She Followed Me Home, Honest
09-20-14, 05:56 AM
#1354
troubleshooting sucks
cant believe how quickly this year has gone.. what would be the pro's/ con's of the swap? or are you doing it for the eff of it?
09-20-14, 07:31 AM
#1355
I have thought about it though.
The advantages would be the ability to get rid of the super proprietary switchgear (the bezel mounted stuff as well as the Logicon).
It would be difficult to fit to the doorpanels and the bottom of the centerstack would be a challenge as well.
The rounded Miata dash would be a poor visual fit in the angular FC interior, but there are probably other dashes that would work.
I still don't know what is going to happen to the Z...probably because Sigfrid doesn't know yet himself. I'd be more than happy to keep going but he'd have to get the car over to my place because I'm not commuting two hours a day to work alone in his tiny garage.
I singlehandedly r&r'd the engine/transmission in my 240Z, so I'm not worried about that but even if we ignore the drivetrain for the moment, there's still the whole interior to fabricate.
Sigfrid needs to explore the ramifications of the California emissions laws, the swaps we've been considering are probably not legal there.
That's probably why he's been fixating on L28 turbo engines lately, he might have a chance with an "original" drivetrain.
There is a well known Z engine guru in Denver (Jeff Winters) and he'd be happy to rebuild our engine- for a base price of $4500.
Which would give us a whopping 160-180 hp (NA).
Now, I have no problem with the hp # but we could get the same output from a newer/lighter 4 cylinder and save 200lbs. in the bargain.
Or, we could put in an aluminum block LSx (which is still 35lbs. lighter than the L28) and double the power.
Keeping the straight six might be the easiest way to get California legal, but it's by far the least bang for the buck of all the options.
We work again tomorrow, I figure I'll start getting more info then.
09-20-14, 04:39 PM
#1356
Rotary Enthusiast
For the price of building the Z's engine, you could get a complete engine/trans/ECU for a lot less.
Don't consider what I'm about to write gospel, but in CA, I believe there is both a tailpipe and visual emissions check. The type of engine that goes into the car has to be from a car of the same year or newer (you can't swap a truck engine into a passenger car or an older model year engine). You'll also need to retain the donor's ECU, exhaust manifolds, cats, and other emissions controls. It doesn't matter how clean the emissions are if it doesn't pass the visual test. Any aftermarket upgrade parts have to have a CARB EO number on it for it to be legally used.
GM and Ford make emissions-legal crate motors, but they're twice the cost of the $4500 rebuild cost of the Z's motor.
You might want to consider getting a wrecked but running car as a donor for engine, trans, and all the tiny nickel-and-dime stuff. It would save you a lot of time and money in the long term on getting parts.
That's just my two cents.
Don't consider what I'm about to write gospel, but in CA, I believe there is both a tailpipe and visual emissions check. The type of engine that goes into the car has to be from a car of the same year or newer (you can't swap a truck engine into a passenger car or an older model year engine). You'll also need to retain the donor's ECU, exhaust manifolds, cats, and other emissions controls. It doesn't matter how clean the emissions are if it doesn't pass the visual test. Any aftermarket upgrade parts have to have a CARB EO number on it for it to be legally used.
GM and Ford make emissions-legal crate motors, but they're twice the cost of the $4500 rebuild cost of the Z's motor.
You might want to consider getting a wrecked but running car as a donor for engine, trans, and all the tiny nickel-and-dime stuff. It would save you a lot of time and money in the long term on getting parts.
That's just my two cents.
09-21-14, 08:09 AM
#1357
Our first attempt at legalizing our LT4/FD swap was to just show up at Envirotest and see what happened.
Typically, at the first station they punch in your VIN and the computer shows them the engine with all the required emissions hardware highlighted.
They popped our hood and saw the V-8 where they expected to see a rotary...much confusion ensued. I figured we'd get kicked out then and there but no, they rolled onto the rollers and actually tested it.
It passed easily, way cleaner than required.
And they failed us on the visual.
So we went to the referee to find out what we needed to do, which was of course, install all the emissions stuff. So we cobbled in as much as we could dig up, including an electric Vette airpump which was wired to be always on.
And failed again because the airpump should not have been running when the car was hot.
Went down the block, unplugged the pump and tried again...and passed.
The ref then alters the database so when you go to test, it shows the Vette V-8 as the correct engine and the test station is not confused.
We passed and were legal.
I don't understand why, if the point is to have cleaner emissions, the visual matters at all.
Either you pass or you don't, why does the "how" matter?
Colorado does not require any proof of acceptability for headers and stuff, so that's easier than Cali. will be.
As she sits now (assuming she ran...), there's no way she'd pass in California.
If she were to stay in CO., all she'd have is a static tailpipe test (pre-1985 cars don't test at the regular Envirotest stations, we can go to the old school service station test spots, which have none of the new equipment)...emissions at idle (not to exceed 1200 rpm) and emissions at 2500 rpm, no visual at all.
Probably cruise right through.
09-21-14, 01:17 PM
#1358
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you guys are correct about the CA emissions thing, the normal smog is a visual + tailpipe test, the tailpipe test is easy with a rotary, there are so many emissions control devices on the engine, that when they are all working its really clean. i've even gotten cars to pass that had pretty marginal cats, but everything else works, and its quite good.
ironically piston cars usually struggle, my moms 2003 E320 wagon had higher emissions than my friends 220k 87 GXL with a broken cat...
anyways, CA is really weird, half the counties in the state have the communist smog (it is more strict than anywhere else in the world), and the other half have no smog checks at all. so its remarkably unfair.
in a smog county, we smog everything 1976 and newer, which includes the Datsun, i believe. so not only do you need ALL of the emissions control devices on the car for the visual, they also need to work, for the dyno sniffer....
it would almost be simpler to put in a newer engine, which must have been sold in CA, so the SR20-DET or 20B can't be done.
ironically piston cars usually struggle, my moms 2003 E320 wagon had higher emissions than my friends 220k 87 GXL with a broken cat...
anyways, CA is really weird, half the counties in the state have the communist smog (it is more strict than anywhere else in the world), and the other half have no smog checks at all. so its remarkably unfair.
in a smog county, we smog everything 1976 and newer, which includes the Datsun, i believe. so not only do you need ALL of the emissions control devices on the car for the visual, they also need to work, for the dyno sniffer....
it would almost be simpler to put in a newer engine, which must have been sold in CA, so the SR20-DET or 20B can't be done.
09-22-14, 01:05 PM
#1359
Well, the situation, while still fluid, has begun to take shape and I'm pleased to report the project will not be ending...at least not for a while.
Sigfrid has confirmed his desire to finish/keep the Z.
I will miss his company and the social aspect of the project but I will be able to keep trying to realize my vision and bring the car to the road.
Not that things haven't changed though, this move really narrows down our options and forces some timeline changes we had not anticipated.
When the car was first acquired we determined that the rolling chassis was the main focus and the drivetrain would be considered later. Rust was a bigger concern than compression because we basically figured on swapping engines anyway and we could do pretty much anything we wanted and still be totally legit in CO.
California changes everything.
Sigfrid has decided his best/easiest path involves keeping the L28 platform.
He's been leaning towards a turbo version for a few months (as I kept pressing for a FD sequential swap...) but has become more interested in a big bore/stroked NA and is pursuing leads.
This focuses our choices, specifically the fuel system and the ECU, which were two areas we'd ignored till we recently began trying to get this engine running.
We're still running the original stuff and it's crap (which we knew).
Now that we have a better idea what to build for, we can suitably upgrade.
S. just ordered the fuel pump and distributor recommended by Rebello (the builder we're dealing with) and we'll be redoing the entire fuel system from the tank forwards.
He's talking to Megasquirt about what we need for our application.
Since the new motor can use all the "prettied up" ancillaries I've already built, I can actually install all this new stuff using the already in-place engine and be ready when (if?) it arrives.
Even if this particular deal doesn't happen, he's now committed to the platform.
We hashed through all of this yesterday as we kinda worked on the car.
Our immediate focus remains on the body/interior.
We need to get the final dip coat on and the Dynamat/carpet installed before the weather turns and Sigfrid leaves. The grill is a standalone piece and can be done anytime, so we're ignoring it for now. We both kinda think the Mustang grill might be better anyway.
We finish mounted the rocker trim and mudflaps, both get covered with dip so they contribute shape but not contrast to the body. I hope.
With the inside sound proofed and carpeted, I have the basis to begin building the interior, most of which will be custom.
I've got several months of work ahead.
And thankfully, it looks like I'll get to do it.
Sigfrid has confirmed his desire to finish/keep the Z.
I will miss his company and the social aspect of the project but I will be able to keep trying to realize my vision and bring the car to the road.
Not that things haven't changed though, this move really narrows down our options and forces some timeline changes we had not anticipated.
When the car was first acquired we determined that the rolling chassis was the main focus and the drivetrain would be considered later. Rust was a bigger concern than compression because we basically figured on swapping engines anyway and we could do pretty much anything we wanted and still be totally legit in CO.
California changes everything.
Sigfrid has decided his best/easiest path involves keeping the L28 platform.
He's been leaning towards a turbo version for a few months (as I kept pressing for a FD sequential swap...) but has become more interested in a big bore/stroked NA and is pursuing leads.
This focuses our choices, specifically the fuel system and the ECU, which were two areas we'd ignored till we recently began trying to get this engine running.
We're still running the original stuff and it's crap (which we knew).
Now that we have a better idea what to build for, we can suitably upgrade.
S. just ordered the fuel pump and distributor recommended by Rebello (the builder we're dealing with) and we'll be redoing the entire fuel system from the tank forwards.
He's talking to Megasquirt about what we need for our application.
Since the new motor can use all the "prettied up" ancillaries I've already built, I can actually install all this new stuff using the already in-place engine and be ready when (if?) it arrives.
Even if this particular deal doesn't happen, he's now committed to the platform.
We hashed through all of this yesterday as we kinda worked on the car.
Our immediate focus remains on the body/interior.
We need to get the final dip coat on and the Dynamat/carpet installed before the weather turns and Sigfrid leaves. The grill is a standalone piece and can be done anytime, so we're ignoring it for now. We both kinda think the Mustang grill might be better anyway.
We finish mounted the rocker trim and mudflaps, both get covered with dip so they contribute shape but not contrast to the body. I hope.
With the inside sound proofed and carpeted, I have the basis to begin building the interior, most of which will be custom.
I've got several months of work ahead.
And thankfully, it looks like I'll get to do it.
09-24-14, 08:41 AM
#1361
His car, his title and ultimately, his problem.
We have some new **** on the way...mostly a fuel pump and ignition module.
If delivery times are accurate, I should be able to install them on Friday.
I have already given up on this engine* but she's been cruelly taunting us by seeming to be thiiiiisss close to actually running. The only major component we haven't replaced (that could conceivably cause these global problems) is the ECU and Sigfrid found one cheap and it too is on the way. I think he's hoping to buy some time and keep the engine we have while he sorts out finances. A new/rebuilt longblock and Megasquirt is a healthy chunk of change to drop all at once.
If all goes well/according to plan (Really? When has that ever happened?), we'll get the final coat of dip on this weekend and the body will be essentially finished.
I'm interested to see if the new body additions meld into a coherent shape when it's all one color/texture.
*
"Given up" in the sense that it needs a rebuild, not that it's necessarily total junk.
Although it could be...
We have some new **** on the way...mostly a fuel pump and ignition module.
If delivery times are accurate, I should be able to install them on Friday.
I have already given up on this engine* but she's been cruelly taunting us by seeming to be thiiiiisss close to actually running. The only major component we haven't replaced (that could conceivably cause these global problems) is the ECU and Sigfrid found one cheap and it too is on the way. I think he's hoping to buy some time and keep the engine we have while he sorts out finances. A new/rebuilt longblock and Megasquirt is a healthy chunk of change to drop all at once.
If all goes well/according to plan (Really? When has that ever happened?), we'll get the final coat of dip on this weekend and the body will be essentially finished.
I'm interested to see if the new body additions meld into a coherent shape when it's all one color/texture.
*
"Given up" in the sense that it needs a rebuild, not that it's necessarily total junk.
Although it could be...
09-26-14, 07:45 AM
#1362
The new parts have arrived and I install them today.
The easiest- and to me, most interesting- swap will be the ECU, which could have been causing all our problems this whole time.
I'll plug that in first and wouldn't it be something if she ran?
Probably won't, but still...
I'm much less excited about the fuel pump.
Not that we don't need one but committing to this basically stock arrangement means we won't be pursuing my plan of installing a RX7 fuel tank.
Yes, it's been done before...the V-8 swap guys like it because there's room for a dual exhaust and I wanted it for the in-tank fuel pump but I guess we won't be doing it....sigh.
There's also a new ignition module, not sure exactly how that works but I'll find out, I guess.
Normally we'd tackle all this together when we work tomorrow but I want Sigfrid focused on the body, so I'm getting it out of the way today. He'd be thrilled to come home to a running car tonight...I give it a (soft) 30% chance.
Meanwhile, my attention has turned to the FC, which is facing her bi-annual emissions test this March.
I'm pretty sure that no amount of denatured alcohol and retarded timing will squeeze her through this time, she's just too worn out...over 275k on an untouched keg...that's a lot.
A low(er) mileage S4 NA appeared on CL and may solve the problem but so far, the poster hasn't responded to my emails (why do people do that?).
If I could acquire this engine, I'd have a few months to clean it up and refurb the exterior before dropping it in over the winter.
It's funny...I met Sigfrid nearly six years ago when I responded to his CL ad seeking help with his FD swap. "Aha", said I, "I want to swap my engine, here's a chance to practice on someone elses car" and away we went.
Now I could care less about upgrading the performance of the FC as I just don't see the point.
Even with my pathetic performance (I'd be surprised if the engine was putting out even 100hp at this point), I'm still the fastest car on the road most times...because people drive like morons.
Here's the scenario at most stoplights:
Light changes to green and you watch the neurons travel to their brainstem as they process the new situation.
Remove foot from brake (the only time this is acceptable...normally the brake pedal is to be ridden mercilessly) and wait to see if gravity will move the car.
Failing that, wait to see if an errant photon wind will accelerate you.
Finally, press the gas pedal but do it gingerly because SPEED KILLS!
I hear people say you have to rev the rotary to keep it alive, I wonder where the **** you get the chance. Waiting for all the high horsepower SUVs to Flintstone pedal their whales up to 30mph leaves me sitting behind trying to shift up but pretty sure they're going to slow down for some stupid reason ("Squirrel!") and since you can't see **** ahead, you never know.
I live a block away from Ferrari of Denver and see exotic cars all the time. Nothing like following a Veyron down University Blvd. at 40mph (speed limit is 45 but god forbid anyone actually does it) and wondering how frustrating it must be to never shift out of first gear.
Anyways, I hope this motor deal works out, that would be a load off my mind.
The easiest- and to me, most interesting- swap will be the ECU, which could have been causing all our problems this whole time.
I'll plug that in first and wouldn't it be something if she ran?
Probably won't, but still...
I'm much less excited about the fuel pump.
Not that we don't need one but committing to this basically stock arrangement means we won't be pursuing my plan of installing a RX7 fuel tank.
Yes, it's been done before...the V-8 swap guys like it because there's room for a dual exhaust and I wanted it for the in-tank fuel pump but I guess we won't be doing it....sigh.
There's also a new ignition module, not sure exactly how that works but I'll find out, I guess.
Normally we'd tackle all this together when we work tomorrow but I want Sigfrid focused on the body, so I'm getting it out of the way today. He'd be thrilled to come home to a running car tonight...I give it a (soft) 30% chance.
Meanwhile, my attention has turned to the FC, which is facing her bi-annual emissions test this March.
I'm pretty sure that no amount of denatured alcohol and retarded timing will squeeze her through this time, she's just too worn out...over 275k on an untouched keg...that's a lot.
A low(er) mileage S4 NA appeared on CL and may solve the problem but so far, the poster hasn't responded to my emails (why do people do that?).
If I could acquire this engine, I'd have a few months to clean it up and refurb the exterior before dropping it in over the winter.
It's funny...I met Sigfrid nearly six years ago when I responded to his CL ad seeking help with his FD swap. "Aha", said I, "I want to swap my engine, here's a chance to practice on someone elses car" and away we went.
Now I could care less about upgrading the performance of the FC as I just don't see the point.
Even with my pathetic performance (I'd be surprised if the engine was putting out even 100hp at this point), I'm still the fastest car on the road most times...because people drive like morons.
Here's the scenario at most stoplights:
Light changes to green and you watch the neurons travel to their brainstem as they process the new situation.
Remove foot from brake (the only time this is acceptable...normally the brake pedal is to be ridden mercilessly) and wait to see if gravity will move the car.
Failing that, wait to see if an errant photon wind will accelerate you.
Finally, press the gas pedal but do it gingerly because SPEED KILLS!
I hear people say you have to rev the rotary to keep it alive, I wonder where the **** you get the chance. Waiting for all the high horsepower SUVs to Flintstone pedal their whales up to 30mph leaves me sitting behind trying to shift up but pretty sure they're going to slow down for some stupid reason ("Squirrel!") and since you can't see **** ahead, you never know.
I live a block away from Ferrari of Denver and see exotic cars all the time. Nothing like following a Veyron down University Blvd. at 40mph (speed limit is 45 but god forbid anyone actually does it) and wondering how frustrating it must be to never shift out of first gear.
Anyways, I hope this motor deal works out, that would be a load off my mind.
09-26-14, 08:18 AM
#1364
Red Pill Dealer
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Originally Posted by clokker
Here's the scenario at most stoplights:
Light changes to green and you watch the neurons travel to their brainstem as they process the new situation.
Remove foot from brake (the only time this is acceptable...normally the brake pedal is to be ridden mercilessly) and wait to see if gravity will move the car.
Failing that, wait to see if an errant photon wind will accelerate you.
Finally, press the gas pedal but do it gingerly because SPEED KILLS!
Light changes to green and you watch the neurons travel to their brainstem as they process the new situation.
Remove foot from brake (the only time this is acceptable...normally the brake pedal is to be ridden mercilessly) and wait to see if gravity will move the car.
Failing that, wait to see if an errant photon wind will accelerate you.
Finally, press the gas pedal but do it gingerly because SPEED KILLS!
Nailed it! I live in Suburbialand and this is my life. Only most of the SUV's are being driven by soccer Moms either texting or with the phone glued to their ear.
09-26-14, 08:28 AM
#1365
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I work in "rich people-ville" and everyone and there mother drives a big *** SUV with no kids. It is ridiculous. It is like having an SUV is some kind of status symbol or some ****.
Don't even get me started when snow starts falling here.... (should be next week now that I think about it)
09-26-14, 07:52 PM
#1367
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Now I could care less about upgrading the performance of the FC as I just don't see the point.
Even with my pathetic performance (I'd be surprised if the engine was putting out even 100hp at this point), I'm still the fastest car on the road most times...because people drive like morons.
Here's the scenario at most stoplights:
Light changes to green and you watch the neurons travel to their brainstem as they process the new situation.
Remove foot from brake (the only time this is acceptable...normally the brake pedal is to be ridden mercilessly) and wait to see if gravity will move the car.
Failing that, wait to see if an errant photon wind will accelerate you.
Finally, press the gas pedal but do it gingerly because SPEED KILLS!
I hear people say you have to rev the rotary to keep it alive, I wonder where the **** you get the chance. Waiting for all the high horsepower SUVs to Flintstone pedal their whales up to 30mph leaves me sitting behind trying to shift up but pretty sure they're going to slow down for some stupid reason ("Squirrel!") and since you can't see **** ahead, you never know.
I live a block away from Ferrari of Denver and see exotic cars all the time. Nothing like following a Veyron down University Blvd. at 40mph (speed limit is 45 but god forbid anyone actually does it) and wondering how frustrating it must be to never shift out of first gear.
Anyways, I hope this motor deal works out, that would be a load off my mind.
Even with my pathetic performance (I'd be surprised if the engine was putting out even 100hp at this point), I'm still the fastest car on the road most times...because people drive like morons.
Here's the scenario at most stoplights:
Light changes to green and you watch the neurons travel to their brainstem as they process the new situation.
Remove foot from brake (the only time this is acceptable...normally the brake pedal is to be ridden mercilessly) and wait to see if gravity will move the car.
Failing that, wait to see if an errant photon wind will accelerate you.
Finally, press the gas pedal but do it gingerly because SPEED KILLS!
I hear people say you have to rev the rotary to keep it alive, I wonder where the **** you get the chance. Waiting for all the high horsepower SUVs to Flintstone pedal their whales up to 30mph leaves me sitting behind trying to shift up but pretty sure they're going to slow down for some stupid reason ("Squirrel!") and since you can't see **** ahead, you never know.
I live a block away from Ferrari of Denver and see exotic cars all the time. Nothing like following a Veyron down University Blvd. at 40mph (speed limit is 45 but god forbid anyone actually does it) and wondering how frustrating it must be to never shift out of first gear.
Anyways, I hope this motor deal works out, that would be a load off my mind.
there is something about the person in front of you using a cayenne turbo S to get on the freeway at 30mph, that does make modding the FC a bit pointless...
on that note, i did mod mine, and except for the carnival ride when the turbo spools from 2400-3200rpm its not as much fun as the NA
09-26-14, 09:32 PM
#1368
Today was awful, just plain ole crummy.
Nothing came easily, nothing worked out right the first (or even the third) time.
Spent about seven hours on the fuel system and I'm still not finished.
I began with the fuel pump, a MSD 2225 (I think) that our local guru recommended.
Basically, it's too long/not configured right to fit in the stock location. I spent hours trying different arrangements before settling on the final site, which was no where near the original.
So the wiring had to be redone.
The pump is now mounted, the wiring in place and the new hose/filter between the tank and pump is installed. Now we need new hose/line between the pump and the engine bay, where the main filter lives. And that should do it. Everything will be properly sized and brand new.
An amusing side note to a dreary day:
The original pump mount (which I desperately wanted to retain...and did) is like a miniature FC transmission mount. It's very cute. Ours was in pretty good shape and I had to keep it. Doing so probably cost me an extra hour of work but I think it'll be worth it.
If not...well, damn.
First thing tomorrow, we'll finish off the fuel system and see how she runs.
Then try the new ECU.
Last will be the distributor...Sigfrid got the kit to convert our original distributor to some MSD module. Supposedly, the 280ZX distributor we have now has a totally wrong advance curve and modding the original is the preferred path.
I've read the exact opposite, so we'll see about that.
Nothing came easily, nothing worked out right the first (or even the third) time.
Spent about seven hours on the fuel system and I'm still not finished.
I began with the fuel pump, a MSD 2225 (I think) that our local guru recommended.
Basically, it's too long/not configured right to fit in the stock location. I spent hours trying different arrangements before settling on the final site, which was no where near the original.
So the wiring had to be redone.
The pump is now mounted, the wiring in place and the new hose/filter between the tank and pump is installed. Now we need new hose/line between the pump and the engine bay, where the main filter lives. And that should do it. Everything will be properly sized and brand new.
An amusing side note to a dreary day:
The original pump mount (which I desperately wanted to retain...and did) is like a miniature FC transmission mount. It's very cute. Ours was in pretty good shape and I had to keep it. Doing so probably cost me an extra hour of work but I think it'll be worth it.
If not...well, damn.
First thing tomorrow, we'll finish off the fuel system and see how she runs.
Then try the new ECU.
Last will be the distributor...Sigfrid got the kit to convert our original distributor to some MSD module. Supposedly, the 280ZX distributor we have now has a totally wrong advance curve and modding the original is the preferred path.
I've read the exact opposite, so we'll see about that.
09-28-14, 09:19 AM
#1369
Worst day evaaar.
Seriously.
Sigfrid's impending move has totally screwed up our work approach/timeline and it's making life miserable. He is typically manic (which I balance by being grandpa-slow) but has shifted into hyperdrive now that there's a hard cap on his participation. He wants **** done NOW! but that's not how things go with this sort of project and it ain't working.
We began this with the understanding that the engine was probably trash, it would be nice if we could get her running for a while (to evaluate our chassis work) but the foregone assumption was that we'd swap in *something* more entertaining later.
California has put the kibosh on that whole "let's throw a rotary in there!" dreamplan and I think that having to maintain two households for a year has put a stanglehold on his wallet.
Time and money...the two biggest project/dream killers in the world.
Prior to informing me of his plans, I wondered why S. had suddenly fixated on keeping the L28 platform, which had never been a consideration before.
After that initial discussion we'd decided that the "best" way to go about it would be to find a freshly rebuilt longblock and Megasquirt it. With a solid foundation, we could turbo it later.
OK, I could live with that...I'd certainly enjoyed my 240Z with the 280 engine and figured this would be even better.
But then he started focusing on the current engine and that's what has lead to this rabbithole three weeks of frustration.
The engine has been psychotic, never acting the same way twice.
Sometimes she'll start, sometimes not.
Sometimes billows black smoke, sometimes white...occasionally, none at all.
Sometimes seems almost ready to drive, usually seems ready to explode.
Two weeks ago we had compression #'s of 145psi down to 95psi (minimum spec is 165psi), yesterday it was 155psi across the board. Normally I'd be thrilled it was "building" compression but she ran much better before, she's terrible now.
With the new fuel pump and lines/filters, we have great fuel delivery but she won't even start until the pressure is turned down to 20psi (supposed to be 36psi).
And by the way, the new pump is the loudest thing I've ever heard. Absolutely, hilariously ridiculous. Which infuriated Sigfrid.
The motor is junk.
I've known for a few weeks, Sigfrid finally accepted it yesterday.
We're spinning our wheels, wasting money and (now increasingly valuable) time.
My plan was to stop with the engine and concentrate on the body/interior.
I would keep chiseling away and by June, have a "finished" (albeit non-running) car he could trailer to Cali and complete in a setting where people knew the laws that must be met (or how to get around them...).
Sigfrid went inside and bought an engine.
Should be here in a week or so.
Surprise!
I'm not clear on the details (because I haven't paid much attention to the nuances of the L28 series since it wasn't a candidate before) but it's a freshly rebuilt longblock (under 10k miles, I hear) with the "best" head/block combination available.
A whopping 160hp (probably measured at the spark plugs), the epitome of the breed.
I guess the plan is to swap in the new longblock, dress it with our ancillaries/manifolds and see what happens. Not sure where the Megasquirt fits in now, he's surely hoping not to need it right away.
No matter what, she's going to need a whole new exhaust (the current headers are not BAR certified, there is no cat and she's obnoxiously loud) and we'll have to dig up our original EGR manifold and get it functional (the exhaust has no EGR port either).
If we can get her running, at least I'll be able to move her to my place and carry on with whatever I can.
It'll be interesting.
Seriously.
Sigfrid's impending move has totally screwed up our work approach/timeline and it's making life miserable. He is typically manic (which I balance by being grandpa-slow) but has shifted into hyperdrive now that there's a hard cap on his participation. He wants **** done NOW! but that's not how things go with this sort of project and it ain't working.
We began this with the understanding that the engine was probably trash, it would be nice if we could get her running for a while (to evaluate our chassis work) but the foregone assumption was that we'd swap in *something* more entertaining later.
California has put the kibosh on that whole "let's throw a rotary in there!" dreamplan and I think that having to maintain two households for a year has put a stanglehold on his wallet.
Time and money...the two biggest project/dream killers in the world.
Prior to informing me of his plans, I wondered why S. had suddenly fixated on keeping the L28 platform, which had never been a consideration before.
After that initial discussion we'd decided that the "best" way to go about it would be to find a freshly rebuilt longblock and Megasquirt it. With a solid foundation, we could turbo it later.
OK, I could live with that...I'd certainly enjoyed my 240Z with the 280 engine and figured this would be even better.
But then he started focusing on the current engine and that's what has lead to this rabbithole three weeks of frustration.
The engine has been psychotic, never acting the same way twice.
Sometimes she'll start, sometimes not.
Sometimes billows black smoke, sometimes white...occasionally, none at all.
Sometimes seems almost ready to drive, usually seems ready to explode.
Two weeks ago we had compression #'s of 145psi down to 95psi (minimum spec is 165psi), yesterday it was 155psi across the board. Normally I'd be thrilled it was "building" compression but she ran much better before, she's terrible now.
With the new fuel pump and lines/filters, we have great fuel delivery but she won't even start until the pressure is turned down to 20psi (supposed to be 36psi).
And by the way, the new pump is the loudest thing I've ever heard. Absolutely, hilariously ridiculous. Which infuriated Sigfrid.
The motor is junk.
I've known for a few weeks, Sigfrid finally accepted it yesterday.
We're spinning our wheels, wasting money and (now increasingly valuable) time.
My plan was to stop with the engine and concentrate on the body/interior.
I would keep chiseling away and by June, have a "finished" (albeit non-running) car he could trailer to Cali and complete in a setting where people knew the laws that must be met (or how to get around them...).
Sigfrid went inside and bought an engine.
Should be here in a week or so.
Surprise!
I'm not clear on the details (because I haven't paid much attention to the nuances of the L28 series since it wasn't a candidate before) but it's a freshly rebuilt longblock (under 10k miles, I hear) with the "best" head/block combination available.
A whopping 160hp (probably measured at the spark plugs), the epitome of the breed.
I guess the plan is to swap in the new longblock, dress it with our ancillaries/manifolds and see what happens. Not sure where the Megasquirt fits in now, he's surely hoping not to need it right away.
No matter what, she's going to need a whole new exhaust (the current headers are not BAR certified, there is no cat and she's obnoxiously loud) and we'll have to dig up our original EGR manifold and get it functional (the exhaust has no EGR port either).
If we can get her running, at least I'll be able to move her to my place and carry on with whatever I can.
It'll be interesting.
09-28-14, 10:45 AM
#1370
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fun fun! you're reminding me of about a 2 years ago, where we had lost our shop space, and i had to get my Fc-REW (FCD?) running well enough to go to the paint shop, so it would look presentable in front of my house, and i could then sort out the rest of the car.
for what its worth, i think getting the original Datsun engine to pass CA smog would be more of a hassle than an engine swap, but i'm a day late and dollar short! i have a feeling that all the emission controls on the Datsun engine actually make things worse, and yet must be there due to our stupid visual test.
for what its worth, i think getting the original Datsun engine to pass CA smog would be more of a hassle than an engine swap, but i'm a day late and dollar short! i have a feeling that all the emission controls on the Datsun engine actually make things worse, and yet must be there due to our stupid visual test.
09-28-14, 10:48 AM
#1371
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actually smog part 2, one of the other bartenders last night owns a golf cart, and it has CA plates on it. so there actually IS a way to register stuff without needing a smog, apart from living in a county that doesn't have smog.
09-29-14, 08:01 PM
#1372
Here's what I know...
The engine has been crated (palletized? wrapped in duct tape?) and delivered to the depot. It's only coming from Texas so I'm not sure when to expect it. S. likes to think before Saturday but that seems a bit quick.
Included in the deal are two stock distributors and an AFM.
My tarted up engine bits will all transfer right over-valve cover, ignition wires, intake- it's really just a question of the condition of the new block. Probably a little paint, a little hardware, some gaskets and in she goes.
Meanwhile, the weather continues to remind me that winter is coming (we had cold rain/hail this afternoon) and we have to get the damn paint on.
Like, soon.
09-29-14, 09:02 PM
#1373
And FYI, episode 7 of Project Binky just dropped.
If you aren't watching, you should be.
I'm making a prediction:
They're gonna run the alternator off the driveshaft.
You heard it here first.
If you aren't watching, you should be.
I'm making a prediction:
They're gonna run the alternator off the driveshaft.
You heard it here first.
09-29-14, 09:59 PM
#1374
Rotary Enthusiast
Watched.
I actually thought they were going to put the radiators in the fenders and run duct work until he pointed out what was taking up so much space (duh). Smaller turbo = less turbo lag too.
But, lots of modern ancilleries are smaller (or can be) than they were when the donor Celica was built.
I predict they are going to ditch the conventional battery and run solar cells on the roof in combination with a gasoline electric fuel cell to start the car and run the accessories. You heard it here first.
I actually thought they were going to put the radiators in the fenders and run duct work until he pointed out what was taking up so much space (duh). Smaller turbo = less turbo lag too.
But, lots of modern ancilleries are smaller (or can be) than they were when the donor Celica was built.
I predict they are going to ditch the conventional battery and run solar cells on the roof in combination with a gasoline electric fuel cell to start the car and run the accessories. You heard it here first.
10-01-14, 08:23 AM
#1375
The engine is "in transit" but no hard delivery date yet.
Sigfrid has ordered a bunch of gaskets/filters/plugs 'n stuff, we shouldn't need anything major but you never know. We plan on dropping the oil pan just for a look see, seems like the least we could do.
Of course, we have no engine stand or lift, so exactly how we're going to horse this beast around is a mystery. I guess we'd always planned on Harbor Freighting our way through a swap but the move has complicated that, so now we'll probably rent.
If we do, the trick will be to prep to the extent that we can pull the old and install the new in one day.
Which shouldn't be too difficult*.
* Cue the apocalypse, brought on by hubris.
Apologies in advance.
Sigfrid has ordered a bunch of gaskets/filters/plugs 'n stuff, we shouldn't need anything major but you never know. We plan on dropping the oil pan just for a look see, seems like the least we could do.
Of course, we have no engine stand or lift, so exactly how we're going to horse this beast around is a mystery. I guess we'd always planned on Harbor Freighting our way through a swap but the move has complicated that, so now we'll probably rent.
If we do, the trick will be to prep to the extent that we can pull the old and install the new in one day.
Which shouldn't be too difficult*.
* Cue the apocalypse, brought on by hubris.
Apologies in advance.