88 SE Restoration
09-25-17, 05:02 AM
#27
Ended up pulling the upper intake manifold again and tested the injector pulse with a noid light. There was pulse when cranking. I took a longer look at the injectors and after pulling them and testing them, I found that while the secondary injectors were functioning properly, the primary injectors were stuck. After about an hour of working on the injectors, I got them freed up and measured their resistance and it was within spec per the FSM. I put the intake manifold back on and the engine fired right to life. It was such a struggle because everything tested good the entire time, but the injector wasn't pulsing. Wish I had considered it as an option sooner. Either way, the engine ran beautifully. It smoked a lot and for some time actually. I did have some ATF in the engine and who knows what has been sitting in the exhaust for the last 21 years. The smoke cleared and I took the car for a short drive and I was extremely happy with the results. Still more to do but now its running and driving. First time the car has seen the road in 21 years. A V8 swap turned around and brought back to life as Mazda intended it, with a 13B! Here are some pics from its first start up:
First start:
Warning lights on. Suspecting a faulty alternator:
Warming up. Still with voltage on the low side:
Just a shade of smoke:
Holding a good idle:
Smoke clearing a little:
First start:
Warning lights on. Suspecting a faulty alternator:
Warming up. Still with voltage on the low side:
Just a shade of smoke:
Holding a good idle:
Smoke clearing a little:
09-27-17, 05:31 AM
#28
Made more progress on the car yesterday. I was able to fix a heater pipe leak, got the speedometer cable hooked up, the cowl trim bolted in, the wiper arms sanded and painted, coolant topped off, and swept the car again. Seems as though the more I run and drive the car the better the car is. Most things work in the car, however there are still some issues such as the seat belt warning light remain on sometimes and is very faint other times when driving the car. I know these cars are prone to poor solder joints and grounding issues so I'll have some things to go through. Took a few pictures while I was messing with the car and wanted to share them:
10-03-17, 05:34 AM
#29
Replaced the alternator and the oilmpressure gauge works as it should and the warning lights do not come on at idle.
Also picked up a set of ffront fender liners as mine were missing for some odd reason. Still a lot more to go but most of the basics are getting there. Progress.
Also picked up a set of ffront fender liners as mine were missing for some odd reason. Still a lot more to go but most of the basics are getting there. Progress.
01-18-18, 05:35 AM
#31
Pulled the car back in the garage last night to do some repairs. The clutch is slipping on my BMW and I'm going to need a decent car to drive while that car is down. Its my best option, not that I want to drive it in the winter months, but I nearly have no choice. My MR2 is down for a trans as the differential failed, my Nordic Green RX-8 lost compression, the black RX-8 is completely rust free and has summer sport tires, so that's a no go in the snow...The 85 RX-7 has weak heat, the 944 needs a timing belt and water pump and I don't want to risk driving it in the snow, the 80 RX-7 will never see a flake of snow or drop of rain as its immaculate and lives in the garage under a cover, and the Corvette...yeah...there's no chance of driving that in the snow. Summer tires, too much power, and the fiberglass doesn't like the cold so much.
I ordered a new speedometer cable from Mazda yesterday and I need to affix the nut that secures the wiper linkage to the motor. Then I need to run a new washer squirter line from the reservoir to the hood. Also need to get some floor mats and shifter bushings. This car has great heat, working rear defrost, new tires and brakes, and it drives amazing. Its the only logical choice to drive for a short period of time.
I ordered a new speedometer cable from Mazda yesterday and I need to affix the nut that secures the wiper linkage to the motor. Then I need to run a new washer squirter line from the reservoir to the hood. Also need to get some floor mats and shifter bushings. This car has great heat, working rear defrost, new tires and brakes, and it drives amazing. Its the only logical choice to drive for a short period of time.
11-26-18, 05:29 AM
#32
I've enjoyed driving the car this summer here and there. Not a ton of miles were put on it, but the odometer did turn past 60k miles! The car is currently in the garage next to my 10AE awaiting some things. First big thing I want to do is the 5 lug swap. I have the parts for the rear end, I just need the parts for the front end. That's the big plan for the car as of now. I also need to find a set of original floor mats for the car. There are some other things I need for the power steering so that I can install it, so here's hoping I am able to come across what I need. I will continue to update this thread with more pictures!
12-03-18, 05:41 AM
#34
The car is in the garage next to my 10AE and is waiting on some work to be done. Still need to find a set of original grey floor mats and a good S4 stereo surround with vents. Then the interior will be done. I plan on installing the power steering as well, though I still need a few parts to make that happen. Here are a few pics I took to share yesterday:
12-03-18, 02:56 PM
#35
This thread actually gives me a glimmer of hope. There are several similarities between your car and mine (with the starting point), the main difference, however, is yours is running now. As usual, you have patiently and lovingly started out with something rough and turned it into something really nice. I find your builds refreshing.
Is that Ate Super Blue you've got there?
Is that Ate Super Blue you've got there?
12-03-18, 05:48 PM
#36
I'm very glad that you have enjoyed the build thread. Its so hard to focus on car when I have several project cars. I find myself jumping around and doing little things n each one in an attempt to keep up. This poor car still needs so much. The reason that I was able to get it running so fast is that I found a good engine and trans locally for a great price. A friend mentioned that he had heard that an older guy had an engine and trans and through several contacts, I finally managed to get the guy's number and call him. He did in fact have what I needed and it worked out perfectly. I had the engine installed within a few days I think and its ran great ever since. Electrical gremlins plague the car however. The horn works when it wants as does the clock. The radio is inop and the doors have a hard time latching with the windows up. The seals are all original... The brake fluid is sadly not ATE Super Blue. Its just filthy. Shame on me for not flushing it sooner. Something I was planning on doing when I did the 5 lug swap. Though its not without its issues, at the end of the day its still a 60k mile unmodified FC which I absolutely love.