I've had this car for about 18 months now- and, there's quite a few updates! My overall goal is to build a clean, stripped down, modded SA-- something I can have fun with and take to car shows and occasionally drive to work. I spent the first couple months stripping the car and repairing rust (there was a lot-- sunroof and windshield leaks caused havoc). This winter, I focused on pulling, porting and rebuilding the engine. I finally got it back in and fired up and driving around this spring. It's an absolute blast to drive!! Lots of pics to come.

Powertrain Upgrades:
Master Atkins rebuild 12A w/ new-ish housings
Pineapple Racing large street port
Full RB street port exhaust
Weber 48 DCO carb and intake manifold w/ Holley red fuel pump
Lightweight steel flywheel and HD pressure plate
RB street oil pressure regulator and SS lines
Electronic ignition upgrade w/ MSD blaster coils

Suspension/Chassis (so far..)
Koni red (front), KYB GR2 (rear)
RB springs
15x7 Rota RB w/ Kumho Ecsta V730

Body/Interior
T3 door cards, spare tire cover and bin covers
Custom center console w/ Autometer Z series gauges
All tar stripped, rust repaired and resprayed w/ Eastwood rubberized undercoating
LRB speed interior panels

Future
4pt roll bar and harnesses'
Rework wiring harness
Body work...

As purchased:





Rust






Interior coming together---

 

While it was running and driving when I bought it- it definitely needed a rebuild. Classic big blue smoke puffs on startup.






Overall- not in bad shape but housings had the classic flaking






So much cleaner looking than a Nikki!


Mocked up:



Lightweight flywheel and pressure plate installed

 

Nothing like unpacking a new exhaust!


Tires mounted to Rota RB's



Autometer Z series mechanical gauges mounted


Fresh wash!



Wrapped smuggler's boxes with suede. Covers secured with velcro


Interior is starting to get there.

 

Wow.....the car looks awesome ...great job.....

Not to fond of the wheel choice but looks good nonetheless.....

I'll love to hear the motor running......

 

How did the rebuild and porting go? Have you done it before?

 

Rebuilding is very straightforward. This is the first one I've done solo- last one was about 15 years ago. There is also a ton of resources out there now between YouTube and the shop manuals. Most of the time was spent cleaning/ de-greasing everything. Porting just takes patience, a steady hand and the proper equipment.

There was a bit of troubleshooting time spent getting it fired up for the first time after the rebuild since I changed a lot of variables all at once (carb/ ignition/ wiring). Once I had the proper timing, strong spark and fuel it fired up pretty easily.

 

Nice work on the car thus far!! How is it running and driving?

 

I'm still breaking in the engine (<4k and light loading), but it runs fairly well. Water temperature is a consistent 180, oil is about 140-160. It consistently starts and idles very smoothly with minimal smoke.
I definitely need to work on tuning the carb a little better- its running extremely rich right now based on my 6 MPG fuel economy on my first tank...

 

Looking nice