will be actual work being done on the car, I promise :)

[CamryOnBronze]

Awesome progress man. I like the gold Brembos too- kind of looks like this dude. You may have heard of him:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnRV5Nlcy_4/T2_8n6pS60I/AAAAAAAACgE/vYfu-iKe-hE/s1600/3.jpg

Stoked to hang out soon- keep it up man!

[Idahos13]

More updates please hahaha! Great build so far! I will be watching this one for sure.

[hotlavaflow]

Subscribed to see where this goes, good start.

[tron_]

Alright so I got my rear Evo 8/9 rotors and STi calipers on the 240sx yesterday. I didn't get too many photos but hopefully I got enough to give you guys a good overview of what I got done today:

First off I read rear STi calipers need to be shimmed 3mm but in actuality they need to be shimmed a little over 3.5mm. I forgot my camera so no pics of the spacers, I can get some if you really want to have a looksy.

Thought I ran out of brake cleaner and almost lost my shit thinking I had to make another trip to get stuff haha. Thankfully I found a can and the project was underway.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8504524561_76478e9c16_c.jpg

I usually like putting a little anti seize on the hub when doing brakes, just a thing I do
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8504524375_cb4467f996_c.jpg

12" rotors + twin pot Brembo calipers + Hawk pads = tron_'s face in dash (hopefully) (jk hopefully not)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8504524227_6a115dd6bf_c.jpg

Even with the shims I was getting a TINY bit of scrapage on the rotor so I clearances the caliper with a die grinder
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8504524029_75f9e494b1_c.jpg

Fukkn weight redukshun playaaaa (note tape to keep the finish keen)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8505633378_aa376dce16_c.jpg

Threw everything on and it went together pretty smoothly! My friend had a set of Hawk HP+ pads laying around for his STi which he sold so he let me have them for a steal. I also got the lines hooked up. Just waiting for Enjuku to give me an update as to when my suspension arms will be here.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8504523799_68e44575d2_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8504523611_d7565be24e_c.jpg

Today the Wilwoods showed up! Super surprised with how nicely these are built. I wanted to throw these on today but I have to go to school and don't have any safety wire :(

Box was waiting for me outside :w00t:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8507564773_8f4db8d2b1_c.jpg

Everything is packed VERY well
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8508671266_c2563de06a_c.jpg

All the items are very high quality. I couldn't believe how light the rotor hats, brackets, and calipers are. I guess that's why they call them Superlites haha
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8508671126_5d4aa1b7ca_c.jpg

THE CLUB CAN'T HANDLE ME, 2 ICY 4 WORDZZ
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8507564221_121800c3e7_c.jpg

[yzrider450f]

Nice Update! Loving the baller 2 pc rotors. :bigok:

[dreamin240sx]

let us know how you like the coils when you start driving the car was thinking about purchasing a set myself

[gbaby2089]

GET YO SOCIALIST FLAG OUT OF MY MURICA.

:p

[bc.]

I usually like putting a little anti seize on the hub when doing brakes, just a thing I do
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8504524375_cb4467f996_c.jpg

It is highly recommended not to do this, by at least one rotor manufacturer (DBA), possibly more. I know people do it all the time to keep the rotors from seizing to the surface, but there are ways built in to many rotors to help un-seize them. What you have effectively done is change the runout of your hub by adding a non-uniformed surface.

It may be fine or whatever, but read what it says in the documentation you got with your rotors.

[Siberian Husky]

This build is startin off right. Subbed for when I get lonely.

[KravingAKouki]

haha if the "nissan thing" doesnt go as you planned, I wouldnt ming helping you out by taking it... :yum: keep up the good work man, seems promising. I hate fwd, but the civic has me second guessing. that color combo is nice, and that is300 in the background looks nice. very promising :hsdance:

[tron_]

It is highly recommended not to do this, by at least one rotor manufacturer (DBA), possibly more. I know people do it all the time to keep the rotors from seizing to the surface, but there are ways built in to many rotors to help un-seize them. What you have effectively done is change the runout of your hub by adding a non-uniformed surface.

It may be fine or whatever, but read what it says in the documentation you got with your rotors.

Hey man, thanks for the reply. I definitely see what you mean when you say it affects runout but I feel as though the runout change is minimal once the wheels are torqued on.

Two of my friends have a Pontiac G8 and they installed DBA rotors on it. They used anti-seize on the hub and we measured the runout with my dial indicator and the runout was still in spec. I'll see what the instructions say but overall I'm not too worried about it :P

This build is startin off right. Subbed for when I get lonely.

Get lonely often dude :bigok:

haha if the "nissan thing" doesnt go as you planned, I wouldnt ming helping you out by taking it... :yum: keep up the good work man, seems promising. I hate fwd, but the civic has me second guessing. that color combo is nice, and that is300 in the background looks nice. very promising :hsdance:

Haha thanks man, the Civic is a riot. Built block, turbo, 21psi, LSD, makes FWD seem not so bad :). It was my first car and I love that thing, to the point where I did a partial restoration on it. Every nut and bolt under the car is brand new oem, the underbody is painted with rust encapsulator (no rust, just wanted a clean look), and every suspension arm is powder coated. Hopefully this 240 will be on the same level.



This update is going to be about nothing in particular, I just like project logs with lots of photos so please bear with me. Yesterday after work I went to Harbor Freight to get safety wire and safety wire pliers and then Advance Auto to get an 8mm 12 point socket before dropping by my buddies place to borrow their torque wrench so I could put the hats on the rotors. Red Loctite was used in addition to torquing down the hats to 155in-lbs

Rotors and hats getting cozy. The 12 point bolts look sweet.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8514025475_381480dfdb_c.jpg

The wire/pliers I got from Harbor Freight (more on these later)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8515137596_913a035b32_c.jpg

Two more shots of the rotors because I'm stupid
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8515137456_23c50a2cc8_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8514025179_3b23ebc99a_c.jpg

I've safety wired a few things in my life but I was a little rusty on how to do it. So it took me a few tries to get it right. The wire I'm using is like .041" in diameter and it's a tight fit in the hole (that's what she said). I'm thinking of picking up some .032" instead.

Attempt #1 (blurry photo warning)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8515137322_654ee2fd06_c.jpg

Attempt #2 (blurry photo warning)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8515137296_fce3b3c9c3_c.jpg

Attempt #3 (success)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8514024969_2325622003_c.jpg

End of last night. It was getting late so I figured I would do the rest tomorrow (today)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8514024899_826900851e_c.jpg

So after coming home from work today, I decided to finish up at least one rotor if possible. Started out peachy.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8515137036_303866c5e7_c.jpg

But of course something had to go wrong. The cheap dick Harbor Freight safety wire pliers broke. The plate with the arrow pointing to it broke so the pliers will not "lock" which you need to do before spinning them.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8515136976_78a686e4a1_c.jpg

End of tonight
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8515136868_2da2b5485b_c.jpg

Cliffs:
-OP safety wires two bolts last night
-OP almost safety wires another two before breaking pliers
-OP hates the aberration on this lens
-OP needs a new set of pliers and possibly wire

[240sxScores]

You don't "neeeddd" safety wire pliers to do that. Looks pretty easy to me. Liking the progress so far.


Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2

[tron_]

You don't "neeeddd" safety wire pliers to do that. Looks pretty easy to me. Liking the progress so far.


Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2

Idk dude, the wire isn't very malleable at all. Would probably take forever just using a regular pair of pliers.

[tron_]

I decided to take a little break from the brakes today because my suspension arms came in today. They arrived at my place at 6:45ish and I was outside in my garage with a couple of my buddies installing them around 7 :P. Everything went together really smoothly which is always a good thing.

Always need box photos. Luh me sum parts boxes, I rip them open faster than a crackhead can pack his pipe before burning up his lips. Wait wut?
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8516697971_c534c3b141_c.jpg

Yes I went with ISIS suspension arms for now. I realize there are "better" brands like SPL, GKTech, etc but I read a bunch of reviews on these ISIS arms and most people who actually used them had positive things to say about them so I thought I would give them a shot. Plus if they break I'll just crash the car into a median (sorry Damon).
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8517812070_1a8b56d25d_c.jpg

Quality looks pretty good out of the box. The gold matches the calipers (kind of).
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8517811870_cceb2e27f1_c.jpg

Front tension rods on.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8517811840_5803a660fe_c.jpg

Rear tension rods, rear upper control arms, and rear traction rods on.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8517811722_f5be21a83f_c.jpg

The finished product.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8516697241_99de6ba86d_c.jpg

Hoping to get the front brakes on by the end of the weekend! That's the only thing left suspension-wise for this iteration of the build. Pretty excited to be moving onto the engine bay!

[Apex Eight]

Awesome thread and clean Civic. Subscribed

[JohnnyDrfiter22]

Keep with the "32 or even 30" will have enough strength. Try feeding both ends of the wire into the first making an X. Have them come up the furthest side, once you get you them spun with the pliers twist your wrist and that will make it tighter and cleaner looking. You can do it all by hand too since your pliers broke.

[bc.]

Hey man, thanks for the reply. I definitely see what you mean when you say it affects runout but I feel as though the runout change is minimal once the wheels are torqued on.

Two of my friends have a Pontiac G8 and they installed DBA rotors on it. They used anti-seize on the hub and we measured the runout with my dial indicator and the runout was still in spec. I'll see what the instructions say but overall I'm not too worried about it :P

Yeah, you should be fine, I would retorque those lugs down after the first drive though.

Still... it just looks really weird because you put so much on, I don't even put that much peanut butter on a pb&j sandwich, lol.

[tron_]

Keep with the "32 or even 30" will have enough strength. Try feeding both ends of the wire into the first making an X. Have them come up the furthest side, once you get you them spun with the pliers twist your wrist and that will make it tighter and cleaner looking. You can do it all by hand too since your pliers broke.

Thanks dude, I will definitely give that a shot when I pick up the new wire!

Yeah, you should be fine, I would retorque those lugs down after the first drive though.

Still... it just looks really weird because you put so much on, I don't even put that much peanut butter on a pb&j sandwich, lol.

For sure man, it just seems like a lot but this stuff spreads like crazy. It's actually a really thin layer :). I'll check the runout this weekend just to be 100% sure that I am in spec.

[Extreme Dimensions]

Sorry for my noobness, why do you wire the brake rotors?

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

safety wire so that the bolts don't back out.

[CamryOnBronze]

That safety wire business does not look fun man, haha. Looking pretty good!

[smoked240]

Damn with the locktite and torquing them you would think that would be enough.. I suppose brakes can get really damn hot when using them a lot. Loving the build so far. Sub'd for sure.

[tron_]

Sorry for my noobness, why do you wire the brake rotors?

safety wire so that the bolts don't back out.

Yup! Since the rotors are two pieces, it's used to prevent the bolts from backing out. If you look at the photo of the bolts I was able to successfully safety wire, you'll notice as one bolt loosens, it will tighten the other.

That safety wire business does not look fun man, haha. Looking pretty good!

Not fun at all man, I really want to pop the brakes on by the end of the weekend and hopefully redeem myself from the suspension arm install post :p

Damn with the locktite and torquing them you would think that would be enough.. I suppose brakes can get really damn hot when using them a lot. Loving the build so far. Sub'd for sure.

A lot of people say you're okay not safety wiring the rotors but I figured why not go all the way through with it and learn something new haha.

[tron_]

In other news, I just picked this up

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8520605896_4451730dd2_c.jpg

More info tomorrow!

[Jsal32]

Attempt #3 (success)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8514024969_2325622003_c.jpg

This looks loose and could easily be avoided if you do the following:

- On the left bolt head try starting on the hole in the 1 o'clock position instead
- Braid until you reach the hole clocked at 4 on the right bolt head
- Try to make the braid a hair short so that when u pull through it'll tighten up nicely
- Wrap around and pigtail
- You can remove any slack in the braid by grabbing the pigtail with ur pliers and turning in an 'O'. (Different than spinning in place)

AND

If you're going to safety-wire 0.41 then u definitely need pliers. Doing it by hand is a pain in the ass. Unless it was only one set of bolts.

You might be wondering, "what the hell does this guy know about safety-wiring?" Well, a bit. I'm an A&P mechanic and safety-wiring is second nature.

Either way, build looks really good!

Jose

[EratBP]

So you stuck with .041? You were thinking of .031. Not sure what type of wire you're using (HF brand i suppose). But welding wire comes in .035 (in the middle) and is copper coated so it won't rust.

You're already pretty far along now, and i figure it would work the same.
Just a thought.

[tron_]

Thanks for the heads up! I'll keep that in mind the next time I have to do this, I already got this done but thanks again :)

Woke up this morning and got the engine on the stand and stashed away in the garage. The block has some stupid 806 heads on it, the guy threw them in for free so that's all good. Guess I can keep the heads on for when I power wash the engine.

On the stand and in the garage
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8522564929_cfbcd83e96_c.jpg

Definitely going to need some work but I hope it'll be worth it!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8523678458_32df88b290_c.jpg

Lame 806 heads
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8523682146_9af656d5eb_c.jpg

In other news I finally buckled down and finished safety wiring my rotors. It was kind of a pain but I was able to fix the pliers and they worked pretty nice. They were so hard to lock down with the thicker wire, so I took a bench and die grinder to the jaws so I could clamp the thicker wire.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8522565271_f2ded94d3d_c.jpg

All done, hopefully I can throw these on tomorrow
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8522565365_aa93489ff2_c.jpg

Last update, brake lines came in. Again, I want to get these on tomorrow. I'll let you guys know how the install goes.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8523678732_89aa35c74b_c.jpg

[alexander240]

Dont you love opening a package and you see all the goodies in there!?

[tron_]

Hell yeah man, that's half the fun of building a car. I love when new parts show up to the house, I'm like best friends with the UPS guy now :w00t:

The Wilwoods are on the car, I woke up really early today and put them on. Again, everything went on really nice and smooth. Would definitely recommend the Wilwood kit up to this point, I couldn't believe how light the calipers are.

I started by preassembling the hardware so I know exactly where it goes. It's not like I needed the instructions anyways. 0.016" shims to make sure the caliper is centered around the rotor.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8524298191_05f23a55a4_c.jpg

Bracket on the car
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8524297995_6ff1566021_c.jpg

Discs went on next. These are HUGE (13")
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8525413206_2ed3bdde57_c.jpg

Next the caliper/shims went on
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8524297583_96be1e7d12_c.jpg

Pads of course
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8525412592_d7bf75a73e_c.jpg

All done! Install only took a little over an hour including time to take out and put away all my tools. Stainless lines are on in these photos as well.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8524296983_aa9a94894c_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8525412046_3dc5868085_c.jpg

[WristWork]

Beautiful

Why did you decide to go with the Apexi N1's?

[atvrider647]

Subbing!

Interested to see how you like the apexis.

[alexander240]

HAHA me too bro! ups and and fedex guy are like i got new parts for you bro! and i'm like YES! haha

[tron_]

Hey guys, been a while since I updated this build thread but I have not forgot about the car by any means. Been really busy with researching parts, building spreadsheets to track the parts I need, etc.

With the suspension/brakes done, I finally compiled a list of engine parts I need (this spreadsheet gets updated almost every day). I'm a little anal about tracking my build, the other sheets address purchases, interior, exterior, suspension, etc.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8602433454_632333bf25_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8602433256_f771403a40_c.jpg

So I placed the following order last week and it finally came in:
-PRC Stage 1.0 heads
-PRC 1518 beehive springs
-TSP 228R cam 114LSA
-Ported LS6 oil pump
-7.4" chromoly push rods

Came home to this today (not the swag ass vacuum cleaner)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8602433866_292ecc1bb2_c.jpg

I proceeded to drop to my knees and worship the boxes before opening them
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8601334099_bea3a933d1_c.jpg

Heads look really nice. The port job looks great and they are a lot lighter than I thought they would be.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8601334005_af6c27219a_c.jpg

Last shot, really liked this one
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8602433548_7e0d7e3db2_c.jpg

On a semi-related note, I should have a bunch of oem GM stuff come in tomorrow. My friends' brother got me a great deal on a bunch of stuff so that was awesome!

[ferrariowner123]

Have a digital shot of the cam shaft you don't mind sharing?

That photo looks amazing.

[tron_]

Have a digital shot of the cam shaft you don't mind sharing?

That photo looks amazing.

The photo on the wall?? Let me know if that's what you're talking about and if so, I'll shoot you a high res version!


Right now I'm just trying to prepare a few last things before throwing the engine together. Really excited to get started on the engine stuff, hopefully the car will be running by the fall.

I spent part of the afternoon cleaning up the engine block. I just got some Gunk engine degreaser from Advance Auto and went to town with some toothbrushes, a brush, and some water.

The engine really wasn't too crusty at all upon inspecting it when I pulled it out of the garage this morning
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8606937553_6fb2c53251_c.jpg

Passenger side of the block
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8542/8606937275_33fc69e7b1_c.jpg

Driver side (little crustier than the other side)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8608041854_fa3f197cb5_c.jpg

After the first round of degreaser/brushing
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8608041624_d2f9f17a35_c.jpg

All done! The engine is pretty much dry here, I just hit it with some water and an air attachment on my compressor.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8608041484_ffbcf8f85e_c.jpg

[ill.]

Good shit bro!

Awesome work!

[CamryOnBronze]

Looking good as always man! I'll try to swing by and check it out soon.

[tron_]

Good shit bro!

Awesome work!

Looking good as always man! I'll try to swing by and check it out soon.

Thanks guys! All the support is really great, I'm always happy to hear feedback from everyone :)

Well I hope this isn't too big of an update in terms of photos, I tend to get snap happy when working on this car. The engine build is underway and I wanted to document everything so here goes :P

Two of my friends came over on the weekend to help me get the engine together. They're both pretty knowledgeable about LSX motors so it was nice having them there to give me a hand (seeing this is uncharted territory for me).

All set and ready to go (ironically the time when the garage is the cleanest)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8638504515_d0398a8038_c.jpg

First step was to do the LS6 PCV conversion. Basically the LS1 PCV is doo doo so I decided to convert to the LS6 PCV system. It involves dressing the engine up like Freddy Mercury.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8638504237_7e1c97bd92_c.jpg

Just kidding, I just covered the engine so we can cut this (in order to get the LS6 valley cover to fit since it has a big black oil separator on the bottom).
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8638504395_dbe51c9e62_c.jpg

I'm fearless with a grinder at this point in my life so after a while here's what we ended up with.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8638504111_4cfb105b11_c.jpg

LS6 valley cover slipped right on.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8639607216_f5574c7b30_c.jpg

Knock sensors
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8639606534_bf511a94e2_c.jpg

On the block
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8639606372_61cf63030d_c.jpg

Next up was the knock sensor harness
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8639606228_189637a83f_c.jpg

It was made in Serbia (not sure how that is relevant to anything)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8639606096_06ea64949a_c.jpg

Next came the fucking awful task of scraping the gasket surface clean. It took forever and my friends were a huge help. If it wasn't for them I might have just slit my wrists with the razor blades instead of using them to clean the gasket off.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8639606014_0bc0db56e2_c.jpg

The surface is smooth to the touch but doesn't look the best. Do you guys think that is okay?
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8639605908_004c70df18_c.jpg

Here's how we stood after cleaning the deck
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8638503133_b8f3473423_c.jpg

Next up was the cam install. Took the cam out of the box and lubed it up with some Permetex assembly lube
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8639605676_e95307399d_c.jpg

Going in the block (went in real nice and smooth)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8638502939_7d7a043ffa_c.jpg

And in!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8638502879_3fce767f08_c.jpg

Cam retaining plate went on next
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8639605402_0dbe553c84_c.jpg

Okay so I have an older LS1 and wanted to use the LS2 timing chain damper since the LS1 dampers are really expensive. The problem is the threads in the block are too close together to put the LS2 timing chain damper on my LS1 block. So I ordered this adapter made by trick flow
http://www.totalengineairflow.com/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/TFS-30675600-2.jpg

It was kind of funky to install, unfortunately I didn't get too many pics of it. But you had to pound out the oem bushings and slide it onto the adapter. Not too hard, I used a bolt and hammer to knock the bushings out.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8638502665_e760e423ac_c.jpg

And on the engine
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8639605130_6a66692217_c.jpg

After that we threw the timing chain and cam gear on and installed it dot to dot. Pretty self-explanitory minus the fact we needed to take the damper off to put the sprocket and chain back on :P

Last step of the day was to start soaking my LS7 lifters
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8639605000_9c44c0270b_c.jpg

The other day I decided to do a little work to the engine so I figured I should start by cleaning out the threads for the head install. I couldn't find my thread chasing taps (different than thread cutting taps) so I decided to improvise.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8638502201_ff9c779f4a_c.jpg

How the block sits at the moment. I forgot to mention but there is also a ported LS6 oil pump on the block.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8639604756_36a28632e6_c.jpg

After I cleaned out the threads, I installed the lifters. Here's a shot of them chilling in the oil. Soaked for a few days.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8638501969_02d31a32f7_c.jpg

New lifter guides
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8638501871_7a5b99b3b1_c.jpg

Lifter guide bolts (blurry pic, please note my hose)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8639604462_0e14963f5e_c.jpg

After that I popped the lifters into the trays and threw them into the block. Super easy, no pictures though. My hands were all oily so I didn't want to touch my camera :P. Here's a shot of them installed. I also threw the bolts in and torqued them to 106in/lbs
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8638501693_d73251902c_c.jpg

[CamryOnBronze]

Awesome progress sir. Looks like you're replacing a lot of stuff and doing it right! It sucks during the process, but it'll be worth it in the end!

[collegekid]

Damn dude you got some money in this. What you did with your civic is what I'm trying to do with my 240 (in regards to the partial resto.)

Props to you from another brown college student whose parents also drive a honda accord LOL

[Apex Eight]

Your documentation is awesome. I constantly look forward to seeing updates to this thread. Keep it up man

[s14zenki21]

Brembos on the rear and will wood on the front? Whaa?

[tron_]

Awesome progress sir. Looks like you're replacing a lot of stuff and doing it right! It sucks during the process, but it'll be worth it in the end!

Definitely man, I'd rather deal with the headaches now versus tearing it apart later down the road. Feel free to swing by anytime to check the car out dude!

Damn dude you got some money in this. What you did with your civic is what I'm trying to do with my 240 (in regards to the partial resto.)

Props to you from another brown college student whose parents also drive a honda accord LOL

I'm trying not to =sum(...) everything on my build spreadshet :doh: do you have abuild thread? I'd love to check it out. I'm pretty new to this whole 240 thing so there is a lot I still need to learn.

Also, do you know those feels when your auntie calls you "beta?"

Your documentation is awesome. I constantly look forward to seeing updates to this thread. Keep it up man

Thanks man, I really love photography so I hope a little bit of that passion has bled into this build thread haha.

Brembos on the rear and will wood on the front? Whaa?

Yeah dawg, I figured I still have a long time to get them to match :P


School has been really hectic lately but I'm hoping to have a little more progress by Wednesday. Thanks everyone for the continued support!

[tron_]

I got a few minutes to work on the engine today, hit the first snag of the project haha. Thankfully it wasn't anything too major.

I picked up some new locating dowels on my way home today. The old ones were really crusty so my OCD side got the better of me.

New dowels I picked up on the way home. Tapped these into the block with a hammer and block of wood.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8655442879_745c827278_c.jpg

First thing was to give the deck one last cleaning. Then I dug into the parts box to get the new oem gaskets out.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8656547032_96275f5eda_c.jpg

On the engine (yes I flipped them so they are going in the right direction now)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8113/8656546910_a0de1bc4c6_c.jpg

Next to go on were the heads. So excited, these look great.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8655442405_d706eb4b3f_c.jpg

After setting the heads on the block, I grabbed the new oem head bolts.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8656546650_986fc86583_c.jpg

Here's where I hit a snag. The new head bolts (right) are way shorter than the old ones (left) so they won't even thread in.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8656546534_640c0dfe2e_c.jpg

Either way the engine looks pretty mean with the heads on it!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8655442065_2d6d9c64d5_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8656546298_508dbbb271_c.jpg

[status_ryan]

Fucking beautiful man. I have a question if you don't mind me asking. What camera and lenses are you using??

[tron_]

Thanks man, all these photos are shot with my Nikon D90 with either a 35mm 1.8 AF-S or 18-105vr AF-S. I also do a lot of medium format and 35mm stuff, if you're interested feel free to check out my site f/1.8 (http://www.surajbhamra.com) (shameless plug, I know)

In other news, the reason my head bolts were too short is I got a bad part number from online and accidentally ordered 2004+ bolts and not 98-2003 or whatever. Oh well, you live and learn haha. My pile of "parts to sell" is unfortunately growing haha.

In other news, the swap kit is ordered along with a bolt kit!

If anyone has suggestions on what I should do for an intake manifold/MAF/throttle body/etc, I'm all ears :hsdance:

[jp69]

Ls all day

[collegekid]

I'm trying not to =sum(...) everything on my build spreadshet :doh: do you have abuild thread? I'd love to check it out. I'm pretty new to this whole 240 thing so there is a lot I still need to learn.

Also, do you know those feels when your auntie calls you "beta?"





I stole your spreadsheet idea :)

I have a build thread but it's lacking quite a bit in the update department. Oh well, summer break is in like 3 weeks so I'll catch up. 240s and Hondas are so modified that almost everything is documented in some way (that is available to the public, not just some secret data that a company has that will be used to market a product) so don't worry man you are definitely on the right track.

I know those feels bro, everyone in my family calls me beta. (For all the non indian people, it means "son"). My cousin's 5 year old called me beta by accident 2 weeks ago. -_-

Keep it up thoughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Tank_4g63]

I hope that those heads seal up good for you. The block surfaces looked horrid. You should get some soft srub pads next time. Use some paint thinner or carb cleaner and scrub that stuff off until its just bare metal.

[tron_]

Yeah man my friends and I spent a LONG time scraping the deck with credit cards and razor blades while cleaning with brake cleaner periodically. There is definitely a bunch of discoloration but the surface feels completely smooth to the touch. Not sure if that should be a good enough measuring stick though. What say you?

In other news, there is no news :P. Spent the day detailing the Civic (240 lurkin in the back all "soon.jpg" and "when will it be my turn.")
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8666507085_bcb218d0a4_c.jpg

Also got my upper engine bolt kit. They're all allen head bolts which will look pretty cool I think. Plus now I don't have to track down crusty doo doo ass bolts.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8666507547_30380cd2c9_c.jpg

[CamryOnBronze]

Very nice man- engine is going to look awesome! Bummed I didn't make it out there this weekend.

[tron_]

My shaft has landed.

Okay so I put in an order on a Fueled Racing swap kit last week. In addition to being the kit that places the engine/trans the lowest and furthest back from any swap kit, I had also heard their customer service was great. Customer service is a huge deal to me and is something that is a little rare these days in the car world.

Well after sending the money to Fueled, I got notification from them that the drive shaft wasn't in stock and I could either get it drop shipped to me or wait for it to come in stock and get everything shipped to me at once.

I opted to get the driveshaft drop shipped and it came in today. Not really an exciting update seeing this won't be on the car anytime soon but progress is progress.

The only thing I noticed was the driveshaft wasn't painted that well. The paint is flaking off and looks like it was rattle canned gloss black. I guess it's alright since it will be under the car though.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/8723497103_b856d0bdaa_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/8723497047_a8125a3700_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/8723496827_481bd0cd8e_c.jpg

[tron_]

More parts trickled in today, got the rest of my Fueled Racing swap kit. Forgot to get photos of the boxes like I usually do but whatever.

Everything unboxed
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/8726913484_3215d7cd5e_c.jpg

One thing that I really wanted was a Moroso oil pan. A lot of LSX-swapped s-chassis cars run a modified GTO pan but since I'm pretty sure this car will be doing some form of road racing, the Moroso pan was a must
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/8726913046_19edc671d9_c.jpg

Quad trap doors for dat dere loobrikashun
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/8725793825_49f2d945d1_c.jpg

Left and right engine mounts. Finish is a really nice satin black.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/8726912826_33daf24054_c.jpg

Finally I thought this was pretty cool. Billet dip stick for swagging out. Will also go nice with the underhood theme I want for the car.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/8725793525_b10a30b288_c.jpg

[Apex Eight]

Yes. Moar.

[Mitchsan]

Doing it right!

[Apex Eight]

I pretty much only use this forum to follow a few builds on here, and I must say, yours is the one I look forward to being updated the most. Keep up the good work man

[tron_]

Doing it right!

Thanks man! It sucks now but I hope it all pays off :)

I pretty much only use this forum to follow a few builds on here, and I must say, yours is the one I look forward to being updated the most. Keep up the good work man

Thanks dude, I'm really happy to hear you enjoy checking out this log. Hopefully I have more exciting updates soon, things have been pretty stagnant lately unfortunately.


In other news I finally made a little more progress the other day. Really nothing exciting, I've been trying to land a FAST 102mm intake manifold which has been a pretty frustrating task seeing everyone wants an assload for them (even used). But then again I'm happy I got this progress done because it's putting me a tiny but towards a running car.

Parts being brought out to the garage = progress = happy tron_
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/8732601491_3d36639815_c.jpg

First thing was to put the mounts on the car. Passenger side mount went on first.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/8732601313_ecc67d487d_c.jpg

Followed by the driver side
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8733718348_39d3b45b3d_c.jpg

Next I decided to put the pickup and pump together. Should have been a 2 minute task? Unfortunately not.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/8733718134_627bc54015_c.jpg

Apparently the pump is drilled and tapped for two bolts whereas the pickup for the LS1 has one hole.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8733718026_6118476b43_c.jpg

I don't want to deal with any cavitation issues since I will be tracking this car so I found a "girdle" made to solve the issue. Ordering this up ASAP.
http://www.brphotrods.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/LS1-G.jpg

Next step was to install the Moroso oil pan stud kit
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/8732600749_11b111fd5a_c.jpg

In the process of putting them in the block
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/8733717618_a8d2d940a6_c.jpg

All studs installed and thread-locked into place. Installed to an overall height of 13/16" (I measured and that seemed to be a good install height)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8733717458_b36fc1e1ff_c.jpg

Studs installed in the timing cover too
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/8732600161_6f190a0455_c.jpg

Pan is only mocked up since I have to wait to install the pickup and pump. The heads are off because I really want to go over the block surface once more. It's smooth to the touch but discolored from the graphite gasket so I want to make sure there isn't anything on there that will prevent the head gaskets from sealing.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/8733717096_c931dbaac9_c.jpg

Last step was to install the AN fittings in the oil filter relocation plate
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8732599819_64da9288b6_c.jpg

Bit of teflon tape (blurry photo warning)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/8733716770_9562080ace_c.jpg

And installed (scratched fittings are a big pet peeve of mine so that explains the tape haha)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8733716674_ca620f5314_c.jpg

[HPKMotorsports3]

Awesome work man... Cant wait to hear your lambo fire up..

[nield13]

this is a great build.

where abouts in michigan are you located?

[Backintoans13]

Not the biggest fan of ls swaps but this build is sick!! Best part about it is the photos!! Nice to have beautiful photos through out the whole build :cool:

[tron_]

Awesome work man... Cant wait to hear your lambo fire up..

More than you can afford pal, Ferrari. Err...Lamborghini...err...240 :P

this is a great build.

where abouts in michigan are you located?

About 35 min north of Detroit in the burbs haha.

Not the biggest fan of ls swaps but this build is sick!! Best part about it is the photos!! Nice to have beautiful photos through out the whole build :cool:

Thanks man, I totally see where you are coming from. I thought people would hassle me for LSX swapping this car but I'm really happy with the encouragement so far. I'm glad you're enjoying the build man!!

Thought I would update this and let you guys know where things were going. I'm putting this project off for a week or so in order to get my E85 conversion finished on my Civic. Putting in a GTX3076R, ID1000s, and Walbro 400lph pump. Would you guys like to see updates on that car here too? I figured it would be a nice switch from all the 240 stuff all the time.

Anyways I got my FAST intake manifold today. Got a great deal on this through LS1tech. Kind of wanted to buy a new one but this will definitely do!

Obligatory box photo
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8412/8749834246_e43b4da08a_c.jpg

Pretty cool the guy shipped it in the original box, it was in there pretty securely
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8275/8749834108_497701bbc3_c.jpg

I was kind of bummed to see the paint was coming off the lettering. But I have an idea on how to fix it and pull together the theme I have in my head for this engine bay. You guys will have to trust me that it will look cool haha.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8748709235_76de308aac_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8748709153_e3d7ea920d_c.jpg

Also, my oil pump support came in so I thought I would throw the pump/pickup together
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8560/8749833856_ff3057abda_c.jpg

Kind of a cool shot of the pump/pickup
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8749833736_da056ffe65_c.jpg

Factory GM design using a single bolt to hold the pickup on. I don't care if this is how lots of people have their pickups, I really think it is a poor design that could potentially lead to oil cavitation.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8140/8749833644_02956b6395_c.jpg

Bolts in place
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8113/8748708893_384e511ab4_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8273/8748708937_57c88a88b2_c.jpg

[alexander240]

jelly bo belly bro

[future]

More info on civic also. Sounds promising if it's anything like this build

[ray_dizzle33]

Great choice on the oil pan! Everything looks great. Keep up the good work..

[Apex Eight]

Nice intake mani. Would love to see some updated on the Civic!

[marat]

Nice build,not sure if i missed it but what size bmc are you using or planning to use with your brake setup?

[Apex Eight]

No updates? :(

[tron_]

BACK FROM THE DEAD WADDUP

Okay so the project sat for a while (I got busy with school, relationships, working out, countless other hobbies, etc). I know you guys all hate me for putting the project off but I finally have motivation to finish this thing up.

A big reason why I put the project off was because I wasn't sure if I really wanted to LS swap this car. After a lot of thinking I've come to the conclusion that I have most of the shit for an LS swap so I might as well go through with it. Plus everyone was lowballing the crap out of me for the LS stuff.

Before I get started, my Civic was featured in Honda-Tuning's June 2014 issue. The car is rocking a fresh set of ID1000s, Walbro 400lph fuel pump, Garrett GTX3076R, Zeitronix ECA, etc. So stoked to have that car done. No more tinkering with two projects, the Civic is getting no love until this Nissan is running.

Shot of the Honda-Tuning feature:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1897728_10152452894480955_4982108661394522311_n.jp g

As far as the Nissan goes, I'm gathering up some parts and hopefully putting everything together this weekend. Then onto the trans, clutch, flywheel, etc.

Cleared out the garage (my Civic used to be here) and revamped the work space a bit. My dad whipped up this table in about a half hour, he's gotta be one of the handiest guys I know.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/14135348204_9b1213b2a6_o.jpg

Picked up this torque wrench from Sears. Really I'm just posting a bunch of photos because I'm excited to get back into this project.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/14135097585_523352ab6b_o.jpg

I cleaned the gasket surface with some razor blades and brake cleaner. Shit took me forever but it came out pretty good. I used my ghetto resurfacing method a bit which includes a block of wood and a brillo pad.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/14111839086_fcf9957a01_o.jpg

I also dropped off my Holly valve covers and FAST fuel rails at the powder coaters.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/13948361369_9fe19216f5_o.jpg

As you can see these parts are fresh out of the box and they're already going to the powder coaters because I like to party.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/14135285774_577afed093_o.jpg

I also got my CTS-V accessory drive kit from JEGS. I debated on the F-body accessory drive but wound up going with the CTS-V one because it's a lot more compact.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14155097833_fd56a92cf0_o.jpg

I was going to post photos of each component of the accessory drive kit but you guys are probably sick of breaking your fingers scrolling through this thread already. So here are some of the bigger items:

Brackets
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2896/14111840546_a5c03d423d_o.jpg

Fresh hardware (not as cool as the red Honda baggies doe)
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/13948384450_6197d4d15c_o.jpg

Flux capacitor
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/14132064472_b445a83187_o.jpg

I also went to my local parts store and got myself a water pump. This thing is fucking HUGE compared to my Civic one.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/14131693381_e07a08567d_o.jpg

Tomorrow I'm planning on getting some hardware for the windage tray, oil pump, and water pump. Hopefully I have a real update for you guys during the weekend. Looking forward to getting this project rolling!

[DILLONDILLONDILLON!]

awesome build my friend!

[smokescreen240]

subbbbbbbed. :D

[tron_]

Thanks guys!

Do you guys want me to start uploading less photos? Being a photographer I'm pretty anal about documenting stuff. So if you guys would like to see less photos just let me know and I can make it happen.

Anyways I got a little bit of work done on the LS1 tonight. Not as much as I had hoped but since I got sick (and had to cancel all plans I had this weekend) I will probably work on it some more tomorrow.

I got some new hardware and parts earlier this week and figured I'd wait until now to throw on here.

Some M8x1.25x20 bolts, M8x1.25x70 bolts, and M8x1.25 nuts I got from the hardware store. For the oil pump, water pump, and windage tray respectfully.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/14016087689_ea2f756d38_o.jpg

Low profile pan head valley cover bolts since I'm running a FAST intake manifold. If you use the stock hex head bolts the bolt head will hit the manifold.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5312/14016159517_d668219e41_o.jpg

Crank pulley. Forgot what this is off of but GM recommends it for the accessory kit I'm running.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14016090458_1348576700_o.jpg

ARP crank pulley bolt because I like $30 bolts
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14222897233_67f1a6497e_o.jpg

OEM LS1 windage tray. Bought it new off eBay.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2919/14016089608_bd26849da4_o.jpg

After I went to the pharmacy to get my prescriptions, I stopped by Advance Auto for some misc things I needed before getting to work. Got me some RTV and thread locker.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/14016086029_8f81f5e13a_o.jpg

First step was to install the windage tray. First step of the first step was to use some blue thread locker before torquing the nuts down to 18ft/lbs
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2917/14016157987_6b84a2a48d_o.jpg

All torqued down!
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2899/14199465471_94c214b150_o.jpg

The 20mm M8x1.25 bolts from the hardware store only engaged about 7 threads to hold the oil pump on and I wasn't too stoked about that. Then I wound up realizing the stock valley cover bolts were the perfect size for the oil pump so I used those instead. But first I had to put the pickup on.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14016088418_3f2b413df8_o.jpg

Put the o-ring on the pickup before putting some assembly lube on it and putting it in the pump (the pump bolts were hand tight here).
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/14016124070_5f6556f928_o.jpg

Next the timing cover went on. My friends came over and reminded me to put the bolts on hand-tight before turning the engine over a few times and then torquing them down.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14200251682_8e866bb48b_o.jpg

Moving to the pan, I cleaned the gasket surface a bit with some brake cleaner...
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14222895283_29a9be8e96_o.jpg

Before putting a couple dabs of RTV where the front cover meets the block.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/14016087498_7082dbc503_o.jpg

Slapped the gasket on next
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5074/14016123140_aedee57ce1_o.jpg

And then the pan went on. The nuts I couldn't get to got a good and tight torque spec. Everything else got 18ft/lbs or whatever.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14222894563_f42576a460_o.jpg

Bottom end was complete at this point. Moving onto the top end.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14222894373_7893bf48f3_o.jpg

Went over the head gasket surface one last time. It isn't the prettiest but it's smooth to the touch so I'm calling it good.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14200250342_bedd085c62_o.jpg

Cleaned off the heads for good measure too.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14222893833_0688535828_o.jpg

I busted the ARPs out of the box and lubed under the bolt heads, the washers, etc.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/14016122190_21285f1a82_o.jpg

At this point I went to put the head bolts in but they appeared to be too long. My friends and I were pretty confused because they were the right part number (1997-2003 LS). After some confusion, eventually we realized I didn't clean out the bolt holes well enough and the bolts were probably just getting stuck. Hopefully that's the case, I'm going to clean out the holes again tomorrow and see what's up. Hopefully that's what the problem is and I can get the heads and accessories on too!

Final pic of where I ended up tonight. Hard to believe how much mess piles up when you're working haha.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5079/14200249662_75e1a43686_o.jpg

[tron_]

Picking up from where I left off last night, the little mishap with the ARP head bolts did turn out to be a matter of the bolt holes needing a little cleaning. My friends came over again and gave me a hand. It was much appreciated since there are so many damn cylinders on this thing!

ARPs all torques down in three steps (30ft-lbs, 50ft-lbs, and 75ft-lbs). The smaller bolts got torqued to 22ft-lbs I think.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2899/14021707529_fed9c7b6d8_o.jpg

Next step was to put the TSP chromoly push rods in.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14208233774_81494001d0_o.jpg

But first I put the rocker pedestals on.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14021736680_02a1b18213_o.jpg

Push rods in. Put some assembly lube on the valves and push rods for good measure.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/14228527873_afa6845be6_o.jpg

Rockers went on next. The bolts are hand tight until I figure out the proper way to set my lash. I guess I could torque these all to 22ft-lbs but is there a better way to do it? Any suggestions?
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14021735960_973be72ee0_o.jpg

Moving onto the accessories, I began by throwing the water pump on and torquing all 6 bolts down.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14208232584_2a91d242ab_o.jpg

Then I put the reservoir on the power steering bracket and bolted that to the head.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2932/14021705599_9e859b9e3b_o.jpg

Then the alternator bracket and tensioner went on.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14205898782_8c8b7d1383_o.jpg

After that the other tensioner, alternator, and crank pulley went on. The crank pulley is being held on with the crank pulley install tool since I'm going to have to tighten it with the trans on. Figured I would put the belt on then.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/14205898202_aca66a4ec7_o.jpg

Next step is to begin sourcing a T56 (preferably from a GTO) along with a clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder, etc. Will keep you guys posted on what I find! Any help locating parts would be much appreciated.

[ehhhregartless]

Sheesh, keep it up

[future]

I think the amount of pictures is perfect. Keeps the story entertaining, awsome update and good luck man. Props on the Civic also

[tricky_ab]

^^ Agreed! It's a very nice touch to this thread. There's a perfect blend of text and pictures. I also like the fact that you're taking the time to take nice shots of everything that's happening... So no... Not less pictures... MORE! ;)

[Chaluska]

keep up the badass work.. get rid of the ricer shit on the S13. its not a honda, doesn't need a sweat band around the brake fluid reservoir..

love the build.. i'm a Brake guy, and you sir, have some good brake porn.

[tron_]

Sheesh, keep it up

Thanks! I hope I can have some quality updates soon.

I think the amount of pictures is perfect. Keeps the story entertaining, awsome update and good luck man. Props on the Civic also

^^ Agreed! It's a very nice touch to this thread. There's a perfect blend of text and pictures. I also like the fact that you're taking the time to take nice shots of everything that's happening... So no... Not less pictures... MORE! ;)

Sounds good guys, I really enjoy documenting things so I'm glad to hear I'm not overwhelming everyone with photos. More photos is definitely possible :)

Oh and thanks for the props, future!

keep up the badass work.. get rid of the ricer shit on the S13. its not a honda, doesn't need a sweat band around the brake fluid reservoir..

love the build.. i'm a Brake guy, and you sir, have some good brake porn.

As an owner of a Civic I take mild offense to that hahahaha. Despite what you see here I'm kind of a giant ricer at heart. I remember seeing a video of Nigel Petrie's 180sx with the flashing headlights, interior lights, and lights in the grill and losing my shit :P

But I'm glad you're enjoying the build and the brakes man :)

[tron_]

One thing I need to get on ASAP is setting the valve lash and acquiring a transmission. I've been hunting on LS1tech for info on valve lash and T56 transmissions but haven't been able to find anything. If anyone on here has a good lead please feel free to let me know.

[tron_]

Kind of a small (but exciting) update. I'll start with one from a couple days ago and save the exciting bit for the end.

I've been trying to source a transmission now for some time but I'm having trouble finding one. Either nobody wants to ship or I'm being forced to go to a shop and being offered something overbuilt.

Since there is a bit of a lull, I decided to tackle some odds and ends.

Installed my steam tube crossover. Some nice shiny hardware because I'm bout dat lyf.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/14214837331_afeb0fe3a2_o.jpg

Allen head or die.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14194970576_b45a63a8ee_o.jpg

I also installed the rear plugs with the same fasteners.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5074/14214836941_b8177cd898_o.jpg

Then I installed the low profile valley cover bolts. Again, these are so the FAST intake manifold doesn't hit the bolt head. I also tore into my bolt kit and began laying out which bolts go where. Here you can also see that I installed the manifold bolts for shits and giggles.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/14031546667_04c18763b0_o.jpg

While I was at it, I installed the lines for the oil filter relocation to the pan. I figured it's one less thing to have to install when the engine is in the car.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/14031465629_0831c662cf_o.jpg

Dipstick mocked up (still need to cut it down when the pan is full of oil).
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14031465289_c3155583ce_o.jpg

Okay onto the ricey (aka awesome) part. After coming home I got a call from the powder coaters letting me know they were done with my valve covers and fuel rails. So I hopped into the car to pick them up.

A lot of people ask about this color. It's teal powder coat (I forgot the brand, sorry) with a glitter silver base. It's a 95% match to Jay's Racing teal which is a great Honda aftermarket company. At first I was going to do them in metallic purple but figured it would be cool if I had the same accent color from my Honda on this car.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14240779285_86235cb698_o.jpg

This is a really tough color to photograph as it can look blue, teal, green, etc under different lighting. But in real life it's a bright teal color.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14054175130_2e2e3a0303_o.jpg

After washing the parts and blowing them out with compressed air to get rid of any sand, I figured since I was already in the garage why not throw the parts on and see how they look? First step was to put on the fuel rail hardware.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5595/14054174890_f9622d6ede_o.jpg

Brackets installed (more on this later)
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14054174660_a08b02f141_o.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/14240486394_206c4ca8bf_o.jpg

At this point it looked pretty gnarly but as you can see the fuel rails were offset so I could not attach the crossover. WTF, I mocked this up before dropping them off for powder coating to avoid this kind of thing.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14240777765_aca9cae71d_o.jpg

Crossover not lining up.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/14240777545_8a5b85049c_o.jpg

But then I realized I'm a moron and flipped the brackets up side down. FAST doesn't include instructions for these so I'm going to justify my error with that :P.

All better and looking pretty gnarly!
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/14260957733_7d53a2a5ba_o.jpg

By the way the FAST intake manifold hits the steam crossover. So I'll have to torch and bend it or find another solution. Might tackle that Monday.

[Nsteezyy]

http://i2.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/015/437/di5rhtwztqcsflwemz8l.jpg
Very nice build, can't wait to see what's next!
PS, Pictures look aaaaamaaazing!

[tron_]

^LOL excellent use of that photo, glad you're digging the build man! Hopefully I can keep making progress on this thing and get it running 100% before the end of summer.

I've been on vacation the past week and just got home last night. There was a Summit order waiting for me at the house which was awesome. Inside was everything I needed to run my fuel system.

Since the car already has a Walbro 255lph in it, I just needed a few other parts. Here's what I ordered in case anyone else needs this info:

1. Wix C5 Corvette filter/regulator (p/n: 33737)
2. Dorman 3/8" fuel line push fitting (p/n: 800121)
3. Dorman 5/16" fuel line push fitting (p/n: 800120)
4. Russell 3/8" push fitting to -6AN male (p/n: 640940)
5. Russell black female -6AN hose end (p/n: R10023B)
6. Russell black -6AN cap fitting (p/n: 661963)
7. Russell 180 degree black -6AN hose end (p/n: 613505)
8. 15ft of Russell -6AN braided hose (p/n: 632080)

Da goodz. I love how fast Summit ships this stuff. I think I ordered it Wednesday night and it was at my house Friday afternoon.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5112/14090023318_9b14a0b913_o.jpg

Here is the 180 degree fitting installed on the passenger side fuel rail.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/14274614232_b6f7f9ff29_o.jpg

I put the cap fitting on the driver side fuel rail.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/14296859553_9826aa092a_o.jpg

C5 Corvette regulator/filter.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14090156860_5d4c226389_o.jpg

With the Dorman and Russell fittings on. The 5/16”, 3/8”, and 3/8” to -6AN male fittings all snap on. Put the black -6AN hose end on so I don’t lose it :P.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/14274607162_c2414e3f89_o.jpg

I also need to figure out how to secure the stainless line so it doesn't flop around and look jank. I was thinking of using a couple rubberized p-clamps and the existing fuel rail hardware.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/14273338411_e37ac51565_o.jpg

Next step is to figure out where to mount the regulator/filter and then run the line. Might get around to that this evening if I don’t wind up relaxing all day.

[tron_]

Also can anyone let me know which line is the feed and which is the return under the hood? Looks like I might get to removing the factory hard lines tonight.

[tron_]

Crickets up in this thread :hahano:

Anyways I wrapped up my fuel system today which was nice. First thing to take care of was to remove the factory fuel filter, feed, and return lines.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/14107472038_f3f9d4344b_o.jpg

After getting that stuff out, I crawled under the car and removed the factory feed, return, and vent(?) lines. These were kind of a pain to get out since the car is pretty grimy on the bottom.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14107471738_58c21e43a4_o.jpg

Put the -6AN female hose end on the 15 feet of braided line I bought.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14107578017_c7453f3ebc_o.jpg

Few things I picked up locally. 5/8" rubberized p-clamps from Home Depot, 3/8" fuel line for the feed, and 5/16" fuel line for the return.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14294120815_5435d1b9dc_o.jpg

Started off by attaching the fuel line to the feed and return with some worm gear clamps. Not the most elegant solution but it'll do. The feed is on the bottom in this photo.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/14292148572_32f5a8bb49_o.jpg

Since I'm a one-man show with no fancy hoists, I like to gather everything I need before crawling under the car. Nothing sucks more than having to crawl in and out from under the car in order to go back to the toolbox for stuff you forgot.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/14290777451_3069ffe344_o.jpg

Mounted the fuel filter/regulator on the inside of the passenger frame rail using an existing mounting hole. Looks like it should clear the axle and everything else without too much trouble. At this point I also fed the rubber lines into the hatch area.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/14314301873_0924199149_o.jpg

Next I attached the line to the filter and began using the p-clamps to secure it to the frame rail. I also added some zip ties to the brake line to keep it nice and straight. Don't think I can get the line any higher so I'm happy.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/14293577434_3289b1b9af_o.jpg

One more shot showing the line.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/14314301213_10c23ed5f3_o.jpg

Moving back to the hatch, I shortened the hoses and secured them with worm gear clamps. Again, not the most elegant solution but it'll work.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/14107469948_8ef85d0a0b_o.jpg

After securing the pump, the covers were next to go on.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/14294118545_dda6c5a96d_o.jpg

It looks like the passenger header will be running pretty close to the fuel line so I will be covering it with some Aeromotive fire sleeve which I already have from a project for my Civic. I think I could have gotten away with 10 feet of braided line but I'm not too bummed about it.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5237/14107575257_0f8bf86135_o.jpg

While I was at it, I decided to remove my clutch master since I will be going with a Wilwood 3/4" unit. I started by removing the two mounting nuts.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/14290775281_6ba24aa913_o.jpg

Next the clip and pin in the clevis joint came out.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/14107427039_f755c04d32_o.jpg

And voila! Out comes the factory 5/8" clutch master.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14314299283_e2198f9c01_o.jpg

Hope you guys like the updates. The search for a transmission continues so in the meantime I plan on addressing a few other things in the bay.

[s13_chris93]

Looking good man keep up the good work

[conrad_s13.5]

details,...you pay attention to them.

good man

[shruken240]

^LOL excellent use of that photo, glad you're digging the build man! Hopefully I can keep making progress on this thing and get it running 100% before the end of summer.

I've been on vacation the past week and just got home last night. There was a Summit order waiting for me at the house which was awesome. Inside was everything I needed to run my fuel system.

Since the car already has a Walbro 255lph in it, I just needed a few other parts. Here's what I ordered in case anyone else needs this info:

1. Wix C5 Corvette filter/regulator (p/n: 33737)
2. Dorman 3/8" fuel line push fitting (p/n: 800121)
3. Dorman 5/16" fuel line push fitting (p/n: 800120)
4. Russell 3/8" push fitting to -6AN male (p/n: 640940)
5. Russell black female -6AN hose end (p/n: R10023B)
6. Russell black -6AN cap fitting (p/n: 661963)
7. Russell 180 degree black -6AN hose end (p/n: 613505)
8. 15ft of Russell -6AN braided hose (p/n: 632080)

Da goodz. I love how fast Summit ships this stuff. I think I ordered it Wednesday night and it was at my house Friday afternoon.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5112/14090023318_9b14a0b913_o.jpg

Here is the 180 degree fitting installed on the passenger side fuel rail.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/14274614232_b6f7f9ff29_o.jpg

I put the cap fitting on the driver side fuel rail.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/14296859553_9826aa092a_o.jpg

C5 Corvette regulator/filter.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14090156860_5d4c226389_o.jpg

With the Dorman and Russell fittings on. The 5/16”, 3/8”, and 3/8” to -6AN male fittings all snap on. Put the black -6AN hose end on so I don’t lose it :P.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/14274607162_c2414e3f89_o.jpg

I also need to figure out how to secure the stainless line so it doesn't flop around and look jank. I was thinking of using a couple rubberized p-clamps and the existing fuel rail hardware.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/14273338411_e37ac51565_o.jpg

Next step is to figure out where to mount the regulator/filter and then run the line. Might get around to that this evening if I don’t wind up relaxing all day.


so with the fuel line going to the engine bay from the C5 Corvette regulator/filter do u just run it right into the fuel rail?? also how do u check the fuel pressure

[Royal_T]

Yes Yes Yes,, Love all the pics and the build bro.. It brings me back to when I was first starting mine... Keep it up and can't wait to see this finish..

[Drifting Kalamari]

YES!!!

I love the pics and detailed steps. Great quality build!

[CamryOnBronze]

Your beautiful photos are going to show off the details of how crappy my car was. lol.

Awesome progress man!