teedubs

A year of build notes/Ultimate how to ebay thread/Read the stickies/Dream the dream.

All would have been fitting titles for this build thread. This is a picture synopsis of everything that went into a year and a half 1.6 turbo build. Ill try to include as much info as I can recall for time and money spent for each step and general build progress notes.This is my second build, if you can count wheels and suspension a “build”. Before I did, now I do not. This was my first ever dive into FI, and the ride was wild. The dream: A racecar!


20160213_075019 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/149670502@N07/]
Found down in LA on a local buy/sell group. Cons:blown headgasket, wont run, bad tires, bad paint, overall piece of junk. Pros:FM coils, wheels, clean title(somehow), eh?overfenders, overall piece of junk. I was looking for something that, when the time came, I wouldnt mind busting out the sawzall to get something to fit. Because I knew this was going to be that kind of build.

Time:3 hours (LA Traffic)
Cost:$1400


20160213_102636_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
First day wrenching, already got me. Either really good, or in for uphill battle.


Message_1455408209459 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Head out, visible damage to the gasket, but being broke from picking the car up, decided against machining head. First head gasket ive ever replaced.


Message_1455408235266 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Bad gasket.


20160214_153054 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Realized how heavy solid metal is. Creeper was handy. Ended up doing timing belt while I was in it.

Time:8 hours (Weekend)
Cost:About $150 (Parts from local group and parts store)


20160219_174650 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
After getting the head back on, it wouldnt start. Went over and over timing. Confirmed spark. Confirmed compression. Tested fuel, no pressure. Opened tank to find lock ring for pump missing. Fuel tube and hose clamps. Started running first crank.

Time:8 Hours


20160220_101801_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Because racecar! Pull the guts out and trim that excess fat! (No HVAC, no tunes, nothing extra)

Time:8 Hours


20160222_224703 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Ghettotech exhaust hanger after part stores closed.

Time:1 Hour


20160226_072447 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
De-power steering rack. JB Weld in the banjo fittings. Power steering fluid is too heavy, and who really needs 2 accessory belts?


20160307_211445 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
DIY shift ****, first touch of personalization, and to set the DIY tone. Time:2 Hours

Cost $10


20160307_211451 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Dash removed, rust everywhere! But shift **** looks purdy!


20160320_211026_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Racecars dont use keys, they use switches! Plus it will fill the gap where the radio/HVAC controls were. Time:1 Hour

Cost: $25


20160322_130640_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


20160324_151127_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Big and small at work

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20160516_193607 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Pulled the diff because the fill plug wouldnt budge. Decided to drill and tap, drill broke off inside. Gave me a chance to check it out. Done diffs before on my Jeep.

Time:2 Hours


20160619_232938 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
When pops needs to borrow the hooptie. Switches apparently done at this point. Noting around the wheel anymore. Hours upon hours of researching wiring diagrams and how to wire each switch appropriately.

Time:12 Hours
Cost: $10


20160826_183659 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Picked up a rollbar. Hardcore double diagonal, with harness bar. Easy to install since there is no interior. Deided to do a DIY bikini top. Cheap autozone pedals too! New Wheel. BarTime:8 Hours (2 install, 6 pickup in LA traffic) Cost:$400

Top:
Time:6 Hours
Cost: Old top from prior bikini dreams

Pedals
Time:1 Hour
Cost $15

Wheel
Cost:$30


20160826_183713_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Decent enough for government work!


20160919_112206_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Picked up an exhaust. Manzo with some HKS can. Time:3 Hours

Cost $100


20161008_134330 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr

Got out for a drive with co-workers. Nice little shakedown to actually drive the car.

Sleepy LED bars
Time:4 Hours
Cost: $40


20161019_233617_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Came time for the ECU. Prepping for boost a few weeks before I planned to have enough to start picking up go fast parts. Bought as an MS1, ended up being an MS2. Yay for local group buys! Decided that Shadow Dash on a tablet would be cool, so I hardwired a bluetooth Tx/Rx to the MS. Tablet as a dash is so racecar. Harness had been out for a slimdown at this point. Removed airbag sensors and wires, radio wires, HVAC wires. Rewrapped in electrical tape.

Harness
Time:6 Hours

ECU:
Time:6 Hours
Cost:$200

Tablet
Cost:$50 (Tablet) $10 (Hardware)

Bluetooth:
Time:1 Hour
Cost $20


20161019_233629 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr

20161020_073535 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Inverter to power AC tablet charging. 5 Panel mirror. USB hub for charging things n stuff, and also because racecar. Still want to get the CB in.

Inverter
Time 1 Hour
Cost $20

Mirror
Cost $25


FB_IMG_1479774154256 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Thats a big diffuser, and I want it! Local group find. Dudes DIY project. Sheet metal, unsure is actually does anything. BUT I WANT IT!

Cost $50


20161121_173134 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr

Go fast parts start arriving. This is where things get really eBay. Those afraid, please stop here. Unable to justify spending bookoo bucks on name brand, quality parts, I decided to roll the dice on a plethora of janky turbo parts. Only looking for low to mid 200s for this build. T3/4 Turbo

Compressor:
Trim:55
A/R:.5
50.50/76
Hot:
Trim:73
A/R:.63
65.50/55.90
Cost $170

Cast Taco maifold
Cost $150

Chinese ebay DP
Cost: $120

Chinese EWG
Cost: $50

RX8 Yellows
Cost: $100

Ebay WB02
Cost: $130

eBay intercooler and piping
Cost:Had it already


20161127_140326 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Begin mock ups for diffuser. Couple I bolts and some flat bar and were good!

Time: 8 Hours
Cost $10


20161127_140458 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr

20161210_160105 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Cut bumper, big diffuser, so racecar.


20161215_181515 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Let the turbo things begin!

teedubs

IMG_20161215_195456 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Kept this build under wraps, firs ever social post about the project.


20161218_155432 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Install day, had some friends over, did a little BBQ, overall a wonderful day. Ended up having to get the sawzall out to trim part of a shelf off for the DP to fit. No surprise with the given parts selection. Various extra parts were needed, but nothing major.

Time:12 Hours
Cost: $50


Snapchat-469463591 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
I guess I finally felt like showing off.


Message_1482264656012 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Oil line adapter. Local mom and pop parts shop had it in stock. I was shocked.

Cost $10


20170102_142725 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
The “I want a big ducktail but cant afford one” phase.

Time: 10 Hours
Cost: $20


20170102_162534 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
This pleases the crown.


20170102_191026 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Sheet glass is a pain, ended up ditching this idea. Learned a lot about glassing, so not a total loss.


20170108_142541 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
China “gasket”. No surprise here. Went with a double layer.

Time:1 Hour
Cost $10


20170109_133147 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Blown the F out!


20170114_183844 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Picked up an NRG bucket on a work trip. Whats the point in working if you dont spend the money while you earn it? (Ended up selling for what i paid for it, net zero)


20170117_175653 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Few hours of driving. Really just wanted to see what it looked like

.
20170128_153357 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Poof poof! Soot!


20170204_113811 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Was expierencing what I thought was spark blowout around 5k, decided to go COP. Didnt think I needed it so soon at only 13 psi, but DIY all the things. Easy to wire with writeups. Went with the capacitor.

Time:4 Hours
Cost: $75


20170204_123851 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr

20170204_123900_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Picked up the new fans apparently. China stuff again.

Time:1 Hour
Cost: $50


20170210_194246 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Trying to figure out why the car wont start. Looking for burnt chips, and mis-wires *** I picked it up used.


20170210_194304 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
All looks good. Wait, what spark mode was the board built, and what do I have it set to in TS? Of thats right, simple setting was off. First major expierence with a stupid mistake and a standaone. Not sure how I was running my spark mode opposite, but shoot, atleast I have COPs now!

Time: 10 Hours
Cost: self respect


20170218_114112 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
After being unable to dina a decent priced match to the NRG, I picked up a set of reps. Harnesses too! And purple, because why not?

Time:6 Hours
Cost: $550


20170219_125657 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Suspected another blown gasket before boosting due to a water plug failure.


20170219_125709 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Confirmed.


20170220_122735 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Gasket kit came with valve seals. No time like the present! First time doing any head work. It was actually quite fun and relaxing.


20170220_122745 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Made a valve spring compressor out of an 8” clamp and a 3/4” socket.

Time:12 Hours
Cost:$80


20170222_200503 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Pause for plastic F1 mirrors.

Time: 1 Hour
Cost: $35


20170303_183420 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Its splitter time. Front end was pushing so I wanted all the downforce! 6” out from the base of the bumper. Core is corrugated plastic, like for science projects. Try number 2 with fiberglass, much more competent now. Decided to go with an undertray for all the aero.


20170304_105048 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Working out bluetooth bugs. Found out that when I resoldered the module to the board, I wired the Tx/Rx to eachother, when they were supposed to be opposite.

Time: 4 Hours


20170304_120958 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Had to toss on a lip because the bumper sits a little above the subframe.

Time: 2 Hours
Cost: $40


20170304_121043 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
I get down with this.


20170304_140410_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
More layers!


20170312_124440 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Stock cluth was slipping bad. Ebay “stage 4”...whatever “stage 4” means...went with a lightened flywheel too.

Time:6 Hours
Cost:$250


20170312_124502 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
TLDR:I dont like clutches.


20170315_105637 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
First clutch, internet taught. Not too bad. Still hated doing it though.


20170316_175838 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Few really thick resin coats and I was happy.

Time:20 Hours
Cost:$100


20170318_084835_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
And this is what a $400 hardtop looks like. Bad seals, bad paint, crack near front mounts. But it came with GS mounts, and I was going to change the lexan and paint it anyways. Bonus:I could afford it!

Time:4 Hours
Cost:$400


20170318_114013 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Ducktail. Jpfiberglass. Straight out the Dominican Republic. Shut up and take my money!

Cost: $125


20170326_145425_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Harness time! I picked up some SMR universal mounts off ebay, and slapped them to the factory rails. Aint nobody can afford $200 in seat mounts!

Time: 6 Hours
Cost: $30


20170326_145435 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Girlfriend liked the Bride. Subtle hints, subtle.


20170326_152044_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Test fit and im lovin it!


20170326_162107_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Still all mojads over the cockpit.


20170329_183953 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Appreciating my progress. At this point I feel like im in the final stretch.


20170329_184333 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Final mockups before body work and paint.


FB_IMG_1491240567789 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
One last trip out before its apart for weeks. Held its own against a buddys FRS with a Vortech. Surprised to say the least.

teedubs

20170404_180913 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Drill, pop, and fill. When you want the savage rivet look, but also think that your fashion accesory will provide any downforce. Hit it with some bondo!


20170404_180918 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


20170404_180918 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


20170427_192353 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Beginning of the backyard-under-an-ez-up paint job. The prep work was killer. Literally removed every piece I could. Bondo in the reflector holes. Sand every square inch. It took some serious time, like the most of any previous projects. But so, so, so worth it.


20170427_192359 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Flat Eastwood primer on splitter and hardtop. Going for a low-key two tone look.


20170429_163648 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Blanked the side lights for the license plate. Went with bolt/light combo.


20170429_163655 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Dove Grey all the things!


20170502_185652 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Quick brake upgrade while watching paint dry. ZZZZZzzzzzzz Willwood 11”.


20170506_163237 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr

Time:2 Hours
Cost:$450


20170503_192007 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
The main event! Finally!


20170503_211716 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Nothing beats those late nights where you make the final push to reach a major milestone. Paint is done! And never again!

Time:40 Hours
Cost: $250


20170504_192513 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
And re-assembley begins. Its all downhill from here. Time for a cold one with the boys.


20170504_192529 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


20170505_180615 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Used the old window as a template. Found some tinted lexan, figured all the gucciness of tinted glass at a fraction of the weight? Im so in!


20170505_185148 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
40 someodd hole in the top and lexan and I threw down a bead of silicone and tightened the bolts up!

Time:4 Hours
Cost:$100 (Lexan is stupid expensive for being a sheet of plastic.)


20170505_195224 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Yes. All the yes!


20170505_195314 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Pretty tinty if you ask me!


20170506_121408 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Front end coming together.


20170506_163246 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Its looking like a car again! Struts added to splitter.

Cost: $15


20170506_171747 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Overfenders! The stoke is real at this point!


20170506_174742 by Tyler Swann, on FlickrFirst time not being a spaceship in weeks! Overall a lengthy process, but I am so happy with the final result.

Time: 6 Hours


20170506_175853 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
The obligatory new phone, who dis post on the gram.


20170506_175943_HD by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Everybody says that I put it on the wrong side. Silly kids. Pointless wings are for ricers. Pointless diffusers are for racecars!


20170509_183443 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
This is what I call the air conditioning to whover ventures near enough for a ride. Copycat of the project-g, but from my research, vents in the bottom actually defeat the ducktail. Something about high pressure being vented into the cabin. Makes sense to me, and ill explain if necessary.


20170509_185843 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
4” boat deck plates.

Time:1 Hour
Cost: $45 (Holesaw was 30 of that)


20170510_183244 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
At this point, I have a TT coming up in about 2 weeks. Cutting it close, I know, but thats how projects are meant to be. Scramble until the night before! Anyways, I catch wind that they allow open axhaust. Music to my ears! DIY mount to strap the floppy DP to the tranny. Sounds kinky, I know. Just roll with it.

Cost:Free, bonus of fabbing as many thing as you can yourself!


20170510_183707 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Little less kinky now, innit?!


20170510_193144 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Apparently the lights work.


20170512_133639 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Extend the nose 6” and all of a sudden, a uhaul trailer becomes the stuff of nightmares. Ended up making wooden step ramps to get it on.


20170512_184035 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


20170512_184101 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Clearance...if you can call it that.


20170512_190838 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Quick test


20170513_123646 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
TT spares, and...CAMO! Its like the water will magically flow through an invisible medium to and from the radiator.


20170517_182618 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
Last minute threaded rod mod to keep the diffuser from being a big floppy sheet metal sail.


20170518_152130_HDR by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
My life for the last year and a half with this car. If I wasnt at work, I was working on the car. Most nights and almost every weekend.


IMG_20170519_151259 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr
One of the most satisfying pictures of the whole expierence. My dream, in reality, loaded on a trailer to go race.Below are pictures from the event. I did horribly, but for a first time pushing this car against cars with easily twice the power, I scored all the fun points!

teedubs

20170519_200536 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01911 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01914 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01923 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01925 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01938 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01940 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01942 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01950 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01951 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC01967 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


DSC02185 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


34705677020_42be4d0fab_o by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


34248897944_263d438a9e_o by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


34282455023_70f3fda1eb_o by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


FB_IMG_1495475770524 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


FB_IMG_1495475786509 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr


20170715_182220 by Tyler Swann, on Flickr

And last but not least, a little lurking.So, a very rough estimate:

Time:233 Hours

Cost: $5960

Must say that it felt much cheaper, and far more time consuming than that, but im sure things were omitted.

Happy builds,
just_teedubs

psyber_0ptix

iTrader: (4)

Is that a graphite head gasket?

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

Welcome to The Forum. It looks like you've been quite busy.

teedubs

The original was a FelPro PermaTorque, not too sure on composition of the oriley special. I was looking at cometic, but i couldnt justify $100 on a gasket for a motor with 200k on the clock. Long term idea is to run this motor till something catastrophic happens, and then do a full engine build on something with lower miles.

psyber_0ptix

iTrader: (4)

By then hopefully use an MLS gasket like oem intended.