FC RX7 Project Car - Street/Time Attack Build
08-13-17, 09:52 PM
#26
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Tue Apr 18, 2017
Ok, so with everything fixed/replaced as best as I know how, it's now time for a tune! :bounce2:
I've booked it in for later this week with a tuner I genuinely trust. This is super important to me as having an open line of communication with your tuner/mechanic makes it a lot easier to get the results you want (within reason)
With so many unknowns with this car it's hard not to be nervous, the driveline, clutch, engine.... I don't know the history of any of them. :shock: :? But my tuner has an action plan and literally it will be to take it slow and not chase power on this build. If it's happy and brappn go for more, if there's hesitation with anything we call it a day and run it safe until we decide how to fix it.
Next dear diary will be after the tune! Wish me luck!
Ok, so with everything fixed/replaced as best as I know how, it's now time for a tune! :bounce2:
I've booked it in for later this week with a tuner I genuinely trust. This is super important to me as having an open line of communication with your tuner/mechanic makes it a lot easier to get the results you want (within reason)
With so many unknowns with this car it's hard not to be nervous, the driveline, clutch, engine.... I don't know the history of any of them. :shock: :? But my tuner has an action plan and literally it will be to take it slow and not chase power on this build. If it's happy and brappn go for more, if there's hesitation with anything we call it a day and run it safe until we decide how to fix it.
Next dear diary will be after the tune! Wish me luck!
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:44 PM.
08-13-17, 09:57 PM
#27
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Thu May 04, 2017
"I like my cars, how I like my women! 30 years old with a heap of issues!"
So a little update, after waiting longer than I'd hoped to get this car tuned and get some party boost into her I finally managed to lock in a date! Beauty!!
Loaded up the backseat with 80L of E85, Fresh Castor Oil for the tune and set off at 5.00am much to the disgust of my neighbours!
Car was behaving quite well and in between the times people trying to race me (Using the "Needs a tune bro!" excuse.... Classic!) & the Trucks not even registering that I was on the road because the car is tiny, (Scary ****!) .... I started to notice it was getting harder to downshift as the car got warmer. :/
By the time I had made it to the off ramp 30 mins away, The clutch pedal kept getting stuck to the floor I had complete gear lock out! FFS!!! I somehow managed to get it into second gear and skilfully avoid any red lights or oncoming traffic arriving at the workshop knowing exactly what my problem was.
Sure enough upon inspection it was the Clutch Master/Slave on the fritz, I couldn't risk it dying completely on the dyno and wasting everyone's time so once it cooled down and the gears would engage, I limped it to a friends place around the corner. I've ordered parts to replace both the Slave and the Master cylinder and I'll re-book for a tune hopefully next week.
"I like my cars, how I like my women! 30 years old with a heap of issues!"
So a little update, after waiting longer than I'd hoped to get this car tuned and get some party boost into her I finally managed to lock in a date! Beauty!!
Loaded up the backseat with 80L of E85, Fresh Castor Oil for the tune and set off at 5.00am much to the disgust of my neighbours!
Car was behaving quite well and in between the times people trying to race me (Using the "Needs a tune bro!" excuse.... Classic!) & the Trucks not even registering that I was on the road because the car is tiny, (Scary ****!) .... I started to notice it was getting harder to downshift as the car got warmer. :/
By the time I had made it to the off ramp 30 mins away, The clutch pedal kept getting stuck to the floor I had complete gear lock out! FFS!!! I somehow managed to get it into second gear and skilfully avoid any red lights or oncoming traffic arriving at the workshop knowing exactly what my problem was.
Sure enough upon inspection it was the Clutch Master/Slave on the fritz, I couldn't risk it dying completely on the dyno and wasting everyone's time so once it cooled down and the gears would engage, I limped it to a friends place around the corner. I've ordered parts to replace both the Slave and the Master cylinder and I'll re-book for a tune hopefully next week.
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:45 PM.
08-13-17, 09:58 PM
#28
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Sun May 07, 2017
Spent yesterday installing the new Clutch Master and Slave cylinder in the car!.... Definitely a two man job (Thanks Matt) and be sure to practice your yoga prior to shoving yourself under the dash! I couldn't feel my lower back for about 15 minutes after crawling out of the car.
After removing all the parts and inspecting them the Slave cylinder was indeed leaking slightly but on top of that the fluid was rank! - Rookie Error on my part not adding that to my basic maintenance 9 weeks ago.
All good, re-install of parts took bugger all time, then fluid swapped out for some Motul Dot 4 (this was laying around for the evo).
**Insert part numbers here**
Took it for a solid drive for 15 minutes and couldn't replicate the issue I had last week with gear lockout so that's a win, I won't pat myself on the back just yet, not until the car is off the dyno and I'm driving home.
Spent yesterday installing the new Clutch Master and Slave cylinder in the car!.... Definitely a two man job (Thanks Matt) and be sure to practice your yoga prior to shoving yourself under the dash! I couldn't feel my lower back for about 15 minutes after crawling out of the car.
After removing all the parts and inspecting them the Slave cylinder was indeed leaking slightly but on top of that the fluid was rank! - Rookie Error on my part not adding that to my basic maintenance 9 weeks ago.
All good, re-install of parts took bugger all time, then fluid swapped out for some Motul Dot 4 (this was laying around for the evo).
**Insert part numbers here**
Took it for a solid drive for 15 minutes and couldn't replicate the issue I had last week with gear lockout so that's a win, I won't pat myself on the back just yet, not until the car is off the dyno and I'm driving home.
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:46 PM.
08-13-17, 10:01 PM
#29
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Fri May 12, 2017
Success!!!! But what a freaking emotional rollercoaster! Arghhhhh
Dropped the car off for it’s tune today at 10am, and that’s when the battle started! (dyno time NEVER goes to plan)
Switching over to E85 and getting it to idle on its own steam the cars fuel pressure was apparently erratic and kept dropping…. This turned out to be me not nipping up the fuel reg nut so it had wiggled its way loose. …. Whoops My bad.
Next came the low voltage issue, refusing to budge from 11V it turns out the alternator was letting everyone know it’s giving up on life and ready to commit suicide!..... sigh…
From there, the FC threw another solid combo and the Microtech just completely died… No warning, just gone… I fully expected it to be a dead ECU…. But thankfully it turned out to just be a fuse. YAY! So the guys located the burnt fuse, replaced it… and kept going.
Time to finally wind in some party boost and at 11psi made 205kw but the fuel pressure tanked so had to call it a day at 8psi and rev cut at 6k for safety.
The old girl put up a good fight but in the end we prevailed and dragged her across the line for a very respectable 180kw @ 8psi (Wastegate) with more ponies to come once I fix the niggly little issues.
I just want to reiterate the importance of having someone you trust to carry out the tuning/labour on your car. My tuner Matt Ashley went above and beyond to rectify all these issues today and he got me a solid result so I could drive the car home instead of calling me to organise a trailer and fix it myself. He also gave me an action list to work through and bring the car back when I’m ready to go back on the rollers.
Very Happy with the result! It's a massive throwback to the 90's with a BOV that doses & Pop up lights, now to enjoy this car a bit over the weekend! \
/ \/
Success!!!! But what a freaking emotional rollercoaster! Arghhhhh
Dropped the car off for it’s tune today at 10am, and that’s when the battle started! (dyno time NEVER goes to plan)
Switching over to E85 and getting it to idle on its own steam the cars fuel pressure was apparently erratic and kept dropping…. This turned out to be me not nipping up the fuel reg nut so it had wiggled its way loose. …. Whoops My bad.
Next came the low voltage issue, refusing to budge from 11V it turns out the alternator was letting everyone know it’s giving up on life and ready to commit suicide!..... sigh…
From there, the FC threw another solid combo and the Microtech just completely died… No warning, just gone… I fully expected it to be a dead ECU…. But thankfully it turned out to just be a fuse. YAY! So the guys located the burnt fuse, replaced it… and kept going.
Time to finally wind in some party boost and at 11psi made 205kw but the fuel pressure tanked so had to call it a day at 8psi and rev cut at 6k for safety.
The old girl put up a good fight but in the end we prevailed and dragged her across the line for a very respectable 180kw @ 8psi (Wastegate) with more ponies to come once I fix the niggly little issues.
I just want to reiterate the importance of having someone you trust to carry out the tuning/labour on your car. My tuner Matt Ashley went above and beyond to rectify all these issues today and he got me a solid result so I could drive the car home instead of calling me to organise a trailer and fix it myself. He also gave me an action list to work through and bring the car back when I’m ready to go back on the rollers.
Very Happy with the result! It's a massive throwback to the 90's with a BOV that doses & Pop up lights, now to enjoy this car a bit over the weekend! \
/ \/
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:50 PM.
08-13-17, 10:06 PM
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Wed May 17, 2017
So after a weekend of driving the old girl I absolutely love it! It's loud, raw and low... And it pops flames! The driving has highlighted a lot of issues/action items I still need to address but first impressions are good and I'm just enjoying the cruising right now.
I ended up taking the 7 out to a local C&C at QLD Raceway just to hard park for now and Dallas D Train, awesome Brissy based photographer managed to get some snaps (And YES that is me with a dirty big smile on my face showing off my car :P )
Next weekend I'll be installing the new Alternator & also installing the power steering setup (Thanks Josh for both)
So after a weekend of driving the old girl I absolutely love it! It's loud, raw and low... And it pops flames! The driving has highlighted a lot of issues/action items I still need to address but first impressions are good and I'm just enjoying the cruising right now.
I ended up taking the 7 out to a local C&C at QLD Raceway just to hard park for now and Dallas D Train, awesome Brissy based photographer managed to get some snaps
(And YES that is me with a dirty big smile on my face showing off my car :P )Next weekend I'll be installing the new Alternator & also installing the power steering setup (Thanks Josh for both)
08-13-17, 10:08 PM
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Tue May 23, 2017
So it seems these electrical gremlins go a little deeper than I had originally thought.
Well I can't make it too easy on myself, I did say I wanted a "Project" car. I much prefer the fab, spanner, driving side of cars! But I guess it's time to learn how to use multi-meters and find out which of the little bastard wires is giving me grief.
So it seems these electrical gremlins go a little deeper than I had originally thought.
Well I can't make it too easy on myself, I did say I wanted a "Project" car. I much prefer the fab, spanner, driving side of cars! But I guess it's time to learn how to use multi-meters and find out which of the little bastard wires is giving me grief.
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:48 PM.
08-13-17, 10:10 PM
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Sat May 27, 2017
Let's be clear, I know F*&k all about electrical work and wiring ( I can read a schematic, crimp and use multimeters) but even I can see that this poor RX7 has been bloody butchered. Who ever did this, I'm sorry if you're reading my log but you deserve a swift dick punch for the state of this car.....
Now I've got that out of my system...
Problem No.1
Microtech Voltage low with engine off. Definitely some resistance here from power wire but Ignition on is fine.
- Battery = 12.5V
- Alternator = 12.5V
- ECU Power = 11.2V
- ECU Ignition = 12.5V
I managed to fix this by tracing the red MT power wire and removing the soldering on the inline fuse, and used a simple spade crimp with heatshrink instead. ECU now reads the same as the battery and alternator.
Problem No.2
The Abortion of wiring in my engine bay (This was always on my list to fix up but I was naive in the severity of the mess) I honestly had no idea where to start so I just started by using brake cleaner on everything, cleaning off all the grime, dirt and oil.
After everything was clean I sheathed and covered all exposed wires with heat shrink and tape. Once I was happy with the wires I cut off the ends and crimped on new eyelets and connectors so I could terminate the wires properly using existing threads in the chassis to mount everything. I found a neat path to route the harness underneath the Cold Side piping using an existing P-clip. It's by no means perfect but the wiring is out of view now and no longer swinging in the breeze. This will be an ongoing project with the wiring.
Problem No.3
The used alternator I bought and installed still won't out put 13+V for charging. (It sits at 11.3ish V) So I'm either really unlucky and have two broken alternators.... OR my wiring still needs further attention. Means ripping open the starter harness and tracing the B/W, W/B wire and also replace the charge wire with some 4 gauge.
First things first, time to test these alternators and go from there.
Let's be clear, I know F*&k all about electrical work and wiring ( I can read a schematic, crimp and use multimeters) but even I can see that this poor RX7 has been bloody butchered. Who ever did this, I'm sorry if you're reading my log but you deserve a swift dick punch for the state of this car.....
Now I've got that out of my system...
Problem No.1
Microtech Voltage low with engine off. Definitely some resistance here from power wire but Ignition on is fine.
- Battery = 12.5V
- Alternator = 12.5V
- ECU Power = 11.2V
- ECU Ignition = 12.5V
I managed to fix this by tracing the red MT power wire and removing the soldering on the inline fuse, and used a simple spade crimp with heatshrink instead. ECU now reads the same as the battery and alternator.
Problem No.2
The Abortion of wiring in my engine bay (This was always on my list to fix up but I was naive in the severity of the mess) I honestly had no idea where to start so I just started by using brake cleaner on everything, cleaning off all the grime, dirt and oil.
After everything was clean I sheathed and covered all exposed wires with heat shrink and tape. Once I was happy with the wires I cut off the ends and crimped on new eyelets and connectors so I could terminate the wires properly using existing threads in the chassis to mount everything. I found a neat path to route the harness underneath the Cold Side piping using an existing P-clip. It's by no means perfect but the wiring is out of view now and no longer swinging in the breeze. This will be an ongoing project with the wiring.
Problem No.3
The used alternator I bought and installed still won't out put 13+V for charging. (It sits at 11.3ish V) So I'm either really unlucky and have two broken alternators.... OR my wiring still needs further attention. Means ripping open the starter harness and tracing the B/W, W/B wire and also replace the charge wire with some 4 gauge.
First things first, time to test these alternators and go from there.
08-13-17, 10:16 PM
#33
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Wed May 31, 2017
Aint no party like a beep test party!!
Ok while I wait for confirmation on the condition of the two alternators, I have ordered a third alternator that is 100% in working order. This will eliminate that as a problem, and if the other two come back as good I'll sell them on.
In the mean time I thought it would be wise to check the whole circuit from fuse box to battery and see if the alternator "field" wire was getting excited. I've read it should put out 12V at both pins when it's off the alternator.
Beep Test & Voltmeter test came back good on all the fuses at the ignition, Awesome, can rule out a simple fuse...
Next I checked the B/W & W/B pins at the alt..... and nothing. Voltmeter just keeps hunting.... Now I'm getting some answers, so I went looking for Plug FE03 and it's vanished in the bermuda triangle of wiring... God I hope it hasn't been cut off.
Next job (which I didn't want to do) is trace the wire from ignition, behind the dash and through to the firewall and find out why my plug isn't getting 12V.
Aint no party like a beep test party!!
Ok while I wait for confirmation on the condition of the two alternators, I have ordered a third alternator that is 100% in working order. This will eliminate that as a problem, and if the other two come back as good I'll sell them on.
In the mean time I thought it would be wise to check the whole circuit from fuse box to battery and see if the alternator "field" wire was getting excited. I've read it should put out 12V at both pins when it's off the alternator.
Beep Test & Voltmeter test came back good on all the fuses at the ignition, Awesome, can rule out a simple fuse...
Next I checked the B/W & W/B pins at the alt..... and nothing. Voltmeter just keeps hunting.... Now I'm getting some answers, so I went looking for Plug FE03 and it's vanished in the bermuda triangle of wiring... God I hope it hasn't been cut off.
Next job (which I didn't want to do) is trace the wire from ignition, behind the dash and through to the firewall and find out why my plug isn't getting 12V.
08-13-17, 10:22 PM
#34
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Sat Jun 03, 2017
Winner Winner chicken dinner!
So by the process of elimination we have found the culprit of my charging issues! And apparently my alternator couldn't get its dick hard (Excited)
I managed to find Plug FE-03 and everything was in tact which puzzled the **** out of me because I still wasn't getting 12V at the Pins..... Upon further inspection and unwrapping an ungodly amount of Elec tape, I found out why! Someone had clean snipped the wires (B/W & W/B) and covered up the crime! 
Simple Spade crimp back together and suddenly it was like a different car! Idles and boosts great.
There's still a few issues to address, mainly the Microtech still reads only 12.5 at the handset so I still have some resistance issues at the ECU but I think running a new power wire and new earth wire for the MT will be a good start and go from there.
Any way you slice it, it was a massive win today to getting this thing back to running sweet again! Shout out to Josh for helping me turn spanners today.... Gotta love the rotary community
Winner Winner chicken dinner!
So by the process of elimination we have found the culprit of my charging issues! And apparently my alternator couldn't get its dick hard (Excited)
I managed to find Plug FE-03 and everything was in tact which puzzled the **** out of me because I still wasn't getting 12V at the Pins..... Upon further inspection and unwrapping an ungodly amount of Elec tape, I found out why! Someone had clean snipped the wires (B/W & W/B) and covered up the crime!
Simple Spade crimp back together and suddenly it was like a different car! Idles and boosts great.
There's still a few issues to address, mainly the Microtech still reads only 12.5 at the handset so I still have some resistance issues at the ECU but I think running a new power wire and new earth wire for the MT will be a good start and go from there.
Any way you slice it, it was a massive win today to getting this thing back to running sweet again! Shout out to Josh for helping me turn spanners today.... Gotta love the rotary community
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:51 PM.
08-13-17, 10:37 PM
#35
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Tue Jun 06, 2017
Ok so after having a quick look at the wiring last night to check the Microtech setup & it seems as though my Fuel Pump & Radiator Fans are all pulling power by splicing into the ECU ignition wire!!!
At least this gives me a starting point to attack on the weekend, put Fuel Pump (Red) on it's own power source from battery. And install another relay for the Electronic fans and connect them up to the Microtech so I can remove in the cab switch.
Hopefully this sorts out my MT voltage drop as I think the wire isn't big enough to carry enough current for all three items. We'll wait and see.
Ok so after having a quick look at the wiring last night to check the Microtech setup & it seems as though my Fuel Pump & Radiator Fans are all pulling power by splicing into the ECU ignition wire!!!
At least this gives me a starting point to attack on the weekend, put Fuel Pump (Red) on it's own power source from battery. And install another relay for the Electronic fans and connect them up to the Microtech so I can remove in the cab switch.
Hopefully this sorts out my MT voltage drop as I think the wire isn't big enough to carry enough current for all three items. We'll wait and see.
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:52 PM.
08-13-17, 10:45 PM
#36
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Sat Jun 10, 2017
Cliff Notes: We fixed some dodgy stuff, we broke some stuff, we cried, the car is now running sweet!!
Just have to put a little dancing man in here before I start..... \/ \/ 
Spent the last few days getting across the last hurdle of this charging system! First up we put a new 80A Main Fuse in the engine bay to eliminate any doubts on that sucker! Second we installed the new fuel pump relay in the boot, ran power 25 amp direct from the battery, and cleaned up the routing for that... I'm starting to really like the look of it in the boot now and I'll finish it off by getting some P-clips to secure the routing.
Doing this fixed the voltage drop in the ecu & battery, it is now reading exactly what the battery is showing and the battery was getting charge from the Alternator now with a solid reading of 13.5-13.9 at any given time! There was a little hiccup as there always is with this car and the fuel pump would stop working whenever someone jumped in the passenger seat! :shock: :shock:
This honestly scared the **** out of me as you could literally stop the fuel pump by pressing on the passenger carpet, then engage it again by stepping out.... WTF!! We traced the problem to a shitty junction plastic clip that wired the Ignition Trigger wire to another shorter ******* wire for the fuel pump relay.... I can't imagine the carnage if the pump stopped when I was going full boost! Lean out like a **** LOL
After ******* off the plastic clip which was strong backed with what I think is a paddle pop stick, the pump runs awesome and strong and no voltage drop in the ECU at all!! Time to call the tuna, because she is now ready for a re-tune with Full Boost and Full Revs!! Pew pew pew!!!
On to the next job, Wiring the radiator fans onto their own power and into the MT aux trigger.
Cliff Notes: We fixed some dodgy stuff, we broke some stuff, we cried, the car is now running sweet!!
Just have to put a little dancing man in here before I start..... \
/ \/ Spent the last few days getting across the last hurdle of this charging system! First up we put a new 80A Main Fuse in the engine bay to eliminate any doubts on that sucker! Second we installed the new fuel pump relay in the boot, ran power 25 amp direct from the battery, and cleaned up the routing for that... I'm starting to really like the look of it in the boot now and I'll finish it off by getting some P-clips to secure the routing.
Doing this fixed the voltage drop in the ecu & battery, it is now reading exactly what the battery is showing and the battery was getting charge from the Alternator now with a solid reading of 13.5-13.9 at any given time! There was a little hiccup as there always is with this car and the fuel pump would stop working whenever someone jumped in the passenger seat! :shock: :shock:
This honestly scared the **** out of me as you could literally stop the fuel pump by pressing on the passenger carpet, then engage it again by stepping out.... WTF!! We traced the problem to a shitty junction plastic clip that wired the Ignition Trigger wire to another shorter ******* wire for the fuel pump relay.... I can't imagine the carnage if the pump stopped when I was going full boost! Lean out like a **** LOL
After ******* off the plastic clip which was strong backed with what I think is a paddle pop stick, the pump runs awesome and strong and no voltage drop in the ECU at all!! Time to call the tuna, because she is now ready for a re-tune with Full Boost and Full Revs!! Pew pew pew!!!
On to the next job, Wiring the radiator fans onto their own power and into the MT aux trigger.
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:53 PM.
08-13-17, 10:52 PM
#37
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Sat Jun 10, 2017
Feeling good about fixing the fuel pump and this subsequently fixing the ECU voltage drop, I figured we'd double down and wire in the radiator fans to the ECU aux (which is the MT white wire for anyone playing at home)
The radiator fans were previously running off a toggle switch in the centre console, this was wired to an inline fuse which then pulled power from the Microtech Ignition wire. Not ideal if you want a fully functioning ECU! :?
Got to work and pulled apart the conduit and wiring, and the thing was held together with f*&king masking tape..... Not even making this **** up... all the power wires were twisted and held together with masking tape...
**Please note if you are doing your own wiring and are unsure, just buy a **** tonne of elec tape and use that... masking tape is a fire hazard!!**
After having a few beers to calm down and have a giggle, we assessed how to attack the new setup. Decided to tidy up the Radiator conduit, keep the inline fuse and re-used it in the new setup, Wired in a relay to trigger with the white MT wire and pull power from the Junction in the engine bay ( the insulated junction is essentially the battery, but it's not in the boot) Set the MT aux to 88 degrees for fans on and voila! Everything just plain ******* works, it's great!!... No more fiddling with stupid switches or forgetting when you hit traffic and no more worrying about dying a fiery death
Feeling good about fixing the fuel pump and this subsequently fixing the ECU voltage drop, I figured we'd double down and wire in the radiator fans to the ECU aux (which is the MT white wire for anyone playing at home)
The radiator fans were previously running off a toggle switch in the centre console, this was wired to an inline fuse which then pulled power from the Microtech Ignition wire. Not ideal if you want a fully functioning ECU! :?
Got to work and pulled apart the conduit and wiring, and the thing was held together with f*&king masking tape..... Not even making this **** up... all the power wires were twisted and held together with masking tape...
**Please note if you are doing your own wiring and are unsure, just buy a **** tonne of elec tape and use that... masking tape is a fire hazard!!**
After having a few beers to calm down and have a giggle, we assessed how to attack the new setup. Decided to tidy up the Radiator conduit, keep the inline fuse and re-used it in the new setup, Wired in a relay to trigger with the white MT wire and pull power from the Junction in the engine bay ( the insulated junction is essentially the battery, but it's not in the boot) Set the MT aux to 88 degrees for fans on and voila! Everything just plain ******* works, it's great!!... No more fiddling with stupid switches or forgetting when you hit traffic and no more worrying about dying a fiery death
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:53 PM.
08-13-17, 11:15 PM
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Sat Jun 10, 2017
Got some time to start looking at Aesthetics on my car and it's an awesome feeling compared to chasing electrical faults!
I'm trying to find the perfect offset for Front & Rear on the FC's. I want to go as wide as possible on the rear for traction and then not stretch the friendship on the front as it's kind of narrow up there.
I messed around and put the Evo wheels on the car and God Dayummm the Gramlights on the rear look balla! Bit of poke but a small guard pump & roll and they'd fit perfect. The Fronts were a different story and needed a 5mm spacer to clear suspension, not much room at all, Might have to go some oversized fenders to fit a 9" wheel under the guards.
I definitely like the Silver Look so I'm thinking some RPF1's or some Work Equip 05's.... Still undecided, This post was just me throwing out some options and getting a gauge for sizing!
Fronts - Evo 9 Enkeis - 17 x 8 +38
Rears - Gramlights 57DR - 18 x 9.5 +22
Got some time to start looking at Aesthetics on my car and it's an awesome feeling compared to chasing electrical faults!
I'm trying to find the perfect offset for Front & Rear on the FC's. I want to go as wide as possible on the rear for traction and then not stretch the friendship on the front as it's kind of narrow up there.
I messed around and put the Evo wheels on the car and God Dayummm the Gramlights on the rear look balla! Bit of poke but a small guard pump & roll and they'd fit perfect. The Fronts were a different story and needed a 5mm spacer to clear suspension, not much room at all, Might have to go some oversized fenders to fit a 9" wheel under the guards.
I definitely like the Silver Look so I'm thinking some RPF1's or some Work Equip 05's.... Still undecided, This post was just me throwing out some options and getting a gauge for sizing!
Fronts - Evo 9 Enkeis - 17 x 8 +38
Rears - Gramlights 57DR - 18 x 9.5 +22
08-13-17, 11:30 PM
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Wed Jun 28, 2017
With electrical problems still giving me grief, just like a cancer, I had to keep cutting deeper!
It started with me having a win the other day, getting the alternator to work and push out 14.3v and the Battery/ECU reading 13.5v. This was tested while idling, lights on and fans on! .... Happy Days!
When I put the car in a driving situation though, after 5-10 mins the ECU & Battery voltage worked it's way down to 12.2v essentially not charging ****! It would occasionally bump back up, but most of the time it was erratic and charged when it bloody well pleased. Insert Sad Face
I was avoiding doing it but now I had no choice, today I took a day off work and cut open the remainder of the OEM charging harness....(There really wasn't much left at all LOL ) I carefully dissected from the top down and suddenly the charge wire from the Alternator fell apart in my hands.... FFS 
These beautiful twist and elec tape joins occurred another 3 times along this wire, so it made diagnosing my voltage drop problems pretty damn easy! .... Bought some new 4gage (110A) wire and ran new Alternator Charge Wire to the Main Fuse, And then from the Fuse to the Battery. Starter power was in great condition so I left it alone. (Note: I feel like I should have gone with black wire as the red stands out like crazy in the engine bay)
Initial tests have a slight voltage drop of about 0.2v from Alternator to Battery, and with car running, lights on, fans on and other ancillaries working, the car never dips below 13.6, and then hunts back up to 13.9 solid with no lights and fans.
Pretty bloody happy now the car feels great but I'm going to test this setup in all situations for a few days, prior to it's tune next week just to make sure it's 100%
With electrical problems still giving me grief, just like a cancer, I had to keep cutting deeper!
It started with me having a win the other day, getting the alternator to work and push out 14.3v and the Battery/ECU reading 13.5v. This was tested while idling, lights on and fans on! .... Happy Days!
When I put the car in a driving situation though, after 5-10 mins the ECU & Battery voltage worked it's way down to 12.2v essentially not charging ****! It would occasionally bump back up, but most of the time it was erratic and charged when it bloody well pleased. Insert Sad Face
I was avoiding doing it but now I had no choice, today I took a day off work and cut open the remainder of the OEM charging harness....(There really wasn't much left at all LOL ) I carefully dissected from the top down and suddenly the charge wire from the Alternator fell apart in my hands.... FFS
These beautiful twist and elec tape joins occurred another 3 times along this wire, so it made diagnosing my voltage drop problems pretty damn easy!
.... Bought some new 4gage (110A) wire and ran new Alternator Charge Wire to the Main Fuse, And then from the Fuse to the Battery. Starter power was in great condition so I left it alone. (Note: I feel like I should have gone with black wire as the red stands out like crazy in the engine bay)Initial tests have a slight voltage drop of about 0.2v from Alternator to Battery, and with car running, lights on, fans on and other ancillaries working, the car never dips below 13.6, and then hunts back up to 13.9 solid with no lights and fans.
Pretty bloody happy now the car feels great but I'm going to test this setup in all situations for a few days, prior to it's tune next week just to make sure it's 100%
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:54 PM.
08-13-17, 11:43 PM
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Mon Jul 03, 2017
Managed to swap my dead alternator for a knock off steering wheel. Looked good in person but on the car it is very 90's!
It can stay until I get my OMP alacantra... at least I've got a boss kit now for it.
Managed to swap my dead alternator for a knock off steering wheel. Looked good in person but on the car it is very 90's!
It can stay until I get my OMP alacantra... at least I've got a boss kit now for it.
08-13-17, 11:50 PM
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Mon Jul 03, 2017
Took the RX7 to it's first show today at Eagle Farm (Just a good excuse for a drive) Car is no where near ready but figured I'd go and support the rotary scene in Brissy. So many nice cars, some are even generational handed down from father to son!
Definitely gives me some inspiration / motivation / goals of where I want my car to be.... just not sure I have deep enough pockets hahaha
Took the RX7 to it's first show today at Eagle Farm (Just a good excuse for a drive) Car is no where near ready but figured I'd go and support the rotary scene in Brissy. So many nice cars, some are even generational handed down from father to son!
Definitely gives me some inspiration / motivation / goals of where I want my car to be.... just not sure I have deep enough pockets hahaha
08-14-17, 03:34 PM
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Mon Jul 03, 2017
Unfortunately on the way home from the car show on Saturday, the car started stuttering a little bit and it got progressively worse... luckily I was close to home as I ended up limping up the road and coasted into our driveway!
The only way I could describe it is my car went from a Rotary to a WRX! Definitely ignition related.... or the worst.... low comp.
The next day I went and bought some replacement spark plugs. NGK B9EGV = $18 each VS B9EG = $5 each... I opted for the B9EG as I just needed to test the problems and spending $80 on Spark Plugs for no reason seemed overkill.
Old spark plugs didn't look in the best of shape but they were still firing.... New Spark plugs didn't fix the problem.
Note: B9 spark plugs hex is too shallow & the head becomes flush with the block so you'll need a thin wall socket or grind down an existing one to get them out.
I then decided to test the Coil Packs as it really seemed like the car was missing on every rotation. So I took one of the old spark plugs, shoved it into the coil plug, earthed it against the car and with the fuel pump disconnected cranked the ignition. Low and behold.. the trailing coil pack wouldn't fire at all.... tested the leading coils and they fire.
So I've bought a used set of coils and they will arrive this week... and hopefully this fixes the problem, otherwise I'm off to the shop for a comp test. I swear this car has just had enough and doesn't want to be tuned, its novelty is wearing thin.
Unfortunately on the way home from the car show on Saturday, the car started stuttering a little bit and it got progressively worse... luckily I was close to home as I ended up limping up the road and coasted into our driveway!
The only way I could describe it is my car went from a Rotary to a WRX!
Definitely ignition related.... or the worst.... low comp.The next day I went and bought some replacement spark plugs. NGK B9EGV = $18 each VS B9EG = $5 each... I opted for the B9EG as I just needed to test the problems and spending $80 on Spark Plugs for no reason seemed overkill.
Old spark plugs didn't look in the best of shape but they were still firing.... New Spark plugs didn't fix the problem.
Note: B9 spark plugs hex is too shallow & the head becomes flush with the block so you'll need a thin wall socket or grind down an existing one to get them out.
I then decided to test the Coil Packs as it really seemed like the car was missing on every rotation. So I took one of the old spark plugs, shoved it into the coil plug, earthed it against the car and with the fuel pump disconnected cranked the ignition. Low and behold.. the trailing coil pack wouldn't fire at all.... tested the leading coils and they fire.
So I've bought a used set of coils and they will arrive this week... and hopefully this fixes the problem, otherwise I'm off to the shop for a comp test. I swear this car has just had enough and doesn't want to be tuned, its novelty is wearing thin.
08-14-17, 03:36 PM
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Tue Jul 04, 2017
I'm sure everyone has been through this before at one point or another, you start to think of every other possibility that it could be, all to avoid facing the evident truth.... I've got a dead dorito. 
Used a piston compression tester to get a feel for what was going on, Front housing 75,75,75... Seems consistent... Rear housing 75,25,25.. Well that's not ideal.
Don't get me wrong, I was prepared for this! This was always a high possibility!! Engine unknown.... Extremely poor workmanship from someone or multiple owners in the past.... and me throwing new parts on expecting her to perform like a star athlete. It was always a big ask from the little car. But hey, you can't blame me for having a crack.
I was honestly expecting more fireworks.... a hole in the block, smoke out the exhaust, catastrophic failure.... but it was just a simple, one minute it worked, next minute it didn't
I'll need a few weeks to decide which direction to go from here... This may be the opportunity I was looking for to strip the car down to nothing because I'm sick of chasing gremlins. My ultimate goal is/ and always has been roll racing, sprints/time attack and a fun streeter....
I guess I need a new daily
I'm sure everyone has been through this before at one point or another, you start to think of every other possibility that it could be, all to avoid facing the evident truth.... I've got a dead dorito.
Used a piston compression tester to get a feel for what was going on, Front housing 75,75,75... Seems consistent... Rear housing 75,25,25.. Well that's not ideal.
Don't get me wrong, I was prepared for this! This was always a high possibility!! Engine unknown.... Extremely poor workmanship from someone or multiple owners in the past.... and me throwing new parts on expecting her to perform like a star athlete. It was always a big ask from the little car. But hey, you can't blame me for having a crack.
I was honestly expecting more fireworks.... a hole in the block, smoke out the exhaust, catastrophic failure.... but it was just a simple, one minute it worked, next minute it didn't
I'll need a few weeks to decide which direction to go from here... This may be the opportunity I was looking for to strip the car down to nothing because I'm sick of chasing gremlins. My ultimate goal is/ and always has been roll racing, sprints/time attack and a fun streeter....
I guess I need a new daily
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:55 PM.
08-14-17, 03:39 PM
#44
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Fri Jul 07, 2017
You are one lucky RX7 you little blue bitch! :P
Not going to lie, It honestly could have gone either way for my car, Part out, Backyard Ornament, LS1 or 13b rebuild and I've been having a massive conflict within myself trying to decide which direction to take.
I priced up a few rotary rebuilds from shops and they are all very modular with their pricing so to get something half decent with fruit, you're looking at 6-7k up and running.
Seeing as though I want reliability, consistency and around 240kw, I was all set to order the Ronin Speedworks LS1 mounting kit and get to work on turning my car into a V8.... :shock: :shock: (throwing one in an FC isn't so bad, let's be honest :P )
Then at the 11th hour, Instead of buying a daily driver, I used that $$ to pull the trigger on an Extend Port Engine (13bt), Clutch & Trans package with some fruit thrown in.
I'll pick it up this weekend and so the process starts of swapping all my **** out.. I'll prep & paint the engine bay while everything is out. And also do something about that GOD AWFUL wiring.
On another note, I found some old roller photos from years ago when it was a part out. It seems my car has been around the scene for a bit and from what I was told at the Rotary meet, it has a reputation... Time to change that.
You are one lucky RX7 you little blue bitch! :P
Not going to lie, It honestly could have gone either way for my car, Part out, Backyard Ornament, LS1 or 13b rebuild and I've been having a massive conflict within myself trying to decide which direction to take.
I priced up a few rotary rebuilds from shops and they are all very modular with their pricing so to get something half decent with fruit, you're looking at 6-7k up and running.
Seeing as though I want reliability, consistency and around 240kw, I was all set to order the Ronin Speedworks LS1 mounting kit and get to work on turning my car into a V8.... :shock: :shock: (throwing one in an FC isn't so bad, let's be honest :P )
Then at the 11th hour, Instead of buying a daily driver, I used that $$ to pull the trigger on an Extend Port Engine (13bt), Clutch & Trans package with some fruit thrown in.
I'll pick it up this weekend and so the process starts of swapping all my **** out.. I'll prep & paint the engine bay while everything is out. And also do something about that GOD AWFUL wiring.
On another note, I found some old roller photos from years ago when it was a part out. It seems my car has been around the scene for a bit and from what I was told at the Rotary meet, it has a reputation... Time to change that.
08-14-17, 03:43 PM
#45
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Sun Jul 09, 2017
Little update before I start turning spanners this week... Picked up the new Dorito 2.0 setup today! \/ \/
My lovely wife bought it all for me as she saw how sad I was this past week.... Get yourself a car chick fellas They understand the pain of a broken car.
Rebuilt S5 Extend Port, Rebuilt S5 Transmission, Clutch, Gilmer Kit, Child size Turbo, Manifolds, New Engine mounts, OEM Harnesses and lots more.
Now it's time to strip out the engine bay and prep it for some new paint. I'll tidy up & paint the engine bay while everything is out as I can say quite confidently I'd be lazy & it won't happen once everything is in!
Time to get to work
Note: I really want to run some aftermarket coil packs as finding OEM in decent condition is proving very difficult... I need to find out if the LT8 Sequential Fire can run aftermarket coils... If not I might be up for a new ECU like an MTX8 and use HEC715 coils... If anyone knows, let me know and I'll lookout for a new ECU as I'm about to re-wire the old one in the next few weeks.
Little update before I start turning spanners this week... Picked up the new Dorito 2.0 setup today! \
/ \/ My lovely wife bought it all for me as she saw how sad I was this past week.... Get yourself a car chick fellas
They understand the pain of a broken car. Rebuilt S5 Extend Port, Rebuilt S5 Transmission, Clutch, Gilmer Kit, Child size Turbo, Manifolds, New Engine mounts, OEM Harnesses and lots more.
Now it's time to strip out the engine bay and prep it for some new paint. I'll tidy up & paint the engine bay while everything is out as I can say quite confidently I'd be lazy & it won't happen once everything is in!
Time to get to work
Note: I really want to run some aftermarket coil packs as finding OEM in decent condition is proving very difficult... I need to find out if the LT8 Sequential Fire can run aftermarket coils... If not I might be up for a new ECU like an MTX8 and use HEC715 coils... If anyone knows, let me know and I'll lookout for a new ECU as I'm about to re-wire the old one in the next few weeks.
08-14-17, 03:50 PM
#46
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Mon Jul 17, 2017
No turning back now
I borrowed an engine crane from a mate (Thanks Carl) & the Engine and gearbox is out! Nothing much to report on this front... it only took half a day to unbolt the major components and remove the plumbing, radiator, oil cooler, exhaust etc. I cracked the engine mounts and transmission mounts and just left everything in place for Sunday when the engine came out.
One thing I will say is that compared to stripping down an Evo... this thing was very enjoyable.. One man job and no tool throwing or swearing necessary (I'm guessing this engine hasn't been in here long enough for the bolts to start seizing up) Saturday was a good day!
Sunday a very hungover Josh came round and helped me yank the engine out (Thanks Josh) and it was as simple as just unbolting the left over hardware, propping up the tailshaft with a jack stand and out she came...
First inspection, not bad.... but there are a few things that stand out.
1. Sump is weepy as f&^k.. It looks as though there's several different silicone on the sump so some fresh goo and it would be fine.
2. I stuck my finger in the sump hole and the oil honestly felt like warm apple pie.... :shock: Kidding, it's more like pudding. Wouldn't surprise me if the pick up tube was blocked and the engine was starving of oil. :roll: :roll: (If anyone knows what would cause this, please let me know) I'm thinking No oil changes, ever.... or maybe some weird reaction with too much premix, Water and Fuel? I'm no expert so I'm only guessing.
3. Small hole in the bell housing... this one sucked as the Engine and Trans was already sold.. hard to weld casting but a bit of JB weld and it would be fine, but still stucks.
No turning back now
I borrowed an engine crane from a mate (Thanks Carl) & the Engine and gearbox is out! Nothing much to report on this front... it only took half a day to unbolt the major components and remove the plumbing, radiator, oil cooler, exhaust etc. I cracked the engine mounts and transmission mounts and just left everything in place for Sunday when the engine came out.
One thing I will say is that compared to stripping down an Evo... this thing was very enjoyable.. One man job and no tool throwing or swearing necessary
(I'm guessing this engine hasn't been in here long enough for the bolts to start seizing up) Saturday was a good day! Sunday a very hungover Josh came round and helped me yank the engine out (Thanks Josh) and it was as simple as just unbolting the left over hardware, propping up the tailshaft with a jack stand and out she came...
First inspection, not bad.... but there are a few things that stand out.
1. Sump is weepy as f&^k.. It looks as though there's several different silicone on the sump so some fresh goo and it would be fine.
2. I stuck my finger in the sump hole and the oil honestly felt like warm apple pie.... :shock: Kidding, it's more like pudding. Wouldn't surprise me if the pick up tube was blocked and the engine was starving of oil. :roll: :roll: (If anyone knows what would cause this, please let me know) I'm thinking No oil changes, ever.... or maybe some weird reaction with too much premix, Water and Fuel? I'm no expert so I'm only guessing.
3. Small hole in the bell housing... this one sucked as the Engine and Trans was already sold.. hard to weld casting but a bit of JB weld and it would be fine, but still stucks.
Last edited by Reckless_Panda; 08-14-17 at 04:38 PM.
08-14-17, 03:53 PM
#47
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Mon Jul 17, 2017
I lied in my last post when I said I didn't find anything dodgy to report on.
When I was looking to remove the dump pipe off the turbo, I found this little gem! Fully welded (if you could call it that) from Turbo to Muffler.
Definitely not the type of exhaust you put together and then show off to your mates, As an ex boilermaker this exhaust offends me! LOL
Nothing really surprises me anymore with this car.....New exhaust added to my list of things to do! hahaha
I lied in my last post when I said I didn't find anything dodgy to report on.
When I was looking to remove the dump pipe off the turbo, I found this little gem! Fully welded (if you could call it that) from Turbo to Muffler.
Definitely not the type of exhaust you put together and then show off to your mates, As an ex boilermaker this exhaust offends me! LOL
Nothing really surprises me anymore with this car.....New exhaust added to my list of things to do! hahaha
08-14-17, 03:58 PM
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Mon Jul 24, 2017
A bit more progress over the weekend! This job cleaning & scrubbing the engine bay absolutely sucked *****, but it was quite therapeutic at the same time.
Had some help from wifey, she got stuck in and helped out a lot on the day. I feel I should have done this day one of owning the car as now it gives me a fresh start!
I Removed Microtech wiring, the coil packs and removed the Front Engine Harness, just flicking them over the side of the car for now. I also dropped the oil cooler and power steering lines, prior to attacking the whole engine bay with 5 cans of degreaser, 2 cans of brake cleaner and a **** tonne of hot soapy water!
Bit of surface rust where the clutch & brake fluid had been leaking a bit onto the sub-frame but apart from that I was happy with the condition of the engine bay. It cleaned up quite well.
I'll drop the sub-frame through the week, give everything a clean with wax and grease remover and give everything another light sand prior to paint prep.
Now just to decide on a colour! My heart is set on white, and it needs to be OEM so I can just re-order a paint code so I'm thinking the Subaru White or maybe something similar in a solid colour so I don't have to spray a clear coat.... I'll need to decide soon though so I can order the paint.
A bit more progress over the weekend! This job cleaning & scrubbing the engine bay absolutely sucked *****, but it was quite therapeutic at the same time.
Had some help from wifey, she got stuck in and helped out a lot on the day.
I feel I should have done this day one of owning the car as now it gives me a fresh start! I Removed Microtech wiring, the coil packs and removed the Front Engine Harness, just flicking them over the side of the car for now. I also dropped the oil cooler and power steering lines, prior to attacking the whole engine bay with 5 cans of degreaser, 2 cans of brake cleaner and a **** tonne of hot soapy water!
Bit of surface rust where the clutch & brake fluid had been leaking a bit onto the sub-frame but apart from that I was happy with the condition of the engine bay. It cleaned up quite well.
I'll drop the sub-frame through the week, give everything a clean with wax and grease remover and give everything another light sand prior to paint prep.
Now just to decide on a colour! My heart is set on white, and it needs to be OEM so I can just re-order a paint code so I'm thinking the Subaru White or maybe something similar in a solid colour so I don't have to spray a clear coat.... I'll need to decide soon though so I can order the paint.
08-14-17, 04:01 PM
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Mon Jul 31, 2017
Not going to lie, Saturday wasn't fun at all....
Just another day of removing more stuff, sanding, brake cleaner and then masking up the car ready for paint! After the Wax & Grease Remover the car was so clean you could eat off it.
I removed everything I could... certain clips on the chassis rails (PITA to get off without breaking them) anything that would possibly get in the way on the gun. The front harness I just ended up suspending from the roof as best I could to get it out of the way... It's going to be a pain spraying around it but I'll make it work.
I've decided to go with Mazda Snowflake White Pearl for the Chassis & a Solid Black 2 pack for the Sub-Frame, Brake booster etc. The two different colours just means I'll have to get creative with my masking, spray the black first then cover it up for the white.
Not going to lie, Saturday wasn't fun at all....
Just another day of removing more stuff, sanding, brake cleaner and then masking up the car ready for paint! After the Wax & Grease Remover the car was so clean you could eat off it.
I removed everything I could... certain clips on the chassis rails (PITA to get off without breaking them) anything that would possibly get in the way on the gun. The front harness I just ended up suspending from the roof as best I could to get it out of the way... It's going to be a pain spraying around it but I'll make it work.
I've decided to go with Mazda Snowflake White Pearl for the Chassis & a Solid Black 2 pack for the Sub-Frame, Brake booster etc. The two different colours just means I'll have to get creative with my masking, spray the black first then cover it up for the white.
08-14-17, 04:02 PM
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Mon Jul 31, 2017
End result for primer..... not too bad! If I can lay down some decent runs next weekend with the pearl paint it should elevate my engine bay from a 2/10 to a solid 6/10
This exercise was fun for me, I've never sprayed paint from a gun before and there was a definite learning curve (but I'm all about learning new skills, otherwise what's the point)
First mix was perfect and went well.. Second mix I fucked up and didn't add enough reducer and it started to spit like crazy and would barely spray ](*,) ](*,) Arrghhhhhh
Thoughts of having to re-sand everything again made me want to give up and start drinking for the afternoon.... hahahaha
Luckily my wife saved my ****, she grew up in a family of panel beaters and painters so she quickly ran out to the shed, fixed the paint by adding a touch more thinners, quick stir then told me to get back to it.
The primer was a little abrasive in some spots (I guess due to my skill on the gun) but I'll give it a scuff with the scotch brite to smooth it out prior to painting.
End result for primer..... not too bad! If I can lay down some decent runs next weekend with the pearl paint it should elevate my engine bay from a 2/10 to a solid 6/10
This exercise was fun for me, I've never sprayed paint from a gun before and there was a definite learning curve (but I'm all about learning new skills, otherwise what's the point)
First mix was perfect and went well.. Second mix I fucked up and didn't add enough reducer and it started to spit like crazy and would barely spray ](*,) ](*,) Arrghhhhhh
Thoughts of having to re-sand everything again made me want to give up and start drinking for the afternoon.... hahahaha
Luckily my wife saved my ****, she grew up in a family of panel beaters and painters so she quickly ran out to the shed, fixed the paint by adding a touch more thinners, quick stir then told me to get back to it.
The primer was a little abrasive in some spots (I guess due to my skill on the gun) but I'll give it a scuff with the scotch brite to smooth it out prior to painting.