Purple Punisher winter revisions!

[Ronald So]

Hey guys I'm Ronald


When I built my car I didn't have any idea I would be doing lapping days with it. I'm just one of the guys that loves to wrench and build things. Its a true dual purpose car that I daily drive and track. I built the car with as little compromises in making the car perform well and drive with nice street manners. This is a true turn key car that anyone can drive without explanation. 90+ hours into wiring to make all factory components fully functional. Still working on A/C, haven't decided new radiator location yet.
This is a full weight car with nothing removed, even still have all the ac components in there.
2910 pounds with full tank of gas.
327whp
331wtq
Stock for the most part

1998 240sx
Engine:
01 LS1 V8 engine from a doner vehicle Pontiac Trans Am ws6
T56 Transmission
LS6 intake
Hinson Headers
3 in single exhaust
Textaira Twin disc clutch w/ lighten flywheel 38 pound assembly *stock is 51pounds
Built the motor mounts, tranny mounts, and did the wiring 90+ hours into wiring
3qt Accusump with Electronic Valve

Suspension:
KTS coilovers 6kg springs up front and 3.6kg in rear (I believe in softer stuff let the dampeners do more work) I'm looking the the way of real dampener options. Koni, ohlines,moton etc

Rear is Koni Yellow w/ 6k spring out back

Spherical joints
1 Kazama TC rod other one is stock. Veilside, Mccoy, and Yourmom knows what happened ;)
Battle Version Toe arms
Battle Version RUCA
Subframe Spacers
2 way LSD ( switching to HLSD)
5 LUG, this car was base model
Skyline GTR brakes front rear
Cobalt friction Pads
XR3 Front, XR5 Rear

17x8.5 +17 245/40/17
17x9.5 +38 275/40/17

Interior,
R33 GTR seats.
Sparco EVO 2 for track days

Thats the basic overall of the car

Ronald

[Ronald So]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/_AVE5940.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/_AVE4054.jpg
Cars always dirty

[veilside180sx]

Welcome

Are you from So Cal and drove up to PIR or are you driving down to Laguna?

[Ronald So]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTI5C5mey0
some old video someone put on youtube of my car.
I need a rollbar so I can get some in cabin footage on the next lapping day.

[Ronald So]

oh i'm from Tacoma, Washington.

Its about 900miles down to Monterey. I like driving =)
I'm considering putting a tire tail so I can run some r compound down the road. Not to fond of a trailer but may consider it.

[veilside180sx]

Are you on NWN?

[2Fass240us]

Badass car. I've always wanted to drive Laguna Seca.

Welcome.

[McCoy]

Another jelous person here... Laguna Seca would be fun. Welcome to the forum and hope to see you posting more on your impressions of the LS1 powered S14 on track :)

[a_ahmed]

man i always wanted to drive laguna seca, all those GT playstation hours lol worth every second.

I know you from silviav8 :P Welcome here :)

So awesome to have all the cool people here, no ricer jdm tyteness bycicle wheel stretched frame scrubbing v-tak wanabe fags...

[Ronald So]

There have been a lot of refinement to the car since my introduction.
Have always wanted to attempt to fabricating so I purchased a ThermalArc pro185 tig welder. Been practicing as I've been building things.
I will get more pictures up of current modifications and future developments.

Progress for the winter:
Foremost, installing a pair of Veilside180sx housings with 8611 up front. I'm very grateful for Richard helping me out with some older units that I was able to modify and get up to his current revision.
Converted rear to koni yellow's already
New Y-Pipe off the headers. V-band flanges on the exhaust now. 304ss exhaust pie sliced
PCV oil separator (catch can) . (Air compressor water/oil seperator) Engine was pulling oil under high RPM deceleration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APnplSVaaFQ
At 1:45 my car comes into picture. Notice smoke under decel. Not any issue anymore $15 dollar fix.. I couldn't believe it. Its almost got my car suspended from HPDE events due to the concern.
Fixed and made a battery tray for stock location out of aluminum.
Developing Sealed Air box. Work in progress
Helical LSD on lay-away. Currently on my second 2-way.
Diff cooler and pump Will be developing a oil cooler for my diff. Had some catostrophic heat issues with my last diff. Can only assume heat was an issue. Diff was puking oil out of the vent.
Purchased Tilton diff pump EXPENSIVE! and a 200* thermostat that I will put in on a relay system with manual override. This will be done when Diff is swapped.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Strutswelded3.jpg
Happy with my progress in using the machine. Good penetration and color is cool too!I felt like a one man musician when I first started. Lots of things going on at the same time.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Strutswelded5.jpg
This will get a lid to seal it up. The below picture has a opening at the base of the box. where the factory hole will draw cold air from ducting.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Resized-1.jpg
Closest side is the exit to engine. I haven't decided Size of tube or weather to mount MAF directly.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Resized1.jpg
As you can see, definitely a lot of welding going on. I impatiently just cut and welded as I was building it. Usually not the best idea when mocking up a new prototype. Just excited to practice welding. I intended to grind the beads down on the edges and bevel them. I will wrinkle black powder coat the box when done. Quiet, and incognito is the goal of this.

-Ronald

[veilside180sx]

Looking forward to another ride in this...with a much less scary suspension.=)

[McCoy]

I better not ride with you next time, ron... I have a feeling that LS1 is addicting and I'm not ready for that :)

[veilside180sx]

Here's a pic from ORP

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3581864103_9f19014f97_b.jpg

[El_Guapo]

Badass car. I've always wanted to drive Laguna Seca.

Welcome.

Another jelous person here... Laguna Seca would be fun. Welcome to the forum and hope to see you posting more on your impressions of the LS1 powered S14 on track :)

man i always wanted to drive laguna seca, all those GT playstation hours lol worth every second.

I am actually only about 10-15 minutes from Laguna, and I've never been there for a car/motorcycle event but only for the Sea Otter Classic bicycle events. I plan on attending a track day sometime next year.


Ronald So,

Welcome to the forums, nice car.



Ivan

[Matt93SE]

Nice car!!
I'd love to hear more about the diff cooler setup when you get done. I haven't had problems yet, but I have a friend that races an S13 and always has oil temp issues with the diff. By the time Royal Purple comes out dark brown after one race, you got some major heat going on!!

I'm hoping to prevent that from the start with a decent cooler setup.

[Your Mom]

Awesome Ron, we're about the same power, so it is hard for me to see a diff cooler being needed. the torque difference???? I know your diff cover was hotter than mine but just seems like something else should be wrong. then again with a cooler on it you'll never have to worry about it. I guess if i was good friends with the meatball I'd put a cooler on it too. :)

[shoes59]

Nice car!!
I'd love to hear more about the diff cooler setup when you get done.

Likewise.

[awd4life]

sweet swap, absolutely lovin mine.

looks like you've got some cool ideas to add also!!!

i'll have to watch my diff temps next track season to see how mine are. short local track though, but my little LS1 is pumping out some powa...

[2Fass240us]

The name "Purple Punisher" makes me LAWL.

[Ronald So]

Cluttered Garage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/NOV29/nov2919.jpg
I swear, I just need to focus on one car. :(
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/NOV29/nov2905.jpg
For sale, s13 fresh paint and bodywork. sr, 5 lug, diff blah blah. Lots interest. Make this go away! Just collecting dust and taking up room. Hasn't touched our Washington rain yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/NOV29/nov2907.jpg
One of these things in the backyard too. This is to be my car I can thrash without too much financial worries =) Try to spend as little as possible on these track beasts.. Red one was running for $800. White one for $1500 with hardtop. I just wanted the hardtop, it came with a car!

I'm taking the car down tonight to address crossmember oil pan issue.
-Ronald

[Ronald So]

Sunday Evening Tear down.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Begins/begins07.jpg
Battery tray was modified originally for a JDM battery. I've since put back a full-sized battery and crammed it in there. Not exactly all that safe on the track =)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Begins/begins08.jpg
Welded up aluminum battery tray. older picture. Technique is better than that now =)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Begins/begins05.jpg
In my welding frenzy, tried welding up pie sliced upper hose. I think I'm just going to buy mandrel bends from now on. It doesn't suit the presentation of the rest of the swap.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Begins/begins18.jpg
Showcasing the airbox
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Begins/begins18.jpg
Cut a mock-up top, but it just looks so plain. Powdercoating the airbox wrinkle black. (in the back of my mind. I want this thing just to be raw and race inspired w/ gold foil lined. Realized pulling that off requires money.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Begins/begins22.jpg
Test fitted a radiator I had originally wanted to do with my setup. May do a tilted design. This will give added room for the intake pipe. Clearance with convential vertical radiator is 3.5". It looks like about 5" if I tilted it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Begins/begins23.jpg
Run a Swirl tank which will ensure the coolant system is bled.

Next will be to clearance the oil pan, and attempting to run a full-sized crossmember.
-Ronald

[2Fass240us]

The name "Purple Punisher" makes me LAWL.Just saying it sounds like another name for a pness. :D

[veilside180sx]

Calling Ron...waiting on pics.=)

[McCoy]

Ron Ron Ron Ron Ron

[Ronald So]

hahaha
work
evening classes
Girlfriend
and then cars... :( I wish car was on the top of the list.
I left the images on my sd card, which of course isn't with me. I'll grab them tonight though =)

[veilside180sx]

hahaha
work
evening classes
Girlfriend
and then cars... :( I wish car was on the top of the list.
I left the images on my sd card, which of course isn't with me. I'll grab them tonight though =)

We're just giving you crap...well...because we can.=)

[KA240SX808]

I might be late on this but I see you guys mention diff coolers. the UK s-chassis's came stock w/ diff coolers if you want to look into that...

[gawdzilla]

nice car and fab work.

just a little curious about the the weight of your car, if you have details. here's mine (s14 w/ rb26, single turbo).. drove onto the scales for the first time ever and got this:

3103 lbs with me in it. 56.6% Front, 43.4% Rear. 51.5% Left, 48.5% Right

Car was in "HPDE trim" - floormats removed, full interior minus trunk (no spare tire or jack or trunk carpet). I weigh probably 210 with helmet, a bit over 1/2 tank of gas. Battery relocated to the rear and replaced with an Odyssey (15 lbs?). Crash bar is not OEM but i have a custom one up front. AC components removed but heater core/airbags/speakers still in.

seems like the LS motor is "similar" in weight but i'm sure your distribution is much more centered

[Ronald So]

I weight in at
2950 pounds wet w/ full tank of gas.
I refuse to give up comfort for the little weight savings I won't notice. Its a daily as well as hpde car. No interior removed. 50IB of additional sound deadening. 3 qt accusump in rear trunk.

I should have some time tomorrow to give my impressions of the changes to the car I made last weekend.

[veilside180sx]

Longest tomorrow I've ever seen. :p

[Ronald So]

I appolize for my absence (Father had surgery and is now well). I hope to redeem myself by typing what I would say a lengthy post. For the people with time constraints, read the last paragraph.
It’s all about the damper! Rather than its superficial all-in-one, at a great price, or someone with next to no knowledge of suspension vouching for a product (their only credential was the current product they just installed). Unfortunately, that’s all I knew when I got my first car, and for many I can assume true. These lower priced coilovers get all the superficial things correct, anodized, xx amount adjustment, external canister, tender springs, etc, when the focus should and unfortunately is not keeping the car compliant. I can speculate the only people interested in taking the time in damper tech are w2w racers and guys that are complaining about their ride enough to do something about it. Compliancy is what I would hope all of us want out of a street car that gets driven like a track car( lots of track use as well). If you have to drive your car more on the streets than on track, you'll notice the streets are rough. And the suspension has a whole range of surfaces it has to deal with. Don’t get me wrong, I want a combo that allows faster lap times, but street driving offers so many opportunities to upset the suspension.
Coming from KTS coilovers on the car, my tolerance just got less and less about dealing with the harsh ride. The opportunity came to buy some second hand koni yellows for the rear. I figured it was a small financial risk to see what difference they made on the rear. I ended up getting it setup and realized what everyone was saying about not being externally adjustable. Once I figured how to adjust it from its full rebound setting I was able to analyze the cars behavior. The difference between having KTS coilover fronts and Koni Yellow rears was quite different. It was a substantial difference in compliancy and the rebound was a lot more controlled. There was only a little complaint in the non-adjustable compression in the damper, but what a improvement for street driving. When I say street driving I mean leisure driving as well as 9/10th street sessions. A while later I had worked with Richard about getting some Koni 8611 fronts.
I took the financial risk in dumping more money into my 240sx (not being enthusiastic about the vehicle) by buying a set of 8611 for the fronts. When I say trust me, Richard housings are a good value, believe me when I say they are. I have all the equipment to pretty much build them myself and having to outsource threads that would need to be cut for the gland nut would have been close to just buying completed housings from Richard.

I finally got the fronts assembled on the car.
Front: KONI 8611-1257 8kgmm springs
Rear KONI Yellow 6kg/mm springs
Set them at the advised 4 Click compression and 1 ½ turn on Rebound and set for the first drive.
Rear set to 1 ½ turn Rebound
(I’ve adjusted front in a variation of settings 1C1R,12C1R,1C12R,12C12R and a few between)

THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Koni yellows and Koni 8611 Race dampers! The car is what I should have had from the beginning! I feel like an idiot for not having done these years ago, but I feel for the 240sx crowd, it was a community effort in discovering the crap that is most hyped coilovers. The car oscillating front to back, crashing into large bumps and dips, and inherit need to feel every ****ing thing in the road, GONE! I feel the compliancy of this car can’t be improved without spending another $1000+ for a less substantial improvement. The car is something I’m now willing to campaign for another track year. I’m looking forward to upgrading the rears to 8611 in the future as well as upgrading the front spring rates to 550 pound up front. You have to realize that’s huge coming from me, I was complaining about 8kg on KTS, to now thinking 10kg on Koni. Thanks to Richard for his product and reassurance of the product. I hope my satisfaction in running the Koni shocks will give some assurance to some of you complaining about your ride, or want to go faster on the track.

-Ronald

[Ronald So]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY03.jpg
Started the day by fixing my digital caliper. I used it to score something and snap, thats what happens when you use the tool improperly. :( $40 bucks down the drain (yeah its a cheap foreign one but it works good enough for my needs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY03.jpg
Realized I had a welder than I started preping for welding
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY06.jpg
Fixed! Actually from the warping, its kind of off a bit. But good enough till I can justify buying another one.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY09.jpg
started cutting the sleeves. $40 on ebay. YES, they are a okay substitute to saving some money.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY10.jpg
All that needs to be cut. Look at the awesome reference lines! haha just kidding
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY12.jpg
Look at this mighty koni, i mean, it just knocked down its competition, Literally!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY14.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY22.jpg
For all the people who say you can't go low enough. Well, this is too damn low for me. I need to raise it up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY21.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY34.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY35.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY32.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/KONIDAY/KONIDAY26.jpg
Plenty of clearance 17x8.5 NT05 255/45/17

[Ronald So]

Well, this was my New Years weekend. 4" aluminum piping came in. Plan was to finish my chambered air box.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Begins/begins13.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Intake1.jpg
The only way of getting 4" piping at an affordable rate was buying staight tubing. The radius was very tight, requiring pie slices.... who am I kidding. Pie cuts are way cool looking and gives me something to weld. 4 Hours later...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Intake2.jpg
Mock up before final welds
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Intake5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Intake8.jpg
Fitment is insanely close. Not more than 2mm on either side. If you see that patch on the radiator. It originally had a inlet pipe that was in the way, Cut it off and sweated *soldered* a piece of copper I bought.

Happy how it came out. I don't want to know how many hours I have in this air box setup.Once I finally dialed all the settings on the tig machine, I am now happy enough to offer my services to others.

[Ronald So]

OH, here was the before picture
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/RonS14101.jpg

[2Fass240us]

I might've used a silicone coupler to do the bend, but that DOES look cooler. :)

Does your motor move much? Silicone might've also helped with not putting strain on the welds at the box.

[Your Mom]

nice ron glad you like them. intake looks decent too. time for a ride, let me know when your first ORP day is

[McCoy]

Looking good, Ron.

Ohhh yeah, I can't wait for an ORP track day... I might have enough power to keep up on the straights :)

[veilside180sx]

Can't wait for a ride at ORP again. =)

[Ronald So]

Been needing to replace my front wheel bearings again. Probably rears again too!
I've been through an entire set (4)F/R and have replaced the rears another 2 times since I've had this car, 3 years ago. I am going to take some precautions this time to ensure longevity. Wheel Bearing grease and torquing it down. I think the bearing may be a bit premature but I think its not uncommon for cars in motorsport to wear out regularly. I know a few shops that change them on a hourly interval as a precaution measure.

Besides that, Evening classes and the girl keep my time pretty occupied. Finally went skiing for the first time. Mt Hood was great.

[Ronald So]

Update:

Pulled out the Engine to do a refresh on the swap.
Relocating the motor further back into the firewall
-Revise motor mounts with Softer ones.
-Using factory crossmember, no notch
-Modify Oil pan *thats an understatement
-Heat wrap all headers, Gold Reflective tape for firewall

I don't know if I really want to add power, but I've slowly gathered the necessary things for a cam. As much power as the LS1 makes from the factory. It makes it down low and falls off around midrange.
Pros:
Power where I need it on the track.
Intimidating as a n/a motor can get
Cons:
Loose the driveability down low. I drive 900-1500rpm on the streets. I've been told about surging down in this rpm range.
MPG
More heat and stress I have to deal with. Oil coolers, radiators etc.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Photoon2010-03-11at1721.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Photoon2010-03-11at1720.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Photoon2010-03-11at17212.jpg
Whats left of the oil pan. Too much work.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Photoon2010-03-11at1722.jpg
Refreshed the clutch. Twin disc. This thing is huge compared to any factory nissan clutch. Stock clutch assembly w/ flywheel is 51 Pounds. This is 37pounds.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/Photoon2010-03-11at1723.jpg
LG Motorsports g5x3 cam. Most of their products were used in Motorsports. I think this is the cam spec that was in their World challenge car.
And all the hardware to go with it.

-Ronald

[Ronald So]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/dim_oil_pan_gto-869x946.jpg
To give you an idea of how much I've taken off the pan so far.

[Tower240sx]

Could you be so kind as to share the Comp Cams cam card with us sir.

That looks to be ALOT of cam... .600 and .610 lift

[mmdb]

yo nice air box... but why didn't you just use a 90 degree bent mandrel piping and drop a 4" cone filter behind the driver side bumper just in front of the wheel well? Although, your box is nice :)

sorry... not so great picture...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y259/mmdb/2009_18_09%20SOW/IMG_1116.jpg

[Ronald So]

Could you be so kind as to share the Comp Cams cam card with us sir.

That looks to be ALOT of cam... .600 and .610 lift

This cam is advertised without a cam card. There is a lot of speculation. But It's rumored to be 234/242, and on the 114 it has 2 degrees of advance built in.
There is a bit of lift. I initially considered trying to keep the lift around .550 but I changed my mind. This is a Comp Xe-R lobe. So its very aggressive. I' know i'll love the power it will make, but its street manners have to meet my standards otherwise its out, and a smaller one is going in.


MMDB

I just perfer having a sealed airbox. The hole in the bottom of the apren is where the airbox draws air out of. So its 100% air from the outside.

Disadvantage of Cone filter from my perspective
-Louder
-Unless running cone filter outside of engine compartment (i don't like the ram intake idea for the weather up here), your going to take in heat from engine bay. When ambiant temps are 70* idling/not moving The IAT will climb to 115* and pull timing like crazy till you start bringing cold air in the engine bay. No issue with high IAT temps with the airbox.


UPDATE
Put the cam and valvetrain in
Cam was not hard at all.
Dual valve springs is just time consuming.
9am-2pm doing it. Taking my sweet time but yeah.

Heres a tip for anyone consider doing a cam and engine is on a stand. Turn the engine upside down. Thenn begin doing the cam swap. The lifters will be stuck up. No need to worry about lifters falling, no tool to purchase :D

-Ronald

[Your Mom]

lol. good tip ron. i always learn from my mistakes probably cause i won't listen to people when i should.

remember to save some money for track days. its hard i know.

[Ronald So]

I'm calling it a weekend. Don't have the energy to work on the oil pan. Their is a oil galley that runs internally from the rear to the front. I'm going to drill and tap some fittings so I can run external lines and run a remote filter.

Finished putting the pushrods and rockers on. Until next weekend I'm pooped out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_3993.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_3997.jpg
Old-New
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_3995.jpg
Some spring under spring action
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/_DSC4000.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/_DSC4038.jpg
I look at this and sigh a bit. Not enough energy. Shorten Pick-up tube. add some capacity to the sump. Seal it all up. Delete internal oil galley,drill/tap/weld external lines to filter.

-Ronald

[Ronald So]

On spring break so i should be able to make progress.
Been working on the oil pan.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4048.jpg
Got a Flowmeter regulator for my gas coverage, and using the the diaphragm regulator for my backpurge. That "t" fitting was expensive for just brass. $25, and thats being hooked up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4052.jpg
Backpurging is amazing! It looks like I welded it from the inside. It requires the addition of running an inert gas on the inside of the tubing (more gas consumption) But the results are great.
Otherwise you get results like this
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/scorpiomk/DSCF0394.jpg
Cut down the sump, added addition capacity off to the right side.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4062.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4058.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4057.jpg
Heat= warping. Bolted the pan to the block to do the welding. Added that copper strip to absorb some of the heat.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4056.jpg

[veilside180sx]

Looking good Ron

[WorkInProgressK]

Nice build. Yeah I was also amazed with back purging when at my job I took a second and watched the welders work some stainless steel piping. Clean clean clean.

[Ronald So]

Man, my car is been on hiatus. Schools been tough.

Anyhow,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/100_2278.jpg
Bought a used Honda Ruckus. 49cc scooter. Just like my miata, it too is a momentum vehicle. You will learn to appreciate aero drag once your on this thing. Its cost me
(500miles/100mpg)($3 a gallon)=$15
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/100_2276.jpg
Sucked it up, bought the gold foil to control some of the heat. This stuff is pretty spendy. Got 5 sq ft. Will do the rest of the firewall. And various components near exhaust. For anybody interested in using this stuff. It is cermaic reinforced, so it doesn't stretch, hence the wrinkle. I thought about building a false firewall that was smooth to lay this on, but I'm pushing the motor as close to the firewall as possible.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/100_2275.jpg
I originally made a pan that I finished (aprox 15hrs) Gave up, i don't have time to deal with it if it does leak. Modifying cast pans are a pain, they have a tendency to leak. This pan has everything I intended to do. Low profile, baffled, front sump.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/100_2280.jpg
I think this may be the second part on my car that is JDM. Besides my tein camber plates. Pretty amusing I think.
Wasn't having much luck finding a remote oil filter w/ thermostat built in (besides mocal). I have to run a pretty large oil cooler so I need everything to get up to temp before it starts circulating through the cooler. This seems to be a good solution if you do have to run a remote filter and have a oil cooler. The traditional inline thermostat seems to add to complexity in organizing all the components.

Anyhow, no serious update. Going to make a new crossmember with liquid isolated motor mounts this next weekend. I need some of the vibration controlled from the cam.

-Ronald

[Ronald So]

Summer Revisions.
Havn't been focusing on car stuff. So Summer Revision. Got to get this done in 3 weeks. Helping a friend out and moving in his place for a bit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/a00bfe2f.jpg
This was done at 2am this morning. Been having problems sleeping so I figure i might as well do some work. I got work at 6am :/
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/97d86f57.jpg
Came out okay for unmotivated quick work. Need to trim it down, cut it up, drill it out, lighten it up =)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/3fb73349.jpg
Motor is 1/2 further back than last time. Its something. Running new modified crossmember (no notch in it. Factory GTO isolater motor mounts.) Hoping for minimum vibrations, too bad I put in a dumb big cam in it.

I'll update it more this week.
Ronald

[Tower240sx]

I was reviewing your thread...the car's manners will still be fine with that cam...it'll still make more torque everywhere than the KA did anywhere...remember you have like 2.3 ka24's in there now.

Why did you choose duals vs beehive springs?

You doing ok? you seem a little down...just lack of sleep?

You need sleep you know


Car looks good...I want a LS motor I'm thinking a destroked 5.7 like the old 327's and then just rev it to the moon...I'll make my own Ti pushrods........no I won't that's a pipe dream...

[mmdb]

hell yeah ls motor! Do it! Be a man! Get my damn arms done already!

Ronald what rear diff are you running? I got the 3.69 and I still need to drop the ratio. Car is unhappy in fast corners going into 2nd gear. Causes unwanted corner entry oversteer.

[veilside180sx]

hell yeah ls motor! Do it! Be a man! Get my damn arms done already!

Ronald what rear diff are you running? I got the 3.69 and I still need to drop the ratio. Car is unhappy in fast corners going into 2nd gear. Causes unwanted corner entry oversteer.

His LS has been done, this is just revision 2.0

Give me a call if you need to talk Ron.

[Ronald So]

Mine will hopefully should rev to 7. I'll set it to 6500 to keep it safe.
MMDB, I took off my rear sway bar to help with the the oversteer. It helped out so much. Just disconnect a rear endlink when your on track, you'll love.

Well, I leisurely took my sweet ass time in the garage not trying to do any serious work on the car. Mission accomplished! So I didn't even get the exhaust wrapped up.

Attempted to build a Dual 3" exhaust with x-pipe. All built from straight pipe. Trust me when I say, its faster and cheaper to buy bends than it is to build anything from straight tubing. It gets tiring real quick. Thought it came out okay for my first x-pipe.
Its been months since i've really welded anything. Not bad for being out of it so long.

Used some Sanitary 304ss tubing. Same stuff they use for microbrewery's and dairy processing equipment. All I care is that it looks shinny inside and out! I can say safely you can run milk through my pipes without contamination :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4119.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4118.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4125.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4122.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/DSC_4121.jpg
Going to attempt to fab a single aluminum muffler with 2 inlet/outlets through it. We will see. (reminds me of apexi's duals)

Hopefully I can get the car on the ground by Next sunday.
Ronald

[Matt93SE]

What's the wall thickness on that stuff? everything I saw when I was working in food processing was some pretty thick stuff for exhaust, thus heavy.

[Ronald So]

The Tubing is 0.065 wall. Pretty standard. The exhaust feels pretty light so far nno complaints. An aluminum muffler seems like a fun project to take on. May save some weight but it will definitely sound different.

[Tower240sx]

His LS has been done, this is just revision 2.0

Give me a call if you need to talk Ron.


That was mmdb giving me hell...

[veilside180sx]

That was mmdb giving me hell...

Ah, apparently missed that. lol

[Ronald So]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/86650b5f.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/6d6d1869.jpg

That's right. Building a aluminum muffler. Dual 3". Well see how loud this is.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/65e3808b.jpg

[Bumnah]

Great looking car!

[Ronald So]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/68a42397.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/e8f0be61.jpg
Welded

[Ronald So]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/b8a420f5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/93269dd2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/09185aab.jpg
Passanger side header is was touching the frame. Cut the the runner. Made a new one. Sucked up my sunday afternoon.

At least I'm finally making progress. All the little time consuming things are so unmotivating.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/23b0b7d2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/3dcefe18.jpg
Made a neat aluminum hanger for the muffler. Should get the exhaust done by the end of the week.

BTW: Someone offered me 16K for car car once its completed. I'm not all that tempting. Still probably need to dump 2k into it. Don't know if it is worth even selling it at 14k liquid.

[Ronald So]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/e0bb9442.jpg
Finished making hangers. Sucks I got to guess where to weld those hangers and test fit. Took like 5+ times.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/b4720179.jpg
It will definately look interesting.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/8074f573.jpg
Wrapped important lines IE fuel line with fireproof sleeves. Looks awesome. Even heatshrunk ends so they don't frey.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/a3fc71b1.jpg
replaced Sparco evo L with Sparco circuit. Since i'm like 5" off waist size I needed smaller seat.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v195/aznromeox/57a58898.jpg
I'm an idiot sometimes. I gains blind spots. But its definitely supportive... or moreso badass looking.

I will have this car started this weekend. Its been 6+ months since I took it apart.

[veilside180sx]

The Circuit is a nice seat, despite the blind spots. Safer on track, but more of a pain on the street.

All the changes are coming out great.

[Ronald So]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikAj2oN2HtM

Have been tempted on hearing it run so I've buttoned up the essencial things needed for me to be able to start it. Hoping this gets me really motivated to finish the car
Have not finished the exhaust so I'm pretty sure it will be quieter than this. Man the neanderthal inside of me got excited!
-Ronald

[veilside180sx]

LOL it's going to sound great on track.

[Ronald So]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHET_iZ4jIA
Longer run video. Took it out for a drive. Never had so many people go out of there way to come check out the car. The car is practically shouting at everyone to look at how badass this thing sounds. (its that loud right now) It revs like no other, I would say closer to a c6r.

[Your Mom]

Wow Ron i thought you liked it quite but damn that sounds so good.

one badass track day car, just need some slicks.

can't wait to see some on track video

[Ronald So]

Quick update from my long hiatus:

Pulled the car out of storage. Put a single exhaust on just to wrap it up and save myself of 20 hours of welding.
I did a dirty tune with just WOT map. Just power enrichment on fuel. No timing whatsoever. Just playing it safe, no pinging so i'm content right now. But 350hp 350tq. The torque curve is amazing now. from 4-6 its just a flat torque curve. Still makes power and once it gets it real tune, i'm expecting 380-390 at 7000rpm. No drivability tuning yet. Will probably start next week with logging and getting that squared away.

I need a diff cooler bad. I'm going to blow another diff up if I don't handle this soon. :(

Going sunday to a lapping day, not sure if I will be able to get in because they want SCCA or Race cert drivers. I will take my chances.

Good to be back, hope to catch up with some of you guys soon!
Ronald

[veilside180sx]

Good to hear Ron. Hopefully you make it out to ORP this upcoming spring/summer.

[Ronald So]

Richard, missed you buddy. I want to give you a big shout out for the help with sorting my front suspension out. The housings worked out beautifully. If there is any track that can beat the living crap out of suspension its going to be Pacific Raceways. The fronts were just planted and took anything I had to give it. I need to put the 8610's in back to compliment the 8611's up front. I ran 2 turns of rebound and about 8 clicks of compression and that worked great. The rears need heavier springs and more rebound to control it. The car is stupid fast right now doing 161mph corrected half way down the front straight at Pacific today. I still have a 6th gear but I don't half enough balls or brakes ;) I was banging off the limiter so I could make turn 1 :) I ran Soft Advan A032r that I had sitting. Worked awesome by afternoon and didn't get greasy! Our morning runs were 35*F. Tires were not getting up to temp till our 3rd session out. I was only getting 60*F on the tires when I got off the track.

Things I will have to immediately take care of.
-Crank case pressure is pretty high with this new cam. Need vented catch can.
-I need to build my Diff cooler. I'm going to grenade another diff If I don't handle this for my next track day. The case burns to the touch and it smells horrible.