Brickhouse VK56 S13 Build

[thetopcow]

Hey all, I'm Greg. My car, Minty, came into my possession less a motor. Since then it has had two engines in its bay: an SR20 - Failed, and the current KA-T - Awesome. Well as with all good things, they for some reason or another come to an end. This story is no different. Around this time last year, my brother Steve (irritatedmax on here) and I were discussing motor swaps, and he brought up doing a VK56 with a z33 trans behind it. Initially we were thinking we would find an S13/14 shell and use it to perfect the swap, but current living arrangements and transport of the cars made it a silly venture. So what do you do, you use what you have. So for the third time in its brief history my car will go back under the knife for the sake of awesomeness! Cue 1980s jumping high fives!

Some of you may be wondering what will become of the KA-T, no fretting needed. A few months back Steve and I purchased a motorless S13 shell with the sole intent of it becoming "have fun/don't care/missile car". Lets face it, Steve and I need something we can care a bit less about in terms of body condition. We have both owned beaters which we quickly did body and paint work too. So to all you newb drifters, leave that wreck haggard, and have fun with it - my 2 cents. Anyway the turbine housing will be swapped for a faster spooling unit which will put it down in power, but should make it fun like the Matsuri car we both enjoyed to no end.

Enough about that sweat heap, lets get on back to the reason I am even posting. Finding a motor and trans with ecu, a/c, p/s, intake, and all the rest of the necessary bits for a motor swap took about a month. Not to say you couldn't find one faster but I really didn't want to buy a good motor knowing I would be cutting, grinding, and welding around this motor. The motor we found came with low mileage and a knock. The gentlemen at the Joplin, MO, wrecking yard said he had seen the rods bend in roll overs and as time would tell he was right. No harm done though, this was the perfect price for what we wanted upon initial investment. This left me to start pulling out the old and trial fitting the new.

As I began this endeavor, and endeavor is the correct word, I began to wonder why I do this to myself. I honestly do believe I just like to be busy, enjoy fabricating and furthering my abilities. On that note ---> Roll that beautiful bean footage:

On the way back from Joplin, MO questioning if this is a smart move:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0264.jpg

Rolling home from the last event Minty ran:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0269.jpg

Out with the old KAT in with the "new" VK56:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0278.jpg

Testing the adapter on the block:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0274.jpg

Then on the CD009 Transmission:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0275.jpg

Unsuspecting KAT about to get the boot:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0323.jpg

Dropping the new hotness:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0344.jpg

Touchdown!!!!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0349.jpg

No surprise, intake manifold will have to get redone later:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0359.jpg

H/I-beams ain't got nothing on the new "S" connecting rod:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0316.jpg

Where the knocking was coming from:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/Vk%20post%201/IMG_0317.jpg

[poundit]

Fill us in with what kind of mounts and other products you are gonna be using to fit everything

[Hatemy7]

so is the engine knocking???

[thetopcow]

Fill us in with what kind of mounts and other products you are gonna be using to fit everything

I will be fabbing up my own mounts. More on the mounts to follow. We had to wait to get approval of the build thread before we could upload more. Now that we are in you will start to see revisions of stuff that I didn't like or didn't fit once tested.


so is the engine knocking???

Yes the crankshaft is knocking the crap out of the piston. Haha. This was fine. We needed the engine for mock up. We may or may not rebuild this unit if it checks out after we get this fabbed in. More on that down the road though.

[ka-titties]

subbed.

asdf

[thetopcow]

I feel like this build has more work than my pictures show. Haha. I have over 200 pictures of this swap but a ton of them are for reference for when I reinstall, etc. So anyway it looks like I left off just before I started working on the motor mounts and cutting the oil pan.

Motor mounts - these ended up taking some time as I had goals I wanted to accomplish. My initial goals were to mount the engine as low and far back as possible and have a good fore/aft angle; next was to try to clear the brake booster.

I did end up mounting the motor low and back. It clears the radiator with G20/Altima fans. Unfortunately the brake booster had to be removed. I tried and tried to make it work with the stock unit but just couldn't get the clearance for it. If anyone knows of a 7" dual diaphragm Nissan (or anything else that will fit) unit I would be interested. The current plan is to ditch the booster and just run a Wilwood master cylinder in its place.

Oil Pan - This things has been the biggest pain in the whole swap as you will see. I was very tentative in my cutting of the pan, never wanting to cut more than was absolutely needed. Ends up the whole bottom needs to go. I just wish I would have had a reciprocating saw sooner as it made my life easy. It was able to get some of the deeper areas cut. Instead I did most of it with my right angle grinder (RIP ol' buddy) and my hacksaw. FML. Got it done though.

Initial modified stock vk56de motor mounts:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0352.jpg

Mocked mount Version 1:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0546.jpg

Mocked Mount Version 1:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0547.jpg

Mocked Trans Mount Version 1:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0549-1.jpg

Attempting to clear booster. Maybe I can mod the valve cover down the road, but plastic welding scares me:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0542.jpg

Clearing booster another angle:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0543.jpg

Fan to motor clearance:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/9db793f2-b39d-448b-9e84-e3c1040440ec.jpg

Motor to cross-member clearance:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0353.jpg

Rack to trans adapter clearance:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0354.jpg

Oil Pan to sway bar clearance:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0401.jpg

Oil Pan starting to get cut:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0399.jpg

Profile of cut oil pan:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%202/IMG_0400.jpg

Off and running again...

[thetopcow]

Since early on in the build and sometime before that, I have been interested in CNC. Due to this build though I was forced to actually do something about it. I wanted to start basic and through some google searching I found Sketch-Up. It is easy to learn and for what I was needing it works great. Here are a few different parts for the build:

Exhaust flange idea stage:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0415.jpg

Exhaust flange version 1:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0440.jpg

Exhaust flange version 2:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0441.jpg

Exhaust flange version 3:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0444.jpg

Exhaust flange version 4:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0445.jpg

Exhaust flange version 5:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0416.jpg

Exhaust flange in .dxf:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0417.jpg

Intake flange on paper:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0418.jpg

Attempting different ways to get accurate enough oil pan dimensions:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0442.jpg

Oil pan started:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%203/IMG_0443.jpg

I am by no means a wiz at this but with a little practice it keeps getting easier.

[thetopcow]

Well after cutting the oil pan, and even prior to that really, Steven and I had begun talks of getting a pretty crucial bit of welding equipment. A big thanks goes to Miller for making a cost effective TIG welder with a baller warranty. I will say it doesn't have any crazy extra controls, but it is inverter technology and allows it to run low amps (under 30) which is the same as most laundry dryers. Plus it can be unplugged and put in the back of the truck without the assistance of a crane! Great for a track-side setup later on or helping out a buddy at their house.

On a personal level, this was a intimidating decision. I myself had never touched a TIG welder until this arrived. I had to learn a new way to weld. I will not accept good welds, I pride myself on my welding. So I knew I was in for a few nights of working out the movements and timing. Little did I know it would be about 3 weeks. I think I will finally know I can TIG when I am not ashamed to hashtag my welds on Instagram with #weldporn. All in due time, I am only a couple months in now and continually improving.

Miller Welds:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%204/IMG_0406.jpg

I love opening new stuff:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%204/IMG_0407.jpg

Hello there:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%204/IMG_0409.jpg

The front panel. Simple is great for the beginner:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%204/IMG_0410.jpg

My first welds with the machine. I thought they looked like ****. Oh, wait, you need to run gas?! My first few welds were hindered because I hadn't set up gas flow on a machine in so long I forgot about the gas drop when you start welding. haha FAIL:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%204/IMG_0412.jpg

My first try at aluminum and subsequent tries:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%204/IMG_0414.jpg

Getting there. I got the gas running right, my cleaning action is much improved, heat is more consistent:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%204/IMG_0584.jpg

This is a little later. I got the above positive, and I am starting to work on spacing of the rings:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%204/IMG_0776.jpg

[d_nice]

oh yea looking good man..keep it up

[Dolph_KYAS13]

just the thought of using sketchup makes my brain hurt. Best of luck with the build.

[EnvyS13]

subbed, this thing is rad

[Big Zee]

love it!!! keeping it Nissan :)

subbed!!

[thetopcow]

Thanks Everyone for the kind words! It really keeps the motivation up!

I have been wanting to get another post up but I have been torn with how I wanted to present things: Objectively or Chronologically. It seems most people post chronologically but the way my build has gone it is very scattered. Example being: I started the oil pan, but don't have the sheet material to complete, so I move to the power-steering setup, but then hit a road block on it, so then bump over to headers and so on. So my thought was to progress the build objectively. Also I think it will work out good to for those that want to reference a picture or post.

First up, is the power-steering setup. Why is this first? Honestly it was between this and the headers as I have both of them to a point I can make a jig off them and make the final part.

Oh yeah, I never mentioned that! I really hate having my parts look like the "trial and error" pieces that come from a project such as this. So all parts made currently are actually just to be used to test fit, initial start up, and will then be used to make jigs so that I can replicate the trial piece. This way the finished product has fewer cuts, cleaner welds and overall more factory looking.

Back to the power-steering. It may seem unrelated but I have wanted A/C in my fun car for sometime. So a VK56 power-steering relocation to the a/c location wasn't gonna happen. Also I wasn't keen on going to the MR2 pump right now as it was pretty expensive and just seemed unnecessary now that I had the ability to weld aluminum. So I decided to work with what I had, a really oily power-steering/alternator bracket. The issue with the pumps currently location is the P/S pulley will hit the batter box and the front apron under the battery box, it does clear the lower "frame" box section though. The pump had room to move in and down towards the block and alternator, but would it be enough. It turns out it is, just barely. I will say if you are running a tube front end with the apron sheet metal removed forward of the strut tower you will be able to run an unmodified power-steering/alternator bracket. The other option would be to cut a relief in the front apron for the pulley sit in. This last option was strongly considered with the use of a formed piece of aluminum to keep road water/dirt from entering the belt drive. If my current set up fails, expect this to occur next.

Also if anyone knows of a smaller pulley that will fit the VK P/S pumps splines, would you please post up what year, make, model it is from. I would like to try this route as well.

Lets get to some picture as my work can then just be used for reference.

Stock PS location. (huge pulley on the far left)
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_0281.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_0281.jpg.html)

Stock PS location clearance - front.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_0394.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_0394.jpg.html)

Stock PS location clearnance - overhead.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_0393.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_0393.jpg.html)

About where I want it to be.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_0845.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_0845.jpg.html)

Taking it slow, removing parts of the brackets as the pump contacts it.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_0929.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_0929.jpg.html)

Realized the front needs a new piece altogether.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_0930.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_0930.jpg.html)

Front of bracket removed.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_0943.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_0943.jpg.html)

Getting artsy around the bolt hole.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_0946.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_0946.jpg.html)

Rear bolt hole getting relocated to new home.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_1031.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_1031.jpg.html)

New clearance to front apron. Kind of bad angle more room that it shows.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_1038.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_1038.jpg.html)

All lined up.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%206/IMG_1043.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%206/IMG_1043.jpg.html)

[h2v7]

chase bays brake booster kit is needed here it def looks like

[thetopcow]

Sometimes when you are building something, you have to depart from the actual project to build other "stuff" that will help you to better complete your task. Thankfully I had a pile of metal I had purchased for a failed project that could now get used.

I now had a TIG welder and no good way to sharpen the tungsten electrodes. So, I did some quick research *cough, Google* and found a bench grinder with a drill is the preferred method. I already had a cordless drill so I picked up a bench grinder from the local big box store. The grinder looked pretty good out of the box but not so good on the floor. So surprise, surprise the bench grinder needed a small bench.

Next, was to address how to mobilize the TIG welder. I drug that thing around the garage for about a month before I figured I would put together a cart. And why? I don't know, but when you have one new weld cart it makes you want another to match. So I built one for the MIG too.

Finally, there was the issue of a small welding table. I had been tig welding in the most random places and couldn't concentrate of the feed, food, and heat that well. So I grabbed an old stool I had floating in the garage and figured the table height from that.

I made all the items as light as possible. Most things are made from 1/2" or 3/8" round bar, and 1" x 1" square tube. The best part is the time involved was only a weekend, and the progress you will make from them will be strides better.

These small projects helped to forward progress and quality so much. They put that little something extra in extraordinary! HAHA Name that movie!

The start of new bits of awesome:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%205/IMG_0750.jpg

The grinder on its new digs:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%205/IMG_0758.jpg

The reason you want the grinder in the first place:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%205/IMG_0759.jpg

The TIG cart:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%205/IMG_0795.jpg

The MIG cart:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%205/IMG_0749.jpg

Finally the TIG Table:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%205/IMG_0748.jpg

[hungryjoseph]

having an AC tig welder and a comfortable setup to work with really does make builds go smoother...

[thetopcow]

chase bays brake booster kit is needed here it def looks like

Something to this effect will be happening. I am just not real big on having one outlet, thus one plunger, thus it fails, thus no brakes. Wilwood does make dual plunger units but they are 1" in size thus really heavy pedal action. Thus I will be doing some sort of dual wilwood master cylinder setup.









Thus..... Hahaha. I crack myself up.

[newkid99]

I'm on Driftstl but never heard of kc drift. I'll have to check out the events sometime, Looks like you really know your fab work also, subscribing to this for sure

[irritatedmax]

Updates brotherrrrr!

Excited to see the next installment! I enjoy reading these posts just like any other member! Haha

[DNAmotoring]

Oh Man, Looks like fun already! Keep up the good work.

[thetopcow]

Well, that was a longer break than I expected. I have been making strides in the swap so when that happens I tend to get caught up. I have been working on the first set of permanent motor mounts. A couple of braces and that post will be coming.

As mentioned last time, the headers are the next item I have in a state where they will become the templates for the final pieces. As with most everything thing, there are a few revisions in the process. I started with the collectors in one place then moved them beside the transmission. The drivers header got remade entirely once, followed by getting half redone before working decent now. This is my first foray into header making. It is like a puzzle that you have the start and finish, but no middle. I am sure they will get tweaked a bit more when I am making the final set.

This like everything done on the build was discussed at great length between Steve and I. We looked at piping size, equal versus unequal length, material, coatings, powerband range, etc. What we attempted to do was focus power through out the power band. We decided to use steel 1-5/8" piping with an unequal length header and ceramic coated or wrapped. Unequal length headers seem to keep power in the mid range and add a bit on either end. The piping size should make good mid range power as well. Stainless seemed too expensive to mess with for the prototype set since we may change pipe sizing later. The one thing I was really sad to see get the axe this go round was a tri-y header. This is something I really want to revisit in the future.

The Start:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0599.jpg

The bends in the box:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0602.jpg

Stock VK56DE Header:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0396.jpg

Only need the stock flange. Later I will get new flanges cut:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0603.jpg

Here are the two flanges laid over each other. You can see what I removed with the die grinder, so much metal got stuck in my hands while doing this:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0604.jpg

This was where I initially wanted the collectors, but there just wasn't enough room to maneuver the pipes around the steering shaft and into the collecter without many extra cuts:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0607.jpg

Drivers side header version 1. I felt this lay out just didn't work:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0801.jpg

Version 1 fit up in chassis:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0606.jpg

Driver side header version 2. This version got nixed due to the pain of the extra cross in the pipes:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0818.jpg

Version 2 fit up in chassis:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0809.jpg

Drivers side header version 3. Pretty happy how this has come out. I look forward to the finished piece:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_1086.jpg

The passenger side header went pretty quick. I would like to rework the rear pipe to tighten it up to the rest:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0819.jpg

Here is the rear view of the set up, with the driver side version 2:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0820.jpg

This is the most important part of all, A/C!!!:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%207/IMG_0874.jpg

[ferrariowner123]

Nice, keeping it classy with A/C, ill be surprised if it fits!!

Nice build, i know i wouldn't have the patience to redo the headers three times!!

-Kyle

[thetopcow]

Nice, keeping it classy with A/C, ill be surprised if it fits!!

Nice build, i know i wouldn't have the patience to redo the headers three times!!

-Kyle

It is already confirmed it does fit. So yay!!!

I don't have patience per say but I do have a drive to do my best. So if something doesn't work to my liking I redo it until I do. It is a sickness. Haha

[thetopcow]

Here comes another tale of struggle and intrigue, masked with deception and mystique....hmmmm, wrong story. hahaha

Sometimes a guy just wants a awesome intro!

Well it has been another busy couple of weeks...at Gas Monkey Garage. hahaha.

Ok, I am done, moving along.

These past two weeks have gone awesome. Built stuff, Rebuilt others, trick or treated, helped a co-worker, and just all around hustled. I want to revisit the headers real quick since it is an update to the previous installment.

As noted previously, I wanted to tighten up my headers. I originally thought this would be a one tube ordeal aka passenger side number 4. Yeahhhhh, well as with most things it didn't go that way.

It was time to test fit the headers and new awesome-town motor mounts together at the same time. Install motor mounts, things are going good, install header....clunk...pissssssss. Jump to the other side. Install motor mounts, things are going good, install header....clunk...pissssssss. On both sides, both pieces are making contact. Decision time, remake motor mount or headers? Move one pipe or move six to eight. Easy or Hard. I really like the motor mounts simplicity, and I knew the headers were to be tweaked anyway. So I chose the lets-rebuild-six-to-eight-pipes way, duh! I would be interested to know what you fine people on the other side of screen would have chosen.

They ended up coming out even better than before. Very nice and tidy. Please ignore all the cuts. All the pipes follow preformed bends basic shapes so they should be about the same when I make the final headers.

This has really become its own post. So I will get a motor mount one up next. Enjoy the photos!

Unfortunately, I never got a picture of the version 2 driver side header on the block, so it is harder to see the changes. Driver side V2 top - V3 bottom:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%208/IMG_1141.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%208/IMG_1141.jpg.html)

You can really see the differences on the passenger side since they are both on the block at the same angle. Quality of photo is due to PICStich. Passenger side V2 top - V3 bottom:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%208/IMG_1111.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%208/IMG_1111.jpg.html)

Driver's Side better quality. You can see my 3" pipe in there for steering shaft clearance:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%208/IMG_1121.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%208/IMG_1121.jpg.html)

Passenger's Side better quality:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%208/IMG_1108.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%208/IMG_1108.jpg.html)

Headers from the front:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%208/IMG_1127.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%208/IMG_1127.jpg.html)

Headers from the rear:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%208/IMG_1128.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%208/IMG_1128.jpg.html)

[ka-titties]

headers look sick! i'm starting the longtubes for my VQ next weekend. what gauge steel tube did you use?

[thetopcow]

headers look sick! i'm starting the longtubes for my VQ next weekend. what gauge steel tube did you use?

They are 1-5/8" 16 gauge mild steel. It is pretty common thickness for mild steel exhaust bends.

[thetopcow]

It feels like a double post kind of weekend. I have been wanting to get to the motor and trans mounts, but I needed to be 100 percent happy with them before doing a post on them. This is about the most basic part of any swap, but it sets up so much of what will occur in the future that you need to get it right the first time around.

Initially, I used the factory VK56 motor mounts to just set the motor on the front cross-member and a jack to hold the trans in place. I really wanted to use the factory motor mounts but just couldn't do it. They would have set the motor too high after the necessary adapter brackets were made and in place. Idea-bubble popped.

Moving ahead I decided to make some plates for the engine and front cross-member that would be bridged by 3/8" rod, or as I have been calling them "stick mounts". This was, by far, the best use of material and time. It allowed me to quickly and cheaply shift the motor right or left, up or down. Followed up by a very crappy but functional trans mount made out of 1/4"x1.5" flat bar. The motor has lived on this setup for the past 3-4 months until about 2 weeks ago. I finally got to a point where I was waiting for more material or parts to arrive. So I began thinking about how I wanted to build my mounts.

I decided solid bushings were out for me. I knew a polyurethane mount setup wouldn't allow too much movement, but would also keep vibrations down a little. I also figured by adding the poly bushing this would allow the mounts to work on Steven's S14 setup since there is a slight angle change between the S14 and S13 front cross-member "horns". I ended up using 1/4" flat bar for my bases and 1.5" round stock for the posts and bushing. Next up Jigs.

I had really been putting this step off. I really didn't want to invest the time in the jig, and then have to remake the motor mounts in some way. I knew the jigs would take some time, material and have some permanence about it. So in an effort to do it once, I procrastinated this until I couldn't any longer. The jig was fashioned out of some old metal I had laying around- c-channel, 1x2" rectangle and 1x1/4" flat bar. This was followed by a jig for the trans mount which was made from more c-channel and 1.5" square tube. The most challenging portion of this whole process was keeping things at correct angles and square. The last jig I had to make was more of a spacer. I needed a way to replace the polyurethane bushing during welding of the motor mounts. My solution came in the form of telescoping some round stock and welding a washer on either end. This solution took me far too long to come up with but in the end works amazing.

Words got me this far but picture tell the rest.

Motor and trans in - centered and level:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_0540.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_0540.jpg.html)

Attempted to clear brake booster, but had no room for an oil pan and still wouldn't clear:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_0542.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_0542.jpg.html)

Radiator fits. I use some sort of Nissan e-fan setup and it clears, barely:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_0545.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_0545.jpg.html)

Driver and Passenger side stick mount v1. I wanted to use aftermarket 240sx motor and trans mounts, but they were just too large once the headers started getting built:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_0546.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_0546.jpg.html)http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_0547.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_0547.jpg.html)

V2 stick mounts just used to hold spacing:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_0802.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_0802.jpg.html)http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_0804.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_0804.jpg.html)

The v2 stick mounts helped to create the jig below:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1063.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1063.jpg.html)

Next up was a template for the "U" portion of the new motor mounts:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1061.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1061.jpg.html)

Which allowed this:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1064.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1064.jpg.html)

Then I needed a spacing solution for the poly mount sleeves. It came in the form of this telescoping setup:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1066.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1066.jpg.html)http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1067.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1067.jpg.html)http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1069.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1069.jpg.html)

Which got me to a couple tacked up mounts:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1070.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1070.jpg.html)

Followed up with some TIG welding. It felt good to final weld something. It was a since of accomplishment and progression:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1071.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1071.jpg.html)

I wanted to poly mount the transmission too. I got a pretty decent idea one day and decided to see if the GM mount they sell at every O'reilly and Advance Auto Parts would work. Picture says it all, zero modding, bolted up no issue:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1088.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1088.jpg.html)

Utilitarian (read Rough) transmission mount:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_0549.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_0549.jpg.html)

Poly mount sorted. It was time for a real transmission mount bracket. So I put together a jig with the Utilitarian Mount:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1093.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1093.jpg.html)

Which allowed this prototype. I am not satisfied with this mount. It is too large and bulky but was necessary as it tested fitment and tested my jig. I will be remaking from some 1x1.5" rectangle and at the same time I will be raising the trans 3/8 of an inch:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1094.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1094.jpg.html)

Sorry for the filter but it lightened this picture. Prototype mount installed:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1104.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1104.jpg.html)

This is a fun picture to see where this has come from - v1, v2 with v3 on the way:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1122.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1122.jpg.html)

And in all this I dropped the TIG torch and broke the cup. It halted progress until I came up with this - wrapped with cotton string and zip ties. The ties never melted until I tried to weld continuous, I was very happy to be able to continue:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1056.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1056.jpg.html)http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%209/IMG_1055.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%209/IMG_1055.jpg.html)

[future]

Been a couple vk56 builds on here, I'd love to see one actually drive and not forgotten

[thetopcow]

Been a couple vk56 builds on here, I'd love to see one actually drive and not forgotten

I totally agree with you!!! I purposely waited to start this thread to where I was far enough into the build that there was no going back. We are at a stage we need to order things like a driveshaft. We recently sent out our flexplate to have a flywheel made. We are also figuring our ecu setup. It is exciting times!!

[future]

I totally agree with you!!! I purposely waited to start this thread to where I was far enough into the build that there was no going back. We are at a stage we need to order things like a driveshaft. We recently sent out our flexplate to have a flywheel made. We are also figuring our ecu setup. It is exciting times!!

Good to hear mann only seen the swap done in FD, would love to see somebody else do it. Power wise it would be a awesome set up N/a 300whp/wtq to the wheels all day

[thetopcow]

Good to hear mann only seen the swap done in FD, would love to see somebody else do it. Power wise it would be a awesome set up N/a 300whp/wtq to the wheels all day

That was the initial motivation. Awesome usable power throughout the range with factory reliability. The motor seems to have a decent reputation with the Titan owners. So fingers crossed this will be a great setup.

[future]

I'm partial also. We have had a 07 Armada and now own a 2010 Titain and that shit is a beast in a million pound truck. I can't imagine it in a 240. I've killed my friendd "fast" hondas with swaps and all by bus lengths. Sounds amazing at WOT with the intake screaming

[s13rhdhatch]

Good stuff, subscribed.

[thetopcow]

I am honestly about to run short of things until I start making more final pieces!! I best get to working more.

I am going to visit the shifter setup this time. I know most of you are probably thinking, I have seen this before, but I am promise I went another route. Basically I needed another way to move the shifter forward so the shifter hole didn't need to be altered - FD rules and what-not, plus no sheet metal to cut in cabin. It also needed to be able to allow the articulation the Z33 transmission requires.

I started on the shifter and attempted using the stock shifter, and attempted, and attempted. Basically I decided to step back and do something else after while. Then one day I was showing Steve some progress on the shifter. I started explaining my frustration with it and he had a really good suggestion: make a new shifter. I attribute myself being too close to the problem to see the simple solution in front of me. From that point forward, it has gone pretty smooth. Had to source some heims and links, which took some time, but otherwise simple.

Like always this is a prototype piece and not the final setup. The major revision will be: to ditch the square tube and go round instead; to install a reverse lockout; to solve potential loosening of components; and finally to pick a height for the shifter.

Here is what the stock linkage looks like:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0387.jpg

Here is what most people do with the stock linkage. I may end up using this in the S14 if it has more room for it. It allows the shifter to articulate a bit freer:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0370.jpg

Here is how I did my linkage. The bad part about this linkage is it doesn't allow the in/out motion to occur, but does allow the twist:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0390.jpg

After installing the linkage on the transmission here is where it wound up in the shifter hole. It is only off center in the pictures as I didn't have it lined up...it is nice and centered now.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0843.jpg

So in order to get the in/out movement and retain the twist I came up with this setup:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0921.jpg

Shifter in the car! Functioned awesome:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0925.jpg

Shift boot on, centered up good, I like the placement:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0927.jpg

I will have to get a video of the setup in progress.

[future]

Looks great mate

[shoguner]

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0921.jpg

OH MAY GAWD. you are a genius!
I am going to steal this!
Where did you get those parts?

[thetopcow]

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2010/IMG_0921.jpg

OH MAY GAWD. you are a genius!
I am going to steal this!
Where did you get those parts?

I thought it was one of my more clever moments for sure. Haha

I don't remember the place and tossed the recipes already. However, I actually bought more than I needed so if you want to replicate the setup you can buy some of them off me. PM me if interested.

Greg

[thetopcow]

Hey guys,

This build continues!

I have been working to get sooooo much done prior to my second child's entry into the world. She and Mom are doing awesome!

I will have an update soon.

Thanks for following!

[future]

Got excited when this thread was bumped. Either way your family is way more important. Congratulations!

[thetopcow]

It has been awhile since my last post. Just been busy with the new kiddo, and now I am getting ready to move to a bigger place. The new place will offer more living and shop space. The extra space will be very helpful. I will be able to keep my mess in the shop and keep the garage cleaner and my wife should be able to park inside!! haha

During the slow down on the build, Steve and I have kept busy sourcing some of those one off parts that will make the swap possible. Our list included: flywheel, drive shaft, ecu, and wiring. We have successfully located 3 of the 4, with the flywheel on its way to production...or so we hope. The drive shaft was sourced fairly quick and fit up the first try.

The ecu and wiring is slightly more interesting not so much in story but in its history. I sent a email over to MA Motorsports with hopes of finding out their suggestion for the best bang for your buck standalone ecu for the VK56. I figured they have the experience with this motor that I don't so they should be the guys to help me figure this out. The response I got back put a ridiculous grin on my face. What I got back was offer to purchase Chris Forsberg's 2010 or 2011 competition 370z BigStuff3 ecu, wiring, and crank pick up. I mean this is the guy that started the VK swap, and has proven its venerability (albeit highly modified). So what do you say when offered this? You say: "Yes, please. And could you and the crew sign it?" So being cool dudes they did just that!

At sometime in this down time, I got bored and Steve suggested I make the valve cover fit under the brake booster. So I did that. There is plenty of room for the motor's side to side rock but to say it isn't tight would be a lie. Basically we just wanted to do this to prove it could be done aka play guinea pig.

As I sit finishing this post, I am entering my second day of my lower back either having a severe spasm or a bulging or blown disk. So I am now on lifting restriction which will make moving next week interesting. Hopefully I will get an MRI early this next week and get this taken care of.

Now on to pictures....

New driveshaft:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1330.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1330.jpg.html)

Here is a stock drive shaft joint next to the new drive shaft joint. Much more beef!:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1165.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1165.jpg.html)

THE BOX:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1327.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1327.jpg.html)

Overall of contents:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1320.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1320.jpg.html)

Crank and trigger wheel:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1319.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1319.jpg.html)

Special 370Z Bigsturff3 Ecu...haha:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1324.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1324.jpg.html)

Thanks Ray, Bill, and Chris:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1323.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1323.jpg.html)
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1322.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1322.jpg.html)
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1321.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1321.jpg.html)

Here was the boredom tester valve cover. I don't know if we will ever use it but who knows.:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1185.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1185.jpg.html)

As you can see clearance is tight but it does fit fine.:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1178.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1178.jpg.html)

Full picture of valve cover installed and brake booster installed:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1184.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2011/IMG_1184.jpg.html)

That is it for this edition. I hope to be back at it in the next couple weeks and get more regular on the posts again.

Until next time...

[Creizai]

Sick man, Looking forward to you finishing this build. I've been throwing around the idea but always assumed there wouldn't be a way to close the hood! Let us know how that ECU goes

[irritatedmax]

Thanks man! It should be a rad setup. A custom manifold that will clear the hood is the plan down the road. It's kind of on the round two parts list. Round one is get it in the bay with the necessities - mounts, driveshaft, oil pan, etc.

[thetopcow]

Little bitty teaser. I got multiple full posts coming in the next couple weeks.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/IMG_1715.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/IMG_1715.jpg.html)

[smokescreen240]

i feel like this is going to be the only succesful vk56 build thread. lol.

[thetopcow]

i feel like this is going to be the only succesful vk56 build thread. lol.

I think you are right! Haha (At least to my knowledge into an s13.)

At this point I think it is pure stubbornness. However we have invested in the parts and we have the knowledge, tools and the ability to get this thing done.

I think once we do this others will follow and improve upon it. An example would be the rb26 swap 8-10 years ago compared to now.

I think it is kind of exciting and challenging to take the road less travelled albeit lonely.

[smokescreen240]

I think you are right! Haha (At least to my knowledge into an s13.)

At this point I think it is pure stubbornness. However we have invested in the parts and we have the knowledge, tools and the ability to get this thing done.

I think once we do this others will follow and improve upon it. An example would be the rb26 swap 8-10 years ago compared to now.

I think it is kind of exciting and challenging to take the road less travelled albeit lonely.

agreed, on a side note, LS motors are all the rage. XD

you guys seem to know what you're doing, so i'm really excited to see how this build pans out. New aero looks good by the way, forgot to mention that in my first comment. lol.

[Carl H]

lol, i was wondering who bought that setup.
cams and itbs are the ticket to making good power on these motors.

[thetopcow]

lol, i was wondering who MADE that setup.
cams and itbs are the ticket to making good power on these motors.


I hope you don't mind Carl H, but I fixed your comment. I have made this swap kit with my own sweat and some beers.

If you were referring to the motor set itself, we picked that up at a junk yard. It will be stock rebuilt for this summer with power adders hopefully to follow this winder.

[bardabe]

This thing looks rad, can't wait to see it done.

[nickmat619]

Love this thread man!! ever since my buddy got a titan i have wanted to use the motor in my 240. This thread has been insane, I love all the custom work you have put into it. Also I now have even more respect for Chris Forsberg and his crew. Super cool of them to not only sell you his set up but to sign it as well. GLWB can't wait to see it start up

[Carl H]

i was talking about the ecu/harness/trigger... i understand you put the motor in the car.

[TwistnItSideways]

Wheres my broadway mirror!!!!

Lol sweet build keep updates coming

[thetopcow]

i was talking about the ecu/harness/trigger... i understand you put the motor in the car.

Now that I reread it again and know what you are referring too...Yep that was us. haha. And we need to get Scott's autograph on there yet. We got Chris, Brian, and Ray.



Thanks to everyone for the kind words. I am trying to get a post up before this weekend. Life has been busying what can I say.

[cbcm2435]

To fix your brake booster clearance problem you could use the brake booster delete that chasebays has or you could use the pedal box that enjuku racing sells, just an idea

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

[thetopcow]

To fix your brake booster clearance problem you could use the brake booster delete that chasebays has or you could use the pedal box that enjuku racing sells, just an idea

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

It has been discussed but I would want to use the 1" dual MC since this will still be street driven, and we/I really wanted to find a similar to factory option.

[thetopcow]

Well it has been sometime since I got anything up....*muttered under breath*...4 months...*cough, cough*.

There has been a large gust of wind in the VK56 swap sails. Steven and I have set a couple dates we would like to see things done: end of July should see swap completion and ready for tune; Mid-late August should see the remaining small bits on the car. Steven is going to make a trip back for a month in July/August to see family and then work with me on getting this beast to a tunable state. That way, Steve (Iceman), can come down, celebrate birthdays, and tune this thing and get it moving under it own POWA!!!!

We picked out a body kit to run on ol' Minty. I am pretty excited about the kit. It is a JP USA or JP Vizage Type 2 180sx kit. It fits my style for sure and it was the one Steven and both agreed on. The bad part about the kit is it just added to my ever growing "to do list". hahaha...fml. The whole goal of all this show and go parts list, is to make the Offset Kings event in Fort Worth that is in conjunction with Formula D. (If this gets cancelled, someone please let me know!!)

Oh, and I redid the motor mounts for the 3-4th time. I am much happier with them now, they allow better clearance for the headers.

Did you say headers?!? Oh, and I redid those as well. I have been really stuck on these things as they weren't equal length...until now. Now that they are equal length the e-nerd in me can sleep easier at night. Sometime in the near-ish future I would like to make a set of headers as similar to stock headers as I can to see what the potential power gains are and where they lie side by side on the dyno graph.

Some of the every extending list of things to do is:

Move engine bay wiring to under dash
Prep and paint the kit after fitting it
Prep and paint the new rims - info to follow
Make a "y" pipe
Finish my 1, 2,...3rd set new and improved should be equal length headers
Extend front LCAs
Fix passenger front fender(or buy a decent one for cheap)
Fill rear windshield squirter hole that I forgot to do the first time I painted the body...fml
Add back new bling gauges - more info later
Install fresher seats - more to come on this too
Swap steering wheels - yep, later update
Clean up door card fabric
Add Dvd Deck, and sub enclosure (if time, stupid high school me wants this)
Make rear jacking point for rear bumper support
Install new GP Sports G Master coilovers
Finish welding stuff that needs it
Clean and Rebuild motor
Rebuild R200 Kaaz unit and set lash in pumpkin

I am sure there is more but that was only 10 minutes of thinking about it...hanging head...

Anyway lets do some pictures:

I finally started using the Evolution Raptor Saw, and it is badass. I have used it to cut my header piping and it makes for a very clean and true cut:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1652.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1652.jpg.html)

Here is the redone motor mounts. Thankfully I made a jig. It made the remake effortless:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1653.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1653.jpg.html)

Painted and installed:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1655.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1655.jpg.html)

The headers are coming, the headers are coming:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1678.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1678.jpg.html)

For you duct tape fans out there:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1639.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1639.jpg.html)

Tacking it together, and the current state:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1793.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1793.jpg.html)

Motor mounts now allow more room for headers:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1791.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1791.jpg.html)
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1792.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1792.jpg.html)

I did a quick check with the oil pan to make sure nothing had warped during welding, and thankfully it was all just fine:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1581.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1581.jpg.html)

Then I got distracted!!!:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1708.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1708.jpg.html)
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1720.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1720.jpg.html)
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1723.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1723.jpg.html)

Oh and whats that more shit to distract me further!!!!:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1739.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1739.jpg.html)
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1680.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1680.jpg.html)

For anyone needing to rebuild their KAAZ R200 here is a diagram for how to place the clutch plates for 80% and 100% engagement:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1681.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/thetopcow/media/vk%20post%2012/IMG_1681.jpg.html)

Follow me on instagram @brickhouse_greg for in the moment postings. I will be trying to document the next couple month as best as possible.

LOTS TO COME!!

[irritatedmax]

Normally Greg writes these posts but this time I, Steve, am at the helm because for the first time since starting this project I was able to work on it in person. My wife, Shio, and I came back to the States for four weeks starting in mid-July and, while seeing family was a big part of the trip, a secondary goal was re-working our VK56 S13 demo car (aka the Minty Smash and Minty Fresh categories on the blog).

Back in June or so, Greg and I set the deadline for the car's debut to be the Offset Kings Car Show at Formula Drift Texas September 13th weekend...and it's now nearing mid-August. We've got some work to do!

With the deadline set and the fabrication nearing completion on the swap, our discussions turned to what we wanted the car to look like. The VK56 swap was cool alone but we wanted to present it in a complete package - engine, interior, exterior, and suspension. We both agreed on "JDM-ish with a clean VK56 swap." That's somewhat vague but we both were on the same page when we started planning out each aspect. Since I live in Japan and YAJ like a madman, I had the JDM part covered. And as Shio and I neared our departure date, things really started to move into high gear and our tatami room looked like this as I packed and shipped some last minute items.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/FB57C6B5-1640-450C-BBEC-B73F4E849994.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/7814ED07-55BE-4CF4-BBBD-65B0B0F9DE7A.jpg

When we finally made it to Greg's house, he and I laid out three to-do lists - engine/engine room, exterior, and interior - and started tackling each item as it made the most sense.

First up was finishing the equal length headers Greg's been working on. As I watched him adjust the runners and test fit it all in the bay, it really made me appreciate how many times he had pulled and put in the engine by himself. There's seriously a ton of man hours in these headers and every other aspect of fitting the engine in the bay. I can't give him enough credit for what it's taken to get this far.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/7D3AB814-A982-4860-A9C9-9EF0E723B065.jpg

And with those sorted out, the engine could be disassembled. If you'll recall from one of the first posts, our engine had a bent rod so a rebuild was on the to-do list. This was also each of ours first time time rebuilding an engine. So if it runs awesome or fails on the first crank, it will have been a HUGE success in terms of learning experience.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/FEE4CDC3-7E28-4E79-BC78-08A9C3A970AA.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/0565DA3D-0EDA-4F7F-BD6E-E1AF780C26E1.jpg

I spent a good deal of time sandblasting the timing covers. This is a show car after all (at least for it's debut) - gotta get that engine looking it's best! Here is the before and after:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/63471D8F-0B6E-4592-B99F-E1139CE03AF5.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/B79DF8B0-6773-4B75-8CCD-31CC31556427.jpg

With the to-do lists came an equally impressive to-buy list. Funny how that works. And as the money went out, the parts, fittings, piping, and tools started rolling in.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/C22A7B63-F5AC-4BE0-A5EF-A08E42EC215C.jpg

About that time, we signed the lease on our first shop - super excited about this! We definitely needed the space as it doubles (and then some) the current two car garage all this has been happening in prior. Space for other projects has always been an issue. So wait...let's add a shop buildout to the to-list. Haha. Either way, Brickhouse now has a home of it's own!!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/CF1F3AA1-8ABE-474A-8331-DCFF315F35E5.jpg

Greg got after welding up some final bits on the oil pan and other odds and ends.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/C8560A91-C9D7-4004-BE96-D1751B38B4F7.jpg

He also knocked out a mount kit for a cool dude who's been a supporter from day one and really wants a VK'd S13! These aren't production pieces - just something to allow the customer to locate his engine in the bay and figure the next aspects of his VK56 build.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/EAD87AA0-6797-4576-AF80-95B1E7D8960C.jpg

I got after getting the exterior pieces ready for paint. First up was our lovely set of 17/18 Regamasters. If you'll recall the set I sold a while back, these are the other half to that. See there is some method to my madness. Haha.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/BABA2488-05D3-4E79-80DB-935DD324EC1D.jpg

They got sanded down. Trust me, he's a professional...for real. Greg can get a straighter surface with a DA than most dudes could hope to blocking it.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/2940CFE2-21C4-487D-977A-97C83CB70117.jpg

And primered. The shop has thus far turned into a temporary paint booth which has allowed us to split up the bodywork from the engine work. That alone has been a huge help.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/29E161F2-F665-4401-9D1E-5CD664CAF6E5.jpg

We really wanted that aggressive front camber look. Like D1SL car setup - aggressive camber front and straight up and down in the rear. Greg did up some 30mm extended FLCAs. These should work great with the cut knuckles and relocated rack we did a while back.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/93680971-8AC6-48D1-81A5-C793497B8DBF.jpg

Mission accomplished. This kind of gives you an idea of the front camber. So awesome.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/3953C3B1-82CA-43E5-8A65-8C065C1D2A4D_1.jpg

Keeping with the exterior work, we needed to test fit the body kit.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/B2BFA200-5216-4885-B3B3-FDA1CF88C9CE_1.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/63A3D74E-038D-4BAC-9F42-A41FDB4014AA.jpg

It was pretty darn close and just took a touch of finessing the rear bumper. I love fiberglass. Actually it's itchy and pretty terrible but I enjoy the challenge of getting it all laid up before your hands turn into a sticky ball of goober.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/7A598D08-F3A9-4B81-B5DE-0A1D3958905D.jpg

With it on the ground and out of the garage, it got it's first bath in a reallllly long time.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/E706995D-2755-40CA-A558-2718574F7212.jpg

This gets me excited!!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/F25DEE9C-56C2-4F5F-A091-15FACEA4F2CE.jpg

Getting back to the engine work, with the block stripped and cleaned, it was time to reassemble. But first there was even more cleaning of each piece. For every 5 minutes of work, 15 minutes was spent cleaning.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/90EBA701-1395-4803-A082-FA61B589DE1D.jpg

These are all the rod and main bearings. These are a hot commodity apparently as we snatched the last Grade 5 main bearing in the country. We've ordered all the Nissan OEM stuff from Courtesy Nissan in Texas. They've been great answering questions on the phone and calling with updates. And a bonus for us, the standard shipping time to our location is one day. Over night parts without paying for it.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/D3B6E339-7A87-40B2-9500-8C0FD4307CB2.jpg

No mid-assembly pictures as we were too occupied following the FSM's specs and, oh yes, cleaning. So here's the assembled bottom end.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/C1DF9BEB-7E5F-48EE-9BCE-B5C075EA32BB.jpg

Late evenings were had.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/44A08F32-D752-49B7-A3AA-FE81816FDCAF.jpg

This one resulted in a pile of primed aero.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/6D67745A-F69A-4E81-8B94-A22CB712BEFE_1.jpg

Plenty of thinking moments along the way as we figure out what's going to work.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/D0EA2DA8-62BD-498A-926C-98001F93AA0C_1.jpg

We picked out a silver and spent a Sunday afternoon painting the Regas!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/7D5A09D7-9C86-465D-B323-4E5EC6137A2C.jpg

Sneak peek - can't wait to get tires on these things!!!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/C1ADBFAB-2DD2-4E6E-B1ED-856AC03E8184.jpg

All the wiring and relay boxes have been removed from the bay...now we just need a VK56 in there!!!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/F266E475-FE92-4EED-A118-8268C4A74E5B.jpg

We got the tires mounted and wheels test fitted. We were both stoked on the new look.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/8F85021C-E2AA-4146-8213-EC4FEBF2A55A_1.jpg

But of course we needed more low so room was made.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/72996899-DB04-48C7-B23F-6F293CD15C4B.jpg

...and got it sitting like this. Still need to go a bit lower.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/8CF230FA-B7AE-428B-AE63-07A6EAF7E489.jpg

But that's were my time with the car ended and so I too will wrap up this post. Stoked to see this thing coming together just as awesome as we planned! Can't wait for the full aero and start up vids! Hard to believe we might hear this thing fire in less than a month!! For more up to date updates, we post a lot of it to instagram since it's quicker than a full post - @brickhouse_steve and @brickhouse_greg. And if you're at the FD Texas event, stop by and say hi!

[Reece]

Please tell me it will stay this color. The Regamasters look incredible with this color!

[irritatedmax]

Please tell me it will stay this color. The Regamasters look incredible with this color!

Thanks! And yes, the body color is staying. I've had this silver/green color combo stuck in my head for a while and am really happy with the way it looks together. It completely changes the look of the car.

[irritatedmax]

Welllll, it's been a good while since we've updated so let's pick up where we left off and try and fill in the gaps a bit. There has been a TON of behind the scenes type stuff happening to push the VK56 swap kit closer to completion but not much to share pictures off. Things haven't slowed down and it feels really good to say we see the light at the end of the tunnel. So here's a rundown of what's been going in the Brickhouse shop.

When we left off, we had just gotten the keys to our much needed shop space. First order of business was to move in.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456046.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456045.jpg
This staircase that Greg whipped up is way more awesome than you'd think.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456044.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456047.jpg

As you can see above, the aero got painted and more of the exterior goodies installed. Our goal was to finish the car for the FDTX Offset Kings show, but it just wasn't in a state we were happy with to debut it.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456004.jpg

Leading up to Christmas Greg started another 4-wheel build - rebuilding this go kart for his son. Paint, engine rebuild, nuts and bolts, etc. Fully reworked. Can't wait to see my nephew ripping around in this thing in the spring.
Before:
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456032.jpg
After:
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456033.jpg

Maybe you spotted the black hatch above. We've had it for a while now and it's finally getting some love. It's going to be thrown together using our spare parts we've got lying around. Goal is for a super basic, super reliable, great for learning drift car. Basically something anyone can hop in and have fun. It'll get the built KA that was originally in my S14, but we sold off 57 trim turbo setup, 740's, and NIStune. We are going to run a T28, 550's, and a chipped ECU. Think TX Street Legal basic-ness.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456029.jpg

It was supposed to be a rust-free, 5-lug shell when we picked it up. Hidden beneath the front sheet metal was a history of ugly repairs.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456013.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456005.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456003.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456006.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456010.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456007.jpg

So naturally there was only one thing to do.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456015.jpg

Hack off all the bad and tube front it!
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456041.jpg

And what fun is stock steering angle, so Greg did up another set of Brickhouse knuckles, extended lower arms, and a relocated rack will be done before the engine goes in.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456027.jpg
Love that color. Freshly powder coated.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456035.jpg

Alright, alright. Back to what this thread is really about - the VK56 S13! Greg's been practicing a lot and working on his consistency with TIG welding.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456020.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456021.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456019.jpg

The equal length headers were a good excuse to practice. Haha. It should be noted that these are purely for experiement's sake and the production headers will be a simpler design (similar to the Ver. 3 headers posted previously in the build). These are just to compare to the production set and see how the dyno numbers change.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456022.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456014.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456025.jpg

New toys showed up - FUPA cups.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456060.jpg

Then, and bringing us to the present, our really big "toy" showed up - a LDR Motion Systems CNC plasma table with a Hypertherm Powermax 85 plasma cutter.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456049.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456052.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456053.jpg

Getting it positioned and hooked up in the shop. We've always wanted to keep as much of production in house as possible and a big part of that was investing in our own CNC cutter. This will allow us to make precision pieces with the flexibility to make revisions when needed. Flanges, adapters, covers, oil pan, brackets, intake manifold, yada yada - you name it pretty much and this will let us create it in a precise reproducible manner.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__5586946.jpg

One of the test cuts which gives a good idea what it can do.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19456055.jpg

And the rebuilt VK sitting in the bay...likely to only be removed and installed two or three more times before it's plumbed and wired. Haha. It's getting close!!
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19447812.jpg

As always throughout this build, thanks for all the support and words of encouragement!! It's been the fuel in finishing this project!

[irritatedmax]

More progress! With the engine in the bay and headers mounted, next on the list was the exhaust.

Greg mocked up a couple tip designs with mild steel - straight or pie cut?
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19767305.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19767304.jpg

Once in agreement, the tip was made first. It was Greg's first time TIG welding stainless but it turned out awesome. Stainless makes all the colors.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19816452.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19824653.jpg

And this shows the importance of having a proper back purge setup.
No purge - crusty/gross:
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19824656.jpg
Purged - dimes on the backside:
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19824657.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19824651.jpg

We both agreed straight dual tip was the way to go.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19824654.jpg

With the tip done, he laid out the rest of the exhaust and got it tacked up. The exhaust was built as a balance of what's needed and what will work. Also budget comes into play bit. The tips are stainless for the bling factor but the rest was done in mild. All stainless is cool but expensive. Mild steel will outlast the intended life of the exhaust. Oh and again, this is just the test car. The swap kit headers and y-pipe will be built with the goal of being able to use a regular cat-back exhaust.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19824662.jpg
G-man approves giving it his best JDM peace stamp of approval.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19824660.jpg

After confirming fitment, it was fully welded.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19841037.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19841033.jpg

And mounted on the car - really stoked on the result!

Perfect bumper spacing:
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19898375.jpg

The tips are angled 15 degrees which gives them a really cool vertical look.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19898376.jpg

Exhaust poke is just as important as wheel poke. Haha.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19898373.jpg

It was the little bit of flair the rear was missing. It should have a good bark as well since it only has one 14" glas pack inline. That VK56 should make a racket!
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/S__19898377.jpg

[future]

Glad to see this thing alive again

[irritatedmax]

Glad to see this thing alive again

Thanks man - we will finish it!

[ka-titties]

I've got almost the same exhause setup on my VQ. 2.5" Y pipe to a single 3" resonator and 3" straight out. It's loud as FUCK. I love it.

[irritatedmax]

It's a big day around these parts! Parts are going on the engine for the last time - final assembly baby!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/F4728605-1D04-4FF8-93BA-D148E90F00AE.jpg

This means we can finally install our prototype flywheel!! We worked with Spec for over a year to get this VK56-350Z conversion flywheel made. The setup features:
-billet aluminum with replaceable friction surface (no need to machine it!)
-additional thickness to compensate for the thickness of the transmission adapter plate (correct throw)
-hollowed out backside to reduce rotating mass
-Z33 clutch bolt pattern for use with any off the shelf 350Z clutch kit
-stock VK56 ring gear for use with stock VK56 starter (no 350Z starter conversion)
-adapter pilot bushing

Basically, it's a legit aftermarket flywheel for the VK56 as if it came from the factory as a manual transmission. The only thing this prototype doesn't have is the factory trigger wheel since we will be running a crank mounted trigger setup (as will the majority of users most likely).

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/12D450EC-5492-41B5-B0C9-C4AC60E9C43E.jpg

It's a real work of art and truly an impressive piece. And for the part that everyone is concerned about - the price. Pricing should be on par with other Spec aftermarket flywheels!! A ton of bang for the buck! We'll keep you posted on details after testing.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/4D637239-C341-4820-AD19-62C2C1A09D65.jpg

We paired the flywheel up with a Spec Stage 3 350Z sprung 6-puck clutch setup which should hold all the jam (gobs of torque) this engine will make.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/4ED6B54F-AEDA-4A34-A3BD-525AA249BEA2.jpg

It is a very clean install! No sandwiching the stock flex plate with an aftermarket flywheel just to keep the ring gear. We have discussed adding the stock trigger wheel so if there is interest out there let us know!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/2AC06B9C-9095-4106-A036-BBAFC5074503.jpg

We can't thank Spec enough for dealing with all of our requests, questions, and nagging in getting this produced. During our initial inquiry phase, we got blown off/big-timed/ignored by a number of small and BIG clutch manufacturers out there, but Spec was on board and supportive from day one. Support those who support the community!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/23A2166D-62DF-4BB7-A896-7A02D232E7A2.jpg

Next up was the time consuming process of wrapping the headers. The titanium heat wrap adds some nice contrast.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/993EB7F5-756C-48BD-B285-9EC43B550534.jpg

Oh yeah, it's a V8...let's do that whole process again.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/E976ADE5-17F3-4A1E-9741-B1E58CC7A3FD.jpg

One last part to make/mod/adjust was the shifter setup, through the course of the build, you've seen us develop a few different shifter setups. Keeping stock shifter location has always been a priority for us as there are plenty of options out there for more track oriented builds that require you to hack the trans opening and ditch the interior trim. We want the interior to look stock so here is the latest version - which has already be modified from the picture!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/53E0AE38-3857-4C60-BDC5-A69C8B2B0010.jpg

As you can see, we kept the stock shifter cup but shortened the bracket a BUNCH and made a relocated shifter linkage. The biggest reason for this setup was keeping the reverse lock out function; an important safety feature for a street car. Our previous heim joint shifter setup didn't have that function but, for a track car where you'll likely be in the lower gearing, maybe that isn't as important (but we weren't really keen on it). The goal for us was to have various setups to test and figure out what is best.

A little video of it in action (not Greg's normal voice, haha).
http://vid106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/9F34A8FB-D289-4792-9D2D-202F36936FEC.mp4

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/0E4A531C-E486-4895-AFC8-2B21EC22B1C4.jpg

A picture (taken with a potato) of the interior showing the shifter location. Fits like stock.

And finally a few of the engine sitting in the bay for hopefully the last time.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/C2A78988-949C-42C1-B3D4-DA078E78D347.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/A87CAE1F-3479-4ED5-A3A7-054D2B49BB4E.jpg

[future]

This turns me on

[slow40sx]

really impressive stuff, stoked to see it all done

[onehundredoctane]

Loving the build, esp the headers, I'm a sucker for one off, equal length headers. Can't wait to hear this thing!

[Royal_T]

Love the build.. Keep it up

[irritatedmax]

This turns me on

Haha. Thanks!

really impressive stuff, stoked to see it all done

Thanks man!

Loving the build, esp the headers, I'm a sucker for one off, equal length headers. Can't wait to hear this thing!

Yeah the first start up is going to magical.

Love the build.. Keep it up

You too man. I'd love to see the craziness that resulted from a Royal_T VK56 build.

[c-los13]

holy shit......

[AzS13hatch]

This build is full of awesome! I love all the custom parts and your dedication to build everything over and over again until you think its perfect. Much respect!

[nickmat619]

I think i am most excited to see this build finished above all the rest i follow. this thing is going to be so rad when done! great job guys!

[irritatedmax]

holy shit......

This build is full of awesome! I love all the custom parts and your dedication to build everything over and over again until you think its perfect. Much respect!

I think i am most excited to see this build finished above all the rest i follow. this thing is going to be so rad when done! great job guys!

Thanks guys. The support and acknowledgment means a lot!

I'll try and get an update posted this weekend.

[irritatedmax]

We left off with the engine in the bay for the last time and now it's just ticking off items to get it ready for start up. These are the small jobs that suck up time but don't look that impressive in pictures. Either way, progress is progress!

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914179.jpg

First up was the serpentine belt. We relocated the power steering pump so a different belt was needed. Here it is all together. Relocating the PS pump made it so clearancing the battery tray area isn't required, but not a required mod for the swap.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914180.jpg

Next was the heater core lines. Obviously there aren't any VK56 to S13 heater core hoses at the local parts store so here's the solution for now.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__21135376.jpg

And a pic of the part numbers for reference later. Those and two 5/8" to 3/4" hose splices and eight 1.24" hose clamps.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914183.jpg

We needed a throttle body solution as well. The stock Titan TB is DBW which does us no good so we opted for a LS2 TB. This one came from a seller on eBay freshly ported (80-90mm) and cheaper than OEM units including the sensors. There was a lot of positive feedback on them so it seemed like a win-win. The stock VK56 TB is only 70mm and a common gripe in the Titan community. We'll be developing an intake manifold down the road so this serves that purpose as well since we for sure won't be making it with a restrictive 70mm opening. It'll be cool to do back to back dyno pulls swapping only the intake manifold and see the differences.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914184.jpg

To make it work, Greg made up a little adapter plate.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914186.jpg

And bolted up it looks pretty darn good! This is an aspect of the build we haven't touched until now so it's kind of cool to see it come together.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914187.jpg

Intake on the car and the starter bolted on underneath, the engine is looking like an engine!

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914182.jpg

This means we can move on to the other most fun aspect of building a car - wiring! Actually, if you'll recall, we kind of cheated here and bought Forsberg's old BigStuff3 ECU and wiring full setup from his old Z. This helped direct the TB purchase and simplified the wiring situation since it's nearly plug and play.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20979715.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914181.jpg

Woot woot! It's coming together and looking like a complete engine package.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20946948.jpg

This being the first of a few cars we've got planned, Greg laid out the stock VK harness to make a template. We'll be exploring different ECU options the next time around (probably AEM or MS3Pro since they're so popular and "supported") and likely making our own engine harness.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2016/S__20914188.jpg

Can we turn the key yet???

[future]

Start this bitch!

[irritatedmax]

Where did the last month go?!?! I was trying to stay on top of updating.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676048.jpg

The shop got tiddied up a bit - love that wheel poke.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676036.jpg

The clutch line got did...and re-did. It's now an AN hose setup with banjo fittings for the master and slave cylinder.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676041.jpg

The FPR found a home, albeit not a permanent one. It will get relocated when it's intake manifold time.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676043.jpg

And the fuel filter now resides on the firewall and completes the fuel system plumbing.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676049.jpg

A little bracket was whipped up...

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676050.jpg

...which holds the power steering reservoir. This uses the stock Titan PS reservoir but a s-chassis one could be used as well.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676039.jpg

On to the brakes, the modified brake pedal setup got a little paint. If you'll recall, we toyed around with ways to keep the stock booster setup. It wasn't in the cards so we're going boosterless. There's now a few kits on the market to make it an easy conversion. We wanted to try something a bit different which seems fitting for the build.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676037.jpg

Delete/mouting plate being made.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21921795.jpg

The grand scheme coming together.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21929986.jpg

And the new dual master cylinder setup in and waiting to be plumbed. There is a balance bar incorporated into the modified brake pedal.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21716994.jpg

The most recent project involved the above tools.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21766150.jpg

Out came the intake cam - the one with the cam angle sensor marks.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21766148.jpg

The stock VK pattern is a 1-2-3-4 notch type pattern. The BigStuff3 needs a single notch so the unnecessary ones were filled and smoothed.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21774339.jpg

And then things put back together which more or less brings us up to date.

Greg is currently going through the checklist of connections and sensors to make sure the ECU is communicating with the engine. From there, we can maybe crank this thing???

[future]

What exactly is going on in the last pictures?

[mikey976]

not sure if you have seen this but a titan owner one guy put together this
http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-performance-modifications/177058-milenkos-project-90mm-titan-manifold.html apparently tuned makes much closer to 400whp on a titan on uprev

[irritatedmax]

What exactly is going on in the last pictures?

I'm speculating a bit, but I think Greg was checking the physical position of the cam mark in order to setup/confirm what the ECU was reading.

not sure if you have seen this but a titan owner one guy put together this
http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-performance-modifications/177058-milenkos-project-90mm-titan-manifold.html apparently tuned makes much closer to 400whp on a titan on uprev

I'll have to take a look at the thread. I remember looking at a few where they were comparing mustang and LS and Porsche manifolds trying to put something together that would be a close fit. Definitely curious to see what they did though.

[mikey976]

Simply the guy figured out and now offers a service to cut the TB flange off the vk plenum and graft an LS2 TB flange in so you can utilize a 90+mm TB

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[IIIXziuR]

Excellent work on that exhaust setup.
It came up really cool looking I must say!

[irritatedmax]

Simply the guy figured out and now offers a service to cut the TB flange off the vk plenum and graft an LS2 TB flange in so you can utilize a 90+mm TB

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Nice that seems like the easy solution to the overly complicated ideas they had at first. The TB neck is a huge restriction so I'm sure that makes a big difference. Thanks for sharing!

Excellent work on that exhaust setup.
It came up really cool looking I must say!

Thanks! I'll pass along the compliments to Greg.

[slow40sx]

anything new??

[dluevanos01]

On to the brakes, the modified brake pedal setup got a little paint. If you'll recall, we toyed around with ways to keep the stock booster setup. It wasn't in the cards so we're going boosterless. There's now a few kits on the market to make it an easy conversion. We wanted to try something a bit different which seems fitting for the build.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21676037.jpg

Delete/mouting plate being made.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21921795.jpg

The grand scheme coming together.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/thetopcow/vk%20post%2017/S__21929986.jpg

And the new dual master cylinder setup in and waiting to be plumbed. There is a balance bar incorporated into the modified brake pedal.



Very impressive! nice build

[StyleUp]

Any updates with this build?

[thetopcow]

There is an update coming in the near future. I would say about a month or so. The project lives! It's just been dormant.

[future]

She runs!?

[OBEEWON]

Love this!

[irritatedmax]

How long it's been, how long it's been!!! Wow, certainly overdue for an update and it's finally a good one. But first you ask, why did the build take a bit of a pause? Well, like most things, life has a way of changing directions and life/family priorities come before the fun stuff. Basically around the time of the last update, Greg and family relocated from Oklahoma back to Nebraska. For our long time blog readers, you'll recall that yes we're from Nebraska so while Oklahoma was good, a good job opportunity and the chance to be near friends and family made moving back home a win-win.

The lose in the equation was Greg was stuck with apartment life while things normalized. He and I had been on the hunt for a suitable and comparable shop to our place in Oklahoma and nothing was coming available. Shop space around the Omaha area was either 20,000 square feet or 800 square feet and $1,000 or just in a not ideal location. No doubt we were spoiled by our place in Oklahoma.

Finally, the future of Brickhouse caught a break when a house came on the market that fit what Greg and family were looking for and came equipped with detached 3 car shop space.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/06EB9B71-8D3B-4A98-8751-B1076AF06FEF.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/706217B0-39D0-4D2F-8BF1-8FCAF61E6C32.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/2BC03200-5421-4D7F-B445-8A0EB655E9BB.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/F7D4C1D8-7497-403B-84C3-EF5E3A51A804.jpg

Square footage wise, it comes out to be the same as our Oklahoma shop just without the office hogging a corner of work space and six car parking outside instead of two. Heated, insulated, and pretty much perfect for our needs.

First up while it was bare and empty was finishing it off with some paint...just to make the walls a nice shade of one color. I've always found it puzzling how many garages end up staying unfinished.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/15F7D3E6-F363-4F93-B41F-69FC6C17F79F.jpg

Greg trying his hand at graffiti before it's covered up. Greg's a talented artist believe it or not. This might not do him justice.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/E77498C8-7997-4D97-9BC3-77F89723A7EF.jpg

So with the household goods moved and the shop's walls painted, it was time to move the shop! So off to Oklahoma!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/ED14F48A-96F3-4DD1-86A4-ED3E80264AE8.jpg

"Reunited and it feels so good."

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/2A1EE652-8C1B-4FEC-9CF3-7B648E97300D.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/8B193961-F6DA-44FB-ABD7-B93B52351343.jpg

The biggest challenge no doubt was the plasma table. Greg's cleverness paid off.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/1F92C4E6-5DB4-4B9D-A6B8-49F8BBF3EFEC.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/C4FDA717-E563-4E65-BF95-C8C3E33F5580.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/A01A817F-6743-40E8-865B-AE8488C20ECB.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/7B36AC0F-5E4D-4E5B-943D-1E0BF9145987.jpg

After rigging up a bit of a track system, it was all loaded up and the shop was bare.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/06DDF4B1-9652-47E8-A616-9385986571D4.jpg

Good bye shop, you were good to us (sat full of our stuff for 10 months and no one messed with anything! phew!)

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/14AEB643-F00C-4B8E-B385-9FC289CC208C.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/3B22CEB7-5B02-4AE5-8E86-BE92B1CF1628.jpg

That sure filled up the place...and now the least pleasant job of any move, getting things organized.

The remotely spatially aware will realize the new place doesn't have as high of ceiling as the old so Greg had to get a bit clever in hanging some items. First transferring over the wheel rack...

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/81FC8140-6EAA-40B7-A2EA-47E683A6164C.jpg

And then a home for the bumpers...

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/3B9CEE83-88BA-4AF4-859F-BD2B3369BDF7.jpg

Things are starting to come together. This is the first bay and somewhat the catch all at the moment.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/CD161CED-810A-4BC8-AA24-9D6805BA2402.jpg

Looking good!

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/9C464112-8634-43AA-86F5-1DC98CCD1ACC.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/C41C2047-4248-4E3E-B533-89D5C360A684.jpg

Here's all anyone is really interested in:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/FC8B7FC7-FB1E-4FF2-A241-D7111727E3B9.jpg

So good to see some more pictures of this thing! And believe it or not, I've never seen it with it's front bumper on. That front red rebar is an eyesore though. Something must be done about that.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/752DFFEA-738E-4D83-AB57-C01D379BA823.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/FC503F27-2E4B-4AEE-AC4C-357F4EEEA817.jpg

Inspecting the wheel fitment while organizing this end of the shop. Just a touch of camber.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/C321782E-7F94-4CD3-A56E-B587C11D21DB.jpg

A bit more situated AND THANK THE HEAVENS NO MORE RED REBAR!!!

The VK56 looks so gnarly in there.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/6E84D777-8048-4DB3-A82F-2F319E725CEC.jpg

Manifold doesn't clear the hood? Don't care. We'll address that after it's running.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/FA7D20B8-8B1E-49D0-B09D-CE812FDF214C.jpg

And behind door number 2 is the Crap Hatch. Greg started the tube front many moons ago in Oklahoma and it needs buttoned up. This thing will be the home of the built KA that was originally in Steve's S14 (Hulk Smash) and then in Minty and now the engine dolly it rolls around on. This thing is going to be built for thrashing.

Speaking of my/Steve's 14, there it sits in the foreground wrapped in plastic. I'm super pumped and a bit nervous for the day this thing gets unwrapped as it's going on about 6 years now of sitting in a barn. But we'll be needing a S14 to test the VK swap kit fitment on so...

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/8BDADCE8-D915-499C-8D51-599C5330DF17.jpg

So there we have it. Life happens sometimes and with a bit of patience and good planning you can come out on top! Super stoked Brickhouse has a new home! Can't wait to put the CNC plasma to work getting these VK swap mounts built! Thanks for everyone's patience and nudges asking for updates while things were dormant!

And a parting shot that gets me all warm and tingly inside!
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/540A4C13-C22A-4AE4-B482-E36DDD599ACA.jpg

[ka-titties]

AWESOME update!

i'm really glad to see you guys are still at it.

[future]

Finally! So close


What all is left?

[irritatedmax]

AWESOME update!

i'm really glad to see you guys are still at it.

Thanks! Almost there!

Finally! So close


What all is left?

Indeed! It was cranking before the move so just get it to fire, run some brake lines, and address any leaks that pop-up.

[irritatedmax]

Progress in the shop continues...just hasn't made it here yet. Sorry! With the ease of uploading pics to Facebook, our facebook page has been getting all of the updates recently. If anyone wants to follow and give us a like, we'll love you forever! :D

https://www.facebook.com/brickhouseproductsllc/

And really if you have questions about anything, messaging the page is a great way to get a hold of us. Or if you're on Instagram, I'm @brickhouse_steve and Greg is @brickhouse_greg.

I'll get a proper update posted here hopefully in the next week or so, but the urge to get on the track has driven Greg to get back on what we've dubbed The History Hatch build. The black hatch shell he started tube fronting a few updates back. We literally had all of the parts to assemble it from various projects through the years just taking up space in storage so he's been putting in time getting it together to make a fun track car.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/The%20History%20Hatch/CAFCF859-68E1-4653-AD30-77B96830A4F7.jpg

It already and fired and runs so it's just a matter of buttoning up loose ends to try and make the next drift event Aug 13th weekend! Once it's wrapped up, it's back to the VK build!

[future]

That's not a V8

[5280VertDET]

That's not a V8

Literally the first words out of my mouth... :ugh:

[future]

Fuck the black car


Get that Vk running

[ka-titties]

wow... some harsh response to the KA car lol.

[irritatedmax]

Hey all! Going to go back a fill in the blanks a bit with a proper post, but we've taken the build to youtube! We'll get better at the whole thinking and talking on camera thing, editing and such! It just seemed like a more interactive way to share the build/progress.

And for the most current progress, follow us on Instagram:
@brickhouse_steve (instagram.com/brickhouse_steve)
@brickhouse_greg (www.instagram.com/brickhouse_greg)

Or Facebook:
facebook.com/brickhouseproductsllc (www.facebook.com/brickhouseproductsllc)

Those are just wayyyy easier to update on fly, so check them out! Everyone's support is greatly appreciated. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epv--wcfLYs

[irritatedmax]

So to catch things up from the last post...

Greg pulled my 14 out of storage. It was wrapped in plastic and such as you saw but this was still the result of 6 years in a barn.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/14488115_213846532376258_8629627266705391616_n.jpg

Looking a bit better after a hose off.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/14701236_1612663405703088_3619455788872892416_n.jp g

And about that time, we picked up another VK56 and CD009 for mock up.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/14574137_120970241714561_2319090870197944320_n.jpg

Shortly after this, my family and I moved back to America from Japan. Day before Thanksgiving to be exact. I'm now in the shop full time. Greg and I spent a good portion of December revamping/organizing the shop. S13 and S14 under the same roof again. Now both with VK56's in their bays.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/IMG_20161227_114151785_HDR.jpg

VK56 in S14 bay. Still working on final location.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/15802375_1880113185546931_8717696932614504448_n.jp g

We got the GK Tech high clearance front sway bar and shifter relocation kit to help give us more oil pan clearance and a reference to locate the engine in the bay.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/IMG_20161231_085713439_HDR.jpg

Night and day difference comparing clearance of stock sway bar and the GK Tech bar. In the left pic, the left bar is the stock sway bar. Right pic is GK Tech.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/IMG_20170103_133433_882.jpg

I made up some S13 SR coilpack covers to get familiar with the CAD software and CNC plasma cutter. So much fun to be able to create whatever you want.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/IMG_20170105_154120896_HDR.jpg

Next up was oil pan flange creation/testing.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/IMG_20161228_171150631.jpg

And had to get the 13 out of the shop and had a nice 32 degree day so gave it a wash. Looking awesome.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/IMG_20170108_165056975_HDR.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/IMG_20170108_165500478_HDR.jpg

Awesome transformation this car has gone through over the past almost 7 years. It was originally supposed to be a simple street car with S13 SR. Haha.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/irritatedmax/Minty%20VK56%20Build/IMG_20170109_212225_565.jpg

Lots more going on but progress is happening faster than ever. Have some other exciting projects and announcements coming soon as well. 2017 is off to a great start!

[Standard]

Great to see an update on this, keep it up guys!

That cnc plasma cutter is so cool!

Quick question, looks like you had to remove the tc rod bracket brace to fit the gktech sway bar, is it not compatible with a "power brace"? Car looks great btw!!

[irritatedmax]

Great to see an update on this, keep it up guys!

That cnc plasma cutter is so cool!

Quick question, looks like you had to remove the tc rod bracket brace to fit the gktech sway bar, is it not compatible with a "power brace"? Car looks great btw!!

Thanks man! This was a power brace we made from eyeballing pics of the Nismo one. I'd guess it's similar position so I'd suspecy the high clearance sway bar would hit a powerbrace. You could just weld the bar further toward the front to clear which is what we might do if we make another.

[irritatedmax]

The build continues - Episode 2!

https://youtu.be/k5Uvs34jAwg

[irritatedmax]

Episode 3!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ls30gIiyr34

[irritatedmax]

Episode 4 is up and while it lags behind actual progress it shows the work to get it to where it is. Really got to make sure all the fab work is done before paint so there's a lot that has gone in to it up to this point. It all takes time, but we're getting there!

https://youtu.be/NT15NTZ4r-o

[ka-titties]

I'm really enjoying following the your guys' progress on IG.

[irritatedmax]

I'm really enjoying following the your guys' progress on IG.

Thanks man! So much easier to keep up with regular posting on IG. What's your IG?

[ka-titties]

@dimitriarnaoutis

[irritatedmax]

@dimitriarnaoutis

Oh nice! How's cage stuff coming?

[ka-titties]

Oh nice! How's cage stuff coming?

Life and work have been getting in the way a lot recently, but I just got in my bender, got all my materials delivered on Friday and I got the material to make the bender stand. Should be making jungle gyms in no time :2f2f:

[irritatedmax]

Life and work have been getting in the way a lot recently, but I just got in my bender, got all my materials delivered on Friday and I got the material to make the bender stand. Should be making jungle gyms in no time :2f2f:

I totally understand that. Always something pulling attention and time away from whatever you're working on. Good luck with the cage - I'll be watching progress on IG!

[irritatedmax]

Big milestone in the build - roll cage is done! In this video we take a look at it coming together. Still lots more work to do but, oh boy, it feels sooooo good to have the cage wrapped up!

And somehow or another, I botched the export settings (or something) so it's not full screen for whatever reason (insight is appreciated). I'll get it sorted for the next go around - we've got a lot more footage to get through at the moment.

https://youtu.be/96Q9UqesvzI

[irritatedmax]

It's been a couple of month with a lot of work and a lot of progress so time for an update! Those following along on instagram - @brickhouse_products (https://www.instagram.com/brickhouse_products/) - or the facebook page - Brickhouse Products LLC (https://www.facebook.com/brickhouseproductsllc/) - should be pretty much up to speed, but, for those following the build thread or youtube series, this will bring things current. This time in written form.

My photobucket is down so here is a link to the write up on the Brickhouse blog (www.brickhouseproducts.com/blog). I know it will all be view-able there at least. This is the first half of bringing things current; the second half is in the works as I write this so should be up today or tomorrow.

http://brickhouseproducts.com/2017/07/08/s14-vk56-build-update-2/

And if the youtube links are down (as they seem to be for me); our youtube channel is Brickhouse Products (https://www.youtube.com/c/BrickhouseProducts). Episode 6 is up on the channel, but I forgot to post it here...whooooops.

[ka-titties]

LHD S15 daaaaaaasssssshhhhhh

:kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss:

[irritatedmax]

LHD S15 daaaaaaasssssshhhhhh

:kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss:

Same way I feel! hahahaha

For everyone else who didn't click the link:

http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_20170617_081358673-1024x576.jpg

[5280VertDET]

http://i.imgur.com/PmhD1km.gif

[ka-titties]

put me on the list, plz. spot #1.

[irritatedmax]

It's been a while! I think most of the build thread is down since Photobucket decided to break the internet in the worst way. But the entire build is on our blog - brickhouseproduct.com/blog (Brickhouse Products Blog) under the Hulk Smash category for S14 specific stuff. So if you're seeing blocked pictures in the thread here, please check it out there. :(

And a few of the recent YouTube links seem to be down (at least on my end?)...so if that's the case for others, our channel is Brickhouse Products (http://youtube.com/c/brickhouseproducts).

We've got a few new videos uploaded and more to come as we get back into it. It's really become the new way to do a "build thread" which is sad for us old guys but great because it really lets you show and explain things much clearer sometimes.

Episode 6: Corbeau FX1 seat and last of chassis work
https://youtu.be/KfNLkQIxZk0

"Season 2" Launch & General Update
https://youtu.be/NMdXWd4N8gA

Episode 7 - The S14 gets Paint and we talk DIY Paint Jobs
https://youtu.be/-5yT8I2klIU

And onto more traditional build thread updates...

http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_20171212_081222812-e1515253566812.jpg

We're selling our BigStuff3 ECU setup for VK56. This is from Chris Forsberg's old Formula D setup and we're just going a different route that will be a bit easier for end users to replicate...thus making the swap easier for end users. So if anyone is looking for a pretty darn complete ECU setup to run their VK56, holler! ECU, wiring harness with stock coilpack plugs, stock injector plugs, crank trigger wheel and sensor setup, map sensor, etc.

http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_20180101_170353962-e1515253585907.jpg
http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_20180101_170346062-e1515253617102.jpg

And in other VK56 swap progress, we pulled our protoype front sump oil pan to make some revisions. Clearance and fit in the bay were pretty spot on; we just need to revamp somethings to make production and install a bit easier. So stay tuned for Ver.2 coming soon. This is really an essential part in bringing the swap to the masses in bolt-on fashion...and crucial for my own S14 to be running this year! Haha

http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_20180104_174053283-e1515253697336.jpg

http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_20180104_174045184-e1515253683452.jpg

And on the interior side of things, we just pulled our first S15 left hand drive dash from the mold! We've got so much time to get to this point; it's something I've dreamed about for the past few years so it's really exciting to be so close to installing it!

http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_20171220_080651719-e1515253670529.jpg
http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_20171220_080646751-e1515253659719.jpg
http://brickhouseproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IMG_20171220_080728619-e1515253647257.jpg

And just for reference, there's pics of the plug (the object the mold is created from) with an OEM RHD S15 dash. We really tried to keep everything true to OEM as possible while making it functional. Love this thing!

More to come as the cold weather is upon and there's no better place to be than the warm shop! Really aiming to run all of 2018 local events!

[tuzzio]

So awesome. I might have to do this...my dash is already out.

[hanzbrady]

Holy shit that dash is awesome, what do we have to do to get a S13 version made????

[future]

Glad to see this still around

[irritatedmax]

Holy shit that dash is awesome, what do we have to do to get a S13 version made????Thank you!

Install wise, it fits S13 and S14 without modification. RHD cars have been doing it for years. S13 door cards clear the corners of the dash. S14 door cards foul on the big buldge they have at the upper corners. The windshield arc is same as S14 and S13 is only slightly different. We have mocked up pics on Instagram @brickhouse_products. Or our FB page, Brickhouse Products LLC.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

[irritatedmax]

Glad to see this still aroundThanks! We're in it too far to stop now! Haha.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk