Finally got a FD: A Story WITH Pictures!
03-14-11, 04:32 PM
#29
Nice story. Congrats on the purchase. You got it cheap but it will need a decent amount of TLC. Do read the FAQ thread on the topics of vac line replacement and the thread on testing solenoids that are in there. Consider replacing the FPD and having the injectors cleaned (be careful with o-rings and who you buy them from - search for that) if the rats nest is coming out.
It will be nice to see that car restored to a reasonable condition.
Regarding tires, if you are on a budget consider getting some used tires/wheels from someone on here. Otherwise, check out the Hankook Ventus RS3, Kumho XS, Bridgeston RE760 Sport. All of them are around $100 each
It will be nice to see that car restored to a reasonable condition.
Regarding tires, if you are on a budget consider getting some used tires/wheels from someone on here. Otherwise, check out the Hankook Ventus RS3, Kumho XS, Bridgeston RE760 Sport. All of them are around $100 each
03-14-11, 06:38 PM
#30
I have been reading the FAQ and learned quite a bit :-)
As previously stated, I will be sending the injectors off to be cleaned. I will definitely consider the fpd, and I have priced the fuel line kit from Ray Crowe. I can't wait to get it RIGHT like it should be.
And I did find out what killed the Turbo, the super high quality stainless mesh air filter had large enough holes that sand could pass thru!
Vince
As previously stated, I will be sending the injectors off to be cleaned. I will definitely consider the fpd, and I have priced the fuel line kit from Ray Crowe. I can't wait to get it RIGHT like it should be.
And I did find out what killed the Turbo, the super high quality stainless mesh air filter had large enough holes that sand could pass thru!
Vince
03-15-11, 03:19 PM
#31
Good call on ditching the tail lights and that chinese knock-off turbo. I have nothing but okay things to say about the stock mount ebaycooler you've got though. I've been running the same piece for years at the track with no problems using some custom made pipes and a TurboJeff battery tray/51R battery. I know it's a bit of a hike, but once you get it all set up maybe we'll see you at one of the NoVA meets sometime 
03-15-11, 04:37 PM
#32
I appreciate all of the encouragement.
Got a present in the mail from the UPS guy yesterday!
It's all slowly coming together. Will be sending off the injectors Friday, fuel filter should arrive the 18th, and I will be placing an order with Ray Crowe once the wheels have sold.
Vince
Got a present in the mail from the UPS guy yesterday!
It's all slowly coming together. Will be sending off the injectors Friday, fuel filter should arrive the 18th, and I will be placing an order with Ray Crowe once the wheels have sold.
Vince
03-15-11, 05:28 PM
#33
I have been reading the FAQ and learned quite a bit :-)
As previously stated, I will be sending the injectors off to be cleaned. I will definitely consider the fpd, and I have priced the fuel line kit from Ray Crowe. I can't wait to get it RIGHT like it should be.
And I did find out what killed the Turbo, the super high quality stainless mesh air filter had large enough holes that sand could pass thru!
Vince
As previously stated, I will be sending the injectors off to be cleaned. I will definitely consider the fpd, and I have priced the fuel line kit from Ray Crowe. I can't wait to get it RIGHT like it should be.
And I did find out what killed the Turbo, the super high quality stainless mesh air filter had large enough holes that sand could pass thru!
Vince
http://www.banzai-racing.com/pd_elimination_how-to.htm
03-16-11, 02:28 AM
#37
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Congrats on the find, seems like you got a damn good price for it.
I don't actually think that's silverstone, it may have been at one point but that doesn't look like the stock paint. Looking forward to see how this turns out.
I don't actually think that's silverstone, it may have been at one point but that doesn't look like the stock paint. Looking forward to see how this turns out.
03-16-11, 02:49 PM
#38
^Good eye. The previous owner repainted the car close the the Spirit R Titanium metallic color. It was originally Silverstone. It will require a real paint job later as it not perfect and there is some evidence of poor prepwork. It's a good excuse to put a 99 spec nose on it 
But that is for a much later time, main priority is getting it running again, and fix all the small things to make it reliable. At least the motor is in great shape!
The car was cheap, but I fiqure it will take at least another $1500 to get it back to good running condition.
I will definately consider that as it would help keep the budget in check. And I can always get another fuel rail later.
I did a test fit and it looked like a roll would be needed, and I am just not interested doing that. I will be getting some good tires for the stock wheels and later get some wheels I like. 99 spec or RZ or MS01s would be nice but I'll figure that out later.
Vince
But that is for a much later time, main priority is getting it running again, and fix all the small things to make it reliable. At least the motor is in great shape!
Originally Posted by OC_DEBO
Recently realized i definitly OVERPAID for my TT FD, but its posts and stories like this that give me hope. Keep finding the good deals, and don't keep all of them to yourself!
Originally Posted by Force13B
Or you can get rid of the FPD
Originally Posted by Miata_mx5
They will fit with a roll (If that). Depending on tire size & brand ( I do not mean running extremely stretched tires either )
Vince
06-12-11, 12:09 AM
#39
Minor Update!
I reinstalled all the stock lighting!
And installed a cheap non-stock exhaust.
I managed to source a set of R1 dual oil coolers, a CSP Race radiatior, and a metal AST locally (thanks vandamage):
Traded those 19s AND THE STOCK MUFFLER for the following:
I think I got the better end of the deal, eh?
Got the injectors back from Witchhunter a while back:
And a guy that owed me some money made these templates for me so I can do the circle taillights that are so popular.
Current Status:
I drained the fuel tank, and nearly finished straightening the fins on the radiator. The exhaust is temporary and cheap to replace the stock muffler that was traded with the wheels for the Power FC. It will be replaced with a name brand exhaust when time and funds allow. Ordered the gaskets, hoses, and crush washers from the dealer.
Other parts acquired:
Fuel Filter, Fuel pump sock, new plugs, replacement set of twins, new plug wires, and a radio.
I will be ordering the silicone hose kit next. Once that has arrived, I can start resurrecting this beast
Vince
I reinstalled all the stock lighting!
And installed a cheap non-stock exhaust.
I managed to source a set of R1 dual oil coolers, a CSP Race radiatior, and a metal AST locally (thanks vandamage):
Traded those 19s AND THE STOCK MUFFLER for the following:
I think I got the better end of the deal, eh?
Got the injectors back from Witchhunter a while back:
And a guy that owed me some money made these templates for me so I can do the circle taillights that are so popular.
Current Status:
I drained the fuel tank, and nearly finished straightening the fins on the radiator. The exhaust is temporary and cheap to replace the stock muffler that was traded with the wheels for the Power FC. It will be replaced with a name brand exhaust when time and funds allow. Ordered the gaskets, hoses, and crush washers from the dealer.
Other parts acquired:
Fuel Filter, Fuel pump sock, new plugs, replacement set of twins, new plug wires, and a radio.
I will be ordering the silicone hose kit next. Once that has arrived, I can start resurrecting this beast
Vince
06-12-11, 09:32 PM
#42
^Well I didn't get a chance to change the taillights yet as I need to polish them back to their former glory still.
UPDATE!
Last week, my buddy Dave stopped by on his way back to MD from FL and we checked the car out and he showed me a few things, and I learned a few things and tricks. It was nice to hang out again.
Here he is with his FD:
TODAY:
JohnyZoom stopped by and checked it out and he convinced me to do a compression test after he discovered the PRETTY BLUE MAZDA REMAN Badge on the timing cover.
Peak compression 122PSI on the rear and 124PSI on the front, testing with a Snap-On tester. Testing with the check valve open reveals even bounces on both rotors on all faces!!!
That's pretty awesome I think.
Underhood picture:
Also, ordered some of DaleClark's check valves. Will order some silicone hose soon and will be sending the injectors off Friday (payday) to be cleaned. Once the wheels sell, I will be able to order the turbo/downpipe/UIM/acv gaskets and the underhood coolant lines/hoses from Ray Crowe and get an aluminum radiator.
It's will require new tires before it can be driven, Options in my price range are:
Kuhmo Ecsta
BfGoodrige T/A
Riken Raptors
All are Z-rated, but I do not want the Raptors! Will have to figure out which ones to get when the time comes.
Also, the odometer does not diplay numbers. I know this is a common issue, but is the ground for the cluster in the engine harness? None of those are attached at the moment
Vince
UPDATE!
Last week, my buddy Dave stopped by on his way back to MD from FL and we checked the car out and he showed me a few things, and I learned a few things and tricks. It was nice to hang out again.
Here he is with his FD:
TODAY:
JohnyZoom stopped by and checked it out and he convinced me to do a compression test after he discovered the PRETTY BLUE MAZDA REMAN Badge on the timing cover.
Peak compression 122PSI on the rear and 124PSI on the front, testing with a Snap-On tester. Testing with the check valve open reveals even bounces on both rotors on all faces!!!
That's pretty awesome I think.
Underhood picture:
Also, ordered some of DaleClark's check valves. Will order some silicone hose soon and will be sending the injectors off Friday (payday) to be cleaned. Once the wheels sell, I will be able to order the turbo/downpipe/UIM/acv gaskets and the underhood coolant lines/hoses from Ray Crowe and get an aluminum radiator.
It's will require new tires before it can be driven, Options in my price range are:
Kuhmo Ecsta
BfGoodrige T/A
Riken Raptors
All are Z-rated, but I do not want the Raptors! Will have to figure out which ones to get when the time comes.
Also, the odometer does not diplay numbers. I know this is a common issue, but is the ground for the cluster in the engine harness? None of those are attached at the moment
Vince
06-13-11, 10:50 AM
#44
^ A total of 5 FCs were crushed. None were viable to fix/restore. Only one had a title. 2 were automatic. 2 were S5, one of which was a total loss in the front end AND an AT. Only one was turbo, but it was so far gone it was not salvageable. It was the one pictured with only a spare wheel, and motor was seized!!
All were parted out to fix others and keep them on the road. They were just shells when they finally met their maker. Almost all the engines were pulled and sold except that seized turbo II. It's trans, diff, hood, and ds went to one guy. Intercooler to another. I kept the turbo, used an injector and sold the computer. The proceeds from the engine harness bought my wife's wedding dress.
1 car -> many other cars
Also, in the picture quoted above with the red FD you can see my next victim in the background, non-turbo GXL, AT, low compression, non-running. Been sitting for 10 years. Fix it up?? Hell no, there is too much wrong with it and it is an AT! Soon to be parted and crushed. It does have a LSD and the sought after rear axle ratio.
Basically, I was following the motto "So that others may live."
I couldn't do the same with FDs for several reasons.
1. FCs are dime a dozen, FDs are rare and normally expensive.
2. FCs came in many lame variants (4 lug AT for example).
3. An FD shell is so pretty it could double as a lawn ornament, not so much for the FC, even though I tried.
The current Google Maps satellite image of my house shows the S5 parts car that was behind my house And you can just make out the scoop on the hood of my turbo II.
Vince
All were parted out to fix others and keep them on the road. They were just shells when they finally met their maker. Almost all the engines were pulled and sold except that seized turbo II. It's trans, diff, hood, and ds went to one guy. Intercooler to another. I kept the turbo, used an injector and sold the computer. The proceeds from the engine harness bought my wife's wedding dress.
1 car -> many other cars
Also, in the picture quoted above with the red FD you can see my next victim in the background, non-turbo GXL, AT, low compression, non-running. Been sitting for 10 years. Fix it up?? Hell no, there is too much wrong with it and it is an AT! Soon to be parted and crushed. It does have a LSD and the sought after rear axle ratio.
Basically, I was following the motto "So that others may live."
I couldn't do the same with FDs for several reasons.
1. FCs are dime a dozen, FDs are rare and normally expensive.
2. FCs came in many lame variants (4 lug AT for example).
3. An FD shell is so pretty it could double as a lawn ornament, not so much for the FC, even though I tried.
The current Google Maps satellite image of my house shows the S5 parts car that was behind my house
And you can just make out the scoop on the hood of my turbo II.Vince
06-26-11, 10:10 PM
#47
^ Title is not salvage or rebuilt.
Another Minor Update!
Got my care package from Malloy:
All the underhood coolant hoses, LIM gasket, TB-Oring, FC Thermoswitch, Oil drain tube gaskets, copper washers for oil cooler lines and a few other goodies.
Did actually work on the car a little too.
Removed bad set of turbos:
Condition of front turbo compressor wheel:
Major cracks on turbine housing:
Replacement turbos:
Also took inventory under the hood of the harness and I seem to have one damaged/broken connector. It is a black wire with a red stripe. I think it's the thermoswitch as the other connector fits the CTS. Can anyone confirm this?
And lastly, I've ordered the silicone hose kit from HoseTechniques, and even got enough extra to do the hoses on my TDI. VW was nice enough to color code the boost control hoses red and blue from the factory. Too bad it was that awful fabric covered stuff
Once the hose arrives I'll start working on bringing it back to life!
Vince
Another Minor Update!
Got my care package from Malloy:
All the underhood coolant hoses, LIM gasket, TB-Oring, FC Thermoswitch, Oil drain tube gaskets, copper washers for oil cooler lines and a few other goodies.
Did actually work on the car a little too.
Removed bad set of turbos:
Condition of front turbo compressor wheel:
Major cracks on turbine housing:
Replacement turbos:
Also took inventory under the hood of the harness and I seem to have one damaged/broken connector. It is a black wire with a red stripe. I think it's the thermoswitch as the other connector fits the CTS. Can anyone confirm this?
And lastly, I've ordered the silicone hose kit from HoseTechniques, and even got enough extra to do the hoses on my TDI. VW was nice enough to color code the boost control hoses red and blue from the factory. Too bad it was that awful fabric covered stuff
Once the hose arrives I'll start working on bringing it back to life!
Vince
06-30-11, 07:03 PM
#49
So I had a little extra time to actually work on the car so I removed the LIM. I bought the gasket already so I went ahead and pulled it so I can clean everything up and better assess its condition.
So I found a suprise inside the LIM when I was removing the black pipes at the top so I can clean it up...
This hole goes to the ACV, I think which is on the inner side of the UIM. This is what was in the hole.
WTF is this and how/why is this there. It looks like a side seal but it is thicker than I remember them to be and the edges are rounded.
I also need to get an oil feed line as the one on this has been twisted at the end that meets the turbos...
Also while I was removing the belts, I noticed the trigger wheel for the cts was bent in towards the center like it had been dropped long ago when it was off the engine.
Can this be replaced without worry of the thrust bearing being disturbed?
I really need to look at the FSM and learn something, but working 70-80 hours a week right now I'm usually too tired to look at it, lol.
Thanks for all the encouragement and advice to all who have posted. I'm slowly getting closer to being able to start putting this all together, and can't wait to hear it run.
Vince
So I found a suprise inside the LIM when I was removing the black pipes at the top so I can clean it up...
This hole goes to the ACV, I think which is on the inner side of the UIM. This is what was in the hole.
WTF is this and how/why is this there. It looks like a side seal but it is thicker than I remember them to be and the edges are rounded.
I also need to get an oil feed line as the one on this has been twisted at the end that meets the turbos...
Also while I was removing the belts, I noticed the trigger wheel for the cts was bent in towards the center like it had been dropped long ago when it was off the engine.
Can this be replaced without worry of the thrust bearing being disturbed?
I really need to look at the FSM and learn something, but working 70-80 hours a week right now I'm usually too tired to look at it, lol.
Thanks for all the encouragement and advice to all who have posted. I'm slowly getting closer to being able to start putting this all together, and can't wait to hear it run.
Vince
07-02-11, 02:43 PM
#50
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that definitely looks too think to be a side seal, do you have calipers you can measure it to be sure? It looks potentially liked a warped one piece apex seal with the lip on the outer edges.