craaaazzy's Widebody REW project
 

I think it's time for me to start a build thread here since I am planning on installing an REW some time in the future. I had a build thread in the local SE forum that documented how I got the car, what's been done in the past year, etc so if you'd like to take a look, here it is:

My old build thread/

so my plan is to finish the body and collect parts needed for the REW swap. Not sure if i'll go ahead and do the paint just yet but the collection of parts have begun. I have an REW motor with all accessories, S4 TII transmission, 12a front cover, 12a oil pick up, TII starter, and to attempt to make wiring as easy as possible, also have a PFC. other parts I still have yet to acquire so guys familiar with this or the TII swap, let me know if you have anything I need.

here are some helpful builds that I have gathered to help with this swap, in case anyone cares
z-beater
kevinbtz
sleeper7
81widemariah
rotorican85
ducktape

if you know of additional build threads, feel free to add them or let me know.

the car as it sits:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8...hoto%25204.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l...hoto%25205.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s...hoto%25201.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o...hoto%25203.JPG

lx-machado and i picked up this wing, it's just sitting on the car, nothing bolted in...just wanted to see what it looks like. not sure if i'll have a wing or not.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G...hoto%25202.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8...hoto%25203.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l...hoto%25204.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z...hoto%25205.JPG

Looks good
 

I'm to the point where I wish I had gone the route of buying a kit instead of making one from scratch.

I like the look of your car.

Looking good Fred! I didn't know you already picked up an REW.

The cars looks good with or with out the wing.

Fuck yeah on the wing.

thanks guys. i like how it looks with and without the wing but i haven't made up my mind. will hold off on paint until i decide.

BUT in the mean time, alex and I are trying to get a mold made for this wing so we can duplicate it. just having a hard time finding a shop that does this type of work locally for a reasonable price. if anyone knows of a shop here in atlanta, please let us know.

why are you going to remake the wing when you can still buy them?

Looking good Fred! Did Marco convince you to go REW? When are you planning to do the swap?

end goal is to make them more affordable for everyone.

indeed donnie. he is a bad influence. :cursing:
no timeframe yet. am still collecting parts and after that, i'd like to go over everything, fix all known leaks, paint parts, modify what needs to be modified, etc. before tackling removing old and installing new motor.

looking good!!

Looking good so far! If you're going with the front cover mounting route don't forget the GSL-SE oil pan... Didn't see that on your list.

i really like the black dragon kit, cant wait to see your car done! its gunna be a beast.

Thanks guys. Parts collection still taking place. Received my GSL-SE oil pan and have a few other parts to track down.

decided to paint the car so it's at the painters. am still collecting parts though which include S4 NA waterpump/housing (since i'll be eliminating everything but the waterpump and alternator, i need the waterpump to be spinning opposite way of REW waterpump so belt does not slip), rear adjustable spring perches, lightweight flywheel, and bosch 044 fuel pump.

also found these:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A...s400/photo.JPG

I own, have owned the top 2 cars, and for the porsche, i will own one someday...

Any updates, Fred?

yes actually. got the car back from the painters but need to do some cutting/polishing (anyone local have a polisher i can borrow?) but here's a sneak peak:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I...hoto%25202.JPG

Where in GA are you? Nice build thread!

Travis

i'm in alpharetta.

added the fender welt to the passenger side as well today. hopefully it protects the body enough from vibrations from the rear fenders. also changed out the rear glass for one without a wiper...looks much better. =)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w...hoto%25201.JPG

changed the driver's side door seals (door seal, window seal, window trim). now the window motor needs some help and it also does not go all the way up (gap of about 1/4"). not sure if it's due to a weak motor or needs lubrication. i did squirt some lithium along the seal which helped a little but not much. could possibly be from the corners of the rubber seal as it feels tight in those areas. also tried adjusting the window a bit but no go.

anyway, some more pics:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h...hoto%25202.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z...hoto%25203.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0...hoto%25204.JPG

Looking good, Fred!

thanks donnie. hopefully it'll make it out to the next OGTA meet.

so here's what happens when you replace the ball joint in the front control arm and not tack it in. this is the driver's side:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...s400/photo.JPG

i was going to simply get a new ball joint and install that but after removing the old arm, it was fairly easy to insert the old ball joint in with a few light taps of a hammer (hole had expanded too much in my mind). so new control arm ordered from mazdatrix. hopefully the other side stays put cause i don't really want to buy another $170 control arm.

Finally got the new control arm as well as the other control arm welded and installed. Here is the car at a local meet.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h...hoto%25201.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J...hoto%25203.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E...hoto%25204.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N...hoto%25201.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O...hoto%25202.JPG

wide
 

That thing looks badass!

Thanks. I'm still debating about the wing but not the wing posted above. Thinking I may make a custom one out of aluminum.

Looking good, Fred. What wing style are you going for? I have one similar to yours, but a little more modest, on my WB and could be down to trade.

How are you liking it with the SE running gear?

Thanks Donnie. I'm thinking of making a wing much like what Marco has on his RX3...something simple. I'll be making a sample with cardboard first to see if I like the look first though.

I haven't gotten the chance to open her up yet as I am only 300 miles into the break-in on the SE motor. Gearing seems a bit short though, especially the first 2 gears as I can get to 4500 rpms pretty quickly.

wow fred, looks fantastic after paint. im such a sucker for white fb's :D