Another FD Build Down Under JDM
#78
Update
Single turbo time has finally arrived...
I've already got all my parts. Got my new wastegate welded up. Found the previously wastegate was welded very poorly. A pipe was just shoved right in there causing poor flow. All fixed now! Some pics below
Now the manifold is done, I will be wrapping it all up in heat wrap including a new Garret turbo Blanket then sending it off next Friday for the conversion! Should only take a week or so unless we run into issues.
Will keep you updated!
I've already got all my parts. Got my new wastegate welded up. Found the previously wastegate was welded very poorly. A pipe was just shoved right in there causing poor flow. All fixed now! Some pics below
Now the manifold is done, I will be wrapping it all up in heat wrap including a new Garret turbo Blanket then sending it off next Friday for the conversion! Should only take a week or so unless we run into issues.
Will keep you updated!
#79
Single turbo time has finally arrived...
I've already got all my parts. Got my new wastegate welded up. Found the previously wastegate was welded very poorly. A pipe was just shoved right in there causing poor flow. All fixed now! Some pics below
Now the manifold is done, I will be wrapping it all up in heat wrap including a new Garret turbo Blanket then sending it off next Friday for the conversion! Should only take a week or so unless we run into issues.
Will keep you updated!
I've already got all my parts. Got my new wastegate welded up. Found the previously wastegate was welded very poorly. A pipe was just shoved right in there causing poor flow. All fixed now! Some pics below
Now the manifold is done, I will be wrapping it all up in heat wrap including a new Garret turbo Blanket then sending it off next Friday for the conversion! Should only take a week or so unless we run into issues.
Will keep you updated!
Edit: Love the progress so far!
#81
More...
After my manifold had to get welded, the turbo had some scratches on it so decided to give it a fresh coat of paint...
Also started to wrap my dump pipe in exhaust heat wrap partly to hide the ulgy bits (took off some nuts that were welded on etc)... went half way and stopped for the time being. The welding for the wastegate is long and leaving a gap looks weird but the flange will need to be cut as it won't match up to my exhaust anyway
While I was at it, I decided to paint the manifold as well... gave it a sand down and quick paint to suit the rest of the stealth engine bay...
Everything is ready to go for Friday... can't wait to see what figures it can achieve.
Also started to wrap my dump pipe in exhaust heat wrap partly to hide the ulgy bits (took off some nuts that were welded on etc)... went half way and stopped for the time being. The welding for the wastegate is long and leaving a gap looks weird but the flange will need to be cut as it won't match up to my exhaust anyway
While I was at it, I decided to paint the manifold as well... gave it a sand down and quick paint to suit the rest of the stealth engine bay...
Everything is ready to go for Friday... can't wait to see what figures it can achieve.
#82
Update
It's been a while since i've posted an update!
We had a group buy on this hood stand which makes a nice addition!
The FD is at the workshop just about finished with the single turbo setup! We ended up changing the fuel setup slightly. Had some issues with the primary 2000cc injectors therefore ended up running 1150cc primary's and 2000cc secondaries. Also decided to run a custom twin Walbro fuel pump in tank setup
Here are a few pics when the injectors were getting swapped out!
The car is mechanically all done and running. It's getting tuned early next week. I will post some figures and dyno graph once available!
We had a group buy on this hood stand which makes a nice addition!
The FD is at the workshop just about finished with the single turbo setup! We ended up changing the fuel setup slightly. Had some issues with the primary 2000cc injectors therefore ended up running 1150cc primary's and 2000cc secondaries. Also decided to run a custom twin Walbro fuel pump in tank setup
Here are a few pics when the injectors were getting swapped out!
The car is mechanically all done and running. It's getting tuned early next week. I will post some figures and dyno graph once available!
#83
Today was a very exciting but nervous day! What to expect? Is it going to achieve my power goal? Things running through my head!
I got the shop, the car was waiting for me! A single turbo FD is really something else even just to look at it! This is how it stands as of right now! I'll change a few things here and now but i'm happy with the stealth look.
Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to see it on the Dyno due to work... a little disappointing but I will get one eventually
I called my tuner today to get an idea as to the status. As I called he was in the car tuning it! Great, as long as nothing goes wrong we are all sweet. He tells me he is tunning it on low boost levels, mainly just to be on the safe side in case something goes wrong... ok no worries for me. At the time, he got 340rwhp at 12 psi... now I started to worry a little... thats not that much power but he assured me he is just taking it easy for now.
All day I was feeling a little disappointed... E85, all this work and low figures. Anyway... so I get to the workshop, look under the hood and just admire the engine bay... it really is something else. He pulls out the Dyno Graph and shows 415rwhp at 16psi extremely safe tune. Sweet, i'm happy with that! In the coming few weeks, I will just drive it and make sure everything mechanically sound then take it back for a check up and boost it up to 20+psi which should make over 480rwhp+.
Due to the weather I haven't really had a chance to drive it but here is quick video! And wow... even400rwhp and this thing is extremely quick!
Downside:
The turbo is quite laggy which I always knew but turns out there is quite a gap between the rear compressor and rear housing causing the lag. At this stage I honestly don't mind but will look into making it more responsive!
I'll post the dyno graph later tonight!
Cheers,
I got the shop, the car was waiting for me! A single turbo FD is really something else even just to look at it! This is how it stands as of right now! I'll change a few things here and now but i'm happy with the stealth look.
Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to see it on the Dyno due to work... a little disappointing but I will get one eventually
I called my tuner today to get an idea as to the status. As I called he was in the car tuning it! Great, as long as nothing goes wrong we are all sweet. He tells me he is tunning it on low boost levels, mainly just to be on the safe side in case something goes wrong... ok no worries for me. At the time, he got 340rwhp at 12 psi... now I started to worry a little... thats not that much power but he assured me he is just taking it easy for now.
All day I was feeling a little disappointed... E85, all this work and low figures. Anyway... so I get to the workshop, look under the hood and just admire the engine bay... it really is something else. He pulls out the Dyno Graph and shows 415rwhp at 16psi extremely safe tune. Sweet, i'm happy with that! In the coming few weeks, I will just drive it and make sure everything mechanically sound then take it back for a check up and boost it up to 20+psi which should make over 480rwhp+.
Due to the weather I haven't really had a chance to drive it but here is quick video! And wow... even400rwhp and this thing is extremely quick!
Downside:
The turbo is quite laggy which I always knew but turns out there is quite a gap between the rear compressor and rear housing causing the lag. At this stage I honestly don't mind but will look into making it more responsive!
I'll post the dyno graph later tonight!
Cheers,
#85
#86
Update
I haven't recently updated the thread, but there has been some progress.
I got my re-tuned by another reputable tuner! A big focus was drive-ability as my FD had a few issues... Trent was all over it.
Overall, could not be happier. The car drives 10x better... It stayed over night to tackle the cold start with the bigger injectors. We couldn't tune it to its full potential... we maxed out my primary injectors at 7600rpm and my boost controller wasn't holding boost great.
End Result for today.
350rwkw (480rwhp) @ 6571 rpm at 19psi - 519Nm Torque. Dyno graph below
I took it for a quick drive... it drives great!
The 1150cc primary injectors maxed out, luckily I already have a spare set of 2000cc Bosch ID injectors, i've also ordered an electronic boost controller to hold the boost better. I will be taking it back in September to push it more and achieve the 500rwhp goal!
It's currently spring here but we have had some lovely weather! Here are a few pics
A quick vid
I got my re-tuned by another reputable tuner! A big focus was drive-ability as my FD had a few issues... Trent was all over it.
Overall, could not be happier. The car drives 10x better... It stayed over night to tackle the cold start with the bigger injectors. We couldn't tune it to its full potential... we maxed out my primary injectors at 7600rpm and my boost controller wasn't holding boost great.
End Result for today.
350rwkw (480rwhp) @ 6571 rpm at 19psi - 519Nm Torque. Dyno graph below
I took it for a quick drive... it drives great!
The 1150cc primary injectors maxed out, luckily I already have a spare set of 2000cc Bosch ID injectors, i've also ordered an electronic boost controller to hold the boost better. I will be taking it back in September to push it more and achieve the 500rwhp goal!
It's currently spring here but we have had some lovely weather! Here are a few pics
A quick vid
Last edited by rexhvn; 08-19-16 at 01:46 AM.
#87
September will be a busy month trying to get a few things done on the FD!
Power
After reaching 480rwhp at 19psi and running out of primary injectors, I really want to get the most out of my FD so I will continue to pursue power. Luckily I already had a spare set of 2000cc injectors, I will get an electronic boost controller as my manual controller wasn't holding boost that great (probably the Turbosmart e-boost street) and get it re-tuned late September and turn the boost up again and really see what it can do.
Suspension
I am currently running the old HKS coilovers which have seen better days so I will be upgrading my suspension sometime in September. Looking at the MCA blue version or potentially BC racing. Don't want anything too harsh for the street. While I am there, I plan on replacing all my bushes with superpro bushes. Having already replaced some recently, it shouldn't be too many left, mainly the rear. Potentially looking at replacing my wheel bearing as well. Anyone know how hard it is to replace these on the front & rear?
Once that's all done, I want to get a custom wheel alignment to get the most out of the handling on the street - Will do more research as to the best settings.
This is the plan for September, let's see how much of it gets done - I am hoping to get the car prepped so I can really enjoy it for the summer!
Power
After reaching 480rwhp at 19psi and running out of primary injectors, I really want to get the most out of my FD so I will continue to pursue power. Luckily I already had a spare set of 2000cc injectors, I will get an electronic boost controller as my manual controller wasn't holding boost that great (probably the Turbosmart e-boost street) and get it re-tuned late September and turn the boost up again and really see what it can do.
Suspension
I am currently running the old HKS coilovers which have seen better days so I will be upgrading my suspension sometime in September. Looking at the MCA blue version or potentially BC racing. Don't want anything too harsh for the street. While I am there, I plan on replacing all my bushes with superpro bushes. Having already replaced some recently, it shouldn't be too many left, mainly the rear. Potentially looking at replacing my wheel bearing as well. Anyone know how hard it is to replace these on the front & rear?
Once that's all done, I want to get a custom wheel alignment to get the most out of the handling on the street - Will do more research as to the best settings.
This is the plan for September, let's see how much of it gets done - I am hoping to get the car prepped so I can really enjoy it for the summer!
#88
Update
My previous boost controller wasn't holding boost all that well, so decided to invest in a EBC - Greddy Profec - It arrived!
After a bit of thought, I decided to mount the boost controller on the steering column for the time being - It came with a bracket and used double sided tap - so far so good.
Car is getting re-tuned this week with new 2000cc primary injectors, new EBC and 3bar map sensor and put some more boost in it. I am hoping to join the 500rwhp club which has been my goal
Hopefully nothing breaks in the process!
Thanks,
After a bit of thought, I decided to mount the boost controller on the steering column for the time being - It came with a bracket and used double sided tap - so far so good.
Car is getting re-tuned this week with new 2000cc primary injectors, new EBC and 3bar map sensor and put some more boost in it. I am hoping to join the 500rwhp club which has been my goal
Hopefully nothing breaks in the process!
Thanks,
#89
It's been a while since I've posted on this thread. Quite a lot has happened since then.
I installed an exedy twin plate carbon clutch as the single plate started to slip, however the twin plate doesn't hold the power and slips more than the single plate. After I installed it and wore it in, we put it back on the dyno and made 490rwhp but the clutch couldn't hold to push it any further.
It has since been resprayed after a 2 year battle as the previous respray but average at best. Some pics of it in the booth. I ended up flaring the rear guards for better fitment of the 18x10's +11 offset rims.
This is how the car currently sits. I am looking at replacing the ECU with a full re-wire harness along with a new twin plate clutch but pretty happy with the way it sits at the moment.
A bit of fun at the track before the tune.
I installed an exedy twin plate carbon clutch as the single plate started to slip, however the twin plate doesn't hold the power and slips more than the single plate. After I installed it and wore it in, we put it back on the dyno and made 490rwhp but the clutch couldn't hold to push it any further.
It has since been resprayed after a 2 year battle as the previous respray but average at best. Some pics of it in the booth. I ended up flaring the rear guards for better fitment of the 18x10's +11 offset rims.
This is how the car currently sits. I am looking at replacing the ECU with a full re-wire harness along with a new twin plate clutch but pretty happy with the way it sits at the moment.
A bit of fun at the track before the tune.
Last edited by rexhvn; 07-02-18 at 02:54 AM.
#91
Very nice overall, Dennis. I have long been a fan of more refined and subtle looks, like yours has. The Fast and Furious style of the late 90's and early 2000's completely lost the inherent beauty of the FD. Great job.
The following users liked this post:
brad89au (07-11-18)
#92
Thanks Brad, appreciate it! I agree, out of the three phases it has been through, this is by far my favourite! How's your FD going?
Really appreciate it! I went through the phase of body kits and big wheels but as I matured, I really started to appreciate subtle a lot more. In my opinion, the refined curves with a few ads on is my definition of perfection for a FD.
Really appreciate it! I went through the phase of body kits and big wheels but as I matured, I really started to appreciate subtle a lot more. In my opinion, the refined curves with a few ads on is my definition of perfection for a FD.
The following users liked this post:
gmonsen (07-04-18)
#94
It's been a while...
Hi all,
It's been a while since i've posted! To recap a bit, the car went back on the dyno after the twin plate clutch install and a few other bits to help. Installed AEM coils, a Greddy electronic boost controller, 19psi wastegate spring. The car made boost a bit earlier in the rev range which is great. Overall, the final result was 490rwhp but with a slipping clutch. Unfortunately, the exedy carbon twin plate cannot hold the power. Since it doesn't affect driveability, I haven't changed it out yet but will do very soon.
Whats new?
Not a whole lot until recently! I've just been enjoying it. Recently, however, I got the bug again. To be in line with the current theme, I couldn't resist so I ordered a carbon fiber hood. It should arrive in 2 weeks (ordered in January). I also decided to start tackling the one thing I have not touched on the car. The interior. My 93 interior is not in bad shape, though the dash is broken and has seen better days so I decided to make some changes! Purchased a 2002 dash which is currently at the workshop getting retrimmed in black Alcantara. I've always wanted to do Alcantara so this is the direction. I'm going to keep it as clean as possible. The seats will be trimmed in Red Alcantara with diamond stitching, the rest of the car will be black Alcantara. When I get the dash back I will post pictures.
As I go through the interior, I am replacing any parts that are broken as I don't want to trim something that isn't perfect! Lets get into the good stuff. Given the dash is getting done, I decided to tackle the plastics - I thought I would give carbon fiber wrap a go to see how it turns out - surprisingly, I quite well.
It was a bit job though. Given my interior has textured, I had to sand it down to a smooth finish. The center console also had a crack, so fixed that up during the process.
Then started the wrapping. This was my first ever attempt - all in all, it wasn't too bad. The cluster, however, was a nightmare for me.
Some pics:
I was also looking at clusters. I have a knightsports 300km but the standard design and since doing the interior, had a bit of a browse. I came across revlimiter, the burnout series for the FD - wow, fell in love with it! Had to have one. I ordered a custom version with 'RX-7' in the speedo. Looks amazing in my opinion.
I currently run a 3x 52mm pod center speaker gauge, decided to up it to a 4x gauge pod. The addition is a wideband.
While working on the interior, I will be tidying up the wiring behind the dash & engine bay. The work will start on Saturday. The goal here is to move the battery to the trunk and clean up as much wiring as I can. I also want to build a few shields to hide some of the ugly things - the ABS and brake booster - make it a really nice clean example.
That's it for the time being! I will post more pics as things progress!
EDIT: PIC LINKS FIXED
It's been a while since i've posted! To recap a bit, the car went back on the dyno after the twin plate clutch install and a few other bits to help. Installed AEM coils, a Greddy electronic boost controller, 19psi wastegate spring. The car made boost a bit earlier in the rev range which is great. Overall, the final result was 490rwhp but with a slipping clutch. Unfortunately, the exedy carbon twin plate cannot hold the power. Since it doesn't affect driveability, I haven't changed it out yet but will do very soon.
Whats new?
Not a whole lot until recently! I've just been enjoying it. Recently, however, I got the bug again. To be in line with the current theme, I couldn't resist so I ordered a carbon fiber hood. It should arrive in 2 weeks (ordered in January). I also decided to start tackling the one thing I have not touched on the car. The interior. My 93 interior is not in bad shape, though the dash is broken and has seen better days so I decided to make some changes! Purchased a 2002 dash which is currently at the workshop getting retrimmed in black Alcantara. I've always wanted to do Alcantara so this is the direction. I'm going to keep it as clean as possible. The seats will be trimmed in Red Alcantara with diamond stitching, the rest of the car will be black Alcantara. When I get the dash back I will post pictures.
As I go through the interior, I am replacing any parts that are broken as I don't want to trim something that isn't perfect! Lets get into the good stuff. Given the dash is getting done, I decided to tackle the plastics - I thought I would give carbon fiber wrap a go to see how it turns out - surprisingly, I quite well.
It was a bit job though. Given my interior has textured, I had to sand it down to a smooth finish. The center console also had a crack, so fixed that up during the process.
Then started the wrapping. This was my first ever attempt - all in all, it wasn't too bad. The cluster, however, was a nightmare for me.
Some pics:
I was also looking at clusters. I have a knightsports 300km but the standard design and since doing the interior, had a bit of a browse. I came across revlimiter, the burnout series for the FD - wow, fell in love with it! Had to have one. I ordered a custom version with 'RX-7' in the speedo. Looks amazing in my opinion.
I currently run a 3x 52mm pod center speaker gauge, decided to up it to a 4x gauge pod. The addition is a wideband.
While working on the interior, I will be tidying up the wiring behind the dash & engine bay. The work will start on Saturday. The goal here is to move the battery to the trunk and clean up as much wiring as I can. I also want to build a few shields to hide some of the ugly things - the ABS and brake booster - make it a really nice clean example.
That's it for the time being! I will post more pics as things progress!
EDIT: PIC LINKS FIXED
Last edited by rexhvn; 05-13-19 at 07:47 PM.
#98
#99
Got my interior plastics back from paint and turned out great.
Dash is now out. While I'm waiting for the new dash, I'll be tidying up the wiring.
While the carpet is out, I took it to an upholstery place to freshen it up. It's hard to get a new carpet or one in good condition so it's getting a complete clean and new underlay & mats.
Now i'm going to give the inside and good clean. Remove any leftover underlay and go from there!
Dash is now out. While I'm waiting for the new dash, I'll be tidying up the wiring.
While the carpet is out, I took it to an upholstery place to freshen it up. It's hard to get a new carpet or one in good condition so it's getting a complete clean and new underlay & mats.
Now i'm going to give the inside and good clean. Remove any leftover underlay and go from there!
#100
Small update
The past few days I have been making some progress.
Started to somewhat put back together some of the interior parts - those that are not getting touched anymore.
I'm really loving the gloss black look, though swirl marks will annoy the SH** out of me.
Got around to installing the 02 sensor for the wideband. After taking the carpet out, I noticed an existing hole so decided to use this and avoid any wiring going up towards the engine bay and firewall.
I didn't take any before pictures of the carpet, but due to the underlay/foam being destroyed, it led to quite a tear under the mats. We decided to cut that piece out and put one of these. It also got an intense clean by an automotive carpet specialist. The color went from grey to black. There was so much dirt that came out of it.
We also made some simple mats for it. I will get a cool emblem to put on them to give them a bit more character eventually.
My 4x gauge pod arrived a little while ago but never really played with it. Decided on my gauge setup. Not a real change, just adding the wideband to the left. These all light up red to continue with the theme.
This is how it currently sit prior to the additional of the wideband.
Now to take the battery relocation. I have a very good auto electrician to helps me a lot and likes to do things one way - the right way. I mounted up the battery where I wanted it and secured it.
I mocked up where the cables will be going and ordered 00 Automotive Cable (positive + negative). This will arrive tomorrow so I can put the cable in and hide everything. While I am doing this, I am tackling an issue I am experiencing with my climate control. It stopped working when I was going through the build. Turns out, there is a harness missing - yay. Got my hands on a harness and installed in but during the process, I believe I might have a bad earth somewhere. I turn the key but the unit and gauge lights are not working, though when I push my key into the ignition barrel, the lights flicker and my relay clicks on and off. Something new to add to the list.
On a good note, my interior parts that are getting trimmed in Alcantara will be done mid next week. I went over to check on the progress. The dash looks fantastic. Some minor fixes are getting done along with the center console, trans and handbrake boots (covers). Here is a pick but will have more when I get it next week.
Started to somewhat put back together some of the interior parts - those that are not getting touched anymore.
I'm really loving the gloss black look, though swirl marks will annoy the SH** out of me.
Got around to installing the 02 sensor for the wideband. After taking the carpet out, I noticed an existing hole so decided to use this and avoid any wiring going up towards the engine bay and firewall.
I didn't take any before pictures of the carpet, but due to the underlay/foam being destroyed, it led to quite a tear under the mats. We decided to cut that piece out and put one of these. It also got an intense clean by an automotive carpet specialist. The color went from grey to black. There was so much dirt that came out of it.
We also made some simple mats for it. I will get a cool emblem to put on them to give them a bit more character eventually.
My 4x gauge pod arrived a little while ago but never really played with it. Decided on my gauge setup. Not a real change, just adding the wideband to the left. These all light up red to continue with the theme.
This is how it currently sit prior to the additional of the wideband.
Now to take the battery relocation. I have a very good auto electrician to helps me a lot and likes to do things one way - the right way. I mounted up the battery where I wanted it and secured it.
I mocked up where the cables will be going and ordered 00 Automotive Cable (positive + negative). This will arrive tomorrow so I can put the cable in and hide everything. While I am doing this, I am tackling an issue I am experiencing with my climate control. It stopped working when I was going through the build. Turns out, there is a harness missing - yay. Got my hands on a harness and installed in but during the process, I believe I might have a bad earth somewhere. I turn the key but the unit and gauge lights are not working, though when I push my key into the ignition barrel, the lights flicker and my relay clicks on and off. Something new to add to the list.
On a good note, my interior parts that are getting trimmed in Alcantara will be done mid next week. I went over to check on the progress. The dash looks fantastic. Some minor fixes are getting done along with the center console, trans and handbrake boots (covers). Here is a pick but will have more when I get it next week.
Last edited by rexhvn; 05-23-19 at 04:24 AM.