GA: S13 build

[S13project]

Went out to VA for groceries. Figured they might have something a bit different than what I'm used to in Atlanta.

Didnt really find anything all that different but I did come home with this
https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/gc8sti/Tha%20RHD%20S13/IMG_2654.jpg

Immediately got to work on the lesser seen parts
https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/gc8sti/Tha%20RHD%20S13/IMG_5251.jpg

https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/gc8sti/Tha%20RHD%20S13/IMG_5131.jpg

https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/gc8sti/Tha%20RHD%20S13/IMG_1560.jpg

Turned my attention to the areas I would see day in and day out walking past it or getting in for a drive

https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/gc8sti/Tha%20RHD%20S13/IMG_4924.jpg

https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/gc8sti/Tha%20RHD%20S13/IMG_0654.jpg

https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/gc8sti/Tha%20RHD%20S13/IMG_1504.jpg

https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a247/gc8sti/Tha%20RHD%20S13/IMG_0438.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49119542638_5625ea58c5_b.jpg

Then I just went full idiot
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49120046626_1de76ae33a_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49119542718_00d7199e29_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49119542743_e12186e370_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49120239482_d7687db7e2_b.jpg

Least the engine bay paint came out all sparkles

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49119580863_89d3aa6c78_b.jpg

In the middle of building an S14 SR to toss in with a few fun bits, then fresh TH1 paint with a couple other exterior parts and I can hopefully be back to enjoying it again.

[Krusty_s13]

I would do dirty things for that hood!

Excited for the rest of the build. Looks great!

[tuzzio]

Car definitely has some cool bits.

Also, sup with the fortune autos? ha

[Thursday7]

That column TT holder, I see you.

[tuzzio]

That column TT holder, I see you.

Open them eyes and you'll see its a blitz TT / boost gauge!

[PoorMans180SX]

Very cool and clean build, Looking forward the the end result.

[d_nice]

Wow so far nothing here is wrong. Looks good and cant wait for your outcome.

[EFITTZY]

Glad you made a build thread for this beauty! In for updates

[Eddiemac]

This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

[S13project]

I would do dirty things for that hood!

Excited for the rest of the build. Looks great!

Honestly lightest hood I've ever picked up. Aramid fiber is no joke. Feels more like fabric than a fiber......definitely a real pain to drill/cut cleanly. Found that out when installing Quik Latch hood pins.

Another hood pic for the hell of it
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49201842772_af0ef22a2c_b.jpg

Car definitely has some cool bits.

Also, sup with the fortune autos? ha

I sold one set I had, but not sure if it was these or the aircup versions that I had. Will check to make sure.


Open them eyes and you'll see its a blitz TT / boost gauge!

Damn, you know you're old school Blitz bits

Very cool and clean build, Looking forward the the end result.

Same! Currently putting together an S14 SR20. Glad I didn't just drop it in and go. Opted to refresh pumps and check over the motor. Was hopeful that would be it, but went south after finding out it had crank walk. Seems previous owner either slapped it together in a rush foregoing the torque specs....or simply forgot the thrust washer cause we never found it. Cant imagine it was entirely eaten up. Oh well.....had to open the cylinders so.....HKS 87mm pistons (hate they don't make 86.5mm). HKS step one valvetrain. And a fancy GTIII RS spinner. Motor already had the old step one cams thus why I'm sticking with mostly HKS bits. Am pretty sure it will clear 300whp, so will be dealing with drivetrain as well soon enough.

Mmmmmmm packaging
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49201148528_f7c1048f91_b.jpg

Glad you made a build thread for this beauty! In for updates

Thanks man! Figured it was time (since the S14 continues to be my forever project)

[da_crew10]

Damn this build is getting cooler and cooler!

[Krusty_s13]

Honestly lightest hood I've ever picked up. Aramid fiber is no joke. Feels more like fabric than a fiber......definitely a real pain to drill/cut cleanly. Found that out when installing Quik Latch hood pins.



Who is producing that aramid fiber hood?

[S13project]

Who is producing that aramid fiber hood?



Behrman Technora

[gbaby2089]

Is the final ride height going to be a lot lot lot lot better than in the OP?

[Krusty_s13]

Behrman Technora

Ah yeah, Behrman. The fitment is spot on!

[TheRealSy90]

HKS step one valvetrain.

What's the deal with the HKS packaged rocker arms? Are they just standard Nissan rockers?

EDIT: Sorry I looked them up, appears to be standard Nissan rockers with some sort of vague coating that HKS has applied. Couldn't find any other info.

[S13project]

What's the deal with the HKS packaged rocker arms? Are they just standard Nissan rockers?

EDIT: Sorry I looked them up, appears to be standard Nissan rockers with some sort of vague coating that HKS has applied. Couldn't find any other info.

Yea wish they said more about whatever they did or didnt do to the oem rockers.

Changing up the wheels. Promodas will be fronts 17x9+18 very glad a friend decided to sell these.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49211450233_375c42b6b9_b.jpg
Advan RG1s will get stripped and redone in white and become rears 17x9.5+22
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49201843407_4bd8e44180_b.jpg

And the shiny 87mm HKS piston set
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49211957196_8da1ce8cdd_b.jpg

[S13project]

Always little things that cause long hold ups. Like waiting on this guy
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49492974233_7d058d4886_b.jpg

Thought the trans was in good shape....turns out not so much. Synchros were a bit worn and one of the needle bearings had gone bad. Glad to catch it now, but still puts a hold up on the build. Finally going to try out the OS Giken close ration setup. If math is correct it shouldn't be screaming during daily highway cruise and will have ability to hold up to the torque levels I think the motor will be making.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49492983638_a1f3816e93_b.jpg

Wont be sitting like this much longer
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49492974488_b17d3a8049_b.jpg

[S14rebuild]

Nothing beats, super clean builds and attention to detail...this does not disappoint! Looks sweet

[s1421]

In for more updates on this one!!

[S13project]

Made a simple battery tray for smaller than factory battery (Miata specific). This was just test version. Gotta make a couple little changes and then it will be good to go and off to powdercoat.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49493482616_321d1aa2f0_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49514532126_119def777d_b.jpg

[Thursday7]

That's a cute tire sticker ball.

[S13project]

That's a cute tire sticker ball.

Hahahaha. Yea it's still just cute. Never would've guessed how long it takes to build one and how many shipping companies put their label on top of the tire sticker...bastards.

[ripnbst]

This thing looks quality through and through. Nice to see someone not going Ebay everything on an S-Chassis build. Keep up the fine work sir!

[S13project]

This thing looks quality through and through. Nice to see someone not going Ebay everything on an S-Chassis build. Keep up the fine work sir!

Did the budget build once before, it was best choice for my wallet and for buying tires constantly. Eventually I replaced all the ebay and beat up used parts with proper parts. Learning process, right.

After buying the Silvia, I wanted to build it the way I dreamed of building my first S13 with all the parts I drooled over back then. Somewhat of a benefit as I've found some really cool parts I had no idea existed back then.

Finally got around to refreshing the Promoda wheels I bought from a friend
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49555554201_9c9e035cbd_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49555054898_eed58d52b4_b.jpg

[S13project]

Finally put a wrench to this car again...

Anti Gravity battery is smaller than Miata battery and weighs like 15lbs. So wild. Thankfully the Blitz battery tie down still fits rather well.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50273807656_311a3075a2_b.jpg

Motor is finally in! Still have a lot to do before startup but am glad to start moving forward again.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50273131398_e147dbcd4b_b.jpg

[Thursday7]

Is that a GP Sports fan blade I see?

[S14rebuild]

ohhh lookn..SPICY!!!

[PoorMans180SX]

Very cool stuff, HKS all the things, hah. What is the firewall covering? Who made your turbo manifold?

[S13project]

Is that a GP Sports fan blade I see?
Spot on spotting!
ohhh lookn..SPICY!!!
Thanks man! Definitely taking longer than I had planned but will get there at some point.
Very cool stuff, HKS all the things, hah. What is the firewall covering? Who made your turbo manifold?
Have dreamed of HKS all the things since I started messing with 240s. Very happy to finally be fulfilling my younger me dreams. Hahaha.

The firewall has HeatShield Products Lava Shield heat barrier on it. The 0.008 is much easier to get smooth over all the bumps and corners on the schassis firewall. The turbo manifold is Sinco Customs. Can?t wait to hear everything scream at 7k.

Hopefully won?t be 3-4 months before I get more done. Waiting on the trans build to get finished up along with a handful of other things before I can start getting ready for the dyno.

[S13project]

After finding out the motor needed to pulled out and torn down again for inspection....not what I had hoped to deal with, but ended up being glad we did. Previous motor builder decided to phone it in and play mismatch with the #4 rod caps. Did same with mains along with some junk nasty bearing. All together causing the motor to refuse to turn over when we went to turn nit by hand (my own fault for waiting until it was in the car, but this was a 'trusted' motor builder). To top it all off the front cover was not decked with the block so would've immediately blown the head gasket upon start up with my luck. Thus why it ended up being a good thing. After tearing it down to see what the was fuss I took the motor to Sammy Tiger at Tiger Racing to give it a full overhaul. Spins like butter now and is back in the car (3rd times the charm right?!?). Slapped on a couple more parts......still a few more to go but it's finally nearing the day it goes to the tuner for base tune, break-in, and then full tunes.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0107.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0156.JPG?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_8395.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_8315.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

[[email protected]]

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_8315.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

Is that a replica aero bumper? Looks like the one I just bought. Any modifications to make it fit?

[S13project]

Is that a replica aero bumper? Looks like the one I just bought. Any modifications to make it fit?

No modifications for me. Fit up better than the factory one (first for me). Wasn't about to hack up the original to test first the bumper vents and risk messing it up beyond repair. Went much better than I had stressed over, but that's also probably due to not being as worried causing overthinking and thus mistakes.

[Stein180sx]

No modifications for me. Fit up better than the factory one (first for me). Wasn't about to hack up the original to test first the bumper vents and risk messing it up beyond repair. Went much better than I had stressed over, but that's also probably due to not being as worried causing overthinking and thus mistakes.

T. You are a way better man than I would have been through that whole situation. Car is coming together great!

[Avayo]

Man this thing is good. Nice work so far!

[k00laid83]

This thing is looking great!!

[kennedy8383]

clean work

[S13project]

Thanks guys! Always feels like the build is under slow mo or something. Still dealing with 326UK sending me S14 coils (thus the current stance). Rear is completely bottomed, front only has 5mm more it can be lowered and no point when I am wanting to lower it another inch all around at minimum. 326UK has stopped returning emails. Covid hitting right as the email chain started didn't help anything either. Japan keeps directing me to UK and USA. 326 USA, understandably, didn't want any part of a refund/exchange due to UK mistake. So am now at a loss as I was dead set on 326 after talking with friends (and been fanboy for years). Dreams would be fly to Japan and order in person so I know everything is exactly what it should be......next best is most likely Streeter.

Sorry for rant. Just bummed. I get mistakes happen, and I don't even care who or what just want the correct coils I originally ordered.

T. You are a way better man than I would have been through that whole situation. Car is coming together great!

Yea not much I could about all the motor fuss. Accept and move forward. Sad when somebody you trust and believe in lets you down like that. Always figured no matter what I could trust in his motor building. Nope. So am very thankful Sammy Tiger was able to get it proper sorted and corrected for me.

[dizzariot]

Which replica bumper did you go with?

This whole car fills me with great longing. Is this original TH1?

[S13project]

Which replica bumper did you go with?

This whole car fills me with great longing. Is this original TH1?

It is original TH1 and plan is stay same when it comes time for repaint. Bumper is VSaero. Had to let it sit in sun for a couple days with weights and such to put it back into correct factory shape (they basically roll them up for shipping).

[S13project]

326 Japan came through!
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0267.JPG?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds

Rusty rack now fully refreshed and much brighter
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0566.JPG?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds

Together at last....ignore the completely stock LCA......I did :(
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0574.JPG?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds

Staring at them will make the car finish itself sooner
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0564.JPG?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds

Still a ways to go. Fuel setup is coming together one piece at a time. Rear diff is waiting on stub conversion then the car can roll around again like a 1:1 scale HotWheels. Exhaust needs to be fabbed and hung. Bunch of vacuum lines and minor wiring adjustments still to be done. Then prime pressure and check for any leaks.

[S13project]

Engine bay nearly complete
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0846.JPG?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds

Pulled it out for a bath
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0853.JPG?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds
https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a247/gc8sti/IMG_0848.JPG?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds

Waiting patiently for ReinHard exhaust box to arrive. Still needs a catch can setup, alignment, and then tuning. Nearly a daily again.

[Thursday7]

Sorry if you mentioned it earlier, but what manifold is that? Is it stock location bottom mount T2?

[S13project]

Sorry if you mentioned it earlier, but what manifold is that? Is it stock location bottom mount T2?

It's a Sinco manifold. It is stock location bottom mount for use with stock flange turbos. Hoping to hear it scream soon