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concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:46 PM
Yep, it's an Escort.

The car (don't be jealous, now):



Uploaded with ImageShack.us


This car was bought for my girlfriend to replace her old Tore-Ass. It's a 1993 Escort GT purchased for the princely sum of $700, which turned out to NOT be a great deal. Turns out what i thought was a dropped shifter was in fact a grenaded transmission. The motor, while making good power, turned out to quite obviously not have the 58k miles the car was advertised to have. (Stupid me. DUH.) Try more like.... 258k miles. (lol carfax, thanks.) The valve seals were shot, bushings were toast, suspension was scary, and brakes sucked.

Replaced:
New transmission
New springs and struts
New front brakes
New intake tube
Full tuneup.
New clutch slave cylinder


And it drove ok, and was decently fun. We decided to make it into a fun street car, ending up with a mods list that looked like this:

Leaky exhaust
Tokico HP struts
Megan Racing springs
Pierce Motorsports front 4 point tie bar
Energy Suspension bushings
Energy Suspension mount inserts
Josh_LX delrin endlinks
Pacesetter adjustable STS
MX3 rear tie bar
MX3 front and rear strut tower bars
MX3 leather shift boot
MX3 shifter console
Protege lower console
Black MX3 carpet
Clear corners
MX3 black weatherstripping
MX3 black lower dash
****ty Kenwood head unit
Kicker 6.5" front speakers powered by an old school Punch160 amp



NOW:
Now it has over 280k miles on it, and it still has plenty of power, but it's starting to show it's age in many ways. The transmission is crunchy in 2nd and 5th. The front suspension hardware won't hold torque, and loosens on it's own. The smoking is getting worse. All four strut mounts are shot. The brake system needs an overhaul.

I bought a complete low mileage head in thought that i was going to rebuild the motor, bump the compression a bit, and that she would just enjoy that. Then i found out how cheap it would be to boost it. Then i found out that FE3 swaps aren't that hard. Then SHE HEARD A KLZE.

And that's what she wanted. What girlfriend wants, she gets. She also seems to be jealous of how much fun i have at Autox events, so she wants to do that, too. In her Escort.

I've already purchased a 94 MX3 GS (with 80k miles ) for a donor.

I'm going to be upfront here and say that she could have picked many easier, cheaper, and better platforms to compete in SMF class with, and that i'm not in love with this thing. (I'm a Toyota guy, don't hold it against me.) But, this could be fun.[/QUOTE]

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:47 PM
Of course, there were two logical choices that i passed over before we decided to do this thing:

1) "XelderX" has proven that the Mazda BG platform can be VERY competitive in SCCA's FSP class. Would have simply involved a suspension and brake upgrade, and dumping in a fresh motor, go to town.

2) It was STILL fun as a street car. BP + boost would have been a great daily driver.


Buuuuutttt.... i'm special. SCCA Street Modified FWD here we come. :spin:

http://www.scca.com/documents/2011%20Tech/2011%20SCCA%20Solo%20Rules.pdf (Skip to page 107)


The Build:

MOTOR (POWER)
Straight Neck KLZE (less than 20k miles on rebuild)
DE springs and retainers
Ported/polished intake manifold w/ 65mm throttle body
Ebay headers ("M2" version w/ 2.5" outlet)
Corksport 2.5" Power Series Exhaust
King6 manual timing belt tensioner
"HEI mod"
RRacing underdrive pulley
Stoker100 chipped KL31 ecu w/ JE50 vaf

DRIVETRAIN
South Bend TZ stage 2 clutch
Fidanza 9lb flywheel
Mfactory LSD
MX3 GS trans
MX3 GS Shift linkage and stabilizer bar
AWR front and rear mounts, King6Fab side mounts
Corksport stainless braided clutch line
C's Ball Bearing Rally Shifter
Corksport "Bronzoil" shifter bushings

SUSPENSION/STEERING
Pierce Motorsports tubular/adjustable/rodended LCAs
Pierce Motorsports tubular/adjustable/rodended rear control arms
Pierce Motorsports tubular/adjustable/rodended rear trailing arms
Pierce Motorsports 2-point rear tie-bar brace
Pierce Motorsports 4-point front tie-bar brace
Race-valved Koni Yellows
Ground Control Coilovers (650f/550r)
Cusco Camber Plates/Pillowball mounts front and rear
Cusco Type ST front strut bar
Cusco Type AS rear strut bar
Swaybars to be determined
Custom rod-ended swaybar links
De-powered MX3 GS rack

WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES
Drag DR21 15x7 +35mm (temporary. RPF1 knockoffs)
Hankook Ventus RS3s 225/45-15
Centric Premium rotors
Porterfield R4S pads
Corksport stainless braided lines
New calipers all around
New master cylinder

EXTERIOR
Shaved grill
Debadged
Tracer LTS front lip
91 EGT 3-piece wing
Carbon Fiber hood
Rod Millen Motorsports rear hatch wing (if i can find one)

INTERIOR
Rear seat removed per SCCA rules
Pierce Motorsports custom harness bar
Corbeau FX1 Pro Microsuede seats and sliders/brackets
Crow 3" 5-point harness
Crow 3" 5-point harness w/ RCI shoulder belts and Simpson lap belt
MX3 steering column (necessary with MX3 rack)
JDM Mazdaspeed M-Edition MX6 leather-wrapped steering wheel
Prosport wideband
Prosport oil pressure
Prosport water temp




THE FUTURE

I will be using the 2011 SCCA season to dial the chassis/suspension in on street tires. (Hence the DR21/RS3 setup.) In 2012, i will be taking this car on the National Tour in SMF class with a real tire and am planning on going to Nationals.

Changes:

Will swap out stock motor for either built n/a KLZE on MegaSquirt, or slap an M62 on there w/ MegaSquirt. Target power is 240-250whp to compensate for what i know the top-level competition is making.

Replace gas tank with fuel cell for weight savings.

Car will be painted. Dark grey with a purple metallic flake.

Wheels will change to Kodiak Racing wheels, wrapped in 275/35-15 R-Comps.

The car will also receive a kill switch and roll bar to make it legal for SCCA Hill Climb events, and i'll be getting my liscenses for such events as well.

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:48 PM
Pics or it didn't happen!

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/9938/imgp1740d.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/imgp1740d.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Master Cylinder:

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/5057/imgp1741f.jpg (http://img838.imageshack.us/i/imgp1741f.jpg/)

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Centric Premium Rotors
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5578/imgp1742r.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/imgp1742r.jpg/)

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Porterfield R4S pads
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/7963/imgp1744m.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/imgp1744m.jpg/)

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Centric driver's side front and rear calipers
http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5773/imgp1745m.jpg (http://img593.imageshack.us/i/imgp1745m.jpg/)

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http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/8696/imgp1746u.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/imgp1746u.jpg/)

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http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/623/imgp1747.jpg (http://img845.imageshack.us/i/imgp1747.jpg/)

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Corksport Stainless Braided Lines

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/9013/imgp1749f.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/imgp1749f.jpg/)

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Crow Harnesses:
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6781/crowharnesses.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/crowharnesses.jpg/)

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Jim Pierce Special Harness Bar:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9648/harnessbar.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/i/harnessbar.jpg/)

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http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/5436/harnessbar3.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/harnessbar3.jpg/)

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http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4307/harnessbar2.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/harnessbar2.jpg/)

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Pair of Jim Pierce rear arms w/ swaybar tabs:
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/1616/reararmswithswaybartabs.jpg (http://img718.imageshack.us/i/reararmswithswaybartabs.jpg/)

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Jim Pierce rear arms and rear tie brace.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/rear_arms.JPG

Jim Pierce front LCAs

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/front_arm_1.JPG
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/front_arm_2.JPG

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:50 PM
Exhaust is here... Thought it was just going to be a cat-back, but apparently it's the whole thing? Nice surprise. Already has an o2 bung in it, so i don't have to worry about that. The fart cannon is a bit bigger than i was expecting, though. :p

http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/857/imgp1753.jpg (http://img814.imageshack.us/i/imgp1753.jpg/)

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http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3418/imgp1751.jpg (http://img810.imageshack.us/i/imgp1751.jpg/)

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http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6900/imgp1754m.jpg (http://img39.imageshack.us/i/imgp1754m.jpg/)

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concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:50 PM
Better pic of the rear arms:

http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn341/jlpierce76/DSC02896.jpg
http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn341/jlpierce76/DSC02892.jpg

Mostly complete front arm. (Waiting on pins):

http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn341/jlpierce76/DSC02917.jpg


Ooooooooooooo MOTOR!

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/200/imgp1755.jpg (http://img577.imageshack.us/i/imgp1755.jpg/)

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http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9595/imgp1756.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/i/imgp1756.jpg/)

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http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/313/imgp1757x.jpg (http://img16.imageshack.us/i/imgp1757x.jpg/)

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concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:51 PM
Stuff has arrived!

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6500/imgp1759n.jpg (http://img155.imageshack.us/i/imgp1759n.jpg/)

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http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/361/imgp1761b.jpg (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/imgp1761b.jpg/)

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http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9827/imgp1762.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/i/imgp1762.jpg/)

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http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6711/imgp1764n.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/imgp1764n.jpg/)

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http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/6870/imgp1765.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/imgp1765.jpg/)

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http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/7370/imgp1766.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/imgp1766.jpg/)

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http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9480/imgp17682.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/imgp17682.jpg/)

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http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4567/imgp1773e.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/i/imgp1773e.jpg/)

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http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9716/imgp1774.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/imgp1774.jpg/)

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http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/6237/imgp1775a.jpg (http://img543.imageshack.us/i/imgp1775a.jpg/)

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concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:51 PM
Picked up the motor on Saturday from TheFallenAngel at Mbolin5's place. :)

I left with a few other goodies, bonus points to who recognizes the first one!

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/299/imgp1778.jpg (http://img251.imageshack.us/i/imgp1778.jpg/)

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MBolin5 custom exhaust manifold gaskets:
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/654/imgp1780.jpg (http://img62.imageshack.us/i/imgp1780.jpg/)

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MBolin5 throttle body gasket:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2614/imgp1781.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/imgp1781.jpg/)

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Mbolin5 KLZE intake manifold gaskets:
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9999/imgp1782p.jpg (http://img228.imageshack.us/i/imgp1782p.jpg/)

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concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:52 PM
More stuffs!

Today's haul
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/3988/harnessbarandstuff.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/harnessbarandstuff.jpg/)

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http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9100/harnessbarandstuff2.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/harnessbarandstuff2.jpg/)

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Fidanza 9lb flywheel
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3747/fidanza.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/i/fidanza.jpg/)

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LCAs:
http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/676/lca4.jpg (http://img855.imageshack.us/i/lca4.jpg/)

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http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/796/lca2.jpg (http://img855.imageshack.us/i/lca2.jpg/)

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http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/7829/lca3.jpg (http://img853.imageshack.us/i/lca3.jpg/)

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http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/8104/lcarodend.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/lcarodend.jpg/)

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http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/7259/lca1.jpg (http://img96.imageshack.us/i/lca1.jpg/)

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JDM y0 MX6 ECU

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP1870.JPG

Headers, KLDE injectors, PS Delete belt. Not entirely happy with the Ebay headers. (DUH!) Welds look fine, and they're solid enough, but the insides right past the flanges don't line up too well, probably not helping flow. Either way, they're better than stock, and less than half the weight, so i'll live with them for now. For $140 shipped, i'm not unhappy.

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP1865.JPG


Before anyone wants to make any hilariously ignorant comments about Ebay parts: There are no other headers currently available, so suck it. :lol: :wtfisthis:

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:52 PM
Moar goodiez!!!!!

Minty fresh fogs with brackets and harness.
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/910/imgp1896o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/imgp1896o.jpg/)

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South Bend Clutch TZ Stage 2 Kevlar clutch.
http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/6444/imgp1899.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/813/imgp1899.jpg/)

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Ported and polished KLZE straight neck intake manifold w/ 64mm throttle body.
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/8586/imgp1900m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/402/imgp1900m.jpg/)

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http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/6320/imgp1905.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/815/imgp1905.jpg/)

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Cusco Camber plates/pillowball mounts.
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/786/imgp1907.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/135/imgp1907.jpg/)

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On top of Koni Yellows and Ground Controls loaded with QA1 650lb springs. (Front)
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5007/imgp1908.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/84/imgp1908.jpg/)

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Bawlin'!
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2916/imgp1910h.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/571/imgp1910h.jpg/)

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Koni Yellows w/ Ground Controls loaded with Eibach 550lb springs. (Rear)
http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/4915/imgp1914.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/imgp1914.jpg/)

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King6Fab manual timing belt tensioner.
http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/6476/imgp1915pf.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/imgp1915pf.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Valve Cover Gaskets.
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/213/imgp1916r.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/190/imgp1916r.jpg/)

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Endlinks!

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP1918.JPG


MFactory Helical LSD! (Taste the rainbow.)

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP1989.JPG


AWR Front mount, 95 durometer.

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP1990.JPG


GM ICM.

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP1991.JPG


Only the finest parts made in China for domestics!

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP1992.JPG

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:53 PM
The mx3 looks like it was raped by 5 mack trucks.......

Had to cut the rear crossbrace in half, had to walk nuts off the rear mount with an air hammer, cut upper core support, etc....:D

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/S10mafia50/2011-06-15_22-04-17_31.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/S10mafia50/2011-06-15_22-03-45_497.jpg


Best mod of the day, if you have a mx3.....
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/S10mafia50/2011-06-15_22-05-25_20.jpg

V-mounted ac condensor.......XD


You like my nuts?

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/874/20110615190744831.jpg

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/8661/imgp2040b.jpg

http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/9596/imgp2041.jpg

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/396/imgp2043c.jpg

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:54 PM
Picture dump. Spent about 3 hours on the Escort yesterday.

I was afraid of what i'd find... considering the car has just about 300k miles on it, and it was a disposable POS from the day it left the factory, and it's never been cared for.

But this thing is SOLID. Very minimal rust, and the doghouse has almost no rust at all. Very impressed and happy about it.

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/6386/imgp2778w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/709/imgp2778w.jpg/)

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http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/4606/imgp2779p.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/825/imgp2779p.jpg/)

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http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/8281/imgp2780t.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/593/imgp2780t.jpg/)

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http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/7503/imgp2781j.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/696/imgp2781j.jpg/)

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http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/9251/imgp2782.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/810/imgp2782.jpg/)

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http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/9669/imgp2783.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/585/imgp2783.jpg/)

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http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/7500/imgp2784.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/713/imgp2784.jpg/)

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http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/8735/imgp2785g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/imgp2785g.jpg/)

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http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/5478/imgp2786h.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/imgp2786h.jpg/)

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http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9116/imgp2789.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/171/imgp2789.jpg/)


http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/4650/imgp2792.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/803/imgp2792.jpg/)

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http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/3792/imgp2795.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/607/imgp2795.jpg/)

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http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/4697/imgp2796.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/808/imgp2796.jpg/)

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http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/3092/imgp2798m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/imgp2798m.jpg/)

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http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/960/imgp2799f.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/38/imgp2799f.jpg/)

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http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9958/imgp2800i.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/imgp2800i.jpg/)

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concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:55 PM
Why did you take ALL the frontend sheet metal off?

I have a replacement for all of it that i picked up a year or so ago that isn't so beat. This bumper was trashed, and there's some wiring that's easier to get to now that the fenders are off.

I've got a NOS complete bumper assy, pair of NOS fenders, and a NOS set of foglights with pigtails that are going on.

Plus having the front end completely bare for painting is a plus. One of the "nice" things about having all the parts to build one of these cars ground up in my dining room is that i can tear it completely down and actually do something "right" for a change. (Well... besides the "wrong" that exists purely because it's an Escort. :lol:)


This car is MUCH easier to deal with than the MX3.

Not having to label this harness has been nice, too.

"Where did this go?"

"I don't know, fuck it."

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:55 PM
Do do doooooo...


Disgustingly dirty engine bay. Pretty sure the crank seal had gone out on this motor before i pulled it. It was leaking everything, everywhere. Can't believe it still ran. There was a half inch of oil gunk build up on the passenger side of the bay. :tard:

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3280.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3282.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3281.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3284.JPG

Test fit... suspension seems to be fitting well.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3283.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3286.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3285.JPG



Cleaned and masked off. Notice the large patches of red paint just missing, exposing what looks to be bare metal underneath. This is where the biggest oil build-ups were. :lol:

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3288.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3289.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3290.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3291.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3292.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3293.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3294.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3295.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3296.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3297.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3298.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3299.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3300.JPG

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:56 PM
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3301.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3302.JPG


Race car kit being delivered!
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3353.JPG

Hideous garage is hideous.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3354.JPG

It's not a Lightning, but it carries parts overnighted from Japan just fine!
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3356.JPG

Unloaded, doing some cleaning.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3358.JPG

The doriftu car gets moved out for more workspace.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3359.JPG

She's up on stands finally to finish up the teardown.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3360.JPG

Stock exhaust vs. Corksport exhaust. Not a bad way to save 30-40lbs!


Cleaned up crossmember a bit. Should have seen how disgusting it was.
[img]http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3361.JPG
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3362.JPG

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:57 PM
In case anyone follows in my footsteps.

Rear control arm hardware
(2x) 28-112 $34.18
(2x) 39-037 $12.02
(2x) 34-662 $7.82
(2x) 28-113 $31.18
(2x) 34-662 $7.82
(2x) 39-037 $12.02


Rear Trailing Link Hardware
(2x) 28-116 $13.16
(2x) 34-662 $7.82
(2x) 28-114A $18.16

Rear Strut knuckle nut/bolts
(4x) 28-115A $???
(4x) 28-091 $25.24


Front Control Arm Hardware
(2x) 34-113 $17.98
(2x) 34-409 $7.74
(2x) 99971-1200 $3.00
(2x) 99971-1400 $2.40
(2x) 99921-1400 $6.90
(6x) 34-128 $39.48
(2x) 34-403 $???

Front Strut Knuckle nut/bolts
(4x) 34-112A $26.32
(4x) 34-091 $13.60


MX3 north/south Crossmember hardware and bushings
(2x) 39-811 $10.16
(2x) 34-403A $8.18
(2x) 39-813 $9.86
(2x) 39-830 $10.16
(2x) 39-820A $10.16
(2x) 99940-1211 $5.56

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:57 PM
Ran into first "new part problem."

Back in.... the very first post it seems, i received a new brake master cylinder from RockAuto.

Not sure what made me do it, but i removed the stock cylinder from the car this past weekend and checked it out. Looks like it's in good condition, somewhat clean, and it's an OEM Ford Tokico part. (Me gusta!) However, since i've never gotten good pedal feel out of this car, it's gotta go.

I grabbed the new one, just to take a look at it. It's entirely different. What the [fizzle]?

Here's what they sent me:

http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=966644&imageurl=http://info.rockauto.com/RB/M39950-006.jpg



Here's what i pulled off:

http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=861364&imageurl=http://info.rockauto.com/BeckArnley/0729108.jpg

Not. Even. Close.

So now i'm getting confused. I don't even know what the part is that they gave me is for. Maybe an Auto? But it's got the nipple on the reservoir to feed the clutch master cylinder. (Yes, dumb design, i'm not happy about it.)

I also don't think ABS was ever an option for the 93, nor does RockAuto mention anything about ABS.

Sooo.... WTF is going on?



In other POSITIVE news: Managed to pull a pair of 3rd gen ZX2 tubular rear trailing links. Shipping out to Pierce Motorsports to have them rod-ended to match the rest of the pimp shizz back there. Then off to give the powdercoater another kidney when they return i suppose.





Bringing some posts/info over here for consistency's sake.


Learn me Ferrea valves.

I asked this over on the "other" board and didn't get much help. I don't blame the one person that replied, i may not have made it clear exactly what this build is.


So here's my question:

How much gain is there to be had N/A with oversized valves? Assume stock bottom end for now, but ported heads and some cams. Yes, this car will be running a standalone.

If i get to this point, is it even worth trying to use the ZE heads anymore? Or should i be looking at the G4 SLA heads and porting them out to ZE specs?


Anyone have part numbers that they've used with success? Any Honda stuff interchange?


Not sure if you've looked into this but while your master cylinder is off is it possible for you to use an mx3 one? If so you may want to think about using their 1" mod.

http://mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php...+brake#p501583



My Mx3 master cylinder got crushed with the car.... already bought another correct Escort unit.

I'm afraid i don't understand what the info in that thread would do for me?

Would it just shorten my brake pedal travel/increase response by 6%?

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:58 PM
Is this thing on?

Anyways, some general updates, and yes, i know i'm slacking on pictures. 4th quarter sucks in my industry.


Steering rack and column is out of the car.

Another layer of paint on the front half is done, looks good.

Wheelwells were all wirebrushed then undercoated.

Rear hubs and modified 3rd gen ZX2 escort trailing arms arrived yesterday, i need to run the arms to the powdercoater so everything matches, then i can start assembling the suspension, wooo!!!!

Picked up a few other things.....

1) CZT 70mm throttle body
2) Gutted and ported "straight neck" intake manifold
3) Outlaw Thermospacers
4) Interprep valve springs


Realized yesterday that i didn't pull the MX3 fusebox and harness off. Oops. So i need to find one of those.

Spent a lot of time talking to my buddy here who knows these motors.... Megasquirt is going to happen shortly after the car runs on stock electronics. He says there's HUGE gains to be made, especially with the parts i have for this motor. He's talking ~240whp n/a on stock bottom end. That would be glorious.


There's another reason Megasquirt is going to be necessary. <evil grin>



Did somebody say "ITBs?"
Yes. I believe they did.




http://www.akilla.net/pics/cl/itb6.jpg



Peep the Kinsler pimpsauce within!

http://www.akilla.net/pics/cl/itb3.jpg

If you've heard of or just plain HEARD "The KLiata," you've heard these very same throttle bodies in action. I don't even care if they give power (and they will... LOADS of it), they sound incredible.


kl v6 miata - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toughTZ9PIw)

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:58 PM
12/23/11

Megasquirt it is!

After further research on this particular setup, the Gixxer TPS is mounted on the other side of the assembly farthest from the Kinsler arms, which means there's a perpetual delay. As soon as the TPS sees what's going on, the throttles have already blipped a bit. Not good.

On the positive side, the setup is pretty modular and it shouldn't be hard to move the TPS to a more suitable location.

On the REALLY positive side, the setup has some pretty beefy vacuum runners, which makes tuning via MAP fairly easy. (in theory, that is.)

What i think i'll do is move the TPS, then tune using both.

The newer variants of megasquirt have the ability to tune in "ITB Mode" (blended mode on the older boards) where it switches between Alpha-N and MAP depending on RPM range and throttle position. This eliminates driveability issues where in certain rev ranges using just one or the other.

Example: MAP-based only tuning: In the upper rev range, a MAP change as little as 2% could cause a fuel requirement change of 10% or more. (Possibly even more considering the nature of my engine) Bad for race conditions with fast load changes staying in the upper half.

Alpha-N tuning: Has the same problems but in the lower rpm range, horrible for cruising.


Blended/ITB mode:

http://77e21.info/images/ITB%20Tuning/ITB_VE.gif


:winning:





Yep. Shit is gonna get nerdy in here over the next couple months. :lol:

concealer404
01-06-2012, 04:59 PM
Trailing arms and new hubs have arrived. :grin:

Who's up for a suspension discussion?

I guess i didn't understand exactly what was going to be done to these things. See the pictures below.

The end that goes on the hub assembly retains stock bushings. Can anyone think of a reason for this?

Would there be any detrimental effect to making that end into a solid mount?


http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3943.JPG

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP3944.JPG



Just got an email from King6Fab (same guy that did my manual timing belt tensioner), seems the prototype MX3 side mounts are done.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b120/emxsix/mx3mounts.png

concealer404
01-06-2012, 05:04 PM
Figured you'd all want to see my ass.

http://www.munkymofo.com/images/misc/DSC_0043.gif

http://www.munkymofo.com/images/misc/DSC_0044.gif

concealer404
01-06-2012, 05:05 PM
Bored and something came back to me that i had thought about awhile back....

Which of these front ends? Keep in mind any of them will come accompanied by a rather large splitter.

Stock:
http://images1.americanlisted.com/nlarge/1993_ford_escort_gt_16739249.jpg



Pre-Facelift TX3 laser:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4601/81/24000040043_large.jpg


Facelift TX3 Laser:
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/laser_edit.JPG



I can also somewhat easily fit anything else that's a BG chassis. Includes Familia GTR/GTX if i can find them, Protege, Tracer, 323, etc.

imperfekt
01-08-2012, 01:01 AM
the old black one on the right in pic 2... looks a bit BMWish :) i dig it....



Bored and something came back to me that i had thought about awhile back....

Which of these front ends? Keep in mind any of them will come accompanied by a rather large splitter.

Stock:
http://images1.americanlisted.com/nlarge/1993_ford_escort_gt_16739249.jpg



Pre-Facelift TX3 laser:
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/4601/81/24000040043_large.jpg


Facelift TX3 Laser:
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/laser_edit.JPG



I can also somewhat easily fit anything else that's a BG chassis. Includes Familia GTR/GTX if i can find them, Protege, Tracer, 323, etc.

concealer404
01-08-2012, 09:21 AM
Thanks sir! That one is actually somewhat easy to do, too. I just have to source the bumper. The lights can be had here in the states for cheap, and i can make that grill easily. :)

concealer404
01-27-2012, 10:30 AM
Some more things.

Mounts arrived:

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP4291.jpg

Baffled catch can, not sure if i'm going to use this one or not...

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP4290.jpg


And here's some ITB porn with a sad mixed in for good measure.

Start with the sad:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6768936197_a00a52f3f5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768936197/)
IMGP4380 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768936197/) by concealer404 (http://www.flickr.com/people/66868738@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6768936455_2028e79cb2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768936455/)
IMGP4381 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768936455/) by concealer404 (http://www.flickr.com/people/66868738@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6768936767_6275756447_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768936767/)
IMGP4382 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768936767/) by concealer404 (http://www.flickr.com/people/66868738@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6768937113_ff4f3dc74b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937113/)
IMGP4383 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937113/) by concealer404 (http://www.flickr.com/people/66868738@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6768937349_3c3a94aae6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937349/)
IMGP4384 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937349/) by concealer404 (http://www.flickr.com/people/66868738@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6768937635_ec9f4c678b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937635/)
IMGP4387 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937635/) by concealer404 (http://www.flickr.com/people/66868738@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6768937901_1ccfe1e193_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937901/)
ITB 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937901/) by concealer404 (http://www.flickr.com/people/66868738@N05/), on Flickr

adamvanxxx
01-27-2012, 10:33 AM
Fuck that sad he is a dick.

concealer404
01-27-2012, 10:37 AM
Fuck that sad he is a dick.

Say what? :lol:

kung fu jesus
01-27-2012, 10:54 AM
nice progress.

for the front bumper, I would stay stock. It would be easier to replace in the event of a shunt. I ran garden channeling/edging around the front to seal off the gap and made a splitter from sheet plastic.

concealer404
03-15-2012, 10:48 PM
Slacking on pics, but here's finally pics of all the arms powdercoated.

RACE CAR SUSPENSION KIT BROUGHT TO YOU BY PURPZ.

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP4851.jpg

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP4852.jpg

kung fu jesus
03-15-2012, 11:14 PM
nice.

those purple arms are going to make Jess jealous.

concealer404
04-17-2012, 01:33 PM
You and me both, brother. I'm sick of working on it. I haven't caught a break this entire build, and the damn thing is still fighting me.

Matching AFPR and -6 inline filter pictures to follow:
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/IMGP4921.jpg



Here's some carnage from removing the old suspension off the Escort. Old carnage, finally got pictures.

The 20ton shop press had fun with this one, but still lost.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP4850.jpg

Yeah, the washer is NOT supposed to go over the thru-bolt sleeve instead of the bolt just coming out. Also: Bolt broke.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP4849.jpg

My old control arms. Or what's left of them.
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP4848.jpg

Had fun getting the trailing arms off the car on the body end. Involved sawzall. YAY!
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP4847.jpg




Testing, testing,

1
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP4855.jpg

2
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP4854.jpg

3
http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP4856.jpg


Don't worry, they came right back off.

Had to ram a 3/4-16 tap down all of them that weren't reverse thread. One of the rodends is still fused in there, and the rodends were on the wrong arms, which was fun to figure out.

On the plus side, i know exactly how the rear goes back together.

Delrin subframe and crossmember bushings are now available, and use EGT hardware. This makes the $100+ i spent on MX3 OEM hardware for said crossmember completely irrelevant. BRILLIANT.

concealer404
04-17-2012, 01:35 PM
I ended up just having another arm made. :( Should be here today, then i have to get it powdercoated again, then maybe finally this damn thing will roll out of the garage.

Update 4/2


Yeah, update is that one of my rod ends seized in one of my rear control arms, and it wasn't coming out.

Had to have a new arm made, should be shipping out today or tomorrow, then i have to get it powdercoated, then i can install. Spent the last week organizing/cleaning garage and buying a bunch of -AN fittings.

Thinking about doing a remote filter/cooler setup at the moment as well using a custom blockoff plate, Earl's cooler, and a Maximum Motorsports filter housing. The setup as i want it though would be about $500. Not sure if it's something i should be worrying about at the moment.

Garage is now somewhat organized.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mCuCl7nFT8I/T3i-PyYeyRI/AAAAAAAAAFU/ync5j3i_S40/s640/20120401_152901.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oq4r1Udn-UM/T3i-XQGhBdI/AAAAAAAAAFk/OjPM2pZ8ONE/s640/20120401_152908.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ImDc25uBJaU/T3i-eY6gQOI/AAAAAAAAAFs/q3YkJLx-aAg/s640/20120401_152922.jpg


It's still not great but at least all my (Metric only) tools are easy to get to now and not stacked on top of each other, and i can walk all the way around the car, and get into all my cabinets.

Should be more progress on car itself this coming weekend.

concealer404
04-17-2012, 01:37 PM
Out of the rubble....
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6lszkkA1BI4/T41cjbYg7zI/AAAAAAAAAJI/3eqX3Lp53rc/s800/20120416_185131.jpg


Something beautiful emerged.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s0i19STma64/T41Zt-aL9QI/AAAAAAAAAJA/4hQrAmxRO9w/s800/20120416_185120.jpg

And very dirty, apparently.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8JTuGvwN4SM/T41d7g5H7ZI/AAAAAAAAAJY/5gSW3UzZnJc/s800/20120416_185126.jpg


Those that know, know. Those that don't who won't ask, won't know.



SPAAAAAAACE!!!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7ZSGQpYyIVw/T41dOVKZsLI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/5noPm8lsy2Q/s800/20120414_163705.jpg

concealer404
04-17-2012, 01:39 PM
And as we all know, no day working on car things is complete without a trip to at least Harbor Freight. In yesterday's case, i got lucky and got to go there, Home Depot, AND Lowes!!!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wW45X17CsdA/T4zWv8A0uLI/AAAAAAAAAIw/YyhgZJ3nAu8/s800/20120416_202448.jpg

This is a ratcheting adjustable wrench. You had no idea it existed, and now your head is exploding and your jelly is falling out everywhere.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J7ejhmUrlbY/T4zW3SRvxHI/AAAAAAAAAI4/H9n3l5c9EAs/s800/20120416_202456.jpg

xjdesertfox
04-17-2012, 02:36 PM
I like this build. That is all, continue on.

concealer404
04-20-2012, 10:08 AM
Pimpy delrin crossmember bushings!!!!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PFK2RMcsa3k/T5DNeAG_oLI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Fom-45Bgs8E/s800/20120418_203154.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B2JSnUSCZuA/T5DNXXfxkmI/AAAAAAAAAJo/TEdQ0ehEmd8/s800/20120418_203145.jpg


Big bag of -6 XRP AN fittings!!!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_Rvf-X9M0YU/T5DOKKd4YhI/AAAAAAAAAKY/vlpPqY2ct1A/s640/20120419_074051.jpg

concealer404
04-20-2012, 10:09 AM
Oh, and i figured out what do about catch can:

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/418181_10100165277849044_38301174_40887163_7980245 33_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/423368_10100165277025694_38301174_40887162_2130066 788_n.jpg


Now to get two -10 bungs fitting welded into each valve cover. LEGIT.

kung fu jesus
04-20-2012, 10:18 AM
Still love this build. Brings back a LOT of memories. It's amazing to me all the custom pieces available for this chasis NOW.

psulja
04-20-2012, 10:37 AM
This build is pretty impressive, those purple arms look great!

For the bumper, I vote for the second choice too

concealer404
04-20-2012, 10:38 AM
Still love this build. Brings back a LOT of memories. It's amazing to me all the custom pieces available for this chasis NOW.

I think i dragged a few people along into building these things. Most of them have gotten farther than i have in less time, but they had different goals. The aftermarket is still growing! The delrin crossmember bushings were a recent development in the last 2 months.

There's even more stuff out there that i can't legally use in my build.

Carbon fiber doors, Carbon fiber hatches, Carbon fiber hoods (ok, i can and will be using one of those), tubular front and rear subframes, legit road racing legal cage kits, there's a KSport kit developed especially for racing BG chassis by Pierce Motorsports... the list goes on.

kung fu jesus
04-20-2012, 10:49 AM
Back in the late 90s/early aughts, racing one of these in improved touring was a challenge because the Hondas were so dominant. It took a lot of cross-referencing and experimentation to come up with a 1/4 of the stuff the Hondas had readily available. It is neat to see people realize the potential the chasis has after all those years.

The best chance you had against the Hondas, wheel to wheel, was to box them out in traffic and try to get along side, at least, going into corners. You could use the sheetmetal to 'lean' up onto them to get them to back off. A trick learned from the V dub racers. :)

Everytime something non-Honda gained an advantage, protests came up and your car was scrutized heavily.

concealer404
04-20-2012, 10:52 AM
Back in the late 90s/early aughts, racing one of these in improved touring was a challenge because the Hondas were so dominant. It took a lot of cross-referencing and experimentation to come up with a 1/4 of the stuff the Hondas had readily available. It is neat to see people realize the potential the chasis has after all those years.

The best chance you had against the Hondas, wheel to wheel, was to box them out in traffic and try to get along side, at least, going into corners. You could use the sheetmetal to 'lean' up onto them to get them to back off. A trick learned from the V dub racers. :)

Everytime something non-Honda gained an advantage, protests came up and your car was scrutized heavily.

Heh, that's something the Hondas will always have over these cars: huge aftermarket, and double wishbones.

Oh, and we did figure out how to convert the EGTs to AWD. :lol: Part of me wants to build a Mazda-ized Cossie clone.

kung fu jesus
04-20-2012, 11:21 AM
I would love to own another 323gtx. A BG 323 gtr would be even better.

concealer404
07-09-2012, 11:37 AM
Heh... anyone care for updates?

kung fu jesus
07-09-2012, 03:06 PM
Yes. Please.

concealer404
07-09-2012, 03:40 PM
Apparently some of the pictures are broken. I'll do my best to catch up again.

4/17/12

Oh look... an MX3 GS steering column with an Escort GT ignition cylinder and other electronics grafted on to it.

This wasn't as easy as it looked, but at least it's done, and will bolt right in.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ONiz9RyZwl8/T7zHhQw7WqI/AAAAAAAAA0w/p-5wmpcxC8w/s800/20120416_185120.jpg

I need to clean this, obviously, but it's on, and that's the important part.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u6a4-UWX_kA/T7zHZdVCV8I/AAAAAAAAA0o/b6fHHRjLXZI/s800/20120416_185126.jpg

Things not being used. Escort steering wheel, MX3 ignition and switches, Escort column.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kE2d_Qrc2Kc/T7zHRm2BfZI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/Ay48SJXKxUc/s800/20120416_185131.jpg


5/8/12
This car will be the death of me.

Steering rack from MX3 turned out to not be salvageable. Had to buy a new one. (That i'm just going to tear apart anyways. ARGH.)

Noticed that my stacks are patterned for a normal KL head, not a KLZE head. (Oval port vs. square port.) GREAT. Looks like i'm finding a set of DE heads to slap my ZE cams into so it all actually works. Nothing ever goes according to plan on this damn car.

Replacement arm FINALLY came back from powdercoating.

Sourced a late 626 distributor block off seal. FINALLY.


Still haven't found MX3 LCA rear bushings brackets. Can't put car on ground until i have those.


Custom delrin crossmember bushings:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7SBfP3BJvWw/T7zI5gv7gQI/AAAAAAAAA04/bMIzUSd4UTI/s800/20120418_203145.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tPEYJYl_im8/T7zJDE3n7VI/AAAAAAAAA1A/4meLbixft1w/s800/20120418_203154.jpg




5/14/12
There's some issues going on, but at least it's a step forward finally...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JdSCSzHOUiE/T7xERVJcCiI/AAAAAAAAArw/6fiubgUEaN4/s800/20120513_190540.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-STNlk-NsSlM/T7xEaogIDbI/AAAAAAAAAr4/wNvhRftzFnM/s800/20120513_190452.jpg

concealer404
07-09-2012, 03:41 PM
The catch can/valve covers i'm using:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QFfM2jveTFc/T7xDdaC4tFI/AAAAAAAAArY/eooO8NRiTf0/s800/20120515_172742.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3r5kbZ04ppg/T7xDlYSoKQI/AAAAAAAAArg/LLG9dknvIKo/s800/20120515_172727.jpg


5/23/12
New steering rack is here. Mr Peach approves.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q2GlsJsZjWM/T7xDV7rrZqI/AAAAAAAAA14/r0TPqxl8RsM/s800/20120515_174328.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WnZpiNTEXs0/T7xDNwfyDFI/AAAAAAAAA2E/hEHF0OvRdiw/s800/20120515_174517.jpg

Oh and i got all my fittings for my fuel setup. Here's a pic of them when i was comparing things for something on the MX6.

Delicious XRP goodness.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OAomO1TOrfY/T7ugB98lVLI/AAAAAAAAApc/kXQX3ZgoXtc/s800/20120518_201834.jpg

concealer404
07-09-2012, 03:44 PM
6/11/12

Passenger rear:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gdZQOqHZ25s/T9VcdPrN94I/AAAAAAAAA4A/4WgeFnwRfgY/s800/20120610_163819.jpg

Both sides are test fitted, had a fitment issue with the tie brace back there, should be on this coming weekend.

STILL looking for the friggin' front LCA rear bushing brackets.


6/20/12
Some more progress. Having an issue with steering wheel going back on column. If i bolt it down, as you turn the wheel, it's catching on the turn signal and tripping that. Any input from anyone?

Cleaned the interior up some:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mbvtGrOL-9k/T96hgwXfB5I/AAAAAAAAA6s/tiO4HsBpaEk/s800/20120617_165418.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YFkl6mvBjKc/T96hq296ZzI/AAAAAAAAA60/l1_hDYvWq48/s800/20120617_165507.jpg

Finished mocking up the rear end. Sleeves are getting turned down this week, so i'll tighten everything back there this coming weekend.

(Pictures make the car look rustier than it really is. It's all just surface rust, brake lines will be replaced.)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xm2N0DGHRXc/T96h2wV7AZI/AAAAAAAAA7E/Vvs67oISq0g/s800/20120617_165613.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tlMz4xU-4pw/T96iDeZZEyI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/SNjYJfM2zLs/s800/20120617_165559.jpg

Dark picture of the whole rear with tie brace installed:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BuLTch3SDyg/T96iLM9NIUI/AAAAAAAAA7c/SXU-2sIO9pE/s800/20120617_165530.jpg

Crossmember and some mounts installed. Minor fitment issues with the side mounts. (My fault, i didn't send the brackets with the mounts to be fitted.) I can fix them. Crossmember drilled for AWR Probe front mount.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZES7jdGVeo4/T96hNqavbtI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/sBpPtaVo8OM/s800/20120617_165312.jpg


Question: In this picture, you see the driver's side mount and the bracket it attaches to on top of the box. The bracket attaches to the bare metal portion in the right hand side of the picture, and offers a second "plane" for the mount to attach to for a 3rd and 4th bolt. How necessary is this bracket? Mount would still have the two bolts up top of that "beam." (Disregard, i'm going to grind down the mount to fit.)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Krg-QcGXISU/T96hYeJjHnI/AAAAAAAAA6g/djleVAKdTAU/s800/20120617_165322.jpg

Delrin bushings installed:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vj1TRS-38Ig/T96iXD-83mI/AAAAAAAAA7s/UN_gt9y1WDw/s640/20120617_165344.jpg

concealer404
07-09-2012, 03:45 PM
I may have accidentally a KH Laser front fascia.

http://indycarscene.com/photopost/data/500/laser_edit.JPG

Demon I Am
07-09-2012, 04:14 PM
I look at this thread instead of pornography. :teehee:

I<3flippyheadlights
07-09-2012, 04:14 PM
I love all of your cars

concealer404
07-09-2012, 04:20 PM
I look at this thread instead of pornography. :teehee:

You must set your bar higher. Much higher.


I love all of your cars

Same goes for you. http://mazdaroadster.net/images/smilies/pinkgiggle.gif

I<3flippyheadlights
07-09-2012, 04:33 PM
But I only has one car.....

concealer404
07-09-2012, 04:49 PM
That doesn't mean you have to love shitty cars. :D

I<3flippyheadlights
07-09-2012, 04:54 PM
I'm either over thinking your statement, or there is confusion. I do like all of your cars, I think they are unique. MX3 is probably my favorite. But when I said, "I love all your cars". You said, "same goes for you" which would lead me to believe that you think I have more then one car.

concealer404
07-09-2012, 04:55 PM
I'm either over thinking your statement, or there is confusion. I do like all of your cars, I think they are unique. MX3 is probably my favorite. But when I said, "I love all your cars". You said, "same goes for you" which would lead me to believe that you think I have more then one car.

I was saying that like Demon I Am, you must set the bar higher. ;)

I don't have an MX3, either. What are you doing?!?!?!?! :lol:

I<3flippyheadlights
07-09-2012, 05:04 PM
I'm sorry, MX6. That car is stupid fast.

concealer404
07-09-2012, 05:11 PM
I'm sorry, MX6. That car is stupid fast.

Lol that it is... that it is. :lol: You should buy it.

The Driver
07-09-2012, 05:13 PM
I can't believe I didn't see this 'til today! :facepalm:

What an AWESOME build!

I<3flippyheadlights
07-09-2012, 05:14 PM
Lol that it is... that it is. :lol: You should buy it.

I'll trade you a broken 1987 MR2 :P

concealer404
07-09-2012, 05:45 PM
I'll trade you a broken 1987 MR2 :P

Tempting, depending on details and how much cash you want to put on top. :lol:


I can't believe I didn't see this 'til today! :facepalm:

What an AWESOME build!

Awesomely stupid, perhaps. :lol: I've come to realize that i yet again took the most complicated route to get to my end goal. I'm slowly working on a "dual" write up of the build. The first portion being "what i did," and the second portion being "How to accomplish 95% of the performance for 25% of the work and price."

The comments are MUCH appreciated, though! I've been getting a bit burned out on this, and the positive thoughts help. :)

I<3flippyheadlights
07-09-2012, 05:51 PM
We are forgetting a very important point. I'm in Florida, you're in Indy.

The Driver
07-09-2012, 06:03 PM
We are forgetting a very important point. I'm in Florida, you're in Indy.

I bought my current Miata outside of Indianapolis, while I was still living in Tampa. It's not too bad a drive... :fab:

concealer404
07-10-2012, 09:01 AM
I bought my MSM in Oceanside... :lol:

I'll be in Gainesville end of September for the GRM $2012 Challenge.

tsingson
07-10-2012, 09:50 AM
Great build so far! I just saw this. Yes. I am slow. Was that a red AE92 in the background of one of the pictures on the first page? I had a gray one that I converted to 4AGZE status with the whole JDM front clip. Miss that car a lot but I don't miss the fact that it didn't have AC and some of the creature comforts that my NB has. But it was pretty quick back then and surprised a lot of people on the streets when they heard the whine come from the engine bay. That was when they realized that the scoop on the hood was actually functional. Top mount intercooler.

concealer404
07-10-2012, 09:57 AM
Yep that was an AE92 GTS. :) Since been sold for $500 (was my buddy's car.) We don't know what's happened to it since. It wasn't a very nice one. :lol:

tsingson
07-10-2012, 10:00 AM
Hey the GTS was a great platform. It had the 4AGE with TVIS. It was funny. I remember before I swapped in the 4AGZE I put a straight pipe in and you could feel the TVIS kick in. Almost like VTEC. Almost.

concealer404
07-10-2012, 10:27 AM
Hey the GTS was a great platform. It had the 4AGE with TVIS. It was funny. I remember before I swapped in the 4AGZE I put a straight pipe in and you could feel the TVIS kick in. Almost like VTEC. Almost.

Yep... a 90-91 AE92 GTS is on my short list of things i would replace the MX6 with. :)

tsingson
07-10-2012, 11:05 AM
You won't be disappointed.

concealer404
07-10-2012, 11:46 AM
Heh, i know... i've had one before. And an FX16 GTS.

<---- actually a Toyota guy.

tsingson
07-10-2012, 11:55 AM
Me too!!!! I absolutely loved my sleeper AE92 GT-Z

kung fu jesus
07-10-2012, 04:39 PM
I lovr your cars because I love seeing shotboxes turned into something remarkable.

concealer404
07-10-2012, 04:57 PM
I lovr your cars because I love seeing shotboxes turned into something remarkable.

I think i might register my new business as Trollstatus Racing LLC. :lol:

I need to get a build thread up for the MX6.

concealer404
07-16-2012, 03:42 PM
7/14
Tore down the motor for the Escort.

Despite a surprising amount of carbon build up and dirt, the motor itself looks great and is exactly as advertised. I'm excited.

Going to St. Louis this coming weekend to pick up heads that will work. (The ZE heads have the wrong port shape, won't match with my ITBs, and the DE heads flow better anyways.)

Narrowly missed out on an insane pair of built heads that yielded something like a 60cfm improvement on the flowbench. :( Those would have been good for a MASSIVE power increase. Makes me sad.

May or may not be picking up some forged Mustang 347 stroker I-beams with custom 12:1 pistons attached to them, though. Not for use now, but in the next motor. (I'm thinking 300whp n/a.)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NBkqsovPvZQ/UADGxzcf_RI/AAAAAAAABFg/9xOBndrqvfw/s640/20120713_185037.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NI0DVOSzseU/UADG6R2r9gI/AAAAAAAABFs/jqgUcH0QreY/s640/20120713_185122.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oPMev0YYntM/UADHCwCVDlI/AAAAAAAABF4/jYJPpN3l0qk/s640/20120713_185156.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6gu89Cgqo3E/UADHLN7YQ2I/AAAAAAAABGA/XRih5VzbZUA/s640/20120713_185209.jpg

concealer404
07-23-2012, 11:28 AM
7/21/12

This looks kinda fun.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2_D6nmXr7ww/UAxA6Atwf5I/AAAAAAAABRI/KxlmRHc6ztg/s640/20120722_135006.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2_D6nmXr7ww/UAxA6Atwf5I/AAAAAAAABRI/KxlmRHc6ztg/s640/20120722_135006.jpg



12:1 Wiseco forged pistons on Scat mustang stroker I-Beams with ARP fasteners. Clevite race bearings, ARP head bolts, and some stainless steel custom exhaust manifold flanges. The rods and pistons were originally sold YEARS ago by CZT.


Got a new set of heads yesterday as well. Stock oval-port Millenia heads with the square top cam caps and updated valvetrain locks. This is rapidly becoming the ultimate "mutt" motor.

This season: KLZE bottom end, Millenia heads with KLZE cams, MX3 trans.

Next season: KLDE block, KLG4 crank, Mustang rods, MX3 trans, late 626 heads.


It also appears that i am likely getting a set of CZT 218 race cams this coming weekend. :lol:

kung fu jesus
07-23-2012, 12:18 PM
So friggen' awesome.

concealer404
07-23-2012, 12:22 PM
So friggen' awesome.

I hope... With the cams (which i will probably use in this first motor), we're looking for ~250whp. (Stock bottom end, stock heads)

With the second motor with the 12:1 pistons and a ported SLA head, i think we'll be easily clear of 300whp. Then i may actually have the issue of too much power to make the car easy-to-handle in an autox situation. We'll see. :lol:

concealer404
08-07-2012, 10:22 AM
Oops.

CZT 218 Race Grind SLA cams acquired. Two sets of solid lifters with shims en route. Interprep valve springs en route.

Got my steering rack back from Ben @ Boss Performance. (He's THE MAN).

Valve seals are here.
Finally finished up my lower control arm rear bushing bracket situation. (They look good on the NVH front, right?)

Many more parts should be here in the next day or two.

I'm to the point where all that's left is getting the rest of the head stuff to the machine shop, getting the one throttle body welded, ordering stainless braided lines for fuel and catch can, and ordering head gaskets. YAY!!!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O-aFEFgPiDE/UCBYKvgha8I/AAAAAAAABZI/b3I58haR10o/s800/20120806_194544.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7oYVs3VV4Cw/UCBYURpQxfI/AAAAAAAABZQ/e3rhuwyUq8s/s800/20120806_194551.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WTCmAfp3KWA/UCBYcGATDJI/AAAAAAAABYQ/8HLE-iTdAIg/s800/20120806_194623.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--7cme7u4vMg/UCBYk-cWWvI/AAAAAAAABYY/8ReBjaPEBpQ/s800/20120806_194612.jpg

concealer404
08-07-2012, 10:36 PM
It's solid, bro. So solid.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vnsIXC4AuVA/UCHJ5UYhsTI/AAAAAAAABbM/bqdRdbjizDc/s640/20120807_215030.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RdhTsqtjz_w/UCHKEN5Xw7I/AAAAAAAABZo/lc_efyd7GYo/s640/20120807_215042.jpg

concealer404
08-13-2012, 09:29 AM
Ugh. FINALLY. (More in-depth update and pics to come.)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XqRF3el82rk/UCcS3AG3o0I/AAAAAAAABfk/le5Hx2aCHrA/s800/20120811_193846.jpg

tsingson
08-13-2012, 11:27 AM
Nice work!

iamdallas
08-14-2012, 06:09 AM
This thing is amazing!

concealer404
08-14-2012, 08:47 AM
Thanks guys!

I had a bit of a binding issue up front. When the arm would move up and down (admittedly in far more motion than it will ever move when the car is being driven), there was a catch going on in the back bushing area of the LCAs.

After further research, the concave washer i've got (stock hardware) between the bushing and the control arm is causing it. The bushings are offset, and the washer is set up for stock orientation. I just have to remove the washer and i should be good. The good news is that this whole setup allows me to get pretty much as much camber as i want (i believe i'm sitting around 8 degrees negative right now), and i'll have massive caster gain under load. Both of which are going to be AWESOME when the slicks go on.

See? You CAN make a MacStrut work. :D

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rPDSTdna3Z4/UCcUU-unuFI/AAAAAAAABgs/nEt4GdC0hDU/s640/20120811_133003.jpg

concealer404
08-23-2012, 05:41 AM
8/21/12

Interprep springs arrived.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WCE8eWyn0xw/UDUtsti5WMI/AAAAAAAABkw/vt-d5aSDaVY/s800/interprep%2520springs.jpg

Checked on my heads at the machine shop. (And dropped off the valve seals, Interprep springs, solid lifters, and a set of CZT 218 race cams.) Oh, did i forget to mention the cams earlier? :D
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-90XOzeQOlmo/UDUtq_61X9I/AAAAAAAABkE/-r_tIujl3fs/s640/head.jpeg


Cleaning up the motor. It was NASTY.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EiuOpZJxWsY/UCcqyGZIWfI/AAAAAAAABic/ggCrGjTE67w/s800/20120810_212653.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bY8hKiuJH4w/UCcqlTHfO3I/AAAAAAAABiU/_GDd3u4SO-Q/s800/20120810_212640.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mLZu1PTL9dk/UCcrOQ2kHKI/AAAAAAAABi4/Wj1sjDkClY0/s800/20120810_215002.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nAvK_TWWeow/UCcUz0s9VDI/AAAAAAAABhI/McLDdcGSa3c/s800/20120810_215019.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bAqSCbsJU_I/UCcUpaJ8fAI/AAAAAAAABhA/j0-ZiuaIrsE/s800/20120810_215025.jpg

concealer404
08-23-2012, 05:42 AM
8/20/12

New water pump, and a "Beck Arnley" brake master cylinder.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_Q_KSedio8/UCLv-HWQk0I/AAAAAAAABbc/Jzf5TF46PEA/s800/20120808_185109.jpg

Nice "Beck Arnley," bro.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rQ293rQkZYA/UCLwFarFXzI/AAAAAAAABbk/uGriZ9Sxfw4/s800/20120808_185117.jpg

concealer404
08-23-2012, 05:43 AM
Picture dump of front assembly.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DAl5y62SoUY/UCcUJcKrx0I/AAAAAAAABgk/U3E2F8XeK-c/s800/20120811_132936.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YfjGnIJ6qeY/UCcUAa0Wz4I/AAAAAAAABgc/FBmvbuz8YUM/s800/20120811_132927.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2sWVzjEunL4/UCcTeDUDqwI/AAAAAAAABgI/RZtgIuTMRbA/s800/20120811_185857.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rPDSTdna3Z4/UCcUU-unuFI/AAAAAAAABgs/nEt4GdC0hDU/s640/20120811_133003.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VREmZDx9Dh4/UCcUgF4reZI/AAAAAAAABg0/dEwp9qFs8Ho/s800/20120811_133011.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31uxb68A_Bg/UCcTR7doWbI/AAAAAAAABgA/Rh56kntxBI0/s800/20120811_185909.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-auTpgSNcKZ8/UCcTqHr1YsI/AAAAAAAABgU/h5z5SGet6Es/s800/20120811_185826.jpg




Hitting the ground. Big thanks to Thymighty for the help!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1_bD2y6-Cjs/UCcNb1KiHFI/AAAAAAAABes/PzTJU4El968/s800/20120811_193912.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nszi1LvCt4/UCcNnIK_u0I/AAAAAAAABe0/slRdBgV8zek/s800/20120811_193829.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XqRF3el82rk/UCcS3AG3o0I/AAAAAAAABfk/le5Hx2aCHrA/s800/20120811_193846.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cIj9tLBB-GY/UCcS_Oa0bpI/AAAAAAAABfw/PumiOg-7Lgg/s800/20120811_193900.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gVCsnblca_w/UCcTIk-t76I/AAAAAAAABf4/0AIC2Q5AYRQ/s800/20120811_193819.jpg



Threw it on a trailer to take it to where it'll be finished.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HJB96fu7Mss/UDUtq3_mD6I/AAAAAAAABkQ/srCkhZbfFQY/s800/escort%2520on%2520trailer%25201.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HBXPcNyfAXI/UDUtrXuI-AI/AAAAAAAABkM/3ekN2z7cn0o/s800/escort%2520on%2520trailer%25202.jpg

kung fu jesus
08-23-2012, 06:59 AM
so goddamn cool.

iamdallas
08-26-2012, 11:48 PM
so goddamn cool.

Yup. :)

concealer404
08-27-2012, 09:05 AM
8/24/12

Spent yesterday wrestling with shift linkages. UGH.

Had to move the Pace****ter adjustable over to the MX3 linkage, which at some point had had its bushings removed and the bolt/pin hammered flat. Had to grind it out, then figure out how the hell the Corksport bushings work. (I'm not buying that kit again, it's not complete) Ended up with Delrin bushings in the shifter, Corksports on the trans end, and ES stabilizer bushings.

Just need to grab bolts/nuts today to put it all together.

Took some measurements in the bay... the Griffin radiator will be mounted forward of the support, coolant overflow tucked in driver's fender, oil catch can mounted in front passenger fender where a/c and PS stuff used to be. Going to have TONS of room in this bay. Excited!



Race car kit?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e64_HZzBUpo/UDdqjW5vWpI/AAAAAAAABlE/NjAksFW_GlA/s800/20120823_170112.jpg

concealer404
08-27-2012, 09:24 AM
Updates from the weekend!!!!

Installed new clutch master cylinder. No pictures, but this sucked pretty bad.

Rebuilt the shifter assembly and linkages.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6HX5Z5-cvp8/UDgzNWeRjnI/AAAAAAAABn8/kbeqRUrH8uY/s800/20120824_193252.jpg

Note that this car has already suffered a "dropped shifter."
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kZOmPtzMNKI/UDgzUeAKhTI/AAAAAAAABtE/y90xysNH7iM/s800/20120824_193300.jpg

Sandblasted some things. (Then painted them, but forgot pictures.)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1rGqG6R_MkI/UDl0y44rkhI/AAAAAAAABpc/CtygEziFaDs/s800/20120825_162045.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TNx8RVWR6LI/UDl1cYCTIPI/AAAAAAAABp4/x78l5wHOaJI/s800/20120825_162035.jpg

Put shifter back in car. (Has to come back up, the linkages are UNDER the 4-point brace up front. Durrrrrrr)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bQ18OtVAlbs/UDl1IOC8MEI/AAAAAAAABpk/DOxUH_stM48/s800/20120825_191914.jpg

Steering rack was installed. (And picture is REALLY out of focus. FAIL.) Got two big brass plugs from Lowes for the rack, had to cut the fittings off the lines and fill them with metal putty to use as plugs, since i couldn't find any metric fine thread bolts locally, quickly. It works, lookes fine. :)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-evdCvUkIaxw/UDl1ne2lemI/AAAAAAAABqA/63l551em3gw/s800/20120825_191925.jpg

Tie rod setup works!!!! Also installed front Corksport brake lines. Didn't do rear yet since i may have to replace the rear hardlines.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-haZ6zCglxN4/UDrGQfvM2TI/AAAAAAAABrg/2k5T1xbOx_c/s800/20120826_165136.jpg

Removed a BUNCH of stupid little brackets from the front of the car that will no longer be used. (I love wire wheels.) I repainted the ground down spots, but apparently forgot to take a picture. Oh well.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lP_8UejpR_4/UDrFElc5kxI/AAAAAAAABrQ/tc4Z4-oOR8w/s800/20120826_165112.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BN5bk-MKVA0/UDrE6jYCneI/AAAAAAAABq8/ObICGSATUcE/s800/20120826_165101.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BE-cj1Vokmk/UDrGJfaHyhI/AAAAAAAABrY/DHkM1Ou9vs8/s800/20120826_165123.jpg

My helper in action.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k2qDUud6RR4/UDrEwQ7weeI/AAAAAAAABq0/dcHpuyrfUFY/s800/20120826_163416.jpg

Disassembled one of my alternators to clean it up, decided to get a little crazy with the baskets. :)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C-TZGFRctH8/UDrGaQBeSrI/AAAAAAAABrs/PiVoGRNsCyw/s800/20120826_193319.jpg


Then managed to get 21.999mpg out of the Cherokee on this fillup!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N-lsMITdHH4/UDrGk9SP12I/AAAAAAAABr4/iafnoN0E_z4/s800/20120826_202508.jpg

concealer404
09-10-2012, 11:41 AM
8/28/12

Threads in the hubs were kinda dicked up and i hate this style of caliper, but at least i've got brakes on one corner, now.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BJmGQinzC60/UDwjMzyWunI/AAAAAAAABtU/BG7GByIidlY/s800/20120827_191748.jpg



9/5/12
No progress over the weekend, was out of town helping to move a warehouse.

Got some bad news from the machine shop on Friday, concerning something that i should have caught beforehand.

My cams were ground down so much that they can't take up the lash safely on a shim-over-bucket design. I need either shim-under or shimless buckets. I'm out of money, so i'm just going to put the HLAs back in and only spin it to 8500 for now. I'll use Zetec shimless buckets on the next iteration when the 12:1 bottom end goes together.

Picking up heads today, going to try to get the HLAs rebuilt this evening.

Rear driver's caliper that RockAuto sent me is defective. Piston won't go in the caliper far enough to clear the pads. This caliper was purchased a year ago, RockAuto will not do anything about it due to time. Lesson Learned: Do NOT EVER buy parts in advance from RockAuto.

Also figured out what to do about the master cylinder issue. Just going to use an EG Civic remote reservoir for the clutch master cylinder. Easy. (Thanks goes to Atomic for this tip!)

Gonna be a busy week, the goal is to have the motor and trans in the car by Sunday.

concealer404
09-10-2012, 11:42 AM
9/7/12

I think i'm pretty much done with Mazdas after this thing...

Worked on it all day yesterday.

Out of 36 HLAs out of 4 heads, (The exhaust side on the ZE heads i'm not using is 33mm instead of the 31mm i need.) i got a total of 19 good ones. So the rest are soaking in gasoline right now, i'll rebuild them tonite i guess. What a fuckin' pain.

Then:

1) Realized that i hadn't shimmed the oil pump before i put the oil pan on. Yay.

2) Found that both bolt holes for the timing belt tensioner are stripped. Also yay.

Did get some work done in the last two days, though, much as it doesn't look like much.


Disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled an alternator. Oh, and sandblasted and painted the basket like a ricer. I think next time i may just buy a new alternator. This wasn't the most fun job in the world.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cSxwPyJju7g/UEn08b4UhFI/AAAAAAAABz4/JRQQ55XGHz0/s640/IMAG0123.jpg

NOS oil pan installed. (And has to come off again.)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VH_S85gcnXE/UEgdYK5xEJI/AAAAAAAABwg/2bqkfBhdSDE/s640/20120905_202216.jpg

Got these.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TIRQcQe_lSY/UElpPCigD6I/AAAAAAAABx8/-hVdyJEqR5k/s640/20120905_235443.jpg

So this happened.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HSV7m9P2t5M/UElpXVX3qUI/AAAAAAAAByE/7OlsK_wg3Kk/s800/20120906_134255.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ptf9Cka-yAM/UElppOPuFII/AAAAAAAAByY/ROK0ur8dR08/s800/20120906_134322.jpg

My buddy "clearancing" the driver's side trans mount.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8kOxC6F3B9w/UElpynVn7vI/AAAAAAAAByg/63wOvYtgu58/s800/20120906_212848.jpg

DAYUM.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v0xSyGHTyrE/UElp763ReVI/AAAAAAAAByo/B5ygXAhp_Vk/s800/20120906_213639.jpg




Heads are going on today, and hopefully rest of accessories. Will run tomorrow morning to grab my hoist and then motor goes in.

concealer404
09-10-2012, 11:42 AM
After a 16 hour thrash ending at 7am Sunday morning...

9/9/12 @ 7:45am

Anyways...

Ran into another issue or two... Seems i didn't bring up the rear trans mount bracket. Broke another two bolts off into the block. Not going to worry about it.

Annnndddd.... this **** ain't fitting under the hood.

Full update with more pics later!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ttGv_VXcUJI/UEzvcCKmFzI/AAAAAAAAB0U/ESPwhz6puOo/s640/20120909_053227.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7d9x2-_xzdg/UEzvPX74ezI/AAAAAAAAB0M/vy1I7tn4lBA/s640/20120909_053245.jpg

concealer404
09-10-2012, 11:42 AM
Alright, let's get caught up here...

Rebuilt some HLAs.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-epCr0bJe5DQ/UE0McXlLrtI/AAAAAAAAB6o/ShbitTQYHF0/s800/20120908_194351.jpg

Griffin Radiator FTW.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g_uIrBEhT-0/UEzvmfLUC7I/AAAAAAAAB0g/xqh9u5YmMag/s800/20120909_025829.jpg

Stripped tensioner bolt holes.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UkEIHrBUuzE/UE0L51mF-vI/AAAAAAAAB6M/gJ3I6g49xuE/s640/20120908_184800.jpg

Here you can kindof see how far the timing belt tensioner bolt holes had to be opened up before a tap would take.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UsSTpgCiDzo/UE0MNTAFKDI/AAAAAAAAB6g/N2uOzc3eJgA/s800/20120908_193751.jpg

Annnddd... the hole that i drilled through the water jacket. Oops.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-naK3p5I79bA/UE0M6ckEKYI/AAAAAAAAB7E/lUfE1AkFs0A/s800/20120908_184717.jpg

Porcupine motor!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M9RVFm812fY/UE0LtadSCiI/AAAAAAAAB6E/Pie2hm-I8aE/s800/20120908_200113.jpg

Porcupine motor with head gaskets.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7RaTQFsWVqk/UE0LcjAih1I/AAAAAAAAB58/hDW6vRxv_Sc/s800/20120908_200402.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wuW16t99pBg/UE0LRXwCxrI/AAAAAAAAB5w/1tIgYBRDlDM/s800/20120908_200532.jpg

Oh look, heads!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0kPju4VcV4c/UE0LHVAeqKI/AAAAAAAAB5o/p470Pr-dWjc/s800/20120908_201052.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FvvHfb6_vvY/UE0GJURmf4I/AAAAAAAAB4E/jNyuVTR3mHE/s800/20120908_201105.jpg

Cams removed for torquing ARP head studs.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vMIZadgPYfk/UE0KvjO08vI/AAAAAAAAB5g/aPRn6rgz4JQ/s800/20120908_201345.jpg

Detail shot of the beautiful heads Schmidt Automotive did for me.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aXGUUOdrIYc/UE0KrOkOadI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/RgyrD4ScFZY/s800/20120908_214401.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0uwSja3Eicc/UE0GVTJCKTI/AAAAAAAAB4M/W5o1WppFFwE/s800/20120908_201333.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jWJuWCbf2GU/UE0FSfykdLI/AAAAAAAAB3c/kWNx4REsSwI/s800/20120908_210021.jpg


Torquing studs.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b5PcoJI-Om4/UE0E2aZJeuI/AAAAAAAAB3E/V-OBYC4RHhc/s640/20120908_213104.jpg

BAM.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0Ipek_yEVs/UE0EbZ9Av7I/AAAAAAAAB2w/MMsNrA0S864/s800/20120908_224624.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l0yltwJtZ8U/UEzyng4QTDI/AAAAAAAAB1M/AM4hZqvACeg/s800/20120908_224717.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fy12zASKkFo/UEzwrTJMM6I/AAAAAAAAB1E/O6CicMWpHcw/s800/20120909_015710.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7j12H5pZ5Ls/UEzwabSJXkI/AAAAAAAAB04/EfLdf_wm0O4/s800/20120909_031827.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AS2BTsK4Lr8/UEzv0m__IvI/AAAAAAAAB0o/6e5UmC6LlWs/s800/20120909_031813.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q8Po5Dvzg1c/UEzwHh-P1xI/AAAAAAAAB0w/zC0snS3_XaQ/s800/20120909_053217.jpg

concealer404
09-10-2012, 11:43 AM
Issues/things encountered in no particular order:

1) Have misplaced rear trans mount bracket somehow.
2) Broke off bolt into front trans mount bracket. 3 will be good enough.
3) Seem to have misplaced a shoulder nut thing that holds on the other idler pulley. Oops.
4) The factory throttle cable will require NO MODIFICATION. All i need to do is make a bracket to hang off the rear valve cover for the pivot. Length and routing is already perfect.
5) There will be pretty much nothing in the driver's side of the bay.
6) TONS of space. Installing the fuel stuff will be EASY.
7) Upper radiator outlet will be interesting to deal with...


Anyone have input on how to do the radiator hoses?

I<3flippyheadlights
09-10-2012, 11:49 PM
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/ctd/3196179984.html !

Your thread makes me want to do terrible things with my money!

concealer404
09-11-2012, 09:31 AM
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/ctd/3196179984.html !

Your thread makes me want to do terrible things with my money!

That's actually pretty decent for the money... I paid $700 for mine and overpaid.

They're neat little cars, but there's many things i've done with mine that i wouldn't suggest anyone else do unless they had the same exact goal i did.

You could probably get 80-90% of the performance for 20% of the cost at most.

I<3flippyheadlights
09-11-2012, 11:09 AM
Dude... i feel like I need it.

concealer404
09-11-2012, 11:12 AM
Dude... i feel like I need it.

Get it, an MX3 GS donor car, and a KL.

Or just get it and boost the BP. Seems easier.

I<3flippyheadlights
09-11-2012, 03:09 PM
I would boost the BP for lols. But my car needs so much money/work. It needs paint, a dent pulled, AC fixed and now rust spots fixed.

concealer404
12-05-2012, 04:52 PM
11/5/12

Did some more things. Full disclosure: The motor was not completely assembled last time it was in the car. It's back out, and we did things.

My buddy Chris helping me out with the head. These things are a PAIN to put together, and we didn't want to snap my extremely rare cams.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KXZLk3ck-4c/UHThu2FGVmI/AAAAAAAACH4/UllUi_32TOk/s800/20121007_024455.jpg

I made Chili.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AE8F4PF3tBc/UHshGumv0pI/AAAAAAAACI4/H3QI-QbEm5M/s800/20121014_123011.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LhjapaJk2Vk/UHshONH16-I/AAAAAAAACJA/7wLjuh5oU1s/s800/20121014_133506.jpg

I played with a Sawzall.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gc7HGmQDhpo/UHsiAe5BtvI/AAAAAAAACJk/HI3Ps6xMETg/s800/20121013_122334.jpg

Made a troll-mobile.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SyPtWU4NAoA/UHshtHI7BjI/AAAAAAAACJc/jxJbpl6aeXU/s800/20121013_150618.jpg


Got an oil filter thing.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ms6xWOT__A/UIA8ruyw4KI/AAAAAAAACKs/Fknimzu4iHc/s800/20121016_183027.jpg

Fixed my gauge cluster. Are you proud?
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OAwxUSBjnQg/UIBiXWdkRuI/AAAAAAAACLg/v9pqvKft_l8/s800/20121017_184910.jpg

Got sick of Rockauto sending me the wrong brake master cylinder. Fixed it.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QpLpem2-v2Y/UIBkQ4cxRGI/AAAAAAAACLo/2xZPanVoW38/s800/20121017_184918.jpg

I has a motor.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ioOFuVyrjzY/UINLNsZYJ1I/AAAAAAAACMc/iVHHFFjc_Tk/s800/20121020_194415.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZmDrzYk1zCM/UINLprMp2ZI/AAAAAAAACNA/XHKWYc0yJBk/s800/20121020_194436.jpg


Realized i should probably start selling these.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LSAaMtXLVu8/UIU0XIGeJfI/AAAAAAAACN0/Vgr66ldlr8c/s800/20121021_225247.jpg

Hung out with my cat.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C9V51myhYlo/UIU20tNn7PI/AAAAAAAACOA/b_6aXdhjYE0/s800/20121014_151550.jpg

Carved a pumpkin.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fKG44FScmNk/UItwfbsTGMI/AAAAAAAACPk/cqbgdykwOsg/s800/20121026_221305.jpg


Drank some beer.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gLhcuCbJEmE/UJPOA8uPihI/AAAAAAAACSg/v_H8oLcGzJQ/s800/20121031_212735.jpg

Got some lines. (-6, -8, and -10)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Mq-fuoTfkU/UJUDuoIkplI/AAAAAAAACTU/jeUnQFXBEEw/s800/IMG_20121102_210104.jpg

Got a backup plan.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wpggeOW7Nl0/UJVwsmuEXPI/AAAAAAAACUQ/f07n_FiTNiY/s800/IMG_20121102_210250.jpg

Found a base 323 in the junkyard that i took a whole bunch of interior things out of. Some hybrid stuff is happening in the Escort. Thinking about doing a full dash swap.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PB0INEX-xJQ/UI3XZW2OL5I/AAAAAAAACRY/4K6jGlpgVbo/s800/20121028_132147.jpg

FINALLY finished the steering column bull****. What a terrible job to do by yourself, and not enough space for a helper.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zqdhs6TBO8M/UJVxXzgT4cI/AAAAAAAACUs/6JTvQ-eD0aU/s800/20121101_180353.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-25f5NPGDksU/UJVxHdG_7MI/AAAAAAAACUk/o_6jg235lSU/s800/20121101_180400.jpg

Terrible picture of current state of engine bay. Removed a few more things. Probably going to shave off a bunch of those studs.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cq1Id62Qpoc/UJV3twFHe2I/AAAAAAAACVs/1G6sSubYUtg/s800/20121101_180111.jpg



And now: Current issues/questions!!!!

1) Rockauto lists the wrong parts necessary to rebuild the intermediate shaft on a 1992 MX3 GS. Soooo..... BOUNTY TIME!!!! I need a 3-bolt intermediate shaft WITH the cage thingy that bolts onto the block. I will pay $50. Would prefer one in good shape, since i apparently can't get the parts to rebuild it. (CrazyCanadian is first in line currently)


2) QUESTION: There's a few plugs in the ECU area that seem to feed into the body harness. The ECU and engine harness are out of the car, and are NOT returning. There's 3-4 plugs back in that are that the engine harness plugged into. What are these? Are these just gauges? Are any of those going to keep the car from running or working if they aren't plugged in? I'm NOT using any of the factory gauge cluster, it has been removed.

3) A question i should have asked a long time ago, but didn't think about it until reading 300zxrb26dett's most recent suspension stuffs: Will my EGT sways still work even though i had Jim make my arms to MX3 lengths? (Obviously, i haven't gotten around to messing with the endlinks yet.)


PREVIOUSLY RECORDED: ALL QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED

concealer404
12-05-2012, 04:54 PM
11/6/12

Paid Ludwig Motorsports for the Haltech stuffs, coils, Racepak IQ3, install, and the sensors and such i needed on Friday. That hurt, but should be worth it. :)

6 of these: http://www.lms-efi.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=46

This with the long flying lead: http://www.lms-efi.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3

This: http://www.lms-efi.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=34

This: http://www.lms-efi.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=146

This in 150psi: http://www.lms-efi.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=39

This: http://www.lms-efi.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=42


And he's going to make me some custom plug wires.

concealer404
12-05-2012, 04:54 PM
11/7/12

Did some more things. Forgot to take pictures of the things i needed to take pictures of because i fail.

Although... i was just informed that the only electrical things i need to worry about is lights and starter. Tuner/Haltech dealer says nothing else will stop him from getting the car running. :) (James, i'm still going to get the pictures, i'm still interested in the schematics. It'll be Friday, gotta hit the junkyards tomorrow.)

Cleaned up the baffles.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kC4pPxTzAk8/UJsJXFKXbJI/AAAAAAAACWw/Q0Xy321qzzQ/s640/20121107_181712.jpg

Don't need the front one since that hole is plugged. :)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_QM_wPa31rc/UJsJKimZFPI/AAAAAAAACWo/ZZPAF8T08II/s640/20121107_183425.jpg

Shaved off the spark plug holder tabs since they interfered with the ITBs.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jgnK4ByBp0s/UJsJqs-C6QI/AAAAAAAACXA/MkmMR9HrrAM/s640/20121107_164841.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXS3OjewQBo/UJsJ0EPLy0I/AAAAAAAACXI/1_EgwIZBdEM/s640/20121107_164147.jpg


Test fitted the 323 stuff. Not sure how i feel about it. Doesn't fit perfectly, but i LOVE the shifter console. The center stuff isn't fitting the way i want. :(

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IcV30pcgW5I/UJsJhasRr-I/AAAAAAAACW4/5waMozEBweU/s640/20121107_174804.jpg

concealer404
12-05-2012, 04:55 PM
11/10/12

Hey what size is my factory fuel feed line? I gotta find the adapter i need before i place my order.


I'm also feeling ADD today...

What offset to clear suspension with a 15x9 wheel? Need to start budgeting for two sets of wheels. One for race, one for street. I don't really like the RPF1 knockoffs i don't think. Wanting to run a 15x9 wrapped in a 225/45-15 for street/local unlimited street tire class use.


Also: Bought a battery box and some cable.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YZA_sF5DPkw/UJ47aIawrPI/AAAAAAAACYI/AKbuurnI0bM/s800/20121109_163707.jpg

concealer404
12-05-2012, 04:57 PM
11/17/12

Fuel pump stuff. Haven't put the new pump back in yet, i have to pump out the tank. (Unless there's a drain on it. Anyone know?) The stuff that's in there isn't gas anymore.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dRbNeq18EEc/UKbdIg6lNBI/AAAAAAAACa0/_Gd6oZ7C2oE/s800/20121116_173039.jpg

Bro, it's a Walbro.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ovU5DqNa4eg/UKbdRuZEAcI/AAAAAAAACa8/kgtGDE2hQ1I/s800/20121116_181445.jpg

ITB stuff, don't know what it is. Helper spring for throttle return?
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EQnxS4AgEBQ/UKbdYoT2zqI/AAAAAAAACbE/wp4TsWUPECc/s800/20121116_183915.jpg

Battery cutoff switch setup.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g1UxTF-LtSk/UKbdkMS0ghI/AAAAAAAACbM/S7tGnlUf4PY/s800/20121116_193941.jpg



My Haltech/Racepak/AEM stuff is in a box in the Jeep right now. ;) Pics later.

concealer404
12-05-2012, 04:57 PM
11/20/12

Don't mind me, just grinding shit off my block to clear a belt.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-feY6e1a9ZzE/UKrhgFR5KCI/AAAAAAAACc4/uLq_ujq6tNo/s800/20121117_175837.jpg

I has a clutch and stuff.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0I5E5YoEfQ/UKrhraxzQcI/AAAAAAAACdA/pXM8uFxDP_Q/s800/20121119_161216.jpg



Motor is back in the car. Pics will follow tonite.

concealer404
12-05-2012, 04:57 PM
11/20/12

Motor back in again.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_Jl8UolA3yo/UKwxyIzVrVI/AAAAAAAACeA/__JepEPMxc0/s800/20121120_171835.jpg


And someone requested a view from above to see how much space there was... there's a LOT:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XllZlHIpaYk/UKwx_m0mdRI/AAAAAAAACfQ/kvaPNh3gyQ8/s800/20121120_171912.jpg

Radiator hose routing is going to SUCK.

concealer404
12-05-2012, 04:59 PM
11/28/12

Doin' work!

Shift linkage is done and HOLY CRAP THIS THING FEELS ****ING AWESOME. Pace****ter STS adjusted all the way short + GarageStar 2.5" extension + Bronzoil bushings front to back + Energy Suspension stabilizer bar bushing = HELL YEAH

It makes VERY satisfying noises, too! :D

Started mounting fuel things and you can see the catch can poking into the picture, was experimenting on placement. Where you see it is where it's going to go.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vefd_PtxrbQ/ULWUf_2kSsI/AAAAAAAACgw/8gVmyrj_PYI/s800/20121127_192632.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MwD6eYjaggs/ULWUoqpi-XI/AAAAAAAACh0/dCg2GmAlu2U/s800/20121127_192706.jpg

concealer404
12-05-2012, 05:01 PM
12/3/12

So i heard u liek things.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RDB5w8vGWjQ/ULlkxnl8HYI/AAAAAAAACh4/1vBlbJqj628/s800/20121130_205949.jpg

And this is where i realize how expensive AN stuff is. I went back and tallied... i have ~$1000 in the fuel setup on this car. Shoot me now. This little bundle of joy ran me $325. :(

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lcY-DDOBYS0/ULpB9X5VlxI/AAAAAAAACiw/zWoPQp5oBDo/s800/20121201_124337.jpg

Laying out the routing.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-amFYBXyH0uc/ULvPDnPrM_I/AAAAAAAACj4/pKd1WHyd3_A/s800/20121201_192528.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0XfBAGEdDAA/ULvPNJOw2kI/AAAAAAAACkA/Ek9Y7dmLh_Q/s800/20121201_192540.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SBN31rGkWY0/ULvPW1WWvDI/AAAAAAAAClY/xvSUJ8cInXs/s800/20121201_192623.jpg

Cooling hoses are all done save for the main big radiator hoses.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYYqdy1B_TE/ULvPglIlzuI/AAAAAAAACkQ/mhyAc81OoBg/s800/20121201_193239.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2C25Sh0dAXY/ULvPyu-96VI/AAAAAAAACkc/FkQs-5xeWNQ/s800/20121201_193231.jpg

Oh hai how YOU doin?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i_BFz3fhcJg/ULvO3wGpg9I/AAAAAAAACjs/xpzfbLnzqHs/s800/Escort%2520fuel%2520system.jpg

concealer404
12-05-2012, 05:02 PM
12/4/12

Mounted my oil filter relocation stuff. MOAR AN FITTINGS PLOX.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aulITCHvnXo/UL1VTGcgKBI/AAAAAAAACmU/-WcG_vmLH6A/s800/20121203_193334.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8ZTCzQ7epQU/UL1ViaP-5YI/AAAAAAAACmc/cdirfeU7DUM/s800/20121203_193344.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHJHlHXqtR0/UL1VzXMQnEI/AAAAAAAACmk/8ZyK3vhhfqM/s800/20121203_193407.jpg


-10AN fittings are large. That's a GarageStar knob and extender mixed in.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lT1YaiT_mE/UL1ZYfb8KQI/AAAAAAAACo4/Rd1p9YwbGio/s800/20121203_205742.jpg

concealer404
12-05-2012, 05:02 PM
12/5/12

The last of the -10AN stuff came in, along with a Blox coolant overflow tank and a vacuum reservoir. :)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T2I9S7i9Aag/UL6Ij0J3qOI/AAAAAAAACo8/SVnV-C0LqKg/s800/20121204_183344.jpg

iamdallas
12-10-2012, 02:34 AM
I want to ride in this thing so baaaaadd!!!

concealer404
12-10-2012, 09:21 AM
I want to ride in this thing so baaaaadd!!!

Lol mmmeeeeeeeee tooooooooo!!!! :P

I'm so sick of building it, i just want to race it.

Put it this way, i'm so sick of building cars that i put my Celica up for sale simply because i don't have another build like this in me for awhile. :(



Anyways....

12/6/12

Didn't get vacuum reservoir mounted, will be mounted tomorrow. I have two places i need to decide between.

Buuuuuttt... i did do THIS.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gzYNpwdNqzY/UMFBf9WTVDI/AAAAAAAACqA/H-yOqHisaug/s640/20121206_173720.jpg

concealer404
12-10-2012, 09:22 AM
12/7/12

Tractor Supply Co radiator brackets!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yDjkqQf6oh8/UMKlRyPW4FI/AAAAAAAACrI/nhVHyMBrhEA/s640/20121207_191601.jpg


Vacuum reservoir mounted.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5u3SQ2sWYbs/UMKlYpjRBNI/AAAAAAAACrQ/W0OWjUb9c-M/s640/20121207_201433.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Wku301XySQ/UMKlgmBiBiI/AAAAAAAACrY/7NeaJwgWnyI/s640/20121207_201453.jpg


Coolant overflow mounted.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YLNNQ9cokbQ/UMKlqjqWxHI/AAAAAAAACrg/Q5s66tdA-mM/s512/20121207_201514.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jfy6ngUK11o/UMKlyFLQocI/AAAAAAAACro/YdhMfUFA9y0/s640/20121207_201540.jpg


Coolant neck sensor ports blocked off. (AEM water temp gauge will go in one of these.)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CZKUwS9_Eyo/UMKvPnhzMCI/AAAAAAAACsk/p9dW9EAwqRA/s640/20121207_201559.jpg

concealer404
12-10-2012, 09:24 AM
12/8/12

Built a vacuum system.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rxtkkONyLZ0/UMTmzAaDwlI/AAAAAAAACz0/koExTTYi014/s640/20121208_180150.jpg


Finished TSC brackets.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M5CmvIQrZDM/UMTl9crrjcI/AAAAAAAACzY/ey3BNW6yr9M/s640/20121208_183240.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-94URUreLTnk/UMTmJnjM6SI/AAAAAAAACzg/djfHGrPU5-k/s640/20121208_183226.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PaahNHr4v2s/UMTmXQXbj_I/AAAAAAAACzs/ussb0adcW0k/s640/20121208_183208.jpg


Bumper and lights!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gKB6xCU8pV4/UMTBDGvYqYI/AAAAAAAACtc/MzaoZepO2L0/s640/20121208_185421.jpg

Derp derp derp.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jmcaiNWJDE8/UMTl1vO3EaI/AAAAAAAACzI/X00SbJTZiIQ/s640/20121208_190508.jpg


Well this worked out well!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GLamjvQ82d8/UMTBLfUBqnI/AAAAAAAACtk/Jh1llSqOeT4/s640/20121208_190454.jpg

I<3flippyheadlights
12-10-2012, 01:17 PM
I can't believe this thing is almost done. It is gonna be one hell of a monster.

Vash
12-10-2012, 01:54 PM
H.O.L.Y S**T, now this is one lucky escort, rescued from otherwise certain fate of death(crusher), and transformed into something formidable, plese keep us posted!

concealer404
12-10-2012, 02:06 PM
I can't believe this thing is almost done. It is gonna be one hell of a monster.

It better be, otherwise i will be most disappoint. :P


H.O.L.Y S**T, now this is one lucky escort, rescued from otherwise certain fate of death(crusher), and transformed into something formidable, plese keep us posted!


Well, the original plan wasn't anything near so insane. Original plan was just to replace all bushings, throw on some KSports, rebuild the original BP motor and throw a basic turbo setup at it and enjoy it as a street car.

Obviously, i have some serious personal issues i need to address. :P

concealer404
12-19-2012, 02:05 PM
12/13/12

Ok so i have some wiring questions. (My least favorite subject)

I de-loomed the fuse box harness last night to make a new starter circuit and to separate the alternator to go to the front of the car.

There's a plug/wire in there that i can't account for that i don't think i need, but i need confirmation:

This one. Yellow with red stripe, single wire, white plug.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FA8flWkDRMg/UMkyBrfwnYI/AAAAAAAAC08/C17T8JFiE-o/s800/20121212_193302.jpg



Annnnnddddd then if anyone wants to do me a solid, i've identified headlight, turn signal, horn, and foglights out of this mess, but don't know what the rest are. I'd like to remove anything i don't need, but need to know what i'm removing.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g0pmJr26aGs/UMkx0TUWgjI/AAAAAAAAC0s/8FihNWTmqGY/s640/20121212_193336.jpg

And the fuse box harness de-loomed and ready for modification. :)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zck-enRn4_w/UMnXO1YTf1I/AAAAAAAAC4s/YBBCOmeb2nk/s800/20121212_193420.jpg



Bonus points if someone just has good easy to read diagrams laying around for the driver's and passenger side body harnesses and the fuse box harness. :D



Another trip to Earl's! (God, i hate nylon lines.)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gYzt3XlmQBI/UMqs5Qb5UqI/AAAAAAAAC44/DWqwhrQTRwQ/s800/20121213_183012.jpg

Stay frosty, my friends. (The DD)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cp99S5EA7zg/UMkyqtivmCI/AAAAAAAAC1o/I1a_v96LpZ4/s800/20121212_083631.jpg

concealer404
12-19-2012, 02:05 PM
12/16/12

Buttoned up brake lines and stuffs.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yy0DfK9kcaA/UMvNstcKJQI/AAAAAAAAC6o/lIC5pZQuO_0/s512/20121214_180026.jpg

Test fit endlinks... I believe i have the same issue somewhat else was telling me about...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2KbmYFB48aw/UMvN2mv0hdI/AAAAAAAAC6w/rebLNXrnBnU/s640/20121214_184900.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ierAvilCUxg/UMvODJhEHII/AAAAAAAAC64/z7gHpGgcKow/s512/20121214_184910.jpg



Worked on a thing.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CWkdOWnnEPg/UM3hXydGYHI/AAAAAAAAC78/Pz_lr0OZBDA/s640/20121215_153633.jpg

Painted that thing.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Gb-qc6Coezo/UM3hfKtPQ0I/AAAAAAAAC8I/X8SeOIFDD4k/s640/20121215_184238.jpg

Car has axles. Went right in, too!!! That never happens!!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvnuayw-wKA/UM3hqs3PSiI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/9bUSI6GuLYA/s640/20121215_184428.jpg

This looks hilariously out of place inside the EGT's absolutely terrible interior.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAJZH3RwRT0/UM3hzxTu6jI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/tpj14-9Jais/s640/20121215_195508.jpg

Laugh all you want... but something like this is probably going to happen. Having a 5" extension made in place of the two 2.5"s threaded together. The Pace****ter STS just drops the knob down too far, and shift effort with the fresh bronze bushings is a bit too high without the extension.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZHqbO1tJMPI/UM3h_f6D6bI/AAAAAAAAC8g/94PNA59ucyA/s640/20121215_195527.jpg

concealer404
12-19-2012, 02:06 PM
12/17/12

Polished a set of EGT factory fogs.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FTe5brvUzaY/UM3iFojy5_I/AAAAAAAAC8o/T5mItdJwAG8/s640/IMAG0404.jpg

Oil cap!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lFxKLoatu5c/UNES-VT6byI/AAAAAAAAC9g/OyppiZzLe-w/s800/20121216_142228.jpg

Radiator hoses worked out pretty well.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uPWB_JO3X28/UNETRVNcxKI/AAAAAAAAC9w/DbQrjWQA_CM/s800/20121218_185338.jpg

And so did the overflow tank.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n84-yOhTAhY/UNETcGqwIOI/AAAAAAAAC94/IHt8hV4mTiY/s800/20121218_185358.jpg

kulluminati777
12-19-2012, 02:48 PM
I cant wait to get some of those rear lateral links from jim pierce!

This is the best KL I have ever seen!!! Just wish it was in a MX3 lol.......poor MX3

concealer404
12-24-2012, 01:56 PM
Anyways, i spent the last two days working on the car. Just the stupid little bull**** i hate, really.

Stripped out one of my endlink rodends, i think it was defective, unfortunately. Got another one on order, got the other 3 attached and on the car. Talked to Jim, and we think that i'm running enough spring rate that the sway bar hitting the subframe won't be an issue.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ms_KrrZ_adY/UNTTvLu94hI/AAAAAAAAC_s/PB0jTpbvFok/s800/20121220_164953.jpg

In this shot, you'll see the clutch line finally sorted out and tightened. (I do need to buy one more clip for that bracket.) You'll also see the final iteration of how i solved the riddle of adapting the Escort's dumbass nylon lines to -6AN. Let's just say if i ever do this again (and i won't), i'll just be skipping directly to a fuel cell, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T1Coe1H1oNo/UNiF8oacBII/AAAAAAAADCo/9lrZ1vh0PM4/s800/20121222_160421.jpg

Something like -4 degrees of camber at full droop. :D
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uYO8ScQeobc/UNTT1_9fzxI/AAAAAAAAC_0/oHdtEyVtf-Y/s800/20121220_165045.jpg

Another shot of the fuel setup 100% finished. (Got the pump figured out as well, and pumped the old crap out of the tank.) Lost the tank lock retaining ring thingy, so had to order a new one.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z8BiiHKR6TA/UNiHK3bOW4I/AAAAAAAADDg/9hR_acPLKXA/s800/20121222_160441.jpg


As she sits. Forgot to take a picture of the catch can with its new bracket and bolted down to the frame rail.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LeSCGTVz6DI/UNhvCvkS4sI/AAAAAAAADA4/5w_uueYmFr4/s800/20121222_194106.jpg



Figured out how the throttle actuation is going to work. Actually not going to use the throttle cam on the side of the front back of ITBs at all. Gonna snake the cable down the middle of the banks, and pull on the Kinsler cam itself. With the right length of bracket, i won't lose any pedal travel. Using the cam on the end of the bank would have resulted in just about a 33% reduction in pedal travel, which would have made the car near impossible to drive on the street.


Put the MX6 in winter rally mode.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ilZAnpRF2fo/UNiI1-k5cCI/AAAAAAAADEY/ev3HyXl8bjg/s800/20121224_091603.jpg

I<3flippyheadlights
12-24-2012, 11:34 PM
Are the wheels on the MX6 the ones of the donor MX6 for the engine swap? Lookin shitted as ever.

concealer404
12-24-2012, 11:48 PM
Nah, these are the dedicated winter wheels/tires for the red 90 "Swank Force One." I had to put them on the 88 to drive it home because the 16" base FC RX7 wheels on that car are wrapped in cracked dry-rotted tires. :lol:

I swapped back.

Next year i'll be running some BBS RSs for winter wheels because haters gonna hate.

I<3flippyheadlights
12-24-2012, 11:50 PM
because the 16" base FC RX7 wheels on that car are wrapped in cracked dry-rotted tires. :lol:


Whats wrong with those? They seem safe enough

concealer404
12-26-2012, 09:21 AM
Whats wrong with those? They seem safe enough

LOL!!!

I wanted to keep them, but i don't have 16" snow tires, and i'd rather just use the BBS RSs for next winter anyways.

I<3flippyheadlights
12-26-2012, 09:22 AM
You're gonna be ballin!!!

concealer404
12-28-2012, 02:52 PM
Bolted down catch can. It's now pretty much structural to the car. :P

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4JGQJJRf9JA/UNz3hygWXeI/AAAAAAAADGQ/XY0sKQi_R3U/s800/20121227_163940.jpg

Made linkage-y cable-y goodness. No, this stuff isn't the prettiest, but i'll explain what was going on later.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--y4oFESI-rs/UNz3p8WH3RI/AAAAAAAADGc/uhFJWpMWywI/s800/20121227_173709.jpg

Made a bracket, retained the factory throttle cable with everything on it.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4ADmM-7zwxA/UNz34alzZwI/AAAAAAAADGo/r-ZWQlEIPwk/s640/20121227_192329.jpg

Now this might start to make sense. Yes, i know there's a throttle cam on the front bank, but that was a dumb way to do it, and i can't believe none of the previous 2 owners of this setup didn't figure this out.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aioGGOdGhLM/UNz4FrOhyhI/AAAAAAAADGw/e47l7n--Iu0/s800/20121227_192355.jpg

Have a fuzzy picture of a 99.9% complete engine bay. :)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yjij0AkPbms/UNz4RuQJTWI/AAAAAAAADG4/Y3-Pqdgdtqk/s800/20121227_192409.jpg




Alright, the throttle cable/linkage issue.

When i got the throttle bodies, they were set up to pull on the cam on the "forward" bank. See picture.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6768937901_1ccfe1e193_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937901/)
ITB 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66868738@N05/6768937901/) by concealer404 (http://www.flickr.com/people/66868738@N05/), on Flickr

This may have worked somewhat easily on a RWD car, i don't know. (These are off of "The KLiata.") There's no way this was going to work effectively on a FWD car without making a new throttle cable, and on top of that, the cam is too small, so i'd only have about 2/3rds of my original pedal travel. That, combined with a crazy fast-revving n/a motor making 3x the power of the stock motor, with street manners that are going to be questionable at best in the first place, would end up with something that would be pretty much undriveable on the street.


Starting thinking about math things.

Obviously, putting a bigger cam on the forward bank would have helped things, IF i could have gotten the cable up there easily. (It was doable, but not in a great way.) Then realized i could apply the same theory, but directly to the Kinsler cam sitting on the center post, ASSuming there was enough clearance for a bracket that went out far enough.

Lucked out. Made the bracket as "long" as possible, and it clears the back bank with about 2-3mm to spare, EXACTLY at factory pedal travel, opens and closes the throttles 100%. (Well... slightly past full open, but that can be adjusted out.) Used a "strap" that was sent with the throttles to make the retaining clip portion for the factory cable's rubber bushing/adjustment point. This will also increase rigidity between the two banks and prevent flexing.


Was a long day of stupid fiddly work, but it worked out. It isn't the prettiest thing in the world, but it's 100% functional and in no danger of breaking. :)


Almost done!!!!

kung fu jesus
12-28-2012, 04:21 PM
I still love this build.

Vash
12-28-2012, 06:36 PM
With no offense intended, I seriously believe this thread should be re-titled "From trash to treasure" or something to that effect.

concealer404
12-31-2012, 10:06 AM
I still love this build.

Thanks man. :) It's been hell the last couple weeks with the little things. I spent 4 hours yesterday adjusting the front control arms to get them where they needed to be, and in the end, i still had to shim the rear front control arm bushing to couple it correctly with the arm because this chassis is so beat. Blargh.


With no offense intended, I seriously believe this thread should be re-titled "From trash to treasure" or something to that effect.

How about.... "From slow trash to fast trash?" :lol:

concealer404
12-31-2012, 10:08 AM
Where the magic happens:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MpXiinl4d0c/UN5HZI_oceI/AAAAAAAADH8/hWlD-v6MsUk/s800/20121228_185730.jpg

This is uhhh.... full droop. Seriously.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n3WNjZOe6nc/UOD2ljjt2jI/AAAAAAAADI0/G_tUna1u_NY/s800/20121230_150559.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TtWLX1H_ThE/UOD227DSj0I/AAAAAAAADI8/W7zH1c-tbZ4/s800/20121230_150606.jpg

These wheels make my brakes look huge!!!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-znoEYCzuwNk/UOD2_8HsDYI/AAAAAAAADJM/wX2fzCZ-vVw/s800/20121230_150611.jpg

iamdallas
12-31-2012, 10:41 AM
I'm so incredibly jealous.

Vash
01-05-2013, 01:29 PM
Haha, don't we all? I no longer have all the receipts, but the mods I put on Yukimura to make her truly "my own" easily exceeds $5000 at this point, all on a car that I purchased for $2100. lol.


It better be, otherwise i will be most disappoint. :P




Well, the original plan wasn't anything near so insane. Original plan was just to replace all bushings, throw on some KSports, rebuild the original BP motor and throw a basic turbo setup at it and enjoy it as a street car.

Obviously, i have some serious personal issues i need to address. :P

kulluminati777
01-06-2013, 01:16 AM
Do you have MX3 style endlinks on the rear of your car. If so did you do them with heim joints like your fronts.

Sweet wheels! It would look cool if you put a cosworth wing on!! Just an idea....

concealer404
01-07-2013, 10:17 AM
I'm so incredibly jealous.

Of..... an Escort? o_O


Haha, don't we all? I no longer have all the receipts, but the mods I put on Yukimura to make her truly "my own" easily exceeds $5000 at this point, all on a car that I purchased for $2100. lol.

Well uhhh.... i bought this car for $700. There's uh... oh god... $20k in this thing. :(


Do you have MX3 style endlinks on the rear of your car. If so did you do them with heim joints like your fronts.

Sweet wheels! It would look cool if you put a cosworth wing on!! Just an idea....

Nah, i'm running stock swaybars for now, the rear endlinks are exactly the same as the fronts. :)

Cosworth wing wouldn't be functional enough, but it could look cool! This will probably end up with a huge wing or a big nascar-style spoiler.

concealer404
01-07-2013, 10:20 AM
Don't know why some of these are so blurry, but here we go.

Put fenders and lights back in it.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cOx48FvNhJo/UOeIKYiVEAI/AAAAAAAADKI/xBXUYztYzf8/s800/20130104_185554.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-toVU_dqGMc0/UOeIjHKAZmI/AAAAAAAADKg/3QhN2_pVp-k/s800/20130104_185618.jpg



Various pictures for strut tower bar measurements.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nVZ9GX9m6Uc/UOeIsYOMM9I/AAAAAAAADKw/P5leqplXjvI/s800/20130104_192716.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eof28Gp2Dek/UOeI6rVwn-I/AAAAAAAADK4/p3Av3xPtJb0/s800/20130104_192726.jpg


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-djGq15_BIWo/UOeJDnryMAI/AAAAAAAADLA/iWcGJOtv6bE/s800/20130104_192745.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZxnXT4hWSBk/UOeJMC4hMyI/AAAAAAAADLI/tea6DVEuCXI/s800/20130104_192751.jpg



Got the battery box mounted and started running the wires. 2/0 wire SUCKS to work with, and i wish i hadn't gone this route and just used 4awg or something. Should have power and ground to everything by tomorrow evening, though.

I<3flippyheadlights
01-07-2013, 12:56 PM
Did you say.... 20k? Jesus...

concealer404
01-07-2013, 01:06 PM
Did you say.... 20k? Jesus...

Yeah unfortunately, it'll be pretty easy to tally up to that, especially once the seats, race wheels, and tires get added into the mix.

And bear in mind i haven't even touched aero yet, have another motor i'm building, and at some point the car will need some body work and a paint job if it's going to stick around for the long haul.

It'll be a $25-$30k car when it's "done."

The worst part about it is that this class (SMF) is probably the "cheapest" of the Street Mod Classes to be competitive in, since it's the youngest.


Just some quick pricing on things so you can see where money goes on a dumb build like this:

Car - $700
KLZE - $500
Gaskets - $300
Water pump - $75
Oil pump - $125
Manual timing belt tensioner - $75
Head Servicing - $270
Cams - $200
Valve springs - $200
Valve seals - $120
ITBs - $500
Headers - $140
Konis/Ground controls - $400
Rebuild said Konis and Ground Controls - $300
Haltech stuff - $3200
Radiator - $270
Radiator hoses - $150
Catch can and welded valve covers - $250
Fuel pump - $100
AFPR - $180
Fuel filter - $110
Brake system - $850
Mounts - $300
MFactory LSD - $850 + $250 install
MX3 parts car - $600
Corksport exhaust - $200
Suspension arms/braces from Pierce Motorsports - $1400
Powerdoating - $400
Spherical metal control arm bushings - $200
Fluids - $250
Various -AN lines and fittings - ~$1000
New suspension hardware from Mazda - $450
Battery - $110
Vacuum reservoir - $35
Power/ground wire - $120
Coolant overflow tank - $80
Tie rods and ball joints - $200
New MX3 steering rack - $250


That's already $15, and that doesn't include the street wheels and tires ($750), the cost of first alignment/corner weighting, the 6ULs, Hoosier A6s, Corbeau FX1 Pros w/ brackets, and all the little incidentals that happened along the way. Incidentals add up. This has probably cost every bit of $1000 in stupid bolts, hoses, cutoff wheels, etc etc etc along the way.

It's ugly. Gotta pay to play.



Unfortunately, i didn't do a good job recording cost of every last part on this build. I WILL be doing this for the F2T Miata build, which will be done on a much smaller budget. (Relatively.) So, everyone will be able to see what sort of costs you run into with a swap/making power. It's never as cheap as it seems.

concealer404
01-07-2013, 01:27 PM
If for whatever reason you wanted a BG Chassis that would handle ridiculously well, this is the first place you should look:

http://www.piercemotorsport.com/servlet/Categories?category=91-96+Ford+Escort%3ASuspension

There's many ways to skin the cat when it comes to making the necessary power to be competitive or just to make a really fast BG in general. However in terms of making it handle, this is really what needs to be done if you're truly looking for the "next level."

You could get the handling taken care of for $3500 or less including whatever sort of finishing you'd want to do on the arms using that site. $5500 or less if you step up to the Circuit Pro dampers. Yes, KSport doesn't have the greatest rep in the Miata community, however, it's pretty much the best you can get, hands down, for the BG Chassis. Those packages that he sells were developed specifically for the BG, with Jim's input.

I<3flippyheadlights
01-07-2013, 01:55 PM
Its incredible how much money is in that thing. Imagine for those people who can't do all work themselves! I look forward to the F2T Miata. The thing is gonna be amazing!

Heyitsryan
01-07-2013, 02:59 PM
Pretty crazy that you spent so much on an escort, lol. The celica would have been boss if you finished it man!

concealer404
01-07-2013, 03:23 PM
Pretty crazy that you spent so much on an escort, lol. The celica would have been boss if you finished it man!

Yeah, it would have been boss, and uncompetitive in anything that's reasonably easy to compete it without a ridiculous amount of licensing within the SCCA. :(

Oh well. I'll get an alltrac next and just do that up for street, and street only.

Heyitsryan
01-07-2013, 04:14 PM
RallyX would be a ton of fun in that thing!

concealer404
01-08-2013, 09:56 AM
RallyX would be a ton of fun in that thing!

It would... but i'm looking for a nice 92-93, and i'd rather not beat it up.

However, i'm ALWAYS looking for a ragged out 88-89 for RallyX domination. :lol:

roy obanion
01-16-2013, 11:31 PM
Forgot that I never subbed to this. I love this build!

psulja
01-17-2013, 12:45 AM
Such a crazy build. Forgot how much stuff you had done to this thing.

concealer404
01-17-2013, 10:10 AM
Forgot that I never subbed to this. I love this build!

I love... that it's pretty much over for the time being. :) Taking it to get it corner weighted and aligned on Friday, should have the exhaust welded up then, too. Then it goes down to Ludwig Motorsports to get wired up, running, and dyno tuned.

Should be pretty quiet from then until the first event, then i'm sure i'll be having to make improvements left and right. There's also a good 150lbs of low hanging fruit to get out of the car.


Such a crazy build. Forgot how much stuff you had done to this thing.

Yes, i'm considering consulting with a psychologist. :lol:

concealer404
01-17-2013, 10:12 AM
Spent Tuesday night working all night working on things and finishing the car. And trying to figure out some things.

Like: Why the ***********ing ***** don't my fog lights work?!?!?!?!

And: Lesson learned. Adjusting the rear calipers is EASY. As long as, you know... you haven't replaced the e-brake cables with ill-fitting aftermarket replacements at the same time. 3 hours later, the brakes work correctly. http://indycarscene.com/images/smilies/unamused001.png


Anyways..... yeah. I got sick of ****ing around and decided it was time to get to business. I've been up since 5am yesterday. Went to work, went to work on car, finished working on car at 7:08am this morning, went home, showered, and went to work. I'm tired.


Made Cromoly spacers for the endlinks to keep the bearing from binding. Worked out well.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iVho-v6asNc/UPa6licYEdI/AAAAAAAADWg/CpKxeJXKz2Y/s800/20130116_044027.jpg


Ran wires for Racepak.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e4TTQxpv0KA/UPa6rrpsE6I/AAAAAAAADXI/QLmPmGrVQds/s800/20130115_205453.jpg


Got power. LOTS OF POWER. (But no fogs. Or wipers, actually.) Starter cranks FAST.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-D4M_DbiF8Gg/UPa6pBWN2LI/AAAAAAAADW4/2ym1haFTFjg/s800/20130115_225308.jpg


So i heard you liked low cars?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3nkmocM3Gg4/UPa6m8mYI4I/AAAAAAAADWo/uMGJHphNt8I/s800/20130116_071514.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1ibBEWH0cBo/UPa6qff27KI/AAAAAAAADXA/QnbKbS0QFpA/s800/20130116_071545.jpg

The Star Specs are BEEFY.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JdRRLnEp6Fg/UPa6tEVttZI/AAAAAAAADXQ/6q-9MNHS0_E/s800/20130116_071531.jpg


This is a normal office chair adjusted all the way DOWN.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8u4NG-Ewrhc/UPa6oKpV1_I/AAAAAAAADWw/WPOjdg70gM4/s800/20130116_071608.jpg

Heyitsryan
01-17-2013, 10:19 AM
RPF1s look great on any car. Congrats on being done, now just to drive it!!!!

kung fu jesus
01-17-2013, 11:08 AM
The fogs on that car, IIRC, only light when the key is in the ON/RUN position. Do you still use the stock ignition switch, or was it converted to a button?

How wide is the cutout on the hood? Would look nice with the bulge off an eclipse/DSM. Would there be ill effects of the trumpets sticking out in the wind at speed like that?

concealer404
01-17-2013, 11:11 AM
RPF1s look great on any car. Congrats on being done, now just to drive it!!!!


Thanks!!! But they're fake. :lol:


The fogs on that car, IIRC, only light when the key is in the ON/RUN position. Do you still use the stock ignition switch, or was it converted to a button?

Hrmmm... you could be on to something. I'm using the stock ignition switch, and it was really late at night when i was testing. I'll check this when i get out there in a few hours, thanks!!! :)

I<3flippyheadlights
01-17-2013, 11:13 AM
I've seen so many pictures of the engine, suspension, wheels and etc and never really the outside of the car.... I now understand why you consider yourself insane.

concealer404
01-17-2013, 11:28 AM
I've seen so many pictures of the engine, suspension, wheels and etc and never really the outside of the car.... I now understand why you consider yourself insane.

LOL!!!!!

The car used to be pretty much all one color. The fenders and front bumper you're seeing there are primered NOS parts.

But yeah... it was never a NICE car even from the day i first bought it 4 or so years ago.

I<3flippyheadlights
01-17-2013, 11:49 AM
Any plans on painting it? Or big awesome stickers like, "Swank Force One"?

concealer404
01-17-2013, 11:51 AM
Any plans on painting it? Or big awesome stickers like, "Swank Force One"?

Big awesome stickers are probably happening. Don't know about paint... if i keep the car, it'll be painted DSM Grey. Buuuutttt.... that remains to be seen if i'm going to keep it as an Escort. It might turn into a 323 hatch if i can't get the weight low enough. :lol:

kung fu jesus
01-17-2013, 02:52 PM
The fogs won't light if the headlights aren't on either.

concealer404
01-17-2013, 03:07 PM
The fogs won't light if the headlights aren't on either.

That much i knew. :lol:


I just realized i didn't answer your other question about the hole in the hood, sorry about that. :)

The hole is probably... 16" wide? Maybe 18".

Shouldn't be any ill effects from the trumpets sticking out like that. They're pretty short anyways, and air will be getting pulled into them faster than wind would mess with the airflow anyways.

I DO have plans for a small cowl of sorts for rain events, but will probably be removable. :)

kung fu jesus
01-17-2013, 04:25 PM
Neat!

concealer404
01-24-2013, 04:24 PM
The fogs won't light if the headlights aren't on either.

So fun fact: There exists no fog light wiring diagram in the factory Ford manual. I'm guessing because this was a last-minute add-on when Ford "stole" the car from Mazda. Guess i'm re-wiring these from scratch.

concealer404
01-24-2013, 04:24 PM
Installed hoodpins. Rice rice baby!!!! (At least they're legit Cuscos.)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0epIYkVuuVk/UPlcvcaXGEI/AAAAAAAADZI/I-xuO3YvkoU/s800/20130117_184029.jpg


Towing it to Raymond's Performance and Alignment to get corner-weighted, aligned, and the exhaust welded up.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nStCU9AaeB8/UPxx0CW-UzI/AAAAAAAADbo/AqnOb_ebGeU/s800/20130119_074129.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lkXtMolPZzE/UPxxuXQsDXI/AAAAAAAADbY/N7sP_7bMEsY/s800/20130119_074151.jpg

The Office.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_VPGez4VHSw/UPn9QtDheuI/AAAAAAAADac/Av8asH2wwuI/s800/20130118_181831.jpg

I<3flippyheadlights
01-24-2013, 04:29 PM
People on the road probably thought the thing was a POS and it died.

concealer404
01-24-2013, 04:35 PM
People on the road probably thought the thing was a POS and it died.

LOL. More than likely.

I can hardly wait until it's stickered up and people start asking me which dirt track i race it at.


DAT DERE THANG A HORNET?!?!?

iamdallas
01-25-2013, 06:34 AM
:lol:

kung fu jesus
01-25-2013, 09:59 AM
Ooof.

Regarding the cost; you gotta pay to play. Being competitive ain't cheap. It's a brilliant build, still, can'twait for videos! The switch to the 323 seems like a good move. The greenhouse on the EGT is massive and adds a lot of unnecessary weight. Should be easier to replace the glass with lexan and it has shorter overhangs, I believe.

http://www.designercars.net/biler/Mazda-323-91723.jpg

concealer404
01-25-2013, 10:08 AM
Replacing the glass with lexan isn't legal, unfortunately. :(